bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recruitment of CG‐NAP to the Golgi apparatus through interaction with dynein–dynactin complex
Authors: Kim Hon‐Song , Takahashi Mikiko , Matsuo Kazuhiko , Ono Yoshitaka
Published: March 2007

The structural organization and position of the Golgi apparatus are highly regulated by microtubule cytoskeleton and microtubule motor proteins. The mechanisms linking these proteins to the Golgi apparatus remain elusive. Here, we found that centrosome and Golgi‐localized PKN associated protein (CG‐NAP) was localized to the Golgi apparatus in a microtubule‐dependent manner. Microtubule‐binding experiments revealed that CG‐NAP possessed two microtubule‐binding domains. We also found that CG‐NAP was well co‐localized with cytoplasmic dynein subunits during recovery from the on‐ice treatment of cells that induced dissociation of CG‐NAP from the Golgi. Similar co‐localization was observed during recovery from the acetate treatment, which has been reported to inhibit the dynein‐mediated transport. CG‐NAP was co‐immunoprecipitated with a dynactin subunit p150Glued. Expressing the p150Glued‐binding region of CG‐NAP fused with mitochondria‐targeting sequence induced recruitment of mitochondria to the pericentriolar area, suggesting that this region interacts with functional cytoplasmic dynein in vivo. Moreover, over‐expression of this region caused fragmentation of the Golgi similar to that of dynamitin. These results suggest that CG‐NAP is recruited to the minus ends of microtubules by interacting with cytoplasmic dynein, thereby localizes to the Golgi apparatus in a microtubule‐dependent manner and possibly involved in the formation of the Golgi near the centrosomes.
Accumulation of multiple forms of lamin A with down‐regulation of FACE‐1 suppresses growth in senescent human cells
Authors: Ukekawa Ryo , Miki Kensuke , Fujii Michihiko , Hirano Hisashi , Ayusawa Dai
Published: March 2007

5‐Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) clearly induces a senescence‐like phenomenon in every cell type. Proteome analysis revealed that lamin A and C were most highly increased in the nuclei of HeLa cells upon addition of BrdU. Immunoblot analysis also revealed marked accumulation of nuclear prelamin A. Consistently, farnesylated‐proteins converting enzyme 1 (FACE‐1) was markedly down‐regulated in the same cells. Similar phenomena were also observed in normal human fibroblasts undergoing replicative senescence. Immunochemical analysis confirmed the above results. Lamin A is a major component of lamina and responsible for several genetic diseases. Thus, we ectopically expressed a wild‐type, a mature type and a premature type of lamin in HeLa cells. All of these forms similarly inhibited colony formation and delayed cell cycle progression mainly through G2 phase. These results suggest that a change in the amount of lamin A, rather than appearance of its truncated form, is responsible for growth retardation in affected cells.
Participation in sports and physical activity of haemophilia patients
Authors: FROMME A. , DREESKAMP K. , POLLMANN H. , THORWESTEN L. , MOOREN F. C. , VÖLKER K.
Published: March 2007

Summary.  Modern therapy options offer haemophiliacs more and more possibilities for an active participation in sports. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the attitude of these patients towards sports, their participation in school and leisure time sports activities, and differences between juveniles and adults. We investigated 44 children and adolescents (aged from 4 to 16 years) and 27 adults (aged from 18 to 72 years) with haemophilia by means of a questionnaire. 79.6% of the juvenile patients participated always or almost always in school sports, while this percentage was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the former school time of the adults (37%). Sports play an important or very important role in leisure time activities for 75% of the adolescent and 55.5% of the adult haemophiliacs (P < 0.05). Bleeding complications occurred in 17.6% of all patients; there was no correlation with any particular type of sports. There were only slight differences between both groups, regarding their motivation to participate in sports activities. The main reasons involved social aspects and having fun. The results show that the modern therapy of haemophilia probably leads to a more positive attitude towards sports and to a wider spectrum of practised sports. This, however, may be associated with an increasing potential of health risks, which require a high level of sports medical care.
Leptin receptor in boar spermatozoa
Authors: De Ambrogi Marco , Spinaci Marcella , Galeati Giovanna , Tamanini Carlo
Published: March 2007

Leptin is active in both metabolism and reproduction. In fact, it seems to exert an inhibitory action on gonadal functions by reducing testosterone production. The presence of leptin in human and boar seminal plasma and in human spermatozoa has been demonstrated; recently, leptin receptors (Ob‐R) have been localized in human spermatozoa, thus suggesting a possible action of this hormone even on these cells. Our aim was to verify whether leptin receptor [the long form (Ob‐Rb)] is present in boar spermatozoa. Immunofluorescence and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) techniques were employed. RNA was extracted from boar spermatozoa and a specific band (382 bp) for Ob‐Rb was detected after RT‐PCR. Ob‐Rb was detected on acrosome, subequatorial area and either on the midpiece or on the whole tail. These localizations were maintained even in semen washed twice to eliminate seminal plasma. We conclude that Ob‐R is present in boar spermatozoa where seminal plasma leptin can exert its effects.
Perception of dental fluorosis and other oral health disorders by 12‐year‐old Brazilian children
Authors: MENEGHIM MARCELO C. , KOZLOWSKI FÁBIO C. , PEREIRA ANTÔNIO C. , ASSAF ANDRÉA V. , TAGLIAFERRO ELAINE P. S.
Published: March 2007

Aim.  The aim of this study was to verify the perception of dental fluorosis as an oral health problem by 12‐year‐old Brazilian children and to evaluate if they were able to detect other oral disorders.

Methodology.  The sample consisted of 401 schoolchildren. Firstly, clinical examinations were performed using a visual method under natural light. After that, children answered a questionnaire with the purpose of assessing the self‐perception of their oral health problems. Next, the volunteers were shown a photo album containing 24 photographs, and had to match each photo with a severity scale.

Results.  The prevalence of fluorosis was 18.2%; 81.8% of this total in fluorosis scale T‐F 1. Of the 401 children, 48.9% (n = 196) answered oral health problems related to concerns, such as aesthetic appearance or pain. Among them, only two children, both with fluorosis T‐F 2, correlated their problems with the presence of stained teeth. As regards the photo album analysis, the children considered photos showing fluorosis T‐F 7–9 as the most severe, whereas the photo of an orally healthy patient was considered the least severe.

Conclusion.  Children did not show negative perception of dental fluorosis, except for dental fluorosis at severe levels (T‐F 7–9), and were mainly able to detect aesthetic or pain‐related problems.
Myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries: a conundrum with multiple aetiologies and variable prognosis: an update
Authors: Kardasz I. , De Caterina R.
Published: March 2007

The existence of myocardial infarction despite angiographically normal coronary arteries was recognized more than 30 years ago. Since then, various series of such patients have been described, but the aetiology and pathogenesis of the condition are still a source of debate. Evidence exists for a role of coronary vasospasm, thrombosis, embolization and inflammation, per se or combined, in determining the occurrence of myocardial infarction in the presence of angiographically normal coronary arteries. Endothelial dysfunction, possibly superimposed to nonangiographically evident atherosclerosis, may be an underlying common feature predisposing to the acute event. Additionally, myocarditis may explain some of these occurrences. Myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries is therefore likely the result of multiple pathogenetic mechanisms. Although most reports emphasize the good prognosis of this condition, in general much better than myocardial infarction with coronary artery disease, prognosis is likely variable according to the underlying mechanism. This review summarizes current knowledge on this condition and examines areas of recent progress.
Th1–Th2 Interaction: Is More Complex than a See‐saw?
Authors: Kutlu A. , Bozkurt B. , Ciftci F. , Bozkanat E.
Published: March 2007

Infections, such as tuberculosis, measles and diphtheria, may decrease the risk of developing atopic allergic disorders. Patients with pulmonary TB having similar allergic skin prick test sensitivity as healthy controls but unable to show vigorous atopic phenotype in their healthy period might be a sign for Th1–Th2 immune interaction.
Phylogenetics and host associations of Fahrenholzia sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura)
Authors: LIGHT JESSICA E. , HAFNER MARK S.
Published: March 2007

Abstract Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships for eleven of the twelve currently recognized species of Fahrenholzia, lice found only on rodents of the family Heteromyidae. Field collections included twenty of the thirty‐three known host associations and resulted in the discovery of four new associations. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial and nuclear datasets were in general agreement, resulting in a well‐resolved Fahrenholzia phylogeny. Analyses supported the monophyly of lice parasitizing the host subfamily Heteromyinae (spiny pocket mice). Lice parasitizing the genera Chaetodipus (pocket mice) and Perognathus (silky pocket mice) each represent monophyletic lineages. Phylogenetic patterns and levels of genetic differentiation suggest that the widespread Fahrenholzia pinnata may contain several cryptic species. Cryptic species may exist also within the less widely distributed species, Fahrenholzia microcephala and Fahrenholzia reducta.
Distribution of Frankia genotypes occupying Alnus nepalensis nodules with respect to altitude and soil characteristics in the Sikkim Himalayas
Authors: Khan Anindita , Myrold David D. , Misra Arvind K.
Published: March 2007

We investigated the distribution of Frankia genotypes with respect to three altitudinal zones in the Sikkim Himalayas. The study was carried out for 90 Alnus nepalensis trees at nine different locations from three altitudes from the east and north districts of Sikkim, India. We used a PCR‐based technique to amplify the internally transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rrn operon using two primers specific for the distal part of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), ITS and proximal part of 23S rRNA genes of Frankia. The PCR products were digested with the restriction enzyme RsaI to generate amplified recombinant DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) patterns. Frankia genotypes were categorized on the basis of 17 different ARDRA patterns. Nucleotide sequences of some representative amplicons were also obtained. Rhizosphere soil samples associated with the 90 trees were collected and analysed for eight different soil properties. In general, soil properties did not differ by site or altitude, and did not correlate with Frankia genotypes. Frankia community composition was strongly affected by altitude and to a lesser extent by site.
Habitat management for tanks and Tuans: Evolving approaches at Puckapunyal Military Area
Authors: Anderson Bob , Bryce Michael , Theobald Jon , Oakley Jenny , Wilkes Tamara , Harte Colleen
Published: March 2007

Through a combination of on‐ground actions, policies and plans, this military training area – set within an important Box–Ironbark Ecosystem – is being managed in a manner that provides compatibility with the conservation of biodiversity.
Direct seeding of indigenous tree and shrub species into New Zealand hill country pasture
Authors: Dodd Mike B. , Power Ian L.
Published: March 2007

Summary Our study aimed to examine the applicability of a native plant restoration technique involving close grazing, blanket herbicide spraying and mob stocking (to trample the seed into the soil) for establishing New Zealand native tree and shrub species into exotic hill country pasture. This approach represents an alternative to the usual spaced‐planting of seedlings in the context of an indigenous vegetation restoration programme. Field‐collected seed of Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis), Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides), Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), Karamu (Coprosma robusta), Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium), Koromiko (Hebe stricta), and Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) were germination tested in the laboratory, and broadcast sown in two field experiments in spring 2001 and autumn 2002. The spring‐sown experiment tested the effect of mob stocking and the autumn‐sown experiment tested the effect of mob stocking and sowing rate. Laboratory germination varied widely among species (0–88%). In the field, the two shrubs, Koromiko and Karamu, established densities of up to 5 and 1.2 plants/m2, respectively, after 2.5 years. Autumn emergence for these two species strongly related to sowing rate. Three tree species, Cabbage Tree, Kahikatea and Manuka, emerged in the field but did not survive beyond 6 months. Mob stocking was effective in spring but not autumn sowing, implicating soil moisture content as an important factor in germination success. The study demonstrated that the direct seeding technique was successful for two shrub species, highlighting the potential for development of a cost‐effective native plant restoration approach.
Development of a protocol for recognizing sulfidic sediments (potential acid sulfate soils) in freshwater wetlands
Authors: Baldwin Darren S. , Hall Karina C. , Rees Gavin N. , Richardson Adam J.
Published: March 2007

Summary  The presence of sulfidic sediments (potential acid sulfate soils) is an emerging problem in the management of inland wetlands. Using data from 81 wetlands in the Murray‐Darling Basin, a simple protocol was developed to assess whether a wetland will contain sulfidic sediments at levels that could cause ecological damage. Risk factors include whether or not the wetland receives municipal waste or irrigation return water, elevated salinity in the overlying water (>1750 µS/cm) or sediment (400 µS/cm in a 1:5 soil : water extract) and high levels of sulfate in the water column (>10 mg/L). Neutral or basic sediment pH indicates that, even if the sediment does contain sulfidic sediments, there is a reduced likelihood of acidification if the sediments are oxidized.
Caregiver burden and coping patterns of Chinese parents of a child with a mental illness
Authors: Liu Mengdan , Lambert Clinton E. , Lambert Vickie A.
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT:  The burden of providing care to a family member, who has a mental illness, has been investigated in the past. However, limited research has focused on how parents cope, as they attempt to maintain a functional family life, when they have a child with a mental illness. This study explored, using a descriptive correlational design, the: (i) differences between parents of a child with mental illness, regarding caregiver burden, coping patterns, and demographic characteristics; (ii) effect parental educational level, parental working status, educational level of the child, diagnosis of the child, and family economic status have on parental caregiver burden and coping patterns; (iii) relationships among caregiver burden and coping patterns; and (iv) demographic characteristics of parents and children that predict caregiver burden and parental coping patterns. Data were collected via interview using structured questionnaires, from 97 mainland Chinese parents who had a child with a mental illness. The findings revealed the parents perceived significant caregiver burden, while caring for their child with a mental illness, yet used limited coping patterns to maintain a functional family life. Also, a significant negative correlation was found between the parents’ caregiver burden and the way of coping. Parental physical health and the child’s educational level were the best predictors of caregiver burden, while parental physical health and educational levels were the best predictors of the way of coping. Findings suggest that effective nursing interventions should be instituted to help parents of a child with mental illness cope with caregiver burden, while maintaining a functional family life.
Emergency department from the mental health client’s perspective
Authors: Clarke Diana E. , Dusome Debra , Hughes Linda
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT:  General hospital emergency departments (EDs) are obvious places for individuals in psychiatric distress or a mental health crisis to seek assistance. However, the typical mental health presentation does not fit with the treatment norm of most EDs creating a tension around the care of individuals with mental illnesses. Eight focus groups were held with mental health patients and their families to determine their satisfaction with care received in regional EDs with particular emphasis on their evaluation of the role of the psychiatric emergency nurse. Themes identified were: waiting in the ED, attitudes of treatment staff, diagnostic overshadowing, ‘no where else to go’, family needs, and a wish list for ideal services. These issues are described in this paper along with clinical and systemic implications.
Activation of hippocampal postsynaptic muscarinic receptors is involved in long‐term spatial memory formation
Authors: Herrera‐Morales Wendy , Mar Ivonne , Serrano Barbara , Bermúdez‐Rattoni Federico
Published: March 2007

Spatial memory has been strongly associated with hippocampal function. There are several reports of the participation of this structure in acquisition and consolidation of spatial tasks. In this study, we evaluated the effects of selective and non‐selective muscarinic antagonists in the dorsal hippocampus of rats during acquisition and encoding of a spatial task. Rats were trained in a Morris water maze for 4 days with identical daily sessions, and tested for long‐term memory (LTM) 1 week after training. The animals were injected bilaterally in the dorsal hippocampus 20 min before the start of every day of training. The results showed that the non‐selective muscarinic antagonist, scopolamine, disrupted acquisition of water maze memory formation. Moreover, microinjections of a selective postsynaptic muscarinic antagonist, pirenzepine, disrupted LTM, whereas it did not affect acquisition. Conversely, a selective presynaptic muscarinic antagonist, AFDX‐116, did not disrupt either water maze acquisition or LTM formation. Combination of AFDX‐116 and pirenzepine had similar effects as scopolamine, partially blocking acquisition and impairing long‐term spatial memory. These results support the view that muscarinic receptors are involved in spatial learning and that postsynaptic muscarinic receptors in the dorsal hippocampus are particularly involved in long‐term spatial memory formation.
Migraine and Coronary Heart Disease Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liew G , Wang JJ , Mitchell P
Published: March 2007

A recent population-based prospective study reported that in women, migraine with aura (MA), but not migraine without aura (MoA), was associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease events (CHD). We sought to confirm this association in an Australian population-based cohort of older men and women ( n = 2331, aged 49-97 years). We defined MA and MoA from face-to-face interview using International Headache Society criteria. Over a mean 6-year follow-up, 30 women (2.8%) and 30 men (4.4%) without any prior CHD history died from CHD-related causes. In women, a history of MA was associated with a non-significant twofold higher risk of CHD death (age-adjusted relative risk 2.2, 95% confidence interval 0.8, 5.8, P = 0.11), which remained similar after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. There were no CHD deaths in men with a history of migraine. Our findings support reports that in women, MA, but not MoA, may be associated with increased risk of CHD.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Venlafaxine XR in Out-Patients With Tension-Type Headache
Authors: Zissis NP , Harmoussi S , Vlaikidis N , Mitsikostas D , Thomaidis T , Georgiadis G , Karageorgiou K
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study the safety and efficacy of venlafaxine extended release (XR) in the prophylactic treatment of out-patients with tension-type headache (TTH) and no current depression or anxiety disorders. Sixty neurology and headache clinic out-patients meeting the International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for TTH were treated with venlafaxine XR (150 mg/day, n = 34) or placebo ( n = 26) for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the decline in number of days with headache. At end-point, the venlafaxine XR group had a significantly greater decrease in the number of days with headache compared with placebo ( P = 0.05). Differences with regard to secondary efficacy variables where not significant. The number needed to treat for responders (≥50% reduction in days with headache) was 3.48. Six patients in the venlafaxine XR group interrupted therapy due to adverse events, while no patients in the placebo group did so for the same reason. The number needed to harm was 5.58. This study provides preliminary evidence for the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine XR 150 mg/day in reducing the number of days with TTH.
Cost‐effectiveness of human papillomavirus testing after treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Coupé VMH , Berkhof J , Verheijen RHM , Meijer CJLM
Published: March 2007

Objective  To compare current cytological follow up of women treated for high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) with follow up by high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing together with cytology.

Design  A cost‐effectiveness modelling study.

Setting  Gynaecology clinics in the Netherlands.

Population  Women treated for high‐grade CIN.

Methods  A Markov model was developed to compare six follow‐up strategies with HPV testing with current cytological follow up at 6, 12, and 24 months. Model parameter estimation was based on three Dutch follow‐up studies and a Dutch population‐based screening cohort.

Main outcome measures  The number of CIN2/3 cases missed after 5 years follow up, the number of diagnostic procedures, and costs involved.

Results  Strategies with adjunct HPV testing were more effective than current follow up (reduction in missed CIN2/3 cases 32–77%, corresponding to a number needed to treat of 192–455) and less inconvenient (reduction in repeat smears 28–65%). A particularly attractive strategy was HPV testing alone at 6 months and both HPV and cytological testing at 24 months after treatment. This strategy yielded a high detection rate of post‐treatment CIN, did not lead to an increase in colposcopy rate, and was €49 per woman cheaper than the current strategy.

Conclusions  Our model supports the use of high‐risk HPV testing for monitoring women treated for high‐grade CIN.
A prospective observational study of the safety and acceptability of vaginal hysterectomy performed in a 24‐hour day case surgery setting
Authors: Penketh R , Griffiths A , Chawathe S
Published: March 2007

Objective  To assess the safety and acceptability of vaginal hysterectomy with and without simultaneous oophorectomy in a 24‐hour day case surgery setting for women with nonprolapse indications for surgery.

Design  Prospective observational study.

Setting  A busy teaching hospital and tertiary referral centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Population  Seventy‐one women from one consultant’s practice underwent a vaginal hysterectomy with a planned discharge within 24 hours after the procedure. All women had a body mass index less than 40 and a suitable home environment for routine day case surgery, other than that the women were from an unselected population.

Method  Prospective observational study.

Main outcome measures  The duration of the operation and mean blood loss were recorded. Any intraoperative complications were noted. In addition, the proportion of women discharged home within 24 hours of the operation was recorded together with any readmissions to hospital. Returns to theatres and any postoperative complications were also recorded. Postoperative pain scores were assessed 6 and 24 hours after procedure in selected women.

Results  Seventy‐one vaginal hysterectomies were performed as 24‐hour day case procedures. The intraoperative complication rate was 1.4%. Sixty‐five women were discharged home within 24 hours (91.5%). The readmission rate within this group was 6.2%. The duration of the procedure, mean blood loss, return to theatre rate and incidence of febrile illness were comparable with rates recorded in inpatient studies.

Conclusions  Vaginal hysterectomy performed as a 24‐hour day case procedure appears to be as safe as traditional inpatient management, with a high rate of early discharge and a low rate of readmission. This may have additional advantages for the woman and healthcare provider alike.
The synaptic vesicle proteome
Authors: Burré Jacqueline , Volknandt Walter
Published: March 2007

Synaptic vesicles are key organelles in neurotransmission. Vesicle integral or membrane‐associated proteins mediate the various functions the organelle fulfills during its life cycle. These include organelle transport, interaction with the nerve terminal cytoskeleton, uptake and storage of low molecular weight constituents, and the regulated interaction with the pre‐synaptic plasma membrane during exo‐ and endocytosis. Within the past two decades, converging work from several laboratories resulted in the molecular and functional characterization of the proteinaceous inventory of the synaptic vesicle compartment. However, up until recently and due to technical difficulties, it was impossible to screen the entire organelle thoroughly. Recent advances in membrane protein identification and mass spectrometry (MS) have dramatically promoted this field. A comparison of different techniques for elucidating the proteinaceous composition of synaptic vesicles revealed numerous overlaps but also remarkable differences in the protein constituents of the synaptic vesicle compartment, indicating that several protein separation techniques in combination with differing MS approaches are required to identify and characterize the synaptic vesicle proteome. This review highlights the power of various gel separation techniques and MS analyses for the characterization of the proteome of highly purified synaptic vesicles. Furthermore, the newly detected protein assignments to synaptic vesicles, especially those proteins which are new to the inventory of the synaptic vesicle proteome, are critically discussed.
Primers for the amplification of nuclear introns in sea stars of the family Asteriidae
Authors: FOLTZ DAVID W. , NGUYEN ANHTHAO T. , NGUYEN IVY , KIGER JENNIFER R.
Published: March 2007

We describe polymerase chain reaction primers that consistently amplify three intron regions of approximately 2 kb in total length for two nuclear protein‐coding genes (ATP synthase beta subunit and elongation factor‐1 alpha subunit) in sea stars of the family Asteriidae. The introns are moderately polymorphic at the species level (average within‐species percentage of site differences = 0.42%, range 0–1.44%), are evolving at about 29% as fast as mitochondrial sequences in the same species and are alignable at the genus or family level, making them suitable for phylogenetic and population genetic analyses.
Special stains can distinguish hepatic necrosis with regenerative nodules from cirrhosis
Authors: Ferrell Linda D. , Greenberg Mathew S.
Published: March 2007

Background: Focal zones of hepatic necrosis alternating with nodular regeneration in severe, acute to subacute hepatitis can be difficult to differentiate histologically from established cirrhosis, and diagnostic errors can result in incorrect patient management. Thus, an easily applicable, well‐defined histologic method for differentiating these two lesions would be useful.

Methods: We examined trichrome (TRI), reticulin (RETIC), Verhoeff's elastic (VE), and orcein (ORC) stains on 13 cases of hepatic necrosis with regenerative nodules and 10 cases of end‐stage cirrhosis to evaluate their utility for this problem.

Results: Zones of recent necrosis in all severe hepatitis cases stained paler blue or pink, respectively, with TRI and VE than the established scar in cirrhosis or residual normal portal zones/central vein walls. With VE and ORC, elastic fibres were not seen in the necrotic zones of severe hepatitis, but were present in all cirrhotic livers. RETIC outlined the residual cell plate architecture in necrotic areas but had indistinct staining in fibrotic areas. The combination of the RETIC, TRI and ORC distinguished hepatic necrosis with regenerative nodules from nodules in the scar of established cirrhosis in 100% of the cases examined.

Conclusion: We conclude that this trio of special stains can be helpful adjuncts for this diagnostic problem.
Necrotizing fasciitis resulting from Escherichia coli in a patient with chronic rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: SUGIMOTO Toshiro , NAKAZAWA Jun , YOMODA Makiko , HIRATA Kunio , SOUMURA Mariko , KAWASAKI Taku , UZU Takashi , NISHIO Yoshihiko , SUGIHARA Hiroyuki , EGUCHI Yutaka , KASHIWAGI Atsunori
Published: March 2007

A middle‐aged woman with rheumatoid arthritis was admitted because of cellulitis on the leg. Twenty‐four hours after admission haemorrhagic blisters and bullae appeared on the lower extremity. Despite intensive therapy she died due to multiple organ failure at 50 h after admission. Post‐mortem examination revealed diffuse necrosis of fascia in her leg. Bacteriological study showed Escherichia coli in her blood cultures and fluid from a bulla, indicating that she had necrotizing fasciitis resulting from Escherichia coli. Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon but potentially fatal infection; thus, this disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any cutaneous manifestations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
A survey of clinician and patient attitudes towards the use of progesterone for women at risk of preterm birth
Authors: DODD Jodie M. , ASHWOOD Pat , FLENADY Vicki , JENKINS‐MANNING Sue , CINCOTTA Rob , CROWTHER Caroline A.
Published: March 2007

Background and aims:  To assess the current use of vaginal progesterone in women at increased risk of preterm birth among practitioners within Australia and New Zealand, and the willingness of both clinicians and women to participate in a randomised controlled trial to further evaluate the role of progesterone in preterm birth.

Methods:  A survey of fellows and members of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and women who had a spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks gestation, at the Women's and Children's Hospital was conducted.

Results:  A total of 1430 surveys were distributed to members and fellows, of which 738 (52%) were returned. Of these, 490 were from currently practising obstetricians (34% of total college membership). Twelve of the 490 (2%) respondents indicated that they currently use progesterone in women with a previous spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks gestation. Of the respondents, 317 (65%) indicated a willingness to participate in a multicentred randomised controlled trial assessing the use of progesterone in women with a previous spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks gestation. A total of 207 eligible women identified from the hospital database were sent a questionnaire, with responses obtained from 119 women (57%). Overall, women were satisfied with their preterm birth experience. Fifty‐two women (44%) indicated a willingness to consider participation in a randomised trial of vaginal progesterone.

Conclusions:  Progesterone is not widely used in Australia and New Zealand for women considered at increased risk of preterm birth. Conducting a randomised trial of vaginal progesterone is feasible.
Pregnancy and Medicine: Sine qua non or non sequitur?
Authors: WALTERS Barry N. J.
Published: March 2007

Pregnancy is intrinsically imperfect, with high rates of complications for mothers and babies. A minority of pregnancies is entirely uncomplicated. Medical disorders are frequent contributors to morbidity for mothers and babies, and have become the major source of maternal mortality. For these reasons, Medicine plays a central role in the care of pregnant women. Provision of resources to maternity services must recognise the changing demographics and clinical characteristics of pregnant women in Australia, and their increased medical risk status in recent years.
Calcium supplementation in pregnancy and its impact on blood pressure in children and women: Follow up of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: HILLER Janet E. , CROWTHER Caroline A. , MOORE Vivienne A. , WILLSON Kristyn , ROBINSON Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Follow up of participants in trials of antenatal calcium supplementation has reported an impact on blood pressure among mothers and children.

Aims:  To determine whether blood pressure at 4–7 years follow up would be lower for calcium‐supplemented mothers in the Australian Calcium Trial (ACT) and for their children.

Methods:  This follow up targeted 414 of the original ACT participants with liveborn infants who lived in South Australia. Mothers and their children attended the Women's and Children's Hospital for anthropomorphic examination. Information on lifestyle factors was collected by questionnaire. Descriptive statistics examined differences between respondents and non‐respondents and multiple regression models examined associations with blood pressure.

Results:  Blood pressure and body measurements were available on 45 and 43% of eligible women and children, respectively; questionnaire data were available on 50% of this cohort. At follow up, there were no differences between treatment groups in blood pressure in the women or their children. Both children of women who had high blood in pregnancy (pre‐eclampsia or pregnancy‐induced hypertension) and the women themselves had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure at follow up. Among children, there was a trend towards an interaction with the treatment group with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure at follow up.

Conclusion:  There is no evidence that the impact of calcium supplementation in reducing the risk of high blood pressure in pregnancy is sustained 4–7 years after the index pregnancy either in woman or in their children; however, calcium supplementation may lower blood pressure in children of pregnant women with hypertension.
High‐risk human papillomavirus DNA testing and high‐grade cervical intraepithelial lesions
Authors: YOU Ke , LIANG Xueai , QIN Fengjin , GUO Yanli , GENG Li
Published: March 2007

Objective:  To explore the role of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing in the improvement of the recognition of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions in women with abnormal cervical cytology.

Methods:  A total of 2152 women with abnormal cervical cytology were submitted to both HPV DNA testing and biopsy guided by colposcopy and the results were correlated.

Results:  Positive rate of high‐risk HPV DNA in groups of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US), atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high‐grade (ASC‐H), low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was 53.7, 53.2, 84.6 and 93.0%, respectively. In each group, the detection rate of grade 2,3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2,3) or cervical cancer in patients with positive HPV DNA was significantly higher than that with negative HPV DNA (P < 0.05). In ASC‐US group, the negative predictive value of high‐risk HPV DNA testing for detection of CIN 2,3 and cervical cancer was 99.8% and the sensitivity 98%.

Conclusion:  HPV DNA testing is a useful indicator in the management of patients with ASC‐US and plays an important role in the evaluation of risk for CIN 2,3 and cervical cancer.
Possible therapeutic effect of clonazepam upon elderly depressive patients
Authors: INOUE Ken , TANII Hisashi , KAIYA Hisanobu , OKAZAKI Yuji
Published: March 2007

The patient, a 77‐year‐old man, was diagnosed with senile depression. He was also diagnosed with depression at other hospitals, and pharmacotherapy by antidepressants was carried out. He was given sulpiride, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, an atypical antidepressant, and tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, but conventional pharmacotherapies using these antidepressant drugs did not alleviate his symptoms. The patient was then administered 0.5 mg/day of clonazepam at bed time. Following 2 weeks of administration, his symptoms were alleviated. The dosage of clonazepam was increased to 0.75 mg/day and remission was facilitated. Four weeks later, the patient displayed further alleviation of his depressive symptoms, so he has been continued on 0.75 mg/day of clonazepam. Essential drug selections for senile depression includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and atypical antidepressants, but when these are ineffective, tricyclic antidepressants or tetracyclic antidepressants are alternatively selected. When a patient’s symptoms are not alleviated by essential drug selection, as occurred in the current case, clonazepam is considered to be another therapeutic candidate. If they fail to alleviate symptoms, however, then early referral to a specialist is crucial. Enhancing primary‐care physicians’ understanding of senile depression and coordination with specialists is essential in the medical care of elderly patients with depression.
A silicone‐based controlled‐release device for accelerated proteolytic debridement of wounds
Authors: Bott Richard , Crissman James , Kollar Csilla , Saldajeno Mae , Ganshaw Grant , Thomas Xavier , Lane Thomas H. , Klykken Paal , Davidson Jeffrey M. , Nanney Lillian B.
Published: March 2007

A new device for rapid enzymatic debridement of cutaneous wounds has been developed using a controlled‐release, silicone‐based, dried emulsion. A dehydrated serine protease of the subtilisin family, previously untested for wound debridement, was incorporated into the emulsion. This device exhibited excellent storage stability. Moisture from the wound triggered an even, reproducible, and complete release of the enzyme within the first 8 hours. The device maintains a moist wound environment that allows the enzyme to achieve nearly complete digestion of the hardened eschar of full‐thickness burns in a porcine model after an exposure period of 24 hours. Debridement was faster than in untreated wounds or wounds treated with a currently available enzyme ointment. Following rapid enzymatic debridement, healing appeared to progress normally, with no histological evidence of damage to adjacent healthy tissue.
Keratinocyte conditioned medium abrogates the modulatory effects of IGF‐1 and TGF‐β1 on collagenase expression in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Kilani Ruhangiz T. , Guilbert Larry , Lin Xiaoyue , Ghahary Aziz
Published: March 2007

Overexpression of wound healing‐promoting factors such as transforming growth factor‐1 (TGF‐β1) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) during the healing process has been implicated in the development of dermal fibrosis in patients following thermal injury, surgical incision, and deep trauma. However, the mechanism through which the expression of these two fibrogenic factors is slowed down and/or abrogated in the late stages of the healing process is not known. Here, we hypothesize that keratinocyte‐releasable factors counteract the fibrogenic role of both IGF‐1 and TGF‐β1 in fibroblasts. To test this hypothesis, the levels of collagenase (MMP‐1), as an index for extracellular matrix degradation, in dermal fibroblasts in response to either keratinocyte‐conditioned medium (KCM) or our recently identified keratinocyte‐releasable stratifin in the presence and absence of either IGF‐1, TGF‐β1, or both were evaluated. The results of Northern analysis showed a significant increase in collagenase mRNA expression in cells treated with KCM in the presence of both IGF‐1 and TGF‐β1. The effect was, at least in part, due to keratinocyte‐derived stratifin that was present in KCM. This was ascertained as the levels of MMP‐1 mRNA were markedly reduced when cells were treated with stratifin‐immuno‐depleted KCM. The results of Western blot analysis showed an increase in the level of MMP‐1 protein in stratifin‐treated fibroblasts and this was consistent with the level of MMP‐1 mRNA expression detected by Northern analysis. However, in contrast to KCM, whose efficacy on MMP‐1 expression was modestly reduced by either IGF‐1 and TGF‐β1, or a combination of both, these factors abrogated the MMP‐1 stimulatory effect of stratifin in fibroblasts. In summary, the results of this study revealed that both stratifin and KCM stimulate the expression of MMP‐1‐in fibroblasts and this effect can be abrogated by either IGF‐1, TGF‐β1, or a combination of both.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CELL CYCLE AND LIGHT‐LIMITED GROWTH RATE IN OCEANIC PROCHLOROCOCCUS (MIT9312) AND SYNECHOCOCCUS (WH8103) (CYANOBACTERIA)1
Authors: Burbage Christopher D. , Binder Brian J.
Published: March 2007

The relationships between growth rate, cell‐cycle parameters, and cell size were examined in two unicellular cyanobacteria representative of open‐ocean environments: Prochlorococcus (strain MIT9312) and Synechococcus (strain WH8103). Chromosome replication time, C, was constrained to a fairly narrow range of values (∼4–6 h) in both species and did not appear to vary with growth rate. In contrast, the pre‐ and post‐DNA replication periods, B and D, respectively, decreased with increasing growth rate from maxima of ∼30 and 10–20 h to minima of ∼4–6 and 2–3 h, respectively. The combined duration of the chromosome replication and postreplication periods (C+D), a quantity often used in the estimation of Prochlorococcus in situ growth rates, varied ∼2.4‐fold over the range of growth rates examined. This finding suggests that assumptions of invariant C+D may adversely influence Prochlorococcus growth rate estimates. In both strains, cell mass was the greatest in slowly growing cells and decreased 2‐ to 3‐fold over the range of growth rates examined here. Estimated cell mass at the start of replication appeared to decrease with increasing growth rate, indicating that the initiation of chromosome replication in Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus is not a simple function of cell biomass, as suggested previously. Taken together, our results reflect a notable degree of similarity between oceanic Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus strains with respect to their growth‐rate‐specific cell‐cycle characteristics.
Biological and Psychobehavioral Correlates of Credit Scores and Automobile Insurance Losses: Toward an Explication of Why Credit Scoring Works
Authors: Brockett Patrick L. , Golden Linda L.
Published: March 2007

Abstract

The most important new development in the past two decades in the personal lines of insurance may well be the use of an individual's credit history as a classification and rating variable to predict losses. However, in spite of its obvious success as an underwriting tool, and the clear actuarial substantiation of a strong association between credit score and insured losses over multiple methods and multiple studies, the use of credit scoring is under attack because there is not an understanding of why there is an association. Through a detailed literature review concerning the biological, psychological, and behavioral attributes of risky automobile drivers and insured losses, and a similar review of the biological, psychological, and behavioral attributes of financial risk takers, we delineate that basic chemical and psychobehavioral characteristics (e.g., a sensation‐seeking personality type) are common to individuals exhibiting both higher insured automobile loss costs and poorer credit scores, and thus provide a connection which can be used to understand why credit scoring works. Credit scoring can give information distinct from standard actuarial variables concerning an individual's biopsychological makeup, which then yields useful underwriting information about how they will react in creating risk of insured automobile losses.
The Demand for Health Insurance in the Group Setting: Can You Always Get What You Want?
Authors: Pauly Mark V. , Herring Bradley
Published: March 2007

Abstract

To what extent do health benefits obtained in the employment‐based setting reflect individual preferences? We examine this question by comparing the relationship between person‐level characteristics and the plans they obtain in a group setting to the relationship observed in the individual insurance market, using data from the 1996‐1997 and 1998‐1999 Community Tracking Study's Household Surveys. We also examine the effect of unions on group choice. Our structural models of the demand for insurance indicate that plans obtained in the group setting often reflect underlying individual preferences for insurance, but we consistently observe significantly different effects of ethnicity and unionization.
Equilibrium in Marine Mutual Insurance Markets with Convex Operating Costs
Authors: Aase Knut K.
Published: March 2007

Abstract

The article analyzes the possibility of reaching an equilibrium in a market of marine mutual insurance syndicates, called Protection and Indemnity Clubs, or P&I Clubs for short, displaying economies of scale. Our analysis rationalizes some empirically documented findings, and points out an interesting future scenario. We find an equilibrium in a market of mutual marine insurers, in which some smaller clubs, having operating costs above average, may grow larger relative to the other clubs in order to become more cost effective, and where medium to larger cost‐efficient clubs may stay unchanged or some even downsize relative to the others. Some of the very large clubs suffering from diseconomies of scale may have a motive to further increase relative to the other clubs. According to observations, most clubs have, during the last decade, expanded significantly in size measured by gross tonnage of entered ships, some clubs have merged, but very few seem to have decreased their underwriting activity, in particular none of the really large ones. The analysis points to the following future scenario: The small and the medium to large clubs converge in size, while there is a possibility for some very large clubs to be present as well.