bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological evaluation of enamel and dentin irradiated with
9.6 μm CO2 and 2.94 μm Er:YAG lasers
Authors: Marraccini T M , Bachmann L , Wigdor H A , Walsh Jr. J T , Stabholtz A , Zezell D M
Published: July 2005

Background: The objective was to evaluate the
morphology of enamel and dentin irradiated with Er:YAG
(2.94 μm) and CO2 (9.6 μm) lasers. Methods: Six groups
were evaluated: G1 – CO2 irradiated enamel (3 W); G2 – CO2
irradiated dentin (3 W); G3 – CO2 irradiated enamel (7 W); G4
– CO2 irradiated dentin (7 W); G5 – Er:YAG irradiated enamel
(0.16 W); G6 – Er:YAG irradiated dentin (0.16 W). Results: The
morphological pattern of Er:YAG laser irradiated enamel and dentin
has a rough aspect with a clear exposition of the prisms and
dentinal tubules. The melted surfaces covering the CO2 laser
irradiated enamel and dentin, occlude the dentinal tubules and the
enamel prisms. Conclusion: The rough pattern after Er:YAG laser
irradiation, which originates from the micro-explosion of water,
does not occlude the dentinal tubules, whereas the surface
morphology after CO2 laser irradiation, which originated from
the temperature rise above hydroxyapatite melting point, shows
dentinal tubules occlusion and tissue melting. Clinical
implications: These changes influence the tissue properties such
as increase of the enamel acid resistance or decrease the bond
strength between the tissue and composite resin.
CNS regeneration: A morphogen's tale
Authors: Vergara M. Natalia , Arsenijevic Yvan , Del Rio‐Tsonis Katia
Published: July 2005

Tissue regeneration will soon become an avenue for repair of damaged or diseased tissues as stem cell niches have been found in almost every organ of the vertebrate body including the CNS. In addition, different animals display an array of regenerative capabilities that are currently being researched to dissect the molecular mechanisms involved. This review concentrates on the different ways in which CNS tissues such as brain, spinal cord and retina can regenerate or display neurogenic potential and how these abilities are modulated by morphogens. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 64: 491–507, 2005
Role of morphogens in brain growth
Authors: Tannahill David , Harris Laura W. , Keynes Roger
Published: July 2005

During the last century, experiments on the chick embryo established that the ballooning expansion of the early forebrain and midbrain vesicles is dependent on the underlying axial (notochordal) mesoderm. Transient separation of the early midbrain primordium from the notochord causes subsequent collapse of both midbrain and forebrain (telencephalic) vesicles, accompanied by pronounced folding of the neural epithelium. More recent experiments have shown that vesicle collapse is caused by defective Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling from the notochord and floor plate. Separation of the notochord from the brain causes loss of ventral Shh expression, resulting in reduced cell proliferation and increased cell death in the expanding neural epithelium, and culminating in vesicle collapse. These experiments are reviewed here, and set in the context of other studies illustrating the wide range of molecular and cellular processes that cause abnormal brain morphogenesis when perturbed. We also speculate that variation in the regulation of signaling pathways such as Hedgehog may have played a significant part in generating rapid morphogenetic changes during the evolution of the vertebrate brain. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 64: 367–375, 2005
Morphogens and synaptogenesis in Drosophila
Authors: Marqués Guillermo
Published: July 2005

During development and adult life synapses are remodeled in response to genetic programs and environmental cues. This synaptic plasticity is thought to be the basis of learning and memory. The larval neuromuscular junction of Drosophila is established during embryogenesis and grows during larval development to accommodate muscle growth and maintain synaptic homeostasis. This growth is dependent on bidirectional communication between the motoneuron and the muscle fiber. The best‐characterized retrograde signaling pathway is defined by Glass bottom boat (Gbb), a morphogen of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily. Gbb acts as a muscle‐derived retrograde signal that activates the TGF‐β pathway presynaptically. This pathway includes the type II receptor Wishful thinking, type I receptors Thick veins and Saxophone, and the second messenger Smads Mothers against dpp (Mad) and Medea. Mutations that block this pathway result in small synapses that are morphologically aberrant and severely impaired functionally. An emerging anterograde signaling pathway is defined by Wingless, a morphogen of the Wnt family that acts as a motoneuron‐derived anterograde signal required for both pre‐ and postsynaptic development. In the absence of Wingless the neuronal microtubule cytoskeleton regulator Futsch is down‐regulated and synaptic growth impaired. Some of these morphogens have conserved roles in mammalian synaptogenesis, and genetic analysis suggests that additional signaling molecules are required for synaptic growth at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 64: 417–434, 2005
Morphing into cancer: The role of developmental signaling pathways in brain tumor formation
Authors: Fogarty Marie P. , Kessler Jessica D. , Wechsler‐Reya Robert J.
Published: July 2005

Morphogens play a critical role in most aspects of development, including expansion and patterning of the central nervous system. Activating germline mutations in components of the Hedgehog and Wnt pathways have provided evidence for the important roles morphogens play in the genesis of brain tumors such as cerebellar medulloblastoma. In addition, aberrant expression of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily members has been demonstrated to contribute to progression of malignant gliomas. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the roles of morphogens in central nervous system tumorigenesis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 64: 458–475, 2005
Morphogens and cell survival during development
Authors: Mehlen Patrick , Mille Fréderic , Thibert Chantal
Published: July 2005

The notion of “morphogens” is an important one in developmental biology. By definition, a morphogen is a molecule that emanates from a specific set of cells that is present in a concentration gradient and that specifies the fate of each cell along this gradient. The strongest candidate morphogens are members of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), Hedgehog (Hh), and Wnt families. While these morphogens have been extensively described as differentiation inducers, some reports also suggest their possible involvement in cell death and cell survival. It is frequently speculated that the cell death induction that is found associated with experimental removal of morphogens is the manifestation of abnormal differentiation signals. However, several recent reports have raised controversy about this death by default, suggesting that cell death regulation is an active process for shaping tissues and organs. In this review, we will present morphogens, with a specific emphasis on Sonic Hedgehog, a mammalian member of the Hh family, not as a positive regulators of cell differentiation but as key regulators of cell survival. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 64: 357–366, 2005
Mechanisms of Hedgehog gradient formation and interpretation
Authors: Torroja Carlos , Gorfinkiel Nicole , Guerrero Isabel
Published: July 2005

Morphogens are molecules that spread from localized sites of production, specifying distinct cell outcomes at different concentrations. Members of the Hedgehog (Hh) family of signaling molecules act as morphogens in different developmental systems. If we are to understand how Hh elicits multiple responses in a temporally and spatially specific manner, the molecular mechanism of Hh gradient formation needs to be established. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms of Hh signaling is a central issue in biology, not only because of the role of Hh in morphogenesis, but also because of its involvement in a wide range of human diseases. Here, we review the mechanisms affecting the dynamics of Hh gradient formation, mostly in the context of Drosophila wing development, although parallel findings in vertebrate systems are also discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 64: 334–356, 2005
Planar cell polarity and a potential role for a Wnt morphogen gradient in stereociliary bundle orientation in the mammalian inner ear
Authors: Dabdoub Alain , Kelley Matthew W.
Published: July 2005

The planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway, a noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway, is crucial for embryonic development in all animals as it is responsible for the regulation of coordinated orientation of structures within the plane of the various epithelia. In the mammalian cochlea, one of the best examples of planar polarity in vertebrates, stereociliary bundles located on mechanosensory hair cells within the sensory epithelium are all uniformly polarized. Generation of this polarity is important for hair cell mechanotransduction and auditory perception as stereociliary bundles are only sensitive to vibrations in their single plane of polarization. We describe the two step developmental process that results in the generation of planar polarity in the mammalian inner ear. Furthermore, we review evidence for the role of Wnt signaling, and the possible generation of a Wnt gradient, in planar polarity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 64: 446–457, 2005
Airway proteoglycans are differentially altered in fatal asthma
Authors: de Medeiros Matsushita Marcus , da Silva Luiz Fernando Ferraz , dos Santos Mario Adriano , Fernezlian Sandra , Schrumpf Jasmijn A , Roughley Peter , Hiemstra Pieter S , Saldiva Paulo Hilário Nascimento , Mauad Thais , Dolhnikoff Marisa
Published: July 2005

It has been suggested that airway remodelling is responsible for the persistent airway obstruction and decline in lung function observed in some asthmatic patients. The small airways are thought to contribute significantly to this functional impairment. Proteoglycans (PGs) are important components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the lungs. Besides controlling biophysical properties of the ECM, they play important roles in the regulation of some cytokines. Increased subepithelial PG deposition in the airways of mild asthmatics has been reported. However, there are no data on the PG content in small airways in asthma. This study has compared the content and distribution of PGs in large and small airways of patients who died of asthma with those in control lungs. Immunohistochemistry and image analysis were used to determine the content of lumican, decorin, biglycan, and versican in large (internal perimeter >6 mm) and small (internal perimeter ≤6 mm) airways of 18 patients who had died of asthma (A) and ten controls (C). The results were expressed as PG area (µm2)/epithelial basement membrane length (µm). The main differences between asthmatics and controls were observed in the small airways. There was a significant decrease in decorin and lumican contents in the external area of small airways in asthmatics (decorin: A = 1.05 ± 0.27 µm, C = 3.97 ± 1.17 µm, p = 0.042; lumican: A = 1.97 ± 0.37 µm, C = 5.66 ± 0.99 µm, p = 0.002). A significant increase in versican content in the internal area of small and large airways in asthmatics was also observed (small: A = 7.48 ± 0.84 µm, C = 5.16 ± 0.61 µm, p = 0.045; large: A = 18.38 ± 1.94 µm, C = 11.90 ± 2.86 µm, p = 0.028). The results show that PGs are differentially expressed in the airways of fatal asthma and may contribute to airway remodelling. These data reinforce the importance of the small airways in airway remodelling in asthma. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromosomal imbalances in wood dust‐related adenocarcinomas of the inner nose and their associations with pathological parameters
Authors: Korinth Dirk , Pacyna‐Gengelbach Manuela , Deutschmann Nicole , Hattenberger Sigurd , Bockmühl Ulrike , Dietel Manfred , Schroeder Heinz‐Georg , Donhuijsen Konrad , Petersen Iver
Published: July 2005

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to screen 42 wood dust‐related sinonasal adenocarcinomas for chromosomal alterations. The tumour collection comprised 39 papillary‐tubular cylinder cell adenocarcinomas (PTCCs; six cases G1, 23 G2, and ten G3), two alveolar goblet cell adenocarcinomas (AGCs), and one signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (SRC), according to the Kleinsasser and Schroeder classification. Copy number changes were detected in 41 tumours (97.6%). The one carcinoma without imbalances was a PTCC‐G1. DNA gains were most frequently seen on chromosomes 12p (83%), 7q (74%), 8q (71%), and 20q (71%), 11q (61%), 22 (59%), and 1q (52%). Pronounced overrepresentations suggestive of high copy amplifications were detected on 8q (15 cases, 36%), 7q (six cases, 14%), 20q (five cases, 12%), 13q14 (three cases, 7%), 1q22, 5p, 12p and 20 (two cases, 5% each), and 2q24, 3q13, 3q22, 7p, 14q12, and 16q13 (one case, each 2%). Frequent chromosomal losses occurred at 5q (81%), 18q (76%), 4 (74%), 8p (61%), 9p (60%), 6q and 17p (52% each), and 3p, 13q, and 21 (50% each). There was a quantitative as well as a qualitative increase of alterations from PTCC‐G1 to PTCC‐G2 and finally PTCC‐G3, confirming the usefulness of histopathological grading. While PTCC‐G1 carried only a few alterations, namely gains on chromosomes 17 and 7 as well as losses of 4q and 13q, PTCC‐G2 already carried many of the above‐mentioned alterations, while PTCC‐G3 showed significantly more gains of 7q, 8q, and 12p, and losses of 8p and 17p. Additionally, the latter subgroup was particularly prone to carry pronounced DNA gains. These data provide further evidence for a recurrent pattern of chromosomal imbalances in sinonasal adenocarcinomas and highlight distinct aberrations that are associated with tumour differentiation and progression. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BIC and miR‐155 are highly expressed in Hodgkin, primary mediastinal and diffuse large B cell lymphomas
Authors: Kluiver Joost , Poppema Sibrand , de Jong Debora , Blokzijl Tjasso , Harms Geert , Jacobs Susan , Kroesen Bart‐Jan , van den Berg Anke
Published: July 2005

In a previous study we demonstrated high expression of the non‐coding BIC gene in the vast majority of Hodgkin's lymphomas (HLs). Evidence suggesting that BIC is a primary microRNA transcript containing the mature microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) as part of a RNA hairpin is now accumulating. We therefore analysed HL cell lines and tissue samples to determine whether miR‐155 is also expressed in HL. High levels of miR‐155 could be demonstrated, indicating that BIC is processed into a microRNA in HL. Most non‐HL subtypes were negative for BIC as determined by RNA‐ISH. However, in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (PMBL), significant percentages of positive tumour cells were observed in 12/18 and 8/8 cases. A higher proportion of tumour cells were positive for BIC in DLBCL with activated B cell‐like phenotype than in DLBCL with germinal centre B cell‐like phenotype. Differential BIC expression was confirmed by qRT‐PCR analysis. Northern blot analysis showed expression of miR‐155 in all DLBCL and PMBL derived cell lines and tissue samples analysed. In summary, we demonstrate expression of primary microRNA BIC and its derivative miR‐155 in HL, PMBL and DLBCL. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbonylation of milk powder proteins as a consequence of processing conditions
Authors: Fenaille François , Parisod Véronique , Tabet Jean‐Claude , Guy Philippe A.
Published: July 2005

During industrial treatments, milk proteins could be oxidatively modified, thus leading to the formation of modified/oxidised amino acid residues. The apparition of such modified residues may contribute to the formation of new immunologically reactive structures. Some of these adducts could, in an advanced stage, lead to cross‐linked protein species whose proteolytic susceptibility would be drastically decreased. Such protein species, that are resistant to digestion, could also constitute major food allergens. Therefore, these oxidative protein modifications tend to increase the natural allergenicity of milk proteins. For these reasons, monitoring milk protein oxidative modifications could be very useful regarding both product quality and allergenicity issues. In the present paper, we highlight, using different analytical approaches, the preferential carbonylation of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐Lg) during industrial treatments of milk. This result is particularly interesting since native β‐Lg represents one of the major milk allergens.
The human platelet proteome mapped by peptide‐centric proteomics: A functional protein profile
Authors: Martens Lennart , Van Damme Petra , Van Damme Jozef , Staes An , Timmerman Evy , Ghesquière Bart , Thomas Grégoire R. , Vandekerckhove Joël , Gevaert Kris
Published: July 2005

Several studies have been published in which holistic approaches were used to characterise the proteome and transcriptome of human platelets. The key intent being that a deeper understanding of the normal and aberrant physiological functions of platelets can only be achieved if most biomolecular building blocks are mapped. Here we present the application of recently developed novel technologies that overcome some of the shortcomings of gel‐based proteomics. Central in our approach is the so‐called combined fractional diagonal chromatography (COFRADIC)‐technology in which sets of representative peptides are sorted in a diagonal RP chromatographic system through a specific modification of their side chain. In this study we combined three different COFRADIC sorting techniques to analyse the proteome of human platelets. Methionyl, cysteinyl and amino terminal peptides were isolated and analysed by MS/MS. Merging the peptide identifications obtained after database searching resulted in a core set of 641 platelet proteins, which comprises the largest set identified today. In comparison to previously published platelet proteomes, we identified 404 novel platelet proteins containing a high number of hydrophobic membrane proteins and hypothetical proteins. Furthermore we discuss the observed characteristics and potential benefits of each of the different COFRADIC technologies for proteome analysis and highlight important issues that need to be considered when searching sequence databases using data obtained in peptide‐centric, non‐gel proteomics studies.
Do we want our data raw? Including binary mass spectrometry data in public proteomics data repositories
Authors: Martens Lennart , Nesvizhskii Alexey I. , Hermjakob Henning , Adamski Marcin , Omenn Gilbert S. , Vandekerckhove Joël , Gevaert Kris
Published: July 2005

With the human Plasma Proteome Project (PPP) pilot phase completed, the largest and most ambitious proteomics experiment to date has reached its first milestone. The correspondingly impressive amount of data that came from this pilot project emphasized the need for a centralized dissemination mechanism and led to the development of a detailed, PPP specific data gathering infrastructure at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor as well as the protein identifications database project at the European Bioinformatics Institute as a general proteomics data repository. One issue that crept up while discussing which data to store for the PPP concerns whether the raw, binary data coming from the mass spectrometers should be stored, or rather the more compact and already significantly processed peak lists. As this debate is not restricted to the PPP but relates to the proteomics community in general, we will attempt to detail the relative merits and caveats associated with centralized storage and dissemination of raw data and/or peak lists, building on the extensive experience gained during the PPP pilot phase. Finally, some suggestions are made for both immediate and future storage of MS data in public repositories.
Mortality and F1 progeny of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F), on wheat treated with diatomaceous earth: effects of rate, exposure period and relative humidity
Authors: Ferizli Ahmet G , Beris Gulay
Published: July 2005

A series of experiments at 25 (±1) °C were conducted in which different application rates of diatomaceous earth (DE) formulation Protect‐It at two levels of relative humidity, 40 and 55%, and at three exposure periods were evaluated for control of Rhyzopertha dominica (F). Test insects were placed in vials containing 40 g of soft winter wheat mixed with 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00 g DE kg−1. At all rates except 0.25 g kg−1, mortality was significantly different from that in the control at the relevant exposure period. After each exposure interval, dead and live insects were counted and removed, and the vial containing wheat was then returned to the appropriate humidity chamber for 8 weeks until F1 adults emerged. F1 progeny production was significantly different from the control group at all rates. Mortalities for 1, 2 and 3 weeks exposure were found to be 47 (±5)%. Despite the fact that mortality increased with increasing rate, total mortality was not achieved even at the highest rate of DE. F1 progeny production decreased with increasing rate for both RH conditions, and containment of population for both RH conditions was achieved at 1.00 g DE kg−1. For each exposure period, F1 progeny production of R dominica decreased with increasing rate of DE, and population suppression was achieved at 1.00 g DE kg−1 for all exposure intervals. In summary, Protect‐It resulted in reduced F1 adult progeny and containment of population was achieved at 1.00 g DE kg−1 at which rate mortality was 77%. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Sulcotrione versus atrazine transport and degradation in soil columns
Authors: Cherrier Richard , Boivin Arnaud , Perrin‐Ganier Corinne , Schiavon Michel
Published: July 2005

A soil column experiment under outdoor conditions was performed to monitor the fate of 14C‐ring‐labelled sulcotrione, 2‐(2‐chloro‐4‐mesylbenzoyl)cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione and atrazine, 6‐chloro‐N2‐ethyl‐N4‐isopropyl‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diamine, in water leachates and in the ploughed horizon of a sandy loam soil. Two months after treatment, the cumulative amounts of herbicide residues leached from the soil were 14.5% and 7% of the applied radioactivity for sulcotrione and atrazine, respectively. Maximum leachate concentrations for each herbicide were observed during the first month following application: 120 and 95 µg litre−1 for sulcotrione and atrazine respectively. After 2 weeks, 78% of the sulcotrione and atrazine was extractable from the soil, whereas after two months only 10 and 4%, respectively, could be extracted. The maximum sulcotrione content in the first 10 cm of soil was identical with that of atrazine. For both molecules, the content of non‐extractable residues was low, being around 15%. Sulcotrione seems to be more mobile than atrazine but the consequences for water contamination are similar since lower doses are used. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficacy and fate of glyphosate on Swedish railway embankments
Authors: Torstensson Lennart , Börjesson Elisabet , Stenström John
Published: July 2005

The herbicide glyphosate, N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine, as Spectra (240 g AI litre−1 SL; Monsanto Europe AB), RoundUp (360 g AI litre−1 SL; Monsanto) and RoundUp Bio (360 g AI litre−1 SL; Monsanto), have been used for weed control on Swedish railway embankments since 1986. This article summarizes results from studies of the weed effect and behaviour of glyphosate for the period 1984–2003. Studies on a railway embankment with a range of application rates showed excellent weed control at 5 litre ha−1 of RoundUp Bio. The appearance of glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA [(aminomethyl)phosphonic acid] in the embankment, eg mobility and persistence, was also studied. Mobility was low in most cases, the main proportion of both glyphosate and AMPA being found in the upper 30‐cm layer although minor amounts penetrated to lower depths. The 50% disappearance time of glyphosate was generally <5 months in railway embankments but cases with longer persistence were found. Transport to the groundwater was observed for glyphosate and AMPA in groundwater pipes along tracks. Downward transport appears to be dependent on the application rate, which should not exceed 3 litre ha−1 of RoundUp Bio to avoid groundwater contamination. A lower rate of glyphosate mixed with a low rate of another herbicide may achieve acceptable weed control and be environmentally safer. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Environmental fate of herbicides trifluralin, metazachlor, metamitron and sulcotrione compared with that of glyphosate, a substitute broad spectrum herbicide for different glyphosate‐resistant crops
Authors: Mamy Laure , Barriuso Enrique , Gabrielle Benoît
Published: July 2005

The introduction of crops resistant to the broad spectrum herbicide glyphosate, N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine, may constitute an answer to increased contamination of the environment by herbicides, since it should reduce the total amount of herbicide needed and the number of active ingredients. However, there are few published data comparing the fate of glyphosate in the environment, particularly in soil, with that of substitute herbicides. The objective of this study is to compare the fate of glyphosate in three soils with that of four herbicides frequently used on crops that might be glyphosate resistant: trifluralin, α,α,α‐trifluoro‐2,6‐dinitro‐N,N‐dipropyl‐p‐toluidine, and metazachlor, 2‐chloro‐N‐(pyrazol‐1‐ylmethyl)acet‐2′,6′‐xylidide for oilseed rape, metamitron, 4‐amino‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐methyl‐6‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5‐one for sugarbeet and sulcotrione, 2‐(2‐chloro‐4‐mesylbenzoyl)cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione for maize. The distribution of herbicides between the volatilized, mineralized, extractable and non‐extractable fractions was studied, along with the formation of their metabolites in laboratory experiments using 14C‐labelled herbicides, over a period of 140 days. The main dissipation pathways were mineralization for glyphosate and sulcotrione, volatilization for trifluralin and non‐extractable residues formation for metazachlor and metamitron. The five herbicides had low persistence. Glyphosate had the shortest half‐life, which varied with soil type, whereas trifluralin had the longest. The half‐lives of metazachlor and sulcotrione were comparable, whereas that of metamitron was highly variable. Glyphosate, metazachlor and sulcotrione were degraded into persistent metabolites. Low amounts of trifluralin and metamitron metabolites were observed. At 140 days after herbicide applications, the amounts of glyphosate and its metabolite residues in soils were the lowest in two soils, but not in the third soil, a loamy sand with low pH. The environmental advantage in using glyphosate due to its rapid degradation is counterbalanced by accumulation of aminomethylphosphonic acid specifically in the context of extensive use of glyphosate. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Ethnic variation in the prevalence of echogenic intracardiac foci and the association with Down syndrome
Authors: Tran S. H. , Caughey A. B. , Norton M. E.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To determine whether the prevalence of fetal echogenic intracardiac foci (EIF) differs according to maternal ethnicity.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all women undergoing second‐trimester diagnostic ultrasound examination and amniocentesis at a prenatal diagnosis referral center from January 1 2000 to July 1 2003. Data were collected on the presence of EIF, gestational age at time of ultrasound scan, karyotype results, maternal age and ethnicity. Univariate and multivariate analyses of EIF, ethnicity and presence of aneuploidy were conducted.

Results

Among the 7480 women qualifying for the study, EIF were found in 309 (4.1%). When maternal ethnicity was subdivided into Caucasian, African‐American, Hispanic, Asian‐American, Native American, Asian Indian, and Middle Eastern, the highest rates of EIF were found in fetuses of African‐American (6.7%), Asian‐American (6.9%), and Middle Eastern (8.1%) mothers compared to a rate of 3.3% in Caucasians (P < 0.001). In all ethnic groups except Hispanics, EIF was associated with an increased risk for Down syndrome (odds ratio range from 1.8 to 15.7).

Conclusions

African‐American, Asian‐American, and Middle Eastern patients are more likely than patients of other ethnicities to have a fetus with an EIF. Even controlling for ethnicity, fetuses with an EIF still have an increased risk for Down syndrome. As more data accumulate, the prevalence of EIF and its association with Down syndrome among different ethnic groups can be incorporated into patient counseling. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal growth in Peru: comparisons with international fetal size charts and implications for fetal growth assessment
Authors: Merialdi M. , Caulfield L. E. , Zavaleta N. , Figueroa A. , Costigan K. A. , Dominici F. , Dipietro J. A.
Published: July 2005

Objectives

To compare fetal biometry measurements obtained in a Peruvian population with reference fetal size charts obtained in Peruvian and non‐Peruvian populations.

Methods

Fetal biometry measurements collected prospectively in 195 uncomplicated pregnancies were included in the presented analysis. At 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 and 38 weeks' gestation, fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur diaphysis length were measured. Fetal biometry measurements were compared with fetal size charts obtained from another Peruvian and two non‐Peruvian populations from North America and Europe.

Results

When compared with ultrasound‐based reference fetal size charts obtained from North American and European populations, fetuses from the studied population appeared to grow more slowly with advancing gestational age. This trend was not observed when a Peruvian population, similar to the one studied here, was used as a reference.

Conclusions

The results suggest that fetal growth in this Peruvian population may not be adequately assessed by using reference charts obtained from other populations and have implications for the use of growth standards in antenatal management. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ataxia-Telangiectasia genes and breast cancer risk in a French family study
Authors: Andrieu Nadine , Cavaciuti Eve , Laugé Anthony , Ossian Katia , Janin Nicolas , Hall Janet , Stoppa-Lyonnet Dominique
Published: July 2005

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a rare autosomal recessive early childhood disorder, characterized by progressive neuronal degeneration, immunological deficiency, radiosensitivity and an increased risk of cancer caused in most cases by mutations in the AT-mutated gene (ATM). Epidemiological studies on AT families have shown that AT heterozygous women have an increased risk of developing breast cancer (BC). The ATM protein plays a central role in the recognition and repair of DNA double-strand breaks and the subsequent activation of cell-cycle checkpoints. Whilst AT is a rare disease, 0·5–1% of the general population are estimated to be AT mutation carriers, thus any increases in the risks of cancer associated with ATM carrier status are of public health relevance. The main results of our published studies on the risk of BC in 34 French AT families according to heterozygote status, type of ATM mutation and exogenous factors are summarized here. The risk of BC was higher in ATM heterozygous (HetATM) women and did not differ significantly according to the type of ATM mutation (missense vs truncating) carried by the AT family members but appeared associated with the position of some truncating mutations in certain binding domains of the ATM protein. The effect of exogenous factors, such as reproductive life factors and exposure to ionizing radiation, on the risk of BC according to ATM heterozygote status was assessed. There was no evidence for interaction (except for age at first full-term pregnancy). These findings does not appear to justify a separate screening program from that already available to other women with a first-degree relative affected by BC, as their risks have similar amplitude. Chest X-rays did not appear to be a risk factor for BC in our study population. More powerful studies, using data sets pooled from international sources are being set up to confirm these observations.
Listening to patients' needs to improve their subjective quality of life
Authors: LASALVIA ANTONIO , BONETTO CHIARA , MALCHIODI FRANCESCA , SALVI GIOVANNI , PARABIAGHI ALBERTO , TANSELLA MICHELE , RUGGERI MIRELLA
Published: July 2005

Background. Subjective quality of life has gained a crucial role as a global measure of outcome in mental health care. This study aimed to investigate the impact of meeting needs for care, as assessed by both patients and mental health professionals, to improve the subjective quality of life in a sample of patients receiving community-based psychiatric care.

Method. The study was conducted using a 4-year prospective longitudinal design. A cohort of patients from the South-Verona Community-based Mental Health Service (CMHS) was assessed at baseline and follow-up using, among other social and clinical measures, the Camberwell Assessment of Need (both staff and patient versions) and the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile. Predictors of changes of subjective quality of life were explored using block-stratified multiple regression procedures.

Results. Improvement in patients' clinical conditions as well as the reduction in patient-rated unmet needs in the social domain predicted an increase in subjective quality of life over 4 years; changes in staff-rated needs did not show any association with changes in subjective quality of life.

Conclusions. Meeting self-perceived social needs, beyond symptoms reduction, seems to be of particular importance for ensuring a better quality of life for people with mental disorders. If the main goal of mental health care is to improve the quality of life of users, a policy of actively addressing patient-rated needs should be implemented.
Depression in the Chinese: the impact of acculturation
Authors: PARKER GORDON , CHAN BIBIANA , TULLY LUCY , EISENBRUCH MAURICE
Published: July 2005

Background. Studies of depression in the Chinese have long identified low rates and a greater likelihood of somatization, findings which could reflect cultural influences or real differences. We report a study from a western region examining the impact of acculturation on depression to clarify the role of cultural factors.

Method. In a Sydney-based study, Chinese subjects (n=385) and a matched control group of 143 non-Chinese subjects completed either a Chinese or English questionnaire assessing state and lifetime depression, attributional style, depression recognition and help-seeking. The impact of acculturation was examined by several strategies.

Results. Any tendency by the Chinese to somatize depression appeared to be attenuated by acculturation. State depression levels countered the view that Chinese necessarily deny depression. Lifetime depression rate differences were also attenuated by acculturation, with Chinese subjects being less likely than controls to judge episodes as a distinct disorder and to seek professional help.

Conclusions. Results suggest that Australian Chinese do not differ intrinsically in recognizing and ascribing depressive symptoms, and that the greater the degree of acculturation, the greater the tendency for reporting persistent and impairing depressive episodes.
Detection of hepatitis A virus from clotting factors implicated as a source of HAV infection among haemophilia patients in Korea
Authors: JEE Y. M. , GO U. , CHEON D. , KANG Y. , YOON J.-D. , LEE S.-W. , SHIN Y. H. , KIM K.-S. , LEE J.-K. , JEONG E.-K. , YANG B.-K. , CHO H. W.
Published: July 2005

To investigate the causal relationship of blood clotting factors and hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in haemophilia patients during 1998–1999 in Korea, we performed a 1:3 matched case-control study and molecular detection of HAV from clotting factors and patients. The epidemiological investigation showed that one lot of clotting factor VIII was related epidemiologically to patients with hepatitis A with an odds ratio of 35·0, or 38·4 when adjusted for the interval between injections. We examined 17 sera collected from seven patients and 124 lots of blood clotting factors (factor VIII and factor IV) by HAV reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). HAV RNA was detected in five clotting factors and six sera. The HAV sequence of one of the factor VIII samples was identical to the sequences found in three patients' sera. Findings from the laboratory and epidemiological studies suggested that the clotting factor was causally related to HAV infection in three haemophilia patients.
Frequency of infectious gastrointestinal illness in Australia, 2002: regional, seasonal and demographic variation
Authors: HALL G. V. , KIRK M. D. , ASHBOLT R. , STAFFORD R. , LALOR K. ,   the OzFoodNet Working Group
Published: July 2005

To estimate the frequency of infectious gastroenteritis across Australia, and to identify risk factors, we conducted a national telephone survey of 6087 randomly selected respondents in 2001–2002. The case definition was three or more loose stools and/or two or more vomits in a 24-hour period in the last 4 weeks, with adjustment to exclude non-infectious causes and symptoms secondary to a respiratory infection. Frequency data were weighted to the Australian population. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess potential risk factors including season, region, demographic and socioeconomic status. Among contacted individuals, 67% responded. The case definition applied to 7% of respondents (450/6087) which extrapolates to 17·2 million (95% CI 14·5–19·9 million) cases of gastroenteritis in Australia in one year, or 0·92 (95% CI 0·77–1·06) cases/person per year. In the multivariate model, the odds of having gastroenteritis were increased in summer and in the warmest state, in young children, females, those with higher socioeconomic status and those without health insurance.
Can syndromic surveillance data detect local outbreaks of communicable disease? A model using a historical cryptosporidiosis outbreak
Authors: COOPER D. L. , VERLANDER N. Q. , SMITH G. E. , CHARLETT A. , GERARD E. , WILLOCKS L. , O'BRIEN S.
Published: July 2005

A national UK surveillance system currently uses data from a health helpline (NHS Direct) in an attempt to provide early warning of a bio-terrorist attack, or an outbreak caused by a more common infection. To test this syndromic surveillance system we superimposed data from a historical outbreak of cryptosporidiosis onto a statistical model of NHS Direct call data. We modelled whether calls about diarrhoea (a proxy for cryptosporidiosis) exceeded a statistical threshold, thus alerting the surveillance team to the outbreak. On the date that the public health team were first notified of the outbreak our model predicted a 4% chance of detection when we assumed that one-twentieth of cryptosporidiosis cases telephoned the helpline. This rose to a 72% chance when we assumed nine-tenths of cases telephoned. The NHS Direct surveillance system is currently unlikely to detect an event similar to the cryptosporidiosis outbreak used here and may be most suited to detecting more widespread rises in syndromes in the community, as previously demonstrated. However, the expected rise in NHS Direct call rates, should improve early warning of outbreaks using call data.
Helicobacter pyloriinfection and typhoid fever in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: VOLLAARD A. M. , VERSPAGET H. W. , ALI S. , VISSER L. G. , VEENENDAAL R. A. , VAN ASTEN H. A. G. H. , WIDJAJA S. , SURJADI CH. , VAN DISSEL J. T.
Published: July 2005

We evaluated the association between typhoid fever andHelicobacter pyloriinfection, as the latter microorganism may influence gastric acid secretion and consequently increase susceptibility toSalmonella typhiinfection. Anti-H. pyloriIgG and IgA antibody titres (ELISA) and gastrin concentration (RIA) were determined in the plasma of 87 blood culture-confirmed typhoid fever cases (collected after clinical recovery) and 232 random healthy controls without a history of typhoid fever, in the Jatinegara district, Jakarta. Patients with typhoid fever more often than controls were seropositive forH. pyloriIgG (67%vs. 50%,P<0·008), when antibody titres were dichotomized around median titres observed in controls.H. pyloriIgA seropositivity was not associated with typhoid fever. Plasma gastrin concentrations indicative of hypochlorhydria (i.e. gastrin ⩾25 or ⩾100 ng/l) were not significantly elevated in typhoid fever cases compared to controls (P=0·54 andP=0·27 respectively). In a multivariate analysis, typhoid fever was independently associated with young age (<33 years, median age of the controls) [odds ratio (OR) 7·93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3·90–16·10], andH. pyloriIgG seropositivity (OR 1·93, 95% CI 1·10–3·40). Typhoid fever was independently associated withH. pyloriIgG seropositivity, but not with elevated gastrin concentration. Therefore, the association suggests a common risk of environmental exposure to both bacteria, e.g. poor hygiene, rather than a causal relationship via reduced gastric acid production.
Regional aerosol properties: Comparisons of boundary layer measurements from ACE 1, ACE 2, Aerosols99, INDOEX, ACE Asia, TARFOX, and NEAQS
Authors: Quinn Patricia K. , Bates Timothy S.
Published: July 2005

Means and variability of aerosol chemical composition and optical properties are compared for the first and second Aerosol Characterization Experiments (ACE 1 and ACE 2), a cruise across the Atlantic (Aerosols99), the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX), the Asian Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE Asia), the Tropospheric Aerosol Radiative Forcing Observational Experiment (TARFOX), and the New England Air Quality Study (NEAQS). These experiments were focused either on the remote marine atmosphere (ACE 1) or areas downwind of continental aerosol source regions including western Europe, North America, Africa, India, and Asia. Presented here are size‐segregated concentrations of aerosol mass, sea salt, non‐sea‐salt (nss) SO4=, NH4+, NO3−, dust, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and nss K+, as well as mass ratios that are commonly used to identify aerosol sources and to assess aerosol processing (Cl− to Na+, OC to nss SO4=, EC to total carbon (TC), EC to nss SO4=, nss K+ to EC, Fe to Al, and Si to Al). Optical properties that are compared include size‐segregated scattering, backscattering, and absorption coefficients, and single‐scattering albedo at 550 nm. Size‐segregated mass scattering and mass absorption efficiencies for the total aerosol and mass extinction efficiencies for the dominant chemical components also are compared. In addition, we present the contribution to light extinction by the dominant chemical components for each region. All data are based on shipboard measurements performed at a relative humidity of 55 ± 5%. Scattering coefficients and single‐scattering albedos also are reported at ambient relative humidity (RH) using published values of f(RH). Finally, aerosol optical depths from each region are compared. Identical sampling protocols were used in all experiments in order to eliminate sampling biases and to make the data directly comparable. Major findings include (1) nss SO4= makes up only 16 to 46% of the submicron aerosol mass, which means there is a large and variable fraction of the aerosol that is not sulfate, (2) particulate organic matter (POM) makes up 1 to 51% of the submicron mass, with highest POM mass fractions observed downwind of the NE United States, (3) highest submicron mass fractions of EC and lowest single‐scattering albedos were observed in biomass‐burning plumes from Africa and downwind of the Indian subcontinent, (4) NO3− was found predominantly in the supermicron size range due to the interaction of gas phase oxidized nitrogen species with sea salt aerosol, and (5) mass extinction efficiencies for the individual chemical components were consistent between regions. All data presented are available as auxiliary material.
Impacts of chemistry‐aerosol coupling on tropospheric ozone and sulfate simulations in a general circulation model
Authors: Bell N. , Koch D. , Shindell D. T.
Published: July 2005

We have implemented fully interactive tropospheric gas‐phase chemistry and sulfate aerosol modules into the new generation state‐of the‐art Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) modelE general circulation model (GCM). The code has been developed with a unique flexibility to perform simulations in coupled or off‐line (decoupled) mode. Both modes use identical chemical calculations, but the decoupled simulation relies on previously saved off‐line oxidant and aerosol concentration fields whereas the coupled simulation is fully interactive. Here we describe the application of the model to isolate the impacts of the two‐way chemistry‐aerosol coupling on the predictions of sulfate aerosol and ozone pollution and to provide insights into the mechanisms that drive the different predictions between coupled and off‐line models. On annual and global scales, the differences between the coupled and off‐line simulations are small, but larger deviations do occur on regional and seasonal scales. The chemistry‐aerosol coupling leads to ∼20% increases in surface sulfate over SO2 source regions in the northern hemisphere summer due to higher H2O2 levels and aqueous‐phase oxidation rates in the coupled model. Compensating sulfate decreases occur in downwind regions and in the upper troposphere due to depleted SO2. At middle to high tropospheric altitudes in the northern hemisphere, ozone and OH are increased in the coupled model relative to the off‐line model by ∼10% due to reductions in sulfate loading and subsequent suppression of N2O5 heterogeneous hydrolysis. The use of off‐line versus coupled models has implications for the simulation of the intercontinental transport of pollutants and their precursors.
Source identification in river pollution problems: A geostatistical approach
Authors: Boano Fulvio , Revelli Roberto , Ridolfi Luca
Published: July 2005

The geostatistical method, formulated in the groundwater field, has been applied to identify contaminant sources in river pollution problems. The problem consists of recovering a contaminant source at a known location from a finite number of concentration measurements. It is an ill‐posed problem, whose solution is nonunique and cannot be determined through standard techniques. The presence of dead zones has been considered because of their relevant influence on transport processes. The possibility of linear decay reactions in the main stream and in the dead zones has also been included. Applications to field data show that the method is efficient in recovering the release history of an arbitrarily distributed source as well as multiple independent point sources, given a finite number of observed concentrations at one or several downstream points. The influence of the degree of dispersion on the observations is stressed. Finally, the effects of measurement errors and of the number of measurement points have been investigated.