bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 7-Year History of an Intratesticular Mass: Patient Description and Review of the Literature about Dermoid Cysts of the Testis
Authors: Viganò Paolo , Picozzi Stefano Carlo Maria , Manganini Vittorio , Casu Marilena , Giuberti Alfio , Mazza Luciano , Strada Guido Raffaele
Published: October 2006

A dermoid cyst is a particular form of a cystic teratoma. In the testis, it is very rare, with only a few cases reported in world literature. A 19-year-old patient come to our attention with a 7-year history of an intratesticular cystic mass. Sonography showed a large hypoechoic solid mass. The tumour markers α-fetoprotein, β-human chorionic gondatotrophin, and lactate dehydrogenase were negative. Chest X-ray was negative. He underwent surgical exploration of the right testis and enucleation of the mass with testis preservation. At 14 month of follow-up, the patient had no complications and no recurrence of the lesion. Surgical enucleation is the treatment of choice in consideration of hormonal, psychological, and reproductive aspects. Orchiectomy should have been the treatment of choice, if the mass had substituted all testicular parenchyma and if there had been some malignant transformations.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of a Special Silk Textile in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Ricci Giampaolo , Patrizi Annalisa , Mandrioli Paolo , Specchia Fernando , Medri Matelda , Menna Giuseppe , Masi Massimo
Published: October 2006

Background: Increased skin Staphylococcus aureus colonization is frequently found in atopic patients. The reduction of local overinfection decreases skin inflammation and improves the flares. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the antimicrobial activity of a silk fabric (MICROAIR DermaSilk®) coated with alkoxysilane quaternary ammonium with durable antimicrobial properties (AEGIS AEM 5572/5) in children affected by atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: Sixteen children, 12 affected by AD with symmetric eczematous lesions on the antecubital areas and 4 without any cutaneous disease, used, for 7 days, tubular arm covers made of this special silk fabric but only one of each pair was coated with AEGIS AEM 5572/5. Microbiological examinations were done with standard cultural swabs and by means of quantification of bacterial agents using agar plates at baseline, after 1 h and after 7 days. Results: After 7 days a significant improvement in the mean value of the ‘local SCORAD’ index was observed in both the covered areas compared to the values obtained at baseline. The reduction in the mean number of colony forming units per square centimetre was similar in both areas. Conclusions: Although this special silk fabric seems to be able to improve skin lesions in AD, we were unable to demonstrate that such silk fabrics coated with AEGIS AEM 5572/5 have an antibacterial activity in vivo, as shown in vitro.
Comparison of Round Window and Cochleostomy Approaches with a Prototype Hearing Preservation Electrode
Authors: Briggs Robert J.S. , Tykocinski Michael , Xu Jin , Risi Frank , Svehla Martin , Cowan Robert , Stöver T. , Erfurt P. , Lenarz Thomas
Published: October 2006

Introduction: Preservation of residual hearing in cochlear implant recipients has been demonstrated to be possible and provides the potential benefit of combined electric and acoustic auditory stimulation. A prototype 16-mm multichannel array has been designed to facilitate placement of 22 electrodes without damage to intracochlear structures. The electrode array is suitable for insertion via the round window membrane (RWM) or a small cochleostomy. Aim: To evaluate the insertion trajectory and the presence of trauma to intracochlear structures with the prototype electrode inserted by either the RWM or a scala tympani cochleostomy. Materials and Methods: Eighteen fresh frozen human temporal bones were prepared for cochlear implantation using a standard transmastoid facial recess technique. Twelve electrodes were implanted at the University of Melbourne and 6 at the Medizinische Hochschule Hannover. In Melbourne fluoroscopy was used to monitor the insertions. Twelve prototype electrodes were inserted via the RWM. A further 6 electrodes were inserted via a small scala tympani cochleostomy. The cochleostomy was sited inferior to the RWM to avoid trauma to the basilar membrane and spiral ligament. Specimens were embedded and fixed with acrylic resin and the cochleae then examined histologically at 200-µm intervals using a grinding and polishing technique. Results: Full insertion of the electrode was achieved without significant resistance in all RWM and cochleostomy specimens. In two RWM specimens fold-over of the electrode tip occurred, and in one specimen the electrode penetrated the spiral ligament to lie in an ‘endosteal ‘position. In one cochleostomy specimen the electrode was rotated within the cochlea to face laterally rather than towards the modiolus. The final electrode position differed for the two groups, with the electrodes inserted via the RWM lying in a more perimodiolar position along the first part of the basal turn. The average depth of insertion was 240° for the RWM electrodes and 255° for the cochleostomy electrodes. Histologic examination showed no damage in any specimen to the modiolus, osseous spiral lamina or basilar membrane. Conclusions: A prototype hearing preservation electrode array was inserted by either a RWM or a scala tympani cochleostomy without evidence of significant intracochlear trauma.
Ipsilateral Electric Acoustic Stimulation of the Auditory System: Results of Long-Term Hearing Preservation
Authors: Gstoettner Wolfgang K. , Helbig Silke , Maier Nicola , Kiefer Jan , Radeloff Andreas , Adunka Oliver F.
Published: October 2006

Objective: To evaluate long-term ipsilateral hearing preservation in patients who underwent cochlear implantation for the combined electric acoustic stimulation of the auditory system. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary referral center. Twenty-three subjects were implanted with the MED-EL C40+ standard or C40+ medium electrode using an atraumatic surgical protocol via an anterior-inferior cochleostomy approach. The desired insertion depth was 18–24 mm or 360°. All patients showed significant low-frequency hearing prior to surgery and monosyllabic word scores did not exceed 40% in the best aided condition. Pure-tone audiometry was performed prior to implantation and at distinct intervals after surgery. Results: Nine patients (39.1%) showed complete pure-tone audiometric hearing preservation (0–10 dB) over an average of 29 months. Seven subjects (30.4%) showed partial preservation of residual hearing (hearing loss 15–40 dB) until an average of 25 months. Delayed loss of residual hearing was observed in 5 cases (21.7%) and 2 patients (8.6%) completely lost residual hearing during or immediately after surgery. Freiburger Monosyllabic word understanding scores in a group of patients with complete hearing preservation increased from 13.1% preoperatively to 75% in the electric acoustic stimulation condition. Conclusion: This study documents that complete and partial preservation of ipsilateral hearing after cochlear implantation can be achieved in about 70% of cases over an average period of 27.25 months when using 360° electrode insertions.
Effective Antitumoral Immune Responses Are Not Induced by Cytosine Deaminase Suicide Gene Transfer in a Syngeneic Rat Pancreatic Carcinoma Model
Authors: Eisold Sven , Antolovic Dalibor , Schmidt Jan , Wiessner Reiko , Klar Ernst , von Knebel-Doeberitz Magnus , Linnebacher Michael
Published: October 2006

Background: Experimental gene transfer can make tumors more immunogenic, leading to local regression and inducing immunological memory sufficient to permit resistance to a tumor rechallenge. However, this rarely had any significant impact on large established tumors. Methods: To analyze potential immunological effects, we used weakly immunogenic pancreatic carcinomas in syngeneic, immunocompetent Lewis rats and performed in situ adenoviral mediated cytosine deaminase (CD) gene transfer followed by administration of the prodrug, 5-fluorocytosine (5FC). In order to reflect the clinical situation, such treated tumors were surgically resected and animals were rechallenged with parental DSL6A pancreatic tumor cells. Tumor growth and cytotoxic activity of immune cells were determined. Results: CD/5FC treatment of the DSL6A cells revealed significant induction of apoptosis in vitro and slowed down tumor progression in syngeneic hosts. Furthermore, we observed neither significant change in tumor growth nor protective immunity in the rechallenged animals. Analysis of T lymphocytes showed no specific cytotoxic activity against DSL6A cells. There was only a trend towards a minor NK cell activation. Conclusions: Albeit the present study failed to induce protective antitumor immunity, the initial finding of reduced tumor growth argues for the development of multimodal therapeutic options to overcome negative impacts of advanced malignant disease or chemotherapy-related anergy and immunosuppression.
Gestational Stress Leads to Depressive-Like Behavioural and Immunological Changes in the Rat
Authors: O’Mahony Siobhain M. , Myint Aye-Mu , van den Hove Daniel , Desbonnet Lieve , Steinbusch Harry , Leonard Brian E.
Published: October 2006

Stress during pregnancy, gestational stress, can increase the chance of developing postpartum depression, which is estimated to occur in 10% of women. Since major depression is accompanied by an activation of the inflammatory response system, the aim of this study was to investigate if stress during pregnancy induces postpartum depressive-like behaviour, and if so, is it accompanied by activation of the inflammatory response system in female Fisher rats. We investigated the effect of gestational stress on the production of depressive-like behaviour in the rats. The pregnant dams underwent daily restraint stress (for 1 week, 3 times/day) or were left undisturbed (control). On postpartum day 22, the rats were introduced to the forced swim test (pre-test). On postpartum days 23 and 24 (test days), the immobility time was measured. Gestational stress significantly elevated immobility scores by 35–40% above the control values on both test days, which suggests that the stressed group displayed postpartum depressive-like behaviour. The concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in stimulated whole-blood culture were also analysed. The stressed group showed higher levels of all three cytokines. No significant differences in the cytokine concentrations were detected in the hypothalamus, hippocampus or pre-frontal cortex.
The Role of Protein Glycosylation in Allergy
Authors: Altmann Friedrich
Published: October 2006

The asparagine-linked carbohydrate moieties of plant and insect glycoproteins are the most abundant environmental immune determinants. They are the structural basis of what is known as cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). Despite some structural variation, the two main motifs are the xylose and the core-3-linked fucose, which form the essential part of two independent epitopes. Plants contain both epitopes, insect glycoproteins only fucose. These epitopes and other fucosylated determinants are also found in helminth parasites where they exert remarkable immunomodulatory effects. About 20% or more of allergic patients generate specific anti-glycan IgE, which is often accompanied by IgG. Even though antibody-binding glycoproteins are widespread in pollens, foods and insect venoms, CCDs do not appear to cause clinical symptoms in most, if not all patients. When IgE binding is solely due to CCDs, a glycoprotein allergen thus can be rated as clinical irrelevant allergen. Low binding affinity between IgE and plant N-glycans now drops out as a plausible explanation for the benign nature of CCDs. This rather may result from blocking antibodies induced by an incidental ‘immune therapy’ (‘glyco-specific immune therapy’) exerted by everyday contact with plant materials, e.g. fruits or vegetables. The need to detect and suppress anti-CCD IgE without interference from peptide epitopes can be best met by artificial glycoprotein allergens. Hydroxyproline-linked arabinose (single β-arabinofuranosyl residues) has been identified as a new IgE-binding carbohydrate epitope in the major mugwort allergen. However, currently the occurrence of this O-glycan determinant appears to be rather restricted.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I in Estonia
Authors: Vaidla Eve , Talvik Inga , Kulla Andres , Kahre Tiina , Hamarik Malle , Napa Aita , Metsvaht Tuuli , Piirsoo Andres , Talvik Tiina
Published: October 2006

Spinal muscular atrophy is the second most frequent autosomal-recessive disorder in Europeans. There are no published epidemiological data on SMA in Estonia and other Baltic countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of SMA I in Estonia. All patients with SMA I diagnosed between January 1994 and December 2003 were included in the study. The diagnosis was established on the basis of neurological evaluation, ENMG findings, molecular studies and muscle biopsy. PCR and restriction enzyme analysis was used to detect the homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene. A total of 9 cases of SMA I were identified during this 10-year period. The incidence of SMA I in Estonia is 1 in 14,400 live births, which is similar to the result from Hungary but lower than average incidence in the world. Only one of the patients was female. Typical SMN1 gene deletion was found in all cases.
Audiological Outcome of Infants with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Prospective Study
Authors: Iwasaki Satoshi , Yamashita Miwa , Maeda Makoto , Misawa Kiyoshi , Mineta Hiroyuki
Published: October 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate the audiological outcome of long-term follow-up of infants with asymptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection as defined by the presence of CMV DNA in neonatal urine. 12599 pregnant women underwent screening for CMV IgG and IgM antibodies between 1996 and 2003. Eighteen infants with congenital CMV infection were identified. These infants underwent the newborn hearing screening test or auditory brainstem response test. Follow-up hearing assessments were performed with the auditory brainstem response and behavioral audiometry. The seropositive rate of CMV IgG antibody among the pregnant women was 75.3%, and the yearly seropositive rate decreased over the study period. One hundred and forty-six pregnant women were positive for IgM antibody, and 18 neonates (12.3%) had congenital CMV infection. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was detected in 4 (25%) of the 16 infants with asymptomatic infection and 1 (50%) of the 2 infants with symptomatic infection during the first 6 months of life. Two infants who passed the newborn hearing screening had a delayed-onset SNHL in follow-up examinations up to 4 years of age. Two had progressive hearing loss and 2 had improvement of hearing loss. Screening of pregnant women for CMV infection and repeated audiological examinations of infants are necessary because there are infants with delayed-onset SNHL or improved SNHL caused by asymptomatic congenital CMV infection.
Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor in Eisenmenger Syndrome
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Saibal , Sharma Manish , Ramakrishnan S. , Yusuf Jamal , Gupta Mohit Dayal , Bhamri Naveen , Trehan Vijay , Tyagi Sanjay
Published: October 2006

Background—

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors produce a significant decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. We studied the effects of tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, on short-term hemodynamics, tolerability, and efficacy over a 12-week period in patients of Eisenmenger syndrome having a pulmonary vascular pathology similar to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Methods and Results—

Sixteen symptomatic Eisenmenger syndrome patients (mean age, 25±8.9 years) were assessed hemodynamically at baseline and 90 minutes after a single dose of tadalafil (1 mg/kg body weight up to a maximum of 40 mg). The same dose was then continued daily for 12 weeks, and the patients were restudied. There was a significant decrease in mean pulmonary vascular resistance immediately (24.75±8.49 to 19.22±8.23 Woods units;
P
<0.005) and at 12 weeks (19.22±8.23 to 17.02±6.19 Woods units;
P
=0.03 versus 90 minutes). Thirteen of 16 patients (81.25%) showed a ≥20% decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance and were defined as responders. The mean systemic oxygen saturation improved significantly both immediately (84.34±5.47% to 87.39±4.34%;
P
<0.005) and at 12 weeks (87.39±4.34% to 89.16±3.8%;
P
<0.02 versus 90 minutes) without a significant change in systemic vascular resistance. None of the patients had a fall in systemic arterial pressure, worsening of systemic oxygen saturation, or any adverse reactions to the drug. The mean World Health Organization functional class improved from 2.31±0.47 to 1.25±0.44 (
P
<0.0001), and the 6-minute walk distance improved from 344.56±119.06 to 387.56±117.18 m (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Preliminary evaluation of tadalafil has shown efficacy and safety in selected patients with Eisenmenger syndrome, warranting further investigation in this subgroup of patients.
Low Birth Weight, a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Diseases in Later Life, Is Already Associated With Elevated Fetal Glycosylated Hemoglobin at Birth
Authors: Pfab Thiemo , Slowinski Torsten , Godes Michael , Halle Horst , Priem; Friedrich , Hocher Berthold
Published: October 2006

Background—

It remains unclear whether the association between low birth weight and insulin resistance in adulthood has its origin in utero or whether it develops later in life depending on predisposition and exogenous factors.

Methods and Results—

Total glycosylated hemoglobin (TGH) was quantified at delivery in 1295 mother/child pairs serving as a surrogate of maternal and fetal glycemia. Multivariable regression analysis considering gestational age at delivery, the child’s sex, maternal body mass index, and smoking during pregnancy revealed that an increase in TGH by 1% in the child was significantly associated with a mean birth weight reduction of 135 g (
P
<0.0001), whereas the same increase in the mother was associated with a mean birth weight increase of 88 g (
P
<0.0001). The ratio of fetal/maternal TGH suggests that lighter newborns have a higher percentage of TGH than would be expected from maternal TGH.

Conclusions—

The study demonstrates for the first time in a large population that there is an inverse association between TGH of a newborn and its birth weight. This might be due to increased insulin resistance in newborns with lower birth weight. Our data suggest that the pathophysiological mechanisms linking prenatal growth and postnatal sensitivity to insulin are present as early as before birth.
Adolescents’ Conceptions of Work
Authors: Levine Kenneth J. , Hoffner Cynthia A.
Published: October 2006

Anticipatory socialization is the process of gaining knowledge about work that begins in early childhood and continues until entering the workplace full-time. On self-administered questionnaires, 64 high school students answered open-ended questions about what they have learned about work from five sources: parents, educational institutions, part-time employment, friends, and the mass media. Responses were coded into four macro categories (general requirements of a job, positive aspects of work, negative aspects of work, advice or information about work/jobs), each of which included multiple subcategories. Parents, school, and part-time jobs were respondents’ main sources of knowledge about the requirements of performing a job, and parents provided the most advice about jobs and careers. Parents and friends communicated more negative than positive aspects, part-time jobs and the mass media conveyed both positives and negatives, and educational experiences conveyed neither. Interpretations of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
QualitySNP: a pipeline for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions/deletions in EST data from diploid and polyploid species
Authors: Tang Jifeng , Vosman Ben , Voorrips Roeland E , van der Linden C Gerard , Leunissen Jack AM
Published: October 2006

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are important tools in studying complex genetic traits and genome evolution. Computational strategies for SNP discovery make use of the large number of sequences present in public databases (in most cases as expressed sequence tags (ESTs)) and are considered to be faster and more cost-effective than experimental procedures. A major challenge in computational SNP discovery is distinguishing allelic variation from sequence variation between paralogous sequences, in addition to recognizing sequencing errors. For the majority of the public EST sequences, trace or quality files are lacking which makes detection of reliable SNPs even more difficult because it has to rely on sequence comparisons only.

Results

We have developed a new algorithm to detect reliable SNPs and insertions/deletions (indels) in EST data, both with and without quality files. Implemented in a pipeline called QualitySNP, it uses three filters for the identification of reliable SNPs. Filter 1 screens for all potential SNPs and identifies variation between or within genotypes. Filter 2 is the core filter that uses a haplotype-based strategy to detect reliable SNPs. Clusters with potential paralogs as well as false SNPs caused by sequencing errors are identified. Filter 3 screens SNPs by calculating a confidence score, based upon sequence redundancy and quality. Non-synonymous SNPs are subsequently identified by detecting open reading frames of consensus sequences (contigs) with SNPs. The pipeline includes a data storage and retrieval system for haplotypes, SNPs and alignments. QualitySNP's versatility is demonstrated by the identification of SNPs in EST datasets from potato, chicken and humans.

Conclusion

QualitySNP is an efficient tool for SNP detection, storage and retrieval in diploid as well as polyploid species. It is available for running on Linux or UNIX systems. The program, test data, and user manual are available athttp://www.bioinformatics.nl/tools/snpweb/and as Additional files.
A missense mutation in PMEL17 is associated with the Silver coat color in the horse
Authors: Brunberg Emma , Andersson Leif , Cothran Gus , Sandberg Kaj , Mikko Sofia , Lindgren Gabriella
Published: October 2006

Background

The Silver coat color, also called Silver dapple, in the horse is characterized by dilution of the black pigment in the hair. This phenotype shows an autosomal dominant inheritance. The effect of the mutation is most visible in the long hairs of the mane and tail, which are diluted to a mixture of white and gray hairs. Herein we describe the identification of the responsible gene and a missense mutation associated with the Silver phenotype.

Results

Segregation data on the Silver locus (Z) were obtained within one half-sib family that consisted of a heterozygous Silver colored stallion with 34 offspring and their 29 non-Silver dams. We typed 41 genetic markers well spread over the horse genome, including one single microsatellite marker (TKY284) close to the candidate gene PMEL17 on horse chromosome 6 (ECA6q23). Significant linkage was found between the Silver phenotype and TKY284 (θ = 0, z = 9.0). DNA sequencing of PMEL17 in Silver and non-Silver horses revealed a missense mutation in exon 11 changing the second amino acid in the cytoplasmic region from arginine to cysteine (Arg618Cys). This mutation showed complete association with the Silver phenotype across multiple horse breeds, and was not found among non-Silver horses with one clear exception; a chestnut colored individual that had several Silver offspring when mated to different non-Silver stallions also carried the exon 11 mutation. In total, 64 Silver horses from six breeds and 85 non-Silver horses from 14 breeds were tested for the exon 11 mutation. One additional mutation located in intron 9, only 759 bases from the missense mutation, also showed complete association with the Silver phenotype. However, as one could expect to find several non-causative mutations completely associated with the Silver mutation, we argue that the missense mutation is more likely to be causative.

Conclusion

The present study shows that PMEL17 causes the Silver coat color in the horse and enable genetic testing for this trait.
Risk-adjusted cesarean section rates for the assessment of physician performance in Taiwan: a population-based study
Authors: Tang Chao-Hsiun , Wang Han-I , Hsu Chun-Sen , Su Hung-Wen , Chen Mei-Ju , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: October 2006

Background

Over the past decade, about one-third of all births nationwide in Taiwan were delivered by cesarean section (CS). Previous studies in the US and Europe have documented the need for risk adjustment for fairer comparisons among providers. In this study, we set out to determine the impact that adjustment for patient-specific risk factors has on CS among different physicians in Taiwan.

Methods

There were 172,511 live births which occurred in either hospitals or obstetrics/gynecology clinics between 1 January and 31 December 2003, and for whom birth certificate data could be linked with National Health Insurance (NHI) claims data, available as the sample for this study. Physicians were divided into four equivalent groups based upon the quartile distribution of their crude (actual) CS rates. Stepwise logistic regressions were conducted to develop a predictive model and to determine the expected (risk-adjusted) CS rate and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each physician. The actual rates were then compared with the expected CS rates to see the proportion of physicians whose actual rates were below, within, or above the predicted CI in each quartile.

Results

The proportion of physicians whose CS rates were above the predicted CI increased as the quartile moved to the higher level. However, more than half of the physicians whose actual rates were higher than the predicted CI were not in the highest quartile. Conversely, there were some physicians (40 of 258 physicians) in the highest quartile who were actually providing obstetric care that was appropriate to the risk. When a stricter standard was applied to the assessment of physician performance by excluding physicians in quartile 4 for predicting CS rates, as many as 60% of physicians were found to have higher CS rates than the predicted CI, and indeed, the CS rates of no physicians in either quartile 3 or quartile 4 were below the predicted CI.

Conclusion

Overall, our study found that the comparison of unadjusted CS rates might not provide a valid reflection of the quality of obstetric care delivered by physicians, and may ultimately lead to biased judgments by purchasers. Our study has also shown that when we changed the standard of quality assessment, the evaluation results also changed.
Development of a new set of reference genes for normalization of real-time RT-PCR data of porcine backfat and longissimus dorsi muscle, and evaluation with PPARGC1A
Authors: Erkens Tim , Van Poucke Mario , Vandesompele Jo , Goossens Karen , Van Zeveren Alex , Peelman Luc J
Published: October 2006

Background

An essential part of using real-time RT-PCR is that expression results have to be normalized before any conclusions can be drawn. This can be done by using one or multiple, validated reference genes, depending on the desired accuracy of the results. In the pig however, very little information is available on the expression stability of reference genes. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a new set of reference genes which can be used for normalization of mRNA expression data of genes expressed in porcine backfat and longissimus dorsi muscle, both representing an economically important part of a pig's carcass. Because of its multiple functions in fat metabolism and muscle fibre type composition, peroxisome proliferative activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PPARGC1A) is a very interesting candidate gene for meat quality, and was an ideal gene to evaluate our developed set of reference genes for normalization of mRNA expression data of both tissue types.

Results

The mRNA expression stability of 10 reference genes was determined. The expression of RPL13A and SDHA appeared to be highly unstable. After normalization to the geometric mean of the three most stably expressed reference genes (ACTB, TBP and TOP2B), the results not only showed that the mRNA expression of PPARGC1A was significantly higher in each of the longissimus dorsi muscle samples than in backfat (P < 0.05), but also that the expression was significantly higher in the most cranial of the three muscle samples (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides a new set of reference genes (ACTB, TBP and TOP2B) suitable for normalization of real-time RT-PCR data of backfat and longissimus dorsi muscle in the pig. The obtained PPARGC1A expression results, after application of this set of reference genes, are a first step in unravelling the PPARGC1A expression pattern in the pig and provide a basis for possible selection towards improved meat quality while maintaining a lean carcass.
Scottish survey of diabetes services for minority ethnic groups
Authors: Baradaran Hamid R , Jamieson Joan , Gardee Rafik , Knill-Jones Robin P
Published: October 2006

Background

In the UK, all ethnic minority groups have higher rates of diabetes than the general population. Although there have been a number of projects to assess diabetic care amongst minority ethnic groups in the United Kingdom, little is known about the extent to which the needs of ethnic minority groups are actually met by the National Health Service (NHS) Scotland. Therefore we conducted this study to understand of the current situation for diabetes care available to minority ethnic groups in Scotland.

Methods

We conducted this cross-sectional study in all health boards in Scotland. A questionnaire was designed based on expert comments. It was completed by Local Health Care Cooperatives (LHCC) managers, chairs, diabetes specialist nurses and public health practitioners.

Results

57 of questionnaires were returned (response rate = 69.5%). Of these LHCCs, 71% responded that diabetes was part of their LHCC plan. However 69% answered that ethnic group was not recorded by community services and GPs, and 80% of LHCCs did not monitor trends of complications of diabetes by ethnic group.

Conclusion

Improvement is needed in quality, completeness, and availability of minority ethnic group data for diabetes at a national level, particularly if NHS Primary Care Organisations are to be responsible for providing diabetes care as laid out in the Scottish Diabetes Framework.
A preliminary study of mercury exposure and blood pressure in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Fillion Myriam , Mergler Donna , Passos Carlos José Sousa , Larribe Fabrice , Lemire Mélanie , Guimarães Jean Rémy Davée
Published: October 2006

Background

Fish is considered protective for coronary heart disease (CHD), but mercury (Hg) intake from fish may counterbalance beneficial effects. Although neurotoxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg) are well established, cardiovascular effects are still debated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate blood pressure in relation to Hg exposure and fish consumption among a non-indigenous fish-eating population in the Brazilian Amazon.

Methods

The study was conducted among 251 persons from six communities along the Tapajós River, a major tributary of the Amazon. Data was obtained for socio-demographic information, fish consumption, height and weight to determine body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and Hg concentration in hair samples.

Results

Results showed that overall, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were relatively low (mean: 113.9 mmHg ± 14.6 and 73.7 mmHg ± 11.0). Blood pressure was significantly associated with hair total Hg (H-Hg), age, BMI and gender. No association was observed between fish consumption and blood pressure, although there were significant inter-community differences. Logistic regression analyses showed that the Odds Ratio (OR) for elevated systolic blood pressure (≥ 130 mmHg) with H-Hg ≥ 10 μg/g was 2.91 [1.26–7.28], taking into account age, BMI, smoking, gender and community.

Conclusion

The findings of this preliminary study add further support for Hg cardiovascular toxicity.
Abdominal wall implantation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Aldahham Ali , Boodai Shurooq , Alfuderi Adel , Almosawi Ahmad , Asfer Sami
Published: October 2006

Background

Percutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) became a popular method for diagnosis of hepatic masses. Abdominal wall implantation from FNAC is rare.

Case presentation

We report a female patient who presented with a right upper abdominal wall mass 3 years following a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and resection of a solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from the liver. The mass proved to be a metastatic HCC; it was locally resected with safety margins. To date (20 months later) she remains well with no recurrence.

Conclusion

Implantation of tumor cells after FNAC for HCC is rare, but can happen. The availability of dynamic imaging of the liver should reduce the need for this technique in the diagnostic workup of patients suspected of having HCC
The development of the larval nervous system, musculature and ciliary bands of Pomatoceros lamarckii (Annelida): heterochrony in polychaetes
Authors: McDougall Carmel , Chen Wei-Chung , Shimeld Sebastian M , Ferrier David EK
Published: October 2006

Background

To understand the evolution of animals it is essential to have taxon sampling across a representative spread of the animal kingdom. With the recent rearrangement of most of the Bilateria into three major clades (Ecdysozoa, Lophotrochozoa and Deuterostomia) it has become clear that the Lophotrochozoa are relatively poorly represented in our knowledge of animal development, compared to the Ecdysozoa and Deuterostomia. We aim to contribute towards redressing this balance with data on the development of the muscular, nervous and ciliary systems of the annelid Pomatoceros lamarckii (Serpulidae). We compare our data with other lophotrochozoans.

Results

P. lamarckii develops locomotory and feeding structures that enable it to become a swimming, planktotrophic larva within 24 hours. Formation of the trochophore includes development of a prototroch, metatroch and neurotroch, development of apical and posterior nervous elements at similar times, and development of musculature around the ciliary bands and digestive tract prior to development of any body wall muscles. The adult nervous and muscular systems are essentially preformed in the late larva. Interestingly, the muscular systems of the larvae and juvenile worms do not include the circular muscles of the body wall, which are considered to be plesiomorphic for annelids, although the possibility that circular muscles develop after these stages cannot be ruled out at this point.

Conclusion

A comparison between polychaetes shows variability in the timing (heterochrony) of development of body wall muscles and elements of the nervous system. These heterochronies are one route for evolution of different life history strategies, such as adaptations to feeding requirements.
Kinetic Study on the Free Radical-Scavenging and Vitamin E-Regenerating Actions of Caffeic Acid and Its Related Compounds
Authors: Ohara Keishi , Ichimura Yoko , Tsukamoto Kumi , Ogata Mayumi , Nagaoka Shin-ichi , Mukai Kazuo
Published: October 2006

A kinetic study involving 4-hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCAs) was performed in order to clarify the mechanism for free radical-scavenging and vitamin E-regenerating. The second-order rate constants of the radical-scavenging reaction (ks) observed for caffeic acid derivatives are larger than those for ferulic acid derivatives. The result may be explained by i) the lower oxidation potential coming from the existence of the more electron-donating hydroxy group comparing with methoxy group, and ii) the stabilization effect of the corresponding radicals produced in the radical-scavenging reaction through intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The radical-scavenging activity of HCAs in ethanol mainly occurs via the hydrogen atom transfer from the phenolic OH-protons. The pH dependence of ks for ferulic acid in the aqueous Triton X-100 micelle solutions suggests the importance of the phenolic OH proton on the radical-scavenging reaction. On the other hand, the pH dependence of ks for caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid suggests the occurence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and an electron-transfer process in the radical-scavenging reaction.
Interaction of Aromatic Amino Acids with Metal Hexacyanochromate(III) Complexes: A Possible Role in Chemical Evolution
Authors: Ali Shah Raj , Kamaluddin
Published: October 2006

Metal cyanogen complexes have been proposed to be efficient prebiotic catalysts. Insoluble metal cyanogen complexes are thought to have concentrated biomonomers from dilute prebiotic soup which facilitated a class of prebiotic reactions. Thus, large biopolymers were able to form during the course of chemical evolution and the origin of life. Based on this hypothesis, the interaction of two naturally occurring α-aromatic amino acids, tryptophan and phenylalanine, with cobalt(II), copper(II), and cadmium(II) hexacyanochromate(III) has been studied, and the interaction was found to be strongest at neutral pH (≈7.0). Cobalt(II) hexacyanochromate(III) adsorbed the largest amount of both amino acids while tryptophan had a stronger affinity than phenylalanine. Infrared spectral studies of the metal hexacyanochromate(III) complexes, amino acids and metal hexacyanochromate(III)–amino acid adducts indicated the involvement of NH2 as well as COO− groups of amino acids and surface metal ions present in the lattice of the metal hexacyanochromate(III) complexes.
New β-Caryophyllene-Derived Terpenoids from the Formosan Soft Coral Sinularia gibberosa
Authors: Chen Shin-Pin , Chao Chih-Hua , Huang Ho-Cheng , Wu Yang-Chang , Lu Chung-Kuang , Dai Chang-Feng , Sheu Jyh-Horng
Published: October 2006

Seven new β-caryophyllene-derived terpenoids (1–7) were isolated from EtOAc extracts of the Formosan soft coral Sinularia gibberosa. The structures of compounds 1–7 were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with the spectral data of related metabolites. Cytotoxicity evaluation of the above metabolites towards a limited panel of cancer cell lines also will be described.
Substituent Effects on the Spectroscopic and Structural Parameters of Several New 1,3,2-Diazaphosphorinanes. Syntheses, Spectroscopic Characterization, and X-ray Crystallography
Authors: Gholivand Khodayar , Shariatinia Zahra , Yaghmaian Fariba , Faramarzpour Halin
Published: October 2006

New 1,3,2-diazaphosphorinanes with the formula (X = F (1), Cl (2), Br (3), and I (4)) were synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR and IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The structures have been determined for compounds 3 and 4 by X-ray crystallography.
Strategic Manipulation of Internet Opinion Forums: Implications for Consumers and Firms
Authors: Dellarocas Chrysanthos
Published: October 2006

There is growing evidence that consumers are influenced by Internet-based opinion forums before making a variety of purchase decisions. Firms whose products are being discussed in such forums are therefore tempted to manipulate consumer perceptions by posting costly anonymous messages that praise their products. This paper offers a theoretical analysis of the impact of such behavior on firm profits and consumer surplus. There are three main results. First, if every firm’s manipulation strategy is a monotonically increasing (decreasing) function of that firm’s true quality, strategic manipulation of online forums increases (decreases) the information value of a forum to consumers. This result implies the existence of settings where online forum manipulation benefits consumers. Second, equilibria where strategies are monotonically increasing (decreasing) functions of a firm’s true quality exist in settings where the firm’s net payoff function, inclusive of the cost of manipulation, is supermodular (submodular) in the firm’s quality and manipulation action. Third, in a broad class of settings, if the precision of honest consumer opinions that firms manipulate is sufficiently high, firms of all types, as well as society, would be strictly better off if manipulation of online forums was not possible. Nonetheless, firms are locked into a “rat race” and forced to spend resources on such profit-reducing activities; if they don’t, consumer perceptions will be biased against them. The social cost of online manipulation can be reduced by developing “filtering” technologies that make it costlier for firms to manipulate. Interestingly, as the amount of user-contributed online content increases, it is firms, and not consumers, that have most to gain from the development of such technologies.
Partnership in a Dynamic Production System with Unobservable Actions and Noncontractible Output
Authors: Plambeck Erica L. , Taylor Terry A.
Published: October 2006

This paper considers two firms that engage in joint production. The prospect of repeated interaction introduces dynamics, in that actions that firms take today influence the costliness and effectiveness of actions in the future. Repeated interaction also facilitates the use of informal agreements (relational contracts) that are sustained not by the court system, but by the ongoing value of the relationship. We characterize the optimal relational contract in this dynamic system with double moral hazard. We show that an optimal relational contract has a simple form that does not depend on the past history. The optimal relational contract may require that the firms terminate their relationship with positive probability following poor performance. We show how process visibility, which allows the firms to better assess who is at fault, can substantially improve system performance. The degree to which process visibility eliminates the need for termination depends on the nature of the dynamics: If the buyer's action does not influence the dynamics, the need for termination is eliminated; otherwise, termination may be required.
Assortment Planning and Inventory Decisions Under a Locational Choice Model
Authors: Gaur Vishal , Honhon Dorothée
Published: October 2006

We consider a single-period assortment planning and inventory management problem for a retailer, using a locational choice model to represent consumer demand. We first determine the optimal variety, product location, and inventory decisions under static substitution, and show that the optimal assortment consists of products equally spaced out such that there is no substitution among them regardless of the distribution of consumer preferences. The optimal solution can be such that some customers prefer not to buy any product in the assortment, and such that the most popular product is not offered. We then obtain bounds on profit when customers dynamically substitute, using the static substitution for the lower bound, and a retailer-controlled substitution for the upper bound. We thus define two heuristics to solve the problem under dynamic substitution and numerically evaluate their performance. This analysis shows the value of modeling dynamic substitution and identifies conditions in which the static substitution solution serves as a good approximation.
Some psychologic aspects of deafness
Authors: Piker Philip
Published: October 2006

I would like to emphasize that the psychologic reaction of an individual to a given situation depends much more on the individual to a given situation depends much more on the individual than it does on the specific situation. John Brown will respond differently to a certain set of circumstances than will James Smith. The reasons for the difference in responses result from the differences in the personalities of Brown and Smith; therefore, it is somewhat misleading to speak of the psychological aspects of deafness, as though deafness in itself were possessed of a psychology and could be depended upon to provide the same sort of reaction in everyone whom it touched. Some of us behave thus and so as the result of the loss of a limb, or the sudden accumulation of wealth; while others exhibit entirely different patterns of behavior under similar conditions. The personality of each human being is an exceedingly complex thing, and no two personalities are exactly the same. It is this personality of ours with which we attempt to adjust to life, to find contentment, to achieve a measure of success. Because our personalities are so varied, our efforts to adjust are laid along different lines. What is desirable to one individual is unimportant to the next. Each of us measures happiness in his own terms; and likewise, disappointment, frustration, and unhappiness are interpreted and evaluated by people in manners characteristic of themselves.
Effect of inflammation on the ventilatory function of the eustachian tube
Authors: Bluestone Charles D. , Cantekin Erdem I. , Beery Quinter C.
Published: October 2006

In an attempt to determine the effect of an upper respiratory tract infection on the ventilatory function of the Eustachian tube, 20 children who had recurrent acute or chronic middle ear effusions were studied. Baseline Eustachian tube function testing was obtained when there were no signs or symptoms of upper respiratory infection. These tests were repeated at six‐week intervals and whenever an upper respiratory tract infection supervened.

The results of this study were the following:

In the absence of an upper respiratory tract infection, the Eustachian tube function tests indicated that all 20 children had a persistent function al obstruction of the Eustachian tube, which was attributed to an inefficient active tubal opening mechanism or increased tubal compliance, or both.

During periods of upper respiratory tract infection, Eustachian tube function became worse, which was attributed to intrinsic mechanical obstruction.

During the course of the study, middle ear effusion or atelectasis recurred in some of the children, which was not necessarily in association with an upper respiratory tract infection.

The basic problem in all of the children was functional obstruction of the Eustachian tube that could result in a middle ear effusion; however, in the absence of an effusion, their poor Eustachian tube function would place them at particularly high risk for developing one, especially during periods of upper respiratory infection. Since management of the functional Eustachian tube obstruction remains obscure at present, therapy should be directed toward alleviating the transient or persistent middle ear negative pressure or the intrinsic mechanical Eustachian tube obstruction when an upper respiratory infection is present