bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diastereoselective Assembly of Chiral RuII‐Coordinated Depsipeptide‐Dendrimers
Authors: Buschhaus Boris , Hirsch Andreas
Published: March 2005

The synthesis, characterization and chiroptical properties of chiral dendrimers 11–14 formed by ruthenium coordination of2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy*) ligands 4, 7, 8 and 10 involving two pairs of enantiomerically pure depsipeptide dendrons bound in 4,4′‐position are described. In the case of the first and second generation ligands 4, 7 and 8 the metallodendrimers 11, 12 and 13 are formed containing a central [Ru(bpy*)3]2+ core. After coordination of the third generation dendritic ligand 10 the metallodendrimer 14 with two bpy* ligands, {[Ru(bpy*)2Cl2] core} was isolated. The corresponding metallodendrimer 15 with three bpy* ligands was formed in traces only. Dendrimers 11, 12 and 13 are the first chiral metallodendrimers involving an [Ru(bpy*)3]2+ core. This chiral coordination motif can have either a Δ or a Λ configuration. To elucidate if there is a preference for a certain configuration 1H NMR and CD spectroscopy and analytical HPLC were applied. It was found that for the first generation dendrimer 11 the corresponding diastereoisomers with Δ and Λ configuration are formed in equal amounts. On the other hand the Λ diastereoisomers of 12 and 13 are preferably formed upon coordination of the second generation dendrons 7 and 8 with all‐(R,R) configuration (8) or mixed (S,S)1‐(R,R)2 configuration (7). This demonstrates that the configuration of the outer rather than the inner layer within the depsipeptide dendrons determines which isomer is preferably formed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Analysis of drugs, natural and bioactive compounds containing phenolic groups by capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry
Authors: Huck Christian W. , Stecher Günther , Scherz Heimo , Bonn Günther
Published: March 2005

This review summarizes the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis of phenolic compounds and its latest developments. Special attention is paid to the different interfaces. The instrumental setups are discussed and demonstrated in a high number of real applications.
Heterotopic vs. orthotopic liver transplantation for chronic liver disease: A case-control comparison of short-term and long-term outcomes
Authors: de Rave Sjoerd , Hansen Bettina E. , Groenland Theo H.N. , Kazemier Geert , de Man Robert A. , Metselaar Herold J. , Terpstra Onno T. , Tilanus Hugo W. , IJzermans Jan H.N.M. , Schalm Solko W.
Published: March 2005

Between 1986 and 1990 we performed heterotopic liver transplantation (HLT) in 17 patients with chronic liver disease. In spite of theoretical advantages and favorable short-term results, we abandoned HLT because of doubts about the long-term outcome and the improved results of standard orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). There are, however, no studies comparing the long-term survival after HLT and OLT for chronic liver disease. We performed a case-control study of HLT vs. OLT, with long-term patient and graft survival as the main outcome measures. Known confounders and differences in baseline characteristics between HLT and OLT patients were corrected for. At 1 year, 5 of the 17 HLT patients had died, compared with 9 of the 34 OLT patients (relative risk [RR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–4.02;

P

= 0.83). After correction for confounders, the long-term risk of graft failure (RR, 18.0; 95% CI, 1.5–223.5;

P

= 0.02) and of death (RR, 5.2; 95% CI, 0.8–34.8;

P

= 0.09) was higher after HLT than after OLT. The main causes of graft loss and death at more than 1 year after HLT were de novo malignancies and a variety of biliary complications. In conclusion, our data, from 1 of the largest single-center series of HLTs available, showed no significant difference between HLT and OLT in 1-year survival. However, the long-term outcome of HLT was inferior. HLT cannot be recommended as an alternative to OLT for any of the indications we studied, even though only 1 of the late deaths was definitely related to the heterotopic technique. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:396–401.)
A Structured Problem‐solving Course for Graduate Students: Exposing Students to Six Sigma as Part of their University Training
Authors: Anderson‐Cook Christine M. , Patterson Angie , Hoerl Roger
Published: March 2005

The Department of Statistics at Virginia Tech introduced a Master's level course in Structured Problem Solving in 2002. The goal of the course was to give graduate students of statistics, engineering and business initial exposure to Six Sigma methods, teach leadership and teamwork skills, and help students better understand how to apply their technical skills to large‐scale project‐based problems. The paper presents an overview of the course, details about the projects students have worked on during the two years the course has been offered, and student feedback and reaction to the course. It is our hope that this paper can provide helpful information for statistics graduate programs at other universities that may be considering implementing a similar course to assist students in making the transition from academic studies to industrial careers. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
4 Is there an emerging international rule of law?
Authors: ZANGL BERNHARD
Published: March 2005

An international rule of law complementing modern states' domestic rule of law seems to be emerging. At least in the four issue areas of international law considered here – international trade, security, labour, and environmental law – empirical evidence suggests that relevant dispute settlement procedures have been judicialized and their use by complainants as well as their acceptance by defendants have increased in practice. Albeit still far from what we are used to from the domestic rule of law, the emergence of an international rule of law can be regarded as indicative of a fundamental transformation of modern states.
7 National and transnational public spheres: the case of the EU
Authors: PETERS BERNHARD , SIFFT STEFANIE , WIMMEL ANDREAS , BRÜGGEMANN MICHAEL , KLEINEN-VON KÖNIGSLÖW KATHARINA
Published: March 2005

While many important social processes cut across national borders and have transnational institutions to regulate them, democratic participation still occurs almost exclusively within individual nation states. Public information and debate are essential ingredients of democracy, and their confinement to the individual national public sphere threatens the democratic aspirations and legitimacy of transnational institutions. Therefore, it is often argued that the European Union can only achieve greater legitimacy if there is a Europeanization of national public spheres. Has public discourse in fact Europeanized in the last decades? Here we present results from a study of major national newspapers from five European countries. Europeanization is defined in three dimensions: Europeanization of contents, Europeanization of public identities, and Europeanization of communication flows. Our results show that national public spheres are, in fact, quite resilient and that change is slow or halting. We discuss several possible explanations for this resilience, and go on to question the assumption that the legitimacy of European institutions depends on Europeanization of public discourse.
Safety-Seeking Behaviours: Fact or Function? How Can We Clinically Differentiate Between Safety Behaviours and Adaptive Coping Strategies Across Anxiety Disorders?
Authors: Thwaites Richard , Freeston Mark H.
Published: March 2005

Safety-seeking behaviours are seen as playing a key role in the maintenance of various anxiety disorders. This article examines their role in panic disorder and social phobia and suggests that, whilst there are clear theoretical differences between safety-seeking behaviours and adaptive coping strategies, the difficult issue in clinical practice is being able to distinguish between the two. It builds on previous work by Salkovskis and colleagues and provides a detailed discussion of the problems in distinguishing between safety-seeking behaviours (direct avoidance, escape and subtle avoidance) and adaptive coping strategies in clinical practice. The suggestion is made that topology can only be a guide to categorizing the two types of responses and they can only be fully distinguished by taking into account the intention of the individual and their perceived function to that individual in the specific context. It is suggested that further analysis of the use of safety-seeking behaviours aimed at avoiding a variety of outcomes at differing levels of catastrophe may provide useful information that would clarify our understanding of the role of such behaviours in maintaining anxiety disorders.
CBT for a Person With Schizophrenia: Systematic Desensitization for Phobias Led to Positive Symptom Improvement
Authors: Dudley Robert , Dixon Jaime , Turkington Douglas
Published: March 2005

Affective symptoms are often present and under-treated in schizophrenia. This case study reports the effect of treatment of a specific phobia and associated avoidance on the psychotic symptoms of a patient with medication resistant schizophrenia. The treatment of the specific phobia and agoraphobia followed a traditional systematic desensitization procedure. The successful treatment of the phobias led to improvements in psychotic symptoms. Previously, the client had only a limited response to a number of antipsychotic medications including clozapine but responded well to a traditional systematic desensitization program that produced positive consequences for the psychotic symptomatology. The clinical and theoretical aspects of this case are discussed.
EncCon: An Approach to Constructing Interactive Visualization of Large Hierarchical Data
Authors: Nguyen Quang Vinh , Huang Mao Lin
Published: March 2005

This paper describes a new technique called EncCon for visualizing and navigating large hierarchical information. This technique consists of two components: visualization and navigation. Visualization uses a fast enclosure + connection method to calculate the geometrical layout for the display of large hierarchies in a two-dimensional space. Our technique uses a rectangular division algorithm for recursively positioning the graph. This visualization aims to maximize the utilization of display space while retaining a good geometrical layout as well as a clear (explicit) presentation of the hierarchical structure of graphs. This paper also presents an experimental evaluation of EncCon's layout algorithm. Besides the layout algorithm, EncCon uses a new focus + context viewing technique for the navigation of large hierarchies. We use the zooming + layering concept to achieve the focus + context viewing, rather than the traditional enlarge + embedded concept, which is used by most of the available focus + context techniques. Technically, it employs semi-transparency to achieve the display of two layers of information in z-coordination at the same visualization. Both context view and detail view are drawn at two separate layers. These layers are then displayed in an overlapped manner at the same physical screen space.
Potentiometric Investigation of the Weak Association of Sodium and Oxalate Ions in Aqueous Solutions at 25°C
Authors: Tromans Andrew , Hefter Glenn , May Peter M.
Published: March 2005

The formation constant β(NaOx−) of the extremely weak ion pair formed between sodium (Na+) and oxalate (Ox2−) ions in aqueous solutions has been determined at 25°C as a function of ionic strength in tetramethylammonium chloride by Na+ ion-selective electrode potentiometry. The effects of trace Na+ impurities from all reagents were accounted for. An extrapolated value for β
o of 6.6 ± 0.5 M−1 was obtained at infinite dilution, which is in good agreement with literature values. Attempts to measure this constant in 1 M CsCl media gave a β(NaOx−) value of 0.00 ± 0.06 M−1, probably because of competition between Cs+ and Na+ for Ox2−.
Artificial metalloenzymes based on biotin-avidin technology for the enantioselective reduction of ketones by transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Letondor Christophe , Humbert Nicolas , Ward Thomas R.
Published: March 2005

Most physiological and biotechnological processes rely on molecular recognition between chiral (handed) molecules. Manmade homogeneous catalysts and enzymes offer complementary means for producing enantiopure (single-handed) compounds. As the subtle details that govern chiral discrimination are difficult to predict, improving the performance of such catalysts often relies on trial-and-error procedures. Homogeneous catalysts are optimized by chemical modification of the chiral environment around the metal center. Enzymes can be improved by modification of gene encoding the protein. Incorporation of a biotinylated organometallic catalyst into a host protein (avidin or streptavidin) affords versatile artificial metalloenzymes for the reduction of ketones by transfer hydrogenation. The boric acid·formate mixture was identified as a hydrogen source compatible with these artificial metalloenzymes. A combined chemo-genetic procedure allows us to optimize the activity and selectivity of these hybrid catalysts: up to 94% (
R
) enantiomeric excess for the reduction of
p
-methylacetophenone. These artificial metalloenzymes display features reminiscent of both homogeneous catalysts and enzymes.
CART: An Hrs/Actinin-4/BERP/Myosin V Protein Complex Required for Efficient Receptor Recycling
Authors: Yan Qing , Sun Wei , Kujala Pekka , Lotfi Yasmin , Vida Thomas A. , Bean Andrew J.
Published: March 2005

Altering the number of surface receptors can rapidly modulate cellular responses to extracellular signals. Some receptors, like the transferrin receptor (TfR), are constitutively internalized and recycled to the plasma membrane. Other receptors, like the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), are internalized after ligand binding and then ultimately degraded in the lysosome. Routing internalized receptors to different destinations suggests that distinct molecular mechanisms may direct their movement. Here, we report that the endosome-associated protein hrs is a subunit of a protein complex containing actinin-4, BERP, and myosin V that is necessary for efficient TfR recycling but not for EGFR degradation. The hrs/actinin-4/BERP/myosin V (CART [cytoskeleton-associated recycling or transport]) complex assembles in a linear manner and interrupting binding of any member to its neighbor produces an inhibition of transferrin recycling rate. Disrupting the CART complex results in shunting receptors to a slower recycling pathway that involves the recycling endosome. The novel CART complex may provide a molecular mechanism for the actin-dependence of rapid recycling of constitutively recycled plasma membrane receptors.
Lucan’s Follies: Memory and Ruin in a Civil-War Landscape
Authors: Spencer Diana
Published: March 2005

‘uilia sunt nobis quaecumque prioribus annis uidimus, et sordet quidquid spectauimus olim.’

‘all the things which we saw in former years are worthless to us, and squalid - everything that in times past we gazed upon (esteemed/respected).’

Calpurnius Siculus, Eclogue 7.45–6

When Calpurnius’ old Roman tells Corydon, the country-boy fresh in town, that nothing that one has seen before can prepare one adequately for Nero's Roman spectacle (probably the games of 57 CE), it is almost impossible not to recall the magnificent loathing that Suetonius (Nero 12.1-2) and Tacitus (Annals 13.31) express for the new emperor's extravaganzas. Eleanor Leach comments that: ‘The builder of the amphitheatre [Nero] has combed the world for his marvels, creating a new cosmos within his gilded wooden oval.’ This spectacular new cosmos maps out a world in which pastoral can no longer exist because Nero has distorted the notion of rus in urbe to such an extent that Calpurnius’ only recourse is obituary. Here, Calpurnius’ eclogue functions not just as an elegy for pastoral, but as a poem which opens up a dialogue with Lucan's civil war landscape; in this world, metaphorical and real species of ruin take on an ever greater cultural urgency as means of interpreting the dramatic artifice of Rome's present.
Candida digboiensis sp. nov., a novel anamorphic yeast species from an acidic tar sludge-contaminated oilfield
Authors: Prasad G. S. , Mayilraj S. , Sood Nitu , Singh Vijeyta , Biswas Kakoli , Lal Banwari
Published: March 2005

Two strains (TERI-6T and TERI-7) of a novel yeast species were isolated from acidic tar sludge-contaminated soil samples collected from Digboi Refinery, Assam, India. These two yeast strains were morphologically, physiologically and phylogenetically identical to each other. No sexual reproduction was observed on corn meal, malt, Gorodkowa, YM or V8 agars. Physiologically, the novel isolates were most closely related to Candida blankii, but differed in eight physiological tests. The prominent differences were the ability of the isolates to assimilate melibiose and inulin and their inability to assimilate d-glucuronate, succinate and citrate. Phylogenetic analysis using the D1/D2 variable domain showed that the closest relative of these strains is C. blankii (2·8 % divergence). Other related species are Zygoascus hellenicus and Candida bituminiphila. The isolates differed from C. blankii by 11 base substitutions in the 18S rRNA gene sequence and by 58 base substitutions in the internal transcribed spacer sequences. The physiological, biochemical and molecular data support the contention that strains TERI-6T and TERI-7 represent a novel species, for which the name Candida digboiensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TERI-6T (=MTCC 4371T=CBS 9800T=JCM 12300T).
Dyella japonica gen. nov., sp. nov., a γ-proteobacterium isolated from soil
Authors: Xie Cheng-Hui , Yokota Akira
Published: March 2005

Three strains isolated from the soil of a garden in Tokyo, Japan, were characterized physiologically, biochemically and in terms of fatty acid profile, DNA–DNA relatedness and 16S rRNA gene sequence. The isolates were Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped cells with polar flagellation. According to DNA–DNA similarity, the strains belonged to the same species. The bacteria grew at temperatures from 10 to 37 °C, with an optimum around 25–30 °C. Growth was observed at pH values from 5·6 to 8·0. The DNA G+C content ranged from 63·4 to 64·0 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a clear affiliation with members of the family ‘Xanthomonadaceae’. The closest relationship was seen with Fulvimonas soli and Frateuria aurantia, but, in terms of physiology and fatty acid profile, the bacteria described were rather distant from Fulvimonas and Frateuria. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic distinctness, it is proposed that the isolates represent a novel species in a novel genus, namely Dyella japonica gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is XD53T (=IAM 15069T=DSM 16301T=ATCC BAA-939T).
Hahella ganghwensis sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment
Authors: Baik Keun Sik , Seong Chi Nam , Kim Eun Mi , Yi Hana , Bae Kyung Sook , Chun Jongsik
Published: March 2005

A marine bacterial strain, designated FR1050T, was isolated from a sediment sample of getbol (Korean tidal flat). Phylogenetic investigations based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate formed a robust monophyletic clade with Hahella chejuensis within the γ-Proteobacteria. Sequence similarity between strain FR1050T and the type strain of Hahella chejuensis was 94·7 %. Cells were Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, motile and halophilic; optimum growth occurred at sea salt concentrations of 4–6 %. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1
ω9c (39·0 %) and C16 : 0 (18·1 %). The DNA G+C content was 44 mol%. The polyphasic data obtained showed that strain FR1050T is affiliated to the genus Hahella but represents a novel species for which the name Hahella ganghwensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FR1050T (=KCTC 12277T=JCM 12486T).
Description of Komagataella phaffii sp. nov. and the transfer of Pichia pseudopastoris to the methylotrophic yeast genus Komagataella
Authors: Kurtzman Cletus P.
Published: March 2005

The new methanol-assimilating yeast species Komagataella phaffii Kurtzman sp. nov. (type strain NRRL Y-7556T=CBS 2612T) is described. Of the four known strains of this species, two were isolated from black oak trees in California, USA, one from an Emory oak in Arizona, USA, and one from an unidentified source in Mexico. The species forms hat-shaped ascospores in deliquescent asci and appears to be homothallic. Analysis of nucleotide sequences from domains D1/D2 of large-subunit (26S) rDNA separates the new species from Komagataella pastoris, the type species of the genus, and from Pichia pseudopastoris, which is here renamed Komagataella pseudopastoris (Dlauchy, Tornai-Lehoczki, Fülöp & Péter) Kurtzman comb. nov. (type strain NRRL Y-27603T=CBS 9187T=NCAIM Y 01541T). On the basis of D1/D2 26S rDNA sequence analysis, the three species now assigned to the genus Komagataella represent a clade that is phylogenetically isolated from other ascomycetous yeast genera.
Structure and microstructure of hexagonal Ba
3
Ti2RuO9 by electron diffraction and microscopy
Authors: Maunders Christian , Etheridge Joanne , Wright Natasha , Whitfield Harold J.
Published: March 2005

We have used electron microscopy and diffraction to refine the structure and investigate the microstructure of Ba3Ti2RuO9. The parent compound is hexagonal BaTiO3 with the space group P63/mmc. Using convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED) combined with electron-sensitive image plates we have found that the space group of Ba3Ti2RuO9 is the non-centrosymmetric group P63
mc at room temperature and at ∼ 110 K. This is consistent with the Ru and Ti atoms occupying alternate face-sharing octahedral sites in the 〈0001〉 direction. This maintains the c-glide, but breaks the mirror normal to the c axis and consequently removes the centre of symmetry. Using powder X-ray diffraction, we have measured the lattice parameters from polycrystalline samples to be a = 5.7056 ± 0.0005, c = 14.0093 ± 0.0015 Å at room temperature. Using high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) we observed highly coherent, low-strain {10\bar 10} grain boundaries intersecting at 60 and 120°. From CBED we deduce that adjacent grains are identical but for the relative phase of the Ti and Ru atom ordering along the c axis. HREM also revealed occasional stacking faults, normal to the c-axis.
Structure of toluene6.4-ZSM-5 and the toluene disproportionation reaction on ZSM-5
Authors: Nishi Koji , Hidaka Akira , Yokomori Yoshinobu
Published: March 2005

The structure of a high-loading complex of ZSM-5 with 6.4 toluene molecules per unit cell has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. At least three kinds of toluene molecules were identified in the unit cell. Two disordered toluene molecules were located at the intersection of the straight and sinusoidal channels, the third in the sinusoidal channel. One (TOL1) of the two toluene orientations at the intersection was similar to that of p-dichlorobenzene at the intersection in high-loaded H-ZSM-5/p-xylene (hereafter 8PARA) and high-loaded H-ZSM-5/p-dichlorobenzene (hereafter 8PDCB) complexes, respectively. The other toluene orientation (TOL2) at the intersection was similar to those of p-xylene or p-dichlorobenzene at the intersection in the low-loaded p-dichlorobenzene complex (hereafter 2.6PDCB). A third toluene orientation (TOL3) existed in the sinusoidal channel; its orientation was similar to those of p-xylene and p-dichlorobenzene in the sinusoidal channels in 8PARA and 8PDCB complexes, respectively. If the occupancy of TOL2 at the intersection increases with temperature, TOL2 will connect with TOL3 in the sinusoidal channel and form the intermediate diphenylmethane
Isomeric N-(iodophenyl)nitrophthalimides: interplay of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, iodo...nitro and iodo...carbonyl interactions, and aromatic π...π stacking interactions
Authors: Glidewell Christopher , Low John N. , Skakle Janet M. S. , Wardell Solange M. S. V. , Wardell James L.
Published: March 2005

The six isomeric N-(iodophenyl)nitrophthalimides, C14H7IN2O4, have been synthesized and the structures of five of them are reported. In N-(4-iodophenyl)-4-nitrophthalimide [(I), orthorhombic P212121] the molecules are linked into sheets by a combination of four independent C—H...O hydrogen bonds, but I...O interactions are absent. The isomers N-(3-iodophenyl)-4-nitrophthalimide [(II), monoclinic P21/c] and N-(2-iodophenyl)-4-nitrophthalimide [(III), monoclinic P21/n] both form sheets, but in (II) the molecules are linked by a combination of one two-centre iodo...nitro interaction and one C—H...O hydrogen bond into sheets containing R_4^4(30) rings, while in (III) they are linked by an iodo...carbonyl interaction and a C—H...O hydrogen bond into sheets or R_4^4(26) rings. Three-dimensional supramolecular structures are formed in both N-(4-iodophenyl)-3-nitrophthalimide [(IV), monoclinic P21/n] and N-(3-iodophenyl)-3-nitrophthalimide [(V), orthorhombic, P212121]. In (IV) the molecules are linked by a three-centre iodo...nitro interaction, three C—H...O hydrogen bonds and an aromatic π...π stacking interaction, but the framework in (V) is generated by a two-centre iodo...nitro interaction and only two C—H...O hydrogen bonds: aromatic π...π stacking interactions are absent from (V).
Can parasites synchronise the population fluctuations of sympatric tetraonids? –examining some minimum conditions
Authors: Holmstad Per R. , Hudson Peter J. , Vandvik Vigdis , Skorping Arne
Published: March 2005

Sympatric populations of tetraonid birds tend to fluctuate in synchrony, at least on local scales. If shared parasites among sympatric populations of different tetraonid species are to operate as a local, synchronizing factor for population fluctuations at least two conditions should be met: i) the host species should share the same (or similar) parasite species, and ii) geographical location should contribute significantly more to the variation in the parasite species composition and abundance than differences among host species. We examined these conditions among subpopulations of sympatric willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan and found that host species shared a common pool of parasite species, and geographic location was more important than host species in determining parasite abundance across locations. There was no time lag between density oscillations in the two hosts, suggesting a symmetrical pattern of transmission and maintenance of parasites within habitats governed by the density of hosts and the environment. These findings are consistent with the idea that parasites may play a role in generating synchronous density fluctuations, but large scale experiments are needed to verify this hypothesis.
Meta‐analysis: proton‐pump inhibition in high‐risk patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding
Authors: Bardou M. , Toubouti Y. , Benhaberou‐Brun D. , Rahme E. , Barkun A. N.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Recent data suggest that profound acid suppression may improve outcomes of patients in peptic ulcer bleeding.

Aim:  To better characterize the role of different pharmacological therapies in this population.

Methods:  MEDLINE was used to identify randomized trials (01/1990–04/2003) that assessed the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for patients with bleeding peptic ulcers exhibiting high‐risk stigmata (Forrest Ia–IIb). Three groups of treatment were assessed: proton‐pump inhibitors given as high‐dose bolus followed by intravenous constant infusion (40–80 mg and at least 6 mg/h), high‐dose oral proton‐pump inhibitors (at least twice the standard dosage), non‐high‐dose proton‐pump inhibitors (other proton‐pump inhibitors dosing schedules). Mixed‐effect models were used to determine rate differences between treatment and control groups.

Results:  Eighteen studies (1855 patients) were included. High‐dose intravenous proton‐pump inhibitors significantly reduced rebleeding (−14.6%), surgery (−5.4%) and mortality (−2.7%) compared with placebo, and rebleeding (−20.6%) compared with H2RA. Compared with placebo, high‐dose oral proton‐pump inhibitors significantly reduced only rebleeding (−11.8%), while non‐high‐dose proton‐pump inhibitor treatment significantly improved all three outcomes.

Conclusions:  High‐dose intravenous proton‐pump inhibitor significantly decreases ulcer rebleeding, surgery and mortality. Early data on high‐dose oral proton‐pump inhibitor suggest improved rebleeding. The non‐high‐dose proton‐pump inhibitor regimens, including a broad range of dosing, also improved outcomes, suggesting that doses inferior to those in the high‐dose intravenous proton‐pump inhibitor may be effective.
Systematic review: the influence of geography and ethnicity in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Kang J. Y.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Irritable bowel syndrome has been said to be less common in developing countries compared with western populations. In some case series of irritable bowel syndrome from the Indian subcontinent and Africa, the female predominance typical of western patients did not occur.

Aim and Methods:  A systematic review was performed on Medline, of community prevalence studies of irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation and chronic diarrhoea using standardized criteria, with special reference to the effect of geography and ethnicity, and the gender distribution in different countries.

Results:  There is a wide variation, depending in part on the criteria used and differences in diagnostic practices and health care utilization. No convincing evidence emerged of a difference between east and west. Most series, eastern or western showed a female predominance or no gender difference. Several US studies in communities and specific populations suggest that stool frequency is lower, and the prevalence of constipation higher, among Afro‐Caribbean Americans compared with white individuals.

Conclusions:  Community studies in multi‐racial populations are a useful way of assessing possible ethnic differences in the frequency of irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation and diarrhoea, and would additionally present opportunities to relate any ethnic differences to dietary and other environmental factors.
Bison PRNP genotyping and potential association with Brucella spp. seroprevalence
Authors: Seabury C. M. , Halbert N. D. , Gogan P. J. P. , Templeton J. W. , Derr J. N.
Published: March 2005

The implication that host cellular prion protein (PrPC) may function as a cell surface receptor and/or portal protein for Brucella abortus in mice prompted an evaluation of nucleotide and amino acid variation within exon 3 of the prion protein gene (PRNP) for six US bison populations. A non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (T50C), resulting in the predicted amino acid replacement M17T (Met→Thr), was identified in each population. To date, no variation (T50; Met) has been detected at the corresponding exon 3 nucleotide and/or amino acid position for domestic cattle. Notably, 80% (20 of 25) of the Yellowstone National Park bison possessing the C/C genotype were Brucella spp. seropositive, representing a significant (P = 0.021) association between seropositivity and the C/C genotypic class. Moreover, significant differences in the distribution of PRNP exon 3 alleles and genotypes were detected between Yellowstone National Park bison and three bison populations that were either founded from seronegative stock or previously subjected to test‐and‐slaughter management to eradicate brucellosis. Unlike domestic cattle, no indel polymorphisms were detected within the corresponding regions of the putative bison PRNP promoter, intron 1, octapeptide repeat region or 3′‐untranslated region for any population examined. This study provides the first evidence of a potential association between nucleotide variation within PRNP exon 3 and the presence of Brucella spp. antibodies in bison, implicating PrPC in the natural resistance of bison to brucellosis infection.
Leptin promoter mutations affect leptin levels and performance traits in dairy cows1
Authors: Liefers S. C. , Veerkamp R. F. , Te Pas M. F. W. , Delavaud C. , Chilliard Y. , Platje M. , van der Lende T.
Published: March 2005

Leptin concentrations in body fluids and tissues undergo dynamic changes during the periparturient period. Polymorphisms in the leptin gene have been shown to be associated with differences in leptin concentration during late pregnancy but not during lactation. As the promoter of leptin regulates the expression of leptin, polymorphisms in this region could play an important role in the differences in leptin expression observed during the periparturient period. We sequenced the leptin promoter and discovered 20 SNP in a 1.6‐kbp region of the bovine leptin promoter. Fourteen of these SNP were genotyped for all animals and these were found to be associated with leptin concentrations during late pregnancy but not during lactation. Three of these SNP are located in a 135‐bp promoter region and together explained 14.3% of the variance in prepartum leptin concentrations which indicates that this region might be important for pregnancy‐induced leptin synthesis. In the association study of the 14 SNP with dairy traits three were separately found to be associated with fertility, energy balance and protein yield. These might serve as markers for future breeding programmes for better fertility and energy balance without significantly influencing milk yield in dairy cattle.
Modulation of TLR signalling by the C‐terminal Src kinase (Csk) in macrophages
Authors: Aki Daisuke , Mashima Ryuichi , Saeki Kazuko , Minoda Yasumasa , Yamauchi Moriyasu , Yoshimura Akihiko
Published: March 2005

In macrophages and monocytes, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokine through Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4. Although major TLR signalling pathways are mediated by serine or threonine kinases including IKK, TAK1, p38 and JNKs, a number of reports suggested that tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins is involved in LPS signalling. Here, we identified several tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins using mass spectrometric analysis in response to LPS stimulation. Among these proteins, we characterized C‐terminal Src kinase (Csk), which negatively regulates Src‐like kinases in RAW 264.7 cells using RNAi knockdown technology. Unexpectedly, LPS‐induced CD40 activation and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokine such as IL‐6 and TNF‐α, was down‐regulated in Csk knockdown cells. Furthermore, overall cellular tyrosine phosphorylation and TLR4‐mediated activation of IκB‐α, Erk and p38 but not of JNK, were also down‐regulated in Csk knockdown cells. The protein expression levels of a tyrosine kinase, Fgr, were reduced in Csk knockdown cells, suggesting that Csk is a critical regulator of TLR4‐mediated signalling by modifying the levels of Src‐like kinases.
DNA polymerases α, δ, and ɛ localize and function together at replication forks inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hiraga Shin‐Ichiro , Hagihara‐Hayashi Aki , Ohya Tomoko , Sugino Akio
Published: March 2005

Early in eukaryotic cell cycle, a pre‐RC is assembled at each replication origin with ORC, Cdc6, Cdt1 and Mcm2‐7 proteins to license the origin for use in the subsequent S phase. Licensed origin must then be activated by S‐Cdk and Ddk. At the onset of S phase, RPA is loaded on to the ARS in a reaction stimulated by S‐Cdk and Ddk, followed by Cdc45‐dependent loading of pol α, ‐δ, and ‐ɛ. This study examines cell cycle‐dependent localization of pol α, ‐δ and ‐ɛ inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeusing immuno‐histochemical and chromatin immuno‐precipitation methods. The results show that pol α, ‐δ, or ‐ɛ localizes on chromatin as punctate foci at all stages of the cell cycle. However, some foci overlap with or are adjacent to foci pulse‐labeled with bromodeoxyuridine during S phase, indicating these are replicating foci. DNA microarray analysis localized pol α, ‐δ, and ‐ɛ to early firing ARSs on yeast chromosome III and VI at the beginning of S phase. These data collectively suggest that bidirectional replication occurs at specific foci in yeast chromosomes and that pol α, ‐δ, and ‐ɛ localize and function together at multiple replication forks during S phase.
Identifying HIV/AIDS primary care development needs
Authors: Foong Andrew L.S. , Ng S.F. , Lee Christopher K.C.
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study aimed at identifying the primary health care experiences of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Malaysia. The rationale behind the study was to enable informed action for developing more responsive and effective primary care.

Background.  Reports such as from the World Health Organisation forecast sharp escalations in the incidence of HIV/AIDS in Malaysia and the Asia‐Pacific region within the next few years. With sparse information on the course of infection on the local population and an understanding of health care needs of those afflicted, health services would be ill‐prepared for projected increases.

Method.  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 99 patients attending two major HIV/AIDS clinics in Malaysia.

Findings.  Several gaps in care provision were highlighted, such as with treatment/consultation facilities and availability and accessibility of information. What is also evident is that there are a number of good support services available but not well publicized to those in need of them. That includes health professionals who could be making appropriate referrals. The lack of communications and inter‐professional working appears to be part of the problem.

Conclusion.  The findings provide baseline data and preliminary insights to government and other service providers towards advancing, optimizing and refining existing policies and infrastructure. Although the availability of a number of primary care facilities have been identified, the study indicates the need for more effective co‐ordinated efforts with clear leadership to pull together scarce resources towards the aim of some degree of seamless primary care provision. It is suggested that nurses would be well placed for such a role in view of the nature of their education and training that helps prepare them for the multi‐faceted role.
Factors affecting the use of nursing information systems in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Ting‐Ting , Lee Tzu‐Ying , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Chang Pi‐Chen
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study to test a proposed model of factors (demographic variables, computer experience and perceived technology characteristics) influencing the efficient use of a computerized nursing care planning system by hospital clinical nurses.

Background.  Although nursing information systems have been used in health care institutions, little research has explored the efficiency of computer use in nurses’ daily practice.

Method.  A secondary data analysis was applied to focus on clinical nurses’ daily computer use. The original data were collected from a medical centre in Taiwan to establish the reliability and validity of a scale to evaluate computerized nursing care plan systems.

Results.  Younger nurses with more education, less computer knowledge and less usage pressure, and who perceived that they had less usage benefit, more education training and usability regarding system use, spent less time on the computerized nursing care plan.

Conclusion.  The results can be used for further organization of education programmes and as a reference for training strategies. Further examination and analysis of item content are suggested.
Fusobacterium necrophorum‐induced sepsis: an unusual case of Lemierre's syndrome
Authors: Kuduvalli P. M. , Jukka C. M. , Stallwood M. , Battersby C. , Neal T. , Masterson G. , Marx G.
Published: March 2005

Classical Lemierre's syndrome is characterized by severe sepsis with metastatic abscess formation in young, previously fit people from a primary head or neck focus. The causative organisms are the anaerobic fusobacteria, most commonly Fusobacterium necrophorum. We describe the evaluation, therapeutic interventions and management of a patient with Lemierre's syndrome who presented in septic shock with multiple organ dysfunction. The patient required immediate interventions including endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, fluid resuscitation, inotropic support, bilateral thoracostomy tube drainage of empyemata and antimicrobial therapy. The unexpected isolation of Fusobacterium necrophorum from blood cultures and empyema fluid necessitated a change of antibiotic regime to provide anaerobic cover. The patient required 4 weeks of intensive support including prolonged antimicrobial therapy, and after a further 2 weeks was discharged home from hospital. This case highlights the need to raise the awareness of ‘the forgotten disease’: Lemierre's syndrome. Its diagnosis may, as in this case, be confounded by a lack of symptoms of pharyngitis at the time of presentation, and end‐organ dysfunction associated with severe sepsis, possibly suggesting an alternative source of infection. As appropriate antibiotics reduce mortality dramatically, clinicians need to be alert to Lemierre's syndrome and include it in the differential diagnosis in young but otherwise healthy patients presenting with severe sepsis.
Jaw thrust can deteriorate upper airway patency
Authors: Von Ungern‐Sternberg B. S. , Erb T. O. , Frei F. J.
Published: March 2005

Upper airway obstruction is a frequent problem in spontaneously breathing children undergoing anesthesia or sedation procedures. Failure to maintain a patent airway can rapidly result in severe hypoxemia, bradycardia, or asystole, as the oxygen demand of children is high and oxygen reserve is low.

We present two children with cervical masses in whom upper airway obstruction exaggerated while the jaw thrust maneuver was applied during induction of anesthesia. This deterioration in airway patency was probably caused by medial displacement of the lateral tumorous tissues which narrowed the pharyngeal airway.
Long‐term effects of hypothermia on neuronal cell death and the concentration of apoptotic proteins after incomplete cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats
Authors: Eberspächer E. , Werner C. , Engelhard K. , Pape M. , Laacke L. , Winner D. , Hollweck R. , Hutzler P. , Kochs E.
Published: March 2005

Background:  The present study investigates the long‐term effects of postischemic hypothermia on neuronal cell damage and concentration changes of apoptotic proteins after cerebral ischemia.

Methods:  Sixty‐four Sprague‐Dawley rats were anesthetized, intubated and ventilated with 2.0 Vol% isoflurane and 70% N2O/O2. After preparation the animals were randomly assigned to the following groups: group 1 (n = 32, fentanyl‐N2O/normothermia 37.5°C), and group 2 (n = 32, fentanyl‐N2O/hypothermia 34.0°C. Ischemia (45 min) was induced by common carotid artery occlusion plus hemorrhagic hypotension (MAP = 40 mmHg). Arterial blood gases and pH were maintained constant. After 1, 3, 7, or 28 days (each n = 8) the brains were removed, frozen and cut. Neuronal damage was assessed by analyzing Bax, Bcl‐2, p53, and Mdm‐2 proteins, activated caspases‐3‐positive and eosinophilic cells. A third group (n = 8) of untreated animals served as naive controls.

Results:  In hypothermic animals, Bax concentration was decreased by 50–70% over time compared to normothermia. On days 1 and 3, Bcl‐2 was increased by 50% with hypothermia. The amount of activated caspase‐3‐positive cells in the ischemic hemisphere was 0.5% in the hypothermic and 1–2% in the normothermic animals. Of the hippocampal cells, 10–25% were eosinophilic in both groups over time.

Conclusion:  The present data show that hypothermia prevents an ischemia‐induced increase of the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax for as long as 28 days and increases the concentration of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2 up to 3 days compared to normothermic animals. Therefore, after cerebral ischemia, hypothermia has the sustained neuroprotective potential to shift apoptosis‐related proteins towards neuronal cell survival.
NF‐κB inhibitors stabilize the mRNA of high‐affinity type‐2 cationic amino acid transporter in LPS‐stimulated rat liver
Authors: Yang C.‐H. , Tsai P.‐S. , Lee J.‐J. , Huang C.‐H. , Huang C.‐J.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) results in nitric oxide (NO) overproduction during endotoxemia. Cellular uptake of l‐arginine, modulated by the isozymes of type‐2 cationic amino acid transporters (CAT), including CAT‐2, CAT‐2A and CAT‐2B, has been reported to be a crucial factor in the regulation of iNOS activity. We sought to elucidate the expression of CAT‐2 isozymes and the role of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) in this expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated rat liver.

Methods:  Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly given intravenous (i.v.) injections of normal saline (N/S), LPS, LPS preceded by an NF‐κB inhibitor (PDTC, dexamethasone or salicylate) or an NF‐κB inhibitor alone. After injection, rats were sacrificed at different times and enzyme expression and liver injury were examined. Hepatic and systemic NO production were also measured.

Results:  CAT‐2, CAT‐2A and CAT‐2B were constitutively expressed in un‐stimulated rat liver. LPS stimulation not only significantly increased iNOS mRNA and NO concentrations but also decreased the mRNA concentrations of CAT‐2 and CAT‐2B, but not CAT‐2A, in a time‐dependent manner. LPS‐induced hepatic and systemic NO overproduction was associated with hepatocellular injury. Pre‐treatment with NF‐κB inhibitors significantly attenuated LPS‐induced iNOS induction as well as CAT‐2/CAT‐2B mRNA destabilization, which was associated with significant inhibition of NO biosynthesis and less liver injury.

Conclusion:  NF‐κB inhibitors stabilize CAT‐2 and CAT‐2B mRNA in LPS‐stimulated rat liver. The hepatic CAT‐2/CAT‐2B pathway may be a constitutive part of cytoprotective mechanisms against sepsis.
Staff exposure to ionizing radiation in a major trauma centre
Authors: Tan Gim A. , Van Every Bruce
Published: March 2005

Background:  The purpose of the present paper was to determine the safety of staff members with regard to ionizing radiation in a major trauma centre in a 19‐month period.

Methods and results:  A group of five doctors, five nurses and a trauma orderly wore personal radiation monitors under lead aprons while at work. The highest individual cumulative result after 586 days was 0.18 mSv for a nurse. If the exposure rate to ionizing radiation was constant, this would be equivalent to 0.114 mSv per year. Therefore the results are well below the recommended occupational dose limit of 20 mSv per year.

Conclusion:  Wearing of lead aprons during trauma resuscitation appears to be safe and provides adequate protection.
Breast intraoperative ultrasound: prospective study in 112 patients with impalpable lesions
Authors: Buman Sarah J. , Clark David A.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Preoperative hookwire localizations have been used for some years to guide excision of subclinical breast lesions. With the availability of ultrasonography in the operating theatre, these localizations can be done intraoperatively.

Methods:  One hundred and thirty lesions in 112 consecutive patients with impalpable breast lesions were intraoperatively localized and excised, obviating the need for preoperative localizations.

Results:  All 130 lesions were detected intraoperatively and excised. Forty‐four patients elected to have their benign lesions excised and there were 32 cancers removed. Ultrasonography was used to ensure complete local excisions in the majority of the cancers.

Conclusion:  Intraoperative breast ultrasound is a reliable, rapid and cost‐effective adjunct in the management of both benign and malignant breast lesions.