bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Carlos Wing-hung Lo, China's Legal Awakening. Legal Theory and Criminal Justice in Deng's Era
Authors: Gregg
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Law of the Republic of Kazakstan "On the Securities Market"
Authors: Simons
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
In Search of a Russian Brand of International Law
Authors: Ginsburgs
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Transfer of Ownership for the Purpose of Security: What is its Place in Russian Law?
Authors: Sarbash
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Non-Commercial Organizations as Subjects of Entrepreneurial Activity in Russian Civil Law
Authors: Beliaev
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Legal Aspects of Implementation of Biodiversity Related Conventions in Central Europe
Authors: Stec
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Regulation of Insolvency within the Framework of the Model Legislation of the CIS
Authors: Vitrianskii
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Emergence of Pravovoe Gosudarstvo (Rechtsstaat) in Russia
Authors: Oda
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
The Appointment of a Prime-Minister in Russia: The President. The Duma. The Constitutional Court
Authors: Luryi
Published: March 2005

No Abstract
Making and Breaking Social Capital
Authors: Kumlin Staffan , Rothstein Bo
Published: March 2005

Since the debate about the importance of social capital and civil society for the quality of democracy began, Scandinavia has caused problems. Observers have been bewildered by an allegedly paradoxical coexistence of a wealth of social capital and extensive welfare-state arrangements. Some theorize that large welfare states make engagement in voluntary associations unnecessary, making the production of social capital more difficult. However, empirical research shows Scandinavia to have comparatively high levels of social capital. To solve this paradox, the authors address how the causal mechanism between variation in the design of welfare-state institutions and social capital works. The empirical analysis, based on Swedish survey data, suggests that the specific design of welfare-state policies matters for the production of social capital. Contacts with universal welfare-state institutions tend to increase social trust, whereas experiences with needs-testing social programs undermine it. The policy implication is that governments, by designing welfare-state institutions, can invest in social capital.
Do Countries Have a “Democratic Advantage”?
Authors: Saiegh Sebastian M.
Published: March 2005

This article examines the effect of political institutions on countries’ risk characteristics and the role that domestic political institutions play in determining the interest rates charged to less developed countries. According to the “democratic advantage” argument, democracies should pay lower interest rates than authoritarian regimes because they are better able to make credible commitments. The author argues that such a claim must be revised in the case of developing countries. The results presented in this article support this assertion. First, they show that democracies are more likely to reschedule their debts, so they have no advantage; rather, the opposite is true. Second, there does not appear to be a significant difference between the interest rates paid by democracies and nondemocracies.
Dissatisfied Democrats or Retrospective Voters?
Authors: Benton Allyson Lucinda
Published: March 2005

This article examines recent trends in Latin American voting behavior and casts them in terms of sincere (economic) and strategic (electoral) concerns. It argues that thanks to years of economic adversity, Latin Americans have developed long, sophisticated economic memories. Although this has resulted in rising frustration with democratic government, according to recent opinion polls, it has not always led voters to punish all parties responsible for hardship at election time. A panel study of the region’s presidential systems demonstrates that citizens punish incumbents by voting for established nonincumbents when electoral laws reduce opportunities available to small parties in the systems, even if nonincumbents have also been blamed for hard economic times. More permissive electoral systems, in contrast, encourage citizens to reject all parties responsible for economic decline. The analysis demonstrates how economic and electoral concerns interact to affect voting behavior, political accountability, and public opinion in Latin America.
Self-Forgiveness
Authors: Ingersoll-Dayton Berit , Krause Neal
Published: March 2005

For older people, self-forgiveness may play an important role in diminishing guilt and enhancing self-acceptance. In particular, self-forgiveness can result in a more congruent view of the self. This study explored the components of self-forgiveness in a sample of 129 White and African American individuals aged 65 and older to whom religion was at least somewhat important. Qualitative methods were used to identify the reactions of older adults after committing transgressions. Analyses of the participants' responses illuminate cognitive, behavioral, and emotional reactions integral to self-forgiveness. The findings also provide insights into the types of older people who may find self-forgiveness most problematic.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Self-Reported Visual Impairment Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Horowitz Amy , Brennan Mark , Reinhardt Joann P.
Published: March 2005

This study examined the prevalence of and risk factors for self-reported visual impairment among American adults. Data were collected via telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample ( n= 1,219) aged 45 and older and were weighted for population parameter estimates. Hierarchical logistic regression examined independent risk factors of self-reported visual impairment. Seventeen percent of adults aged 45 and older self-reported visual impairments, increasing to 26.5% of those aged 75 and older. Greater age, not being Hispanic, in poor or fair self-rated health, and low availability of informal social support were significant risk factors associated with visual impairment. The prevalence of vision problems among adults suggests unmet needs for both basic eye care and vision rehabilitation interventions to reduce functional limitations that can result from visual impairment. Longitudinal research is needed to examine prevalence and incidence of vision loss as a function of population aging and changing health behaviors.
Private Markets, Contracts, and Government Provision
Authors: Walls Margaret , Macauley Molly , Anderson Soren
Published: March 2005

The authors study determinants of market organization of local public services by an examination of one of the most visible services, residentialwaste management. Using a multinomial logit model and data for 1,000 U.S. communities, the authors explore the effects of political influence, voter ideology, environmental constraints, production costs, and contracting transaction costs on a community’s choice of service delivery options. They find that costs are significant in explaining communities’ choices. In contrast, few of the political variables are statistically significant. These results hold for both waste and recycling, providing further evidence that local governments emphasize costs when choosing between private and public provision.
Media and Momentum
Authors: Krebs Timothy B. , Holian David B.
Published: March 2005

To be a competitive candidate for mayor in the nation’s largest cities requires one to raise substantial sums of money. In this research, the authors explore the dynamics of campaign contributions using data from the 2001 mayoral election in Los Angeles. Their primary theoretical interest is in whether contributions reflect shifts in candidates’momentum, which they measure via a content analysis of campaign press coverage. Findings indicate that contributions are a function of momentum, but the effects are not the same for all candidates. In a concluding section, the authors explain why this might be the case.
Nested Levels of Institutions
Authors: McCabe Barbara Coyle , Feiock Richard C.
Published: March 2005

The new institutionalism concentrates on the nature and effects of rules, and intergovernmental relations on the levels of government. This article integrates these foci to present a model of nested institutions and levels of government, focusing on constitutional and substantive rules of governance in states and municipalities. The authors contend that cities’ constitutional rules (specifically their governance arrangements) shape local actors’ incentives and influence their implementation of state mandates. They argue further that the mere presence—not the actual evocation—of these rules casts a shadow that defines the actors’ decision space and that broad distinctions among laws have profound implications for the actors’ choices. They support this explanation by empirically testing propositions derived from the framework regarding property tax dependence in large cities between 1975 and 1995.
Interaction between clay minerals and hydrocarbon-utilizing indigenous microorganisms in high concentrations of heavy oil: implications for bioremediation
Authors: Khodijah Chaerun Siti , Tazaki Kazue , Asada Ryuji , Kogure Kazuhiro
Published: March 2005

This study focused on whether the presence of clay minerals (montmorillonite and kaolinite) in marine or coastal environments contaminated with high concentrations of heavy-oil spills were able to support the growth of hydrocarbon degraders to enable bioremediation. The bacterial growth experiment utilizing ~150 g/l of heavy oil (from theNakhodkaoil spill) was conducted with 1500 mg/l of montmorillonite or kaolinite. Bacterial strainPseudomonas aeruginosa(isolated from Atake seashore, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan), capable of degrading heavy oil, was employed in combination with other hydrocarbon degraders inhabiting the heavy oil and seawater (collected from the Sea of Japan). The interactions among microbial cells, clay minerals and heavy oil were studied. Both clays were capable of promoting microbial growth and allowed microorganisms to proliferate (to a greater degree than in a control sample which contained no clay) in an extremely high concentration of heavy oil. Observation by transmission electron microscopy of the clay-oil-cell complexes showed that microbial cells tended to be bound primarily on the edges of the clays. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the clay-oil and clay-oil-cell complexes involved the adsorption of microbial cells and/or heavy oil on the external surfaces of the clays. How do the interactions among clay minerals, microbial cells and heavy oil contribute to environmental factors influencing the bioremediation process? To our knowledge, there are no previous reports on the use of clay minerals in the bioremediation of theNakhodkaoil spill in combination with biofilm formation.
Distinct hematopoietic progenitor compartments are delineated by the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase and CD34
Authors: Storms Robert W. , Green Patrick D. , Safford Kristine M. , Niedzwiecki Donna , Cogle Christopher R. , Colvin O. Michael , Chao Nelson J. , Rice Henry E. , Smith Clayton A.
Published: March 2005

A broad range of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors reside within a fraction of umbilical cord blood (UCB) that exhibits low light scatter properties (SSClo) and high expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDHbr). Many SSClo ALDHbr cells coexpress CD34; however, other cells express either ALDH or CD34. To investigate the developmental potential of these cell subsets, purified ALDHbr CD34+, ALDHneg CD34+, and ALDHbr CD34neg UCB cells were characterized within a variety of in vivo and in vitro assays. Primitive progenitors capable of multilineage development were monitored in long- and short-term repopulation assays performed on nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice, and in primary and secondary long-term culture assays. These progenitors were highly enriched within the ALDHbr CD34+ fraction. This cell fraction also enriched short-term myeloid progenitors that were detected in vitro. By comparison, ALDHneg CD34+ cells contained few primitive progenitors and had diminished short-term myeloid potential but exhibited enhanced short-term natural killer (NK) cell development in vitro. The ALDHbr CD34neg cells were not efficiently supported by any of the assays used. These studies suggested that in particular the expression of ALDH delineated distinct CD34+ stem cell and progenitor compartments. The differential expression of ALDH may provide a means to explore normal and malignant processes associated with myeloid and lymphoid development.
Activation mutations of human c-KIT resistant to imatinib mesylate are sensitive to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor PKC412
Authors: Growney Joseph D. , Clark Jennifer J. , Adelsperger Jennifer , Stone Richard , Fabbro Doriano , Griffin James D. , Gilliland D. Gary
Published: March 2005

Constitutively activated forms of the transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase c-KIT have been associated with systemic mast cell disease, acute myeloid leukemia, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Reports of the resistance of the kinase domain mutation D816V to the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-competitive kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate prompted us to characterize 14 c-KIT mutations reported in association with human hematologic malignancies for transforming activity in the murine hematopoietic cell line Ba/F3 and for sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor PKC412. Ten of 14 c-KIT mutations conferred interleukin 3 (IL-3)-independent growth. c-KIT D816Y and D816V transformed cells were sensitive to PKC412 despite resistance to imatinib mesylate. In these cells, PKC412, but not imatinib mesylate, inhibited autophosphorylation of c-KIT and activation of downstream effectors signal transducer and transcriptional activator 5 (Stat5) and Stat3. Variable sensitivities to PKC412 or imatinib mesylate were observed among other mutants. These findings suggest that PKC412 may be a useful therapeutic agent for c-KIT-positive malignancies harboring the imatinib mesylate-resistant D816V or D816Y activation mutations. (Blood. 2005;106:721-724)
Hyperosmotic stimulus induces reversible angiogenesis within the hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei of the adult rat: a potential role for neuronal vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Alonso Gérard , Galibert Evelyne , Duvoid-Guillou Anne , Vincent Anne
Published: March 2005

Background

In mammals, the CNS vasculature is established during the postnatal period via active angiogenesis, providing different brain regions with capillary networks of various densities that locally supply adapted metabolic support to neurons. Thereafter this vasculature remains essentially quiescent excepted for specific pathologies. In the adult rat hypothalamus, a particularly dense network of capillary vessels is associated with the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei containing the magnocellular neurons secreting vasopressin and oxytocin, two neurohormones involved in the control of the body fluid homoeostasis. In the seventies, it was reported that proliferation of astrocytes and endothelial cells occurs within these hypothalamic nuclei when strong metabolic activation of the vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic neurons was induced by prolonged hyperosmotic stimulation. The aim of the present study was to determine whether such proliferative response to osmotic stimulus is related to local angiogenesis and to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved.

Results

Our results provide evidence that cell proliferation occurring within the SON of osmotically stimulated adult rats corresponds to local angiogenesis. We show that 1) a large majority of the SON proliferative cells is associated with capillary vessels, 2) this proliferative response correlates with a progressive increase in density of the capillary network within the nucleus, and 3) SON capillary vessels exhibit an increased expression of nestin and vimentin, two markers of newly formed vessels. Contrasting with most adult CNS neurons, hypothalamic magnocellular neurons were found to express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic factor whose production was increased by osmotic stimulus. When VEGF was inhibited by dexamethasone treatment or by the local application of a blocking antibody, the angiogenic response was strongly inhibited within the hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei of hyperosmotically stimulated rats.

Conclusion

This study shows that the functional stimulation of hypothalamic magnocellular neurons of adult rats induces reversible angiogenesis via the local secretion of neuronal VEGF. Since many diseases are driven by unregulated angiogenesis, the hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei should provide an interesting model to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of angiogenesis processes within the adult CNS.
Effects of Chronic Hyperghrelinemia on Puberty Onset and Pregnancy Outcome in the Rat
Authors: Fernández-Fernández R. , Navarro V. M. , Barreiro M. L. , Vigo E. M. , Tovar S. , Sirotkin A. V. , Casanueva F. F. , Aguilar E. , Dieguez C. , Pinilla L. , Tena-Sempere M.
Published: March 2005

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor, has been recently involved in a wide array of biological functions, including signaling of energy insufficiency and energy homeostasis. On the basis of the proven reproductive effects of other regulators of energy balance, such as the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin, we hypothesized that systemic ghrelin may participate in the control of key aspects of reproductive function. To test this hypothesis, the effects of daily treatment with ghrelin were assessed in rats, pair-fed with control animals, in two relevant reproductive states, puberty and gestation, which are highly dependent on proper energy stores. Daily sc injection of ghrelin (0.5 nmol/12 h; between postnatal d 33 and 43) significantly decreased serum LH and testosterone levels and partially prevented balanopreputial separation (as an external index of puberty onset) in pubertal male rats. On the contrary, chronic administration of ghrelin to prepubertal females, between postnatal d 23 and 33, failed to induce major changes in serum levels of gonadotropins and estradiol, nor did it modify the timing of puberty, as estimated by the ages at vaginal opening and first estrus. Moreover, females treated with ghrelin at puberty subsequently displayed normal estrous cyclicity and were fertile. Conversely, ghrelin administration (0.5 nmol/12 h) during the first half of pregnancy (d 1–11) resulted in a significant decrease in pregnancy outcome, as estimated by the number of pups born per litter, without changes in the number of successful pregnancies at term or gestational length. Overall, our data indicate that persistently elevated ghrelin levels, as a putative signal for energy insufficiency, may operate as a negative modifier of key reproductive states, such as pregnancy and (male) puberty onset.
Three Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Isotypes from Each of Two Species of Marine Fish
Authors: Leaver Michael J. , Boukouvala Evridiki , Antonopoulou Efthimia , Diez Amalia , Favre-Krey Laurence , Ezaz M. Tariq , Bautista José M. , Tocher Douglas R. , Krey Grigorios
Published: March 2005

The cloning and characterization of cDNAs and genes encoding three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isotypes from two species of marine fish, the plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), are reported for the first time. Although differences in the genomic organization of the fish PPAR genes compared with their mammalian counterparts are evident, sequence alignments and phylogenetic comparisons show the fish genes to be homologs of mammalian PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ. Like their mammalian homologs, fish PPARs bind to a variety of natural PPAR response elements (PPREs) present in the promoters of mammalian or piscine genes. In contrast, the mRNA expression pattern of PPARs in the two fish species differs from that observed in other vertebrates. Thus, PPARγ is expressed more widely in fish tissues than in mammals, whereas PPARα and β are expressed similarly in profile to mammals. Furthermore, nutritional status strongly influences the expression of all three PPAR isotypes in liver, whereas it has no effect on PPAR expression in intestinal and adipose tissues. Fish PPARα and β exhibit an activation profile similar to that of the mammalian PPAR in response to a variety of activators/ligands, whereas PPARγ is not activated by mammalian PPARγ-specific ligands. Amino acid residues shown to be critical for ligand binding in mammalian PPARs are not conserved in fish PPARγ and therefore, together with the distinct tissue expression profile of this receptor, suggest potential differences in the function of PPARγ in fish compared with mammals.
Adult-Onset Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Deficiency Reduces Neoplastic Disease, Modifies Age-Related Pathology, and Increases Life Span
Authors: Sonntag William E. , Carter Christy S. , Ikeno Yuji , Ekenstedt Kari , Carlson Cathy S. , Loeser Richard F. , Chakrabarty Shilla , Lee Shuko , Bennett Colleen , Ingram Rhonda , Moore Tracy , Ramsey Melinda
Published: March 2005

Disruption of the insulin/IGF-I pathway increases life span in invertebrates. However, effects of decreased IGF-I signaling in mammalian models remain controversial. Using a rodent model with a specific and limited deficiency of GH and IGF-I, we report that GH and IGF-I deficiency throughout life [GH deficiency (GHD)] has no effect on life span compared with normal, heterozygous animals. However, treatment of GHD animals with GH from 4–14 wk of age [adult-onset (AO) GHD] increased median and maximal life span by 14% and 12%, respectively. Analysis of end-of-life pathology indicated that deficiency of these hormones decreased tumor incidence in GHD and AO-GHD animals (18 and 30%, respectively) compared with heterozygous animals and decreased the severity of, and eliminated deaths from, chronic nephropathy. Total disease burden was reduced by 24% in GHD and 16% in AO-GHD animals. Interestingly, the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage increased by 154 and 198% in GHD and AO-GHD animals, respectively, compared with heterozygous animals. Deaths from intracranial hemorrhage in AO-GHD animals were delayed by 14 wk accounting for the increased life span compared with GHD animals. The presence of GH and IGF-I was necessary to maximize reproductive fitness and growth of offspring early in life and to maintain cognitive function and prevent cartilage degeneration later in life. The diverse effects of GH and IGF-I are consistent with a model of antagonistic pleiotropy and suggest that, in response to a deficiency of these hormones, increased life span is derived at the risk of functional impairments and tissue degeneration.
Steroid Sulfatase: Molecular Biology, Regulation, and Inhibition
Authors: Reed M. J. , Purohit A. , Woo L. W. L. , Newman S. P. , Potter B. V. L.
Published: March 2005

Steroid sulfatase (STS) is responsible for the hydrolysis of aryl and alkyl steroid sulfates and therefore has a pivotal role in regulating the formation of biologically active steroids. The enzyme is widely distributed throughout the body, and its action is implicated in physiological processes and pathological conditions. The crystal structure of the enzyme has been resolved, but relatively little is known about what regulates its expression or activity. Research into the control and inhibition of this enzyme has been stimulated by its important role in supporting the growth of hormone-dependent tumors of the breast and prostate. STS is responsible for the hydrolysis of estrone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to estrone and dehydroepiandrosterone, respectively, both of which can be converted to steroids with estrogenic properties (i.e., estradiol and androstenediol) that can stimulate tumor growth. STS expression is increased in breast tumors and has prognostic significance. The role of STS in supporting tumor growth prompted the development of potent STS inhibitors. Several steroidal and nonsteroidal STS inhibitors are now available, with the irreversible type of inhibitor having a phenol sulfamate ester as its active pharmacophore. One such inhibitor, 667 COUMATE, has now entered a phase I trial in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The skin is also an important site of STS activity, and deficiency of this enzyme is associated with X-linked ichthyosis. STS may also be involved in regulating part of the immune response and some aspects of cognitive function. The development of potent STS inhibitors will allow investigation of the role of this enzyme in physiological and pathological processes.
The Molecular-Genetic Basis of Functional Hyperandrogenism and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Escobar-Morreale Héctor F. , Luque-Ramírez Manuel , San Millán José L.
Published: March 2005

The genetic mechanisms underlying functional hyperandrogenism and the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain largely unknown. Given the large number of genetic variants found in association with these disorders, the emerging picture is that of a complex multigenic trait in which environmental influences play an important role in the expression of the hyperandrogenic phenotype.

Among others, genomic variants in genes related to the regulation of androgen biosynthesis and function, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome, and proinflammatory genotypes may be involved in the genetic predisposition to functional hyperandrogenism and PCOS.

The elucidation of the molecular genetic basis of these disorders has been burdened by the heterogeneity in the diagnostic criteria used to define PCOS, the limited sample size of the studies conducted to date, and the lack of precision in the identification of ethnic and environmental factors that trigger the development of hyperandrogenic disorders. Progress in this area requires adequately sized multicenter collaborative studies after standardization of the diagnostic criteria used to classify hyperandrogenic patients, in whom modifying environmental factors such as ethnicity, diet, and lifestyle are identified with precision.

In addition to classic molecular genetic techniques such as linkage analysis in the form of a whole-genome scan and large case-control studies, promising genomic and proteomic approaches will be paramount to our understanding of the pathogenesis of functional hyperandrogenism and PCOS, allowing a more precise prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these prevalent disorders.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Honeycomb-like Copper(II) Complex Containing 4-Aminopyrimidine and Methoxide Bridges
Authors: Osanai Keita , Ishida Takayuki , Nogami Takashi
Published: March 2005

Complexation of Cu(NO3)2 with 4-aminopyrimidine (4APM) in methanol gave [Cu(4APM)(NO3)(OCH3)]n which crystallizes in a trigonal space group . The three-dimensional network affords a tube-like cavity. Magnetic measurements revealed the presence of considerably large antiferromagnetic interaction due to the four-membered Cu2O2 structure.
Measurement of urinary free cortisol using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: comparison with the urine adapted ACS:180 serum cortisol chemiluminescent immunoassay and development of a new reference range
Authors: McCann Steven J , Gillingwater Scott , Keevil Brian G
Published: March 2005

Background: The measurement of urinary free cortisol (UFC) is commonly used in the investigation of possible Cushing's syndrome. With the recent availability of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in hospital laboratories, we wanted to develop a specific UFC LC-MS/MS method and compare it with our current immunoassay method and develop a new LC-MS/MS reference range if required.

Methods: A UFC LC-MS/MS method using deuterated cortisol as an internal standard was optimized using solid-phase extraction as a clean-up procedure. The multiple reaction-monitoring transitions used for the detection of cortisol and deuterated cortisol were 363.1>121 and 365.1>121.8, respectively. The method was investigated regarding precision, linearity, sensitivity, recovery and interference. UFC was measured by the in-house urine adapted ACS:180 serum cortisol immunoassay and the developed LC-MS/MS method in 110 urine samples from patients being investigated for possible Cushing's syndrome.

Results: The within-batch precisions ( n=25) of the LC-MS/MS method were 7.6%, 4.5% and 3.3% at 25.0 nmol/L, 49.6 nmol/L and 344.6 nmol/L, respectively; the between-batch precisions ( n = 10) were 9.4%, 9.4% and 8.4%, respectively, at these concentrations. The method is sensitive down to 5 nmol/L and linear up to at least 1000 nmol/L. The method showed adequate cortisol recovery and no interference from the numerous drugs and steroids tested. The total run time for 20 samples, including sample preparation, was 120 min. A scatter plot of paired UFC measurements on the LC-MS/MS and the ACS:180 gave the equation: LC-MS/MS=0.408 (ACS:180)+2.65, r2 = 0.6664. The 24-h measured UFC results on 110 samples (25 men and 85 women) were positively skewed. After log transformation the data were less skewed, and following back transformation of the lower 97.5th centile, the upper limit of normal was 165 nmol/24 h. The 95th centile of the untransformed data was 146 nmol/24 h ( n=110, 25 men and 85 women). Separated by sex, the 95th centile was 152 nmol/24 h for men ( n=25) and 141 nmol/24 h for women ( n=85).

Conclusions: We have developed a UFC LC-MS/MS method with a solid-phase extraction clean-up step. The method shows adequate performance and is suitable for routine laboratory use. The mixed sex ( n=110, men=25, women=85) reference range was up to 165 nmol/24 h or 146 nmol/24 h, depending on how the data are manipulated.
Testosterone replacement-induced hyperprolactinaemia: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sodi R , Fikri R , Diver M , Ranganath L , Vora J
Published: March 2005

Half of all men with prolactin (PRL)-producing macroadenomas present with hypogonadism, decreased libido and impotence, and therefore require testosterone replacement. However, very little is known about the effect of testosterone on prolactinomas. We report a case of an 18-year-old obese man who presented with hypogonadism and hyperprolactinaemia and underwent a transphenoidal hypophysectomy after a computer tomography scan showed the presence of a suprasellar macroadenoma. On separate occasions, we documented a rise in PRL when testosterone replacement was started and a fall in PRL when testosterone replacement was stopped ( r=0.6090, P=0.0095). Furthermore, imaging studies suggested the possibility of tumour re-growth after testosterone therapy. We hypothesize that the exogenous testosterone was aromatized to oestradiol, which stimulated the release of PRL by the anterior pituitary. This was supported by the increase in oestradiol levels after testosterone replacement, although statistical significance was not achieved due to the availability of only a few data points. This case highlights the need to be aware of testosterone-replacement-induced hyperprolactinaemia, an under-recognized complication of androgen replacement in this setting. The use of aromatase inhibitors together with testosterone-replacement therapy or the use of non-aromatizable androgens might be indicated in such patients. Taken together, this report and previous studies show that dopamine agonists apparently do not suppress the hyperprolactinaemia induced by testosterone replacement.
A problem with her lead weight
Authors: Newton KE , Leonard M , Delves HT , Bowen-Jones D
Published: March 2005

An autistic patient living in a residential home presented with symptoms of weight loss and abdominal pain. On investigation, she was found to have lead poisoning from an unusual source. Her treatment proved difficult due to failure to cooperate, and a 'best-case' protocol was devised. The positive identification of a source of exposure can be difficult in a single case of exposure, but this was eventually achieved by means of stable lead isotope analysis following painstaking detective work.
Effect of the treatment of brucellosis on leukocyte superoxide dismutase activity and plasma nitric oxide level
Authors: Bay Karabulut Aysun , Sonmez Emine , Bayindir Yasar
Published: March 2005

Background: The mechanisms by which brucellae evade intracellular killing by polymorphonuclear leukocytes are incompletely understood. In this study, we evaluated changes of leukocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and plasma total nitrite as an indicator of nitric oxide (NO) levels during brucellosis therapy.

Methods: Thirty-two patients with acute brucellosis, 27 patients with chronic brucellosis and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients with acute brucellosis were tested for leukocyte SOD activity and plasma total nitrite levels before, during (21st day), and at the end (45th day) of the combined therapy of rifampicin and doxycycline. The same parameters were also investigated in chronic cases and controls.

Results: The SOD activities were lower in patients with acute brucellosis before therapy compared with those 21 and 45 days after starting therapy ( P< 0.001). In contrast, total nitrite levels did not change significantly ( P>0.05).

Conclusions: In the present study, leukocyte SOD activity was found to be decreased in patients with acute brucellosis. Enzyme activity was increased by treatment, finally reaching the activity of healthy controls. Using an antioxidant agent in addition to classical antimicrobial therapy for acute brucellosis might be a therapeutic approach.
Prednisolone measurement in human serum using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Owen LJ , Gillingwater S , Keevil BG
Published: March 2005

Prednisolone is a commonly prescribed corticosteroid used in the treatment of many diseases. Despite high doses of prednisolone, some patients appear to have subtherapeutic concentrations of the drug. It would be useful to measure prednisolone in this group to determine if they have poor absorption or compliance. Hence, we have developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of prednisolone in serum. Chromatography was performed using a C18 column, giving a retention time for both prednisolone and deuterated prednisolone (internal standard) of 1.6 min. Two transitions were monitored for both prednisolone and deuterated prednisolone. These were m/z 361.2>343.0 and m/z 361.2>146.9 for prednisolone, and m/z 367.2>349.0 and m/z 367.2>149.9 for the internal standard. The intra- and inter-batch imprecision was <7% in both cases over a concentration range of 62.5-750 μg/L. The imprecision at the lower limit was 8%, the lower limit of quantitation was determined to be 30 μg/L and the method was linear up to 5000 μg/L. The method allows rapid prednisolone analysis because of a simplified sample extraction step, and has a cycle time of 3.5 min.
Trace element concentrations in patients on home enteral feeding: two cases of severe copper deficiency
Authors: Oliver A , Allen KR , Taylor J
Published: March 2005

Background: Enteral feeding is the fastest growing area of artificial nutrition, with the annual rate of growth being estimated at 20-25% a year. Previous studies have demonstrated trace element deficiencies in patients on long-term home enteral nutrition (HEN).

Methods: The trace elements zinc, selenium, copper and manganese were measured in blood samples from 37 patients on HEN using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Results: Plasma zinc concentrations (range 7.4-14.4 µmol/L) were below the reference range (12.6-22.0 µmol/L) in 30 patients, plasma selenium concentrations (range 0.73-1.76 µmol/L) were below the reference range (0.8-2.0 µmol/L) in only one patient. Whole blood manganese (range 74-309 nmol/L) and plasma manganese (range 13-51 nmol/L) were above both respective reference ranges (73-210 nmol/L and 9-24 nmol/L) in four patients. Two patients showed severely low plasma copper concentrations of 2.4 µmol/L and 2.5 µmol/L, and responded to treatment with extra copper supplementation.

Conclusion: Although enteral feeds contain adequate concentrations of trace elements, problems with bioavailability may occur and patients receiving long-term enteral feeding should be monitored with regard to plasma trace element concentrations.
Sleep nasendoscopy as a predictor of treatment success in snorers using mandibular advancement splints
Authors: Battagel J M , Johal A , Kotecha B T
Published: March 2005

This study assessed the effect on the upper airway during sleep nasendoscopy of mimicking the action of a mandibular advancement splint. Twenty-seven subjects with a diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing were referred for mandibular advancement splint therapy following sleep nasendoscopy. Sleep nasendoscopy was repeated for all subjects with, and without, the appliance in situ. Follow-up sleep studies with a mandibular advancement splint in situ were undertaken for 19 individuals with significant obstructive sleep apnoea.

With the mandibular advancement splint, subjective snoring levels and airway patency improved as predicted in all but one individual. Residual palatal flutter was predicted for five subjects and occurred in eight individuals. Follow-up sleep studies showed highly statistically significant reductions in median apnoea-hypopnoea index (from 28.1 to 6.1, p < 0.001).

Mimicking the action of a mandibular advancement splint during sleep nasendoscopy helps considerably in the patient selection process for this form of treatment.
Cupular deposits and aminoglycoside administration in human temporal bones
Authors: Kusunoki Takeshi , Cureoglu Sebahattin , Schachern Patricia A , Oktay Mehmet F , Fukushima Hisaki , Paparella Michael M
Published: March 2005

In this study, the deposits of basophilic material on the cupula of the semicircular canals in temporal bones from patients who had aminoglycoside administration within six months prior to death were compared with normal temporal bones. Subjects were divided into two groups. Group I included 24 normal control temporal bones age-matched to group II patients. Group II consisted of 23 temporal bones that had received aminoglycosides within six months prior to death. All temporal bones were examined under light microscopy.

One (4.2 per cent) of 24 temporal bones in group I (normal) showed basophilic deposits. In group II, deposits were observed in 8 (34.8 per cent) of 23 temporal bones. The prevalence of basophilic deposits in group II was significantly higher than group I.

This study demonstrates that within six months after aminoglycoside administration there is an increased prevalence of basophilic deposits on the surface of the cupula. Such changes may be related to the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) seen in some patients who have had aminoglycoside administration.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Vibration Reduction in Braced Domes Using a Viscous Damper System
Authors: Fan F. , Shen S. Z. , Parke G. A. R.
Published: March 2005

A vibration reducing system with viscous dampers is introduced for braced domes. A finite element analysis algorithm of the vibration reducing system with viscous dampers has been developed and a number of numerical calculations on vibration reduction have been undertaken. Viscous dampers, which are suitable for braced domes, have been designed and manufactured and the performance testing of them has also been completed. On this basis, one K6, braced dome model, has been designed and constructed. This braced dome model, incorporating the viscous dampers, was then tested using a shaking table. All of the experiments undertaken show that the vibration reducing system using viscous dampers, can be applied to full size braced domes structures.
The effects of articular, retinacular, or muscular deficiencies on patellofemoral joint stability
Authors: Senavongse W. , Amis A. A.
Published: March 2005

Normal function of the patellofemoral joint is maintained by a complex interaction between soft tissues and articular surfaces. No quantitative data have been found on the relative contributions of these structures to patellar stability. Eight knees were studied using a materials testing machine to displace the patella 10 mm laterally and medially and measure the force required. Patellar stability was tested from 0° to 90° knee flexion with the quadriceps tensed to 175 N. Four conditions were examined: intact, vastus medialis obliquus relaxed, flat lateral condyle, and ruptured medial retinaculae. Abnormal trochlear geometry reduced the lateral stability by 70% at 30° flexion, while relaxation of vastus medialis obliquus caused a 30% reduction. Ruptured medial retinaculae had the largest effect at 0° flexion with 49% reduction. There was no effect on medial stability. There is a complex interaction between these structures, with their contributions to loss of lateral patellar stability varying with knee flexion.
Radionuclide imaging of the painful hip arthroplasty
Authors: Reinartz P. , Mumme T. , Hermanns B. , Cremerius U. , Wirtz D. C. , Schaefer W. M. , Niethard F.-U. , Buell U.
Published: March 2005

Two major complications of hip replacement are loosening and infection. Reliable differentiation between these pathological processes is difficult since both may be accompanied by similar symptoms. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic ability of triple-phase bone scanning (TPBS) and positron-emission tomography (PET) to detect and differentiate these complications in patients with a hip arthroplasty. Both TPBS and PET were performed in 63 patients (92 prostheses). The radiotracer for PET imaging was 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Image interpretation was performed according to qualitative and quantitative criteria although the final diagnosis was based upon either surgical findings or clinical follow-up.

The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PET was 0.94, 0.95 and 0.95 respectively, compared with 0.68, 0.76 and 0.74 for TPBS. We found that an image interpretation based exclusively upon quantitative criteria was inappropriate because of its low selectivity. The histological examination indicated that increased periprosthetic uptake of FDG in patients with aseptic loosening was caused by wear-induced polyethylene particles and the subsequent growth of aggressive granulomatous tissue.
Femoral neck fractures following Birmingham hip resurfacing
Authors: Shimmin A. J. , Back D.
Published: March 2005

Between April 1999 and April 2004, 3497 Birmingham hips were inserted by 89 surgeons. Fracture of the neck of the femur occurred in 50 patients, an incidence of 1.46%. Complete data were available for 45 patients in whom the incidence was 1.91% for women and 0.98% for men. The relative risk of fracture for women vs men was 1.94961 and this was statistically significant (p < 0.01).

The mean time to fracture was 15.4 weeks. In women the fractures occurred at a mean of 18.5 weeks and were more likely to have been preceded by a pro-dromal phase of pain and limping. In men the mean time to fracture was 13.5 weeks.

Significant varus placement of the femoral component, intra-operative notching of the femoral neck and technical problems were common factors in 85% of cases.
Joint space width in dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Jacobsen S. , Sonne-Holm S. , Søballe K. , Gebuhr P. , Lund B.
Published: March 2005

In a longitudinal case-control study, we followed 81 subjects with dysplasia of the hip and 136 control subjects without dysplasia for ten years assessing radiological evidence of degeneration of the hip at admission and follow-up. There were no cases of subluxation in the group with dysplasia. Neither subjects with dysplasia nor controls had radiological signs of ongoing degenerative disease at admission. The primary radiological discriminator of degeneration of the hip was a change in the minimum joint space width over time. There were no significant differences between these with dysplasia and controls in regard to age, body mass index or occupational exposure to daily repeated lifting at admission.

We found no significant differences in the reduction of the joint space width at follow-up between subjects with dysplasia and the control subjects nor in self-reported pain in the hip. The association of subluxation and/or associated acetabular labral tears with dysplasia of the hip may be a conditional factor for the development of premature osteoarthritis in mildly to moderately dysplastic hips.
Multilevel orthopaedic surgery in group IV spastic hemiplegia
Authors: Dobson F. , Graham H. Kerr , Baker R. , Morris M. E.
Published: March 2005

Most children with spastic hemiplegia have high levels of function and independence but fixed deformities and gait abnormalities are common. The classification proposed by Winters et al is widely used to interpret hemiplegic gait patterns and plan intervention. However, this classification is based on sagittal kinematics and fails to consider important abnormalities in the transverse plane. Using three-dimensional gait analysis, we studied the incidence of transverse-plane deformity and gait abnormality in 17 children with group IV hemiplegia according to Winters et al before and after multilevel orthopaedic surgery.

We found that internal rotation of the hip and pelvic retraction were consistent abnormalities of gait in group-IV hemiplegia. A programme of multilevel surgery resulted in predictable improvement in gait and posture, including pelvic retraction. In group IV hemiplegia pelvic retraction appeared in part to be a compensating mechanism to control foot progression in the presence of medial femoral torsion. Correction of this torsion can improve gait symmetry and function.
Origin of lumbar spinal roots and their relationship to intervertebral discs
Authors: Suh S. W. , Shingade V. U. , Lee S. H. , Bae J. H. , Park C. E. , Song J. Y.
Published: March 2005

Previous studies on the anatomy of the lumbar spine have not clarified the precise relationship of the origin of the lumbar roots to their corresponding discs or their angulation to the dural sac. We studied 33 cadavers (25 formalin-preserved and eight fresh-frozen) and their radiographs to determine these details.

All cadavers showed a gradual decrease in the angle of the nerve root from L1 to S1. The origin of the root was found to be below the corresponding disc for the L1 to L4 roots. In the formalin-preserved cadavers 8% of the L5 roots originated above, 64% below and 28% at the L4/L5 disc. In the fresh cadavers the values were 12.5%, 62.5% and 25%, respectively. For the S1 root 76% originated above and 24% at the L5-S1 disc in the formalin-preserved cadavers and 75% and 25%, respectively, in the fresh cadavers.

A herniated disc usually compresses the root before division of the root sleeve. Thus, compression of the thecal sac before the origin of the root sleeve is common for L1 to L5 whereas compression at the root sleeve is common for S1.

Our findings are of value in understanding the pathophysiology of prolapse of the disc and in preventing complications during surgery.
Infection in hip arthroplasty after previous injection of steroid
Authors: Kaspar S. , de V de Beer J.
Published: March 2005

Immunosuppression following intra-articular injections of steroid into the hip may interfere with asepsis in a subsequent total hip arthroplasty (THA). We have undertaken a retrospective, matched, cohort study of infective complications after THA, in 40 patients who had received such an injection and 40 who had not.

In the injection group there were five revisions, four of which were for deep infection. There were none in the matched group. The overall rate of revision in our database of 979 primary THAs was 1.02%. Six additional patients who had received injections underwent investigation for infection because of persistent problems in the hip as compared with one in the control group.