bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and verification of a prognostic model for bladder cancer based on disulfidptosis-related angiogenesis genes
Authors: Zhou Zhihao , Zhang Yuwei , Zhou Yuhua , Gu Jiayu , Li Jufa , Shao Jianfeng , Feng Ninghan
Published: February 2025

Background

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is the most common malignancy of the urinary system and one of the most common cancers worldwide. This study seeks to examine the influence of angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) linked to disulfidptosis on BLCA patients and to formulate a prognostic model for evaluating their prognosis and response to immunotherapy.

Methods

This study used sequencing data of BLCA in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Unsupervised consensus clustering analysis, cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were used to screen hub genes and construct a related prognostic risk model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and independent prognostic analysis were then used to verify the predictive performance of the signature genes. Clinical characteristics, immune status, and Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) of the prognostic risk model were evaluated. The expression levels of model genes within standard bladder epithelial cell lines (SV-HUC-1) and bladder cancer cell lines (T24 and SW1710) were quantified through qRT-PCR.

Results

The constructed prognostic risk model can be used as an independent risk indicator for BLCA and was validated in an external dataset. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed that CD8+T cells, Tregs and dendritic cells were significantly different between the two groups. A significant increase was observed in the Stromal score, Immune score and ESTIMATE score in the high-risk group compared with the low-risk group. The Immune Exclusion score and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score of the high-risk group were higher than those of the low-risk score group. Compared with the normal bladder epithelial cell line (SV-HUC-1), the expression levels of 2 model genes (COL5A2 and SCG2) in bladder cancer cell lines (T24 and SW1710) were significantly elevated.

Conclusion

This study helps us understand the characteristics of disulfidptosis-related subgroups. The characteristics of disulfidptosis-related ARGs may be used to evaluate the prognosis and immunotherapy response of BLCA patients.
Economic Insights into Paper Sweet Making Units in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh K.Nikhita , Jyothi S. Hyma , Praveena P. L. R. J. , Umar Sk. Nafeez
Published: February 2025

The present study examines the economics and constraints of paper sweet-making units in Atreyapuram Mandal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District, Andhra Pradesh. Data were collected from 15 micro and 15 macro units using purposive random sampling. The economic analysis highlights the financial viability of these units, with both categories showing positive Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit-Cost Ratios (BCR) exceeding one. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) stood at 51.19% for micro units and 67.98% for macro units, indicating substantial profitability. Macro units, benefiting from larger production capacities and investments, were more profitable than micro units.The break-even production level was 7,559.6 boxes for micro units and 7,598.7 boxes for macro units, with actual production levels averaging < 30,000 boxes and > 30,000 boxes, respectively. Despite their profitability, paper sweet-making units face challenges such as inconsistent raw material supply, labor shortages, inadequate credit access, and quality control issues. Marketing constraints, including seasonal demand fluctuations and low-profit margins, further hinder growth.
Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Fed with Cooked and Uncooked Moringa oleifera Seed Diets
Authors: P.C. Akwuaka, , C.I. Nsofor, , B.U. Ononye, , A.C. Umeaniebue, , I.E. Azaka, , S.I. Okpani, , C.S. Olisa,
Published: February 2025

This research was carried out to evaluate the effects of complete and partial replacements of fishmeal with M. oleifera seed meal (MSM) on the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. One hundred and forty (140) C. gariepinus fingerlings were used for this study. The fingerlings reared were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments namely: control or T1 (0% MSM); T2 (20% cooked MSM), T3 (20% uncooked MSM); T4 (40% cooked MSM); T5 (40% uncooked MSM), T6 (100% cooked MSM), and T7 (100% uncooked MSM) respectively. Each treatment was replicated thrice, in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks during which the parameters monitored included proximate composition, weight gain, length increase, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% significant level.  The result showed that diet T7, T1, TU5, TU3 had the highest dry matter (94.64%), crude protein (49.63%), ash (11.35). The highest fibre (3.73) and lipid was recorded in diet T4 and nitrogen free extract (43.43%). There was a significant difference between the dry matter, crude protein, fibre, lipid, ash and nitrogen extract of the experimental diets (p=0.00). The results revealed that the highest weight gain was recorded by the fingerlings fed diet T1 (128.40±0.66) followed by diet T2 (120.70± 0.17) while least in those of diet T4 (56.87± 0.71). There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the weight gain. The highest length increase was recorded by the fingerlings fed diet T2 (18.90±4.72) followed by diet T1 (17.57± 2.62) while least in those of diet T7 (10.73± 0.61). There was significant differences (P<0.05) in the length increase. The fingerlings fed with diet T1 had the highest specific growth rate (6.94±0.01) followed by those fed with diet T2 (6.85±0.00) while least in those fed with T4 (5.77±0.02). There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the specific growth rate. The best value for protein efficiency ratio was recorded in the C. gariepinus fingerlings fed with diet T2 (2.98) while poorest in those fed diet TC4 (1.23). There was significant difference (P<0.05) in the protein efficiency ratio (p=0.00) of C. gariepinus fingerlings fed varying percentage inclusions of MSM (P=0.54). It was concluded that fish farmers could replace fishmeal up to 20% cooked M. oleifera seed meal in formulating Clarias gariepinus diets.
Spectrum, Treatments and Outcomes of Shock in Acutely-ill Children Seen at the Emergency Room of a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Abiodun Moses Temidayo , Sadoh Wilson Ehidiamen
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Shock is a state of inadequate tissue perfusion. The emergency care of shock in children is dynamic but fluid therapy remains its cornerstone, with variable effectiveness. We evaluated the spectrum, therapies and outcomes of shock in our Children Emergency Room.
Methods: This was an analytic, cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demography, clinical features, shock diagnoses, emergency care and outcomes. Co-existing morbidities in the participants were mainly infection-related. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were done; prognostic factors in children with shock were identified, using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).  
Results: Five hundred and fifty-four acutely-ill children participated in the study. Their mean duration of illness was 13.5 days (± 4.7). The incidence of shock was 83 (15.0%). For the types of shock recorded (n = 42), hypovolemic shock was the commonest, 24 (57.1%). Septic shock occurred in 14 (33.3%) children, while cardiogenic shock was seen in 4 (9.6%) children. Among the affected children, 17 (40.5%) were fluid responsive, 5 (11.9%) were fluid refractory, and 20 (47.6%) were fluid refractory and dopamine dependent. The case fatality rate of shock was 57.8%. Children who presented with shock were more likely to die compared to others (OR = 11.811, 95% CI = 6.976–19.998, p < 0.001). Dopamine infusion was significantly associated with lower mortality risk, with an odds ratio of 0.039 (95% CI 0.008-0.196, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Circulatory failure especially hypovolemic shock is common in acutely-ill children with dire consequences. Fluid therapy and catecholamine infusion can improve survival in the emergency setting.
Integrating Nutrient Management with Conservation Agriculture Practices for Mint Crop Production
Authors: Reddy Peddaveeri Pravalika , Bandyopadhyay Apurba , Ghosh Dipak Kumar , Mandal Biswapati
Published: February 2025

Aim: This study investigated how reduced tillage practices with varying levels of fertilizer application influenced the growth, yield and essential oil production of Mentha arvensis within an arecanut + carrot (rabi) – mint (pre-kharif) cropping sequence.
Study Design: Randomized block experimental design with four treatments and each replicated five times. Treatment details are T1 -100:60:60 NPK kg ha, T2: 75:45:45 NPK kg ha-1 T3: 50:30:30 NPK kg ha-1, T4: Control
Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was conducted at the Balindi Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal in 2019-20 and 2020-21 cropping season.
Methodology: The study examined the effects of three fertilizer levels each replicated five times on vegetative parameters like plant height, leaf number, branching, and spread during the crop's growth stages and oil yield.
Results: Higher fertilizer levels significantly enhanced vegetative growth and yield parameters. Plant height at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting (DAP) increased to 26.44 cm, 32.9 cm, and 56.68 cm respectively, with the highest fertilizer dose (T1 -100:60:60 NPK kg ha-1). Similarly number of leaves per plant also saw an increase to 178, 194, and 219 at the corresponding time points. Additionally plant spread expanded to 20.99 cm, 28.93 cm, and 47.64 cm, and the number of primary branches increased to 6.62, 6.81, and 18.29 at 30, 60, and 90 DAP, respectively. The number of secondary branches also demonstrated growth reaching 3.52 at 60 DAP and 4.20 at 90 DAP. The overall projected herb yield and oil yield at the end of the study was found to be 22.21 tons per hectare (t ha-1) and 254.95 litres ha-1 was recorded under T1 (100:60:60 NPK kg ha-1)
Conclusion: These findings show that implementing conservation agriculture principles, including reduced tillage, crop diversification and supplying balanced nutrient levels to crop significantly enhanced crop performance and maintains soil health promoting sustainable agricultural production.
Impact of Shade and Water Stress on Chinese Potato (Colocasia esculenta L.) Growth and Yield
Authors: Lasso-Rivas Nilsen , Calimeño Emirtan Valencia , Cruz Mauren Mosquera
Published: February 2025

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of shade levels and deficit irrigation on the growth and physiological responses of Chinese potato (Colocasia esculenta), providing insights into optimal agronomic practices for improving crop performance under abiotic stress.
Study Design:  A factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with two factors: shade levels (35%, 65%, and 100% daylight) and irrigation regimes (100% and 50% of field capacity). Eight replicates were used for each treatment for a total of 48 plants.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Experimental Plot of the University of the Pacific, located in Buenaventura D.E., Valle del Cauca, Colombia, between July 2023 and September 2023.
Methodology: Morphological and physiological parameters, including plant height, leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), dry mass accumulation, and relative water content (RWC), were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA to assess the main and interaction effects of shade and irrigation.
Results: Plants grown under 35% daylight exhibited greater height, LA, and SLA compared to those under higher light intensities, reflecting adaptive responses to low-light conditions. Fully irrigated plants accumulated higher dry mass and LA than deficit-irrigated plants, highlighting the importance of water availability for maintaining productivity. However, no significant interaction effects were observed between shading and irrigation, suggesting that these factors independently influence growth.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the adaptability of Chinese potato to varying environmental conditions and provide insights for optimizing its cultivation under abiotic stress, particularly in resource-limited settings. The findings of this study have practical relevance for agroforestry systems where shade management can improve crop performance.
Lichen Inventory of an Urban Ecosystem: A Case Study from Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Authors: DALATOU Talba , Abraham BANAI TADOU , Boukar HASSANA , Adamou IBRAHIMA
Published: February 2025

Lichens have proven to be excellent bio indicators. An inventory of the lichens present in an area is an important step in assessing pollution. It is to assess the extent of air pollution that an inventory of the different species of lichens in an area along the heavy axis of the city of Ngaoundere was carried out from June to August 2023. The 3 study stations are located along the Ngaoundere – Garoua, Ngaoundere – Toubora and Ngaoundere – Meiganga highways at Tchabbal, Borongo and Wakwa respectively. The relative abundance and frequency of different species, thallus type and phorophytes were calculated at the three stations as well as the Shannon diversity index. The inventory identified 25 species in 15 genera and 9 families. The abundant species are Physconia detersa, Permotrema austrosinense and Hypotrachya livida with a frequency of 11.93%, 11.85%, 11.73% respectively. The least abundant species is Physcia apolia with a frequency of 0.41%. The most abundant and diverse family is Permeliaceae with 1382 individuals, including 11 species and 5 genera. Foliaceous are the most abundant with a frequency of 69.02% and fruity are the least present with a frequency of 7.6%. Abundance and diversity varies according to the stations. The Wakwa station is the least rich in lichen, followed by the Borongo station. The Tchabbal station is the most diverse in lichens and this can be explained by the relative weakness of road traffic and consequently of air pollution of this station.
A yellow component associated with human transthyretin has properties like a pterin derivative, 7,8‐dihydropterin‐6‐carboxaldehyde
Authors: Ernström Ulf , Pettersson Tom , Jörnvall Hans
Published: July 2002

Transthyretin (TTR) in plasma is associated with yellow compounds. Their properties differ, and in the chicken protein a major yellow compound has recently been identified as a carotenoid, lutein, also called xanthophyll. We now show that the major yellow component extracted from human TTR has properties like a pterin derivative, 7,8‐dihydropterin‐6‐carboxyaldehyde (2‐amino‐4‐hydroxy‐6‐formyl‐7,8‐dihydropteridine). The human TTR derivative has chromatographic and spectral properties identical to a yellow photochemical degradation product of biopterin and a spectrum like that of the pterin aldehyde.
The transcriptional regulation of human arachidonate 12‐lipoxygenase gene by NFκB/Rel
Authors: Arakawa Toshiya , Nakamura Michihiro , Yoshimoto Tanihiro , Yamamoto Shozo
Published: July 2002

As examined by the luciferase assay, a negative regulatory region including the NFκB motif was found in the 5′‐flanking region of the 12‐lipoxygenase gene in human erythroleukemia cells. The negative control was abolished by a site‐specific mutation of the NFκB motif. Probes including the NFκB region gave positive bands upon a gel‐shift assay. The bands were supershifted by antibodies for NFκB p50, NFκB p65 and c‐Rel, and were lost by a NFκB competitor DNA. Furthermore, the NFκB sequence was protected in DNase I footprinting. Thus, two kinds of heterodimer (p50 and p65; p50 and c‐Rel) seemed to control the over‐expression of the human 12‐lipoxygenase gene.
Immunolocalization of glyoxysomal malate synthase from soybean cotyledons (Glycine max L)
Authors: Jaunin Françoise , Henry Hugues , Richter Hannes , Collet Yvonne , Hofer Rose‐Marie , Widmer François
Published: July 2002

Summary— Malate synthase (MS; EC 4.1.3.2), an enzyme specific to the glyoxylate cycle, was studied in cotyledons of dark‐grown soybean (Glycine max L) seedlings with light and electron microscopy techniques. Immunogold localization confirmed biochemical evidence that MS from soybean is a glyoxysomal matrix enzyme.
The Purchase of Insurance by a Risk-Neutral Firm for a Risk-Averse Agent
Authors: Parry Mark E. , Parry Arthur E.
Published: July 2002

In the purchase of insurance by a risk-neutral firm for a risk-averse prospective employee, the firm must offer the prospect a compensation package consisting of a fee, or salary, and an insurance policy. In designing this policy, the firm is constrained by the utility function of the prospect: the firm seeks the least-cost compensation package that will induce the prospect to accept the firm’s offer of employment. Because the risk aversion of the prospect constrains the choices of the firm, this problem is referred to as that of an employee-constrained firm (ECF). The specific ECF situation discussed here concerns a firm that wishes to hire an outside
Market Response to Value Line OTC Special Situations Service Recommendations
Authors: Rogers Ronald C. , Roenfeldt Rodney L. , Owers James E.
Published: July 2002

This study examines both the information content and investment perform- ance of The Value Line OTC Special Situations Service (VLSSS) recommendations. The results indicate that the buy and sell recommendations provide significant positive and negative two day abnormal returns, respectively, around the announce- ment of the recommendation. No evidence is found, however, of positive abnormal investment performance from portfolios selected based on the recommendations. Quarterly JoumaZofBusiness and Economics, Vol. 30, No. 3 (Summer 1991), pp. 88-103. (Reprinted with permission of the Quarterly Journal of Business and Economics.)
Mutual Fund Distribution Fees
Authors: Chance Don M. , Ferris Stephen P
Published: July 2002

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Rule 12b-1 ended a 40-year prohibition on the payment of distribution fees by mutual funds. The fees have the potential to create conflicts between fund mangers and shareholders. This study examines the characteristics of funds implementing the plans, and assesses costs and benefits. Findings reveal that there is a growing tendency of funds, particularly load funds, to adopt the plans. The costs have begun to increase dramatically in recent years though some load funds with plans have begun reducing their loads. However, 12b-1 plans do not seem to contribute to the expense ratios of funds oriented toward capital gains. The plans offer the intangible benefit of spreading load charges across time, thus increasing a fund’s attractiveness to a broader range of investors. Journal ofFinancial Services Research, Vol. 5, No. 1 (March 1991), pp. 25-42. (Reprinted with permission of Kluwer Academic Publishers.)
Rational Decision Rules for Early Retirement Inducements Contained in Corporate Pension Plans
Authors: Nader Jihad S.
Published: July 2002

This article presents a net present value (NPV) model of early pension subsi- dies. The model’s theoretical basis is the compensating differentials-lifetime contracts framework of the labor market setting which gives rise to pension plans. The NPV model effectively integrates early pension subsidies into the shareholder wealth maximization framework of corporate finance. Within this framework, the article develops rational decision rules for early pension subsidies, and employs these rules to provide a corporate finance perspective on the pension-wage tradeoff of the firm’s labor force. 77zeJournaE of Risk and Insurance, Vol. LVIII, No. 1 (March 1991), pp. 101-108. (Reprinted with permission of The Journal of Risk and Insurance.)
Requirement of autocrine signaling by bone morphogenetic protein‐4 for chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells
Authors: Shukunami Chisa , Akiyama Haruhiko , Nakamura Takashi , Hiraki Yuji
Published: July 2002

Mouse EC cell line ATDC5 undergoes differentiation to form cartilage nodules via the cellular condensation stage in the presence of insulin. ATDC5 cells expressed transcripts for bone morphogenetic protein‐4 (BMP‐4), and type IA and type II BMP receptors. Moreover, cells retained responsiveness to BMP‐4, which induced the formation of chondrocytes in the culture. When transfected with a kinase domain‐truncated type IA BMP receptor construct, cells failed to undergo differentiation beyond the condensation stage even in the presence of insulin. The soluble form of type IA BMP receptor also blocked the formation of chondrocytes in a dose dependent manner. These lines of evidence suggested that autocrine BMP‐4 signaling is required for the conversion of chondrogenic precursor cells into chondrocytes.
Differential activation of MAP kinase family members triggered by CD99 engagement
Authors: Hahn Myong-Joon , Yoon Sang Soon , Sohn Hae Won , Song Hyung Geun , Park Seong Hoe , Kim Tae Jin
Published: July 2002

The molecular basis for the modulatory properties of CD99 is not well understood. Treatment of human Jurkat T lymphocytes with anti‐CD99 antibody led to activation of three mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) members, ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK, along with homotypic aggregation. While phosphorylation of ERK and JNK was inhibited by the pretreatment of a PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide I, activation of p38 MAPK was upregulated by the same pretreatment. The signaling pathways to MAPKs by CD99 engagement were independent of PI‐3 kinase, distinguishing from those by CD3 engagement. Among MAPKs, ERK pathway was essential for homotypic aggregation together with intracytoplasmic Ca2+.
Maternal and fetal serum nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in normal pregnancy, pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia
Authors: Shaamash A.H. , Elsnosy E.D. , Makhlouf A.M. , Zakhari M.M. , Ibrahim O.A. , EL‐dien H.M.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To measure the maternal and fetal serum concentrations of total nitrites and nitrates (as an index of nitric oxide production) in normal pregnancy, pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia. Design: Three groups of women were studied cross‐sectionally: late pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia (n=31); normal late pregnant women (n=32); and age‐matched healthy non‐pregnant women (n=21). Venous blood samples were collected from all women and both maternal and umbilical venous samples were collected from pregnant women. Methods: Blood samples were assayed for nitric oxide (NO) production by Greiss reaction which measures the combined oxidation products of NO (total nitrites and nitrates). Results: There was a significant increase in serum total nitrites and nitrates concentrations in normal pregnant women than in the serum of age‐matched normal non‐pregnant women (P<0.0001). Significantly higher total nitrites and nitrates levels were found in the maternal sera of the pre‐eclamptic and eclamptic women compared with those of normal pregnant women (P<0.0001). Also, fetal blood levels of total nitrites and nitrates were significantly increased in pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia compared with those of normal pregnancy (P<0.0001). Conclusions: (1) Serum nitric oxide (NO) production is increased in normal pregnancy than in the normal non‐pregnancy. (2) Maternal and fetal serum NO levels are increased significantly in pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia, which possibly represents a compensatory/protective mechanism to maintain blood flow and limit platelets aggregation in the fetal–maternal circulations. (3) The increase in NO production is directly related to the severity of pre‐eclampsia; this would be of diagnostic significance for the prediction of the severity of this syndrome.
Nutritional antioxidants as antidegenerative agents
Authors: De Ruvo Caterina , Amodio Rosalba , Algeri Sergio , Martelli Nicola , Intilangelo Assunta , D'Ancona Gabriel Maximo , Esposito Ennio
Published: July 2002

In this study, primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons were prepared from eight‐day‐old Wistar rats, and maintained in an appropriate medium containing a high (25 mM) concentration of KCl. All experiments were performed with fully differentiated neurons (eight days). To induce apoptosis, culture medium was replaced with a serum‐free medium (containing 5 mM KCl) eight days after plating. In another series of experiments, apoptosis was induced by application of glutamate (50 μM) to the cell cultures. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐fluorescein nick end‐labeling) method, and by the classical method of DNA fragmentation. Since there is evidence that an increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in the apoptosis induced by both low K+ concentrations and glutamate, a series of natural antioxidants and a red wine lyophilized extract (which is rich in antioxidant compounds) were tested in our experimental model. It was found that ascorbic acid (30 μM) and a red wine lyophilized extract (5 μg/ml) were capable of blocking the apoptotic process. Addition of the following natural antioxidants did not have any protective effect on apoptosis induced by low K+ concentrations: trans‐ and cis‐resveratrol (5–200 μM), α‐tocopherol (100–200 μM), reduced glutathione (100–400 μM), 3‐hydroxytirosol (25–100 μM), epicatechin (25–100 μM), or quercetin (25–50 μM). It is concluded that only a limited number of natural antioxidants are provided with antiapoptotic activity in cultured cerebellar granule neurons. This effect is probably exerted by reducing ROS formation, and by blocking caspase‐3 activity.
Phosphorylated MAP‐1B isoforms in the developing mouse barrel cortex
Authors: Majewska Barbara , Skangiel‐Kramska Jolanta
Published: July 2002

Developmental expression of two phosphorylation modes of microtubule‐associated protein 1B (MAP‐1B) has been studied in the barrel cortex of mice at postnatal days (P)5, P12, P21 and P90 using immunocytochemistry with antibodies 125 and 150 that recognize phosphorylation modes II and I, respectively. The antibody 125 immunoreactive processes, identified as dendrites, are not yet detectable at P5; they are already present at P12 and become more evident at P21. In the barrel cortex of P90 animals the antibody 125 immunopositive dendrites are still present, although they are much less pronounced. The antibody 150 punctate immunostaining seen at P5 is not detectable at P12. At P21, however, thin immunopositive fibres appear, implicating a re‐expression of the microtubule‐associated protein 1B phosphorylation mode I in a portion of axons. The antibody 150 immunopositive axons are no longer present in the P90 barrel cortex. The re‐expression of the MAP‐1B phosphorylation mode I, which is a juvenile isoform characteristic for growing axons, may imply induction of mechanisms providing mouse barrel cortex neurons with the potency for plastic changes at a terminal stage of synaptogenesis.
Swelling Induced Detachment of Chondrocytes Using RGD‐Modified Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel Beads
Authors: Kim Mee Ryang , Jeong Ji Hoon , Park Tae Gwan
Published: July 2002

Thermally sensitive poly( N‐isopropylacrylamide, NIPAAm) hydrogel beads conjugated with a cell adhesive motif, GRGDY, were prepared and utilized as cell culture substrate for chondrocytes. They were produced to be uniform in size and distribution by using calcium alginate as a temporal mold. The RGD moieties were introduced, in a spatially selective manner, to the surface of the beads by conjugating GRGDY under the precollapsed state at a higher temperature above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). These RGD‐conjugated polyNIPAAm beads demonstrated a reversible swelling and deswelling behavior around the LCST, which enabled the chondrocytes attached on the surface of collapsed beads at 37 °C to readily detach when the temperature was shifted below 37 °C. The cell detachment percentage was largely affected by the temperature‐dependent reswelling extent of the collapsed RGD‐modified beads.
Optimization Study of Escherichia coliTB1 Cell Disruption for Cytochrome b5 Recovery in a Small‐Scale Bead Mill
Authors: Belo I. , Santos J. A. L. , Cabral J. M. S. , Mota M.
Published: July 2002

The recovery of a recombinant intracellular protein, cytochrome b5, from Escherichia coli TB1 cells was carried out by bead mill disintegration in a discontinuous small‐scale instrument. This process was optimized by the use of experimental factorial design. Several parameters were studied: operating time, amount and size of beads, cellular suspension concentration, and presence of toluene and lysozyme. For the experimental conditions used, only the time of treatment and bead load had significant effects. The optimal values of these variables were found by applying the response surface methodology.
Chemical synthesis and receptor binding of catfish somatostatin: a disulfide‐bridged β‐d‐Galp‐(1→3)‐α‐d‐GalpNAcO‐glycopeptide*
Authors: Chen L. , Jensen K.J. , Tejbrant J. , Taylor J.E. , Morgan B.A. , Barany G.
Published: July 2002

Abstract:The glycopeptide hormone catfish somatostatin (somatostatin‐22) has the amino acid sequence H‐Asp‐Asn‐Thr‐Val‐Thr‐Ser‐Lys‐Pro‐Leu‐Asn‐Cys‐Met‐Asn‐Tyr‐Phe‐Trp‐Lys‐Ser‐Arg‐Thr‐Ala‐Cys‐OH; it includes a cyclic disulfide connecting the two Cys residues, and the major naturally occurring glycoform containsd‐GalNAc andd‐GalO‐glycosidically linked to Thr5. The linear sequence was assembled smoothly starting with an Fmoc‐Cys(Trt)‐PAC‐PEG‐PS support, using stepwise Fmoc solid‐phase chemistry. In addition to the nonglycosylated peptide, two glycosylated forms of somatostatin‐22 were accessed by incorporating as building blocks, respectively,Nα‐Fmoc‐Thr(Ac3‐α‐D‐GalNAc)‐OH andNα‐Fmoc‐Thr(Ac4‐β‐D‐Gal‐(1→3)‐Ac2‐α‐D‐GalNAc)‐OH. Acidolytic deprotection/cleavage of these peptidyl‐resins with trifluoroacetic acid/scavenger cocktails gave the corresponding acetyl‐protected glycopeptides with free sulfhydryl functions. Deacetylation, by methanolysis in the presence of catalytic sodium methoxide, was followed by mild oxidation at pH 7, mediated byNα‐dithiasuccinoyl (Dts)‐glycine, to provide the desired monomeric cyclic disulfides. The purified peptides were tested for binding affinities to a panel of cloned human somatostatin receptor subtypes; in several cases, presence of the disaccharide moiety resulted in 2‐fold tighter binding.
Reasons for and costs of hospitalization for pediatric asthma: A prospective 1‐year follow‐up in a population‐based setting
Authors: Korhonen Kaj , Reijonen Tiina M. , Remes Kyllikki , Malmström Kristiina , Klaukka Timo , Korppi Matti
Published: July 2002

The aims of this study were to examine the frequency of, and the reasons for, emergency hospitalization for asthma among children. In addition, the costs of hospital treatment, preventive medication, and productivity losses of the caregivers were evaluated in a population‐based setting during 1 year. Data on purchases of regular asthma medication were obtained from the Social Insurance Institution. In total, 106 (2.3/1000) children aged up to 15 years were admitted 136 times for asthma exacerbation to the Kuopio University Hospital in 1998. This represented ≈5% of all children with asthma in the area. The trigger for the exacerbation was respiratory infection in 63% of the episodes, allergen exposure in 24%, and unknown in 13%. The age‐adjusted risk for admittance was 5.3% in children on inhaled steroids, 5.8% in those on cromones, and 7.9% in those with no regular medication for asthma. The mean direct cost for an admission was $1,209 (median $908; range $454–6,812) and the indirect cost was $358 ($316; $253–1,139). The cost of regular medication for asthma was, on average, $272 per admitted child on maintenance. The annual total cost as a result of asthma rose eight‐fold if a child on regular medication was admitted for asthma.
Is the ulnar nerve damaged in ‘handball goalie's elbow’?
Authors: Rise I. R. , Dhaenens G. , Tyrdal S.
Published: July 2002

‘Handball goalie's elbow’ has been defined as pain in the elbow region due to repetitive forced hyperextensions of the elbow. Goalkeepers are the players most often suffering from hyperextension trauma to the elbow in European team handball. They may complain of radiating pain or numbness in the ulnar aspect of the forearm in addition to local pain in the elbow region. To detect any injury to the ulnar nerve that could explain the symptoms, we performed a neurological and neurophysiological study in goalkeepers with elbow pain. Nine goalkeepers, with a total of 15 ‘handball goalie's elbow’, were included in this study. Neurological examination revealed a probable ulnar nerve lesion in one player. Neurophysiological and electromyographic examinations (10 examinations) were, however, normal in all players. Handball goalkeepers with elbow problems may suffer from symptoms suggestive of ulnar nerve affection, but serious or permanent injury to the ulnar nerve with wasting or paresis is unusual.
Diel vertical migrations of zooplankton in a shallow, fishless pond: a possible avoidance‐response cascade induced by notonectids
Authors: Gilbert John J. , Hampton Stephanie E.
Published: July 2002

1. Day (noon) and night (midnight) vertical distributions of zooplankton and phytoplankton in the water column (1.5 m) of a Vermont pond were determined on two consecutive days from 470 mL water samples taken at three depths (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 m) at three sites. There was little variation across depths in temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration and phytoplankton. All individuals of each zooplankton species (a small copepod, Tropocyclops extensus and six rotifers) were counted.

2. A three‐way ANOVA on the zooplankton data showed no effect of date or time of day on the abundance of any species. Significant diel shifts in vertical distribution (depth × time‐of‐day interactions) were found for T. extensus (nauplii, as well as copepodites and adults) and Polyarthra remata, but not for Hexarthra mira, Keratella cochlearis, Anuraeopsis fissa, Ascomorpha ovalis and Plationus patulus. Tropocyclops extensus showed a pronounced, typical diel vertical migration, avoiding the surface and occurring most abundantly near the bottom during the day. Polyarthra remata showed an equally pronounced, reverse diel vertical migration, avoiding the bottom and being most abundant near the surface during the day.

3. The diurnal descent of Tropocyclops is interpreted as an avoidance response to Buenoa macrotibialis, a notonectid which feeds on this copepod at the surface during the day but not at night. The diurnal ascent of Polyarthra is thought to be an avoidance response to Tropocyclops, which strongly suppresses this rotifer in field enclosures and laboratory vessels. Thus, these out‐of‐phase migrations may be coupled and represent a behavioural cascade initiated by Buenoa.

4. At night, Tropocyclops and Polyarthra both were uniformly distributed across depths. This is believed to reflect the absence of appreciable depth‐related variation in temperature, algal food resources (biovolume of cryptomonads and chrysophyte flagellates) and predation risk at this time.

5. The five rotifer species that did not exhibit diel vertical migrations may be less susceptible to Tropocyclops predation than Polyarthra.
Mammary carcinoma with prominent cytoplasmic lipofuscin granules mimicking melanocytic differentiation
Authors: Shin S J , Kanomata N , Rosen P P
Published: July 2002

We report a case of mammary carcinoma with striking cytoplasmic pigmentation in a 60‐year‐old Japanese woman who presented with a self‐evident nodular lesion in the left breast.

Methods and results:

After a fine needle aspiration revealing atypical clusters of cells, an excisional biopsy was performed. Histologically, a partially cystic 18 mm lesion containing a 5‐mm mural nodule was present. The mural nodule and adjacent thickened epithelium were comprised of atypical cells focally invading into the cyst wall. Striking abundant granular brown pigment resembling melanin was present in some of the neoplastic cells. The differential diagnosis included metastatic melanoma and mammary carcinoma with melanocytic differentiation. After a series of special stains and immunohistochemical studies, the diagnosis of mammary carcinoma with extensive cytoplasmic lipofuscin pigment was rendered.

Conclusion: 

Mammary carcinoma with lipofuscin pigment to the degree seen in this case which mimics melanocytic differentiation has not, to our knowledge, previously been documented.
A critical evaluation of the evidence on the association between type of infant feeding and cognitive development
Authors: Drane D.L. , Logemann J.A.
Published: July 2002

This paper presents a critical evaluation of 24 studies on the association between type of infant feeding and cognitive development published over the past 20 years. Validity and generalisability of study findings were assessed according to three methodological standards: clearly defined outcome, specification of partial vs. exclusive breast feeding and control of confounding. Only six of the 24 investigations met all three standards. The most frequent study flaw was failure to distinguish between partial and exclusive breast feeding. Studies which made this distinction found larger IQ advantages to breast‐fed infants than studies that did not. Four of the six studies meeting all three standards found an advantage in cognitive development to breast‐fed infants of the order of two to five IQ points for term infants and eight points for low birthweight infants. We conclude that the question of whether breast feeding and formula feeding have differential effects on cognitive development has not yet been comprehensively answered. Research to date provides only an indication of the effect of relatively brief durations of partial breast feeding and even briefer durations of exclusive breast feeding. Future studies should measure breast feeding as a continuous dose‐type variable, examine longer durations of breast feeding and control for a full range of confounders using techniques that deal appropriately with multicollinearity.
Increased CD4+ T‐Lymphocyte Senescence Fraction in Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection
Authors: NICHOLS W. S. , SCHNEIDER S. , C‐K. CHAN R. , FARTHING C. F. , DAAR E. S.
Published: July 2002

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection is accompanied by peripheral CD4+ T‐cell losses. CD4+ T‐cell numbers often increase during antiviral treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), however, alterations in the CD4+ T‐cell repertoire have not been completely corrected for these patients. Such individuals remain at increased risk of infection. Although senescence of the CD4+ T cells has not been adequately evaluated for advanced HIV‐1 infection, hypothetically, replicative senescence could complicate therapeutic reconstitution of the CD4+ T cells in AIDS. In this study, correlates of replicative senescence, terminal restriction fragment (TRF) length and percentage short (< 5.0 kb) telomeric DNA (senescence fraction), were measured for the CD4+ T cells of HIV‐1‐infected patients with peripheral CD4+ T‐cell counts of < 200/mm3. The results show that for advanced HIV‐1 infection the TRF length of the CD4+ T cells is decreased (P < 0.01), and the senescence fraction increased (P < 0.05), when compared with uninfected controls. These findings suggest that cellular senescence may contribute to disruption of CD4+ T‐cell diversity observed following the therapeutic, immunologic reconstitution of AIDS.
Antigenic Definition of Plasma Membrane Proteins of Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin: Predominant Activation of Human T Cells by Low‐Molecular‐Mass Integral Proteins
Authors: Mehrotra J. , Mittal A. , Rastogi A. K. , Jaiswal A. K. , Bhandari N. K. , Sinha S.
Published: July 2002

Mycobacterial plasma membrane proteins, in particular the detergent‐soluble or ‘integral’ ones, comprise a class of mostly unexplored antigens capable of inducing potent activation of human T cells. Plasma membrane isolated from culture‐grown Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG; Indian vaccine; Danish strain) was subjected to a Triton X‐114‐based biphasic extraction procedure for isolation of peripheral (water‐soluble) and integral proteins (PMP and IMP). A distinction between the two protein pools was evident from results of SDS–PAGE and immunoblotting using antisera raised in rabbits. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay with a panel of WHO‐IMMYC monoclonal antibodies against various mycobacterial antigens revealed that three well‐known antigens, 19 kDa, 33/36 kDa (proline rich) and 38 kDa (PstS homologue), were part of the IMP pool; and another such antigen, 14/16 kDa α‐crystallin homologue, partly constituted the PMP pool. Apparently, antigenically distinct species of the immunomodulatory moiety lipoarabinomannan partitioned in aqueous and detergent phases. Human T‐cell proliferation assays in donors comprising tuberculoid leprosy and pulmonary tuberculosis patients and healthy BCG vaccinees showed significantly greater potency of IMP over PMP and this immunodominance appeared to be directed towards CD4+ cells. IMP of < 56 kDa were resolved by ‘continuous elution SDS–PAGE’ into 15 fractions which, after extraction of SDS, were used in T‐cell proliferation assays for the identification of immunodominant constituents. Proteins falling within three low‐molecular‐mass zones (all < 35 kDa) performed better than the rest, particularly a ≈ 22 kDa fraction, which strongly stimulated T cells from all five donors. Partial overlap between IMP and secreted proteins, as noticed in this study, could provide clues to immunodominance of the latter. The apparent uniqueness and a high T‐cell activating potency make mycobacterial IMP attractive candidates for designing future vaccines or immunotherapeutic agents.
Intravitreal triamcinolone and elevated intraocular pressure
Authors: Fracs R J B Wingate , Fracs P E Beaumont
Published: July 2002

Purpose: To ascertain whether intravitreal triamcinolone given for subretinal neovascularization is associated with an ocular pressure rise.

Methods: A total of 113 patients with angiographically proven subretinal neovascularization were enrolled into a prospective study of the effects of intravitreal triamcinolone. Intraocular pressure was one of the parameters studied.

Results: Approximately 30% of the study group developed a significant rise (≥ 5 mmHg) in intraocular pressure above baseline during the first 3 months.

Conclusions: Patients considering this form of treatment should be fully informed of the known risks of intraocular injections of steroids.
Acute renal failure in critically ill patients: Evaluation of an ultrasound contrast agent
Authors: Gruenewald Simon M , Huster Thomas , Larcos George , Farlow David C , Choong Kevin Kl , Mudaliar Yugan
Published: July 2002

The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate an ultrasound contrast agent (Levovist) in patients with oliguric acute renal failure (ARF) in order to assess renal vascularity, differentiate acute tubular from cortical necrosis and predict prognosis. Ten intensive care unit (ICU) patients with oliguric ARF were prospectively investigated by ultrasound including colour, power and pulsed Doppler before and after injection of Levovist. Doppler signals were graded as absent, equivocal or present from the inner and outer portions of the renal parenchyma, and these findings were correlated with clinical parameters and outcome. Only one patient had findings in keeping with acute cortical necrosis. All patients who survived had parenchymal vascularity while only three of six (50%) who died had parenchymal vascularity after Levovist. The ultrasound contrast caused no side effects and additional information was provided which improved diagnostic confidence, enabled appropriate classification of patients as having tubular or cortical necrosis and therefore added prognostic information.
Quality assurance in a Radiation Oncology Unit: The Chart Round experience
Authors: Fogarty Gerald B , Hornby Colin , Ferguson Heather M , Peters Lester J
Published: July 2002

Quality assurance ensures that planned treatments eventuate. Programmes must include feedback loops to promptly correct any shortfall in predetermined standards. In March 1999, a weekly Chart Round was introduced to verify that certain items relevant to quality care were being completed for patients of the Head and Neck Radiotherapy Unit at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute. The experience was reviewed after 1 year and it was found that the initiation of Chart Rounds has assisted in raising the level of item completion from 80% to 99% in similar groups of patients treated before and after the initiation of the Chart Round. Initiation of the Chart Round has also provided a useful forum for in‐house peer‐review, education and effective real‐time communication between medical and allied health personnel, all of which has further added to the quality of patient care.
Rates of cholesterol esterification and esterified cholesterol net mass transfer between high‐density lipoproteins and apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Valabhji J. , Donovan J. , McColl A. J. , Schachter M. , Richmond W. , Elkeles R. S.
Published: July 2002

Aims Type 1 diabetes is associated with a high incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) despite paradoxically normal or high high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations. Triglyceride (TG) concentrations have been shown to be important determinants of two aspects of HDL metabolism: cholesterol esterification rate and esterified cholesterol (EC) net mass transfer rate between HDL and the apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins. In order to try to explain the paradox, we aimed to assess the relationships between plasma TG and these two processes in Type 1 diabetic compared with non‐diabetic subjects.

Methods Rates of cholesterol esterification and EC net mass transfer between HDL and the apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins were assessed by incubating whole plasma at 37°C; intra‐assay coefficients of variation were 6% and 30%, respectively.

Results Ten Type 1 diabetic and 10 non‐diabetic subjects, with similar ages, sex distributions, body mass indices and total cholesterol and TG concentrations, were assessed. Apolipoprotein A1, HDL unesterified cholesterol, and HDL phospholipid concentrations were greater in the Type 1 diabetic subjects. There were no significant differences in the rates of cholesterol esterification or EC net mass transfer between the groups. There were strong associations between plasma TG and the rate of cholesterol esterification and between plasma TG and the rate of EC net mass transfer in Type 1 diabetic subjects (r = 0.83, P = 0.0027 and r = 0.88, P = 0.0009, respectively) and in non‐diabetic subjects (r = 0.91, P = 0.0002 and r = 0.79, P = 0.0070, respectively). However, the slopes of the associations with plasma TG were significantly steeper in the Type 1 diabetic subjects (analyses of covariance P = 0.0053 and P = 0.0146, respectively).

Conclusions Increases in TG may therefore promote more EC enrichment of atherogenic apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins in Type 1 diabetes while also promoting more cholesterol esterification, thereby maintaining HDL cholesterol concentrations. This could contribute to the paradox of high CHD incidence despite normal or high HDL cholesterol concentrations in Type 1 diabetes.

Diabet. Med. 19, 424–428 (2002)