bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein Expression Profile of Celiac Disease Patient with Aberrant T Cell by Two‐dimensional Difference Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: De RE VALLI , SIMULA MARIA PAOLA , CAGGIARI LAURA , ORTZ NICOLETTA , SPINA MICHELE , Da PONTE ALESSANDRO , De APPOLONIA LEANDRO , DOLCETTI RICCARDO , CANZONIERI VINCENZO , CANNIZZARO RENATO
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  One complication of celiac disease (CD) is refractory CD. These patients frequently show aberrant intraepithelial T cell clones and an increasing risk of evolution into enteropathy‐associated T cell lymphoma (EATL). There is debate in the literature whether these cases are actually a smoldering lymphoma from the outset. The mechanism inducing T cell proliferation and prognosis remains unknown. Recently, alemtuzumab has been proposed as a promising new approach to treat these patients. Only few single cases have been tested presently, nevertheless, in all of them a clinical improvement has been observed, while intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) effectively targeted by alemtuzumab are still a debated issue. Using 2D‐DIGE, we found hyperexpressed proteins specifically associated with aberrant T cell in a patient with CD by comparing the protein expression with that of patients with CD and polyclonal T cell or with that of control subjects (patients with polyclonal T cell and no CD). Proteins with a higher expression in duodenal biopsy of the patient with aberrant T cell were identified as IgM, apolipoprotein C‐III, and Charcot–Leyden crystal proteins. These preliminary data allow hypothesizing different clinical effects of alemtuzumab in patients with CD, since besides the probable effect of alemtuzumab on T cell, it could effect inflammatory‐associated CD52+ IgM+B cell and eosinophils cells, known to produce IgM and Charcot–Leyden crystal proteins, which we demonstrated to be altered in this patient. Results also emphasize the possible association of apolipoprotein with aberrant T cell proliferation.
Identification of Histidine‐Rich Glycoprotein, a Potential Autoantigen, in Human and Rat Brain Preparations
Authors: BALL‐ROSEN CATRIN , PRIMAK‐RUBINOVICZ HAGIT , KORCZYN AMOS D. , WANG NINGSHAN , FARCHI ADEL , SHAVIT SARA , SHOENFELD YEHUDA , CHAPMAN JOAB
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  β2‐glycoprotein‐I (β2‐GPI, also known as apolipoprotein H) is a major autoantigen in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a disease commonly affecting the central nervous system. We examined whether β2‐GPI and similar proteins exist in rat and human brains. No expression was found on Northern blot analysis of human brain. Utilizing a standard procedure for the isolation of serum β2‐GPI we purified a 100 kD human brain protein, which was found by peptide sequencing to have full homology with the serum protein, histidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRGP). Expression of HRGP in rat and human brain was established by RT‐PCR studies and a partial sequence of rat brain HRGP was obtained showing 68% homology with the human protein. IgG from most APS patients bound to HRGP, which shares distinct biochemical properties with β2‐GPI, is present in the brain and may be an important autoantigen.
An Analysis of Experimental Conditions Influencing the Anti‐β2‐Glycoprotein I ELISA Assay Results
Authors: CAVAZZANA ANNA , RUFFATTI AMELIA , TONELLO MARTA , BORTOLATI MARIA , De MOERLOOSE PHILIPPE , REBER GUIDO
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Five components of the anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (coating buffer, microplate brand, blocking buffer, dilution buffer, and conjugate) were analyzed to evaluate how they affect variability in test results. Thirty‐two samples from patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) positive for aβ2GPI IgG antibodies and three calibrators (a pool of aβ2GPI‐positive patients, the monoclonal HCAL antibody, and a home‐made calibrator) were tested. No differences with regard to the blocking step were noted. Differences were found between the neutral and basic coating buffer when HCAL was used. There were significant differences between Maxisorp and all the other brands of tested microplates. Differences were found between phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and all the other dilution buffers examined, with exception of TRIS when HCAL or the home‐made calibrator was used. There were differences between our routine conjugate and one of the other four conjugates tested when using two of the three calibrators. There were also significant differences between the routine and another conjugate analyzed when using the third calibrator. As variations in aβ2GPI ELISA conditions determine significant differences in the results, selecting the appropriate test variables is an important step toward aβ2GPI assay standardization.
Characterization of Autoantibodies against Components of the Nuclear Pore Complexes
Authors: WĘSIERSKA‐GĄDEK JÓZEFA , KLIMA ANNA , KOMINA OXANA , RANFTLER CARMEN , INVERNIZZI PIETRO , PENNER EDWARD
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Antibodies against nuclear components (ANAs) occur in sera of approximately 50% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). By indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) ANA‐positive PBC sera generate most frequently, homogeneous, speckled, centromere, and rim‐like staining patterns. A perinuclear staining pattern is indicative for the reactivity of the sera with the components of the nuclear envelope. A substantial subset of PBC patients develops antibodies against constituents of the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). These autoantibodies target two major autoantigens: gp210 glycoprotein and p62 kDa nucleoporin. Originally, a strong reaction of PBC with a 60 kDa protein of NPCs that was affinity purified on wheat‐germ agglutinin (WGA)‐Sepharose was described. Recently, using human recombinant p62 nucleoporin the identity of the reactivity was confirmed. In this work we compared by immunoprecipitation the reactivity of 20 PBC sera with the two recombinant autoantigens of the NPCs. Two out of 20 (10%) PBC sera precipitated recombinant gp210 glycoprotein and 11 out of 20 (55%) PBC sera reacted with p62 nucleoporin. These results evidence that anti‐p62 antibodies occur more frequently than the autoantibodies against gp210 glycoprotein. Considering the recently reported clinical significance of ANAs in PBC, the prognostic value of the anti‐NPC antibodies and their correlation with severity and progression of the disease is under evaluation.
Anti‐Cardiolipin and Anti‐β2‐Glycoprotein I Antibodies
Authors: ANDREOLI LAURA , MALACARNE FABIO , CERIBELLI ANGELA , KUTSCHERA IRIS , TINCANI ANGELA
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are known to be pathogenic in experimental models and are predictive of thrombosis and miscarriages in patients, so it is important to correctly evaluate their presence for identifying patients at risk. Despite many years of work, the standardization of aPL ELISA remains an open problem, so evaluation of newly introduced commercial preparations is mandatory. A total of 80 sera were collected (10 primary antiphospholipid syndromes (APSs), 10 APSs associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, 20 infectious diseases, 20 rheumatoid arthritis and 20 normal blood donors) and tested for IgG/IgM anti‐cardiolipin and anti‐beta2GPI antibodies on commercial ELISA kits (ETI) by DiaSorin and on home‐made ELISA. Both methods displayed good sensitivity and specificity for APS and were found to be concordant, especially in determining antibodies of IgG class.
A Combined SDS‐PAGE and Proteomics Approach to Identify Target Autoantigens in Healthy Individuals and Patients with Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: GUILPAIN PHILIPPE , SERVETTAZ AMÉLIE , TAMBY MATHIEU C. , CHANSEAUD YOURI , TAMAS NICOLAS , PENA‐LEFEBVRE PALOMA GARCIA de la , BROUSSARD CÉDRIC , GUILLEVIN LOÏC , CAMOIN LUC , MOUTHON LUC
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  We here present a method for the identification of antigens recognized by autoantibodies in healthy individuals and patients with autoimmune diseases. We have analyzed IgG reactivities from healthy individuals and patients with autoimmune diseases with endothelial cell antigens by combining a one‐dimensional (1D) quantative immunoblotting technique and a 2D immunoblotting technique. Whole‐cell protein extracts obtained from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used as a source of antigens. Serum IgG from healthy blood donors and from patients with autoimmune diseases were tested at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. One‐dimensional immunoblotting was first performed to detect candidate reactivity bands and 2D immunoblotting was secondly performed following 2D electrophoresis to identify protein spots. The gels and 2D blots were scanned and analyzed by imaging software. The matching permitted exact localization of particular relevant protein spots hybridized by antibodies on the 2D blots. The targeted bands from 1D spots and the targeted spots from 2D gels were identified by Edman's N‐terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. This approach is applicable to both normal and pathological conditions, potentially leading to the identification of new relevant target antigens.
Articular cartilage restoration in load-bearing osteochondral defects by implantation of autologous chondrocyte-fibrin constructs
Authors: Munirah S. , Samsudin O. C. , Chen H. C. , Salmah S. H. Sharifah , Aminuddin B. S. , Ruszymah B. H. I.
Published: September 2007

Ovine articular chondrocytes were isolated from cartilage biopsy and culture expanded in vitro. Approximately 30 million cells per ml of cultured chondrocytes were incorporated with autologous plasma-derived fibrin to form a three-dimensional construct. Full-thickness punch hole defects were created in the lateral and medial femoral condyles. The defects were implanted with either an autologous ‘chondrocyte-fibrin’ construct (ACFC), autologous chondrocytes (ACI) or fibrin blanks (AF) as controls. Animals were killed after 12 weeks. The gross appearance of the treated defects was inspected and photographed. The repaired tissues were studied histologically and by scanning electron microscopy analysis.

All defects were assessed using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification. Those treated with ACFC, ACI and AF exhibited median scores which correspond to a nearly-normal appearance. On the basis of the modified O’Driscoll histological scoring scale, ACFC implantation significantly enhanced cartilage repair compared to ACI and AF. Using scanning electron microscopy, ACFC and ACI showed characteristic organisation of chondrocytes and matrices, which were relatively similar to the surrounding adjacent cartilage.

Implantation of ACFC resulted in superior hyaline-like cartilage regeneration when compared with ACI. If this result is applicable to humans, a better outcome would be obtained than by using conventional ACI.
Delayed recovery and late development of complex regional pain syndrome in patients with an isolated fracture of the distal radius
Authors: Goris R. J. A. , Leixnering M. , Huber W. , Figl M. , Jaindl M. , Redl H.
Published: September 2007

We studied prospectively the regional inflammatory response to a unilateral distal radial fracture in 114 patients at eight to nine weeks after injury and again at one year. Our aim was to identify patients at risk for a delayed recovery and particularly those likely to develop complex regional pain syndrome. In order to quantify clinically the inflammatory response, a regional inflammatory score was developed. In addition, blood samples were collected from the antecubital veins of both arms for comparative biochemical and blood-gas analysis.

The severity of the inflammatory response was related to the type of treatment (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.002). A highly significantly-positive correlation was found between the regional inflammatory score and the length of time to full recovery (r2 = 0.92, p = 0.01, linear regession). A regional inflammatory score of 5 points with a sensitivity of 100% but a specificity of only 16% also identified patients at risk of complex regional pain syndrome. None of the biochemical parameters studied correlated with regional inflammatory score or predicted the development of complex regional pain syndrome.

Our study suggests that patients with a distal radial fracture and a regional inflammatory score of 5 points or more at eight to nine weeks after injury should be considered for specific anti-inflammatory treatment.
Narrowing of the neck in resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip
Authors: Hing C. B. , Young D. A. , Dalziel R. E. , Bailey M. , Back D. L. , Shimmin A. J.
Published: September 2007

Narrowing of the femoral neck after resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip has been described previously in both cemented and uncemented hip resurfacing. The natural history of narrowing of the femoral neck is unknown. We retrospectively measured the diameter of the femoral neck in a series of 163 Birmingham hip resurfacings in 163 patients up to a maximum of six years after operation to determine the extent and progression of narrowing.

There were 105 men and 58 women with a mean age of 52 years (18 to 82). At a mean follow-up of five years, the mean Harris hip score was 94.8 (47 to 100) and the mean flexion of the hip 112.5° (80° to 160°). There was some narrowing of the femoral neck in 77% (125) of the patients reviewed, and in 27.6% (45) the narrowing exceeded 10% of the diameter of the neck. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association (chi-squared test (derived from logistic regression) p = 0.01) of narrowing with female gender and a valgus femoral neck/shaft angle. There was no significant association between the range of movement, position or size of the component or radiological lucent lines and narrowing of the neck (chi-squared test; p = 0.10 (flexion), p = 0.08 (size of femoral component), p = 0.09 (size of acetabular component), p = 0.71 (femoral component angulation), p = 0.99 (lucent lines)). There was no significant difference between the diameter of the neck at a mean of three years (2.5 to 3.5) and that at five years (4.5 to 5.5), indicating that any change in the diameter of the neck had stabilised by three years (sign rank test, p = 0.60).

We conclude that narrowing of the femoral neck which is found with the Birmingham hip resurfacing arthroplasty is in most cases associated with no adverse clinical or radiological outcome up to a maximum of six years after the initial operation.
Stem cells and debrided waste
Authors: Biant L. C. , Bentley G.
Published: September 2007

Implantation of autologous chondrocytes and matrix autologous chondrocytes are techniques of cartilage repair used in the young adult knee which require harvesting of healthy cartilage and which may cause iatrogenic damage to the joint. This study explores alternative sources of autologous cells.

Chondrocytes obtained from autologous bone-marrow-derived cells and those from the damaged cartilage within the lesion itself are shown to be viable alternatives to harvest-derived cells. A sufficient number and quality of cells were obtained by the new techniques and may be suitable for autologous chondrocyte and matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation.
Bone transport using hydroxyapatite loaded with bone morphogenetic protein in rabbits
Authors: Watanabe K. , Tsuchiya H. , Sakurakichi K. , Tomita K.
Published: September 2007

The feasibility of bone transport with bone substitute and the factors which are essential for a successful bone transport are unknown. We studied six groups of 12 Japanese white rabbits. Groups A to D received cylindrical autologous bone segments and groups E and F hydroxyapatite prostheses. The periosteum was preserved in group A so that its segments had a blood supply, cells, proteins and scaffold. Group B had no blood supply. Group C had proteins and scaffold and group D had only scaffold. Group E received hydroxyapatite loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 and group F had hydroxyapatite alone.

Distraction osteogenesis occurred in groups A to C and E which had osteo-conductive transport segments loaded with osteo-inductive proteins. We conclude that scaffold and proteins are essential for successful bone transport, and that bone substitute can be used to regenerate bone.
The long head of biceps and associated tendinopathy
Authors: Ahrens P. M. , Boileau P.
Published: September 2007

This paper describes the current views on the pathology of lesions of the tendon of the long head of biceps and their management. Their diagnosis is described and their surgical management classified, with details of the techniques employed.
The open modified Bankart procedure
Authors: Berendes T. D. , Wolterbeek R. , Pilot P. , Verburg H. , te Slaa R. L.
Published: September 2007

We report the outcome of a modified Bankart procedure using suture anchors in 31 patients (31 shoulders) with a mean follow-up of 11 years (10 to 15). The mean age of the patients was 28 years (16 to 39). At follow-up, the mean Rowe score was 90 points (66 to 98) and the Constant score was 96 points (85 to 100). A total of 26 shoulders (84%) had a good or excellent result. The rate of recurrence varied between 6.7% and 9.7% and depended on how recurrence was defined. Two patients had a significant new injury at one and nine years, respectively after operation. The overall rate of instability (including subluxations) varied between 12.9% and 22.6%. All patients returned to work, with 29 (94%) resuming their pre-operative occupation and level of activity. Mild radiological osteoarthritis was seen in nine shoulders (29%) and severe osteoarthritis in one.

We conclude that the open modified Bankart procedure is a reliable surgical technique with good long-term results.
The use of the Oxford hip and knee scores
Authors: Murray D. W. , Fitzpatrick R. , Rogers K. , Pandit H. , Beard D. J. , Carr A. J. , Dawson J.
Published: September 2007

The Oxford hip and knee scores have been extensively used since they were first described in 1996 and 1998. During this time, they have been modified and used for many different purposes. This paper describes how they should be used and seeks to clarify areas of confusion.
Measurement of the dose of radiation to the surgeon during surgery to the foot and ankle
Authors: Singh P. J. , Perera N. S. , Dega R.
Published: September 2007

We carried out a prospective study over a period of 12 months to measure the exposure to radiation of the hands of a dedicated foot and ankle surgeon. A thermoluminescent dosimeter ring (TLD) was used to measure the cumulative dose of radiation. Fluoroscopy was used in operations on the foot and ankle. The total screening time was 3028 s, with a mean time per procedure of 37.4 s (0.6 to 197). This correlated positively with the number of procedures performed (r = 0.92, p < 0.001), and with the dose of radiation in both the left (r = 0.85, p = 0.0005) and right TLDs (r = 0.59, p = 0.419). There was no significant difference in the dose of radiation between the two hands (t-test, p = 0.62). The total dose to the right TLD over the 12 months was 2.4 millisieverts.

This is a simple and convenient method for evaluating the exposure of a single surgeon to radiation. The radiation detected was well below the annual dose limit set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection.
Theorising Asset Forfeiture in Ireland
Authors: Campbell Liz
Published: September 2007

Various alterations to the Irish legal system have been effected in a bid to counter organised crime, the most radical of which was the introduction of civil forfeiture in 1996. This article examines the forfeiture process carried out by the Criminal Assets Bureau and seeks to analyse it from a theoretical perspective. Civil forfeiture may be regarded as embodying a move away from due process towards crime control, given the avoidance of traditional protections in the criminal process by its location in the civil realm. Moreover, the process may be characterised as an ‘apersonal means of tackling crime’, in which emphasis is laid on the non-moral and regulatory aspects of the law. This article further contends that civil forfeiture represents an adaptation to reality in which the State reconfigures the legislative framework so as to facilitate more readily the suppression of organised crime.
Informed Consent and the Transmission of Sexual Disease: Dadson Revivified
Authors: Cooper Simon , Reed Alan
Published: September 2007

This article examines the impact of the decisions in R v Dica (2004) and R v Konzani (2005) on the extent of the defence of consent. As well as analysing the impact of the decisions on the extent of the defence where a defendant faces criminal liability for the transmission of sexual disease, it also considers and examines the wider issue of whether the presence or absence of consent forms part of the actus reus of the relevant assault offence or whether it is a separate and independent element that stands outside of the conduct component of the offence. It is argued that recent developments have given insufficient consideration to accepted doctrine and revived much criticised principles by focusing on unknown circumstances of justification rather than the defendant's state of knowledge and mind.
Risk Factors for Vertebral and Nonvertebral Fracture Over 10 Years: A Population-Based Study in Women
Authors: Finigan Judith , Greenfield Diana M , Blumsohn Aubrey , Hannon Rosemary A , Peel Nicola F , Jiang Guirong , Eastell Richard
Published: September 2007

Risk factors may vary for different types of fracture, in particular for vertebral fractures. We followed 367 women >50 yr of age from a population-based cohort for up to 10 yr. Factors that predicted vertebral rather than nonvertebral fractures related to physical weakness, poor health, and weight loss. Similar factors were also associated with greater bone loss at the hip.

Introduction: Many risk factors predict fractures overall, but it is less clear whether certain factors relate to vertebral fractures in particular. The aim of this study was to compare the risk factors for vertebral and nonvertebral fractures.

Materials and Methods: We carried out a 10-yr prospective population-based study of 375 women who were 50-85 yr of age initially. At baseline, we measured BMD, blood and urine biochemistry, and anthropometric measurements. Medical and lifestyle data were obtained by questionnaire. Incident vertebral fractures were determined for 311 subjects from spinal radiographs at 0, 2, 5, 7, and 10 yr using an algorithm-based qualitative method, and nonvertebral fractures were confirmed radiographically. Relative risks were calculated by Cox regression analysis.

Results: During follow-up, 70 subjects sustained one or more nonvertebral fractures and 29 sustained one or more vertebral fractures. Risk factors that predicted both types of fracture included increasing age, decreasing BMD at all sites, prevalent vertebral fracture, and shorter estrogen exposure. For nonvertebral fractures only, the risk factors included low urinary creatinine and less frequent use of stairs. The factors for vertebral fractures included lighter weight, reduced body fat, heavy smoking, lower serum calcium, albumin, and thyroid T3, weak grip strength, and poor physical capability. In a multivariate model, weight, fat mass, serum calcium and T3, prevalent vertebral fracture, and physical capability remained significant. Furthermore, grip strength, serum albumin, weight loss, and physical capability were associated with rate of bone loss at the femoral neck, and a fast rate of bone loss was also associated with vertebral fractures.

Conclusions: We conclude that overall frailty, which may consist of general poor health, small or thin body size, and lack of strength and physical capability, predicts vertebral fractures but is not a significant predictor of nonvertebral fractures. Bone loss rates are associated with similar risk factors and also with the incidence of vertebral fractures.
Determination of Elastic Properties by Resonant Technique: A Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Antunes F. , Ramalho A. , Ferreira J. A. M. , Capela C. , Reis P.
Published: September 2007

The in-plane elastic properties of materials can be determined using an experimental-numerical procedure based on the resonant frequencies of thin beams and plates. The objective of this paper is to study the accuracy of the material constants obtained with this technique. The procedure is presented and the parameters affecting its accuracy are identified. Specimens of epoxy reinforced with carbon fibers and 6082-T6 aluminum alloy were produced and experimental work was developed to obtain resonant frequencies in free-free boundary conditions. A numerical procedure based on FEM was developed replicating the experimental procedure and was used for a sensitivity analysis on the numerical and physical parameters. A great sensitivity relative to geometry was found, which emphasizes the need for ideally shaped specimens and accurate measurements. The influence of elastic properties on resonant frequencies is comparatively lower and varies quite considerably with geometry. The accuracy of experimental frequencies and specific mass was found to have a great impact on material constants.
Fat distribution and storage: how much, where, and how?
Authors: Weiss Ram
Published: September 2007

Obesity does not necessarily imply disease and similarly obese individuals may manifest obesity-related morbidity or seemingly be in reasonably good health. Recent studies have shown that patterns of lipid partitioning are a major determinant of the metabolic profile and not just obesityper se.The underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of lipid deposition in the visceral compartment and in insulin-sensitive tissues are described. Increased intramyocellular lipid deposition impairs the insulin signal transduction pathway and is associated with insulin resistance. Increased hepatic lipid deposition is similarly associated with the majority of the components of the insulin resistance syndrome. The roles of increased circulating fatty acids in conditions of insulin resistance and the typical pro-inflammatory milieu of specific obesity patterns are provided. Insights into the patterns of lipid storage within the cell are provided along with their relation to changes in insulin sensitivity and weight loss.
Metabolic implications of GH treatment in small for gestational age
Authors: Delemarre E M , Rotteveel J , de Waal H A Delemarre-van
Published: September 2007

Fetal growth retardation is associated with decreased postnatal growth, resulting in a lower adult height. In addition, a low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of developing diseases during adulthood, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Children with persistent postnatal growth retardation, i.e., incomplete catchup growth, can be treated with human GH. The GH/IGF-I axis is involved in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The question of whether treatment with GH in children born small for gestational age (SGA) has long-term implications with respect to glucose/insulin and lipid metabolism has not been answered yet. In this article, the available data are reviewed.
IGF-I therapy in growth disorders
Authors: Rosenfeld Ron G
Published: September 2007

Patients with GH insensitivity, typically resulting from mutations affecting the GH receptor (GHR), GHR signaling cascade, or the IGF-I gene, are, generally, unresponsive to GH therapy. Beginning in the 1990s, clinical trials of IGF-I administration in such patients demonstrated both short- and long-term efficacy, although not to the degree observed with GH treatment of naïve GH-deficient patients. Adverse effects, including hypoglycemia, lymphoid overgrowth, benign intracranial pressure, and coarsening of facial features, have been observed, but, in general, have proven to be transient. As interest in the potential efficacy of IGF-I treatment for children currently labeled as idiopathic short stature increases, it will be important to have controlled clinical trials of GH, versus IGF-I versus combination, GH + IGF-I.
Adrenal insufficiency in phytosterolaemia
Authors: Mushtaq T , Wales J K , Wright N P
Published: September 2007

Background: Phytosterolaemia (sitosterolaemia) is a rare autosomal recessive condition caused by mutations on the ABCG5 and ABCG8 gut transporter proteins. This leads to accumulation of plant-derived cholesterol-like molecules in blood and tissues.

Case: We describe a family of Bangladesh origin, where three siblings (two males and one female) have homozygous mutations for phytosterolaemia, and exhibit short stature and adrenal failure with the female having ovarian failure.

Findings: The index case (18-year-old female) and her sibling (16 years) have adrenal insufficiency with hyperpigmentation and raised levels of ACTH, at 367 and 690 ng/l respectively. The youngest child at 7 years has normal adrenal function. In addition, the index case has ovarian failure and sibling 2 has partial growth hormone deficiency.

Conclusion: Although short stature is a recognised phenomenon, no previous association has been made between phytosterolaemia and other endocrine abnormalities. We postulate that the elevated plant sterol levels in phytosterolaemia may interfere with endocrine hormone synthesis; in particular, we present evidence that adrenal cholesterol metabolism may be preferentially affected, accounting for the adrenal insufficiency.
Dilemmas associated with the surgical treatment of cutaneous B cell lymphomas
Authors: Jaskó Róbert , Horváth Endre , Szilágyi Anna , Altorjay Áron
Published: September 2007

A cutan lymphomák a non-Hodgkin-lymphomák közé tartozó megbetegedések. Időben felállított diagnózis és adekvát kezelés mellett a betegség prognózisa kifejezetten jónak mondható. A korrekt diagnózishoz azonban rögös út vezet, számos bőrgyógyászati kórkép jelent ugyanis differenciáldiagnosztikai problémát.
Esetismertetés:
A szerzők egy 53 éves nőbeteg kórtörténetét ismertetik, aki válltájékon elhelyezkedő bőrelváltozás miatt került bőrgyógyászati kivizsgálásra. Mycosis gyanúja miatt konzervatív kezelést kezdtek. Ennek eredménytelenségét követően sebészi excisio történt. A posztoperatív szövettani vizsgálat cutan B-sejtes lymphomát igazolt.
Megbeszélés:
A cutan B-sejtes lymphomák a non-Hodgkin-lymphomák azon csoportjába tartoznak, ahol a malignus proliferatio primeren a bőrben keletkezik, és a betegség diagnózisát követő 6 hónapon belül nem lehet extracutan érintettséget kimutatni. A nemzetközi szakirodalomban számos tanulmánnyal találkozunk, mely a betegség tüneteinek észlelése és a diagnózis felállítása között eltelt hosszú időtartamról számol be. Ez a differenciáldiagnosztikai problémák jelentőségére hívja fel a figyelmet. A primer cutan lymphomák kezelése során meg kell határozni az elváltozás típusát, a betegség cutan kiterjedését, illetve az extracutan érintettséget. E vizsgálatok eredményeit elemezve állítható fel a terápiás terv. Esetünk az irodalmi adatokkal összhangban jól példázza, hogy az in toto sebészi kimetszés a korrekt diagnózis felállításán túl még napjainkban is terápiás alternatívát jelenthet.
Disorders of hemostatic system in patients with malignant disease, especially in view of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Bozóky Géza , Ruby Éva , Góhér Ilona , Mohos Andrea , Bálint Csilla , Bozóky István
Published: September 2007

A szolid malignus kórképekben laboratóriumi módszerekkel igazolható fokozott trombózishajlam a daganatsejtek haemostasisrendszerre gyakorolt aktiváló hatása következtében alakul ki. Az aktiváló hatás a daganatsejtek és a koagulációs rendszer különböző alkotóelemei (véralvadási faktorok, thrombocyták, endothel, fibrinolitikus rendszer) közötti interakció révén alakul ki, s ez vezet a protrombotikus állapottól a haemostasisrendszer klinikailag megnyilvánuló zavaraihoz.
Célkitűzés:
Retrospektív analízis során a szerzők arra kerestek választ, hogy nagy esetszámú szolid malignus daganatos betegben milyen jellegű és gyakoriságú haemostaticus rendellenességek fordulnak elő.
Módszer:
Az 1996 és 2004 közötti időszakban 1381 betegben hisztológiai és/vagy citológiai vizsgálat révén kórisméztek szolid malignus megbetegedést. A betegek többsége primer bronchopulmonalis kiindulású karcinómában szenvedett (
n
= 1140). A többi esetben emlő-, colorectalis, vese-, húgyhólyag-, pajzsmirigy- és pancreaslokalizációjú volt a malignus folyamat, mesotheliomát hat betegben kórisméztek. A stádiummegállapító vizsgálatok alapján a betegek nagyobb hányada előrehaladott klinikai stádiumú volt. A daganatos betegekben azt vizsgálták, hogy milyen jellegű és gyakoriságú haemostaticus rendellenesség fordul elő, különös tekintettel a vénás thromboemboliák előfordulására. Külön is figyelmet fordítottak a meglevő nem malignus társbetegség szerepére a haemostaticus rendellenességek kialakulása szempontjából.
Eredmények:
Az 1381 rosszindulatú daganatos betegben 397 esetben (28,7%) észleltek klinikailag megnyilvánuló haemostaticus rendellenességet. Leggyakoribbnak a mélyvénás trombózis és akut pulmonalis embólia bizonyult (
n
= 305, 22%). Egyéb jellegű haemostasiszavar (migráló felületes thrombophlebitis, szeptikus trombózis, akut diffúz intravascularis coagulatio, microangiopathiás haemoliticus anaemia) 71 betegben fordult elő, amely 6,7%-nak felel meg. A haemostaticus eltéréssel járó malignus kóresetek 40%-ában nem malignus társbetegséget észleltek, különböző cardialis megbetegedések, valamint a krónikus obstruktív tüdőbetegség dominanciájával. A fokozott trombóziskészséget kiváltó szisztémás okok mellett közel 10%-os gyakoriságban a jelentős nagyságú lokoregionális tumorvolumen is hozzájárult a vénás keringési zavar kialakulásához.
Következtetések:
Szolid malignus betegekben a daganatsejtek és a koagulációs szisztéma egyes alkotóelemei közötti interakció fokozott trombózishajlam kialakulásához vezet, melynek következtében különböző klinikai megjelenésű haemostasis-rendellenességek jelentkezhetnek. Ezen haemostasiszavarok közül a klinikai gyakorlatban leggyakrabban a vénás thromboemboliák fordulnak elő. Idiopátiás vénás trombózisok eseteiben célzott vizsgálatok elvégzése indokolt az aszimptomatikus (okkult) malignus betegség igazolása, illetőleg kizárása céljából.
Sampling in research on interpersonal aggression
Authors: Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Einarsen Ståle
Published: September 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of convenience samples in research on interpersonal aggression among adults. It was hypothesised that convenience sampled targets of aggression differs from targets in general with regards to both demographic characteristics and degree of aggression exposed to. A convenience sample comprising support‐seeking targets of workplace bullying was compared with a representative sample of Norwegian targets of bullying. The results showed that the two samples differed significantly on all demographic variables investigated, except gender. A far higher percentage of the convenience sample had blown the whistle on illegal, immoral or illegitimate practice at their workplace, whereas they also reported significantly more frequent and more intense exposure to aggression. The findings confirm that convenience samples have low external validity when generalising to the general population. Such samples should therefore mainly be used to investigate tendencies in, and the phenomenology of, interpersonal aggression, in studies where generalisability is not the principal objective. Aggr. Behav. 34:265–272, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paving the road to war with group membership, appraisal antecedents, and anger
Authors: Cheung‐Blunden Violet , Blunden Bill
Published: September 2007

This study uses appraisal theory, functionalist approach to emotions, and recent theory on group emotions as a basic framework to model the genesis of supporting military action. During the year after the events of 9/11, 588 college students participated in a series of four studies that assessed religious affiliation, appraisal antecedents, anger response to viewing photographs of the 9/11 attack, and support for military action. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that the relation between support for the war and attitudes toward terrorism and relevance could be explained adequately by a model in which anger mediated the effects of attitudes and relevance on support. Attitudes toward terrorism were further identified as mediators that could explain the group effect by Christians. The result was not only generalizable across the conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq, but also in terms of how consent for war manifests itself—outright calls for bloodshed versus more subtle, politically loaded, posturing (e.g. entreaties to “support our troops”). Aggr. Behav. 34:175–189, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid Determination of Volatile Constituents in Safflower by Microwave Distillation and Simultaneous Solid‐Phase Microextraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yu Yingjia , Yang Bei , Zhou Tao , Zhang Haiying , Shao Luping , Duan Gengli
Published: September 2007

In this paper, microwave distillation and solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (MD‐SPME/GC‐MS) was developed for the analysis of essential components in safflower. Using the MD‐SPME technique, the isolation, extraction and concentration of volatile compounds in safflower were carried out in only one step. Some parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as SPME fiber coating, microwave power, irradiation time and the volume of water added were optimized. The optimal experiment parameters obtained were: 65 μm CW/DVB SPME fiber, a microwave power of 400 W, an irradiation time of 3 min and water volume of 1 mL. The proposed method has been compared with conventional steam distillation (SD) for extraction of essential oil compounds in safflower. Using MD‐SPME followed by GC‐MS, 32 compounds in safflower were separated and identified, which mainly included paeonol, alpha‐asarone, beta‐asarone, 1‐methyl‐4‐(2‐propenyl)‐benzene and diethenyl‐benzene, whereas only 18 compounds were separated and identified by conventional SD followed by GC‐MS. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) values of less than 10 % show that the proposed method has good reproducibility. The results show that MD‐SPME/GC‐MS is a simple, rapid, effective method for the analysis of volatile oil components in safflower.
Synthesis and Characteristics of Macroporous Epoxy Resin‐Triethylenetetramine Polymer Modified by Sodium Chloroacetate for Copper Chelation in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Hou Linxi , Jiang Feng , Wang Sui
Published: September 2007

A novel macroporous resin was prepared from an epoxy resin and triethylenetetramine (TETA) via a polymerization using micro‐phase separation. In this novel method the polyethylene glycol (PEG‐400) was used as solvent in the initial stage and a phase‐separation reagent at later stage of the polymerization was firstly adopted. The resin was modified by sodium chloroacetate and the carboxyl groups were introduced. Its structure was characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared spectra (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The adsorption‐desorption characteristics of the resin for Cu(II) in aqueous solution were investigated in detail using ICP‐AES. The interaction between the metal ion and the resin was found to be depended upon the acidity of the medium. The prepared resin is strongly chelating and exhibits a chelating ability that can remove cupric ion in waste water treatment.
Method Validation for the Determination of Lead in Raw Cow's Milk Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Yurtsever Sarica Deniz , Türker Ali Rehber
Published: September 2007

In this study, lead in raw cow's milk has been determined by validated electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with Zeeman‐effect background correction. Maximum pyrolysis and optimum atomization temperatures of lead were determined in the presence of modifiers. Pd + Mg(NO3)2 has been found a powerful modifier mixture for the determination of lead. The analytical parameters of the method such as limit of detection, limit of quantification and the effect of interfering ions have been investigated. The detection limit (3σ) achieved by the method was calculated to be 0.62 ng/mL for Pb. Repeatability of the method evaluated as the relative standard deviation of 16‐17 replicates using 5 ng/mL, under optimum experimental conditions were about 1.5 % for synthetic sample solution and about 3 % for real sample (N=5). The described method has been validated by analyzing certified reference material (BCR‐CRM 150) and by comparing the results with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The validated method was applied to raw cow's milk samples produced in 7 different regions of Turkey in 2003‐2004. Raw cow's milk contained a mean (range) of 31.4 (2.5 – 313) μg kg‐1 lead with a relative error below 2%.
Moderate anxiety, whether acute or chronic, is not associated with ovarian suppression in healthy, well‐nourished, Western women
Authors: Ellison Peter T. , Lipson Susan F. , Jasienska Gazyna , Ellison Pippi L.
Published: September 2007

The relationship between psychological stress and reduced fecundity has been a matter of speculation and investigation for decades. Most previous studies have been compromised, however, by a number of problems including ambiguous direction of causation, poorly operationalized variables, and the confounding of psychological with energetic stress. We present a two‐part study of the relationship between moderate anxiety, both acute and chronic, and daily measures of ovarian steroid and corticosteroid levels in saliva. Anxiety, as a particular form of psychosocial stress, was measured by the Spielberger Stait‐Trait Anxiety Inventory as well as by a self‐reported daily stress score. In the first part, 23 college juniors taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) were studied the month before and the month after the test, and again several months later, and compared at the same time points with 27 controls. In the second part, chronic anxiety levels were assessed in 95 women between 27 and 41 years of age and analyzed in relation to daily levels of salivary ovarian and corticosteroids over one menstrual cycle. The sample sizes are sufficient to allow for confidence in negative results. No statistically significant differences in ovarian or corticosteroid levels were observed whether between the MCAT and control subjects in part one, between the MCAT subjects before and after the MCAT test in part one, or between high and low anxiety subjects in part two. The results indicate that moderate levels of anxiety, whether acute or chronic, are not associated with suppressed ovarian function in healthy women. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gait parameter adjustments of cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus, Callitrichidae) to locomotion on inclined arboreal substrates
Authors: Nyakatura John A. , Fischer Martin S. , Schmidt Manuela
Published: September 2007

The influence of different substrate inclinations on gaits and metric gait parameters (relative forelimb and hind limb protraction, relative forelimb, and hind limb retraction, stride length, stance, and swing phase duration) of cotton‐top tamarin locomotion was studied using high‐speed video films and evaluated by descriptive and analytical statistical methods. As previously shown, lateral sequence gaits predominantly occurred on descending arboreal substrates (branchlike pole with a smaller diameter than the animal's body). Gait sequence patterns display significant dependency on substrate inclination. Cotton‐top tamarins utilize lower diagonality values the more the substrate declines. This tendency leads to a greater use of lateral sequence gaits on steeply declined substrates. Conversely, these primates display the tendency to utilize higher diagonality values the more the substrate inclines leading to the predominant occurrence of diagonal sequence (DS) gaits. Duty factor index, extent of relative protraction, and relative retraction of both limb pairs as well as the relation of forelimb stance phase duration to hind limb stance phase duration is also correlated to the inclination of the substrate. Stride length and swing phase duration display no significant dependence on inclination, but are determined by the speed of the moving animal. The relevant duty factor is approximately constant at all inclinations. Integrating our results with results of other authors we propose a hypothesis for the functional relevance of a utilization of lateral sequence gaits in downward locomotion and DS gaits in upward locomotion. Our data support the notion of a wide ranging behavioral plasticity as a general primate locomotor characteristic. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐component terpolymers of glycidyl methacrylate with good swelling characteristics
Authors: Bukowska Agnieszka , Bukowski Wiktor , Noworól Jarosław
Published: September 2007

Highly swellable glycidyl methacrylate terpolymers with styrene and a series of crosslinkers (divinyl benzene and ethylene, diethylene, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylates) were obtained by suspension polymerization. The loading capacities of the resins, their glass‐transition temperatures, and their swelling characteristics in 20 solvents were examined with respect to the monomer composition. A selected resin was modified for a cobalt–imine complex and tested as a catalyst in a model ring‐opening reaction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Preparation and drug release behaviors of 5‐fluorouracil loaded poly(glycolide‐co‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone) nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Hanwei , Bei Jianzhong , Wang Shenguo
Published: September 2007

5‐Fluorouracil (5‐Fu) loaded poly(glycolide‐co‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone) (PGLC) nanoparticles were prepared by modified spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method (modified‐SESD method) and characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and 1H NMR determination. It was found that the obtained nanoparticles showed near spherical shape and was controllable with the radius range of 30–100 nm. Compared with the nanoparticles prepared by polylactide and poly (lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) under the similar preparation condition, yield of PGLC nanoparticles was the highest, which reached to about 100%. On the other hand, drug entrapment efficiency of PGLC nanoparticles was also higher than that of PLGA and PLLA nanoparticles. 5‐Fu release behavior of PGLC nanoparticles in vitro showed that 5‐Fu release of PGLC nanoparticles showed a near zero‐order release profile, and 5‐Fu release rate of PGLC nanoparticles was faster than that of PLLA and PLGA nanoparticles. According to degradation behavior of PGLC nanoparticles, it could be proposed that the kinetic of degradation controlled release played an important role in the release process of PGLC nanoparticles. It revealed that the PGLC nanoparticles could be a promising drug carrier. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007