bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morpho‐Physiologic Characteristics of Dorsal Subicular Network in Mice after Pilocarpine‐Induced Status Epilepticus
Authors: He De Fu , Ma Dong Liang , Tang Yong Cheng , Engel Jr Jerome , Bragin Anatol , Tang Feng Ru
Published: February 2009

The goal of this study was to examine the morpho‐physiologic changes in the dorsal subiculum network in the mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy using extracellular recording, juxtacellular and immunofluorescence double labeling, and anterograde tracing methods. A significant loss of total dorsal subicular neurons, particularly calbindin, parvalbumin (PV) and immunopositive interneurons, was found at 2 months after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE). However, the sprouting of axons from lateral entorhinal cortex (LEnt) was observed to contact with surviving subicular neurons. These neurons had two predominant discharge patterns: bursting and fast irregular discharges. The bursting neurons were mainly pyramidal cells, and their dendritic spine density and bursting discharge rates were increased significantly in SE mice compared with the control group. Fast irregular discharge neurons were PV‐immunopositive interneurons and had less dendritic spines in SE mice when compared with the control mice. When LEnt was stimulated, bursting and fast irregular discharge neurons had much shorter latency and stronger excitatory response in SE mice compared with the control group. Our results illustrate that morpho‐physiologic changes in the dorsal subiculum could be part of a multilevel pathologic network that occurs simultaneously in many brain areas to contribute to the generation of epileptiform activity.
Clinical and hematological study for Parvovirus b19 infection in children with acute leukemia
Authors: ZAKI M. E. S. , ASHRAY R. E.
Published: February 2009

The role of Parvovirus B19 in acute leukemia is under debate. This study aimed to detect parvovirus B19 DNA together with its antibodies in the sera of children with recent acute leukemia and those with acute leukemia receiving chemotherapy to clarify the contribution of this infection to changes observed in hematological and clinical presentations in these populations. Two groups were included: Group I comprised 45 children with acute leukemia receiving chemotherapy and Group II comprised 40 children with recently diagnosed acute leukemia. Serum parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM were investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay and the virus DNA was sought by polymerase chain reaction assay. Viral DNA was found in 22.2% of Group I patients and in 45% of Group II patients. Hemoglobin levels were significantly reduced in patients with recent infection, accompanied by statistically significant lymphocytosis in Group I patients. Group II patients with recent infection had marked neutropenia with lymphocytosis and thrombocytopenia. There was statistically significant lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly in patients with recent infection in both groups. Parvovirus B19 infection is an important cause of cytopenia in children with acute leukemia both when recently diagnosed and receiving chemotherapy. This can affect the schedule of chemotherapy. Moreover, the presence of Parvovirus B19 is associated with marked lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly.
Does Clinician's Knowledge of B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels Translate to Improvement of Quality of Life and Less Hospitalization Days in Patients with Heart Failure?
Authors: Ancheta Irma B. , Evans Mary , Miller Alan B. , Chiong Jun R. , Battie Cindy
Published: February 2009

This pilot study was conducted to determine whether clinicians' knowledge of b‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in individuals with heart failure (HF) correlates with better outcomes including quality of life (QOL) and hospital length of stay (LOS) over a 90‐day period. HF clinic patients were randomized into 2 groups: clinician aware (BNP group; n=50) or blinded to BNP levels (control group; n=42). BNP levels were measured at baseline using the BNP Immunoassay Kit. QOL was measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLWHF) questionnaire, and hospital LOS were measured at baseline and 90 days. There was no significant difference in BNP levels between groups. Compared with baseline scores (46.87 ± 29.63), mean QOL scores at 90 days (37.46 ± 28.67) were not significantly different for both groups. Hospital LOS was also similar for both groups (mean=3 days). BNP levels were significantly correlated with New York Heart Association classification (P=.05), ejection fraction (P=0.0001), creatinine levels (P=0.05), and overall Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores (P=.01). Clinician's knowledge of BNP levels is not associated with better outcomes of QOL or hospital LOS in HF patients. However, BNP levels are correlated with functional status and physiological parameters. Further research is needed to determine whether other factors influence QOL and hospital LOS of HF patients.
Emotional Functioning Drives Quality of Life in Men with Heart Failure
Authors: Corvera‐Tindel Teresita , Doering Lynn V. , Roper Janice , Dracup Kathleen
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the relative contributions of physical and emotional functioning to overall quality of life (QOL) in men with heart failure (HF). In 76 men with HF (age 63 ± 11 years; left ventricular ejection fraction 27 ± 9%; 20% NYHA III/IV), initial correlations of Cardiac‐Quality of Life Index (C‐QLI) scores with sociodemographic/clinical variables, physical functioning (6‐minute walk test and Heart Failure Functional Status Inventory), and emotional functioning (depression, anxiety, and hostility, as measured by the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist) were followed by multivariate stepwise regression. After controlling for sociodemographic/clinical variables, younger age (variance=9%, P=.008), higher depressive symptoms (variance=16%, P=<.001), and lower self‐reported physical functioning (variance=4%, P=.03) accounted for lower C‐QLI scores (R2=0.33, P=.03). Compared with physical functioning, emotional functioning and younger age have a stronger relationship to QOL in men with HF.
Intrafloral differentiation of stamens in heterantherous flowers
Authors: LUO Zhong‐Lai , GU Lei , ZHANG Dian‐Xiang
Published: February 2009

Flowers that have heteromorphic stamens (heterantherous flowers) have intrigued many researchers ever since the phenomenon was discovered in the 19th century. The morphological differentiation in androecia has been suggested as a reflection of “labor division” in pollination in which one type of stamens attracts pollinators and satisfies their demand for pollen as food and the other satisfies the plant's need for safe gamete dispersal. The extent and patterns of stamen differentiation differ notably among taxa with heterantherous flowers. Seven species with heteromorphic stamens in three genera were sampled from Leguminosae and Melastomataceae, and the morphological difference of androecia, pollen content, pollen histochemistry and viability, pollen micro‐morphology, as well as the main pollinators were examined and compared. Pollen number differs significantly between stamen sets of the same flower in most species investigated, and a correlation of pollen number and anther size was substantiated. Higher pollen viabilities were found in the long (pollinating) stamens of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. and S. bicapsularis (L.) Roxb. Dimorphic pollen exine ornamentation is reported here for the first time in Fordiophyton faberi Stapf. The height of stigma and anther tips of the long stamens in natural conditions was proved to be highly correlated, supporting the hypothesis that they contact similar areas of the pollinator's body.
Mating system and genetic diversity of a rare desert legume Ammopiptanthus nanus (Leguminosae)
Authors: CHEN Guo‐Qing , HUANG Hong‐Wen , CRAWFORD Daniel J , PAN Bo‐Rong , GE Xue‐Jun
Published: February 2009

Ammopiptanthus nanus is an endangered evergreen shrub endemic to the deserts of central Asia and plays an important role in delaying further desertification. We examined allozyme variation and AFLP diversity in A. nanus populations and investigated the mating system of this species using progeny arrays assayed for polymorphic allozyme loci. Mating system analysis in the Keyi'eryongke'er population showed low levels of out‐crossing, and strong inbreeding depression. Low levels of genetic variation were detected at both population (allozyme, Pp= 14.0%, A= 1.14, He= 0.031; AFLP, Pp= 14.5%, Shannon's information index I= 0.063) and species (allozyme, Pp= 21.1%, A= 1.21, He= 0.040; AFLP, Pp= 20.9%, I= 0.083) levels; while moderate genetic differentiation existed among populations, as indicated by allozymes (GST= 0.081) and AFLP (GST= 0.151–0.193). Founder effect, bottlenecks in evolutionary history, the mixed mating system and co‐ancestry may have influenced the level of genetic diversity in A. nanus. Markers of both types provide new insights for conservation management, indicating that the Biao'ertuokuoyi and Keyi'eryongke'er populations should be given priority for in situ conservation and regarded as seed sources for ex situ conservation.
New mechanism of transforming growth factor‐β signaling in hepatoma: Dramatic up‐regulation of tumor initiating cells and epidermal growth factor receptor expression
Authors: Nishimura Takeshi , Azuma Toshifumi , Yokoyama Akiko , Ochiai Hiromi , Saito Hidetsugu , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) has dual activity in tumor cells. We studied the effect of TGF‐β on tumor‐initiating cells (TICs), which are similar in self‐renewal and differentiation features to normal adult stem cells.

Methods:  We used side population (SP) cells that exclude DNA binding dye Hoechst 33342 to obtain TICs, studied the differences in the kinetics of the SP cell response to TGF‐β treatment between hepatic tumor cell lines, and performed gene analysis.

Results:  SP cells from all cell lines have higher proliferative ability compared to non‐SP cells and they are drug resistant. TGF‐β treatment increased the percentage of SP cells (%SP) and the survival rate; chemotherapeutic drug resistance developed only in K‐251 SP cells. Gene analysis showed that TGF‐β up‐regulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) only in K‐251 cells. There were no EGFR mutations in K‐251, which had been reported in lung cancer. Knockdown of Smad4 using the small‐interfering RNA technique in K‐251 cells inhibited EGFR overexpression and significantly decreased the %SP. In contrast, the JNK inhibitor had little effect on EGFR expression or the %SP.

Conclusion:  TGF‐β treatment of K‐251 cells causes tumor progression and the anti‐cancer drug resistant phenotype by increasing SP.
Effect of bile acids on the biliary excretion of pravastatin in rats
Authors: Morisawa Yoshihiko , Takikawa Hajime
Published: February 2009

Aim:  The biliary excretion of pravastatin, an HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor, is mediated by the multidrug resistance protein 2, but a recent report suggests that pravastatin is also a substrate of the bile salt export pump, which transports bile acids. We examined the effects of bile acids on biliary pravastatin excretion in rats.

Methods:  The effect of taurocholate on biliary pravastatin excretion, and that of pravastatin on biliary taurocholate excretion was examined in bile‐drained rats.

Results:  Taurocholate had no effect on biliary pravastatin excretion, whereas pravastatin with a dose to cause biliary excretory maximum significantly inhibited biliary taurocholate excretion.

Conclusion:  These data indicate that increased serum bile acids will not affect the pharmacokinetics of pravastatin in patients with hepatobiliary diseases. Although pravastatin inhibited biliary taurocholate excretion, it is unlikely that pravastatin significantly inhibits biliary bile acid excretion by its therapeutic doses.
Source of transmission in children with chronic hepatitis B infection after the implementation of a strategy for prevention in those at high risk
Authors: Komatsu Haruki , Inui Ayano , Sogo Tsuyoshi , Hiejima Eitaro , Kudo Naoko , Fujisawa Tomoo
Published: February 2009

Aim:  In order to clarify the sources of chronic HBV (hepatitis B virus) infection in children after the implementation of an “at‐risk” strategy in Japan, chronically infected children were assessed. In addition, chronically infected children born to HBsAg‐negative mothers and their family members were assessed to identify the sources of HBV transmission.

Methods:  Fifty‐seven children who tested HBsAg‐positive after the initiation of a mother‐to‐child transmission prevention program were enrolled in this study. The full‐genome HBV DNA sequence was analyzed to confirm the transmission sources.

Results:  Of the 57 patients, 37 (65%) were born to HBV carrier mothers. The remaining 20 (35%) patients were born to HBsAg‐negative mothers. Fourteen of these patients had HBV carrier fathers, and 2 patients, who were siblings, did not have an HBV carrier father. The remaining 4 patients had no family members with HBV infection. Phylogenetic tree analysis confirmed that father‐to‐child transmission and sibling‐to‐sibling transmission occurred in 3 families and 1 family, respectively.

Conclusion:  Although vaccine failure of mother‐to‐child transmission was the major cause of chronic HBV infection in children, father‐to‐child transmission was the second most common mode of transmission. In addition, sibling‐to‐sibling transmission was found. Unless at‐risk individuals and groups can be accurately identified to prevent horizontal transmission, the introduction of universal vaccination is essential for achieving the elimination of HBV infection in Japan.
Impaired regulation of serum hepcidin during phlebotomy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Sugimoto Ryosuke , Fujita Naoki , Tomosugi Naohisa , Hara Nagisa , Miyachi Hirohide , Tanaka Hideaki , Takeo Masaki , Nakagawa Naoki , Iwasa Motoh , Kobayashi Yoshinao , Kaito Masahiko , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2009

Aim:  This study was conducted to determine the clinical relevance of hepcidin, a recently identified key iron regulatory hormone, in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (C‐HCV).

Methods:  Serum hepcidin levels were measured in 9 C‐HCV patients by surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF‐MS), and compared to those of healthy controls. Sequential changes of hepcidin were also investigated during phlebotomy.

Results:  Serum hepcidin and ferritin were significantly higher in C‐HCV than in controls (P = 0.0002), these two variables were strongly related to each other (r = 0.658; P < 0.01), and phlebotomy significantly decreased serum hepcidin in C‐HCV (P = 0.0007); all these results recollect the hepcidin response to iron signal. Hepcidin/ferritin ratio, an index of the appropriateness of hepcidin expression relative to iron overload, was significantly lower in C‐HCV than in controls (0.33 ± 0.41 vs. 0.73 ± 0.36, P = 0.0068). This relative impairment of hepcidin expression was not reversible after phlebotomy (P = NS).

Conclusions:  Although the hepcidin expression responds to iron conditions in C‐HCV, this response is relatively limited. This relative impairment of hepcidin expression may be relevant to disease progression, and thus correction of its regulation may be beneficial for these iron‐overloaded C‐HCV patients.
Liver stiffness measured by transient elastography correlates with fibrosis area in liver biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Nitta Yoshifumi , Kawabe Naoto , Hashimoto Senju , Harata Masao , Komura Naruomi , Kobayashi Kyoko , Arima Yuko , Shimazaki Hiroaki , Nakano Takuji , Murao Michihito , Ichino Naohiro , Osakabe Keisuke , Aoki Hisako , Hosoe Yoko , Sugiyama Hiroko , Nishikawa Toru , Yoshioka Kentaro
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Liver stiffness (LS) measured by transient elastography (TE) has been reported to correlate with liver fibrosis, which is usually semiquantitatively assessed. In the present study, the fibrosis area was measured by image analysis software in liver biopsy specimens and its correlation with LS was assessed.

Methods:  LS was measured by TE in all 165 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who underwent liver biopsy consecutively in Fujita Health University Hospital from July 2004 to September 2007.

Results:  Fibrosis area was significantly correlated with fibrosis stage as assessed by the Metavir score (ρ = 0.733, P < 0.0001). The optimal cut‐off value of fibrosis area was 1.6% for F > or = 2, 3.1% for F > or = 3, and 3.8–6.4% for F4. LS was significantly correlated with fibrosis stage (ρ = 0.734, P < 0.0001). The optimal cut‐off value of LS was 7.1 kPa for F > or = 2, 9.6 kPa for F > or = 3 and 11.6–16.9 kPa for F4. Multiple linear regression analysis selected fibrosis area (P = 0.0002), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P = 0.0237), γ‐glutamyltransferase (γ‐GTP) (P = 0.0114), prothrombin time (P = 0.0114) and hyaluronic acid (P < 0.0001) as factors correlating with LS.

Conclusion:  The correlation between LS and liver fibrosis was confirmed by the objective measurement of fibrosis area. ALT was significantly correlated with LS, suggesting that inflammatory activity also affects LS values. Despite some limitation, LS measurement is a useful method for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis.
Greatly Expanded Tropical Warm Pool and Weakened Hadley Circulation in the Early Pliocene
Authors: Brierley Chris M. , Fedorov Alexey V. , Liu Zhonghui , Herbert Timothy D. , Lawrence Kira T. , LaRiviere Jonathan P.
Published: February 2009

The Pliocene warm interval has been difficult to explain. We reconstructed the latitudinal distribution of sea surface temperature around 4 million years ago, during the early Pliocene. Our reconstruction shows that the meridional temperature gradient between the equator and subtropics was greatly reduced, implying a vast poleward expansion of the ocean tropical warm pool. Corroborating evidence indicates that the Pacific temperature contrast between the equator and 32°N has evolved from ∼2°C 4 million years ago to ∼8°C today. The meridional warm pool expansion evidently had enormous impacts on the Pliocene climate, including a slowdown of the atmospheric Hadley circulation and El Niño–like conditions in the equatorial region. Ultimately, sustaining a climate state with weak tropical sea surface temperature gradients may require additional mechanisms of ocean heat uptake (such as enhanced ocean vertical mixing).
RNA Pol II Accumulates at Promoters of Growth Genes During Developmental Arrest
Authors: Baugh L. Ryan , DeModena John , Sternberg Paul W.
Published: February 2009

When
Caenorhabditis elegans
larvae hatch from the egg case in the absence of food, their development is arrested (L1 arrest), and they show increased stress resistance until food becomes available. To study nutritional control of larval development, we analyzed growth and gene expression profiles during L1 arrest and recovery. Larvae that were fed responded relatively slowly to starvation compared with the rapid response of arrested larvae to feeding. Chromatin immunoprecipitation of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) followed by deep sequencing showed that during L1 arrest, Pol II continued transcribing starvation-response genes, but the enzyme accumulated on the promoters of growth and development genes. In response to feeding, promoter accumulation decreased, and elongation and messenger RNA levels increased. Therefore, accumulation of Pol II at promoters anticipates nutritionally controlled gene expression during
C. elegans
development.
A review of molecular pathological markers in vulvar carcinoma: lack of application in clinical practice: Table 1
Authors: Knopp S , Tropè C , Nesland J M , Holm R
Published: February 2009

Vulvar carcinoma is a rare female genital neoplasia. Radical surgery, which has been the standard treatment approach, is often accompanied by considerable morbidity. To reduce the incidence of complications there has been a movement toward individualised therapy and less radical surgery. Associated with this, new tumour markers that could serve as prognostic indicators would be of considerable value to guide treatment decision. In this review, a brief update of molecular pathological markers of vulvar carcinomas is provided, and their impact as prognostic markers is addressed. p16, p21, p14, p27, cyclin A, cyclin D1, p53, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor α, HER-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been found to be important in the pathogenesis and/or progression of vulvar carcinomas. Furthermore, human papillomavirus, p16, p21, p14, p53, VEGF, CD44v3, CD44v6, CD44v4, CD44v9, CD44v10, HER-2, EGFR, matrix metalloproteinase-12, caspase 3, Bcl-2 and nm23-H1 have been correlated to clinical outcome of patients with vulvar carcinomas. However, due to the relative small number of studies reported for each molecular pathological marker, and the relative small number of vulvar carcinomas included and the lack of multivariate analysis in the majority of these studies, no conclusion regarding the prognostic value of these markers can be drawn. Therefore, the investigated markers have not yet earned a place in standard clinical diagnostics or treatment, and further studies are needed to clarify the clinical value of these markers.
The combined presence ofH pyloriinfection and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease leads to an up-regulation ofCDX2gene expression in antrum and cardia
Authors: Bornschein J , Wex T , Peitz U , Kuester D , Roessner A , Malfertheiner P
Published: February 2009

Background:

CDX2 is an epithelial transcription factor that regulates intestinal differentiation and is involved in the development of intestinal metaplasia (IM).

Aim:

To analyse the expression ofCDX2in the gastric mucosa in various locations and its relationship toHelicobacter pyloriinfection and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Methods:

69 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms were stratified into four groups according to theirH pyloriand GORD status. Patients without infection and without GORD were the reference group (H pylori(−)/GORD(−)). Biopsies from the antrum, corpus and cardia were assessed by histopathology according to the updated Sydney System.CDX2transcription levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

CDX2gene expression was significantly up-regulated in antral and cardia mucosa of patients with bothH pyloriinfection and GORD (26- and 100-fold, respectively; p<0.05), but remained unchanged in corpus mucosa. If onlyH pyloriinfection or GORD was present,CDX2expression levels were 6- to 11-fold increased in the antrum, but without reaching statistical significance.CDX2expression correlated positively with the degree of IM (p<0.01) and the degree ofH pyloriinduced inflammation (p<0.05). Gene expression data were confirmed immunohistochemically by the detection of CDX2 in areas of IM and in focally distributed CDX2-expressing cells in non-metaplastic gastric mucosa.

Conclusions:

The combined presence ofH pyloriinfection and GORD leads to an up-regulation ofCDX2gene expression in cardia and antral mucosa, but not in the corpus.
Chemotherapy induced carcinoma–adenoma regression in the caecum
Authors: Abela J E , Wright D M , Hennessy A , Roberts F , Anderson J R
Published: February 2009

The case of a male patient with synchronous oesophago-gastric junction (OGJ) and caecal adenocarcinomas is reported. His management is described, particularly the administration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy targeting his upper gastrointestinal cancer. Synchronous gastrectomy and hemicolectomy were performed. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the OGJ cancer but only identified a caecal adenoma. This is believed to be the first description of chemotherapy induced reversal of the adenoma–carcinoma sequence.
Short- and long-term effects of a training session on pathologists’ performance: the INQAT experience for histological grading in breast cancer
Authors: Paradiso A , Ellis I O , Zito F A , Marubini E , Pizzamiglio S , Verderio P
Published: February 2009

Although the introduction of the Nottingham/Tenovus classification has improved the criteria to assess the histological grading in breast cancer, several quality control studies have shown that good results in terms of reproducibility are hard to obtain. This paper reports the results obtained during an implemented quality control programme for histological grading aimed at evaluating the short- and long-term effects of a training session on pathologists’ performance. The interobserver reproducibility for grading score along with its components was assessed. The reproducibility between each pathologist and the reference values was also evaluated, as well as the contribution of each grading category to the observed reproducibility. Results show the weakness of a single training course in improving the long-term performance of the participating pathologists, suggesting the need to continuously monitor the quality of the grading determination by planning quality control studies and training sessions sequentially repeated in short time intervals.
Investigations into the lack of consensus in the reporting of HLA antibody specificities in the UK
Authors: Wortley A , Mckinley K , Whittle R , Calvert A , Shaw O , Fernando R , Pearse A , Hopkins K , Clark B
Published: February 2009

Aims:

Lack of consensus in HLA antibody reporting in proficiency schemes has previously been attributed to a number of differing factors. This study was set up to eliminate the majority of these factors by reducing analysis to a pure data handling exercise.

Methods:

Anonymised raw data files for LABScreen Single Antigen class I and II and related patient information were provided to seven participating centres. The centres reported back the HLA antibody specificities according to their single antigen bead reporting policy. Details of the reporting policy of each centre were retrospectively requested by questionnaire.

Results:

The number of HLA antibody specificities reported by the different centres varied widely. Software analysis called more HLA antibody specificities than any of the centres. None of the centres matched consensus for reported HLA class I specificities on any of the datasets, and no two centres reported the exact same HLA class I antibody profile; consensus was reached by one centre for HLA class II antibody specificities reported from two of the datasets. Retrospective review found data handling practice between centres to vary widely.

Conclusions:

Lack of agreement exists between UK centres in regard to HLA antibody specificity analysis. The fact that the required analysis was limited to interrogation of supplied data files makes the observation more concerning. The root cause of this variation is differences in data handling practice between the participating centres.
Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate: a distinct histopathological entity with important prognostic implications
Authors: Henry P C , Evans A J
Published: February 2009

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDCP) has been described as a lesion associated with poor prognostic features in prostate cancer. Its recognition and reporting in prostate specimens, particularly in needle biopsies, is critical as it carries significant implications for patient management. Recent histological definitions have been proposed to assist in the recognition of IDCP and to help distinguish it from lesions with similar appearance, but different clinical behaviour. In this review, a historical overview of the description of IDCP will be presented followed by a summary of the current histological diagnostic criteria and the recommendations for management and reporting of IDCP.
Analysis of the mass media coverage of the Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative
Authors: Verma G
Published: February 2009

The Grand Challenges were launched in 2003 by the Gates Foundation and other collaborators to address the health needs of developing countries. This paper outlines the current problem with health research and development in the context of inequality as conveyed by the 90/10 divide. The paper then looks at the focus and nature of press reporting of global health issues by analysing how press articles have portrayed the Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative. Analysis of the mass media illustrates that the focus of reporting on the Grand Challenges tends to be on utilitarian themes, leaving issues related to justice and equity comparatively under-reported.
Examining the role of informal interpretation in medical interviews
Authors: Bezuidenhout L , Borry P
Published: February 2009

A linguistic barrier between healthcare professional and patient is a challenging experience for both parties. In many cases, the absence of formally trained medical interpreters necessitates that an informal interpreter, drawn from the immediate environment, be used to facilitate communication. While the presence of an interpreter in a medical interview raises many questions about the effectiveness of the communication between healthcare professional and patient, it also gives rise to new speculations revolving on patient rights, medical ethics and patient privacy. In this article we examine the concept of communication competency in medical interviews, as well as translation theory, and link these theories to Western medical ethics in order to identify potential areas in which informal interpretation could impact on the patient.
What does the British public think about human–animal hybrid embryos?
Authors: Jones David A
Published: February 2009

In the recent UK debate on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, there have been conflicting claims about the extent of public support for, or opposition to, human–animal hybrids. Self-selecting polls tend to show opposition to hybrids. Representative-sample polling shows spontaneous opposition but can elicit conditional approval of research, combined with underlying unease. Public opinion is very finely divided, with people generally opposed to this research unless it is likely to lead to medical advances.
Consent and informational responsibility
Authors: Pattinson S D
Published: February 2009

The notion of “consent” is frequently referred to as “informed consent” to emphasise the informational component of a valid consent. This article considers aspects of that informational component. One misuse of the language of informed consent is highlighted. Attention is then directed to some features of the situation in which consent would not have been offered had certain information been disclosed. It is argued that whether or not such consent is treated as sufficiently informed must, from a moral point of view, take account of four conditions. When these are applied to the operation of consent in relation to criminal responsibility for HIV transmission, the approach in some recent cases is shown to be morally questionable.
Combating junior doctors’ “4am logic”: a challenge for medical ethics education
Authors: McDougall R
Published: February 2009

Undergraduate medical ethics education currently focuses on ethical concepts and reasoning. This paper uses an intern’s story of an ethically challenging situation to argue that this emphasis is problematic in terms of ensuring students’ ethical practice as junior doctors. The story suggests that it is aligning their actions with the values that they reflectively embrace that can present difficulties for junior doctors working in the pressures of the hospital environment, rather than reasoning to an ethically appropriate action. I argue that junior doctors need skills for implementing their ethical decisions and that these ought to form a central component of undergraduate medical ethics education.
Preferential publication of editorial board members in medical specialty journals: Table 1
Authors: Luty J , Arokiadass S M R , Easow J M , Anapreddy J R
Published: February 2009

Background:

Publication bias and discrimination are increasingly recognised in medicine. A survey was conducted to determine if medical journals were more likely to publish research reports from members of their own than a rival journal’s editorial board.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of all research reports published in 2006 in the four competing medical journals within five medical specialties. Only three journals were willing to divulge the authorship of reports that had been rejected.

Results:

Overall, 4460 research reports were published in 2006 by the 20 journals from five subspecialties (mean 223 (SD = 164) reports per journal; median 176; interquartile range 108–238). On average, 17.2 (7.7%) reports were from a journal’s own editorial board (SD = 10.7; median 15; interquartile range 10–23; n = 20), and 6.3 (2.8%) reports were from a member of the editorial board of one of the three rival journals within the specialty (SD = 7.3; median 3.5; interquartile range 1–8; n = 60). There was a statistically significant excess of publications from the journal’s own editorial board in 14 of the 20 journals (p<0.05). Journals were almost three times more likely to publish reports from their own editorial board than from one of the three rivals within their subspecialty (p<0.0001; median difference 11; Mann–Whitney U test; power for 5% significance >99.99%).

Conclusions:

There was a significant excess of publications from medical journals’ own editorial boards, although it is not possible to determine whether this is due to bias in the peer review process or selective submission by editors.
Opinions of private medical practitioners in Bloemfontein, South Africa, regarding euthanasia of terminally ill patients
Authors: Brits L , Human L , Pieterse L , Sonnekus P , Joubert G
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the opinions of private medical practitioners in Bloemfontein, South Africa, regarding euthanasia of terminally ill patients. This descriptive study was performed amongst a simple random sample of 100 of 230 private medical practitioners in Bloemfontein. Information was obtained through anonymous self-administered questionnaires. Written informed consent was obtained. 68 of the doctors selected completed the questionnaire. Only three refused participation because they were opposed to euthanasia. Respondents were mainly male (74.2%), married (91.9%) and Afrikaans-speaking (91.9%). More were specialists (53.2%) than general practitioners (46.8%). A smaller percentage (35.5%) would never consider euthanasia for themselves compared to for their patients (46.8%). The decision should be made by the patient (50%), the patient’s doctor with two colleagues (46.8%), close family (45.2%) or a special committee of specialists in ethics and medicine (37.1%). The majority (46.9%) indicated that euthanasia should be performed by an independent doctor trained in euthanasia, followed by the patient’s doctor (30.7%). Notification should mainly be given to a special committee (49.9%). Only 9.8% felt that no notification was necessary. There was strong opposition to prescribing of medication to let the patient die. Withdrawal of essential medical treatment to speed up death was the most acceptable method. Although the responding group was fairly homogeneous, responses varied widely, indicating the complexity of opinions.
PSEUDO-COMPLEX GENERAL RELATIVITY
Authors: HESS PETER O. , GREINER WALTER
Published: February 2009

An extension of the theory of General Relativity is proposed, based on pseudo-complex space-time coordinates. The new theory corresponds to the introduction of two, in general different, metrics which are connected through specific conditions. A pseudo-complex Schwarzschild solution is constructed, which does not suffer any more by a singularity. The solution indicates a minimal radius for a heavy mass object. Consequences for the redshift and possible signatures for its observation are discussed.
EXTENDED HAMILTON–LAGRANGE FORMALISM AND ITS APPLICATION TO FEYNMAN'S PATH INTEGRAL FOR RELATIVISTIC QUANTUM PHYSICS
Authors: STRUCKMEIER JÜRGEN
Published: February 2009

We present a consistent and comprehensive treatise on the foundations of the extended Hamilton–Lagrange formalism — where the dynamical system is parametrized along a general system evolution parameter s, and the time t is treated as a dependent variable t(s) on equal footing with all other configuration space variables qi(s). In the action principle, the conventional classical action L1d t is then replaced by the generalized action L1d s, with L and L1denoting the conventional and the extended Lagrangian, respectively. It is shown that a unique correlation of L1and L exists if we refrain from performing simultaneously a transformation of the dynamical variables. With the appropriate correlation of L1and L in place, the extension of the formalism preserves its canonical form.

In the extended formalism, the dynamical system is described as a constrained motion within an extended space. We show that the value of the constraint and the parameter s constitutes an additional pair of canonically conjugate variables. In the corresponding quantum system, we thus encounter an additional uncertainty relation.

As a consequence of the formal similarity of conventional and extended Hamilton–Lagrange formalisms, Feynman's nonrelativistic path integral approach can be converted on a general level into a form appropriate for relativistic quantum physics. In the emerging parametrized quantum description, the additional uncertainty relation serves as the means to incorporate the constraint and hence to finally eliminate the parametrization.

We derive the extended Lagrangian L1of a classical relativistic point particle in an external electromagnetic field and show that the generalized path integral approach yields the Klein–Gordon equation as the corresponding quantum description. We furthermore derive the space–time propagator for a free relativistic particle from its extended Lagrangian L1. These results can be regarded as the proof of principle of the relativistic generalization of Feynman's path integral approach to quantum physics.
REMARKS ON THE NUCLEAR SHELL-CORRECTION METHOD
Authors: NERLO-POMORSKA BOŻENA , POMORSKI KRZYSZTOF , IVANYUK FEDIR
Published: February 2009

The shell-correction energy is calculated using the single-particle levels obtained with the folded-Yukawa mean-field potential. Three different ways of evaluation of the shell-correction are compared: the traditional Strutinsky method, the modified prescription by the smearing of the total energy sum in the nucleon number space, and the smoothing of the single-particle energies of occupied states and summing them up. The dependence of these three energies on nuclear elongation is investigated.
D(1±) AND Ds(1±) MESONS SPECTROSCOPY IN GAUSSIAN SUM RULES
Authors: WEN SHUIGUO , LIU JUEPING
Published: February 2009

The Gaussian sum rules (GSRs) for the D(1±) and Ds(1±) mesons current are obtained by means of Laplacian transformation. Based on it, the GSRs for the mass and the coupling constants of D(1±) and Ds(1±) mesons are worked out. Using the standard input of quantum chromodynamics nonperturbative parameters, the corresponding curves and tables are presented. The results are in accordance well with the experimental data, and more well than those from the Borel sum rule approach.
NUCLEAR FUSION RATE FOR ttμ MUONIC MOLECULE IN tμ(1s)+t COLLISIONS USING A NEW WAVE FUNCTION
Authors: GHEISARI R.
Published: February 2009

A variational approach using a new wave function to ttμ muonic antisymmetric molecular ion is proposed. This approach requires two terms in the total three-body wave function. The formation and fusion take place by the reason of the existence of the both Coulomb potential and nuclear absorption as the Wood–Saxon shape. The nuclear fusion rates for such levels below tμ(1s)+t threshold are calculated with a high accuracy and a short computation time.
PARTICLE-NUMBER PROJECTED TWO-PROTON SEPARATION ENERGY OF THE PROTON-RICH EVEN–EVEN RARE-EARTH NUCLEI USING AN ISOVECTOR PAIRING APPROACH
Authors: KERROUCHI S. , MOKHTARI D. , ALLAL N. H. , FELLAH M.
Published: February 2009

The two-proton separation energy (S2P) has been studied by describing the pairing correlations using four various approaches: in the pairing between like-particles case with (SBCS) and without (BCS) inclusion of the particle-number projection, as well as in the isovector pairing case with (NP-PROJ) and without (NP) inclusion of the particle-number projection. It has been numerically evaluated for the even–even rare-earth proton-rich nuclei such as Δnp ≠ 0. Among the four used methods, NP-PROJ is the one that provides the results that are closest to the experimental data when available.

On the other hand, it has been shown that the S2P values deduced from the four approaches join, for almost all the considered elements, for the highest values of (N - Z). The fact that the BCS and NP (respectively, SBCS and NP-PROJ) values join may be explained by the fact that Δnp decreases with increasing values of (N - Z). It has also been shown that the BCS and SBCS (respectively, NP and NP-PROJ) values of S2P are very close because the discrepancy between the projected and unprojected energy values is quasi-constant as a function of the deformation.

Finally, the four used methods lead to the same prediction of the two-proton drip-line position except for the Dysprosium and the Tungsten.
THE PHYSICS OF GLUEBALLS
Authors: MATHIEU VINCENT , KOCHELEV NIKOLAI , VENTO VICENTE
Published: February 2009

Glueballs are particles whose valence degrees of freedom are gluons and therefore in their description the gauge field plays a dominant role. We review recent results in the physics of glueballs with the aim set on phenomenology and discuss the possibility of finding them in conventional hadronic experiments and in the Quark Gluon Plasma. In order to describe their properties we resort to a variety of theoretical treatments which include, lattice QCD, constituent models, AdS/QCD methods, and QCD sum rules. The review is supposed to be an informed guide to the literature. Therefore, we do not discuss in detail technical developments but refer the reader to the appropriate references.
GINZBURG–LANDAU VORTEX LINES AND THE ELASTICA FUNCTIONAL
Authors: MOSER ROGER
Published: February 2009

We examine the asymptotic behavior of a family of second-order functionals arising in the theory of Ginzburg–Landau vortices. The results point towards Γ-convergence with the elastica functional for generalized curves as the limit.
GERBES, HOLONOMY FORMS AND REAL STRUCTURES
Authors: WANG SHUGUANG
Published: February 2009

We study geometry on real gerbes in the spirit of the Cheeger–Simons theory. The concepts of adaptations and holonomy forms are introduced for flat connections on real gerbes. Their relations to complex gerbes with connections are presented, as well as results in loop and map spaces.
Phytosterol glycosides reduce cholesterol absorption in humans
Authors: Lin Xiaobo , Ma Lina , Racette Susan B. , Anderson Spearie Catherine L. , Ostlund Richard E.
Published: February 2009

Dietary phytosterols inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption and regulate whole body cholesterol excretion and balance. However, they are biochemically heterogeneous and a portion is glycosylated in some foods with unknown effects on biological activity. We tested the hypothesis that phytosterol glycosides reduce cholesterol absorption in humans. Phytosterol glycosides were extracted and purified from soy lecithin in a novel two-step process. Cholesterol absorption was measured in a series of three single-meal tests given at intervals of 2 wk to each of 11 healthy subjects. In a randomized crossover design, participants received ∼300 mg of added phytosterols in the form of phytosterol glycosides or phytosterol esters, or placebo in a test breakfast also containing 30 mg cholesterol-d7. Cholesterol absorption was estimated by mass spectrometry of plasma cholesterol-d7enrichment 4–5 days after each test. Compared with the placebo test, phytosterol glycosides reduced cholesterol absorption by 37.6 ± 4.8% ( P < 0.0001) and phytosterol esters 30.6 ± 3.9% ( P = 0.0001). These results suggest that natural phytosterol glycosides purified from lecithin are bioactive in humans and should be included in methods of phytosterol analysis and tables of food phytosterol content.
In vivo dynamic metabolic imaging of obstructive cholestasis in mice
Authors: Li Feng-Chieh , Liu Yuan , Huang Guan-Tarn , Chiou Ling-Ling , Liang Jhih-Huei , Sun Tzu-Lin , Dong Chen-Yuan , Lee Hsuan-Shu
Published: February 2009

We tried to image obstructive cholestasis by using a newly developed imaging system to measure the alterations of hepatobiliary function in living mice with their bile ducts ligated. A hepatic imaging window was installed on the upper abdomen soon after the mice underwent ligation of the common bile duct. On the next day, the mice received intravenous injection of rhodamine B isothiocyanate-dextran and carboxyfluorescein diacetate. The later would be transformed into fluorogenic carboxyfluorescein (detected at ∼500–550 nm) by hepatocytes and then excreted into bile canaliculi. The images were acquired by multiphoton microscopy. The fluorescence intensities at ∼500–550 nm within hepatocytes or sinusoids were measured in time series. In mice with bile duct ligation, bile canaliculi failed to appear during the whole observation period over 100 min following carboxyfluorescein diacetate injection, whereas the fluorescence was retained much longer within sinusoids. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensities in sinusoids were persistently higher than in hepatocytes during the course. Bile duct ligation impedes hepatocytes to excrete carboxyfluorescein into bile canaliculi. The kinetics of fluorescence intensities in hepatocytes and sinusoids indicated there is an active machinery operating backflow of this fluorogenic bile solute from hepatocytes into sinusoids in the liver with obstructive cholestasis.
Negligible contribution of coronary adventitial fibroblasts to neointimal formation following balloon angioplasty in swine
Authors: Fleenor Bradley S. , Bowles Douglas K.
Published: February 2009

Adventitial fibroblasts have previously been proposed to be a major constituent of the neointima following coronary balloon angioplasty. The present study utilized the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse-chase technique to track adventitial fibroblast migration early after balloon injury in swine. BrdU (30 mg/kg), a marker of proliferating cells, was given intravenously 1 or 2 days after balloon angioplasty. For each time point, one animal was euthanized 24 h after injection to identify the location of the proliferating cells, while a second animal was euthanized 25 days after angioplasty to determine whether the proliferating cells migrated to form the neointima. Our results demonstrate that BrdU-positive cells were located primarily in the adventitia with all three time points 24 h after balloon angioplasty. Furthermore, when BrdU was injected on day 1 or 2 only 0.65 ± 0.17% and 1.7 ± 0.64%, respectively, of neointimal cells were BrdU positive on day 25. In conclusion, these results demonstrate a negligible contribution of coronary adventitial fibroblasts to neointima formation following coronary balloon angioplasty, supporting the concept that the neointima is primarily of smooth muscle cell origin.