bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressive Review on Plant Profile, Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Paeonia emodi Royle (Himalayan Paeony)
Authors: Sharma Arvind Kumar , Gupta Vishal , Manigauh Ashish
Published: April 2022

Members of the genus Paeonia, which contains well-known ornamentals as well as traditional medicinal plants with a history reaching back over 1500 years, may be found all throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Many of these ethnomedicinal properties have been studied in animal models. It has been listed as a critically endangered plant species. P. emodi has been shown to have antioxidant, nephroprotective, lipoxygenase inhibitory, cognition and oxidative stress release, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, anticonvulsant, haemaglutination, alphachymotrypsin inhibitory, hepatoprotective, hepatic chromes, and pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine expression. spas Data was acquired from unpublished theses (India, China, Pakistan, and Nepal) and numerous published research articles related to pharmacology, phytochemistry, and other activities using certain keywords. The pertinent information about medicinal uses, taxonomic/common names, parts used, collection and recognition source, authentication, voucher specimen number, plant extracts and their characterization, isolation and characterization of phytochemicals, methods of study (in silico, in vivo, or in vitro), model organism used, dose and time, minimal active concentration, bioactive compound(s), mechanism of action on single or multiple targets, and toxicological information. Triterpenoids, monoterpenoids, phenolics, and tannins are among the natural substances produced by the species. The purpose of this study was to collect broad traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicological data on P. emodi. This work also emphasises taxonomic validity, experimental design quality, and weaknesses in previously published Himalayan paeony material, which may help researchers plan for future research.
Bioanalytical Method Development and Validation for the Estimation of Saxagliptin in Marketed Tablet Formulation
Authors: Jain Prabhat Kumar , Tyagi C. K. , Dayaramani Richa
Published: April 2022

The concepts, importance and application of bioanalytical method development have been discussed for a long time and validation of bioanalytical methods is widely accepted as pivotal before they are taken into routine use. Now it is widely accepted that bioanalysis is an integral part of the clinical diagnosis, biomarker discovery, pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic characterization of a novel chemical entity from the time of its discovery and during various stages of drug development, leading to its market authorization. Bioanalytical methods, based on a variety of physico-chemical and biological techniques such as chromatography, immunoassay and mass spectrometry, must be validated prior to and during use to give confidence in the results generated. This study describes the development of an innovative, rapid, precise, selective and sensitive reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantitative determination of Saxagliptin (SAXA) in human plasma and pharmaceutical dosage form. Extraction of drug from plasma was done by employing optimized liquid-liquid extraction procedure. The sample was analyzed using methanol: acetonitrile in the ratio of 50:50v/v as mobile phase. Chromatographic separation was achieved on Thermo C18 analytical column (250mm×4.6mm i.d., 5.0μm) as stationary phase using isocratic elution (at a flow rate of 1 ml/min). The peak was detected using UV-PDA detector set at 230 nm and the total time for a chromatographic separation was 20 min. The calibration curve obtained was linear (r2 = 0.999) over the concentration range of 5-25μg/ml for SAXA.  Method was validated for precision, robustness and recovery.
Awareness and Knowledge of Coronary Heart Disease among the General Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yogyanti Kurnia , Kristina Susi Ari , Wiedyaningsih Chairun
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the cardiovascular diseases that become the leading cause of death (LCOD) in the United States. Knowledge gaps in CHD and its risk factors are significant obstacles to effective prevention and treatment. People's awareness of CHD and their knowledge of its risk factors could provide crucial information for behavior change in the prevention of CHD. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to examine some of the literature on the knowledge and awareness of CHD in the general population.

Study Design: Systematic Review.

Methodology: Two databases were searched for publications between 2011 and 2021. All studies that were published in English and had components of awareness and knowledge related to CHD were included. A total of 1082 titles and abstracts were screened, 55 full-text articles were assessed and 15 were included for review.

Results: This review used data from a total of 4907 respondents and the results were varied. Studies that were conducted in the same countries might have different results. Men and participants with a college education have better knowledge than their counterparts. Meanwhile, another study shows that the elderly have poor knowledge about CHD. Several studies conducted among university employees showed that the majority of participants had poor knowledge of risk factors, while another study showed good knowledge.

Conclusion: Our review study showed that most of the study participants had low awareness of CHD and knowledge of its risk factors. Family history of CHD, risk factor profile, and some sociodemographic factors have been reported to be associated with the awareness and knowledge of CHD. Providing health information by healthcare professionals can be the right way to increase people’s awareness and knowledge in order to prevent CHD in the future.
Etravirine Lipid Nanoparticles: Development and Validation Using Specific RP-HPLC Technique
Authors: Banode Kunal Badrinarayan , Belgamwar Veena Shailendra , Mishra Suchitra Shitla
Published: April 2022

Introduction: A common, exact & economical reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatographic approach for coinciding measurement of anti-retroviral medicine, Etravirine in the formulation of nanoparticle has been devised. This approach is a revolutionary analytical methodology for detecting substance at the same time.

Methods: Validation & optimization chromatographic conditions were completed as per the guidelines of ICH. The disconnection was done on a column measuring (150mm x 4.6mm, 5μ) using the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and 10mM ammonium acetate buffer in the ratio of 90:10 v/v of pH 2.7 as the mobile phase in the ratio 85:15 at a flow rate of 1ml/min for a short run time of 13 minutes. The wavelength was 310nm & the column temperature was kept at 26°C.

Results: The devised technique was linear at 10, 20, 30, 40, as well as 50 g/ml, with a regression coefficient of 0.999 for each of these concentrations. For etravirine, the LOD readings were 0.514 g/ml, whereas the LOQ readings were 1.713 g/ml. Etravirine was shown to have a recovery rate of 98.8%.

Conclusion: The approach was, precise, accurate & rapid with excellent inter- & intra-day accuracy. The approach was also useful for characterization & coinciding measurement of medicines in formulation of nanoparticles.
Towards a Sustainable China-Africa Forest Products Trade; an Assessment of Environmental Implications for FOCAC Members
Authors: Bingpu Chen , Yeboah Frederick Kwame , Coffie Cephas Paa Kwasi , Abdullahi Bello Nasiru
Published: April 2022

Forest products have become an integral component of China-Africa trade engagement.  However, with increasingly global climate change warnings and the need to turn down the heat below the pre-industrial level, understanding the trade-off from forest trade in relation to CO2 emissions is paramount in shaping forest product trade sustainability in the long run. This study, therefore, tests the haven and halo hypothesis based on the FMOL technique by analyzing China-FOCAC forest products trade engagements. A balanced panel data of 20 FOCAC members were selected based on availability and consistency from 2000-2014. The variables; forest products trade (exports value), GDP per capita, FDI inflow, institutional quality, energy use and carbon emissions were gleaned from the world bank and the United Nations database. The descriptive statistics results reveal a disparity in economic growth, FDI inflow and value of forest products exports among FOCAC members. Per the FMOL estimation results, the China-FOCAC forest products trade has an insignificant impact on the level of carbon emissions in the selected countries which contributes to the ongoing debate on whether Africa is a pollution haven for China. Nevertheless, Per capita GDP and energy use are significant drivers of emissions whereas FDI’s and the quality of institutions have shown high potential for transforming the quality of the environment in the selected countries. These results are paramount in shaping existing and future forest trade agreements.
O resheniyah problem fiziki 20-veka i osnovaniyah teoreticheskoy fiziki 21-veka
Authors:   Centre for Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, Zakir Zahid
Published: April 2022

На протяжении трёх четвертей 20-века, благодаря успехам экспериментальной физики, в основаниях теоретической физики происходил значительный прогресс и результатом этого совместного развития стала современная физическая картина мира. Но в последней четверти этого века весь прогресс свёлся к умозрительным математическим моделям без опытной основы и надежд на подтверждение. Более того, формирование базовых теорий физики, общей теории относительности, квантовой механики и квантовой теории поля, всё ещё оставалось незавершённым из-за неясностей и ряда фундаментальных проблем в их основаниях и важных применениях. В предыдущей обзорной статье (Закир, 2020) была рассмотрена основная часть этих проблем и были кратко изложены решения для них, предложенные автором в 2006-2020 гг. Данный обзор является её переработанной версией, дополненной ещё несколькими проблемами и их решениями, найденными автором в 2021-2022 гг. В отличие от иных попыток, исходивших из умозрительных гипотез, предложенные новые формулировки базовых теорий и их применений основаны на физических принципах, следующих из опытных фактов. В результате базовые теории, остававшиеся лишь успешными математическими моделями, стали наконец последовательными физическими теориями. Проблемы «технического» характера, возникшие из-за отклонения от базовых принципов, сняты строгим следованием этим принципам. Другие проблемы были решены введением новых принципов или изменением прежних, но также на базе фактов. Поэтому эти решения в том или ином виде войдут в ту новую физику, которая инициируется ими. Рассмотрены контуры и перспективы теоретической физики 21-века. Обсуждены причины кризиса в основаниях теоретической физики 20-века и пути его преодоления. Показано, что главной причиной кризиса был отход научного сообщества от методологии и этики естественных наук, а теоретическая физика 21-века формируется вследствие возврата к ним.
Redrawing compartmental boundaries in the exocytic pathway
Authors: Rabouille Catherine , Nilsson Tommy
Published: July 2002

Compartments can be defined both morphologically as well as biochemically. The former relies on a direct visualisation of membrane boundaries and the latter by the characterisation of enzymatic functions taking place within the compartment. The combination of morphology and biochemistry has led to the identification of several compartments within the exocytic pathway, each assumed to carry out independent functions in a logical succession [Palade, G. (1975) Science 189, 347–358]. However, recent findings show that resident enzymes are confined to not one but at least two adjacent compartments suggesting that morphological and biochemical definitions do not coincide. We will here discuss these findings and propose a model to explain how compartments are organised and maintained along the exocytic pathway.
Comparing Mortgages with Different Payment Frequencies
Authors: Yohannes Arefaine G.
Published: July 2002

The biweekly-payment mortgage is an alternative to the monthly-payment mortgage. In this study, logistic regression is used to determine the influence of demographic characteristics on the choice between these two types of mortgages. Of the six independent variables that were considered, only two had significant influence on mortgage choice. They were the frequency of paydays and education.
Novel activity of a phycobiliprotein lyase: both the attachment of phycocyanobilin and the isomerization to phycoviolobilin are catalyzed by the proteins PecE and PecF encoded by the phycoerythrocyanin operon
Authors: Zhao Kai-Hong , Deng Ming-Gang , Zheng Min , Zhou Ming , Parbel Axel , Storf Max , Meyer Michaela , Strohmann Brigitte , Scheer Hugo
Published: July 2002

The structure of phycoviolobilin, the photoactive chromophore of α‐phycoerythrocyanin, is incompatible with a chromophore ligation to the apoprotein via SH‐addition (cysteine) to a Δ3,31‐double bond of the phycobilin. The two putative phycoerythrocyanin lyase genes of Mastigocladus laminosus, pecE and pecF, were overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Their action has been studied on the addition reaction of phycocyanobilin to apo‐α‐phycoerythrocyanin (PecA). In the absence of the components of α‐PEC‐phycoviolobilin lyase PecE and PecF, or in the presence of only one of them, phycocyanobilin binds covalently to PecA forming a fluorescent chromoprotein with a red‐shifted absorption (λ
max=641 nm) and low photoactivity (<10%). In the presence of both PecE and PecF, a chromoprotein forms which by its absorption (λ
max=565 nm) and high photoreversible photochromism (100% type I) has been identified as integral α‐phycoerythrocyanin. We conclude that PecE and PecF jointly catalyze not only the addition of phycocyanobilin to PecA, but also its isomerization to the native phycoviolobilin chromophore.
Effects of brefeldin A and nordihydroguaiaretic acid on endomembrane dynamics and lipid synthesis in plant cells
Authors: Mérigout Patricia , Képès François , Perret Anne-Marie , Satiat-Jeunemaitre Béatrice , Moreau Patrick
Published: July 2002

Effects of brefeldin A (BFA) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) on endomembrane structures and lipid synthesis were compared in maize root cells and tobacco Bright Yellow‐2 cells. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies showed that NDGA altered the structure and distribution of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) within 1 h but not of the Golgi apparatus whereas, as shown previously, BFA altered that organization of the Golgi apparatus and, only subsequently, of the ER. Biochemical studies revealed that both drugs and especially BFA led to a strong inhibition of the phytosterol biosynthetic pathway: BFA led to accumulation of sterol precursors. The importance of phytosterols in membrane architecture and membrane trafficking is discussed.
AMPA receptor subunit mRNAs and intracellular [Ca2+] in cultured mouse and rat cerebellar granule cells
Authors: Mogensen Helle S. , Jørgensen Ole Steen
Published: July 2002

Cultured mouse cerebellar granule cells differ from their rat counterparts in that they survive well when grown in non‐depolarising medium (5 mM K+). However, when chronically stimulated by added glutamate agonists, including (RS)α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), rat cerebellar granule cells also survive well in non‐depolarising medium. We hypothesised that the relatively good survival of mouse cerebellar granule cells in the absence of added glutamate agonists might reflect AMPA receptors resistant to desensitisation. These receptors might be stimulated by endogenous glutamate. We tested this hypothesis by comparing cultured mouse and rat cerebellar granule cells grown in depolarising (25 mM K+) and non‐depolarising (5 mM K+) medium. We studied the AMPA‐induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), using the fluorescent Ca2+ chelator, Fluo‐3, and the relative concentrations of mRNAs for the four AMPA receptor subunits, GluR1–4. GluR1–4 mRNAs were measured by restriction enzyme analysis of a PCR product containing cDNA with a composition proportional to the four subunit mRNAs. We found that the [Ca2+]i‐response to AMPA receptor activation in cultured cerebellar granule cells is determined mainly by the desensitisation properties of the AMPA receptors rather than by their ion permeability. We also found that mouse cerebellar granule cells express AMPA receptors which are more resistant to desensitisation than the corresponding rat AMPA receptors. Thus, relatively slow AMPA receptor desensitisation kinetics may contribute to the survival of mouse cerebellar granule cells in non‐depolarising medium.
High Cell Density Culture of Yarrowialipolytica Using a One‐Step Feeding Process
Authors: Kim Jie‐Wan , Park Tae Jung , Ryu Dewey D. Y. , Kim Jeong‐Yoon
Published: July 2002

Yarrowia lipolytica is a potentially useful host for heterologous protein production. To develop an efficient culture method for high cell density cultivation and heterologous gene expression of Y. lipolytica, the effects of medium components and their concentrations on the growth of Y. lipolytica have been investigated. Addition of yeast extract to the culture media was found to significantly reduce the long lag phase encountered when Y. lipolyticawas cultivated in synthetic culture media containing high concentrations of glycerol. Therefore, by enriching with 0.3% yeast extract the synthetic culture medium containing 15% glycerol, we could cultivate Y. lipolyticaup to 83 g/L dry cell weight in a batch culture. Furthermore, over 100 g/L and 88 units/mL of rice α‐amylase activity were obtained in less than 50 h with a one‐step feeding process in which a recombinant Y. lipolytica expressing rice α‐amylase was cultivated in the 10% glycerol medium enriched with 0.3% yeast extract and fed only once with the concentrated feeding medium (60% glycerol). The easy cultivation of recombinant Y. lipolytica to a high cell density may strengthen its position as a host for heterologous protein production.
Capillary Electrophoresis as a Method to Study DNA Reassociation
Authors: Li Yuanqian , White Jennifer , Stokes David , Sayler Gary , Sepaniak Michael
Published: July 2002

To develop analytical methodology to assess the genetic complexity of a DNA sample, capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection is used to monitor the annealing process of DNA samples. Coated columns are filled with an entangled polymer solution shown to optimally separate DNA through size‐selective capillary electrophoresis. DNA samples are denatured by heating in a boiling water bath for ∼10 min and then cooled to ∼25 °C below the melting point of the DNA sample to initiate the reassociation process. The DNA is detected by means of the laser‐induced fluorescence of intercalated ethidium bromide, which produces a substantially greater signal for double‐ versus single‐stranded DNA. The rate of reassociation is dependent upon the rate at which complimentary strands of DNA encounter each other and the degree of repeating base sequences in the sample (hence, the diversity of the DNA). Experimental parameters also influence the reassociation rate. The effects of salt concentration and incubation temperature are presented. Traditional plots of Cot (Co = DNA concentration and t = reassociation time) versus % recovery of double‐stranded DNA signal are generated for ΦX 174 Hae III digest and 50 bp stepladder DNA, individually and combined, to calculate the reassociation rate constants for these samples. Because reassociation of individual fragments is observed by the CE‐LIF method, more information about the samples is available than with less specific and time‐consuming traditional methods of investigating DNA reassociation.
Reproducibility of Pilot Scale Xanthan Fermentations
Authors: Amanullah Ashraf , Serrano Leobardo‐Carreon , Galindo Enrique , Nienow Alvin W.
Published: July 2002

The reproducibility of results is an essential prerequiste for a successful systematic analysis of the influence of process development parameters on fermentation performance. Concerns of inoculum inconsistency and strain instability in Xanthan fermentations have led to the use of a highly productive variant of Xanthomonas campestrisNRRL‐B1459 under strict preservation protocols and the development of an improved, yet simple inoculation strategy. This technique allows the propagation of standardized inocula, ensuring that starter cultures both identical in concentration and history are used. Implementation of this methodology resulted in extremely reproducible cultivations in shake flask and in fermenters of up to a pilot scale of 150 L in volume.
Reactive Extraction for Downstream Separation of 1,3‐Propanediol
Authors: Malinowski Janusz J.
Published: July 2002

The downstream separation of 1,3‐propanediol from dilute aqueous solution was studied. A process combining reversible reaction of 1,3‐propanediol with acetaldehyde to 2‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxane and a simultaneous extraction of the product by organic solvent appears to be technically feasible and attractive. The dioxane yield was 91−92%, the overall conversion of 1,3‐propanediol was ca. 98%, and recovery of dioxane into the organic extractant was 75%.
Exposure to a high concentration of mite allergen in early infancy is a risk factor for developing atopic dermatitis: A 3‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Huang Jing‐Long , Chen Chih‐Chang , Kuo Ming‐Ling , Hsieh Kue‐Hsiung
Published: July 2002

The cause of allergy is multi‐factorial, and the development of an allergic disease seems to be the result of an interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The goal for preventing the development of allergic diseases is to avoid sensitization to allergens. The aim of this work was to study whether or not exposure to environmental allergens early in infancy would influence the occurence of various allergic diseases in later life. On an annual basis, a total of 931 healthy newborns were followed‐up until they reached 3 years of age. The occurence of allergic diseases was recorded by trained medical students during visits. Measurement of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1) concentration in house dust was performed when each baby was 18 and 36 months old. Total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against Der p 1, cow's milk, and egg white were evaluated at birth and at 18 months of age. The following results were obtained: at 3 years of age, 10.4% had bronchial asthma (BA), 21.4% atopic dermatitis (AD), 7.0% urticaria, and 46.8% had experienced wheezing; higher family allergy scores led to a higher incidence of AD (p=0.0012); exposure to a mite allergen concentration of 1 µg/g of dust may be associated with a higher incidence of AD (p=0.0156); the presence of Der p 1 IgE antibody at 18 months of age was associated with a higher incidence of BA (p=0.0001); and children sensitized to egg whites at 18 months of age had an increased risk of developing AD at 3 years of age (p=0.0187). Hence, early exposure to mite allergen is a risk factor for the development of atopic dermatitis, but seems not to be related to the development of bronchial asthma. Early sensitization to egg whites increases the risk of developing AD. The early detection of serum Der p 1 IgE antibody is associated with a higher incidence of bronchial asthma.
Self‐assessed clinical competence: a comparison between students in an advanced dental education elective and in the general clinic
Authors: Lindemann Robert A. , Jedrychowski Joseph
Published: July 2002

A six‐month final‐year elective, based on an advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) model, was conducted in an AEGD Clinic to enable dental students to treat patients in a generalist comprehensive setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the elective with regard to students' self‐assessed clinical skills, as self‐assessment is recognized as a means to maintaining competency. Pre‐ and post‐experience surveys were administered to ‘AEGD elective students’ (n=13) and a comparison group of ‘control dental students’ (n=18) under a discipline‐based clinical curriculum. The survey instrument consisted of 75 self‐rated statements on a wide range of clinical and patient management skills. Pre‐experience means were not statistically different. The AEGD elective students' post‐experience group mean was significantly higher than the control dental students' mean (P=0.02, ANOVA) which reflects significant (P<0.05) increases in 9 of 13 AEGD elective students' individual survey means compared to 4 of 18 control dental students' means. Both groups had pre‐experience means of 2.9 or below on the same 9 statements, indicating poor self‐rated skills. Four of 9 AEGD elective students' post‐experience means significantly (P<0.05) increased, while only 1 of 9 control dental students' means increased. The data suggests that AEGD elective students were more confident in their clinical abilities and patient management skills than control dental students and they also reported greater improvement in low‐rated skills. When adequate parameters were maintained that enhanced the accuracy of self‐assessment, students appeared to rate their skill levels seriously. Independent self‐assessment may be an important component of life‐long learning.
Effects of modifications of α-crystallin on its chaperone and other properties
Authors: DERHAM Barry K. , HARDING John J.
Published: July 2002

The role of α-crystallin, a small heat-shock protein and chaperone, may explain how the lens stays transparent for so long. α-Crystallin prevents the aggregation of other lens crystallins and proteins that have become unfolded by ‘trapping’ the protein in a high-molecular-mass complex. However, during aging, the chaperone function of α-crystallin becomes compromised, allowing the formation of light-scattering aggregates that can proceed to form cataracts. Within the central part of the lens there is no turnover of damaged protein, and therefore post-translational modifications of α-crystallin accumulate that can reduce chaperone function; this is compounded in cataract lenses. Extensive in vitro glycation, carbamylation and oxidation all decrease chaperone ability. In the present study, we report the effect of the modifiers malondialdehyde, acetaldehyde and methylglyoxal, all of which are pertinent to cataract. Also modification by aspirin, which is known to delay cataract and other diseases, has been investigated. Recently, two point mutations of arginine residues were shown to cause congenital cataract. 1,2-Cyclohexanedione modifies arginine residues, and the extent of modification needed for a change in chaperone function was investigated. Only methylglyoxal and extensive modification by 1,2-cyclohexanedione caused a decrease in chaperone function. This highlights the robust nature of α-crystallin.
Interference of poly(ethylene glycol)–lipid analogues with cationic-lipid-mediated delivery of oligonucleotides; role of lipid exchangeability and non-lamellar transitions
Authors: SHI Fuxin , WASUNGU Luc , NOMDEN Anita , STUART Marc C.A. , POLUSHKIN Evgeny , ENGBERTS Jan B.F.N. , HOEKSTRA Dick
Published: July 2002

Cationic liposomes are applied to transfer oligonucleotides (ODNs) into cells to regulate gene expression for gene therapeutic or cell biological purposes. In vivo, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)—lipid derivatives are employed to stabilize and prolong the circulation lifetime of nucleic acid-containing particles, and to improve targeting strategies. In this study, we have studied the effects of PEG—lipid analogues, i.e. PEG coupled to either phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) or ceramide, on cationic-lipid—DNA complex ('lipoplex') assembly and the mechanism of cationic-lipid-mediated delivery of ODNs in vitro. Inclusion of 10mol% PEG—PE in ODN lipoplexes inhibited their internalization in Chinese hamster ovary cells by more than 70%. The intracellular fraction remained entrapped in the endosomal/lysosomal pathway, and no release of ODNs was apparent. Similar observations were made for complexes prepared from liposomes that contained PEG—ceramides. Interestingly, delivery resumed when lipoplexes had been externally coated with PEG—ceramides. In this case, the kinetics of delivery were dependent on the length of the ceramide acyl chain, consistent with a requirement for the PEG—lipid to dissociate from the complex. Moreover, although the chemical nature of the PEG—ceramides distinctly affected the net internalization of the complexes, impediment of delivery was largely related to an inhibitory effect of the PEG—lipid on the release of ODNs from the endosomal compartment. Cryo-electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that the PEG—lipids stabilize the lamellar phase of the lipoplexes, while their acyl-chain-length-dependent transfer from the complex enables adaptation of the hexagonal phase. Within the endosomal compartment, this transition appears to be instrumental in causing the dissociation and cytosolic release of the ODNs for their nuclear homing.
Keratinocytes from patients with lupus erythematosus show enhanced cytotoxicity to ultraviolet radiation and to antibody-mediated cytotoxicity
Authors: Furukawa F , Itoh T , Wakita H , Yagi H , Tokura Y , Norris D A , Takigawa M
Published: July 2002

Keratinocyte cytotoxicity is an important component of the immunopathology of photosensitive lupus erythematosus, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) has been shown to be an important mechanism by which autoantibodies, especially those specific for SS-A/Ro, can induce keratinocyte damage in models of photosensitive lupus. We provide further evidence that keratinocytes from patients with photosensitive lupus show significantly greater ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced cytotoxicity, and that ADCC of these targets is especially enhanced by autologous patient’s serum or by anti-SS-A/Ro+ sera. Keratinocytes from normal uninvolved skin of 29 patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) were grown in cell culture and tested as targets in cytotoxicity experiments in vitro. Cultured keratinocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) showed significantly greater cytotoxicity following UVR treatment than did keratinocytes from normal adult controls or from neonatal foreskins (P < 0.01). The same cultures also showed greater UVR-induced binding of IgG from fractionated anti-SS-A/Ro+ preparations. ADCC experiments were also performed using keratinocytes cultured from patients with SLE, SCLE, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and normal controls. When keratinocytes were incubated in autologous serum plus a standard mononuclear cell effector population, the percentage of ADCC observed was significantly greater in cultures containing keratinocytes and sera from the SLE and SCLE patients (P < 0.001). When cultured keratinocytes were added to different IgG antibody probes, plus standard mononuclear effector populations, greater ADCC was seen using the anti-SS-A/Ro probe and keratinocytes from patients with SLE or SCLE. With normal human neonatal keratinocyte targets, the anti-SS-A/Ro probe induced greater ADCC than that seen with anti-ssDNA or normal human serum. We have shown that keratinocytes from patients with some forms of lupus erythematosus (SLE and SCLE) show greater cytotoxicity in vitro when irradiated with UVR, and greater susceptibility to ADCC whether the antibody source is their own serum or an anti-SS-A/Ro probe.
Plurihormonal pituitary adenomas: immunostaining of all pituitary hormones is mandatory for correct classification
Authors: Ho D M‐T , Hsu C‐Y , Ting L‐T , Chiang H
Published: July 2002

Plurihormonal pituitary adenomas: immunostaining of all pituitary hormones is mandatory for correct classification

Aims: We studied the clinicopathological characteristics of plurihormonal pituitary adenomas.

Methods and results: The study material included 167 plurihormonal adenomas, which consisted of 31% of the surgically removed pituitary adenomas that we collected during a 12‐year period. The mean age of patients with plurihormonal adenoma was 45.7 years (range 13–75 years). There were 86 men and 81 women. All tumours were fully classified by immunohistochemical staining for seven pituitary hormones or subunits. Thirty immunohistochemical subtypes of plurihormonal adenomas were recognized. Hormonal symptoms were present in 70% of patients, while serum hormonal levels were increased in 89% of patients. Most patients had symptoms related to only one of the hormones and only 7% of patients had symptoms related to two hormones. The most common hormonal symptom was acromegaly (50%); symptoms related to hyperprolactinaemia ranked second (20%). Double immunostaining of all the possible combinations of the hormones was performed in 30 selected tumours, and they all showed mixtures of hormones in individual adenoma cells in any hormonal combinations studied. The latter finding supported the view that plurihormonal adenomas are monomorphous adenomas.

Conclusions: Plurihormonal adenomas are common pituitary adenomas. Immunohistochemical staining of all pituitary hormones is mandatory for correct classification.
Stable isotopes indicate the extent of freshwater feeding by cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo shot at inland fisheries in England
Authors: Bearhop Stuart , Thompson David R. , Waldron Susan , Russell Ian. C. , Alexander Gavin , Furness Robert W.
Published: July 2002

1. The numbers of cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo feeding at English freshwater fisheries during winter have increased rapidly over the last 20 years, causing concern among fishery managers and anglers.

2. In order to assess the extent of freshwater feeding, stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) in feathers of wild cormorants from inland freshwater fisheries were compared with those in the feathers of piscivorous birds with marine diets (captive ‘marine‐fed’ cormorants, free‐ranging shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and freshwater diets (juvenile goosanders Mergus merganser).

3. Isotope signatures of feathers represent the diet at the time of growth. Feathers grown at different times of the year were taken from wild cormorants; each feather type therefore represented the diet over a different temporal scale.

4. Isotopic analyses of feathers indicated that, when shot, nearly all of the cormorants had been feeding entirely on freshwater prey. The mean δ13C value of primary feathers growing when birds were shot was –22·2‰, indicative of an entirely freshwater diet.

5. The move to freshwater habitats from coastal breeding grounds occurred over several months, but once established cormorants appear to have fed at freshwater sites throughout the autumn and winter.

6. The suitability of using a two‐source isotopic mixing model in order to quantify the extent of freshwater feeding in piscivorous birds is discussed.

7. Although the results indicate long‐term residency and feeding in freshwater systems, they do not indicate whether birds were feeding regularly at the sites at which they were shot, or the composition of the diet. It is recommended that further studies using telemetry and multiple isotope analyses be carried out in order to address these issues.
Precision of Cavalieri sections and slices with local errors
Authors: CRUZ‐ORIVE L. M.
Published: July 2002

Cavalieri sections — and more recently Cavalieri slices, especially in combination with non‐invasive scanning — are widely used to estimate volumes. Physical Cavalieri slices are also increasingly used to estimate neuron numbers via the optical fractionator. In either case, the prediction of the error variance is important to assess optimal sample sizes. The error variance consists of two components, one due to the variation among the true contents of sections or slices, and the other due to local or ‘nugget’ errors. The latter may arise for instance when estimating section areas by point counting, or when counting discrete particles in slices or disectors. In this paper, a fairly comprehensive set of prediction formulae is presented to separate both variance components.
Evaporative systems and diagenetic patterns in the Calatayud Basin (Miocene, central Spain)
Authors: Ortí Federico , Rosell Laura
Published: July 2002

This paper concerns the evaporite units, depositional systems, cyclicity, diagenetic products and anhydritization patterns of the Calatayud Basin (nonmarine, Miocene, central Spain). In outcrop, the sulphate minerals of these shallow lacustrine evaporites consist of primary and secondary gypsum, the latter originating from the replacement of anhydrite and glauberite. In the evaporative systems of this basin, gypsiferous marshes of low salinity can be distinguished from central, saline lakes of higher salinity. In the gypsiferous marsh facies, the dominant, massive, bioturbated gypsum was partly replaced by synsedimentary chert nodules and siliceous crusts. In the saline lake facies, either cycles of gypsiferous lutite‐laminated gypsarenite or irregular alternations of laminated gypsum, nodular and banded glauberite, thenardite and nodular anhydrite precipitated. Early replacement of part of the glauberite by anhydrite also occurred. Episodes of subaerial exposure are represented by: (1) pedogenic carbonates (with nodular magnesite) and gypsiferous crusts composed of poikilitic crystals; and (2) nodular anhydrite, which formed in a sabkha. Additionally, meganodular anhydrite occurs, which presumably precipitated from ascending, highly saline solutions. The timing of anhydritization was mainly controlled by the salinity of the pore solutions, and occurred from the onset of deposition to moderate burial. Locally, a thick (>200 m) sequence of gypsum cycles developed, which was probably controlled by climatic variation. A trend of upward‐decreasing salinity is deduced from the base to the top of the evaporite succession.
Digital subtraction angiography demonstration of bone hypervascularity in Paget’s disease
Authors: Loneragan Robert
Published: July 2002

Bone hypervascularity is a well‐known component of Paget’s disease, but has not been previously reported on digital subtraction angiography. The features shown in the present case include sustained bone enhancement and early venous filling.
Management of diabetes in French prisons: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Petit J. M. , Guenfoudi M. P. , Volatier S. , Rudoni S. , Vaillant G. , Hermant C. , Verges B. , Brun J. M.
Published: July 2002

SUMMARY

Aims  To assess by a survey the management of prisoners with diabetes treated with insulin in French prisons.

Methods  A questionnaire was sent to the head of healthcare services for prisoners of every French prison. Information was obtained on prevalence of insulin‐treated diabetes prisoners and diabetes care in prison. The number of episides of ketoacidosis and hypoglycaemia needing hospital admissions were evaluated during the past year.

Results  Among the 163 questionnaires sent, 115 were returned, giving an overall response rate of 69%. At the time of the study the prison population was 38 175 people. One hundred and sixty‐nine prisoners were treated by insulin (0.4%). Self‐monitoring of blood glucose was available only for 94 (55.6%) insulin‐treated prisoners. A total of 130 (76.9%) prisoners performed two insulin injections daily or less, 105 (62.1%) prisoners were not allowed to keep their insulin delivery systems with them. Of the prisoners who treated themselves, 14 (12.1%) used syringes and 42 (36.5%) used pen devices. Ninety‐two (55.1%) prisoners had had access to a diabetes specialist during the previous year. Diabetic diets were available in only 65 (60.7%) prisons. From June 1998 to June 1999, there were 20 hospital admissions for a diabetic ketoacidosis and 14 for hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions  This study shows that prison decreases the autonomy of diabetic prisoners who often cannot self‐inject or test their blood. Access to visiting consultant diabetologists and specialist nurses to educate both prisoners with diabetes and prison staff could improve diabetic care.
Endovaginal Doppler ultrasound in ovarian torsion: a case series
Authors: Willms A. B. , Schlund J. F. , Meyer W. R.
Published: July 2002

Four women with acute pelvic pain clinically suspected to be secondary to ovarian torsion were examined with gray‐scale and Doppler ultrasound. All affected ovaries were enlarged (volumes 3.2–34 times the volumes of the ovaries on the unaffected sides). Three ovaries showed no internal flow, and one showed internal arterial flow. Ovary‐conserving treatment was attempted in all four cases but the three ovaries which showed no evidence of internal flow eventually required removal. The fourth case, in which arterial flow was present on Doppler examination, was treated only with laparoscopic untwisting of the pedicle and did not require oophorectomy. The results of our study suggest that Doppler findings may distinguish ovaries which are beyond salvage and require removal from those which may be saved by prompt laparoscopic untwisting of the adnexa, but further studies with larger numbers of patients will be necessary. Copyright © 1995 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Near vision, lags of accommodation and myopia
Authors: Charman W. N.
Published: July 2002

It is shown that, with some simplifying assumptions about the nature of the accommodation response/stimulus curve, geometrical optics predicts that lags in accommodation will result in ocular modulation transfer for any linear size of grating component in an object being independent of object distance. Thus bringing an object nearer to the eye should not improve the contrast of the retinal image of any of its details. However, when the effects of diffraction and aberration are considered, together with the angular spatial frequency dependence of the retinal contrast threshold, the expected advantages of short observation distances for the detection of fine detail emerge. It is shown that a reduced slope for the accommodation response/stimulus curve leads to increased lag and reduced modulation transfer: the possible role of such effects in the development of some types of myopia is discussed.
Pain and quality of life in patients with critical limb ischaemia: results of a randomized controlled multicentre study on the effect of spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Spincemaille G.H. , Klomp H.M. , Steyerberg E.W. , Habbema J.D.F.
Published: July 2002

We carried out an assessment of pain and quality of life of patients with critical limb ischaemia during the follow‐up of a multicentre randomized trial in more detail than previously reported.

In a multicentre clinical trial 120 patients were randomized between medical treatment and medical treatment plus spinal cord stimulation. Patients were selected on the basis of clinical symptoms and macrocirculatory data as described in the European consensus document on critical limb ischaemia. Data were collected at intake and then 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months later. Primary outcome measures were limb salvage, pain relief and quality of life. Patient and limb survival was estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the McGill pain questionnaire, the pain score of the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and the use of analgesics. Quality of life was evaluated using the NHP, the EuroQol and mobility subscore of the Sickness Impact Profile.

The 2‐year limb survival was 52% for SCS treatment and 46% for standard treatment (p =0.47). Pain relief was considerable in both treatment strategies (p<0.005) with no significant differences between the strategies. The improvement occurred within the first few months and remained stable during further follow‐up. Patients with SCS used fewer non‐narcotic and narcotic drugs (p<0.001 at t=1 and t=3, p<0.002 at t=6). The overall scores of quality of life improved significantly (p<0.05), with no difference in score between treatments. The subscores of mobility and energy of the NHP in non‐amputated patients was significantly better in the SCS group (p<0.005). Amputation had a negative effect on mobility, resulting in a difficult rehabilitation but relieved pain substantially (p<0.05).

In contrast to the existing literature, the randomized trial revealed no major difference in overall pain and quality of life assessment between treatment groups. The effect on energy and mobility was significantly better in patients treated with SCS, who also used substantially fewer analgesics.
Defect formation in SiO2/Si(100) by metal diffusion and reaction
Authors: Liehr M. , Dallaporta H. , Lewis J. E.
Published: July 2002

The decomposition of SiO2 films on Si(100) during ultrahigh vacuum anneal is found to be strongly enhanced by monolayer amounts of impurities deposited on the SiO2 surface. s- and p-band elements initiate decomposition via formation of volatile suboxides by surface reaction, whereas most transition metals decompose the oxide via laterally inhomogeneous growth of voids in the oxide. Transition metals need to diffuse to the SiO2/Si interface to enhance oxide decomposition via formation of volatile SiO. It is inferred that transition metal particles should be efficient in creating electrical defects in gate oxide layers.
Synthesis and properties of ultrafine AlN powder by rf plasma
Authors: Baba Kazuhiro , Shohata Nobuaki , Yonezawa Masatomo
Published: July 2002

High-purity ultrafine AlN powder was synthesized by rf plasma through direct nitridation of Al. The specific surface area was about 30 m2 /g under typical experimental conditions. Ultrafine AlN powder showed excellent sinterability, compared with conventional AlN powders, whose particle sizes were more than 0.5 μm. The thermal conductivity for the sintered body reached 220 W/m K when sintered at 1900 °C, and 110 W/m K when sintered at 1400 °C, by using YF3 as a sintering aid.
Low-temperature diamond deposition by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Liou Y. , Inspektor A. , Weimer R. , Messier R.
Published: July 2002

Thin diamond films were deposited on silicon, MgO, fused silica, and soda lime silica glass at low temperature (the lowest temperature ∼365 °C) by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The films were identified as diamond by Raman spectroscopy. A Raman peak shift of several wave numbers to either lower or higher wave numbers due to the strain of the film is also observed. The film deposited on glass is highly transparent. The fine faceted crystals in the film are shown in scanning electron microscope micrographs.
High-brightness terahertz beams characterized with an ultrafast detector
Authors: van Exter Martin , Fattinger Ch. , Grischkowsky D.
Published: July 2002

We have significantly improved the emission and detection of electromagnetic beams of single-cycle 0.5 THz pulses, through the use of new dipolar antenna structures. The frequency response was extended to well beyond 1 THz, and the beam power was increased by more than 15 times. The antennas were located at the foci of sapphire lenses and were photoconductively driven by ultrafast laser pulses. An additional collimation by a paraboloidal mirror produced a beam with a 25 mrad divergence, and subsequent focusing by a second identical mirror improved the coupling between the transmitting and receiving antenna by orders of magnitude.
Scanning capacitance microscopy on a 25 nm scale
Authors: Williams C. C. , Hough W. P. , Rishton S. A.
Published: July 2002

A near-field capacitance microscope has been demonstrated on a 25 nm scale. A resonant circuit provides the means for sensing the capacitance variations between a sub-100-nm tip and surface with a sensitivity of 1×10−19 F in a 1 kHz bandwidth. Feedback control is used to scan the tip at constant gap across a sample, providing a means of noncontact surface profiling. Images of conducting and nonconducting structures are presented.