bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient decrease in F‐actin may be necessary for translocation of proteins into dendritic spines
Authors: Ouyang Yannan , Wong Michael , Capani Francisco , Rensing Nick , Lee Chul‐Sang , Liu Qun , Neusch Clemens , Martone Maryann E. , Wu Jane Y. , Yamada Kelvin , Ellisman Mark H. , Choi Dennis W.
Published: December 2005

It remains poorly understood as to how newly synthesized proteins that are required to act at specific synapses are translocated into only selected subsets of potentiated dendritic spines. Here, we report that F‐actin, a major component of the skeletal structure of dendritic spines, may contribute to the regulation of synaptic specificity of protein translocation. We found that the stabilization of F‐actin blocked the translocation of GFP‐CaMKII and inhibited the diffusion of 3‐kDa dextran into spines (in 2–3 weeks cultures). Neuronal activation in hippocampal slices and cultured neurons led to an increase in the activation (decrease in the phosphorylation) of the actin depolymerization factor, cofilin, and a decrease in F‐actin. Furthermore, the induction of long‐term potentiation by tetanic stimulation induced local transient depolymerization of F‐actin both in vivo and in hippocampal slices (8–10 weeks), and this local F‐actin depolymerization was blocked by APV, a N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. These results suggest that F‐actin may play a role in synaptic specificity by allowing protein translocation into only potentiated spines, gated through its depolymerization, which is probably triggered by the activation of NMDA receptors.
Molecular analysis of deep subsurface Cretaceous rock indicates abundant Fe(III)‐ and S°‐reducing bacteria in a sulfate‐rich environment
Authors: Kovacik William P. , Takai Ken , Mormile Melanie R. , McKinley James P. , Brockman Fred J. , Fredrickson James K. , Holben William E.
Published: December 2005

A multilevel sampler (MLS) was emplaced in a borehole straddling anaerobic, sulfate‐rich Cretaceous‐era shale and sandstone rock formations ∼200 m below ground surface at Cerro Negro, New Mexico. Sterile quartzite sand contained in chambers in the sampler allowed in situ colonization and recovery of nucleic acids for molecular analyses. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene cloning results indicated a homogeneously distributed bacterial community across the shale–sandstone interface. δ‐Proteobacteria sequences were common at all depths, and were dominated by members of the Geobacteraceae family (Pelobacter, Desulphuromonas and Geobacter). Other members of this group are capable of dissimilatory Fe(III) and/or S° reduction, but not sulfate reduction. RNA hybridization data also suggested that Fe(III)‐/S°‐reducing bacteria were predominant. These findings are striking considering the lack of significant concentrations of these electron acceptors in this environment. The next most abundant bacterial group indicated was the sulfate reducers, including Desulfobacterium, Desulfocapsa and Desulfobulbus. Sequences related to fermenters, denitrifiers and acetogens were also recovered. The presence of a phylogenetically and functionally diverse microbial community in this deep subsurface environment likely reflects the complex nature of the primary energy and carbon sources, kerogen associated with the shale.
Current indications for pancreas or islet transplant
Authors: Ryan Edmond A. , Bigam David , Shapiro A. M. James
Published: December 2005

Pancreas or islet transplantation can provide good glycaemic control and insulin independence. Pancreas transplantation has been associated with improvement in diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and vasculopathy, but has the associated morbidity of major surgery. Both forms of therapy require long‐term immunosuppression and its attendant risks and both achieve insulin independence rates of about 80% at 1 year. Pancreas transplantation at the same time as a renal transplant is a worthwhile option to employ, especially if the diabetes has been difficult to control. Diabetes associated with frequent severe hypoglycaemia or extreme lability, despite optimization of diabetes management, may benefit from either pancreas or islet transplant alone with the latter being the lower‐risk procedure. More quantitative measures of hypoglycaemia and lability are now available to facilitate the assessment of the severity of these problems with glucose control. Diabetic patients with renal involvement (macroproteinuria, but no major elevation of creatinine) and unstable diabetes may be helped with an islet or pancreas transplant, but this approach should still be considered experimental and such a transplant may hasten the need for renal replacement therapy. In the setting of well‐controlled diabetes and intact renal function, it is difficult to justify pancreas or islet transplant alone given the risks of immunosuppression.
IRS1, KCNJ11, PPARγ2 and HNF‐1α: do amino acid polymorphisms in these candidate genes support a shared aetiology between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Johansen A. , Jensen D. P. , Bergholdt R. , Mortensen H. B. , Pociot F. , Nerup J. , Hansen T. , Pedersen O. ,   The Danish Society of Childhood Diabetes
Published: December 2005

Aims:  Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disorder primarily triggered by environmental and immunological factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite the fact that there are indications of common aetiological features of T1DM and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), variation in genes involved in insulin secretion and insulin signalling has to a large extent been ignored as potential modifiers in the pathogenesis of T1DM. Recent studies suggest, however, that proven T2DM susceptibility gene variants may be involved in the pathogenesis of T1DM. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of four selected amino acid polymorphisms –IRS‐1 Gly972Arg, Kir6.2 Glu23Lys, HNF‐1α Ala98Val and PPARγ2 Pro12Ala in a Danish population of T1DM families.

Methods:  All variants were genotyped in 490 simplex‐ and multiplex‐T1DM families applying polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism, and results were evaluated by means of a transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis.

Results:  TDT analysis revealed that the Arg972 IRS‐1, the Lys23 Kir6.2 and the Val98 HNF‐1α variants were transmitted from heterozygous parents to affected probands at frequencies of 49.1%, 47.0% and 54.1%, respectively (p > 0.05 for all). This was similar to the rate of transmission to unaffected siblings. The transmission rate of the Ala12 PPARγ2 variant to affected probands was 46.5% (p > 0.05) which differed significantly from the transmission to unaffected offspring (p = 0.024). A combined analysis of the present and published pertinent data of 1691 transmissions showed a significantly decreased transmission of the PPARγ2 Ala12 allele to affected probands (p = 0.0045).

Conclusions:  The Pro12Ala variant of PPARγ2 is associated with T1DM, the minor Ala allele conferring a reduced risk. This same finding has been reported in patients with T2DM.
Prediction of cardiovascular and total mortality in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients by the WHO definition for the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ko G. T.‐C. , So W.‐Y. , Chan N. N. , Chan W.‐B. , Tong P. C.‐Y. , Li J. , Yeung V. , Chow C.‐C. , Ozaki R. , Ma R. C.‐W. , Cockram C. S. , Chan J. C.‐N.
Published: December 2005

Aim:  The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MES) in type 2 diabetic patients and the predictive values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) definitions and the individual components of the MES on total and cardiovascular mortality.

Methods:  A prospective analysis of a consecutive cohort of 5202 Chinese type 2 diabetic patients recruited between July 1994 and April 2001.

Results:  The prevalence of the MES was 49.2–58.1% depending on the use of various criteria. There were 189 deaths (men: 100 and women: 89) in these 5205 patients during a median (interquartile range) follow‐up period of 2.1 (0.3–3.6 years). Of these, 164 (87%) were classified as cardiovascular deaths. Using the NCEP criterion, patients with MES had a death rate similar to those without (3.51 vs. 3.85%). By contrast, based on the WHO criteria, patients with MES had a higher mortality rate than those without (4.3 vs. 2.4%, p = 0.002). Compared to patients with neither NCEP‐ nor WHO‐defined MES, only the group with MES defined by the WHO, but not NCEP, criterion had significantly higher mortality rate (2.6 vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001). Using Cox regression analysis, only age, duration of diabetes and smoking were identified as independent factors for cardiovascular or total death. Among the various components of MES, hypertension, low BMI and albuminuria were the key predictors for these adverse events.

Conclusions:  In Chinese type 2 diabetic patients, the WHO criterion has a better discriminative power over the NCEP criterion for predicting death. Among the various components of the MES defined either by WHO or NCEP, hypertension, albuminuria and low BMI were the main predictors of cardiovascular and total mortality.
Advances in pancreatic islet transplantation in humans
Authors: Nanji Sulaiman A. , Shapiro A. M. James
Published: December 2005

With recent advances in methods of islet isolation and the introduction of more potent and less diabetogenic immunosuppressive therapies, islet transplantation has progressed from research to clinical reality. Presently, several international centres have demonstrated successful clinical outcomes with high rates of insulin independence after islet transplantation. Ongoing refinements in donor pancreas procurement and processing, developments in islet isolation and purification technology, and advances in novel immunological conditioning and induction therapies have led to the acceptance of islet transplantation as a safe and effective therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes. This review provides a historical perspective of islet transplantation, outlines the recent advances and current clinical outcomes, and addresses the present challenges and future directions in clinical islet transplantation.
Effects of metformin and oleic acid on adipocyte expression of resistin
Authors: Rea R , Donnelly R
Published: December 2005

Aim:  The adipocyte‐secreted hormone resistin has been implicated in obesity‐induced insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, but pharmacological and dietary factors that regulate resistin gene expression and the effects of resistin on cellular glucose uptake in muscle have not been clearly defined.

Methods:  Expression of resistin mRNA was studied in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes by using real‐time semiquantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The effects of resistin on insulin‐stimulated and insulin‐independent 2‐deoxyglucose uptake were evaluated in L6 muscle cells.

Results:  Insulin 1 µm and rosiglitazone 10 µm markedly reduced resistin mRNA expression (relative to the control gene TF2D) by 4.7‐fold (p < 0.05) and 5.3‐fold (p < 0.02), respectively. Similar reductions in resistin mRNA were demonstrated with metformin 100 µm (6.2‐fold reduction, p < 0.02) and oleic acid 100 µm (3.9‐fold reduction, p < 0.03). Resistin 1 µm significantly reduced maximum insulin‐stimulated 2‐deoxyglucose uptake in L6 cells from 634 to 383% (relative to 100% for control, p < 0.001), and co‐administration of rosiglitazone had no effect on resistin‐induced insulin resistance. In the absence of insulin, however, resistin increased glucose uptake dose‐dependently (e.g., 1.75‐fold at 5 µm, p < 0.001) via a mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐dependent pathway.

Conclusions:  These results demonstrate that various glucose‐lowering therapies and oleic acid reduce resistin gene expression in isolated adipocytes, and that resistin impairs insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle‐derived cells.
Insulin detemir: a new basal insulin analogue
Authors: Soran Handrean , Younis Naveed
Published: December 2005

Basal insulin therapy is an integral part of the intensive management of type 1 diabetes and it is also often used in type 2 diabetes. An ideal insulin regimen in patients with diabetes would mirror the 24‐h insulin profile of a non‐diabetic person, thereby preventing hyperglycaemia without inducing hypoglycaemia. Until recently, available insulins have pharmacokinetic disadvantages, compared to physiological insulin secretion. Insulin detemir is a new basal insulin analogue recently available for commercial use in the UK. Clinical trials have demonstrated lower fasting plasma glucose levels, lower variability in plasma glucose, predictable action profile and a reduced risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia and weight gain, compared to conventional basal insulins. This study reviews the properties and potential use of insulin detemir.
Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction: beyond the haemodynamic changes
Authors: AZADZOI KAZEM M.
Published: December 2005

The first two mini‐reviews relate to erectile dysfunction, but of different causes. The first of these, from Boston, will update the reader on vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, and the second from Melbourne will describe the neurophysiology of nerve injury and regeneration after radical prostatectomy, and review the work which has been carried out on the use of cutaneous nerves to help this process.

The other two mini‐reviews come from Dublin and London, respectively. The first describes the side‐effects of treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer and the second describes the structural characterisation of myofibroblasts in the bladder.
Surgical treatment of varicocele by a subinguinal approach combined with antegrade intraoperative sclerotherapy of venous vessels
Authors: COLPI GIOVANNI MARIA , CARMIGNANI LUCA , NERVA FRANCO , PIEDIFERRO GUIDO , CASTIGLIONI FABRIZIO , GRUGNETTI CRISTINA , GALASSO GIACOMO
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy, in terms of recurrences, complications and operative duration, of a new technique for treating varicocele.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between September 1999 and December 2002 we evaluated 307 men aged 17–51 years with varicocele. In all of the men the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography. The men were treated by a variant of the microsurgical technique described in 1994. A 2–3 cm distal subinguinal incision was made at the level of the superficial inguinal ring and the spermatic cord was exposed. The largest vein in the spermatic cord fat was cannulated. A 7–9 cm segment of the spermatic cord was clamped for 8–10 min; at the start of the ischaemia time, 1.5–3 mL of 3% atoxysclerol was injected into the cannulated vein. After sclerotherapy, the vein was ligated at the injection site, and the blood flow to the cord was restored.

RESULTS

The mean operative duration was 25 min. Follow‐up at 3 and 6 months after surgery, with objective examination and scrotal ultrasonography, revealed one case of clinical recurrence/persistence. The most common complication was penile lymphangitis (nine men) that regressed spontaneously; three men had temporary orchialgia. There were no cases of secondary hydrocele or testicular atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified technique appears to be relatively easy and safe, and to of low cost. Given the promising results in terms of complications and persistence, the treatment appears to be a suitable first‐line approach for the surgical treatment of varicocele.
Service Climate in Self‐Managing Teams: Mapping the Linkage of Team Member Perceptions and Service Performance Outcomes in a Business‐to‐Business Setting
Authors: Jong Ad de , Ruyter Ko de , Lemmink Jos
Published: December 2005

abstract  Drawing from the organizational behaviour and services marketing literature, we develop a conceptual model of self‐managing team (SMT) service climate, taking into account characteristics of the organizational context, the SMT, and the individual employee. In order to assess the impact of SMT service climate, we include a number of internal consequences (i.e., in‐company performance data) and external service performance outcomes (i.e., customer‐perceived service quality). As a result of the hierarchically nested data‐structure (i.e., groups and individuals), we investigate the antecedents of SMT service climate in service groups using a multi‐level approach. Our results reveal that organizational and group factors have a significant cross‐level influence on individual employee perceptions of SMT service climate. Furthermore, we demonstrate that employee perceptions of SMT service climate are positively related to customer‐perceived service quality, while there is no relationship with service productivity measures.
Reflections on the ‘Realist Turn’ in Organization and Management Studies
Authors: Reed Michael
Published: December 2005

abstract  This paper has three objectives. First, to provide an exposition of the ‘realist turn’ in contemporary organization and management studies. Second, to assess the detailed implications of this incipient ‘realist turn’ for the underlying explanatory principles and practices that should inform organization and management studies as a social scientific field. Third, to evaluate the potential, longer‐term, impact of these explanatory principles and practices in an intellectual context where anti‐realist ontologies and epistemologies have been dominant. This will entail a critique of contemporary approaches that draw on a social constructionist ontology and a postmodernist epistemology. Overall, the paper concludes that the ‘realist turn’ creates a significant intellectual opportunity and space in which the historical sociology of dynamic organizational forms and managerial control regimes can be rediscovered and renewed.
Combining Density and Interval Forecasts: A Modest Proposal*
Authors: Wallis Kenneth F.
Published: December 2005

The finite mixture distribution is proposed as an appropriate statistical model for a combined density forecast. Its implications for measures of uncertainty and disagreement, and for combining interval forecasts, are described. Related proposals in the literature and applications to the U.S. Survey of Professional Forecasters are discussed.
Narrative, organizations and research
Authors: Rhodes Carl , Brown Andrew D.
Published: December 2005

Given the rapid expansion of narrative approaches in management and organization theory in recent years, this paper investigates the contribution of this literature to the understanding of organizations and processes of organizing. The paper tells the story of the development of narrative approaches in organizational theory. Narrative's contribution to substantive areas of organization theory is evaluated. These developments are then reviewed in relation to an ongoing tension between story and science. We conclude by contemplating some of the criticisms, and the future, of narrative research.
Migraine Patients have Lower Systolic but Higher Diastolic Blood Pressure Compared with Controls in a Population-Based Study of 21 537 Subjects. The Reykjavik Study
Authors: Gudmundsson LS , Thorgeirsson G , Sigfusson N , Sigvaldason H , Johannsson M
Published: December 2005

Several studies have explored a possible association between migraine and hyper- tension, with contradictory results. Because of this uncertainty the relation between blood pressure (BP) and migraine was studied in 10 366 men and 11 171 women in a population-based longitudinal study. A modified version of the 1988 International Headache Society criteria was used for diagnosis of migraine. Logistic regression analysis was used. The crude 1-year prevalence of migraine was 5.2% among men and 14.1% among women. No significant association was found between hypertension and migraine. For a one standard deviation (SD) increase in diastolic BP the probability of having migraine increased 14% ( P = 0.11) for men and 30% ( P < 0.0001) for women. For a 1-SD increase in systolic BP the probability of having migraine decreased 19% ( P = 0.007) for men and 25% ( P < 0.0001) for women. It was also found that for a 1-SD increase in pulse pressure the probability of having migraine decreased 13% ( P = 0.005) for men and 14% ( P < 0.0001) for women. In a population-based study of men and women it was found that subjects with migraine had lower pulse pressure, lower systolic BP and higher diastolic BP compared with controls.
NG2: a component of the glial scar that inhibits axon growth
Authors: Tan Andrew M. , Zhang Weibing , Levine Joel M.
Published: December 2005

NG2 is a high‐molecular‐weight chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan found on the surfaces of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Here we review the history and biology of OPCs with an emphasis on their functions after experimentally induced CNS injury. Injury to brain or spinal cord results in the rapid accumulation of NG2‐expressing OPCs in the glial scar that forms at the injury site. The glial scar is considered a biochemical and physical barrier to successful axon regeneration and the functional properties of NG2 suggest that it, along with other macromolecules, participates in the creation of this growth‐inhibitory environment. NG2 is an important target for therapies designed to promote successful axon regrowth.
Characterization of the rhesus monkey superior olivary complex by calcium binding proteins and synaptophysin
Authors: Bazwinsky Ivonne , Bidmon Hans‐Jürgen , Zilles Karl , Hilbig Heidegard
Published: December 2005

This study was performed in order to characterize the main nuclei of the rhesus monkey superior olivary complex by means of antibodies against the calcium binding proteins parvalbumin, calbindin and calretinin and the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin. These markers revealed the neuronal morphology and organization of nuclei located within the rhesus monkey superior olivary complex. The architectural details included the distribution of axonal terminals on neurons. The medial superior olivary nucleus was present as a column of neurons. No clear segregation of calretinin‐positive terminals was noticed on the medial and lateral dendritic fields of these neurons. The lateral superior olivary nucleus was characterized by a distinct nuclear shape. Calretinin‐, parvalbumin‐ or calbindin‐positive terminals contacted somata and dendrites. The medial nucleus of trapezoid body could be clearly differentiated as a distinct region in the rhesus monkey superior olivary complex. Somata of that nucleus showed calbindin‐ and parvalbumin‐labelling whereas somatic calyces of Held were reavealed by calretinin and synaptophysin labelling. The results are discussed with respect to the processing of acoustic information in primate species and their ability to hear high and low frequencies, which is reflected by anatomical correlates.
A stereological study of the renal glomerular vasculature in the db/db mouse model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Guo Min , Ricardo Sharon D. , Deane James A. , Shi Ming , Cullen‐McEwen Luise , Bertram John F.
Published: December 2005

In diabetic nephropathy, glomerular hypertrophy is evident early in response to hyperglycaemia. Alterations of capillary length and vascular remodelling that may contribute to glomerular hypertrophy and the subsequent development of glomerulosclerosis remain unclear. The present study used the db/db mouse model of Type 2 diabetes to examine the glomerular microvascular changes apparent with long‐term diabetic complications. Unbiased stereological methods and high‐resolution light microscopy were used to estimate glomerular volume, and glomerular capillary dimensions including length and surface area in 7‐month‐old db/db diabetic mice and age‐matched db/m control mice. The db/db diabetic mice showed significant glomerular hypertrophy, corresponding with elevated blood glucose levels, and increased body weight and kidney weight, compared with db/m control mice. Glomerular enlargement in db/db mice was associated with increases in the surface area (5.387 ± 0.466 × 104 µm2 vs. 2.610 ± 0.287 × 104 µm2; P < 0.0005) and length (0.3343 ± 0.022 × 104 µm vs. 0.1549 ± 0.017 × 104 µm; P < 0.0001) of capillaries per glomerulus, compared with non‐diabetic mice. Stereological assessment at the electron microscopic level revealed increased glomerular volume density of mesangial cells and mesangial matrix, and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane in db/db mice. These results demonstrate that glomerular hypertrophy evident in advanced diabetic nephropathy in this model is associated with increased length and surface area of glomerular capillaries. The contribution of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis to the glomerular microvascular alterations in response to hyperglycaemia remain to be determined.
Fertility and assisted reproduction: The costs to the NHS of multiple births after IVF treatment in the UK
Authors: Ledger William L , Anumba Dilly , Marlow Neil , Thomas Christine M , Wilson Edward CF ,   the Cost of Multiple Births Study Group (COMBS Group)
Published: December 2005

Objectives  To determine the cost to the NHS resulting from multiple pregnancies arising from IVF treatment in the UK, and to compare those costs with the cost to the NHS due to singleton pregnancies resulting from IVF treatment.

Design  A modelling study using data from published literature and cost data from national sources in the public domain, calculating direct costs from the diagnosis of a clinical pregnancy until the end of the first year after birth.

Setting  Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine.

Population  Theoretic core modelling study using data from published literature.

Methods  The analysis was based on the total annual number of births resulting from an IVF treatment in the UK. Main outcome measures total direct costs to the NHS per IVF singleton, twin or triplet family.

Main outcome measures  Cost of singleton, twin and triplet IVF pregnancies in the UK.

Results  Total direct costs to the NHS per IVF twin or triplet family (maternal + infant costs) are substantially higher than per IVF singleton family (singleton: £3313; twin: £9122; and triplet: £32,354). Multiple pregnancies after IVF are associated with 56% of the direct cost of IVF pregnancies, although they represent less than 1/3 of the total annual number of maternities in the UK.

Conclusions  Multiple pregnancies after IVF are associated with high direct costs to the NHS. Redirection of money saved by implementation of a mandatory ‘two embryo transfer’ policy into increased provision of IVF treatment could double the number of NHS‐funded IVF treatment cycles at no extra cost. Further savings could be made if a selective ‘single embryo transfer’ policy were to be adopted.
Basic science: Chronic fetal hypoxia increases activin A concentrations in the late‐pregnant sheep
Authors: Supramaniam VG , Jenkin G , Loose J , Wallace EM , Miller SL
Published: December 2005

Objective  To determine whether activin A concentrations are altered in chronic fetal hypoxemia and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR).

Design  In vivo animal experimental model.

Setting  Department of Physiology, Monash University.

Population  Chronically catherised fetal sheep in late pregnancy.

Methods  Chronic fetal hypoxia and IUGR were experimentally induced by single umbilical artery ligation (SUAL) in catheterised fetal sheep. Maternal and fetal blood samples and amniotic fluid (AF) samples were collected during surgery and thereafter on alternate days, until the time of delivery for analyte measurement. Fetal blood gas parameters were measured daily.

Main outcome measures  Plasma and AF was used to analyse activin A, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cortisol and fetal blood gas analysis was undertaken in whole blood.

Results  SUAL produced asymmetric IUGR and non‐acidaemic chronic fetal hypoxia and resulted in preterm labour (129 [3] days). AF activin A concentrations were 10‐fold higher in the SUAL group than in controls whereas levels in the fetal and maternal circulations were similar between groups.

Conclusions  SUAL‐induced IUGR and fetal hypoxaemia increases AF activin A. This may be an important adaptive or protective response to IUGR.
Fertility control: Oral versus self‐administered vaginal misoprostol at home before surgical termination of pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Oppegaard Kevin Sunde , Qvigstad Erik , Nesheim Britt‐Ingjerd
Published: December 2005

Objective  To compare the impact of 400 μg oral versus self‐administered vaginal misoprostol at home on pre‐operative cervical priming in both primigravid and multigravid women prior to first trimester surgical abortion.

Design  Randomised controlled trial.

Setting  Norwegian University Teaching Hospital.

Sample  Three hundred and thirty‐eight women undergoing surgical abortion between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation.

Methods  The women were randomised to either 400 μg of oral misoprostol the evening before or 400‐μg of self‐administered vaginal misoprostol at home the same day as vacuum aspiration.

Main outcome measures  Pre‐operative cervical dilatation, complications and acceptability.

Results  The median cervical dilatation was 6.2 mm (range 0–11 mm) for the women in the 400 μg oral misoprostol and 6.5 mm (range 0–11 mm) in the 400‐μg vaginal misoprostol groups. The median pre‐operative dilatation was larger in multigravidae (6.4 and 6.7 mm for the oral and vaginal routes, respectively) than in primigravidae (5.8 and 6.0 mm, respectively). In primigravidae, 19% achieved a pre‐operative dilatation of ≥7 mm, with no significant difference between oral and vaginal dosage. In multigravidae, 52% achieved a pre‐operative dilatation of ≥7 mm with vaginal dosage, compared with 36% with oral dosage (P= 0.03). There was no difference between non‐immigrant versus immigrant women in pre‐operative cervical dilatation. The 400‐μg oral dosage group had a higher risk of bleeding, compared with the group receiving 400‐μg vaginal misoprostol [odds ratio (OR) = 10.4; confidence interval (CI) 5.2–20.8]. There was no difference between non‐immigrant and immigrant women in acceptability of self‐administered vaginal misoprostol; almost all women found this administration route acceptable. Complications were minor and were distributed equally between the two dosage groups.

Conclusions  The vaginal route will result in a satisfactory dilatation in about half of multigravidae but is much less effective in primigravidae. The oral route does not lead to satisfactory dilatation in either group and is associated with a higher occurrence of pre‐operative bleeding. Self‐administered vaginal misoprostol at home is highly acceptable.
General gynaecology: Effect of uterotonics on intra‐operative blood loss during laparoscopy‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chang Fung‐Wei , Yu Mu‐Hsien , Ku Chih‐Hung , Chen Chi‐Huang , Wu Gwo‐Jang , Liu Jah‐Yao
Published: December 2005

Objective  To investigate the effectiveness of uterotonics misoprostol and oxytocin on reducing blood loss during laparoscopy‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).

Design  Randomised, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting  University hospital.

Population  One hundred and seventy‐three women underwent LAVH for symptomatic uterine myomas and were randomly allocated to uterotonics (n= 91) or placebo (n= 82).

Methods  Women underwent LAVH for symptomatic uterine myomas and were randomly assigned to receive either rectal misoprostol (400 μg) and intravenous oxytocin (10 IU/hour) or placebo during LAVH. Parameters related to surgical outcome were compared.

Main outcome measures  The main outcome measure was intra‐operative blood loss.

Results  Patient characteristics and indications for LAVH were similar in both groups. Mean [SD] for all continuous data estimated weight of blood loss (198.1 [123.2] vs 396 [337.6] g; P < 0.0001), mean operation time (106.2 [39.4] vs 116.6 [34.6] minutes; P= 0.02), mean change in haemoglobin (1.5 [1.0] vs 1.9 [1.2] g/dL; P= 0.02) and haematocrit levels (4.8 [2.9]% vs 5.8 [3.6]%; P= 0.04) and mean hospitalisation period (3.3 [0.8] vs 3.9 [1.1] days; P < 0.0001), which were significantly less in the group given rectal misoprostol and intravenous oxytocin than in the placebo group, respectively. There was no significant difference in complications and side effects between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion  Combined rectal misoprostol and intravenous oxytocin is a feasible and effective method of reducing blood loss and operation time in LAVH.
Effects of various hand hygiene regimes on removal and/or destruction ofEscherichia colion hands
Authors: Courtenay Monique , Ramirez Lina , Cox Beth , Han Inyee , Jiang Xiuping , Dawson Paul
Published: December 2005

Various hand hygiene techniques have been recommended by sanitarians. In the USA, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) ServSafe®program guidelines include a recommended hand washing regime. The ServSafe regime was compared to rinsing with warm and cool water and no washing/rinsing for bare hands and gloves after exposure to ground beef (approximately 106 cells/g) or liquid solution (approximately 106 cells/mL) contaminated with an ampicillin‐resistantEscherichia coliJM 109 strain.The efficacy of alcohol‐based hand sanitizers to replace hand washing was also evaluated. ServSafe, warm water rinse and cool water rinse reducedE. colicells on hands by 98.0, 64.4 and 42.8% log10 cfu/mL, resulting in <1, 1.4, and 2,1 log10 cfu/mLE. colion hands, respectively, from 3.6 log10 cfu/mL on unwashed hands. When vinyl food service gloves were worn during the hand washing treatments, gloves retained more bacteria than when only hands were rinsed or washed. From 2.9 to 3.4 log10 cfu/mL remained on hands when ethanol‐based sanitizers were used instead of hand washing. Of all hand washing treatments tested in these experiments, the US NRA recommended method was most effective (P < 0.05) in removingE. colifrom hands and the levels remaining after this method were below the threshold of detection (<10 cfu/hand).
Proposed mechanisms of action for retinoid derivatives in the treatment of skin aging
Authors: Sorg Olivier , Kuenzli Stéphane , Kaya Gürkan , Saurat Jean‐Hilaire
Published: December 2005

Skin aging (intrinsic aging) and photoaging (extrinsic aging) involve a similar process that leads to the typical creased appearance of the skin, with the progressive loss of its physical and biologic properties. Photoaging is a premature skin aging caused by long‐term exposure to the ultraviolet B radiations of the sun, and is more frequently associated to skin cancer than intrinsic aging. Retinoids are natural and synthetic vitamin A derivatives. They are lipophilic molecules and penetrate the epidermis easily. Their biologically active forms can modulate gene expression by binding to nuclear receptors and then to specific DNA sequences. Because of their ability to modulate genes involved in cellular differentiation and proliferation, they appear as good candidates to treat and prevent photoaging. Hyaluronate and collagen, two major constituents of the dermis, are progressively decreased and altered during aging. Various retinoids were shown to increase their synthesis and concentration in the skin and reduce their rate of degradation. Furthermore, retinoids share a common chemical structure containing several conjugated double bonds that enable them to trap free radicals and absorb UV radiations from the sun, thereby protecting cellular targets such as DNA, lipid membranes, or proteins by preventing direct photochemical damage or UV‐induced oxidative stress. Therefore, retinoids may be beneficial in treating skin aging and photoaging because of their biologic, chemical, and physical properties, which act at several levels.
Silk sericin as a moisturizer: an in vivo study
Authors: Padamwar Mahesh N , Pawar Atmaram P , Daithankar Aarti V , Mahadik K R
Published: December 2005

Background  Excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is the one of the causes of dry skin, and skin moisturizers have been used to overcome it.

Aim  The purpose of this research was to study the moisturizing effect of sericin, a silk protein. Because silk sericin has resemblance with the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), it has been studied for its application in skin cosmetics.

Methods  Sericin gels were prepared using sericin solution and with pluronic and carbopol as stabilizers. The gels were applied on the skin of healthy human volunteers and its moisturizing efficiency was evaluated by measuring the skin hydroxyproline content, impedance, TEWL, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results.

Results  Decrease in skin impedance, increase in hydroxyproline level, and hydration of epidermal cells revealed the moisturizing effect of sericin, whereas decrease in the value of TEWL may be attributed to occlusive effect, which prevents water loss from the upper layer of the skin. Skin surface topography revealed the smoothness of the upper layer of the skin as a result of moisturization.

Conclusion  Increase in the intrinsic moisturization of skin by sericin may be attributed to restoration of the amino acids and its occlusive effect. Thus, it would become a promising and important moisturizing ingredient in moisturizing formulations.
A retrospective study of the efficacy of intense pulsed light for the treatment of dermatologic disorders presenting to a cosmetic skin clinic
Authors: Myers Paul , Bowler Patrick , Hills Samantha
Published: December 2005

Background  One hundred seven patients presenting to a cosmetic skin clinic were treated with intense pulsed light (IPL) over a 12‐month period. The main categories of patients offered treatment were those with vascular problems such as rosacea, facial telangiectasia, and spider nevi; pigmentation disorders such as solar damage, lentigines, and hyperpigmentation; and assorted problems such as scarring and poikiloderma.

Methods  Each patient who entered into the study had the full medical history taken and a dermatologic assessment. Polaroid photographs were taken and the images used for comparison before and after treatment. Outcomes were assessed by physicians’ global assessment and a patients’ postal questionnaire. Patients were treated with a Lumina IPL (Lynton Lasers Ltd) using a multiple pulsing facility with variable interpulse spacing, incorporating a 585‐nm head. Fluence levels varied between 10 and 40 J/cm2, although the average fluence over all patients was 25 J/cm2. The delay was set between 10 and 30 ms and two to four pulses were used.

Results  Excellent results were seen in 80% of patients treated. There was a high patient satisfaction rate and low prevalence of side effects.

Conclusions  IPL has been shown to provide a safe and effective noninvasive treatment for a wide range of dermatologic disorders and is suitable for wider use in primary care.
Evidence for three distinct classes of ‘typical’, ‘psychotic’ and ‘dual’ mania: results from the EMBLEM study
Authors: Haro J. M. , van Os J. , Vieta E. , Reed C. , Lorenzo M. , Goetz I. ,   the EMBLEM Advisory Board
Published: December 2005

Objective:  To describe patients included in the European Mania in Bipolar Longitudinal Evaluation of Medication (EMBLEM) study and to assess and clinically validate the presence of clinical subtypes of patients with acute mania.

Method:  The EMBLEM study is a 2‐year prospective, observational study on the treatment and outcome of patients who are treated for a manic or mixed episode. Latent Class Analysis was used to define discrete groups of patients at baseline.

Results:  Three groups were identified: ‘typical mania’ (59% of patients); ‘psychotic mania’ (27%) with more severe mania and presence of psychotic symptoms; and ‘dual mania’ (13%) with a high proportion of substance abuse. Patient groups differed in age of onset, social functioning and service needs.

Conclusion:  Dual mania represents a distinct and not infrequent subgroup of patients with mania. The exclusion of patients with comorbid substance problems from clinical trials creates a gap in our knowledge on treatment effectiveness.
Prospective investigations of the prodromal state of schizophrenia: review of studies
Authors: Olsen K. A. , Rosenbaum B.
Published: December 2005

Objective:  The paper presents a comprehensive overview of prospective studies monitoring or intervening in the pre‐onset phase of first episode psychosis.

Method:  A systematic literature search was conducted and supplemented by a manual search. All relevant studies were ordered and intensively reviewed according to specified criteria. Methodological and conceptual issues are discussed.

Results:  Reports of 23 prospective studies were found, some describing subsamples of larger samples. Major methodological and conceptual divergences exist.

Conclusion:  Applied criteria detect individuals with a significantly increased risk of psychosis within the schizophrenia spectrum, but these criteria are only validated on clinical populations. The significance of differences in sample‐characteristics is unclear. Most study samples are small. Results are preliminary and in need of further research before they constitute a realistic knowledge base. Methodological and conceptual issues should not be underestimated.
Modeling Al2O3 inclusion separation across steel–slag interfaces
Authors: Shannon G. N. , Sridhar S.
Published: December 2005

This paper presents calculations on the separation times for solid spherical, octahedral and plate‐like micro‐inclusions across interfaces between molten low carbon steel and ladle, tundish, and mold slags. The effect of inclusion shape on the interfacial capillary force that arises due to the dynamic interfacial energy change during separation has been investigated and it is shown that this has a significant effect on whether the inclusion separates rapidly or settles at the interface. In the case of settled particles, the inclusion dissolution time was computed based on experimental data. For the slags considered, the most significant physical property was found to be the slag viscosity that resulted in fast separation and dissolution times for the mold and ladle slag when compared to the tundish slag.
Urinary melatonin: a noninvasive method to follow human pineal function as studied in three experimental conditions
Authors: Pääkkönen Tiina , Mäkinen Tiina M. , Leppäluoto Juhani , Vakkuri Olli , Rintamäki Hannu , Palinkas Lawrence A. , Hassi Juhani
Published: December 2005

Abstract:  The aim of this study was to examine whether urinary melatonin, rather than urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), can be used as an indicator of diurnally and seasonally changing melatonin secretion. The subjects (n = 15) spent three separate 24‐hr periods in a climatic chamber during winter (n = 7) and summer (n = 8). Blood and urine samples were obtained during each period at 2‐ to 5‐hr intervals. Serum melatonin and urinary melatonin and aMT6s were assayed by radioimmunoassay. The serum melatonin levels increased nearly 10‐fold from low daytime to high nocturnal values. The mean nocturnal increase of urinary melatonin was 1.7‐fold and that of urinary aMT6s was 4.6‐fold. Both urinary melatonin and aMT6s correlated significantly with area under the curve melatonin in serum during the night, during the day and throughout the entire 24‐hr observation period in all cases. The ratio between urinary melatonin and aMT6s excretion showed significant diurnal variation, being ninefold higher at 16:00 hr than at 07:00 or at 09:00 hr. The ninefold decrease in the urinary melatonin/aMT6s excretion ratio between the evening and the morning may reflect increased liver metabolism of melatonin during the night. Both urinary melatonin and aMT6s are good indicators of melatonin secretion, but the variation is significantly smaller for the former molecule.
Microtubules Facilitate Autophagosome Formation and Fusion of Autophagosomes with Endosomes
Authors: Köchl Robert , Hu Xiao Wen , Chan Edmond Y. W. , Tooze Sharon A.
Published: December 2005

Nutrient deprivation of eukaryotic cells provokes a variety of stress responses, including autophagy. Autophagy is carried out by autophagosomes which sequester cytosolic components and organelles for degradation after fusion with protease‐containing endosomes. To determine the role of microtubules in autophagy, we used nocodazole and vinblastine to disrupt microtubules and independently measured formation and fusion of autophagsosomes in primary rat hepatocytes. By measuring the translocation of GFP‐LC3, an autophagosomal marker, to autophagosomes and the lipidation of GFP‐LC3, we quantified the rate and magnitude of autophagosome formation. Starvation increased both the rate of autophagosome formation over the basal level and the total number of autophagosomes per cell. Maximal autophagosome formation required an intact microtubule network. Fusion of autophagosomes with endosomes, assayed by acquisition of protease‐inhibitor sensitivity as well as overlap with LysoTracker Red‐positive endosomes, required intact microtubules. Live‐cell imaging demonstrated that autophagosomes were motile structures, and their movement also required microtubules. Interestingly, vinblastine stimulated autophagosome formation more than twofold before any discernable change in the microtubule network was observed. Stimulation of autophagosome formation by vinblastine was independent of nutrients and mTOR activity but was inhibited by depletion of the Autophagy proteins Atg5 and Atg6, known to be required for autophagy.
Pure‐Phase Transport and Dissolution of TCE in Sedimentary Rock Saprolite
Authors: Lenczewski M. , McKay L. , Pitner A. , Driese S. , Vulava V.
Published: December 2005

The objective of this study was to experimentally determine the influence of pore structure on the transport and dissolution of trichloroethylene (TCE) in clay‐rich saprolite. In order to simulate a “spill,” pure‐phase TCE containing a water‐insoluble fluorescent dye was injected into two heterogeneous 24‐cm‐diameter by 37‐cm‐long undisturbed columns of water‐saturated saprolite. TCE entry occurred at capillary pressures of 2.7 and 4.0 kPa. Ten or 28 d after injection, the column was sliced horizontally into three sections and visually examined. The distribution of fluorescent dye indicated that pure‐phase TCE migrated mainly through fractures in the shale saprolite and through fine root holes or other macropores in the limestone saprolite residuum. Analysis of saprolite subsamples indicated that TCE was present throughout much of the saprolite column but usually at concentrations less than the solubility of TCE. This spreading was caused by diffusion, which also contributed to the rapid dissolution of TCE in the fractures and macropores. Modeling was carried out using previously published dissolution and diffusion equations. The calculations confirm that rapid disappearance of immiscible TCE can occur in this type of material because of the small size of fracture or macropore openings and the high porosity of the fine‐grained material. This study indicates that industrial solvents can readily enter fractures and macropores in otherwise very fine‐grained subsoils and then rapidly dissolve and diffuse into the fine‐pore structure, fromc which they may be very difficult to remove.