bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple method to combine multiple molecular biomarkers for dichotomous diagnostic classification
Authors: Mamtani Manju R , Thakre Tushar P , Kalkonde Mrunal Y , Amin Manik A , Kalkonde Yogeshwar V , Amin Amit P , Kulkarni Hemant
Published: October 2006

Background

In spite of the recognized diagnostic potential of biomarkers, the quest for squelching noise and wringing in information from a given set of biomarkers continues. Here, we suggest a statistical algorithm that – assuming each molecular biomarker to be a diagnostic test – enriches the diagnostic performance of an optimized set of independent biomarkers employing established statistical techniques. We validated the proposed algorithm using several simulation datasets in addition to four publicly available real datasets that compared i) subjects having cancer with those without; ii) subjects with two different cancers; iii) subjects with two different types of one cancer; and iv) subjects with same cancer resulting in differential time to metastasis.

Results

Our algorithm comprises of three steps: estimating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for each biomarker, identifying a subset of biomarkers using linear regression and combining the chosen biomarkers using linear discriminant function analysis. Combining these established statistical methods that are available in most statistical packages, we observed that the diagnostic accuracy of our approach was 100%, 99.94%, 96.67% and 93.92% for the real datasets used in the study. These estimates were comparable to or better than the ones previously reported using alternative methods. In a synthetic dataset, we also observed that all the biomarkers chosen by our algorithm were indeed truly differentially expressed.

Conclusion

The proposed algorithm can be used for accurate diagnosis in the setting of dichotomous classification of disease states.
Use of selected complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments in veterans with cancer or chronic pain: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: McEachrane-Gross F Patricia , Liebschutz Jane M , Berlowitz Dan
Published: October 2006

Background

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is emerging as an important form of care in the United States. We sought to measure the prevalence of selected CAM use among veterans attending oncology and chronic pain clinics and to describe the characteristics of CAM use in this population.

Methods

The self-administered, mail-in survey included questions on demographics, health beliefs, medical problems and 6 common CAM treatments (herbs, dietary supplements, chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture and homeopathy) use. We used the chi-square test to examine bivariate associations between our predictor variables and CAM use.

Results

Seventy-two patients (27.3%) reported CAM use within the past 12 months. CAM use was associated with more education (p = 0.02), higher income (p = 0.006), non-VA insurance (p = 0.003), additional care outside the VA (p = 0.01) and the belief that lifestyle contributes to illness (p = 0.015). The diagnosis of chronic pain versus cancer was not associated with differential CAM use (p = 0.15). Seventy-six percent of CAM non-users reported that they would use it if offered at the VA.

Conclusion

Use of 6 common CAM treatments among these veterans is lower than among the general population, but still substantial. A large majority of veterans reported interest in using CAM modalities if they were offered at the VA. A national assessment of veteran interest in CAM may assist VA leaders to respond to patients' needs.
Fine motor skills in South African children with symptoms of ADHD: influence of subtype, gender, age, and hand dominance
Authors: Meyer Anneke , Sagvolden Terje
Published: October 2006

Background

Motor problems, often characterised as clumsiness or poor motor coordination, have been associated with ADHD in addition to the main symptom groups of inattention, impulsiveness, and overactivity. The problems addressed in this study were: (1) Are motor problems associated with ADHD symptoms, also in African cultures? (2) Are there differences in motor skills among the subtypes with ADHD symptoms? (3) Are there gender differences? (4) Is there an effect of age? (5) Are there differences in performance between the dominant and non-dominant hand?

Method

A total of 528 children (264 classified as having symptoms of ADHD and 264 matched comparisons) of both genders and from seven different South African ethnic groups participated in the study. They were assessed with three simple, easy to administer instruments which measure various functions of motor speed and eye-hand coordination: The Grooved Pegboard, the Maze Coordination Task, and the Finger Tapping Test. The results were analysed as a function of subtype, gender, age, and hand dominance.

Results

The findings indicate that children with symptoms of ADHD performed significantly poorer on the Grooved Pegboard and Motor Coordination Task, but not on the Finger Tapping Test than their comparisons without ADHD symptoms. The impairment was most severe for the subtype with symptoms of ADHD-C (combined) and less severe for the subtypes with symptoms of ADHD-PI (predominantly inattentive) and ADHD-HI (predominantly hyperactive/impulsive). With few exceptions, both genders were equally affected while there were only slight differences in performance between the dominant and non-dominant hand. The deficiencies in motor control were mainly confined to the younger age group (6 – 9 yr).

Conclusion

An association between the symptoms of ADHD and motor problems was demonstrated in terms of accuracy and speed in fairly complex tasks, but not in simple motor tests of speed. This deficiency is found mainly in the children with ADHD-C symptoms, but also to a lesser degree in the children with symptoms of ADHD-PI and ADHD-HI.
Direct effects of caffeine on osteoblastic cells metabolism: the possible causal effect of caffeine on the formation of osteoporosis
Authors: Tsuang Yang-Hwei , Sun Jui-Sheng , Chen Li-Ting , Sun Samuel Chung-Kai , Chen San-Chi
Published: October 2006

Background

Caffeine consumption has been reported to decrease bone mineral density (BMD), increase the risk of hip fracture, and negatively influence calcium retention. In this study, we investigated the influence of caffeine on the osteoblasts behaviour.

Method

Osteoblasts derived from newborn Wistar-rat calvaria was used in this study. The effects of various concentrations of caffeine on bone cell activities were evaluated by using MTT assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, von Kossa staining and biochemical parameters including ALP, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and total protein were performed at day 1, 3, and 7. DNA degradation analysis under the caffeine influence was also performed.

Results and discussion

The results showed that the viability of the osteoblasts, the formation of ALP positive staining colonies and mineralization nodules formation in the osteoblasts cultures decreased significantly in the presence of 10 mM caffeine. The intracellular LDH, ALP and PGE2 content decreased significantly, the LDH and PGE2 secreted into the medium increased significantly. The activation of an irreversible commitment to cell death by caffeine was clearly demonstrated by DNA ladder staining.

Conclusion

In summary, our results suggest that caffeine has potential deleterious effect on the osteoblasts viability, which may enhance the rate of osteoblasts apoptosis.
Sialidase expression in activated human T lymphocytes influences production of IFN-γ
Authors: Nan Xinli , Carubelli Ivan , Stamatos Nicholas M
Published: October 2006

Sialidases influence cellular activity by removing terminal sialic acid from glycoproteins and glycolipids. Four genetically distinct sialidases (Neu1–4) have been identified in mammalian cells. In this study, we demonstrate that only lysosomal Neu1 and plasma membrane-associated Neu3 are detected in freshly isolated and activated human T lymphocytes. Activation of lymphocytes by exposure to anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 IgG resulted in a ninefold increase in Neu1-specific activity after growth of cells in culture for 5 days. In contrast, the activity of Neu3 changed minimally in activated lymphocytes. The increase n Neu1 enzyme activity correlated with increased synthesis of Neu1-specific mRNA. Neu1 was present on the surface of freshly isolated and activated CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes, as determined by staining intact cells with anti-Neu1 IgG and analysis by flow cytometry and by Western blot analysis of biotin-labeled cell surface proteins. Cell surface Neu1 was found tightly associated with a subunit of protective protein/cathepsin A (PPCA). Compared with freshly isolated lymphocytes, activated cells expressed more surface binding sites for galactose-recognizing lectins Erythrina cristagalli (ECA) and Arachis hypogaea. Growth of cells in the presence of sialidase inhibitors 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid or 4-guanidino-2-deoxy-2,3-dehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid resulted in a smaller increase in number of ECA-binding sites and a greater amount of cell surface sialic acid in activated cells. Inhibition of sialidase activity also resulted in reduced expression of IFN-γ in activated cells. The down-regulation of IFN-γ occurred at the transcriptional level. Thus, sialidase activity in activated T lymphocytes contributes to the hyposialylation of specific cell surface glycoconjugates and to the production of IFN-γ.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Mono(2,2′-bipyridine)dichlorobis(dimethyl sulfoxide-S)ruthenium(II) Complexes, [RuCl2(bpy)(dmso-S)2]
Authors: Toyama Mari , Inoue Ken-ichi , Iwamatsu Shinobu , Nagao Noriharu
Published: October 2006

The reaction between trans-[RuCl2(dmso-S)4] (dmso = dimethyl sulfoxide) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) in EtOH–H2O afforded trans(Cl),cis(S)-[RuCl2(bpy)(dmso-S)2] (1) in good yield. When dissolved in DMSO, 1 rearranged to the thermodynamically more stable cis(Cl),cis(S)-[RuCl2(bpy)(dmso-S)2] (2) along with a small amount of cis(Cl),trans(S)-[RuCl2(bpy)(dmso-S)2] (3). Isomer 2 was selectively synthesized by heating 1 in EtOH–DMSO (9:1) and, more conveniently, by the reaction of cis(Cl),fac(S)-[RuCl2(dmso-S)3(dmso-O)] with bpy in EtOH–DMSO (9:1). The structures of 1, 2, and 3 were determined using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of 1 revealed that the 6- and 6′-protons of the bpy ligand repulsed the two dmso ligands within the equatorial plane, resulting in the lower thermodynamic stability of 1. In contrast, the crystal structure of 2 showed that its bpy ligand is involved in hydrogen bonding with the monodentate dmso and Cl− ligands within the equatorial plane. Our studies show that hydrogen bonds within the equatorial plane of 2 restrict the conformation of the dmso ligands in the crystal and in DMSO.
Fostering a Learning Environment: Coaches and the Motivational Climate
Authors: Allen Justine B. , Hodge Ken
Published: October 2006

To foster athletes' learning and to continue to learn as a coach, it is useful to reflect on the motivational climate developed through the coaching process The purpose of this paper is to provide a synthesis of research concerning the motivational climate fostered by coaches that extends existing notions of the motivational climate beyond competence-focused goals to include other athlete needs such as autonomy and relatedness. The paper brings together quantitative and qualitative research on coaching and examines both athletes' and coaches' perspectives relating to the motivational climate Conceptualisations of the climate created by coaches have traditionally emphasised competence [1], but quality coaches also understand, support, and care for athletes as people [2]. In doing so, they can foster athletes' sense of autonomy and relatedness [3]. Satisfaction of these needs has been associated with an environment conducive to learning [4] and research demonstrates that coaches' practices are associated with the extent to which these needs are satisfied. [3,5,6] The challenges and implications of this for coaches and researchers are discussed.
High Performance Sport Coaching: Institutes of Sport as Sites for Learning
Authors: Rynne Steven B. , Mallett Clifford , Tinning Richard
Published: October 2006

There has been a marked increase in the number of government-funded, high performance institutes and academies of sport within Australia. Given that these organisations employ significant numbers of full-time performance sport coaches, they may be accurately characterised as workplaces. Performance sport coaches have underscored the importance of experience in developing their coaching skill. However, despite wide acceptance of the view that learning occurs everywhere but to different extents and with different efficiency, and the acknowledgement of current national coach education programs as insufficient, no sport coaching research has focused specifically on sport workplaces as sites for learning. This paper will review the current nature of coach development with a view to examining the interaction between what the workplace (institute/academy) affords the individual and the personal agency of the individual (high performance sports coaches).
Situating Learning: (Re)Examining the Notion of Apprenticeship in Coach Education
Authors: Cassidy Tania , Rossi Tony
Published: October 2006

The last two decades has seen a proliferation in the provision of and importance attached to coach education in many Western countries [1] Pivotal to many coach education programmes is the notion of apprenticeship [2,3,4]. Increasingly, mentoring is being positioned as a possible tool for enhancing coach education and professional expertise [5]. However, there is a paucity of empirical data on interventions in and evaluations of coach education programmes. In their recent evaluation of a coach education programme, Cassidy, Potrac & McKenzie [6] conclude that the situated learning literature could provide coach educators with a generative platform for the (re)examination of apprenticeships and mentoring in a coach education context. This paper discusses the merits of using Situated Learning theory [7] and the associated concept of Communities of Practice (CoP) [8] to stimulate discussion on developing new understandings of the practices of apprenticeship and mentoring in coach education.
Formal, Nonformal and Informal Coach Learning: A Holistic Conceptualisation
Authors: Nelson Lee J. , Cushion Christopher J. , Potrac Paul
Published: October 2006

Using Coombs and Ahmed's [1] framework of formal, non-formal, and informal learning as the analytical framework, this paper aims to review and conceptually locate literature exploring how sports coaches acquire the knowledge that underpins their professional practice. Furthermore, in an attempt to develop a robust set of accessible terms and concepts this paper identifies, explores and positions various terminologies under the broader heading of coach learning. It was hoped that this conceptual review would not only stimulate discussion and research into coach learning, but that it would also promote the construction of models of how coaches currently learn, as well as models for enhancing coach learning The paper concludes that coaches learn from a wide range of sources, but formalised (i.e., formal and nonformal) learning episodes were found to be relatively low impact endeavours when compared to informal, self-directed modes of learning.
The Process of Innovation Assimilation by Firms in Different Countries: A Technology Diffusion Perspective on E-Business
Authors: Zhu Kevin , Kraemer Kenneth L. , Xu Sean
Published: October 2006

This paper extends our previous studies on the assimilation of Internet-based e-business innovations by firms in an international setting. Drawing upon theories on the process and contexts of technology diffusion, we develop an integrative model to examine three assimilation stages: initiation → adoption → routinization. The model features technological, organizational, and environmental contexts as prominent antecedents of this three-stage assimilation process. Based on this model, we hypothesize how technology readiness, technology integration, firm size, global scope, managerial obstacles, competition intensity, and regulatory environment influence e-business assimilation at the firm level. A unique data set of 1,857 firms from 10 countries is used to test the conceptual model and hypotheses. To probe deeper into the influence of the environmental context, we compare two subsamples from developed and developing countries. Our empirical analysis leads to several key findings: (1) Competition positively affects initiation and adoption, but negatively impacts routinization, suggesting that too much competition is not necessarily good for technology assimilation because it drives firms to chase the latest technologies without learning how to use existing ones effectively. (2) Large firms tend to enjoy resource advantages at the initiation stage, but have to overcome structural inertia in later stages. (3) We also find that economic environments shape innovation assimilation: Regulatory environment plays a more important role in developing countries than in developed countries. Moreover, while technology readiness is the strongest factor facilitating assimilation in developing countries, technology integration turns out to be the strongest in developed countries, implying that as e-business evolves, the key determinant of its assimilation shifts from accumulation to integration of technologies. Together, these findings offer insights into how innovation assimilation is influenced by contextual factors, and how the effects may vary across different stages and in different environments.
A Theory of Banks' Industry Expertise, Market Power, and Credit Risk
Authors: Stomper Alex
Published: October 2006

The author analyzes banks' incentives to acquire expertise in judging the creditworthiness of borrowers in an industry with uncertain business conditions. The analysis shows that industry expertise enables banks to extract rents proportional to their exposure to industry-specific credit risk. This exposure is in turn determined by the number of banks aiming to focus on lending to an industry. In equilibrium, the industry receives funding from a limited number of banks with industry expertise, as well as from a competitive fringe of financiers without such expertise. The equilibrium yields testable predictions about the concentration of bank lending to an industry, and about the correlation between this concentration and the recovery rates, default rates, and interest rates of bank loans.
Location Choices Across the Value Chain: How Activity and Capability Influence Collocation
Authors: Alcácer Juan
Published: October 2006

There has been a recent revival of interest in the geographic component of firm strategy. Recent research suggests that two opposing forces—competition costs and agglomeration benefits—determine whether firms collocate in a given geographic market. Unexplored is (1) whether these forces have different impacts on R&D, production, and sales subsidiaries, leading to diverse collocation levels, and (2) how firm capabilities impact collocation by increasing or decreasing competition costs and agglomeration benefits. I explore these questions using the worldwide location decisions of firms in the cellular handset industry. I find that production and sales subsidiaries are more geographically dispersed, and R&D subsidiaries are more concentrated, than a random distribution would predict. When distinguishing firms by their capabilities, I find that more-capable firms collocate less than less-capable firms, regardless of the activity performed.
The deaf: Their education—improvement of conditions—responsibilities and participation of the profession
Authors: Wright John Dutton
Published: October 2006

The aim of this department of THE LARYNGOSCOPE will be to bring to the notice of its readers from month to month, facts that may be helpful to physician and patient in dealing with the life‐problems involved in deafness. Suggestions from readers will be gladly received and all questions answered to the best of our ability.
The neural mechanism of hearing.III.—Animal investigations
Authors: Davis H. , Dworkin S. , Lurie M.H. , Katzman J.
Published: October 2006

Two methods are available for measuring hearing acuity in animals. One is the conditioning or training method, along the lines developed by Pavlov (for example, see Andreyev, 1936). To test an animal's hearing acuity by this procedure, one must condition the animal to respond to tone stimuli of threshold value with some definite activity, such as opening a food box. This procedure is really not very different from clinical hearing tests in man, in which the subject is required, for example, to press a key when he hears a sound. The second method is the electrical, described by Wever and Bray (1930). Both methods have been applied separately to normal animals and to animals with defective hearing. A complete understanding of the relation of deafness to abnormalities of the hearing mechanism requires a combination of the two methods on the same animal, followed by microscopic studies of the anatomical abnormalities underlying the loss of function. We have been engaged upon such a study for the past year, and, although experiments are still in progress, the results so far obtained are sufficient to warrant presentation.
Two hundred laryngeal cancers: Patterns of Growth And Spread As Seen in Serial Section
Authors: Kirchner John A.
Published: October 2006

Whole organ serial section studies of specimens removed by partial or total laryngectomy have yielded information which the surgeon ordinarily needs in determining the suitability of the laryngeal cancer for conservation surgery. This information includes the degree to which the surface presentation of a growth reveals its margins, and the likelihood of invasion of the laryngeal framework and overlying soft tissues. The present studies indicate that in assessing these features of a growth before treatment, the surgeon can be guided by: 1. location; 2. fixation, and 3. size of the growth. These features are presented together under each location
Pseudomonas mastoiditis
Authors: Meyerhoff William L. , Gates George A. , Montalbo Philip J.
Published: October 2006

Opportunistic infections of the external auditory canal or the middle ear due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurring in patients with low resistance to infection have a 35 percent mortality rate. Once the process extends into the pneumatized temporal bone, eradication becomes more difficult and the mortality rate increases to 72 percent because of the high incidence of involvement of cranial nerves, adjacent intracranial vessels, and meningitis. Treatment is directed towards the underlying condition, administration of systemic carbenicillin and gentamicin, topical colistin therapy, and judicious surgical debridement. Pseudomonas vaccine may be of help.

Fifteen cases are presented. Nine follow the pattern of malignant external otitis and six began as a primary acute otitis media
Use of enzymes for meat impactions in the esophagus
Authors: Cavo John W. , Koops Herbert J. , Gryboski Robert A.
Published: October 2006

A case is reported in which papain was satisfactorily used to treat a patient who had meat impacted in his esophagus.

The English literature pertaining to the usage of proteolytic enzymes in treating esophageal meat impaction is reviewed. Two perforations and deaths have been reported in association with the usage of this technique. Ninety instances of employment of the technique were reported in the literature. The method has doubtlessly been used in numerous unreported instances. At present it is unrealistic to conclude that the method is safer or more dangerous than routine endoscopic removal of impacted meat.

Several conclusions may be drawn:

Enzymes should not be used if the physician has any reason to suspect that a bone may be lurking within the impacted meat.

Best results using any enzyme will be obtained if pooled secretions above the impacted meat are first removed with a nasogastric tube. The enzyme solution may also be administered through the nasogastric tube when the physician is certain of the tube's position.

Extreme caution is mandatory during esophagoscopy for removal of a meat impaction after unsuccessful employment of enzymes. Removal of pooled enzyme in the esophagus should be attempted prior to doing esophagoscopy on impacted meat persisting after a course of enzymatic treatment. We would advocate nasogastric tube suctioning, and possibly even esophageal lavage for this purpose.

A contrast study of the esophagus should be done after any meat impaction has occurred to rule out otherwise silent esophageal pathology which may have precipitated the impaction
Rhinologic surgery with the carbon dioxide laser
Authors: Simpson George T. , Shapshay Stanley M. , Vaughn Charles W. , Stuart Strong M.
Published: October 2006

Microscopic nasal surgery with the CO2 laser is easily performed. It offers the advantages of excellent hemostasis (even with congulopathies), excellent healing Minimal discomfort and minimal complications. A wide variety of lesions may be excised, obliterated, or corrected in any age group. We report our experiences with 26 cases of rhinologic surgery with the CO2 laser. These cases represent a variety of pathologic lesions including telangiectasias, papillomas, nasal polyps, synechiae and granulomas, rhinophymas, sebaceous adenomas, and an adenocarcinoma. This is the first comprehensive report of the use of this technique in nasal surgery.
Maxillary sinus hypoplasia and superior orbital fissure asymmetry
Authors: Bassiouny Ahmed , Newlands William J. , Ali Hussein , Zaki Yehia
Published: October 2006

Misdiagnosis of maxillary sinus hypophasia usually as sinus infection, sometimes as neoplasm, can lead to unnecessary and difficult surgical explorations. Associated anatomical abnormalities, e.g., caudal displacement of the ipsilateral frontal lobe of the brain or central position in the maxilla of the infraorbital nerve may create unexpected surgical hazards. Associated orbital enlargement can lead to diagnostic confusion in the investigation of headache, especially if the superior orbital fissures show marked asymmetry suggesting erosion. Projection of the fissure into the antrum in Waters view can simulate trabeculation of the sinus or fracture of the inferior orbital rim.

Radiologic examination of 500 patients without intracranial or intraorbital lesions revealed maxillary sinus hypoplasia in 36 cases (7.2%) and in half the hypoplasia was unilateral (sinus asymmetry); aplasia was not encountered. Fissure asymmetry was present in 30 cases (6%), being present in 3.66% of patients with normally developed sinuses and in 36.1% of the hypoplasia patients. The appearances and measurements of the fissure are presented and examples of marked normal fissure asymmetry are demonstrated. Maxillary sinus hypoplasia is classified in this series as grade I‐mild hypoplasia with limited inferolateral expansion (4 cases) and grade II in which there is also a curved orbital floor and lateral displacement of the adjacent nasal wall (32 cases).
Tympanoplasty: Review of 400 staged cases
Authors: Shlton Colugh , Sheehy Jemes L.
Published: October 2006

Staging of tympanoplasty is important in the management of patients with chronic otitis media. It allows establishment of an air‐containing middle ear space and adequate postoperative hearing levels in a large proportion of patients with severely diseased ears.

The results of 400 staged procedures performed over a 3‐year period at the House Ear Clinic, Los Angeles are reported. Staging was performed in 75% of tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy cases and in 15% of ears not requiring mastoid surgery. Closure of the air‐bone gap to 20 dB or less occurred in 68% of patients with intact stapes. Mucous membrane problems were the most common reason for staging. Almost one third of cases with middle ear choleste‐atoma at the first stage had residual disease on reexploration.

Staging of tympanoplasty continues to be an important technique in management of severely diseased ears.
Hydroxylapatite ossicular replacement prostheses: Preliminary results
Authors: Godenberg Robert A.
Published: October 2006

Hearing results and extrusion rate for 89 consecutive patients receiving hydroxylapatite prostheses for hearing reconstruction were evaluated and compared to a control group of 75 patients who had received homograft bone or Plasti‐Pore® prostheses. At the 3‐month follow‐up, there were no cases of extrusion of the hydroxylapatite pros‐theses.

Hearing success was defined as a postoperative air‐bone gap of≤ 15 dB for incus prostheses and partial ossicular replacement prostheses or ≤25 dB for incus‐stapes pros‐theses and total ossicular replacement prostheses. There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution‐of‐success rate by prosthesis type for the hydroxylapatite. Incus, incus‐stapes, and total ossicular replacement prosthesis results were similar, but partial ossicular replacement prosthesis results were poorer. The overall success rate in the hydroxylapatite group was 51.2%; in the control group, it was 60%. Hearing results tended to be better with the hydroxylapatite incus prosthesis than with the homo‐graft bone incus, but poorer with the hydroxylapatite partial ossicular replacement prosthesis than with the Plasti‐Pore. Several technical modifications of the prosthesis that may improve results with the hydroxylapatite partial ossicular replacement prosthesis are suggested.

Hydroxylapatite middle ear prostheses appear to be a reasonable alternative to other more commonly used pros‐theses, which carry disadvantages related to the use of human tissue.
High‐Dose cisplatin treatment: Hearing loss and plasma concentrations
Authors: Laurell Göran , Jungnelius Ulf
Published: October 2006

Fifty‐four patients with metastatic cancer were followed audiometrically during high‐dose (100‐120 mg/m2) cisplatin chemotherapy. Eighty‐one percent of the patients showed significant changes in air‐conduction hearing thresholds after completion of therapy. Thirteen percent sustained a significant hearing handicap. An interindividual variation was found, ranging from severe hearing loss after the first course to unaffected hearing after three courses. The oto‐toxic effect was not increased by pre‐existing hearing loss, but was slightly increased by age. The risk was determined more by the amount of the single dose than by the cumulative dose. The further ototoxic effect could not be predicted on the basis of the audiogram after the first coursa Peak plasma concentration of platinum was measured in eight patients, and no ototoxic changes were noted below a concentration of 1 μg/L.
The role of infection in the pathogenesis of acquired tracheal stenosis
Authors: Squire Roly , Brodsky Linda , Rossman Jon
Published: October 2006

A rabbit model was developed to study the role of infection in the development of postintubation acquired subglot‐tic and tracheal stenosis. Following a surgically induced tracheal mucosal injury, rabbits were divided into three groups. Five animals underwent intratracheal bacterial inoculation using Staphylococcus aureus, six rabbits were given prophylactic antibiotics, and five control animals received neither bacteria nor antibiotics. After 10 days the rabbits were assessed for both tracheal stenosis and bacterial infection within the respiratory tree. Animals receiving antibiotic prophylaxis had a mean stenosis of 50.8%, similar to the 63.4% observed in controls. Rabbits inoculated with SA had a mean stenosis of 85.0%, greater than both the other groups (P = .001:ANOVA). Considering all animals, those with respiratory infection (including two control rabbits) had narrower stenoses than those that remained nonin‐fected (82.1% versus 52.5%; P = .001). These data suggest that bacterial infection in the upper respiratory tract might increase the severity of airway stenosis following prolonged endotracheal intubation.
The management of chyle fistula
Authors: Spiro Jeffrey D. , Spiro Ronald H. , Strong Elliot W.
Published: October 2006

Over a recent 4‐year period, 823 neck dissections that included the lower jugular lymph nodes were performed. Of the 823, 14 (1.9%) patients developed chyle fistulas. Two other patients developed fistulas, one after undergoing a gastric transposition, and the other after a scalene node biopsy. All 16 patients were initially managed conservatively with closed‐wound drainage and low‐fat nutritional support; this was successful in only 4 patients, 3 of whom had peak 24‐hour chyle drainage of less than 600 cc. The remaining 10 patients required open‐wound management, which included operative ligation in 4 instances. Continued conservative treatment with an open neck wound resulted in significant additional hospitalization. Our experience indicates that closed‐wound management of a chyle fistula is likely to fail when peak 24‐hour fistula output exceeds 600 cc. Considering the cost and morbidity of conservative treatment, early reoperation may be appropriate in those patients with high fistula output.
Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck
Authors: Burkey Brian B. , Hoffman Henry T. , Baker Shan R. , Thornton Allan F. , Mcclatchey Kenneth D.
Published: October 2006

Chondrosarcoma is a malignancy rarely encountered in the head and neck. In an attempt to define this tumor's characteristics and response to therapy, all cases of chondrosarcoma treated at the University of Michigan over the past 25 years were retrospectively studied. Fourteen cases originating in the nose and paranasal sinuses, mandible, temporal bone, and larynx were reviewed. Aggressive surgical resection was the mainstay of treatment, and resulted in an overall survival of 70%, with an average follow‐up of 3.5 years. Survival was highest in primary temporal bone lesions, and lowest in paranasal sinus lesions. Unre‐sectable lesions were not cured by other modalities. This study, therefore, continued to support the crucial role of wide surgical resection in the treatment of head and neck chondrosarcoma, but conservative resection, when needed to preserve important structures, has resulted in long‐term survival.
Otologic disease in aids patients: Ct correlation
Authors: Kohan Darius , Hammerschlag Paul E. , Holliday Roy A.
Published: October 2006

The contrast‐enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans of the temporal bone and brain in 18 patients with otologic disease and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)1 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven scans revealed middle ear and mastoid disease; three scans were consistent with central nervous system (CNS) pathology; and eight scans demonstrated no abnormalities. CT scanning was found useful in localizing otopathology and diagnosing CNS toxoplasmosis, aural polyps, osteomyelitis, mastoiditis, and middle ear effusion due to hypertrophic lymphoid tissue. The authors conclude that AIDS patients with sensorineural hearing loss should undergo contrast‐enhanced brain CT scans to rule out CNS pathology; AIDS status does not alter criteria for CT scanning in patients with conductive hearing loss; and that images of the nasopharynx should be included on temporal bone CT scans of patients with conductive hearing loss in order to exclude eustachian tube obstruction by hypertrophic lymphoid tissue 1330
Lipid peroxidation and antioxidative status in β-thalassemia major patients with or without hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Chiou Shyh-Shin , Chang Tai-Tsung , Tsai Shih-Pien , Jang Ren-Chin , Lin Shu-Kai , Lee Su-Chen , Tsai Shih-Meng , Tsai Li-Yu
Published: October 2006

Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:1226–33.
Innotrac Aio!: a point-of-care or a routine analyzer? Analytical performance and plasma/whole blood comparison
Authors: Altinier Sara , Zaninotto Martina , Maria Mion Monica , Plebani Mario
Published: October 2006

Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:1278–82.
The influence of genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 3A5 and ABCB1 on starting dose- and weight-standardized tacrolimus trough concentrations after kidney transplantation in relation to renal function
Authors: Mourad Michel , Wallemacq Pierre , De Meyer Martine , Brandt Dimitri , Van Kerkhove Valérie , Malaise Jacques , Chaïb Eddour Djamila , Lison Dominique , Haufroid Vincent
Published: October 2006

Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:1192–8.
Serologic associations of anti-cytoplasmic antibodies identified during anti-nuclear antibody testing
Authors: Craig Wendy Y. , Ledue Thomas B. , Collins Marilyn F. , Meggison William E. , Leavitt Lynda F. , Ritchie Robert F.
Published: October 2006

Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:1283–6.
Comparative Evaluation of Geotextile Pore Sizes Using Bubble Point Test and Image Analysis
Authors: Aydilek AH , D'Hondt D , Holtz RD
Published: October 2006

Analysis of the filtration performance of a geotextile filter necessitates accurate information about the size distribution of geotextile pore openings. The effectiveness of the bubble point test in determining the pore and constriction sizes of geotextiles was evaluated. The characteristic woven geotextile pore and nonwoven geotextile constriction sizes, O95, were determined for a variety of specimens and compared with both the manufacturers' reported AOS values, and with those determined from the two previously developed image-based procedures and theoretical equations. The results indicated that the O95 sizes of woven mono and multifilament geotextiles determined by image analyses compared well with the AOS values, whereas the same observations were not made for the bubble point-based O95 sizes. The O95 constriction sizes of various nonwoven geotextiles obtained by the bubble point test were not comparable to the manufacturers' reported AOS values, indicating the limitation of ASTM D 4751 in determining constriction sizes. A direct method, such as image analysis, may be a better approach for determining the pore sizes of woven geotextiles, whereas the bubble point method should be preferred to determine constriction sizes in a nonwoven geotextile. Recommendations are made in regard to improvements in the current ASTM standard on bubble point testing.
Pituitary transcription factor Prop-1 stimulates porcine pituitary glycoprotein hormone α subunit gene expression
Authors: Sato Takanobu , Kitahara Kousuke , Susa Takao , Kato Takako , Kato Yukio
Published: October 2006

Recently, we have reported that a Prophet of Pit-1 homeodomain factor, Prop-1, is a novel transcription factor for the porcine follicle-stimulating hormone β subunit (FSHβ) gene. This study subsequently aimed to examine the role of Prop-1 in the gene expression of two other porcine gonadotropin subunits, pituitary glycoprotein hormone α subunit (αGSU), and luteinizing hormone β subunit (LHβ). A series of deletion mutants of the porcine αGSU (up to −1059 bp) and LHβ (up to −1277 bp) promoters were constructed in the reporter vector, fused with the secreted alkaline phosphatase gene (pSEAP2-Basic). Transient transfection studies using GH3 cells were carried out to estimate the activation of the porcine αGSU and LHβ promoters by Prop-1, which was found to activate the αGSU promoter of −1059/+12 bp up to 11.7-fold but not the LHβ promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and DNase I footprinting analysis revealed that Prop-1 binds to six positions, −1038/−1026, −942/−928, −495/−479, −338/−326, −153/−146, and −131/−124 bp, that comprise the A/T cluster. Oligonucleotides of six Prop-1 binding sites were directly connected to the minimum promoter of αGSU, fused in the pSEAP2-Basic vector, followed by transfecting GH3 cells to determine the cis-acting activity. Finally, we concluded that at least five Prop-1 binding sites are the cis-acting elements for αGSU gene expression. The present results revealed a notable feature of the proximal region, where three Prop-1-binding sites are close to and/or overlap the pituitary glycoprotein hormone basal element, GATA-binding element, and junctional regulatory element. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the role of Prop-1 in the regulation of αGSU gene expression. These results, taken together with our previous finding that Prop-1 is a transcription factor for FSHβ gene, confirm that Prop-1 modulates the synthesis of FSH at the transcriptional level. On the other hand, the defects of Prop-1 are known to cause dwarfism and combined pituitary hormone deficiency accompanying hypogonadism. Accordingly, the present observations provide a novel view to understand the hypogonadism caused by Prop-1 defects at the molecular level through the regulatory mechanism of αGSU and FSHβ gene expressions.
Cyclosporin A inhibits apolipoprotein AI gene expression
Authors: Zheng Xi-Long , Wong Norman C W
Published: October 2006

Cyclosporin A (CsA), a calcineurin inhibitor, has been widely used as an immunosuppressant, and is known to induce hyperlipidemia and dyslipoproteinemia with low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Since apolipoprotein AI (apo AI) is a major protein component of HDL particles and reduction of apo AI results in low levels of HDL, we hypothesized that CsA inhibits apo AI gene expression contributing to its lipid effects. Therefore, we first measured the serum apo AI protein levels in rats with or without CsA treatment, and found that both serum apo AI protein and liver apo AI mRNA levels were significantly reduced in response to CsA treatment. In stably transfected Hep G2 cells harboring an apo AI-474-CAT reporter gene, we found that intracellular calcium mobilization by A23187 a calcium ionophore stimulated apo AI gene expression and the calcineurin inhibitors, CsA and FK605, selectively inhibited this stimulation. Therefore, we conclude that activation of the calcineurin pathway by intracellular calcium mobilization stimulates apo AI gene expression and calcineurin inhibition by CsA results in reduced apo AI gene expression.
Porcine Enamel Protein Fractions Contain Transforming Growth Factor‐β1
Authors: Nagano Takatoshi , Oida Shinichiro , Suzuki Shinichi , Iwata Takanori , Yamakoshi Yasuo , Ogata Yorimasa , Gomi Kazuhiro , Arai Takashi , Fukae Makoto
Published: October 2006

Background: Enamel extracts are biologically active and capable of inducing osteogenesis and cementogenesis, but the specific molecules carrying these activities have not been ascertained. The purpose of this study was to identify osteogenic factors in porcine enamel extracts.

Methods: Enamel proteins were separated by size‐exclusion chromatography into four fractions, which were tested for their osteogenic activity on osteoblast‐like cells (ST2) and human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells.

Results: Fraction 3 (Fr.3) and a transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) control reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in ST2 but enhanced ALP activity in HPDL cells. The enhanced ALP activity was blocked by anti‐TGF‐β antibodies. Furthermore, using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that Fr.3 can induce the promoter activity of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1) gene.

Conclusion: These results show that the osteoinductive activity of enamel extracts on HPDL cells is mediated by TGF‐β1.
Selective Cyclooxygenase‐2 Inhibitor May Impair Bone Healing Around Titanium Implants in Rats
Authors: Ribeiro Fernanda V. , César‐Neto João B. , Nociti Francisco H. , Sallum Enilson A. , Sallum Antonio W. , De Toledo Sérgio , Casati Márcio Z.
Published: October 2006

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor, meloxicam, on bone healing around titanium implants in rats.

Methods: Thirty‐one adult male Wistar rats were included in this study, and one screw‐shaped titanium implant was inserted in the tibiae of each rat. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the following groups for daily subcutaneous injections: control (N = 14): saline solution; and test (N = 17): 3 mg/kg of meloxicam, each administered daily for 60 days. After the treatment, animals were sacrificed, and undecalcified sections were obtained. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone area (BA) within the limits of implant threads and bone density (BD) in a 500 μm‐wide zone lateral to the implants were obtained and arranged for cortical (zone A) and cancellous (zone B) bone regions.

Results: Intergroup comparisons demonstrated that meloxicam significantly reduced bone healing around implants. For zone A, significant differences were observed regarding BIC (47.01 ± 10.48 A; 35.93 ± 12.25 B), BA (86.42 ± 3.66 A; 61.58 ± 12.09 B), and BD (96.86 ± 0.96 A; 91.06 ± 3.05 B) for control and test groups, respectively (P <0.05). For zone B, data analysis also showed significant differences among groups for BIC (30.76 ± 13.80 A; 16.86 ± 11.48 B), BA (34.83 ± 8.18 A; 25.66 ± 9.16 B), and BD (15.76 ± 7.05 A; 7.73 ± 4.61 B) for control and test groups, respectively (P <0.05).

Conclusion: Meloxicam may negatively influence bone healing in the cortical and cancellous bone around titanium implants inserted in rats after continuous administration.
Konkurentnost i razvoj kao poluge evropske perspektive Srbije
Authors: Bosnjak Marinko
Published: October 2006

Basic levers for increasing competitiveness and for increasing economic and technological capacities of the economy of Serbia are: (a) managing and innovative behavior of enterprises, (b) government active technological and industrial policy and (c) competency of public administration at the level of the Republic, regional and local levels, partnership of public and private sector and cooperative relations among state, managers and trade unions. A particular role and importance for competitive progressing and for strengthening international strategic position of Serbia belongs to technological dimension of competitiveness of enterprises, branches of the economy and sectors of the economy. Capacity building to use technology as the key lever of economic and overall development of all and each player in the development process is of the utmost importance for acquiring and maintaining in the long run competitive position of Serbia in the region and broader in Europe.
Determination of saccharin in pharmaceuticals by high performance thin layer chromatography
Authors: Cakar Mira , Popovic Gordana
Published: October 2006

A simple, accurate and selective high performance thin layer chromatographic method for the determination of saccharin in pharmaceuticals has been developed. The chromatography was performed on silica-gel 60F254 plates with ethyl acetate-carbon tetrachloride-acetic acid (3 + 4 + 0.5 v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The chromatographic zones corresponding to the saccharin spots were scanned in the reflectance/absorbance mode at ?=230 mm. For the standard curves, two series of saccharin sodium salt solutions were prepared: in methanol (solvent 1) and in ethyl acetate-acetic acid (9:1, v/v) mixture (solvent 2). A linear calibration relationship was observed within the concentration range from 300-1200 ng saccharin sodium salt per spot correlation coefficients being 0.998 (solvent 1) and 0.995 (solvent 2). The relationship between the peak area and the amount of saccharin sodium salt was evaluated by linear regression analysis. The limits of detection and quantification of saccharin sodium salt were 35 ng and 110 ng per spot (solvent 1), respectively, and 45 ng and 150 ng per spot (solvent 2) respectively. Mean recovery values of 103.5 % (solvent 1) and 102.3 % (solvent 2), and RSD values of 4.42 % (solvent 1) and 2.53 % (solvent 2) were obtained. The proposed method was applied for saccharin determination in two pharmaceutical preparations, effervescent tablets and a carbomer- based gel.