bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation with biological markers for food intake of a dietary assessment method used by Swedish women with three different with dietary preferences
Authors: Johansson Gunnar , Åkesson Agneta , Berglund Marika , Nermell Barbro , Vahter Marie
Published: August 2005

Objectives:

To validate a dietary assessment method, a 4-day food record together with a duplicate portion technique, with biological markers for food intake.

Design:

Four days of duplicate portions were collected in parallel with food recording. A 24-h urine sample and the faeces corresponding to the food intake (using a coloured marker) were collected. Completeness of urine and faeces collections was assessed using para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in urine and cadmium in faeces, respectively. Biomarkers of food intake (energy, protein, fibre, sodium, potassium, calcium) were measured in urine and faeces.

Setting:

Swedish west coast.

Subjects:

Non-smoking Swedish women, 20–50 years of age, consuming a mixed diet (n=34), a mixed diet rich in shellfish (n=17) or a vegetarian/high-fibre diet (n=23).

Results:

The average ratio (food intake according to the dietary assessment methods/biological marker) for protein, sodium, potassium and calcium was 0.86. This indicates an underestimation of the food intake by approximately 15%. The ratio of stated fibre intake to biological marker was 1.20 for the mixed diet and the vegetarian diet group, indicating an overestimation by approximately 20%.

Conclusions:

The underestimation of the intake of protein, sodium, potassium and calcium by all three groups and the overestimation of the fibre intake by two groups indicate that underreporting is selective to certain nutrients and foods and to various groups of people. The two dependent dietary assessment methods were equally good in measuring protein intake, which indicates that the women recorded what they actually duplicated.
A comparison of selected nutrient intakes derived from three diet assessment methods used in a low-fat maintenance trial
Authors: Hebert James R , Hurley Thomas G , Chiriboga David E , Barone Jeanine
Published: August 2005

Objective:

In the vast majority of surveys and research in humans, dietary data are obtained from self-reports: recalls; records; or historical methods, usually food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). This study provides a rare opportunity to compare data derived from all three methods.

Design:

A crossover study of dietary fat in which data were collected using an average of 11.4 food records and 11.7 24-h diet recalls. Using simple subtraction and correlation, energy and nutrient intakes derived from the three methods were compared to each other and with those derived from a single FFQ. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate sources of variability in nutrient intakes estimated from the individual days of records and recalls.

Setting:

An independent, free-standing medical research institute.

Subjects:

13 men who were compliant with study procedures.

Results:

FFQ-derived estimates of energy and nutrient intake were highest (e.g. 1967 kcal versus 1858 kcal and 1936 kcal for the records and recalls, respectively). Mean differences in energy and nutrient intakes and their variances were lowest and correlation coefficients highest in comparing the records and recalls (e.g. for fat the mean difference was 5.0 g, and r=0.85). Analysis of variance of individual days of record- and recall-derived datd (n=300) revealed that there was no effect due to either method (record or recall) or the sequence of administration.

Conclusions:

Results of this study indicate that the FFQ overestimated dietary intake. Energy and nutrient results obtained from the records and recalls were interchangeable. However, based on smaller SDs around the means, it appears that the recalls may perform slightly better in estimating dietary intake in groups such as these well-educated, highly compliant men.
The nutritional status of older Rwandan refugees
Authors: Pieterse Simone , Manandhar Mary , Ismail Suraiya
Published: August 2005

Objective:

To assess the nutritional status of older people in an unstable situation.

Design:

Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were collected cross-sectionally. Body mass index (BMI), arm muscle area (AMA) and arm fat area (AFA) were calculated to evaluate nutritional status. For 41 subjects with kyphosis, height was estimated from arm span using sex-specific regression equations from the non-kyphotic group.

Setting:

The study was carried out in the post-emergency phase in a Rwandan refugee camp in Karagwe district, north-west Tanzania.

Subjects:

Measurements were obtained from 413 men and 415 women aged 50–92 years.

Results:

The prevalence of undernutrition (BMI < 18.5) was 19.5% in men and 13.1% in women and was higher above age 60 years in both sexes: in men the prevalences were 23.2% and 15.0% (P < 0.05) and in women 15.1% and 10.9% for the older and younger age groups respectively. AMA, which is important in relation to the ability to remain active and independent, was also significantly lower in older age groups. No difference was found in AFA. The proportion with low BMI was much higher in the group with kyphosis.

Conclusions:

Even in this population of older Rwandans who managed to reach the camp and survive in exile for more than a year, undernutrition does occur and is more prevalent at an advanced age. The higher prevalence of undernutrition in kyphotic people illustrates the importance of including this group in nutritional status assessments.
Lateralized Repetition Priming for Familiar Faces: Evidence for Asymmetric Interhemispheric Cooperation
Authors: Bourne Victoria J. , Hole Graham J.
Published: August 2005

Repetition priming refers to facilitated recognition of stimuli that have been seen previously. Although a great deal of work has examined the properties of repetition priming for familiar faces, little has examined the neuroanatomical basis of the effect. Two experiments are presented in this paper that combine the repetition priming paradigm with a divided visual field methodology to examine lateralized recognition of familiar faces. In the first experiment participants were presented with prime faces unilaterally to each visual field and target faces foveally. A significant priming effect was found for prime faces presented to the right hemisphere, but not for prime faces presented to the left hemisphere. In Experiment 2, prime and target faces were presented unilaterally, either to the same visual field or to the opposite visual field (i.e., either within hemisphere or across hemispheres). A significant priming effect was found for the within right hemisphere condition, but not for the within left hemisphere condition, replicating the findings of the first experiment. Priming was also found in both of the across hemispheres conditions, suggesting that interhemispheric cooperation occurs to aid recognition. Taken in combination these experiments provide two main findings. First, an asymmetric repetition priming effect was found, possibly as a result of asymmetric levels of activation following recognition of a prime face, with greater priming occurring within the right hemisphere. Second, there is evidence for asymmetric interhemispheric cooperation with transfer of information from the right hemisphere to the left hemisphere to facilitate recognition.
Distinctiveness models of memory and absolute identification: Evidence for local, not global, effects
Authors: Neath Ian , Brown Gordon D. A. , McCormack Teresa , Chater Nick , Freeman Roderick
Published: August 2005

Many models of memory assume that the probability of remembering an item is related to how distinctive that item is relative to all the other items in the set, with no distinction made between the contributions of near or far items. These “global” distinctiveness models do well in accounting for the ubiquitous serial position effects observed in numerous memory paradigms, including absolute identification. Here, we provide experimental confirmation of Bower's (1971) suggestion that, contrary to a fundamental prediction of global distinctiveness models, midseries items can be more discriminable than their immediate neighbours. We show that such data are consistent with a revised distinctiveness account in which the factor affecting discrimination performance is primarily the distinctiveness of an item relative to its close neighbours.
YB-1 Coordinates Vascular Smooth Muscle α-Actin Gene Activation by Transforming Growth Factor β1 and Thrombin during Differentiation of Human Pulmonary Myofibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Aiwen , Liu Xiaoying , Cogan John G. , Fuerst Matthew D. , Polikandriotis John A. , Kelm Robert J. , Strauch Arthur R.
Published: August 2005

Profibrotic regulatory mechanisms for tissue repair after traumatic injury have developed under strong evolutionary pressure to rapidly stanch blood loss and close open wounds. We have examined the roles played by two profibrotic mediators, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and thrombin, in directing expression of the vascular smooth muscle α-actin (SMαA) gene, an important determinant of myofibroblast differentiation and early protein marker for stromal cell response to tissue injury. TGFβ1 is a well known transcriptional activator of the SMαA gene in myofibroblasts. In contrast, thrombin independently elevates SMαA expression in human pulmonary myofibroblasts at the posttranscriptional level. A common feature of SMαA up-regulation mediated by thrombin and TGFβ1 is the involvement of the cold shock domain protein YB-1, a potent repressor of SMαA gene transcription in human fibroblasts that also binds mRNA and regulates translational efficiency. YB-1 dissociates from SMαA enhancer DNA in the presence of TGFβ1 or its Smad 2, 3, and 4 coregulatory mediators. Thrombin does not effect SMαA gene transcription but rather displaces YB-1 from SMαA exon 3 coding sequences previously shown to be required for mRNA translational silencing. The release of YB-1 from promoter DNA coupled with its ability to bind RNA and shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm is suggestive of a regulatory loop for coordinating SMαA gene output in human pulmonary myofibroblasts at both the transcriptional and translational levels. This loop may help restrict organ-destructive remodeling due to excessive myofibroblast differentiation.
Synaptotagmin Isoforms Couple Distinct Ranges of Ca2+, Ba2+, and Sr2+Concentration to SNARE-mediated Membrane Fusion
Authors: Bhalla Akhil , Tucker Ward C. , Chapman Edwin R.
Published: August 2005

Ca2+-triggered exocytosis of synaptic vesicles is controlled by the Ca2+-binding protein synaptotagmin (syt) I. Fifteen additional isoforms of syt have been identified. Here, we compared the abilities of three syt isoforms (I, VII, and IX) to regulate soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-mediated membrane fusion in vitro in response to divalent cations. We found that different isoforms of syt couple distinct ranges of Ca2+, Ba2+, and Sr2+to membrane fusion; syt VII was ∼400-fold more sensitive to Ca2+than was syt I. Omission of phosphatidylserine (PS) from both populations of liposomes completely abrogated the ability of all three isoforms of syt to stimulate fusion. Mutations that selectively inhibit syt·target-SNARE (t-SNARE) interactions reduced syt stimulation of fusion. Using Sr2+and Ba2+, we found that binding of syt to PS and t-SNAREs can be dissociated from activation of fusion, uncovering posteffector-binding functions for syt. Our data demonstrate that different syt isoforms are specialized to sense different ranges of divalent cations and that PS is an essential effector of Ca2+·syt action.
ODA16p, aChlamydomonasFlagellar Protein Needed for Dynein Assembly
Authors: Ahmed Noveera T. , Mitchell David R.
Published: August 2005

Dynein motors of cilia and flagella function in the context of the axoneme, a very large network of microtubules and associated proteins. To understand how dyneins assemble and attach to this network, we characterized two Chlamydomonas outer arm dynein assembly (oda) mutants at a new locus, ODA16. Both oda16 mutants display a reduced beat frequency and altered swimming behavior, similar to previously characterized oda mutants, but only a partial loss of axonemal dyneins as shown by both electron microscopy and immunoblots. Motility studies suggest that the remaining outer arm dyneins on oda16 axonemes are functional. The ODA16 locus encodes a 49-kDa WD-repeat domain protein. Homologues were found in mammalian and fly databases, but not in yeast or nematode databases, implying that this protein is only needed in organisms with motile cilia or flagella. The Chlamydomonas ODA16 protein shares 62% identity with its human homologue. Western blot analysis localizes more than 90% of ODA16p to the flagellar matrix. Because wild-type axonemes retain little ODA16p but can be reactivated to a normal beat in vitro, we hypothesize that ODA16p is not an essential dynein subunit, but a protein necessary for dynein transport into the flagellar compartment or assembly onto the axoneme.
A SIMPLE SOLUTION TO THE IDENTIFICATION PROBLEM IN DETAILED WAGE DECOMPOSITIONS
Authors: Yun Myeong‐Su
Published: August 2005

Oaxaca and Ransom (1999) show that a detailed decomposition of the coefficients effect is destined to suffer from an identification problem since the detailed coefficients effect attributed to dummy variables is not invariant to the choice of reference groups. It turns out that the identification problem in the decomposition equation is a disguised identification problem of constant and dummy variables in a regression equation. This article proposes a simple and natural remedy for this problem by using “normalized” regressions, which enable me to identify the constant and estimates of each dummy variable. (JEL C20, J70)
U.S. NARROW MONEY FOR THE TWENTY‐FIRST CENTURY
Authors: DUTKOWSKY DONALD H. , CYNAMON BARRY Z. , JONES BARRY E.
Published: August 2005

This study focuses on sweep programs in establishing conceptually appropriate and reliable measures of narrow money. We propose the aggregates M1RS = M1 + holdings of funds swept in retail sweep programs, and M1S = M1RS + holdings of funds swept in commercial demand deposit sweep programs. Based on quarterly observations from 1959:1–2002:4, cointegration tests indicate the existence of long‐run relationships between the velocity of M1S and the corresponding opportunity cost of holding money, using either short‐term or long‐term interest rates. Tests find weaker evidence for M1RS and little support for MZM. (JEL E41, G21)
INCOME SMOOTHING AND SELF‐CONTROL: THE CASE OF SCHOOLTEACHERS
Authors: Mayer Thomas , Russell Thomas
Published: August 2005

Approximately one‐half of California's Unified School Districts give teachers a choice of receiving their annual salaries in 10 or 12 monthly payments. Intertemporal utility maximization à la Irving Fisher suggests that they should choose 10 payments and earn interest on their savings. But about 50% of the teachers choose 12 installments, even though when summed over a reasonable period the forgone interest can be considerable. This behavior can be explained by the cost of exercising self‐control and by Laibson's model of hyperbolic discounting. A survey of teachers supports this interpretation. (JEL D91, D12)
THE USEFULNESS OF CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN FORECASTING HOUSEHOLD SPENDING IN CANADA: A NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ANALYSIS
Authors: KWAN ANDY C.C. , COTSOMITIS JOHN A.
Published: August 2005

We examine the ability of the Conference Board of Canada's Index of Consumer Attitudes (ICA) to forecast Canadian household spending both nationally and regionally. Our results indicate that at the national level, the ICA is able to predict total personal consumption expenditures and various subcategories of consumer spending, even when controlling for other macroeconomic variables. We find, however, that the forecasting ability of the regional indices is somewhat weaker when compared to that of the national ICA. Overall, our results reconfirm that consumer confidence is a reliable predictor of household spending in Canada. (JEL C53, E21)
Molecular dynamics simulations of nanoindentation and nanotribology
Authors: Kenny S.D , Mulliah D , Sanz-Navarro C.F , Smith Roger
Published: August 2005

We present results of parallel molecular dynamics simulations of nanoindentation and nanotribology experiments. The models we have developed describe both the sample and the indenter atomistically and model the effect of the cantilevers in an atomic force microscope through the use of springs. We show that the simulations are in good qualitative agreement with experiment and help to elucidate many of the mechanisms that take place during these processes. In particular, we illustrate the role that dislocations play both in nanoindentation and also in stick–slip. Further to this we show how real-time visualization and computational steering have been employed in these simulations to capture the dynamical events that take place.
Grid-based dynamic electronic publication: a case study using combined experiment and simulation studies of crown ethers at the air/water interface
Authors: Rousay Esther R , Fu Hongchen , Robinson Jamie M , Essex Jonathan W , Frey Jeremy G
Published: August 2005

Conventional paper-based scientific publications are limited in the amount of data and interaction they can provide. Simply placing an electronic copy of such a publication on the web makes for easier distribution, but more can be achieved by making use of the technology to navigate through the paper, to show the links between calculated parameters and the data, and provide access to the chain of calculated results all the way back to the raw data and ultimately the laboratory notebook. While the paper version of this publication is in a relatively conventional form, an interactive demonstrator version (available athttp://epaper.combe.chem.soton.ac.ukand as an installable package) illustrates the concepts of publication@source, whereby all the figures and data presented in the paper are linked back to the original raw data together with a description of the processes by which the raw data were analysed. This level of interactivity is achieved using semantic technologies, which have the additional advantage of making the final document subsequently available and navigable by automated techniques. We present the combined information from experimental studies of surface tension and second harmonic generation (SHG) on the behaviour of benzo-15-crown-5 at the solution/air interface, together with a molecular dynamics computer simulation, to demonstrate how the simulation aids the interpretation of the SHG experiment. The adsorption isotherm was determined using SHG and fitted to a Langmuir isotherm giving ΔadsG0=26 kJ mol−1.
The modified Misgav‐Ladach versus the Pfannenstiel–Kerr technique for cesarean section: a randomized trial
Authors: Xavier Pedro , Ayres‐De‐Campos Diogo , Reynolds Ana , Guimarães Mariana , Costa‐Santos Cristina , Patrício Belmiro
Published: August 2005

Background.  Modifications to the classic cesarean section technique described by Pfannenstiel and Kerr have been proposed in the last few years. The objective of this trial was to compare intraoperative and short‐term postoperative outcomes between the Pfannenstiel–Kerr and the modified Misgav‐Ladach (MML) techniques for cesarean section.

Methods.  This prospective randomized trial involved 162 patients undergoing transverse lower uterine segment cesarean section. Patients were allocated to one of the two arms: 88 to the MML technique and 74 to the Pfannenstiel–Kerr technique. Main outcome measures were defined as the duration of surgery, analgesic requirements, and bowel restitution by the second postoperative day. Additional outcomes evaluated were febrile morbidity, postoperative antibiotic use, postpartum endometritis, and wound complications. Student's t, Mann–Whitney, and Chi‐square tests were used for statistical analysis of the results, and a p < 0.05 was considered as the probability level reflecting significant differences.

Results.  No differences between groups were noted in the incidence of analgesic requirements, bowel restitution by the second postoperative day, febrile morbidity, antibiotic requirements, endometritis, or wound complications. The MML technique took on average 12 min less to complete (p = 0.001).

Conclusion.  The MML technique is faster to perform and similar in terms of febrile morbidity, time to bowel restitution, or need for postoperative medications. It is likely to be more cost‐effective.
Differences in aspects of personality and sexuality between perimenopausal women making different choices regarding prophylactic oophorectomy at elective hysterectomy
Authors: Aziz Adel , Bergquist Christer , Brännström Mats , Nordholm Lena , Silfverstolpe Gunnar
Published: August 2005

Background.  Retrospective studies have indicated differences in sexuality and general psychological well‐being between women who have undergone hysterectomy only and those undergoing hysterectomy and oophorectomy. These differences may be the result of dissimilarities in the groups of women who choose the respective operation.

Objective.  To compare the preoperative characteristics of women who choose to undergo prophylactic oophorectomy with the corresponding characteristics of those who choose to retain their ovaries when undergoing hysterectomy on benign indication.

Population.  Perimenopausal women (aged 45–55), scheduled for hysterectomy on benign indication, were evaluated within 2 months before surgery. A total of 217 women chose hysterectomy only and 106 women chose hysterectomy with concomitant prophylactic oophorectomy.

Methods.  Socioeconomic and health data, personality (Karolinska Scale of Personality), sexuality (McCoy's Female Sexuality Questionnaire), well‐being (Psychological General Well‐Being index), the prevalence of climacteric symptoms (modified Kupperman's index) and the women's attitude to hormone replacement therapy were investigated.

Results.  Women who later underwent prophylactic oophorectomy in addition to hysterectomy had higher anxiety‐related scores, lower sexual variable scores and poorer emotional partner relationships. This group was also characterized by more episodes of irregular bleeding, a greater prevalence of climacteric symptoms and a more extensive use of hormonal replacement therapy, in comparison with women who later underwent hysterectomy only.

Conclusion.  Personality, sexuality and the nature and severity of preoperative symptoms in women who chose prophylactic oophorectomy differ markedly from the same variables in those who chose to keep their ovaries at elective hysterectomy. These differences must be taken into consideration when evaluating studies comparing these aspects of quality of life after hysterectomy or hysterectomy with concomitant oophorectomy. Furthermore, psychosexual aspects such as sexuality and well‐being can not be reliably studied with a retrospective design in these patient groups.
Do foreign‐born women in Sweden have an increased risk of non‐normal childbirth?
Authors: Robertson Eva , Malmström Marianne , Johansson Sven‐Erik
Published: August 2005

Background.  In this cross‐sectional study, we analyze whether foreign‐born women in Sweden had more non‐normal childbirths than Swedish‐born women during 1996–1998, adjusting for age, parity, level of education, number of antenatal care visits, and complications in pregnancy.

Methods.  The study includes 215 497 singleton deliveries (including the first childbirth of each woman during the time period) of women aged 18–47 in Sweden during 1996–1998, divided into 12 subgroups of countries. The risk of non‐normal birth was analyzed by means of logistic regression.

Results.  Women from Sub‐Saharan Africa, Iran, Asia, and Latin America had a higher age‐adjusted risk of non‐normal childbirth than Swedish‐born women that remained and even increased for the African and Latin American women in the main effect model. Interactions between country of birth and antenatal care visits showed that women from Sub‐Saharan Africa, Iran, Asia, and Latin America had almost 50% higher risk of non‐normal birth with ≥13 antenatal care visits than Swedish‐born women. Interactions between country of birth and complications in pregnancy showed that women from Turkey, Iran, Asia, and Latin America had over 50% higher risk of non‐normal birth than the Swedish‐born women.

Conclusions.  This study shows an association between being foreign‐born and non‐normal childbirth. Questions can be raised whether we are aware of, pay sufficient attention to, and allocate sufficient resources for these women at higher risk of non‐normal birth in maternity care.
Anatomical basis for nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy: immunohistochemical study of the pelvic autonomic nerves
Authors: Maas Cornelis P. , Kenter Gemma G. , Trimbos J. Baptist , Deruiter Marco C.
Published: August 2005

Background.  Autonomic nerve damage plays a crucial role in the etiology of bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and colorectal motility disorders that occur after radical hysterectomy. We investigated the extent and nature of nerve damage in conventional and nerve‐sparing radical hysterectomy.

Methods.  Macroscopical disruption of nerves was assessed through anatomical dissection after conventional and nerve‐sparing surgery on five fixed and one fresh cadaver. Immunohistochemical analysis of surgical margins was performed to confirm nerve damage using a general nerve marker (S100) and a sympathetic nerve marker (anti‐tyrosine hydroxylase) within sections of biopsies.

Results.  Macroscopical dissection showed that in the conventional procedure, transsection of the uterosacral ligaments resulted in disruption of the major part of the hypogastric nerve. After nerve‐sparing surgery, only the medial branches of the hypogastric nerve appeared disrupted. Division of the cardinal ligaments in the conventional procedure identified the inferior hypogastric plexus running into the most posterior border of the surgical margin. The anterior part of the plexus was disrupted. Dissection of the nerves after the nerve‐sparing procedure showed that this anterior part of the plexus was not involved in the surgical dissection line. Dissection of the vesicouterine ligament disrupted only small nerves on the medial border of the inferior hypogastric plexus in both techniques. Microscopical evaluation of the surgical margins confirmed the macroscopical findings.

Conclusion.  Conventional radical hysterectomy results in disruption of a substantial part of the pelvic autonomic nerves. The nerve‐sparing modification leads to macroscopic reduction in nerve disruption which is substantiated by microscopical evaluation of surgical margins.
Placental expression of nitric oxide synthase during HELLP syndrome: the correlation with maternal–fetal Doppler velocimetry
Authors: Tranquilli Andrea L. , Giannubilo Stefano R. , Tedeschi Elisa , Bezzeccheri Valeria , Suzuki Hisanori , Menegazzi Marta
Published: August 2005

Background.  To correlate Doppler waveform of the uterine and umbilical vessels to placental nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression in pregnant women with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets count) syndrome.

Methods.  mRNA expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) was assessed, after cesarean section, in placental samples from 10 women affected by HELLP syndrome and 10 controls. Pulsatility indices on Doppler waveform analysis from uterine and umbilical arteries were measured.

Results.  iNOS expression was significantly lower in placenta from women with HELLP syndrome than controls. When comparing the results with Doppler flow measurements, we found a negative correlation between umbilical pulsatility index and eNOS expression (r = −0.91) and a positive correlation with iNOS expression (r = 0.86).

Conclusions.  The reduced iNOS expression in women with HELLP syndrome may indicate the extreme placental dysfunction that is unable to compensate for the endothelial derangement and related hypertension in spite of trying to improve fetoplacental perfusion and the delivery of nutrients to the fetus.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization: an effective and less costly technique for genetic evaluation of products of conception in pregnancy losses
Authors: Fejgin Moshe D. , Pomeranz Meir , Liberman Meytal , Fishman Ami , Amiel Aliza
Published: August 2005

Objective.  In this study, we applied the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technique and compared the common numerical abnormalities with chromosomes 13, 16, 18, 21, X, and Y in spontaneous to artificial abortion. This would cover about 75% of the common aneuploidy in spontaneous abortion.

Methods.  Placentas were taken from 59 patients with a first trimester spontaneous abortion and 61 patients who underwent an elective first trimester pregnancy termination. The range of growth was from 5 to 12 gestational weeks. Placentas were processed according to direct chorionic villi preparation. Direct dual color FISH was performed according to Vysis protocol with the probes for the following chromosomes: 13, 16, 18, 21, X, and Y.

Results.  The aneuploidy rate in spontaneous abortion was 55.9% and in artificial abortion 8.2%. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the aneuploidy rate (P = 6 × 10−9).

Conclusion.  FISH is a rapid, efficient, and relatively inexpensive tool in detecting aneuploidy in placentas from cases of spontaneous abortions. Our rate of detected aneuploidy is compatible with other reports in which conventional cytogenetics was utilized.
Influence of misoprostol (PGE1) on amniotic fluid and maternal serum adrenomedullin levels
Authors: Hascalik Seyma , Celik Onder , Dogru M. Ilker , Kocagun Dogru Arzu , Inan Esma , Yurekli Muhittin
Published: August 2005

Objective.  The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of adrenomedullin (AdM) in amniotic fluid (AF) and maternal serum of misoprostol (PGE1)‐induced pregnant women.

Materials and methods.  A total of 40 women were included in the study: 20 were in active labor and were delivered vaginally and a further 20 were not in labor and misoprostol induction was performed. Women who were undergoing labor induction received 50 µg of misoprostol, which was placed in the posterior fornix of the vagina every 4 hrs until the onset of labor. In each patient, maternal plasma and AF samples were collected. Samples of AF were collected by transvaginal route at the time of rupture of the membranes. The labor was at the same stage in both the groups during the sample collection. In all pregnant subjects, maternal blood samples were drawn from the cubital vein at the time of AF sampling. Amniotic fluid and serum AdM concentration was measured by using reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results.  Misoprostol‐induced pregnant women showed significantly higher AdM concentrations than control pregnant women in AF (79.48 ± 6.14 pmol/ml versus 21.28 ± 0.90 pmol/ml, P = 0.000) and maternal serum (88.20 ± 4.34 pmol/ml versus 29.78 ± 4.51 pmol/ml, P = 0.000). There was no significant difference between maternal serum and AF‐AdM concentrations in misoprostol and control subjects.

Conclusion.  Increased serum and AF‐AdM concentrations may be necessary to initiate cervical ripening in misoprostol‐induced pregnant women.
Values of β‐human chorionic gonadotropin as a risk factor for tubal obstruction after tubal pregnancy
Authors: Elito Julio , Han Kyung Koo , Camano Luiz
Published: August 2005

Aim.  The hysterosalpingography (HSG) was evaluated after the clinical treatment of tubal pregnancy and the possible risk of tubal obstruction through the following parameters: β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) levels, size of the adnexal mass, aspects of the image at ultrasound, and color Doppler.

Methods.  Eighty patients were submitted to HSG after tubal pregnancy treatment from April 1994 to February 2002. Fifty received expectant management and 30 were treated with single‐dose methotrexate (MTX) (50 mg/m2 intramuscularly).

Results.  The patency of the ipsilateral tube was 84% and 78% after the MTX and expectant treatments, respectively (P > 0.05). After the logistic regression was performed, it was observed that levels of β‐hCG >5000 mUI/ml were directly related to the tubal obstruction risk, odds ratio = 11.79 (95% CI = 2.27–61.32). Other variables were not directly related to the tubal obstruction risk.

Conclusions.  In this study, the probability of ipsilateral tubal obstruction depends on the β‐hCG levels. The increase in β‐hCG levels is followed by an enhancement in tubal obstruction risk. Therefore, the β‐hCG may be effective for the prognostic of the reproductive future of these patients.
Review article: drug‐induced microscopic colitis – proposal for a scoring system and review of the literature
Authors: BEAUGERIE L. , PARDI D. S.
Published: August 2005

The pathophysiology of microscopic colitis is unknown, although it is thought to be because of an abnormal immune reaction to luminal antigens in predisposed hosts. Specific antigens have not been proved, although various infectious triggers and drugs have been proposed. The responsibility of several drugs has been questioned, some with strong clinical and/or histological evidence suggesting causality. The issue of drug‐induced microscopic colitis is important because of the burden of this disease. Thus, any case that can be cured by withdrawal of a drug must be identified. In this report, we propose a scoring system for drug‐induced microscopic colitis, adapting existing criteria of drug causality, and review the literature using this framework. Based on this review, several drugs are identified with intermediate or high likelihood of inducing microscopic colitis. Finally, we suggest how to treat individual patients suspected of having drug‐induced colitis according to the level of evidence for that particular drug.
Ciprofloxacin suppresses bacterial overgrowth, increases fasting insulin but does not correct low acylated ghrelin concentration in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: SAJJAD A. , MOTTERSHEAD M. , SYN W. K. , JONES R. , SMITH S. , NWOKOLO C. U.
Published: August 2005

Background: Insulin resistance and oxidative stress induced by products of small intestinal bacterial activity are putative factors in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. Acylated ghrelin is the biologically active form of an orexigenic gastric hormone that modifies insulin sensitivity and body composition.

Aim: To investigate the effect of ciprofloxacin on small intestinal bacterial activity, ethanol, ghrelin and insulin in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis patients.

Methods: Twelve non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis patients and 11 controls were studied before and after ciprofloxacin 500 mg b.d. for 5 days. After an overnight fast, 75 g glucose was ingested and blood was sampled every 20 min for 120 min. Acylated and total ghrelin, ethanol and insulin were measured. Small intestinal bacterial activity was detected by glucose hydrogen breath test.

Results: Mean (range) integrated plasma acylated ghrelin which was 102 (21–241) and 202 (88–366) pg/mL · 2 h in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and controls respectively (P = 0.015). This difference persisted after correction for body mass index and was unaffected by ciprofloxacin treatment. One of six non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis patients positive for small intestinal bacterial activity remained positive after ciprofloxacin. In contrast, the one healthy control positive for small intestinal bacterial activity remained positive after ciprofloxacin (P = 0.025). Ethanol was detected in two subjects in each group, becoming immeasurable after ciprofloxacin. In non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis patients median (range) fasting insulin increased from 113 (10–223) to 152 (32–396) pmol/L (P < 0.02), after ciprofloxacin. This was accompanied by similar changes in insulin resistance.

Conclusions: Small intestinal bacterial activity is common in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. Low acylated ghrelin in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis cannot be attributed to small intestinal bacterial activity. Changes in fasting insulin and ethanol following ciprofloxacin suggest that these parameters may be influenced by small intestinal bacterial activity.
Risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease in the general population
Authors: GARCÍA RODRÍGUEZ L. A. , GONZÁLEZ‐PÉREZ A. , JOHANSSON S. , WALLANDER M.‐A.
Published: August 2005

Background:  The aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease remains largely unknown.

Aim:  We performed a comprehensive assessment of potential risk factors associated with the occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods:  We identified a cohort of patients 20–84 years old between 1995 and 1997 registered in the General Practitioner Research Database in the UK. A total of 444 incident cases of IBD were ascertained and validated with the general practitioner. We performed a nested case–control analysis using all cases and a random sample of 10 000 frequency‐matched controls.

Results:  Incidence rates for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and indeterminate colitis were 11, 8, and 2 cases per 100 000 person‐years, respectively. Among women, we found that long‐term users of oral contraceptives were at increased risk of developing UC (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 0.89–6.22) and CD (OR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.24–7.99). Similarly, long‐term users of HRT had an increased risk of CD (OR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.04–6.49) but not UC. Current smokers experienced a reduced risk of UC along with an increased risk of CD. Prior appendectomy was associated with a decreased the risk of UC (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14–1.00).

Conclusions:  Our results support the hypothesis of an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease associated with oral contraceptives use and suggest a similar effect of hormone replacement therapy on CD. We also confirmed the effects of smoking and appendectomy on inflammatory bowel disease.
Validation of the gastrointestinal symptom score for the assessment of symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: ADAM B. , LIEBREGTS T. , SAADAT‐GILANI K. , VINSON B. , HOLTMANN G.
Published: August 2005

Aim:  To validate the gastrointestinal symptom score as an outcome measure for functional dyspepsia.

Methods:  In focus groups, 10 dyspepsia‐specific items including nausea, sickness, vomiting, bloating, abdominal cramps, early satiety, acidic eructation/heartburn, loss of appetite, retrosternal discomfort, epigastric pain/upper abdominal pain were identified. Ninety‐five patients with functional dyspepsia and 56 healthy controls were recruited and responsiveness evaluated by analysing gastrointestinal symptom score data from 357 patients from previous placebo‐controlled trials. Gastrointestinal symptom score response data were correlated with the patient's global assessments of efficacy. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the gastrointestinal symptom score with the results obtained by the Nepean Dyspepsia Index.

Results:  Sensitivity: In patients and healthy controls gastrointestinal symptom score yielded consistently different scores (all P < 0.0001). Test–retest reliability: Gastrointestinal symptom score determined at the two time points were significantly correlated (r‐values ranging from 0.842 to 0.901). Convergence validity: Gastrointestinal symptom score of both rating groups were significantly correlated with the symptom‐specific component of the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (r‐vales ranging from 0.666 to 0.764, P < 0.01). Responsiveness: Responses of gastrointestinal symptom score during treatment were different for patients with a global self assessment as responders compared with non‐responders (all P < 0.0055).

Conclusion:  The gastrointestinal symptom score is a valid and reliable instrument to assess symptom intensities in patients with functional dyspepsia.
The effect of gastro‐oesophageal reflux and omeprazole on key sleep parameters
Authors: DIMARINO JR A. J. , BANWAIT K. S. , ESCHINGER E. , GREENBERG A. , DIMARINO M. , DOGHRAMJI K. , COHEN S.
Published: August 2005

Background: The effect of gastro‐oesophageal reflux on sleep and sleep quality is highly controversial.

Aim: To determine the temporal relationship of abnormal objective sleep parameters to gastro‐oesophageal reflux during acid suppression in patients with self diagnosed sleep disorders.

Methods: Polysomnography during oesophageal pH monitoring was conducted in 16 subjects with and without gastro‐oesophageal reflux as determined by a standardized questionnaire. Subjects were studied before and after omeprazole.

Results: All reflux events were followed by a sleep arousal or awakening. Nocturnal acid reflux events were not predicted by the Carlsson score. Omeprazole reduced acid reflux‐associated arousals from 11.6 ± 3.8 to 1.5 ± 0.8 (P < 0.01) and awakenings from 7.7 ± 1.2 to 3.7 ± 0.5 (P < 0.05). Sleep efficiency improved from 70.2% to 81.6% in a small subset of subjects with decreased sleep (P < 0.05); rapid eye movement sleep increased from 55.0 ± 4.5 to 94.5 ± 18.9 min (P < 0.05); total sleep time increased from 294.0 ± 15.9 to 345.6 ± 55.6 min (P < 0.05). Apnoea, hypopnoea and hypoxaemia were not associated with reflux.

Conclusions: In subjects with gastro‐oesophageal reflux, sleep arousals and awakenings are closely related to acid reflux events. Reflux‐related arousals and awakenings are decreased by acid suppression. Acid suppression in selected subjects with reflux events and reduced sleep efficiency is associated with increased total sleep time, rapid eye movement sleep and sleep efficiency.
Pericellular oxygen depletion during ordinary tissue culturing, measured with oxygen microsensors
Authors: Pettersen Erik O. , Larsen Lars Hauer , Ramsing Niels Birger , Ebbesen Peter
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  Recent research has found important differences in oxygen tension in proximity to certain mammalian cells when grown in culture. Oxygen has a low diffusion rate through cell culture media, thus, as a result of normal respiration, a decrease in oxygen tension develops close to the cells. Therefore, for the purpose of standardization and optimization, it is important to monitor pericellular oxygen tension and cell oxygen consumption. Here, we describe an integrated oxygen microsensor and recording system that allows measurement of oxygen concentration profiles in vertical transects through a 1.6‐mm deep, stagnant, medium layer covering a cell culture. The measurement set‐up reveals that, when confluent, a conventional culture of adherent cells, although exposed to the constant oxygen tension of ambient air, may experience pericellular oxygen tensions below the level required to sustain full oxidative metabolism. Depletions reported are even more prominent and potentially aggravating when the cell culture is incubated at reduced oxygen tensions (down to around 4% oxygen). Our results demonstrate that, if the pericellular oxygen tension is not measured, it is impossible to relate in vitro culture results (for example, gene expression to the oxygen tension experienced by the cell), as this concentration may deviate very substantially from the oxygen concentration recorded in the gas phase.
The mtDNA catalogue of all Portuguese autochthonous goat (Capra hircus) breeds: high diversity of female lineages at the western fringe of European distribution
Authors: PEREIRA F. , PEREIRA L. , VAN ASCH B. , BRADLEY D. G. , AMORIM A.
Published: August 2005

Goat is believed to be the first true livestock domesticated and, apart from its historical importance, keeps playing an essential economic role in very diverse human societies. We have analysed the female gene pool of all Portuguese autochthonous breeds (Bravia, Serrana, Charnequeira, Serpentina and Algarvia) through the mtDNA HVI sequencing of 288 unrelated animals sampled throughout the country. All breeds proved to be extremely diverse (average haplotype diversity of 0.977), in contrast with the Portuguese peripheral geographic situation in the distribution range of the species. Moreover, observed genetic distances between breeds do not correlate with microgeography inside Portugal. These observations are consistent with recurrent refreshment of the breeding stock through the introduction of exotic animals. Fitting the new data into the still loosely defined female genetic pool landscape of goats, all Portuguese animals, one sample excepted (belonging to Bravia), are classified into haplogroup A and haplotype sharing is geographically very sparse, including a Far East match. Our results confirm that goats stand out among most of domesticates as exceptionally diverse and showing an unparalleled degree of mobility of animals (at least females) used for reproductive purposes.
Genotypic heterogeneity and clinical phenotype in triple A syndrome: a review of the NIH experience 2000–2005
Authors: Brooks BP , Kleta R , Stuart C , Tuchman M , Jeong A , Stergiopoulos SG , Bei T , Bjornson B , Russell L , Chanoine J‐P , Tsagarakis S , Kalsner LR , Stratakis CA
Published: August 2005

Triple A syndrome (AAAS, OMIM#231550) is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by adrenal insufficiency, achalasia, alacrima, neurodegeneration and autonomic dysfunction. Mutations in the AAAS gene on chromosome 12q13 have been reported in several subjects with AAAS. Over the last 5 years, we have evaluated six subjects with the clinical diagnosis of AAAS. Three subjects had mutations in the AAAS gene – including one novel mutation (IVS8+1 G>A) – and a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. However, three subjects with classic AAAS did not have mutations in the AAAS gene on both alleles. This finding supports the notion of genetic heterogeneity for this disorder, although other genetic mechanisms cannot be excluded.
‘Indirect’ BRCA1/2 testing. A useful approach in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer families without a living affected relative
Authors: Cruger DG , Kruse TA , Gerdes AM
Published: August 2005

We report an approach for BRCA1/2 testing whereby genetic testing can be offered to families at high risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer but where no DNA from affected relatives is available. By testing two or more unaffected relatives at 50% risk of being heterozygous for a potential BRCA1/2 mutation, there is a chance of up to 99% of finding a mutation that would have been detectable in an affected individual from the same family. The overall likelihood of identifying a mutation is dependent on the family history, and therefore ‘indirect’ testing would be most applicable for families with a very high risk of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation. Using this approach also requires balancing issues of testing resource limitations, family dynamics and adequate preparation of unaffected persons for a positive test, with the advantages of targeting screening and prophylactic surgery.
Novel genomic insertion–deletion in MLH1: possible mechanistic role for non‐homologous end‐joining DNA repair
Authors: McVety S , Younan R , Li L , Gordon PH , Wong N , Foulkes WD , Chong G
Published: August 2005

Hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is an inherited cancer syndrome caused by a defect in the mismatch repair pathway. The majority of HNPCC mutations have been detected in MLH1 and MSH2. Most reported mutations are substitutions, small insertions and deletions, but standard methods of mutation analysis do not detect large rearrangements. It is now established that large deletions, insertions and rearrangements account for a significant proportion of MLH1 and MSH2 mutations. We report an unusual rearrangement resulting in the deletion of exons 6, 7 and 8 of MLH1, with the retention of part of intron 6 and insertions of two nucleotides each flanking the retained sequence. The 349‐bp‐retained sequence is made up of two closely spaced Alu sequences. The mutation was initially detected by protein truncation test and cDNA sequencing. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification confirmed the deletion of three exons. PCR and sequencing were used to characterize the breakpoint. Despite the high density of Alu elements in MLH1, there is no homology at the deletion breakpoints or insertion junctions in this case to suggest that homologous recombination has occurred. We propose a mechanism involving non‐homologous end joining to explain the occurrence of this complex deletion.