bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aurivilliusite, Hg2+HgI+OI, a new mineral species from the Clear Creek claim, San Benito County, California, USA
Authors: Roberts A. C. , Stirling J. A. R. , Criddle A. J. , Dunning G. E. , Spratt J.
Published: August 2004

Aurivilliusite, ideally Hg2+Hg1+OI, is monoclinic, C 2/c, with unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray powder data: a= 17.580(6), b= 6.979(1), c= 6.693(3)Å, β = 101.71(4)°, V = 804.0(5)Å3, a:b:c= 2.5190:1:0.9590,Z = 8. The strongest six lines of the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern [din Å (I )(hkl)] are: 8.547(70)(200), 3.275(100)(002), 2.993(80)(21), 2.873(80)(600), 2.404(50b)(02, 421, 22) and 1.878(50)(23). This extremely rare mineral was collected from a small prospect pit near the longabandoned Clear Creek mercury mine, New Idria district, San Benito County, California, USA. It is intimately intermixed with another new undefined Hg-O-I phase (‘CCUK-15’), and is also closely associated with native mercury, cinnabar and edgarbaileyite in a host rock principally composed of quartz and magnesite. Aurivilliusite occurs in a cm-wide quartz vein predominantly as irregular-shaped thin patches ‘splattered’ on the quartz surface; patches vary in size from 10–20 μm up to 0.5 mm. The only known subhedral platy brightly reflecting crystal fragment, with major ﹛100﹜ form and distinct ﹛100﹜ cleavage, did not exceed 0.2 mm in longest dimension. The mineral is dark grey-black with a dark red-brown streak. Physical properties include: metallic lustre; opaque; non-fluorescent; brittle; uneven fracture; calculated density 8.96 g/cm3 (empirical formula), 8.99 g/cm3 (ideal formula). In polished section in plane-polarized reflected light, aurivilliusite resembles cinnabar, is extremely light sensitive, shows twinning and no internal reflections, and exhibits an unusual ‘red light’ coalescing phenomena. Averaged and corrected results of electron-microprobe analyses yielded HgO 40.10, Hg2O 38.62, I 22.76, Br 0.22, Cl 0.06, sum 101.76, less O = I + Br + Cl –1.46, total 100.30 wt.%, corresponding to Hg1.002+Hg1.001+ O1.01(I0.97Br0.01Cl0.01)Σ0.99, based on O + I + Br + Cl = 2 atoms per formula unit (a.p.f.u.). The original value for Hg, 74.27 wt.%, was partitioned in a HgO:Hg2O ratio of 1:1 after the discovery of the crystal-structure paper dealing with the synthetic equivalent of aurivilliusite. The mineral name is in honour of the late Dr Karin Aurivillius (1920 –1982), chemistcrystallographer at the University of Lund, Sweden, for her significant contributions to the crystal chemistry of Hg-bearing inorganic compounds. Aurivilliusite is related chemically to terlinguaite, Hg2+Hg1+OCl, but has a different structure and X-ray characteristics.
Micron- to nano-scale intergrowths among members of the cuprobismutite series and paděraite: HRTEM and microanalytical evidence
Authors: Ciobanu C. L. , Pring A. , Cook N. J.
Published: August 2004

Coherent intergrowths, at the lattice scale, between cuprobismutite (N= 2) and structurally related paděraite along both major axes (15 Å and 17 Å repeats) of the two minerals are reported within skarn from Ocna de Fier, Romania. The structural subunit, DTD, 3 layers of paděraite, is involved at interfaces of the two minerals along the 15 Å repeat, as well as in transposition of 1 paděraite unit to 2 cuprobismutite units along the 17 Å repeat in slip defects. Lattice images obtained by HRTEM across intervals of 200–400 nm show short- to long-range stacking sequences of cuprobismutite and padeÏ raite ribbons. Such nanoscale slabs mimic mm-scale intergrowths observed in back-scattered electron images at three orders of magnitude greater. These slabs are compositionally equivalent to intermediaries in the cuprobismutite-paděraite range encountered during microanalysis. Hodrushite (N= 1.5) is identified in the mm-scale intergrowths, but its absence in the lattice images indicates that, in this case, formation of polysomes between structurally related phases is favoured instead of stacking disorder among cuprobismutite homologues. The tendency for short-range ordering and semi-periodic occurrence of polysomes suggests they are the result of an oscillatory chemical signal with periodicity varying from one to three repeats of 15 Å, rather than simple ‘accidents’ or irregular structural defects. Lead distribution along the polysomes is modelled as an output signal modulated by the periodicity of stacking sequences, with Pb carried within the D units of paděraite. This type of modulator acts as a patterning operator activated by chemical waves with amplitudes that encompass the chemical difference between the minerals. Conversion of the paděraite structural subunit DTD to the C unit of cuprobismutite, conserving interval width, emphasizes that polysomatic modularity also assists interference of chemical signals with opposite amplitudes. Observed coarsening of lattice-scale intergrowths up to the mm-scale implies coupling between diffusion-controlled structural modulation, and rhythmic precipitation at the skarn front during crystallization.
Bismuth tellurides and sulphosalts from the Larga hydrothermal system, Metaliferi Mts , Romania: Paragenesis and genetic significance
Authors: Cook N. J. , Ciobanu C. L.
Published: August 2004

Intermediate levels of the Larga-Fatţa Báii field, Metaliferi Mts., Romania, are host to epithermal vein mineralization, small skarn-like bodies and ‘geode’-like replacement ores, that together form a complex hydrothermal system rooted in the subjacent andesite stock. Silver-Pb-Bi sulphosalts, some with Sb and/or Se, are intimately associated with hessite and a range of Bi-tellurides with Bi/(Te+S+Se) ≤1 (tetradymite, tellurobismuthite, tsumoite, Pb-free rucklidgeite) within all these ore types. Lillianite homologues, both ordered 4L and 7L derivatives (lillianite, gustavite), and disordered varieties are the most abundant sulphosalts, with subordinate bismuthinite derivatives (aikinite, krupkaite, bismuthinite). An exceptionally Ag-rich lillianite homologue, intimately intergrown with tetradymite and hessite, is identified as treasureite on the basis of chemical composition. Porphyry-style mineralization from 600 m beneath the studied level contains rucklidgeite as the single stable Bi-telluride. The trace mineralogy of the system is suggestive of a hydrothermal system strongly zoned with respect to fTe2 and, to a lesser extent, also fS2. Mineralogical and textural evidence suggests that initial crystallization took place at temperatures in excess of 400°C. The association of gold with Bi-minerals is linked to the role of Bimelt as a scavenger for gold, and deposition within ‘droplets’ simultaneous with the formation of arsenopyrite from löllingite + pyrrhotite. Both Bi-tellurosulphides and sulphosalts are commonly non-stoichiometric, a fact that can be correlated with order-disorder in both series. When widely distributed, as in the Larga system, trace amounts of Bi-minerals (sulphosalts, tellurides/tellurosulphides) have considerable, untapped potential as tracers of the physical-chemical character of an evolving hydrothermal system.
Multispectral imaging of ore minerals in optical microscopy
Authors: Pirard E.
Published: August 2004

Multispectral imaging of ore minerals under the microscope is a logical extension of quantitative colour analysis and microspectrophotometric analysis of minerals. This paper describes, step by step, how the proper calibration of a scientific video camera can be performed in order to obtain precise reflectance measurements at each pixel within the field of view. After having reviewed the different sources of noise and aberration, practical formulae are presented that allow for the acquisition of a set of images at different wavelengths in the visible spectrum.

The advantage of using a multispectral image acquisition system based on narrow bandwidth (10 nm) interference filters is discussed and quantitatively compared to colour imaging using tristimulus (red, green, blue) filters.

Images taken from major sulphide parageneses are shown as examples of well contrasted multispectral images. Finally, the potential for automatic identification of ore minerals is discussed with reference to supervised multivariate image classification algorithms similar to those used in remote sensing. Additional comments on extending the principles for handling optical anisotropy and developing a multiradial imaging system are made.
Stabilization of trivalent Mn in natural tetragonal hydrogarnets on the join ‘hydrogrossular’—henritermierite, Ca3Mn23+ [SiO4]2[H4O4]
Authors: Hålenius U.
Published: August 2004

Four relatively intense and broad absorption bands centred at ∼12500, ∼19500, ∼21500 and ∼23000 cm–1 were recorded in polarized electronic single-crystal spectra of natural, optically uniaxial and pleochroic hydrogarnets with henritermierite contents ranging from 35 to 97 mol.%. These absorption bands arise from spin-allowed electronic d-d transitions in trivalent Mn located at the axially distorted six-coordinated site of the tetragonal hydrogarnet structure.

The crystal field stabilization energy (CFSE) for trivalent Mn at the Mn site, as derived from band energies, is ∼185 kJ/mol. This considerably higher CFSE for Mn3+ in tetragonal hydrogarnets as compared to cubic garnets (130 –145 kJ/mol) explains the natural occurrence of close to end-member tetragonal Mn3+-hydrogarnets while only limited Mn3+-substitution is observed in natural cubic garnets.

The fact that incorporation of Mn3+ at intermediate concentrations stabilizes the tetragonal hydrogarnets indicates the potential natural existence of a number of new, partially Mn3+-substituted, hydrogarnets, e.g. tetragonal Mn3+-bearing ‘hydroandradite’.
Origin of placer laurite from Borneo: Se and As contents, and S isotopic compositions
Authors: Hattori K. H. , Cabri L. J. , Johanson B. , Zientek M. L.
Published: August 2004

We examined grains of the platinum-group mineral, laurite (RuS2), from the type locality, Pontyn River, Tanah Laut, Borneo, and from the Tambanio River, southeast Borneo. The grains show a variety of morphologies, including euhedral grains with conchoidal fractures and pits, and spherical grains with no crystal faces, probably because of abrasion. Inclusions are rare, but one grain contains Ca-Al amphibole inclusions, and another contains an inclusion of chalcopyrite+bornite+pentlandite+heazlewoodite (Ni3S2) that is considered to have formed by a two-stage process of exsolution and crystallization from a once homogeneous Fe-Cu-Ni sulphide melt.

All grains examined are solid solutions of Ru and Os with Ir (2.71 –11.76 wt.%) and Pd (0.31–0.66 wt.%). Their compositions are similar to laurite from ophiolitic rocks. The compositions show broad negative correlations between Os and Ir, between As and Ir, and between As (0.4 –0.74 wt.%) and Se (140 to 240 ppm). Laurite with higher Os contains more Se and less Ir and As. The negative correlations between Se and As may be attributed to their occupancy of the S site, but the compositional variations of Os, Ir and As probably reflect the compositional variation of rocks where the crystals grew.

Ratios of S/Se in laurite show a narrow spread from 1380 to 2300, which are similar to ratios for sulphides from the refractory sub-arc mantle. Sulphur isotopic compositions of laurite are independent of chemical compositions and morphologies and are similar to the chondritic value of 0%. The data suggest that S in laurite has not undergone redox changes and originated from the refractory mantle. The data support the formation of laurite in the residual mantle or in a magma generated from such a refractory mantle, followed by erosion after the obduction of the host ultramafic rocks.
‘Irite’ (Hermann, 1836/1841) from the Urals
Authors: Jedwab J.
Published: August 2004

A reappraisal of Hermann's ‘irite’, described in 1836 and 1841, has been attempted by examining and analysing three museum samples, accessioned before 1865. The three samples were determined to be mixtures of chromite, native Os and Ir, rutheniridosmine, platinum, laurite, hongshiite, irarsite, cuprorhodsite, iridsite, prassoite, hollingworthite, erlichmannite, several Ru-Ir-Pt-Ti-Cr-Fe oxide/ hydroxide compounds (sometimes well crystallized), Pt-Ir-K chlorocompounds, and Pt-Ir-Ru-K-Clcontaining opal. The latter two are considered as artifacts generated by the hydrometallurgical processes applied to the crude platinum ores. Individual particles of native iridium and osmium display baroque crystal habits (filaments, leafs, blades, hollow crystals) that could be their natural, although rarely observed, states. There is still doubt about the origin (either natural or artificial) of all Ru-Ir-Pt- Ti-Cr-Fe oxides, but they can be compared with those found in several pristine placer and hard-rock deposits worldwide and in the Urals.
Platinum-group element mineralization in an As-rich magmatic sulphide system, Talnotry, southwest Scotland
Authors: Power M. R. , Pirrie D. , Jedwab J. , Stanley C. J.
Published: August 2004

Arsenic-rich magmatic sulphide mineralization is hosted by a diorite intrusion at Talnotry, southwest Scotland. A relatively abundant and diverse platinum-group mineral assemblage is present and is dominated by sperrylite, irarsite and electrum with subordinate merenskyite, michenerite and froodite. Early euhedral gersdorffite is enriched with respect to Rh, Ir and Pt and in some cases contains exsolved blebs of irarsite or euhedral grains of sperrylite. Sperrylite is also enclosed within silicates and sulphides indicating that it crystallized directly from an As-rich sulphide liquid. Pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite mineral assemblages are consistent with the fractional crystallization of monosulphide solid solution and are overlain by PGE-, Ni- and As-rich mineral assemblages indicative of crystallization from a NiAs liquid. Late-stage, cross-cutting, electrum-bearing chalcopyrite veins are consistent with the crystallization of Cu- and Au-rich intermediate solid solution. The chemistry, mineralogy and lithological relationships of the diorite suggest that it may be an appinite and as such is potentially analogous to the Au-rich lamprophyre dykes present within southwest Scotland.
An imaging system for standardized quantitative analysis of C. elegans behavior
Authors: Feng Zhaoyang , Cronin Christopher J , Wittig John H , Sternberg Paul W , Schafer William R
Published: August 2004

Background

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is widely used for the genetic analysis of neuronal cell biology, development, and behavior. Because traditional methods for evaluating behavioral phenotypes are qualitative and imprecise, there is a need for tools that allow quantitation and standardization of C. elegans behavioral assays.

Results

Here we describe a tracking and imaging system for the automated analysis of C. elegans morphology and behavior. Using this system, it is possible to record the behavior of individual nematodes over long time periods and quantify 144 specific phenotypic parameters.

Conclusions

These tools for phenotypic analysis will provide reliable, comprehensive scoring of a wide range of behavioral abnormalities, and will make it possible to standardize assays such that behavioral data from different labs can readily be compared. In addition, this system will facilitate high-throughput collection of phenotypic data that can ultimately be used to generate a comprehensive database of C. elegans phenotypic information.

Availability

The hardware configuration and software for the system are available from wschafer@ucsd.edu.
Expression profiling of serum inducible genes identifies a subset of SRF target genes that are MKL dependent
Authors: Selvaraj Ahalya , Prywes Ron
Published: August 2004

Background

Serum Response Factor (SRF) is a transcription factor that is required for the expression of many genes including immediate early genes, cytoskeletal genes, and muscle-specific genes. SRF is activated in response to extra-cellular signals by its association with a diverse set of co-activators in different cell types. In the case of the ubiquitously expressed immediate early genes, the two sets of SRF binding proteins that regulate its activity are the TCF family of proteins that include Elk1, SAP1 and SAP2 and the myocardin-related MKL family of proteins that include MKL1 and MKL2 (also known as MAL, MRTF-A and -B and BSAC). In response to serum or growth factors these two classes of co-activators are activated by different upstream signal transduction pathways. However, it is not clear how they differentially activate SRF target genes.

Results

In order to identify the serum-inducible SRF target genes that are specifically dependent on the MKL pathway, we have performed microarray experiments using a cell line that expresses dominant negative MKL1. This approach was used to identify SRF target genes whose activation is MKL-dependent. Twenty-eight of 150 serum-inducible genes were found to be MKL-dependent. The promoters of the serum-inducible genes were analyzed for SRF binding sites and other common regulatory elements. Putative SRF binding sites were found at a higher rate than in a mouse promoter database but were only identified in 12% of the serum-inducible promoters analyzed. Additional partial matches to the consensus SRF binding site were found at a higher than expected rate in the MKL-dependent gene promoters. The analysis for other common regulatory elements is discussed.

Conclusions

These results suggest that a subset of immediate early and SRF target genes are activated by the Rho-MKL pathway. MKL may also contribute to the induction of other SRF target genes however its role is not essential, possibly due to other activation mechanisms such as MAPK phosphorylation of TCFs.
Sequence periodicity of Escherichia coli is concentrated in intergenic regions
Authors: Hosid Sergey , Trifonov Edward N , Bolshoy Alexander
Published: August 2004

Background

Sequence periodicity with a period close to the DNA helical repeat is a very basic genomic property. This genomic feature was demonstrated for many prokaryotic genomes. The Escherichia coli sequences display the period close to 11 base pairs.

Results

Here we demonstrate that practically only ApA/TpT dinucleotides contribute to overall dinucleotide periodicity in Escherichia coli. The noncoding sequences reveal this periodicity much more prominently compared to protein-coding sequences. The sequence periodicity of ApC/GpT, ApT and GpC dinucleotides along the Escherichia coli K-12 is found to be located as well mainly within the intergenic regions.

Conclusions

The observed concentration of the dinucleotide sequence periodicity in the intergenic regions of E. coli suggests that the periodicity is a typical property of prokaryotic intergenic regions. We suppose that this preferential distribution of dinucleotide periodicity serves many biological functions; first of all, the regulation of transcription.
Effect of green tea on blood glucose levels and serum proteomic patterns in diabetic (db/db) mice and on glucose metabolism in healthy humans
Authors: Tsuneki Hiroshi , Ishizuka Mitsuyo , Terasawa Miki , Wu Jin-Bin , Sasaoka Toshiyasu , Kimura Ikuko
Published: August 2004

Background

Green tea is widely consumed in Asian countries and is becoming increasingly popular in Western countries. Epidemiologically, it has been suggested that green tea consumption prevents type 2 diabetes. The present study was aimed at providing evidence of improvement in glucose metabolism in diabetic mice and healthy humans upon green tea consumption.

Results

Green tea promoted glucose metabolism in healthy human volunteers at 1.5 g/body in oral glucose tolerance tests. Green tea also lowered blood glucose levels in diabetic db+/db+ mice and streptozotocin-diabetic mice 2–6 h after administration at 300 mg/kg without affecting serum insulin level, whereas no effect was observed in control mice (+m/+m and normal ddY mice). The serum protein profiles of db+/db+ and +m/+m mice were analyzed for the first time by SELDI (surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization)-TOF (time-of-flight)-MS (mass spectrometry), and then compared to investigate any effects of oral green tea administration on serum proteins. The protein profiles in db+/db+ mice showed that the spectral peak intensities at the mass/charge ratios (m/z) of 4119, 4203, 4206, 4211, 4579, 9311 and 18691 were >3 times lower, and those of 13075, 17406, 17407, 17418, 17622, 18431 and 26100 were >3 times higher than respective peak intensities in +m/+m mice. When green tea was administered to db+/db+ mice, the peak intensities were markedly decreased at m/z 11651 and 11863, and slightly decreased at m/z 4212. The peak intensities at 7495, 7595, 7808, 14983, 15614, 31204 were markedly increased after the administration.

Conclusion

The present study provides evidence that green tea has an antidiabetic effect. Although we could not find simple reversed effect of green tea on the diabetes-induced modifications of the levels of several serum proteins, we found that the 4211 (4212) Da protein level that was decreased in the diabetic state was further decreased after green tea administration. This is the first report demonstrating that a certain serum protein may be involved in the antihyperglycemic effect of green tea. The contribution of this protein should be further studied.
Histologic assessment of biliary obstruction with different percutaneous endoluminal techniques
Authors: Rossi Michele , Cantisani Vito , Salvatori Filippo Maria , Rebonato Alberto , Greco Laura , Giglio Luigi , Guido Giampiero , Pagliara Elisa , David Vincenzo
Published: August 2004

Background

Despite the sophisticated cross sectional image techniques currently available, a number of biliary stenosis or obstructions remain of an uncertain nature. In these pathological conditions, an "intrinsic" parietal alteration is the cause of biliary obstruction and it is very difficult to differentiate benign from malignant lesions using cross-sectional imaging procedures alone. We evaluated the efficacy of different endoluminal techniques to achieve a definitive pathological diagnosis in these situations.

Methods

Eighty patients underwent brushing, and or biopsy of the biliary tree through an existing transhepatic biliary drainage route. A subcoort of 12 patients needed balloon-dilatation of the bile duct and the material covering the balloon surface was also sent for pathological examination (balloon surface sampling). Pathological results were compared with surgical findings or with long-term clinical and instrumental follow-ups. Success rates, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, confidential intervals, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the three percutaneous techniques in differentiating benign from malignant disease were assessed.

The agreement coefficient of biopsy and brushing with final diagnosis was calculated using the Cohen's "K" value.

Results

Fifty-six patients had malignant strictures confirmed by surgery, histology, and by clinical follow-ups. Success rates of brushing, balloon surface sampling, and biopsy were 90.7, 100, and 100%, respectively. The comparative efficacy of brushing, balloon-surface sampling, and biopsy resulted as follows: sensitivity of 47.8, 87.5, and 92.1%, respectively; specificity of 100% for all the techniques; accuracy of 69.2, 91.7 and 93.6%, Positive Predictive Value of 100% for all the procedures and Negative Predictive Value of 55, 80, and 75%, respectively.

Conclusions

Percutaneous endoluminal biopsy is more accurate and sensitive than percutaneous bile duct brushing in the detection of malignant diseases (p < 0.01).
Microarray analysis reveals genetic pathways modulated by tipifarnib in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Raponi Mitch , Belly Robert T , Karp Judith E , Lancet Jeffrey E , Atkins David , Wang Yixin
Published: August 2004

Background

Farnesyl protein transferase inhibitors (FTIs) were originally developed to inhibit oncogenic ras, however it is now clear that there are several other potential targets for this drug class. The FTI tipifarnib (ZARNESTRA™, R115777) has recently demonstrated clinical responses in adults with refractory and relapsed acute leukemias. This study was conducted to identify genetic markers and pathways that are regulated by tipifarnib in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods

Tipifarnib-mediated gene expression changes in 3 AML cell lines and bone marrow samples from two patients with AML were analyzed on a cDNA microarray containing approximately 7000 human genes. Pathways associated with these expression changes were identified using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis tool.

Results

The expression analysis identified a common set of genes that were regulated by tipifarnib in three leukemic cell lines and in leukemic blast cells isolated from two patients who had been treated with tipifarnib. Association of modulated genes with biological functional groups identified several pathways affected by tipifarnib including cell signaling, cytoskeletal organization, immunity, and apoptosis. Gene expression changes were verified in a subset of genes using real time RT-PCR. Additionally, regulation of apoptotic genes was found to correlate with increased Annexin V staining in the THP-1 cell line but not in the HL-60 cell line.

Conclusions

The genetic networks derived from these studies illuminate some of the biological pathways affected by FTI treatment while providing a proof of principle for identifying candidate genes that might be used as surrogate biomarkers of drug activity.
Performance of dye-affinity beads for aluminium removal in magnetically stabilized fluidized bed
Authors: Yavuz Handan , Say Ridvan , Andaç Müge , Bayraktar Necmi , Denizli Adil
Published: August 2004

Background

Aluminum has recently been recognized as a causative agent in dialysis encephalopathy, osteodystrophy, and microcytic anemia occurring in patients with chronic renal failure who undergo long-term hemodialysis. Only a small amount of Al(III) in dialysis solutions may give rise to these disorders.

Methods

Magnetic poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (mPHEMA) beads in the size range of 80–120 μm were produced by free radical co-polymerization of HEMA and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) in the presence of magnetite particles (Fe3O4). Then, metal complexing ligand alizarin yellow was covalently attached onto mPHEMA beads. Alizarin yellow loading was 208 μmol/g. These beads were used for the removal of Al(III) ions from tap and dialysis water in a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed.

Results

Al(III) adsorption capacity of the beads decreased with an increase in the flow-rate. The maximum Al(III) adsorption was observed at pH 5.0. Comparison of batch and magnetically stabilized fluidized bed (MSFB) maximum capacities determined using Langmuir isotherms showed that dynamic capacity (17.5 mg/g) was somewhat higher than the batch capacity (11.8 mg/g). The dissociation constants for Al(III) were determined using the Langmuir isotherm equation to be 27.3 mM (MSFB) and 6.7 mM (batch system), indicating medium affinity, which was typical for pseudospecific affinity ligands. Al(III) ions could be repeatedly adsorbed and desorbed with these beads without noticeable loss in their Al(III) adsorption capacity.

Conclusions

Adsorption of Al(III) demonstrate the affinity of magnetic dye-affinity beads. The MSFB experiments allowed us to conclude that this inexpensive sorbent system may be an important alternative to the existing adsorbents in the removal of aluminium.
How do drug users define their progress in harm reduction programs? Qualitative research to develop user-generated outcomes
Authors: Ruefli Terry , Rogers Susan J
Published: August 2004

Background

Harm reduction is a relatively new and controversial model for treating drug users, with little formal research on its operation and effectiveness. In order to advance the study of harm reduction programs and our understanding of how drug users define their progress, qualitative research was conducted to develop outcomes of harm reduction programming that are culturally relevant, incremental, (i.e., capable of measuring change), and hierarchical (i.e., capable of showing how clients improve over time).

Methods

The study used nominal group technique (NGT) to develop the outcomes (phase 1) and focus group interviews to help validate the findings (phase 2). Study participants were recruited from a large harm-reduction program in New York City and involved approximately 120 clients in 10 groups in phase 1 and 120 clients in 10 focus groups in phase 2.

Results

Outcomes of 10 life areas important to drug users were developed that included between 10 to 15 incremental measures per outcome. The outcomes included ways of 1) making money; 2) getting something good to eat; 3) being housed/homeless; 4) relating to families; 5) getting needed programs/benefits/services; 6) handling health problems; 7) handling negative emotions; 8) handling legal problems; 9) improving oneself; and 10) handling drug-use problems. Findings also provided insights into drug users' lives and values, as well as a window into understanding how this population envisions a better quality of life. Results challenged traditional ways of measuring drug users based solely on quantity used and frequency of use. They suggest that more appropriate measures are based on the extent to which drug users organize their lives around drug use and how much drug use is integrated into their lives and negatively impacts other aspects of their lives.

Conclusions

Harm reduction and other programs serving active drug users and other marginalized people should not rely on institutionalized, provider-defined solutions to problems in living faced by their clients.
Intensive language training enhances brain plasticity in chronic aphasia
Authors: Meinzer Marcus , Elbert Thomas , Wienbruch Christian , Djundja Daniela , Barthel Gabriela , Rockstroh Brigitte
Published: August 2004

Background

Focal clusters of slow wave activity in the delta frequency range (1–4 Hz), as measured by magnetencephalography (MEG), are usually located in the vicinity of structural damage in the brain. Such oscillations are usually considered pathological and indicative of areas incapable of normal functioning owing to deafferentation from relevant input sources. In the present study we investigated the change in Delta Dipole Density in 28 patients with chronic aphasia (>12 months post onset) following cerebrovascular stroke of the left hemisphere before and after intensive speech and language therapy (3 hours/day over 2 weeks).

Results

Neuropsychologically assessed language functions improved significantly after training. Perilesional delta activity decreased after therapy in 16 of the 28 patients, while an increase was evident in 12 patients. The magnitude of change of delta activity in these areas correlated with the amount of change in language functions as measured by standardized language tests.

Conclusions

These results emphasize the significance of perilesional areas in the rehabilitation of aphasia even years after the stroke, and might reflect reorganisation of the language network that provides the basis for improved language functions after intensive training.
Any increased risk of autoimmune disease?
Authors: Cimaz R
Published: August 2004

Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are known to have a strong genetic component, therefore the risk of autoimmune disease might be increased in family members of patients with SLE. However, there are currently no data that support a higher incidence of autoimmune disorders in the offspring of SLE patients. Babies with neonatal lupus are not at increased risk to develop SLE in later life, but a continued follow-up is suggested, especially prior to adolescence and if the mother herself has an autoimmune disease.
Drug exposure in pregnant women
Authors: Czeizel A E
Published: August 2004

The objectives of this paper are to describe the Hungarian case-control surveillance system of congenital abnormalities (HCCSCA), to summarize the principles of this activity and our main experiences. Among the main principles, the importance of the time factor (the first trimester concept is outdated), the differentiation of isolated and multiple manifestations of the seemingly same congenital abnormalities, noxa specificity, the separation of drugs and pregnancy supplements within medicinal products (or medicines) are stressed. After some methodological problems (recall bias, chance effect), the main experiences regarding the risk and benefit of medicines are summarized. The conclusion is that the results of our studies based on the data set of the HCCSCA showed that at present the exaggerated teratogenic risk of drugs is much more harmful for the fetus than the real teratogenic effect of some drugs themselves. Medical doctors and other experts therefore need more education to know the principles and findings of modern human teratology because it may help us to have a better balance between the risk and benefit of drug use during pregnancy.
Risk factors for osteoporosis in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Di Munno O , Mazzantini M , Sedie A Delle , Mosca M , Bombardieri S
Published: August 2004

In the last years it has been recognized that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at high risk of osteoporosis (OP) and fractures, both occurring through disease-specific (chronic arthritis, reduced physical activity, induction of cytokines promoting bone resorption, renal impairment, endocrine factors) and nondisease-specific mechanisms (sunshine avoidance with consequent vitamin D deficiency, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants and chronic anticoagulants). Regarding anticoagulants, subcutaneous heparin is crucial against the risk of recurrent thromboembolism or pregnancy loss, specifically in patients with SLE and anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS). Thus heparin-induced OP represents one of the hazards of this treatment, first because heparin must be used long-term and secondly because pregnancy and lactation themselves may predispose to OP and fractures. Current data suggest the use of prophylaxis with calcium and vitamin D in all patients treated with heparin during pregnancy. Nevertheless glucocorticoid-induced OP (GIOP) is considered the most serious risk factor for OP and fractures in SLE patients. All guidelines recommend general measures and supplementation with calcium and vitamin D in all patients. However when considering premenopausal patients, there is no generally recommended treatment. Bisphosphonates, which are considered the first choice therapy for the prevention and treatment of GIOP, should be used ‘cautiously’ in these patients. Therefore the potential risks and lack of efficacy data on fracture risk reduction in premenopausal patients must be weighed against their proven efficacy in postmenopausal patients.
Pregnancy in patients with rheumatic diseases: psychological implication of a chronic disease and neuropsychological evaluation of the children
Authors: Neri F , Chimini L , Filippini E , Motta M , Faden D , Tincani A
Published: August 2004

As a consequence of the general improvement in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases, patients achieve a better quality of life, with the possibility of a normal family life including one or more pregnancies. It is important, therefore, to consider the psychological aspects of these mothers’ life and the influence of their chronic disease on their children is development. Several papers have reported the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the quality of life. They found higher incidence of anxiety (from 15 to 45%) and depression (from 25 to 47%) compared to the general population. We have investigated the psychological influence of SLE on family planning, and we observed that it can interfere with physiological phenomena such as parenthood and the upbringing of children. The children of lupus mothers have a normal intelligence level for their age. What is emerging, however, is an increased incidence of learning disabilities compared to the general population. This observation suggests the importance of an early neuropsychological examination, in order to identify the children needing particular care. Therefore, psychological support seems to be an important help in the counseling of patients with rheumatic disease and in the future life of their children.
Disease specific problems related to drug therapy in pregnancy
Authors: Østensen M
Published: August 2004

Rheumatic diseases occur frequently in women of childbearing years necessitating drug treatment also during a concurrent pregnancy in order to control maternal disease activity and to ensure a successful pregnancy outcome. This survey reviews maternal and fetal side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and immunosuppressive agents in pregnant patients. The classic nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not teratogenic, but given in late pregnancy they can induce renal and cardiac side effects in the fetus. Similar effects must be expected of the new, selective Cox2-inhibitors. NSAID should therefore be stopped by gestational week 32. Corticosteroids are frequently necessary to control rheumatic disease flares and for prevention of serious organ manifestations. However, due to an increased risk of oral clefts, high doses (1-2 mg/kg) should be avoided in the first trimester. Among disease modifying drugs, sulfasalazine and antimalarials have the safest record. Cyclosporine and azathioprine can be given throughout pregnancy if disease control requires it. Insufficient data exist for treatment of pregnant patients with TNF-inhibitors and mycophenolate mofetil. The severity of the disease under treatment decides if continuation of one of these drugs is justified. Prophylactic withdrawal of drugs before pregnancy is mandatory for leflunomide and the cytotoxic agents methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. Prepregnancy counselling and careful monitoring during pregnancy help to tailor necessary drug treatment for the benefit of mother and child.
Prospective study of systemic lupus erythematosus pregnancies
Authors: Petri M
Published: August 2004

Different study designs have yielded different results on the effect of pregnancy on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity. Using the patient as her own control, and using nonpregnant SLE patients as controls, we have found flares to be more common in pregnancy. In SLE pregnancies followed prospectively at one center, we have found that preterm birth is the most frequent adverse event. Pregnancy loss occurred in 14%. Active SLE contributes to both preterm birth and to pregnancy loss. In addition, even in a first pregnancy, the presence of the lupus anticoagulant is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss.
Pregnancy, microchimerism and autoimmunity: an update
Authors: Turco A E , Bambara L M
Published: August 2004

The presence of a small population of cells or DNA in one individual that derives from another genetically distinct person is referred to as microchimerism; this process may occur in course of pregnancy from mother to fetus, and vice versa. The clinical similarities between some features of autoimmune diseases and the chronic graft versus host disease, the increased incidence of autoimmune diseases observed in women after childbearing age, and the long-term persistence of microchimerism have raised the hypothesis that microchimerism could be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. To assess the possible relationship between pregnancy and the incidence of systemic sclerosis we performed a hospital-based case-control study. Our results, indicating a reduced risk for systemic sclerosis in women who had been pregnant in comparison with women who had not, seem to indicate that pregnancy is not a risk factor for systemic sclerosis.
Antiphosphatidylserine antibodies and reproductive failure
Authors: Blank M , Shoenfeld Y
Published: August 2004

Some cases of reproductive failure with autoimmune background are characterized by the involvement of autoantibodies. This occurs mainly in patients having systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome. The autoantibodies associated with reproductive failure include: a) antibodies which directly bind phospholipid (e.g., cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine); b) antiphospholipid Abs which bind the phospholipid via phospholipid-binding glycoproteins such as b2glycoprotein-I, annexin V and prothrombin; c) autoantibodies directed to laminin-I, actin, thromboplastin, the corpus luteum, prolactin, poly (ADP-ribose), thyroglobulin and mitochondrial antibodies of the M5 type. This paper will focus on the association of antiphosphatidylserine autoantibodies and reproductive failure. Future studies are likely to help to identify peptides resembling the epitope specificities associated with the specific clinical manifestations.
European register of babies born to mothers with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Boffa M-C , Aurousseau M-H , Lachassinne E , Dauphin H , Fain O , Le Toumelin P , Uzan M , Piette J-C , Derenne S , Boinot C , Avcin T , Motta M , Faden D , Tincani A
Published: August 2004

This prospective multicentric register was initiated by the European Forum of Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APL) in 2003 after approval by local ethic committees. This register allows the investigation of infants after written informed parental consent. It collects mothers’ clinical pattern of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), course and outcome of pregnancy, treatment and immunological status. For the babies, clinical and immunological examinations are performed at birth; neuro-developmental conditions followed up to five years. A re-evaluation of lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (ACL) or other antibodies will be done if they are positive at birth to follow their kinetics. A descriptive and a case control study of babies with versus without APL at birth will be possible after the inclusion of 300 cases.
The management of pregnant patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Cervera R , Balasch J
Published: August 2004

Recurrent pregnancy loss is now considered a treatable clinical condition associated with antiphospholipid antibodies. The management of pregnant patients with antiphospholipid syndrome is mainly based on the use of antiaggregant/anticoagulant agents (with aspirin and heparin) to prevent thrombosis in the uteroplacental circulation. Interventions with these drug therapies and monitored pregnancy have increased fetal survival.
Sex hormones influence on the immune system: basic and clinical aspects in autoimmunity
Authors: Cutolo M , Sulli A , Capellino S , Villaggio B , Montagna P , Seriolo B , Straub R H
Published: August 2004

Sex hormones seem to play an important role as modulators of the autoimmune disease onset/perpetuation. Generally, steroid hormones are implicated in the immune response, with estrogens as enhancers at least of the humoral immunity and androgens and progesterone (and glucocorticoids) as natural immunosuppressors. Synovial fluid levels (SF) of proinflammatory estrogens relative to androgens are significantly elevated in both male and female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, as compared to controls, which is most probably due to increase of local enzymatic aromatase activity. Serum levels of estrogens have been found altered in RA patients, particularly estradiol in man. Thus, available steroid prehormones are rapidly converted to proinflammatory estrogens in the synovial tissue in the presence of inflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNFa, IL-1, IL-6). The increased estrogen concentrations observed in RA SF of both sexes are characterized mainly by the hydroxylated forms, in particular, 16a-hydroxyestrone, showing a mitogenic tumor growth stimulating role. Altered serum hydroxylated estrogens have been found also in serum of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. As a matter of fact, our recent studies indicate that 17-b estradiol (E2) clearly enhanced the expression of markers of cell growth and proliferation, whereas testosterone (T) induced an increase of markers indicating DNA damage and apoptosis. In particular, our data further shows that the enhancing role of estrogens on immune/inflammatory response is exerted by activating the NFkB complex pathway. In conclusion, locally increased estrogens (i.e., synovial tissue in RA or skin in SLE) might exert activating effects on cell proliferation, including macrophages and fibroblasts, suggesting new roles for estrogens in autoimmunity.
Evaluation of systemic lupus erythematosus activity during pregnancy
Authors: Ruiz-Irastorza G , Khamashta M A
Published: August 2004

Due to our increasing knowledge on the pathophysiological basis of autoimmunity and the development of combined medical-obstetric clinics, pregnancy is becoming common among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, whether lupus worsens during pregnancy continues to be a controversial issue. SLE assessment during pregnancy is sometimes difficult due to physiological changes during this period, and common tools for measuring lupus activity during pregnancy were not available until recently. Several lupus activity scales in common use have been adapted for pregnancy [systemic lupus erythematosus in pregnancy activity index (SLEPDAI), modified lupus activity measurement (m-SLAM) and lupus activity index in pregnancy (LAI-P)]. All of them take into account the influence of pregnancy on clinical manifestation and common biochemical tests. LAI-P also accounts for specific manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome in order not to score them as due to SLE activity. LAI-P has recently been validated for use in SLE pregnancy and could be used in future studies. However, daily assessment and management of individual pregnant women with lupus still relies on the clinical skills of attending physicians.