bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glandular odontogenic cyst: a challenge in diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Kaplan I , Anavi Y , Hirshberg A
Published: January 2008

The present review analyzes the accumulated data from all cases of glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) reported in the English language literature. In the 20 years since it was first described, 111 cases have been reported, an incidence of 0.2% of odontogenic cysts. The age range is 14–75, mean 45.7, with a M/F ratio of 1.3:1. GOC has a predilection for the mandible (70%), affecting both anterior and posterior areas. It is typically radiolucent, well defined, either unilocular (53.8%) or multilocular (46.2%). Frequent perforation (61%) and of thinning of cortical plates (24.4%) indicate aggressiveness. Sufficient follow‐up indicates that 30% of cases can recur. Treatment by enucleation or curettage carries the highest risk for recurrence, especially in large and multilocular lesions. Peripheral osteoectomy or marginal resection can eliminate the risk. Defined criteria for microscopic diagnosis are described, which in addition to Ki67 and p53 can help in differentiating GOC from lesions with histological similarities (cysts with mucous metaplasia, botryoid and surgical ciliated cysts, low‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma). Definite diagnosis may not be possible in small incisional biopsies due to the focal presentation of characteristic features required for diagnosis. There is now evidence to support an odontogenic rather than a sialogenic origin.
Mycosis fungoides mimicking erysipelas
Authors: Weyers Wolfgang , Diaz‐Cascajo Carlos , Preinfalk Peter , Löffler Harald
Published: January 2008

Mycosis fungoides may rarely simulate facial erysipelas. In a patient with that clinical presentation, a biopsy specimen revealed a diffuse dermal infiltrate with numerous neutrophils that also mimicked erysipelas histopathologically. The diagnosis of mycosis fungoides was made on the basis of atypical lymphocytes with focal epidermo‐ and folliculotropism. It was confirmed by typical findings of mycosis fungoides in a second biopsy from a clinically inconspicuous patch. An identical T‐cell receptor γ‐gene rearrangement was detected in lymphocytes of both biopsy specimens.
Pre‐pouch ileitis after colectomy in paediatric ulcerative colitis
Authors: Slatter Carrie , Girgis Safwat , Huynh Hien , El‐Matary Wael
Published: January 2008

Colectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a potentially curative option for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). A rare, postoperative complication is terminal ileitis which has been poorly documented in paediatric patients. A search of our paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) database revealed two boys with UC who were resistant to medical therapy. They each underwent colectomy with IPAA. One year later, both children represented with bloody diarrhoea and weight loss. Several endoscopies and biopsies showed acute on chronic mucosal inflammation in the pouch and up to 50 cm into the terminal ileum (TI). Biopsies revealed mixed inflammatory infiltrate with no granulomas.

Conclusion: Development of terminal ileitis after colectomy and IPAA can occur in children with UC. Although every effort should be made to exclude Crohn's disease as a cause of the terminal ileitis, this poorly defined condition should not be considered to be against the diagnosis of UC. More research is needed to develop a better understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of this uncommon condition.
The impact of early lifestyle factors on wheezing and asthma in Austrian preschool children
Authors: Morass Bernhard , Kiechl‐Kohlendorfer Ursula , Horak Elisabeth
Published: January 2008

Aim: This study investigated the influence of early lifestyle factors on the prevalence of asthma and wheezing in preschool children in Tyrol, Austria.

Methods: A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was performed in 1761 preschool children to obtain information on wheezing and asthma in the light of early lifestyle factors.

Results: Factors independently associated with an increased risk for wheezing in the past 12 months included high parental education (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.1) and parental hay fever (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1–2.2). Risk factors for doctor‐diagnosed asthma (DDA) were early pet contact (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.8) and parental asthma (OR: 3.0, 95%CI: 1.0–9.1), whereas breastfeeding decreased the risk (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2–1.0). Boiling the pacifier/sucker daily increased the risk for wheezing in the past 12 months (OR: 1.4, 95%CI: 1.0–2.0) and revealed a tendency towards DDA (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.9–4.0).

Conclusion: In preschool children, we established an independent association between wheezing in the past 12 months, DDA and boiling frequency of the pacifier/bottle sucker during infancy. The impact of pacifier boiling frequency on atopic diseases on the basis of the hygiene hypothesis needs further investigation.
Myeloperoxidase as a Measure of Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Response in Inflammatory Status Around Immediately and Delayed Loaded Dental Implants: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Güncü Güliz N. , Tözüm Tolga F. , Güncü M. Barış , Yamalik Nermin , Tümer Celal , Karabulut Erdem , Kilinç Kamer
Published: January 2008

Background: As well as gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), peri‐implant sulcus fluid (PISF) may have a potential diagnostic value for the early identification of metabolic and destructive processes.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the potential impact of inflammation and loading on PISF myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, in comparison with GCF.

Materials and Methods: A total of 220 sites, dental implant (immediately [IL] or delayed loaded [DL]), and natural tooth, either healthy/noninflamed or gingivitis/inflamed, were classified. Clinical parameters were recorded, and GCF/PISF samples were obtained. GCF/PISF MPO levels were spectrophotometrically determined.

Results: Clinical parameters demonstrated increases with the presence of gingival/peri‐implant inflammation. Total MPO levels were higher at inflamed tooth and implant sites compared to noninflamed/healthy sites (p < .05). Although they did not reach a significance level, inflamed IL sites had higher total MPO levels than inflamed DL sites (p = .401). Gingival index and total MPO levels exhibited significant correlations (p < .05).

Conclusion: Using implants and natural teeth in the same study design, the findings of the present study support the close relationship between MPO production and inflammation, and may speculate a potential for loading of dental implants, contributing to the MPO content of PISF.
Short‐period Effects of Zirconia and Titanium on Osteoblast MicroRNAs
Authors: Palmieri Annalisa , Pezzetti Furio , Brunelli Giorgio , Muzio Lorenzo Lo , Scarano Antonio , Scapoli Luca , Martinelli Macella , Arlotti Marzia , Guerzoni Laura , Rubini Corrado , Carinci Francesco
Published: January 2008

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, functional, noncoding RNAs of 19 to 23 nucleotides which induce degradation of specific messenger RNAs (mRNAs), thus controlling the translational process (ie, synthesis of proteins from mRNAs). In addition, mRNAs regulate the promoter of specific miRNAs activating an autoregulatory feedback loop.

Purpose: Titanium and zirconium dioxide ceramics (ZDCs) are used to make dental implants. Because the molecular mechanism by which ZDC and Ti act on osteoblasts is incompletely understood, we attempted to get more information by comparing the effect of ZDC and Ti on osteoblast miRNAs.

Materials and Methods: By using miRNA microarray technique, we identified in osteoblast‐like cell line (MG63) grown on grade 3 Ti and ZDC disks several miRNAs whose expression was modified. We collected mRNAs after 24 hours of cell culturing to better understand molecular events related to early bone healing around inserted implants. An mRNA microarray technique was then performed as a control.

Results: There were six up‐ and four down‐regulated miRNAs. Because every miRNA regulates hundreds of genes, we focused only on those related to bone formation. Among them, the most notable are BMP4 and 7, which are both up‐regulated in osteoblasts cultured on Ti disks.

Conclusion: The detected miRNAs differentially expressed in osteoblast‐like cells grown on ZDC versus Ti act on a limited number of miRNAs and bone‐related genes. The most notable are BMP4 and 7, which are more expressed in osteoblasts exposed to Ti surface. Consequently, we suggest that Ti surfaces could provide some advantages to immediate load implantology.
Marginal Adaptation of All‐Ceramic Crowns on Implant Abutments
Authors: Att Wael , Hoischen Tomas , Gerds Thomas , Strub Jörg Rudolf
Published: January 2008

Background: Studies focusing on the marginal accuracy of all‐ceramic crowns on implant abutments are in short supply.

Purpose: This study evaluated the marginal accuracy of all‐ceramic crowns on different implant abutments.

Materials and Methods: Ninety‐six standardized maxillary central incisor crowns (48 alumina and 48 zirconia) were fabricated for each of the six test groups (n = 16) (Ti1, titanium abutments–alumina crowns; Ti2, titanium abutments–zirconia crowns; Al1, alumina abutments–alumina crowns; Al2, alumina abutments–zirconia crowns; Zr1, zirconia abutments–alumina crowns; Zr2, zirconia abutments–zirconia crowns). The crowns were adhesively luted using a resin luting agent. The marginal gaps were examined on epoxy replicas before and after luting as well as after masticatory simulation at 200× magnification.

Results: The geometrical mean (95% confidence limits) marginal gap values before cementation, after cementation, and after masticatory simulation were group Ti1: 39(37–42), 57(53–62), and 49(46–53); group Ti2: 43(40–47), 71(67–76), and 64(59–69); group Al1: 57(54–61), 87(85–90), and 67(65–69); group Al2: 66(63–69), 96(90–101), and 75(72–78); group Zr1: 54(51–57), 79(76–82), and 65(63–67); and group Zr2: 64(60–68), 85(80–91), and 75(70–81). The comparison between non‐cemented and cemented stages in each group demonstrated a significant increase in the marginal gap values after cementation in all groups (p < .001), while the comparison between cemented and aged stages in each group showed a significant decrease in the marginal gap values in groups Al1, Al2, and Zr1 (p < .0001). This reduction was not significant for groups Ti1, Ti2, and Zr2 (p > .05).

Conclusion: The marginal accuracy of all tested restorations meets the requirements for clinical acceptance.
Narrative, Postmodernity and the Problem of ‘Religious Illiteracy’
Authors: Harrison V. S.
Published: January 2008

It is popular nowadays to claim not only that narrative is the most effective way to communicate religious knowledge but also that narrative provides the framework within which religious lifestyles and practices are meaningful. However, many today lack familiarity with the narratives of traditional religions. In other words, they suffer from ‘religious illiteracy’. This article considers the problem of how religion can become meaningful to such people. The view that religion can be divested of its outdated cultural accoutrements and presented in a form that resonates with postmodern secular culture is considered and found to be problematic. If acquiring a religion is like acquiring a culture, or a language, it seems unlikely that a deeper appreciation of a religious tradition will be facilitated by divesting it of its traditional cultural expressions. Moreover, the view that religious lifestyles should be emphasised rather than religious belief seems to be more a symptom of the problem of ‘religious illiteracy’ than a solution to it. The article concludes that both of these responses fail to provide a solution to the problem and that an alternative strategy is urgently required.
‘Perced to the Roote’: Challenges in Teaching Chaucer at UK Universities
Authors: Rayner Samantha
Published: January 2008

This paper attempts to present the challenges facing medievalists in the UK when they are confronted with undergraduates with little or no experience of working with Chaucer and medieval studies. Through exploring the current A and AS level criteria for assessment, and understanding what approaches are being used at secondary level, it is hoped that medievalists will be able to adapt practice to encourage more students to make their field a study area of rewarding choice.
Towards a Taxonomy of Transatlantic Romanticism(s)
Authors: Pace Joel
Published: January 2008

In ‘Transatlanticism Now,’ Laura Stevens suggests that scholars should construct a taxonomy of the field. This article takes its cue from Stevens and classifies existing research as well as outlines categories for future scholarship, based on where knowledge of the field runs threadbare and where there is the most pressing need for scholarly study. Future work on transatlantic romanticism must incorporate more studies of women and people of color as well as interdisciplinary and intra‐disciplinary connections (especially to transnational, transpacific, transoceanic, and postcolonial studies). The article seeks to provide the most complete survey and definition of transatlantic romanticism to date as well as a good starting point for all researching and teaching in the field. Based on a firm belief that further scholarship is needed to define this field, this article is an open call for more work on transatlantic romanticism(s) and the development of existing categories as well as new ones. The following categories are interdependent, not hierarchical; they do not seek to differentiate between, say, British and American Romanticism, but to set up comparatist frameworks that link, rather than separate, transatlantic romanticisms: ‘Imag‐I‐Nations: race, gender, colonialism, notions of national identity and the self’; ‘Circum‐Atlantic sisterhood and brotherhood: Atlantic constructs of femininity and masculinity’; ‘Revolution, Rebellion, and Reform: communities of interpreters and literary history’; ‘Transatlantic Greenery: nature, ecology, and the politics and poetics of preservation and pastoral’; ‘Trans(atlantic) migration of souls: conversations with other wor(l)ds’; ‘Transatlantic romanticisms and science: the physical and the mind’; ‘Emotion and sensibility: transatlantic discourses of sympathy, sentiment, and feeling’; ‘Transatlantic travel writing: the ethnocentric Atlantic and international interventions’; ‘Literary and cultural aesthetics and genres: influence, confluence, and difference’; and ‘Transatlantic Translation: language, diction, linguistics, and stylistics.’
Ferrous Campylobacter jejuni truncated hemoglobin P displays an extremely high reactivity for cyanide – a comparative study
Authors: Bolli Alessandro , Ciaccio Chiara , Coletta Massimo , Nardini Marco , Bolognesi Martino , Pesce Alessandra , Guertin Michel , Visca Paolo , Ascenzi Paolo
Published: January 2008

Campylobacter jejuni hosts two hemoglobins (Hbs). The Camplylobacter jejuni single‐domain Hb (called Cgb) is homologous to the globin domain of flavohemoglobin, and it has been proposed to protect the bacterium against nitrosative stress. The second Hb is called Ctb (hereafter Cj‐trHbP), belongs to truncated Hb group III, and has been hypothesized to be involved in O2 chemistry. Here, the kinetics and thermodynamics of cyanide binding to ferric and ferrous Cj‐trHbP [Cj‐trHbP(III) and Cj‐trHbP(II), respectively] are reported and analyzed in parallel with those of related heme proteins, with particular reference to those from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The affinity of cyanide for Cj‐trHbP(II) is higher than that reported for any known (in)vertebrate globin by more than three orders of magnitude (K = 1.2 × 10−6 m). This can be fully attributed to the highest (ever observed for a ferrous Hb) cyanide‐binding association rate constant (kon = 3.3 × 103 m−1·s−1), even though the binding process displays a rate‐limiting step (kmax = 9.1 s−1). Cj‐trHbP(III) shows a very high affinity for cyanide (L = 5.8 × 10−9 m); however, cyanide association kinetics are independent of cyanide concentration, displaying a rate‐limiting step (lmax = 2.0 × 10−3 s−1). Values of the first‐order rate constant for cyanide dissociation from Cj‐trHbP(II)–cyanide and Cj‐trHbP(III)–cyanide (koff =5.0 × 10−3 s−1 and loff ≥ 1 × 10−4 s−1, respectively) are similar to those reported for (in)vertebrate globins. The very high affinity of cyanide for Cj‐trHbP(II), reminiscent of that of horseradish peroxidase(II), suggests that this globin may participate in cyanide detoxification.
pyr RNA binding to the Bacillus caldolyticus PyrR attenuation protein – characterization and regulation by uridine and guanosine nucleotides
Authors: Jørgensen Casper M. , Fields Christopher J. , Chander Preethi , Watt Desmond , Burgner John W. , Smith Janet L. , Switzer Robert L.
Published: January 2008

The PyrR protein regulates expression of pyrimidine biosynthetic (pyr) genes in many bacteria. PyrR binds to specific sites in the 5′ leader RNA of target operons and favors attenuation of transcription. Filter binding and gel mobility assays were used to characterize the binding of PyrR from Bacillus caldolyticus to RNA sequences (binding loops) from the three attenuation regions of the B. caldolyticus pyr operon. Binding of PyrR to the three binding loops and modulation of RNA binding by nucleotides was similar for all three RNAs. The apparent dissociation constants at 0 °C were in the range 0.13–0.87 nm in the absence of effectors; dissociation constants were decreased by three‐ to 12‐fold by uridine nucleotides and increased by 40‐ to 200‐fold by guanosine nucleotides. The binding data suggest that pyr operon expression is regulated by the ratio of intracellular uridine nucleotides to guanosine nucleotides; the effects of nucleoside addition to the growth medium on aspartate transcarbamylase (pyrB) levels in B. subtilis cells in vivo supported this conclusion. Analytical ultracentrifugation established that RNA binds to dimeric PyrR, even though the tetrameric form of unbound PyrR predominates in solution at the concentrations studied.
Functional studies of crustacean hyperglycemic hormones (CHHs) of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus – the expression and release of CHH in eyestalk and pericardial organ in response to environmental stress
Authors: Chung J. Sook , Zmora N.
Published: January 2008

The rapid increase in the number of putative cDNA sequences encoding crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) family in various tissues [either from the eyestalk (ES) or elsewhere] underscores a need to identify the corresponding neuropeptides in relevant tissues. Moreover, the presence of provided structural CHH implies the level of the complexity of physiological regulation in crustaceans. Much less is known of the functions of non‐ES CHH than of those of its counterpart present in ESs. In the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, we know little of CHH involvement in response to the stressful conditions that naturally occur in Chesapeake Bay. We have identified two isoforms of CHH neuropeptide in the sinus gland of the ES and isolated a full‐length cDNA encoding CHH from the pericardial organ (PO). The functions of ES‐CHH and PO‐CHH in this species were studied with regard to expression and release in response to stressful episodes: hypoxia, emersion, and temperatures. Animals exposed to hypoxic conditions responded with concomitant release of both CHHs. In contrast, the mRNA transcripts encoding two CHHs were differentially regulated: PO‐CHH increased, whereas ES‐CHH decreased. This result suggests a possible differential regulation of transcription of these CHHs.
A pre‐docking role for microtubules in insulin‐stimulated glucose transporter 4 translocation
Authors: Chen Yu , Wang Yan , Ji Wei , Xu Pingyong , Xu Tao
Published: January 2008

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake by inducing translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) from intracellular resides to the plasma membrane. How GLUT4 storage vesicles are translocated from the cellular interior to the plasma membrane remains to be elucidated. In the present study, intracellular transport of GLUT4 storage vesicles and the kinetics of their docking at the plasma membrane were comprehensively investigated at single vesicle level in control and microtubule‐disrupted 3T3‐L1 adipocytes by time‐lapse total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. It is demonstrated that microtubule disruption substantially inhibited insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Detailed analysis reveals that microtubule disruption blocked the recruitment of GLUT4 storage vesicles to underneath the plasma membrane and abolished the docking of them at the plasma membrane. These data suggest that transport of GLUT4 storage vesicles to the plasma membrane takes place along microtubules and that this transport is obligatory for insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation.
l‐Galactono‐γ‐lactone dehydrogenase from Arabidopsis thaliana, a flavoprotein involved in vitamin C biosynthesis
Authors: Leferink Nicole G. H. , van den Berg Willy A. M. , van Berkel Willem J. H.
Published: January 2008

l‐Galactono‐1,4‐lactone dehydrogenase (GALDH; ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase; EC 1.3.2.3) is a mitochondrial flavoenzyme that catalyzes the final step in the biosynthesis of vitamin C (l‐ascorbic acid) in plants. In the present study, we report on the biochemical properties of recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana GALDH (AtGALDH). AtGALDH oxidizes, in addition to l‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone (Km = 0.17 mm, kcat = 134 s−1), l‐gulono‐1,4‐lactone (Km = 13.1 mm, kcat = 4.0 s−1) using cytochrome c as an electron acceptor. Aerobic reduction of AtGALDH with the lactone substrate generates the flavin hydroquinone. The two‐electron reduced enzyme reacts poorly with molecular oxygen (kox = 6 × 102 m−1·s−1). Unlike most flavoprotein dehydrogenases, AtGALDH forms a flavin N5 sulfite adduct. Anaerobic photoreduction involves the transient stabilization of the anionic flavin semiquinone. Most aldonolactone oxidoreductases contain a histidyl‐FAD as a covalently bound prosthetic group. AtGALDH lacks the histidine involved in covalent FAD binding, but contains a leucine instead (Leu56). Leu56 replacements did not result in covalent flavinylation but revealed the importance of Leu56 for both FAD‐binding and catalysis. The Leu56 variants showed remarkable differences in Michaelis constants for both l‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone and l‐gulono‐1,4‐lactone and released their FAD cofactor more easily than wild‐type AtGALDH. The present study provides the first biochemical characterization of AtGALDH and some active site variants. The role of GALDH and the possible involvement of other aldonolactone oxidoreductases in the biosynthesis of vitamin C in A. thaliana are also discussed.
Acetylcholinesterase and apoptosis
Authors: Jiang Hua , Zhang Xue‐Jun
Published: January 2008

Acetylcholinesterase is indispensable for terminating acetylcholine‐mediated neurotransmission at cholinergic synapses. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that acetylcholinesterase contributes to various physiological processes through its involvement in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. The effects of acetylcholinesterase depend on the cell type and cell‐differentiation state, the modulation of expression levels, cellular distribution and binding with its protein partners. This minireview highlights recent progress that has advanced our understanding of the role of acetylcholinesterase in the process of cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Acetylcholinesterase in cell adhesion, neurite growth and network formation
Authors: Paraoanu Laura E. , Layer Paul G.
Published: January 2008

The expression of acetylcholinesterase is not restricted to cholinergically innervated tissues and relates to both neurotransmission and multiple biological aspects, including neural development, stress response and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, theclassicalfunction of acetylcholinesterase has to be distinguished from itsnon‐classical, e.g. enzymatic from non‐enzymatic, functions. Here, the roles of acetylcholinesterase in cell adhesion, promoting neurite outgrowth and neural network formation are reviewed briefly, together with potential mechanisms to support these functions. Part of these functions may depend on the structural properties of acetylcholinesterase, for example, protein–protein interactions. Recent findings have revealed that laminin‐1 is an interaction partner for acetylcholinesterase. The binding of acetylcholinesterase to this extracellular matrix component may allow cell‐to‐cell recognition, and also cell signalling via membrane receptors. Studies using monolayer and 3D spheroid retinal cultures, as well as the acetylcholinesterase‐knockout mouse, have been instrumental in elaborating the non‐classical functions of acetylcholinesterase.
Characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis nicotinamidase/pyrazinamidase
Authors: Zhang Hua , Deng Jiao‐Yu , Bi Li‐Jun , Zhou Ya‐Feng , Zhang Zhi‐Ping , Zhang Cheng‐Gang , Zhang Ying , Zhang Xian‐En
Published: January 2008

The nicotinamidase/pyrazinamidase (PncA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is involved in the activation of the important front‐line antituberculosis drug pyrazinamide by converting it into the active form, pyrazinoic acid. Mutations in the pncA gene cause pyrazinamide resistance in M. tuberculosis. The properties of M. tuberculosis PncA were characterized in this study. The enzyme was found to be a 20.89 kDa monomeric protein. The optimal pH and temperature of enzymatic activity were pH 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively. Inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry revealed that the enzyme was an Mn2+/Fe2+‐containing protein with a molar ratio of [Mn2+] to [Fe2+] of 1 : 1; furthermore, the external addition of either type of metal ion had no apparent effect on the wild‐type enzymatic activity. The activity of the purified enzyme was determined by HPLC, and it was shown that it possessed similar pyrazinamidase and nicotinamidase activity, by contrast with previous reports. Nine PncA mutants were generated by site‐directed mutagenesis. Determination of the enzymatic activity and metal ion content suggested that Asp8, Lys96 and Cys138 were key residues for catalysis, and Asp49, His51, His57 and His71 were essential for metal ion binding. Our data show that M. tuberculosis PncA may bind metal ions in a manner different from that observed in the case of Pyrococcus horikoshii PncA.
The relative contribution of mannose salvage pathways to glycosylation in PMI‐deficient mouse embryonic fibroblast cells
Authors: Fujita Naonobu , Tamura Ayako , Higashidani Aya , Tonozuka Takashi , Freeze Hudson H. , Nishikawa Atsushi
Published: January 2008

Mannose for mammalian glycan biosynthesis can be imported directly from the medium, derived from glucose or salvaged from endogenous or external glycans. All pathways must generate mannose 6‐phosphate, the activated form of mannose. Imported or salvaged mannose is directly phosphorylated by hexokinase, whereas fructose 6‐phosphate from glucose is converted to mannose 6‐phosphate by phosphomannose isomerase (PMI). Normally, PMI provides the majority of mannose for glycan synthesis. To assess the contribution of PMI‐independent pathways, we used PMI‐null fibroblasts to study N‐glycosylation of DNase I, a highly sensitive indicator protein. In PMI‐null cells, imported mannose and salvaged mannose make a significant contribution to N‐glycosylation. When these cells were grown in mannose‐free medium along with the mannosidase inhibitor, swainsonine, to block the salvage pathways, N‐glycosylation of DNase I was almost completely eliminated. Adding ∼13 μm mannose to the medium completely restored normal glycosylation. Treatment with bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of lysosomal acidification, also markedly reduced N‐glycosylation of DNase I, but in this case only 8 μm mannose was required to restore full glycosylation, indicating that a nonlysosomal source of mannose made a significant contribution. Glycosylation levels were greatly also reduced in glycoconjugate‐free medium, when endosomal membrane trafficking was blocked by expression of a mutant SKD1. From these data, we conclude that PMI‐null cells can salvage mannose from both endogenous and external glycoconjugates via lysosomal and nonlysosomal degradation pathways.
Purification and functional characterization of human 11β hydroxylase expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zöllner Andy , Kagawa Norio , Waterman Michael R. , Nonaka Yasuki , Takio Koji , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Hannemann Frank , Bernhardt Rita
Published: January 2008

The human 11β‐hydroxylase (hCYP11B1) is responsible for the conversion of 11‐deoxycortisol into the major mammalian glucocorticoid, cortisol. The reduction equivalents needed for this reaction are provided via a short electron transfer chain consisting of a [2Fe‐2S] ferredoxin and a FAD‐containing reductase. On the biochemical and biophysical level, little is known about hCYP11B1 because it is very unstable for analyses performed in vitro. This instability is also the reason why it has not been possible to stably express it so far in Escherichia coli and subsequently purify it. In the present study, we report on the successful and reproducible purification of recombinant hCYP11B1 coexpressed with molecular chaperones GroES/GroEL in E. coli. The protein was highly purified to apparent homogeneity, as observed by SDS/PAGE. Upon mass spectrometry, the mass‐to‐charge ratio (m/z) of the protein was estimated to be 55 761, which is consistent with the value 55 760.76 calculated for the form lacking the translational initiator Met. The functionality of hCYP11B1 was analyzed using different methods (substrate conversion assays, stopped‐flow, Biacore). The results clearly demonstrate that the enzyme is capable of hydroxylating its substrates at position 11‐beta. Moreover, the determined NADPH coupling percentage for the hCYP11B1 catalyzed reactions using either 11‐deoxycortisol or 11‐deoxycorticosterone as substrates was approximately 75% in both cases. Biacore and stopped‐flow measurements indicate that hCYP11B1 possesses more than one binding site for its redox partner adrenodoxin, possibly resulting in the formation of more than one productive complexes. In addition, we performed CD measurements to obtain information about the structure of hCYP11B1.
How fast is the focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination learning curve?
Authors: Ma O John , Gaddis Gary , Norvell Jeffrey G , Subramanian Srikala
Published: January 2008

Objective:  Although accuracy for focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examination interpretation has been widely reported, the learning curve for FAST interpretation by emergency medicine (EM) residents who are novice to ultrasound has not been well described. The present study's objective was to analyse EM resident FAST interpretation accuracy over 18 months.

Methods:  Prospective comparison of EM resident FAST interpretation accuracy for a class of nine EM residents at baseline after initial training, and then every 6 months over 18 months. Accuracy was scored after viewing the same 20 video clip images of the four anatomic views for five FAST examination cases. Three video clips had large anechoic stripe (AS) (>6 mm), four had moderate AS (6 mm ≥ AS ≥ 3 mm), two had small AS (<3 mm), and eleven had no AS (AS = 0 mm). A surgeon with 20 years of ultrasound experience confirmed the video clip interpretations. Data analysis used descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:  For no AS views, EM resident accuracy was 79.8% (70.3–86.9%) baseline, 91.9% (84.2–96.2%) at 12 months, and 92.9% (85.5–96.9%) at 18 months. For small AS views, resident accuracy was 27.8% (10.7–53.6%) baseline, 66.7% (41.2–85.7%) at 12 months, and 72.2% (46.4–89.3%) at 18 months. For large AS views, resident accuracy was 77.8% (57.3–90.6%) baseline, 86.1% (69.7–94.8%) at 12 months, and 100.0% (84.5–100%) at 18 months.

Conclusion: Over 18 months, EM resident FAST interpretation accuracy steadily increased. By 12 months (or 35 examinations), the accuracy of EM residents novice to ultrasound approximated previously reported accuracy rates.
Electronic interface for emergency department management of asthma: A randomized control trial of clinician performance
Authors: Taylor Ben , Dinh Michael , Kwok Raymond , Dinh David , Chu Matthew , Tang Eric
Published: January 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated and dynamic electronic decision support system for management of acute asthma in the ED.

Methods:  A randomized trial was conducted comparing clinician performance using this electronic interface compared with paper documentation in a simulation scenario. The outcomes were documentation of asthma‐related information and consultation times.

Results:  Use of this electronic interface was associated with significantly higher rates of documentation in 7 out of 10 variables, including provision of written short‐term asthma management plans. After adjustment for participant seniority, there was no significant difference in consultation times.

Conclusion:  In a simulation trial, use of this electronic interface was associated with improvements in clinical and discharge documentation. Further studies are required to test this prototype in clinical practice.
Emergency department staff and susceptibility to pertussis: A seroprevalence study
Authors: Faruque M Omar , Senanayake Sanjaya , Meyer Alastair D McR , Dear Keith BG
Published: January 2008

Objective:  To determine the proportion of ED staff who are susceptible to pertussis. There was evidence that some winter leave in southern Tasmania might be a reason of pertussis infection among unimmunized staff. This results in loss of individual earning and loss of availability of staff during the peak demand periods in the ED. There is evidence in the literature that underdiagnosis and undertreatment of pertussis occurs worldwide.

Methods:  All ED staff were approached to participate in this seroprevalence study. A self‐completed questionnaire was used to record pervious immunization history for pertussis. Blood samples were collected and analysed to detect and quantify immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A titres for pertussis. All confidence intervals (CI) are at 95%.

Settings:  The Royal Hobart Hospital and the co‐located Hobart Private Hospital.

Results:  Ninety‐seven of 106 eligible staff took part in the present study, a participation rate of 92% (CI 84–96). Ninety‐one of 97 subjects (94%, CI 87–98) believed that they had been immunized for pertussis in childhood; six subjects had either not been immunized or were unsure (6%, CI 2–13). Twenty‐three subjects (24%, CI 16–33) had been immunized as adults. There was serologic evidence of recent infection for 21 participants (22%, CI 14–31). Thirty‐one participants (32%, CI 23–42) were susceptible to pertussis on the basis of low immunoglobulin G titres.

Conclusion:  ED staff should routinely be offered booster immunization for pertussis.
Diagnosis at dusk: Malignant hypertension and phaeochromocytoma in a 6‐year‐old girl
Authors: Corcoran John , Bird Chris , Side Lucy , Lakhoo Kokila , Ryan Fiona
Published: January 2008

Phaeochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine‐secreting tumour that may arise at any age, but is particularly unusual in childhood. The case of a 6‐year‐old girl who presented with a prolonged history of general malaise, headaches and abdominal pain is reported. On examination, she was noted to have malignant hypertension. Subsequent imaging of the abdomen demonstrated a left adrenal mass, with the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma being confirmed by serial raised urinary metanephrines. Sympathetic blockade was established prior to definitive surgical treatment, resulting in complete resolution of the patient's symptoms and hypertension. Genetic screening of the family has since identified a previously undocumented missense mutation in the patient's VHL gene. The case raises the importance of routine measurement of blood pressure in all paediatric patients regardless of age, presentation or other factors.
On competitive equitable paths under exhaustible resource constraints: The case of a growing population
Authors: Mitra Tapan
Published: January 2008

The paper examines the nature of competitive paths in an exhaustible resource model, which allows for a growing population. For competitive paths that are equitable in the sense that the per capita consumption level is constant over time, the implicit investment rule is derived. This is seen to be a generalization of Hartwick's rule, obtained in the case of a stationary population. It is also shown that the existence of a competitive equitable path implies that a population can experience at most quasi‐arithmetic growth.
Aggregate demand and supply
Authors: Farmer Roger E. A.
Published: January 2008

This paper is part of a broader project that provides a microfoundation to the General Theory of J. M. Keynes. I call this project “old Keynesian economics” to distinguish it from new‐Keynesian economics, a theory that is based on the idea that to make sense of Keynes we must assume that prices are sticky. I describe a multi‐good model in which I interpret the definitions of aggregate demand and supply found in the General Theory through the lens of a search theory of the labor market. I argue that Keynes' aggregate supply curve can be interpreted as the aggregate of a set of first‐order conditions for the optimal choice of labor and, using this interpretation, I reintroduce a diagram that was central to the textbook teaching of Keynesian economics in the immediate post‐war period.
Advances on Stackelberg open‐loop and feedback strategies
Authors: Shimomura Koji , Xie Danyang
Published: January 2008

In this paper, we study a familiar type of dynamic games called “common‐property resource games” to establish the following results. First, the Stackelberg equilibrium may not exist in some cases, with open‐loop strategies as well as with feedback strategies. Second, an explicit example is given to show that under feedback strategies, the best linear strategy on the part of the leader is inferior to a nonlinear strategy so that it is dangerous to confine our search to the Stackelberg equilibrium in the space of linear functions. Most importantly, we establish an “Implementation Lemma”, which allows us to develop one methodology to obtain the Stackelberg equilibrium with feedback strategies when the equilibrium is assumed to exist.
Seromucosal Transport of Intravenously Administered Carbamazepine Is Not Enhanced by Oral Doses of Activated Charcoal in Rats
Authors: Eyer Florian , Jung Nicole , Neuberger Heidi , Witte Andreas , Poethko Thorsten , Henke Julia , Zilker Thomas
Published: January 2008

Abstract:   The fate of carbamazepine after intravenous injection in rats (n = 24) and the influence of activated charcoal on the kinetics was investigated. After randomization to four groups (n = 6, each), plasma concentration and the quantities of carbamazepine and metabolites excreted into bile, urine and intestine were determined using an in situ perfusion model of the small intestine (Ringer's solution) with or without orally administered activated charcoal (AC+; AC–) and with or without bile duct cannulation (BD+; BD–). The cumulative amount of carbamazepine and metabolites exsorbed into the small intestine within 3.5 hr after intravenous injection was about 15% in BD– animals and about 3% in BD+ animals. About 20% of the dose was detected in the externalized bile. Activated charcoal did not influence the amount exsorbed into the small intestine. Terminal half‐life in plasma ranged from 159 min. to 194 min. within the four treatment groups without statistical significant difference (P = 0.751). Correspondingly, the area under the curve did not vary significantly and ranged between 1.13 and 1.41 g/min./l (P = 0.378). Excretion of carbamazepine and metabolites into urine varied between 3% and 6% of dose within all groups and showed close correlation with diuresis. In an identical experimental approach using a 2‐fold intestinal perfusion rate (50 ml/hr; n = 8), no fundamental changes compared to the main experiment regarding pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine were observed. The lack of effect of activated charcoal on the elimination of carbamazepine and metabolites must be contributed to the small amount of the drug being exsorbed into the intestine and may be further influenced by reduced intestinal permeability of carbamazepine and metabolites or inadequate luminal stirring.
Chronically Administered Risperidone Did Not Change the Number of Hepatocytes in Rats: A Stereological and Histopathological Study
Authors: Halici Zekai , Keles Osman Nuri , Unal Deniz , Albayrak Mevlut , Suleyman Halis , Cadirci Elif , Unal Bunyami , Kaplan Suleyman
Published: January 2008

Abstract : Risperidone, an antipsychotic agent, has been used in the therapy of patients with acute and chronic schizophrenia. The strategy in the choice of antipsychotic agent should take into account the hepatic tolerance. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether or not the chronic administration of risperidone has a toxic effect on rat livers. Rats were divided into three groups. Low dose (n = 5) and high dose (n = 5) groups that were given 0.5 and 1 mg/kg intraperitoneal doses of risperidone daily for 6 weeks, respectively. The control group received distilled water as a vehicle. At the end of the experiment, the rats were killed, and livers were dissected out immediately and transferred into the fixation solution. Both conventional light and transmission electron microscopic tissue preparation procedures were applied to liver tissues and they were evaluated using stereological and histopathological methods; in this respect, this is the first study using stereological methods for searching the effects of risperidone on liver. There were no significant differences about the total hepatocyte number and their numerical density of rat liver between groups (P > 0.05). Stereological results were also confirmed by the histopathological findings that come from both structural and ultrastructural levels examination. The results of the current study indicate that neither low nor high doses of risperidone resulted in damage to the rat livers at cellular level. In conclusion, we did not find any evidence for hepatotoxicity of risperidone rats. Larger‐scale, prospective studies are needed in order to confirm these findings.
Genotoxicity of Tryptophol in a Battery of Short‐Term Assays on Human White Blood Cells in vitro
Authors: Kosalec Ivan , Šafranić Amalija , Pepeljnjak Stjepan , Bačun‐Družina Višnja , Ramić Snježana , Kopjar Nevenka
Published: January 2008

Abstract:   The genotoxic effects of tryptophol (indole‐3‐ethanol), an aromatic alcohol and known secondary metabolite of the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans and other Candida spp., were studied using a battery of short‐term assays on human white blood cells in vitro. The concentration range of tryptophol tested was 0.25 mM to 2.00 mM. Lymphocyte viability and induction of apoptosis/necrosis were studied by simultaneous use of a fluorescent assay with ethidium bromide and acridine orange. Levels of primary DNA damage and dynamics of DNA repair were evaluated using the alkaline comet assay while the levels and nature of residual DNA damage were assessed by the analysis of structural chromosome aberrations, the sister chromatid exchange test and the cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay. The results obtained suggest cytotoxic, cytostatic and genotoxic effects of the tryptophol treatment in vitro that were mainly dose‐dependent. The type and the extent of DNA lesions detected in tryptophol‐treated samples indicate the possibility that observed damage is mediated by highly reactive aldehyde metabolite and/or free radicals produced by treatment. The results show that mortality of lymphocytes in tryptophol‐treated samples was primarily caused by apoptosis. The generation of additional DNA strand breaks and cytogenetic consequences (chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges and micronuclei), as observed in this study, sustain the possibility that tryptophol toxicity is mediated by the formation of DNA cross‐links and aldehyde‐protein adducts. In conclusion, this preliminary study elucidates only a part of tryptophol toxicity to human cells. Because current evidence is not sufficient to obtain information relevant for human risk assessment, further in vitro and in vivo studies are essential in order to clarify remaining issues, especially to elucidate the exact mechanisms and nature of the damage produced following treatment as well to estimate possible interindividual variability in genotoxic responses to the chemical.
Response to selection for grain yield and correlated response for grain size and earliness in cowpea based on early generation testing
Authors: Padi F.K.
Published: January 2008

Large grain size and earliness to flowering are traits critical to cowpea adoption in the West African savannahs. This study reports on the correlated response to selection in these two traits in the two populations in which selections were made primarily for grain yield potential. Further, the present study reports on the effectiveness of early generation selection for grain yield. Each of the two populations, SARC 2 and SARC 3, was derived from a cross between an adapted parent Marfo‐Tuya and an exotic breeding line that has large grain size and early flowering. Replicated yield evaluation of F5 families showed that grain yield of Marfo‐Tuya was not different from those of the highest yielding families in each population. Increases in grain size of individual families over Marfo‐Tuya were large and, the response to selection averaged 5.3 and 3.9 g/100 seeds in the SARC 2 and SARC 3 populations, respectively. Response to selection in days to flowering averaged 3 days in SARC 3, whereas response to selection was not observed in SARC 2. Retrospective selection in the F3 at 40% intensity was efficient in identifying a high proportion of elite families in each population.
Erosion and Nutrient Loss on Sloping Land under Intense Cultivation in Southern Vietnam
Authors: VAN DE NGUYEN , DOUGLAS IAN , MCMORROW JULIA , LINDLEY SARAH , THUY BINH DAO KIM NGUYEN , VAN TRAN THI , THANH LE HUU , THO NGUYEN
Published: January 2008

To help improve the well‐being of the local people, a joint Vietnamese‐UK team set out to establish a way of estimating soil and nutrient losses under different land management scenarios, using field data extrapolated through remote sensing and GIS, to obtain catchment‐wide estimates of the impact of land cover change. Immigration from remote provinces to the Dong Phu District of Binh Phuóc Province, about 120 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, has led to disruption of soil surface stability on easily eroded clayey sandstones, creating rapid nutrient depletion that affects crop yields and siltation in the channel of the Rach Rat river downstream. The poor farmers of the areas see crop yields drop dramatically after two or three years of cultivation due to the fertility decline. Soil loss varies dramatically between wet season and dry season and with ground cover. Erosion bridge measurements showed a mean loss of 85.2 t ha−1 y−1 under cassava saplings with cashew nuts, 43.3 t ha−1 y−1 on uncultivated land and 41.7 t ha−1 y−1 under mature cassava. The rates of erosion were higher than those reported in many other parts of Vietnam, reflecting the high erodibility of the friable sandy soils on the steep side‐slopes of the Rach Rat catchment. However, although the actual measurements provide better soil loss data than estimates based on the parameters of soil loss equations, a large number of measurement sites is needed to provide adequate coverage of the crop and slope combinations in this dissected terrain for good prediction using GIS and remote sensing.