bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compression of the perovskite-related mineral bernalite Fe(OH)3 to 9 GPa and a reappraisal of its structure
Authors: Welch M. D. , Crichton W. A. , Ross N. L.
Published: July 2005

The octahedral-framework mineral bernalite, Fe(OH)3, provides a rare opportunity to examine directly the effects of a vacant A site upon the physical properties of perovskite-like structures. Here, we report the effect upon compressibility. Bernalite has been reported previously as having space group Immm (Birch et al., 1993), but numerous reflections violating I-centering were observed in the present study. A case is presented for bernalite having orthorhombic space group Pmmn. Lattice parameters were refined using the Le Bail method for a metrically tetragonal cell and their variation with pressure at room temperature was determined from 17 measurements at pressures from 10–4 to 9.3 GPa using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. No discontinuities in the compression curves of lattice parameters were observed. Fitting to a second-order Birch-Murnaghan equation-of-state (KT0' = 4) gives V0 = 438.51±0.06 Å3 and KT0 = 78.2±0.4 GPa. Second-order fits of (a/a0)3 and (c/c0)3 give elastic moduli KT0a = 82.0(6) GPa and KT0c = 71.6(4) GPa: the shorter cation–cation distance is the more compressible. These values are very close to those of stottite, FeGe(OH)6, which has tilt system a+a+c–. The difference in the elastic moduli KT0a and KT0c of bernalite and their close similarity to the stottite values support the revised Pmmn structure (tilt system a+b+c–) for bernalite proposed here. The compressional anisotropy observed in bernalite may reflect its highly anisotropic and directional H-bonding topology.
Vitamin A deficiency alters the pulmonary parenchymal elastic modulus and elastic fiber concentration in rats
Authors: McGowan Stephen E , Takle Erika J , Holmes Amey J
Published: July 2005

Background

Bronchial hyperreactivity is influenced by properties of the conducting airways and the surrounding pulmonary parenchyma, which is tethered to the conducting airways. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is associated with an increase in airway hyperreactivity in rats and a decrease in the volume density of alveoli and alveolar ducts. To better define the effects of VAD on the mechanical properties of the pulmonary parenchyma, we have studied the elastic modulus, elastic fibers and elastin gene-expression in rats with VAD, which were supplemented with retinoic acid (RA) or remained unsupplemented.

Methods

Parenchymal mechanics were assessed before and after the administration of carbamylcholine (CCh) by determining the bulk and shear moduli of lungs that that had been removed from rats which were vitamin A deficient or received a control diet. Elastin mRNA and insoluble elastin were quantified and elastic fibers were enumerated using morphometric methods. Additional morphometric studies were performed to assess airway contraction and alveolar distortion.

Results

VAD produced an approximately 2-fold augmentation in the CCh-mediated increase of the bulk modulus and a significant dampening of the increase in shear modulus after CCh, compared to vitamin A sufficient (VAS) rats. RA-supplementation for up to 21 days did not reverse the effects of VAD on the elastic modulus. VAD was also associated with a decrease in the concentration of parenchymal elastic fibers, which was restored and was accompanied by an increase in tropoelastin mRNA after 12 days of RA-treatment. Lung elastin, which was resistant to 0.1 N NaOH at 98°, decreased in VAD and was not restored after 21 days of RA-treatment.

Conclusion

Alterations in parenchymal mechanics and structure contribute to bronchial hyperreactivity in VAD but they are not reversed by RA-treatment, in contrast to the VAD-related alterations in the airways.
Serum biomarkers in interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Tzouvelekis Argyris , Kouliatsis George , Anevlavis Stavros , Bouros Demosthenes
Published: July 2005

The use of biomarkers in medicine lies in their ability to detect disease and support diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. New research and novel understanding of the molecular basis of the disease reveals an abundance of exciting new biomarkers who present a promise for use in the everyday clinical practice. The past fifteen years have seen the emergence of numerous clinical applications of several new molecules as biologic markers in the research field relevant to interstitial lung diseases (translational research). The scope of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge about serum biomarkers in interstitial lung diseases and their potential value as prognostic and diagnostic tools and present some of the future perspectives and challenges.
Exhaled 8-isoprostane in childhood asthma
Authors: Shahid Sukhbir K , Kharitonov Sergei A , Wilson Nicola M , Bush Andrew , Barnes Peter J
Published: July 2005

Background

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a non-invasive method to assess airway inflammation and oxidative stress and may be useful in the assessment of childhood asthma.

Methods

Exhaled 8-isoprostane, a stable marker of oxidative stress, was measured in EBC, in children (5–17 years) with asthma (13 steroid-naïve and 12 inhaled steroid-treated) and 11 healthy control.

Results

Mean exhaled 8-isoprostane concentration was significantly elevated in steroid-naïve asthmatic children compared to healthy children 9.3 (SEM 1.7) vs. 3.8 (0.6) pg/ml, p < 0.01. Children on inhaled steroids also had significantly higher 8-isoprostane levels than those of normal subjects 6.7 (0.7) vs. 3.8 (0.6) pg/ml, p < 0.01. Steroid-naïve asthmatics had higher exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) than those of controls 28.5 (4.7) vs. 12.6 (1.5) ppb, p < 0.01. eNO in steroid-treated asthmatics was similar to control subjects 27.5(8.8) vs. 12.6(1.5) ppb. Exhaled 8-isoprostane did not correlate with duration of asthma, dose of inhaled steroids or eNO.

Conclusion

We conclude that 8-isoprostane is elevated in asthmatic children, indicating increased oxidative stress, and that this does not appear to be normalized by inhaled steroid therapy. This suggests that 8-isoprostane is a useful non-invasive measurement of oxidative stress in children and that antioxidant therapy may be useful in the future.
Expression profiles of hydrophobic surfactant proteins in children with diffuse chronic lung disease
Authors: Griese Matthias , Schumacher Silja , Tredano Mohammed , Steinecker Manuela , Braun Annika , Guttentag Susan , Beers Michael F , Bahuau Michel
Published: July 2005

Background

Abnormalities of the intracellular metabolism of the hydrophobic surfactant proteins SP-B and SP-C and their precursors may be causally linked to chronic childhood diffuse lung diseases. The profile of these proteins in the alveolar space is unknown in such subjects.

Methods

We analyzed bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by Western blotting for SP-B, SP-C and their proforms in children with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP, n = 15), children with no SP-B (n = 6), children with chronic respiratory distress of unknown cause (cRD, n = 7), in comparison to children without lung disease (n = 15) or chronic obstructive bronchitis (n = 19).

Results

Pro-SP-B of 25–26 kD was commonly abundant in all groups of subjects, suggesting that their presence is not of diagnostic value for processing defects. In contrast, pro-SP-B peptides cleaved off during intracellular processing of SP-B and smaller than 19–21 kD, were exclusively found in PAP and cRD. In 4 of 6 children with no SP-B, mutations of SFTPB or SPTPC genes were found. Pro-SP-C forms were identified at very low frequency. Their presence was clearly, but not exclusively associated with mutations of the SFTPB and SPTPC genes, impeding their usage as candidates for diagnostic screening.

Conclusion

Immuno-analysis of the hydrophobic surfactant proteins and their precursor forms in bronchoalveolar lavage is minimally invasive and can give valuable clues for the involvement of processing abnormalities in pediatric pulmonary disorders.
Inconsistencies over time in 5% of NetAffx probe-to-gene annotations
Authors: Perez-Iratxeta Carolina , Andrade Miguel A
Published: July 2005

Background

DNA microarray probes are designed to match particular mRNA transcripts, often based on expressed sequences like ESTs, or cDNAs, many times incomplete. As a result, the relations between probes and genes can change as the sequence data are updated. However, it is frequent that the reported results of microarray analyses are given just as lists of genes without any reference to the underlying probes.

Results

We show for a particular commercial microarray design that the number of probes associated to some genes change with time. These changes concern approximately 5% of the probe sets across the history of annotation releases over a two year span.

Conclusion

We recommend to report probe set identifiers when publishing microarray results, and to submit those analyses to microarray public databases to ensure that the interpretation of the data is updated with the latest set of annotations.
A computational approach for identifying pathogenicity islands in prokaryotic genomes
Authors: Yoon Sung Ho , Hur Cheol-Goo , Kang Ho-Young , Kim Yeoun Hee , Oh Tae Kwang , Kim Jihyun F
Published: July 2005

Background

Pathogenicity islands (PAIs), distinct genomic segments of pathogens encoding virulence factors, represent a subgroup of genomic islands (GIs) that have been acquired by horizontal gene transfer event. Up to now, computational approaches for identifying PAIs have been focused on the detection of genomic regions which only differ from the rest of the genome in their base composition and codon usage. These approaches often lead to the identification of genomic islands, rather than PAIs.

Results

We present a computational method for detecting potential PAIs in complete prokaryotic genomes by combining sequence similarities and abnormalities in genomic composition. We first collected 207 GenBank accessions containing either part or all of the reported PAI loci. In sequenced genomes, strips of PAI-homologs were defined based on the proximity of the homologs of genes in the same PAI accession. An algorithm reminiscent of sequence-assembly procedure was then devised to merge overlapping or adjacent genomic strips into a large genomic region. Among the defined genomic regions, PAI-like regions were identified by the presence of homolog(s) of virulence genes. Also, GIs were postulated by calculating G+C content anomalies and codon usage bias. Of 148 prokaryotic genomes examined, 23 pathogenic and 6 non-pathogenic bacteria contained 77 candidate PAIs that partly or entirely overlap GIs.

Conclusion

Supporting the validity of our method, included in the list of candidate PAIs were thirty four PAIs previously identified from genome sequencing papers. Furthermore, in some instances, our method was able to detect entire PAIs for those only partial sequences are available. Our method was proven to be an efficient method for demarcating the potential PAIs in our study. Also, the function(s) and origin(s) of a candidate PAI can be inferred by investigating the PAI queries comprising it. Identification and analysis of potential PAIs in prokaryotic genomes will broaden our knowledge on the structure and properties of PAIs and the evolution of bacterial pathogenesis.
PSI-BLAST-ISS: an intermediate sequence search tool for estimation of the position-specific alignment reliability
Authors: Margelevičius Mindaugas , Venclovas Česlovas
Published: July 2005

Background

Protein sequence alignments have become indispensable for virtually any evolutionary, structural or functional study involving proteins. Modern sequence search and comparison methods combined with rapidly increasing sequence data often can reliably match even distantly related proteins that share little sequence similarity. However, even highly significant matches generally may have incorrectly aligned regions. Therefore when exact residue correspondence is used to transfer biological information from one aligned sequence to another, it is critical to know which alignment regions are reliable and which may contain alignment errors.

Results

PSI-BLAST-ISS is a standalone Unix-based tool designed to delineate reliable regions of sequence alignments as well as to suggest potential variants in unreliable regions. The region-specific reliability is assessed by producing multiple sequence alignments in different sequence contexts followed by the analysis of the consistency of alignment variants. The PSI-BLAST-ISS output enables the user to simultaneously analyze alignment reliability between query and multiple homologous sequences. In addition, PSI-BLAST-ISS can be used to detect distantly related homologous proteins. The software is freely available at: http://www.ibt.lt/bioinformatics/iss.

Conclusion

PSI-BLAST-ISS is an effective reliability assessment tool that can be useful in applications such as comparative modelling or analysis of individual sequence regions. It favorably compares with the existing similar software both in the performance and functional features.
Nonparametric tests for differential gene expression and interaction effects in multi-factorial microarray experiments
Authors: Gao Xin , Song Peter XK
Published: July 2005

Background

Numerous nonparametric approaches have been proposed in literature to detect differential gene expression in the setting of two user-defined groups. However, there is a lack of nonparametric procedures to analyze microarray data with multiple factors attributing to the gene expression. Furthermore, incorporating interaction effects in the analysis of microarray data has long been of great interest to biological scientists, little of which has been investigated in the nonparametric framework.

Results

In this paper, we propose a set of nonparametric tests to detect treatment effects, clinical covariate effects, and interaction effects for multifactorial microarray data. When the distribution of expression data is skewed or heavy-tailed, the rank tests are substantially more powerful than the competing parametric F tests. On the other hand, in the case of light or medium-tailed distributions, the rank tests appear to be marginally less powerful than the parametric competitors.

Conclusion

The proposed rank tests enable us to detect differential gene expression and establish interaction effects for microarray data with various non-normally distributed expression measurements across genome. In the presence of outliers, they are advantageous alternative approaches to the existing parametric F tests due to the robustness feature.
Lectin binding profiles of SSEA-4 enriched, pluripotent human embryonic stem cell surfaces
Authors: Venable Alison , Mitalipova Maisam , Lyons Ian , Jones Karen , Shin Soojung , Pierce Michael , Stice Steven
Published: July 2005

Background

Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have the potential to form every cell type in the body. These cells must be appropriately characterized prior to differentiation studies or when defining characteristics of the pluripotent state. Some developmentally regulated cell surface antigens identified by monoclonal antibodies in a variety of species and stem cell types have proven to be side chains of membrane glycolipids and glycoproteins. Therefore, to examine hESC surfaces for other potential pluripotent markers, we used a panel of 14 lectins, which were chosen based on their specificity for a variety of carbohydrates and carbohydrate linkages, along with stage specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4), to determine binding quantitation by flow cytometry and binding localization in adherent colonies by immunocytochemistry.

Results

Enriching cells for SSEA-4 expression increased the percentage of SSEA-4 positive cells to 98–99%. Using enriched high SSEA-4-expressing hESCs, we then analyzed the binding percentages of selected lectins and found a large variation in binding percentages ranging from 4% to 99% binding. Lycopersicon (tomato)esculetum lectin (TL), Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA), and Concanavalin A (Con A) bound to SSEA-4 positive regions of hESCs and with similar binding percentages as SSEA-4. In contrast, we found Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) and Lotus tetragonolobus lectin (LTL) did not bind to hESCs while Phaseolus vulgaris leuco-agglutinin (PHA-L), Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVA), Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA), Phaseolus vulgaris erythro-agglutinin (PHA-E), and Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) bound partially to hESCs. These binding percentages correlated well with immunocytochemistry results.

Conclusion

Our results provide information about types of carbohydrates and carbohydrate linkages found on pluripotent hESC surfaces. We propose that TL, RCA and Con A may be used as markers that are associated with the pluripotent state of hESCs because binding percentages and binding localization of these lectins are similar to those of SSEA-4. Non-binding lectins, DBA and LTL, may identify differentiated cell types; however, we did not find these lectins to bind to pluripotent SSEA-4 positive hESCs. This work represents a fundamental base to systematically classify pluripotent hESCs, and in future studies these lectins may be used to distinguish differentiated hESC types based on glycan presentation that accompanies differentiation.
Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from chronically infected children with cystic fibrosis in India
Authors: Agarwal Gunjan , Kapil Arti , Kabra Susheel Kumar , Das Bimal Kumar , Dwivedi Sada Nand
Published: July 2005

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). With chronicity of infection, the organism resides as a biofilm, shows multi-drug resistance, diversifies its colony morphology and becomes auxotrophic. The patients have been found to be colonized with multiple genotypes. The present work was carried out to characterize P. aeruginosa isolated from children with cystic fibrosis using phenotypic and genotypic methods.

Results

We studied 56 patients with CF attending the Pediatric Chest clinic at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India during August 1998-August 2001. These patients were regularly followed up at the clinic. Out of 56 patients, 27 were culture positive for P. aeruginosa where 8 were chronically infected (Group1) and 19 were intermittently colonized with the organism (Group2). Patients under Group1 had significantly higher rates of hospitalization, death and colonization with different colony morphotypes (p < 0.05). The isolates from Group1 patients were the positive producers of extended spectrum beta lactamase. A total of 5 auxotrophs were recovered from 2 patients where one was chronically infected with P. aeruginosa and the other was a recently enrolled patient. The auxotrophs had the specific requirement for methionine and arginine. Molecular typing revealed 33 ERIC-PCR (E1-E33) and 5 PCR-ribotyping (P1-P5) patterns. By ERIC-PCR, 4 patients were colonized with 2–4 genotypes and the remaining 23 patients were colonized with the single genotype.

Conclusion

With chronicity of infection, P. aeruginosa becomes multidrug resistant, diversifies its colony morphology, acquires mucoidity and shows auxotrophy for amino acids. The chronically infected patients can be colonized with multiple genotypes. Thus in a particular clinical set up, high index of suspicion should be there for diagnosis of CF patients so as to prevent the delay in diagnosis and management of CF patients.
Antenatal screening for Group B Streptococcus: A diagnostic cohort study
Authors: Hiller Janet E , McDonald Helen M , Darbyshire Philip , Crowther Caroline A
Published: July 2005

Background

A range of strategies have been adopted to prevent early onset Group B Streptococcal (EOGBS) sepsis, as a consequence of Group B Streptococcal (GBS) vertically acquired infection. This study was designed to provide a scientific basis for optimum timing and method of GBS screening in an Australian setting, to determine whether screening for GBS infection at 35–37 weeks gestation has better predictive values for colonisation at birth than screening at 31–33 weeks, to examine the test characteristics of a risk factor strategy and to determine the test characteristics of low vaginal swabs alone compared with a combination of perianal plus low vaginal swabs per colonisation during labour.

Methods

Consented women received vaginal and perianal swabs at 31–33 weeks gestation, 35–38 weeks gestation and during labour. Swabs were cultured on layered horse blood agar and inoculated into selective broth prior to analysis. Test characteristics were calculated with exact confidence intervals for a high risk strategy and for antenatal screening at 31–33 and 35–37 weeks gestation for vaginal cultures alone, perianal cultures alone and combined low vaginal and perianal cultures.

Results

The high risk strategy was not informative in predicting GBS status during labour. There is an unequivocal benefit for the identification of women colonised with GBS during labour associated with delaying screening until 36 weeks however the results for method of screening were less definitive with no clear advantage in using a combined low vaginal and perianal swabbing regimen over the use of a low vaginal swab alone.

Conclusion

This study can contribute to the development of prevention strategies in that it provides clear evidence for optimal timing of swabs. The addition of a perianal swab does not confer clear benefit. The quantification of advantages and disadvantages provided in this study will facilitate communication with clinicians and pregnant women alike.
HIF1-alpha overexpression indicates a good prognosis in early stage squamous cell carcinomas of the oral floor
Authors: Fillies Thomas , Werkmeister Richard , van Diest Paul J , Brandt Burkhard , Joos Ulrich , Buerger Horst
Published: July 2005

Background

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor, which plays a central role in biologic processes under hypoxic conditions, especially concerning tumour angiogenesis. HIF-1α is the relevant, oxygen-dependent subunit and its overexpression has been associated with a poor prognosis in a variety of malignant tumours. Therefore, HIF-1α expression in early stage oral carcinomas was evaluated in relation to established clinico-pathological features in order to determine its value as a prognostic marker.

Methods

85 patients with histologically proven surgically treated T1/2 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral floor were eligible for the study. Tumor specimens were investigated by means of tissue micro arrays (TMAs) and immunohistochemistry for the expression of HIF-1. Correlations between clinical features and the expression of HIF-1 were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

HIF-1α was frequently overexpressed in a probably non-hypoxia related fashion. The expression of HIF-1α was related with a significantly improved 5-year survival rate (p < 0.01) and a significantly increased disease free period (p = 0.01) independent from nodal status and tumour size. In primary node negative T1/T2 SCC of the oral floor, absence of HIF-1α expression specified a subgroup of high-risk patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

HIF-1α overexpression is an indicator of favourable prognosis in T1 and T2 SCC of the oral floor. Node negative patients lacking HIF-1α expression may therefore be considered for adjuvant radiotherapy.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome associated with neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report
Authors: Lee Wan-Sik , Koh Yang-Seok , Kim Jung-Chul , Park Chang-Hwan , Joo Young-Eun , Kim Hyun-Soo , Cho Chol-Kyoon , Choi Sung-Kyu , Rew Jong-Sun , Kim Sei-Jong
Published: July 2005

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder with characteristic features of skin and central nervous system involvement. Gastrointestinal involvement is rare, but the risk of malignancy development is considerable. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is caused by gastrin-secreting tumors called gastrinomas. Correct diagnosis is often difficult, and curative treatment can only be achieved surgically.

Case presentation

A 41-year-old female affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 presented with a history of recurrent epigastric soreness, diarrhea, and relapsing chronic duodenal ulcer. Her serum fasting gastrin level was over 1000 pg/mL. An abdominal CT scan revealed a 3 × 2-cm, well-enhanced mass adjacent to the duodenal loop. She was not associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. Operative resection was performed and gastrinoma was diagnosed by immunohistochemical staining. The serum gastrin level decreased to 99.1 pg/mL after surgery, and symptoms and endoscopic findings completely resolved without recurrences.

Conclusion

Gastrinoma is difficult to detect even in the general population, and hence symptoms such as recurrent idiopathic peptic ulcer and diarrhea in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients should be accounted for as possibly contributing to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Risk of cardio-respiratory abnormalities in preterm infants placed in car seats: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ojadi Vallier C , Petrova Anna , Mehta Rajeev , Hegyi Thomas
Published: July 2005

Background

Little is known about the factors that predispose to the occurrence and severity of cardio-respiratory symptoms during the placement of a prematurely born infant in a car seat. The impact of gestational age, weight at discharge and infant's pre-existing cardio-respiratory status (in the supine position) on cardio-respiratory function during pre-discharge testing in a car seat (semi-upright position) has not been investigated.

Methods

The cardio-respiratory function of 42 preterm neonates with gestational age 24 to 35 weeks and discharge weight 1790 to 2570 grams were monitored for 45 minutes before, during, and after placement in a car seat. The occurrence of periodic breathing, apnea, bradycardia, or decreased oxygen saturation (SaO2) was analyzed.

Results

Prior to the car seat testing, 15 (35.7%) infants displayed one or more abnormalities of cardio-respiratory function. During the car seat testing, 25 (59.6%) infants had periodic breathing, 33 (78.2%) had oxygen saturation <90%, 14 (33.3%) had bradycardia less than 80 beats per minute, and 35 (83.3%) had a combination of these symptoms. Infants, both with and without pre-existing cardio-respiratory abnormalities, had an almost equal probability (80% vs. 83.3%) for the development of cardio-respiratory symptoms during placement in the car seat. Weight at discharge ([less than or equal to] 2,000 grams) but not the gestational age (<28 weeks or [greater than or equal to] 28<37 weeks), was associated with either increased episodes of oxygen desaturation or the combination of cardio-respiratory symptoms that were seen during the placement of these infants in the car seat. Repositioning from the car seat to the supine position showed normalization of cardio-respiratory function in the majority (83%) of the tested infants. None of the tested clinical factors were associated with the severity of the cardio-respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion

Pre-discharge testing of the cardio-respiratory function of preterm infants during placement in a car seat is important for the prevention of cardio-respiratory symptoms during their transportation. However, the high risk for developing cardio-respiratory symptoms will require the consideration of an alternative mode of safe home transportation for preterm infants; especially those with a discharge weight less than 2,000 grams.
Severely disabling chronic pain in young adults: prevalence from a population-based postal survey in North Staffordshire
Authors: Mallen Christian , Peat George , Thomas Elaine , Croft Peter
Published: July 2005

Background

Severely disabling chronic pain in the adult population is strongly associated with a range of negative health consequences for individuals and high health care costs, yet its prevalence in young adults is less clear.

Methods

All adults aged 18–25 years old registered with three general practices in North Staffordshire were invited to complete a postal questionnaire containing questions on pain within the last 6 months, pain location and duration. Severity of chronic pain was assessed by the Chronic Pain Grade. Severely disabling chronic pain was defined as pain within the last six months that had lasted for three months or more and was highly disabling-severely limiting (Grade IV).

Results

858 responses from 2,389 were received (adjusted response = 37.0%). The prevalence of any pain within the previous six months was 66.9% (95%CI: 63.7%, 70.1%). Chronic pain was reported by 14.3% (95%CI: 12.0%, 16.8%) of respondents with severely disabling chronic pain affecting 3.0% (95%CI: 2.0%, 4.4%) of this population. Late responders were very similar to early responders in their prevalence of pain. Cross-checking the practice register against the electoral roll suggested register inaccuracies contributed to non-response.

Conclusion

Pain is a common phenomenon encountered by young adults, affecting 66.9% of this study population. Previously observed age-related trends in severely disabling chronic pain in older adults extend to younger adults. Although a small minority of younger adults are affected, they are likely to represent a group with particularly high health care needs. High levels of non-response in the present study means that these estimates should be interpreted cautiously although there was no evidence of non-response bias.
Variation in gene expression patterns in effusions and primary tumors from serous ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Schaner Marci E , Davidson Ben , Skrede Martina , Reich Reuven , Flørenes Vivi Ann , Risberg Björn , Berner Aasmund , Goldberg Iris , Givant-Horwitz Vered , Tropè Claes G , Kristensen Gunnar B , Nesland Jahn M , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise
Published: July 2005

Background

While numerous studies have characterized primary ovarian tumors, little information is available regarding expression patterns of metastatic sites of this cancer. To define sets of genes that distinguish primary and metastatic ovarian tumors, we used cDNA microarrays to characterize global gene expression patterns in 38 effusions (28 peritoneal, 10 pleural) and 8 corresponding primary ovarian tumors, and searched for associations between expression patterns and clinical parameters.

Results

We observed multidimensional variation in expression patterns among the cancers. Coordinate variation in expression of genes from two chromosomal regions, 8q and 19q, was seen in subsets of the cancers indicating possible amplifications in these regions. A set of 112 unique genes of known function was differentially expressed between primary tumors and effusions using supervised analysis. Relatively few differences were seen between effusions isolated from the pleural and peritoneal cavities or between effusions from patients diagnosed with stage III and stage IV cancers. A set of 84 unique genes was identified that distinguished high from lower grade ovarian cancers. The results were corroborated using immunocytochemistry, mRNA in situ hybridization, and immunoblotting.

Conclusion

The extensive variation in expression patterns observed underscores the molecular heterogeneity of ovarian cancer, but suggests a similar molecular profile for ovarian carcinoma cells in serosal cavities.
Methodology and measurement properties of health-related quality of life instruments: A prospective study of patients undergoing breast reduction surgery
Authors: Thoma Achilleas , Sprague Sheila , Veltri Karen , Duku Eric , Furlong William
Published: July 2005

Background

Breast hypertrophy is associated with clinically important morbidity. A prospective study was conducted to assess the change in health-related quality of life (HRQL) following breast reduction mammoplasty. This paper describes the measurement properties of each of the HRQL questionnaires used.

Methods

The reliability, responsiveness, and the construct validity of each HRQL instrument (the Health Utilities Index Mark 2 (HUI2) and Mark 3 (HUI3) and the Breast Reduction Assessment Value and Outcomes (BRAVO) instruments) were assessed. The BRAVO instruments are a set of separate instruments including the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Assessment (MBSRQ-AS), and the Breast Related Symptoms Questionnaire (BRSQ).

Results

The HUI2, the HUI3, the MBSRQ-AS, and the breast severity symptom (BSS) score from the BRSQ all demonstrated good test-retest reliability. The SF-36 physical component summary, the MBSRQ-AS, and the BSS score demonstrated high responsiveness. The SF-36 mental component summary and the HUI3 had a moderate effect size and the HUI2 had a small effect size. All of the changes in scales are correlated in the same direction except for the SF-36 physical component summary and the SF-36 mental component summary.

Conclusion

All four instruments were found to be reliable and responsive. These instruments can be used in similar clinical settings to evaluate the change in patients' HRQL.
Radiation induced osteogenic sarcoma of the maxilla
Authors: Prakash Om , Varghese Bipin T , Mathews Anita , Nayak Nileema , Ramchandran Krishnankutty , Pandey Manoj
Published: July 2005

Background

Radiation induced sarcoma arise as a long term complication of radiation treatment for other benign or malignant conditions. They are of very rare occurrence in jaw bones and are even rarer in maxilla.

Case presentation

Here we report a case of radiation induced sarcoma in a patient treated for squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa with radiation who developed osteosarcoma of maxillary bone after six years. The patient was treated successfully with surgery.

Conclusion

What should be the best treatment of radiation induced sarcoma is still debatable; however, surgery offers the best chance of cure. Role of reradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy needs to be further evaluated.
Evidence that 17alpha-estradiol is biologically active in the uterine tissue: Antiuterotonic and antiuterotrophic action
Authors: Perusquía Mercedes , Navarrete Erika
Published: July 2005

Background

17alpha-Estradiol has been considered as the hormonally inactive isomer of 17beta-estradiol. Recently, nongenomic (smooth muscle relaxation) and genomic (light estrogenic activity) effects of 17alpha-estradiol have been reported, but no reports have yet determined its possible antiestrogenic activity. Therefore, this study investigated: the nongenomic action of 17alpha-estradiol on uterine contractile activity and its potential agonist-antagonist activity on uterine growth.

Methods

Uterine rings from rats were isometrically recorded. Different concentrations (0.2–200 microM) of 17alpha-estradiol were tested on spontaneous contraction and equimolarly compared with 17beta-estradiol. To examine the mechanism of 17alpha-estradiol action, its effect was studied in presence of beta2-antagonist (propranolol), antiestrogens (tamoxifen and ICI 182,780) or inhibitors of protein synthesis (cycloheximide) and transcription (actinomycin D). Moreover, contractions induced by high potassium (KCl) solution or calcium in depolarized tissues by KCl-calcium free solution were exposed to 17alpha-estradiol. Collaterally, we performed an uterotrophic assay in adult ovariectomized rats measuring the uterine wet weight. The administration for three days of 0.3 microM/day/Kg 17beta-estradiol was equimolarly compared with the response produced by 17alpha-estradiol. Antiuterotrophic activity was assayed by administration of 0.3 microM/day/Kg 17beta-estradiol and various doses ratios (1:1, 1:3, 1:5, and 1:100) of 17alpha-estradiol.

Results

The estradiol isomers elicited an immediate relaxation, concentration-dependent and reversible on spontaneous contraction. 17alpha-Estradiol presented lower potency than 17beta-estradiol although it did not antagonize 17beta-estradiol-induced relaxation. Relaxation to 17alpha-estradiol was not inhibited by propranolol, tamoxifen, ICI 182,780, cycloheximide or actinomycin D. The KCl contractions were also sensitive to 17alpha-estradiol-induced relaxation and calcium contractions in depolarized tissues were markedly prevented by 17alpha-estradiol, implying a reduction of extracellular calcium influx through voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs). Uterotrophic assay detected significant increase in uterine weight using 17alpha-estradiol, which was significantly minor as compared with 17beta-estradiol. 17alpha-Estradiol, at all doses ratios, significantly antagonized the hypertrophic response of 17beta-estradiol.

Conclusion

17alpha-Estradiol induces a relaxing effect, which may be independent of the classical estrogen receptor, nongenomic action, apparently mediated by inactivation of VOCCs. 17alpha-Estradiol is also a weak estrogen agonist (uterotrophic response); likewise, 17alpha-estradiol may act as an antiestrogen (antiuterotrophic response). The overall data document a nongenomic relaxing action and a novel antiestrogenic action of 17alpha-estradiol, which are relevant in estrogen-mediated uterine physiology.
Medicines and vaccines for the world's poorest: Is there any prospect for public-private cooperation?
Authors: Scheffler Richard M , Pathania Vikram
Published: July 2005

This paper reviews the current status of the global pharmaceutical industry and its research and development focus in the context of the health care needs of the developing world. It will consider the attempts to improve access to critical drugs and vaccines, and increase the research effort directed at key public health priorities in the developing world. In particular, it will consider prospects for public-private collaboration. The challenges and opportunities in such public-private partnerships will be discussed briefly along with a look at factors that may be key to success. Much of the focus is on HIV/AIDS where the debate on the optimal balance between intellectual property rights (IPR) and human rights to life and health has been very public and emotive.
The protective effect of licofelone on experimental osteoarthritis is correlated with the downregulation of gene expression and protein synthesis of several major cartilage catabolic factors: MMP-13, cathepsin K and aggrecanases
Authors: Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Boileau Christelle , Boily Martin , Brunet Julie , Mineau François , Geng Changshen , Reboul Pascal , Laufer Stefan , Lajeunesse Daniel , Martel-Pelletier Johanne
Published: July 2005

This study sought to evaluate the levels of mRNA expression and protein synthesis of MMP-13, cathepsin K, aggrecanase-1 (ADAMTS-4), aggrecanase-2 (ADAMTS-5) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in cartilage in the experimental anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) dog model of osteoarthritis (OA), and to examine the effects of treatment with licofelone, a 5-lipoxygenase (LOX)/cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, on the levels of these catabolic factors. Sectioning of the ACL of the right knee was performed in three experimental groups: group 1 received no active treatment (placebo group); and groups 2 and 3 received therapeutic concentrations of licofelone (2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg/day orally, respectively) for 8 weeks, beginning the day following surgery. A fourth group consisted of untreated dogs that were used as normal controls. Specimens of cartilage were selected from lesional areas of OA femoral condyles and tibial plateaus, and were processed for real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical analyses. The levels of MMP-13, cathepsin K, ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5 and 5-LOX were found to be significantly increased in OA cartilage. Licofelone treatment decreased the levels of both mRNA expression and protein synthesis of the factors studied. Of note was the marked reduction in the level of 5-LOX gene expression. The effects of the drug were about the same at both tested dosages. In vivo treatment with therapeutic dosages of licofelone has been found to reduce the degradation of OA cartilage in experimental OA. This, coupled with the results of the present study, indicates that the effects of licofelone are mediated by the inhibition of the major cartilage catabolic pathways involved in the destruction of cartilage matrix macromolecules. Moreover, our findings also indicate the possible auto-regulation of 5-LOX gene expression by licofelone in OA cartilage.
Somatosensation, circulation and stance balance in elderly dysvascular transtibial amputees
Authors: Quai Tammie M , Brauer Sandra G , Nitz Jennifer C
Published: July 2005

Objective: To establish the relationship between poor lower limb somatosensory and circulatory status with standing balance, falls history, age and mobility level in dysvascular transtibial amputees (TTAs).

Design: Within-subjects evaluation of somatosensation, circulation and stance balance measures in dysvascular transtibial amputees.

Setting: Physiotherapy department of a tertiary metropolitan hospital in Australia.

Participants: Twenty-two community-dwelling unilateral dysvascular transtibial amputee volunteers, aged between 54 and 86 recruited from a metropolitan hospital outpatient amputee clinic.

Main outcome measures: Lower limb vibration sense, light touch sensation and circulatory status were related to centre of pressure excursion during quiet stance, dynamic balance measures of forward and lateral reach distance, and demographic information such as falls history and mobility level.

Results: Overall, poor somatosensory status was associated with poor stance balance. There was an association between poor vibration and circulation and increased centre of pressure excursion in quiet stance and reduced reach distance, whereas poor light touch was linked with even weight-bearing in quiet stance. Poor vibration sense was associated with a history of frequent falls.

Conclusions: Compromised lower limb somatosensation and circulation was linked with poor balance and a history of frequent falls in the elderly dysvascular amputee population.
Determinants of functional independence and quality of life in children with spina bifida
Authors: Schoenmakers M AGC , Uiterwaal C SPM , Gulmans V AM , Gooskens R HJM , Helders P JM
Published: July 2005

Objective: To investigate determinants of functional independence and study which functional abilities were determinants for ‘health-related quality of life’ in children with myelomeningocele.

Design: Cross-sectional study by means of clinical assessment, ‘disability’ measurement and questionnaires. Uniand multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate factors that were determinants for these outcomes. Results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Setting: Outpatient spina bifida clinic at a university hospital.

Subjects: One hundred and twenty-two children with myelomeningocele. Mean age 7.9; range 1-18 years.

Main measures: Functional independence as measured by the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and quality of life as measured by the Spina Bifida Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Results: Lesion level below L3 (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.1-1.0), mental status of IQ] - 80 (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.2-14.9), having no contractures in lower extremities (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.3 -8.8), and having normal strength of knee extensor muscles (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.4 -11.5) were most strongly associated with independence in self-care. Mental status (OR 16.1, 95% CI 2.8 -93.9), having no contractures in lower extremities (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4 -5.3), and normal strength in knee extensors (OR 11.0, 95% CI 1.3-97.0) were the most important determinants for independence in mobility. Concerning functional abilities, being independent with regard to mobility was the most important determinant for ‘health-related quality of life’ (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.6-17.4).

Conclusions: In children with myelomeningocele, good muscle strength, mental ability and being independent in mobility appeared to be much more important for daily life function and quality of life than other medical indicators of the disorder.
The reliability of hip scoring systems for total hip arthroplasty candidates: assessment by physical therapists
Authors: Kirmit Linda , Karatosun Vasfi , Unver Bayram , Bakirhan Serkan , Sen Ayse , Gocen Zeliha
Published: July 2005

Objective: Hip rating systems have been widely used in assessing severity of hip dysfunction but no uniform method has emerged. The current study was performed to determine the interobserver reliability of five different hip scores on patients with coxarthrosis.

Design: Test reliability among physical therapists for five commonly used hip scores.

Subjects: Thirty-five patients (48 hips) who had coxarthrosis and who were candidates for total hip arthroplasty were included in the study.

Methods: Patients were evaluated preoperatively by three physical therapists using five different hip rating systems; the Harris Hip Score, the Iowa Hip Score, the Charnley Hip Score, the Merle d'Aubigne Hip Score and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' Hip Score.

Results: The average age of the patients was 58.89±2.2 years (range 28=–76 years). For all scores, an excellent interobserver reliability between the physical therapists were found ( k=0.77–0.95). The best correlation between first and second observer was on Harris Hip Score ( k=0.91), between second and third was on Merle d'Aubigne Hip Score ( k=0.95) and between first and third was on Iowa Hip Score ( k=0.87).

Conclusion: There was an excellent interobserver reliability for all hip scores between the physical therapists, suggesting that all these hip scores are suitable for use by physical therapists.
A modified Hill muscle model that predicts muscle power output and efficiency during sinusoidal length changes
Authors: Lichtwark G. A. , Wilson A. M.
Published: July 2005

The power output of a muscle and its efficiency vary widely under different activation conditions. This is partially due to the complex interaction between the contractile component of a muscle and the serial elasticity. We investigated the relationship between power output and efficiency of muscle by developing a model to predict the power output and efficiency of muscles under varying activation conditions during cyclical length changes. A comparison to experimental data from two different muscle types suggests that the model can effectively predict the time course of force and mechanical energetic output of muscle for a wide range of contraction conditions, particularly during activation of the muscle. With fixed activation properties, discrepancies in the work output between the model and the experimental results were greatest at the faster and slower cycle frequencies than that for which the model was optimised. Further optimisation of the activation properties across each individual cycle frequency examined demonstrated that a change in the relationship between the concentration of the activator (Ca2+) and the activation level could account for these discrepancies. The variation in activation properties with speed provides evidence for the phenomenon of shortening deactivation, whereby at higher speeds of contraction the muscle deactivates at a faster rate. The results of this study demonstrate that predictions about the mechanics and energetics of muscle are possible when sufficient information is known about the specific muscle.