bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The therapeutic dilemma: how to use psychotherapy
Authors: GIOMMI R. , CORONA G. , MAGGI M.
Published: October 2005

Organic, marital and intrapsychic disturbances mutually interact in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED). Sexual psychotherapy (SP) should be considered a useful chance on all occasions. When non‐organic causes are predominant, SP could help in solving the problem. Conversely, when ED is mainly a symptom of organic diseases, SP should be considered as an important support, reducing the net contribution of marital and/or intrapsychic components and improving responsiveness and compliance to medical treatments. A correct diagnosis is a crucial step in the evaluation of patients reporting ED, in order to quantify the contribution of different pathogenetic factors. Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY©) is a useful instrument for the first screening of ED patients, providing scores for organic, marital and intrapsychic components. Other instruments, such as body paint or sexuality tree, might also be used to further analyse the problem and to choose the most effective SP intervention for the patient himself or for the couple. In our view, medical and psychosexual therapies are not indeed two distinct therapeutic entities to be used in different clinical settings, but are two important tools to be simultaneously considered (and often simultaneously employed) to fully rescue the sexual satisfaction of the couple.
Correlation between ejaculatory and erectile dysfunction
Authors: JANNINI E. A. , LOMBARDO F. , LENZI A.
Published: October 2005

Premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are different sexological issues. However, they have many little‐known links. PE is the most common male sexual dysfunction, but ED is undoubtedly the most common reason that medical help is sought. As a consequence, PE is largely under‐diagnosed and under‐treated, while ED has received great scientific and clinical attention in recent years. There are plenty of reasons for this: (i) PE is classically considered as psychogenic in nature; (ii) it is traditionally treated with behavioural psychotherapies; (iii) clear and accepted clinical definition(s) are lacking; (iv) the aetiologies are largely unknown; (v) the pathogenesis is still obscure – there is a lack of awareness and acknowledgement of PE as a symptom of medical disease; (vi) lacking a medical presence in the field and requests for help from patients are low. Finally, erectile dysfunctions (ED) and ejaculatory dysfunctions frequently overlap. The aim of this review article is to propose a new taxonomy of PE, which considers ED as an important factor of PE and vice versa.
The cdc25 phosphatase is essential for the G2/M phase transition in the basidiomycete yeast Ustilago maydis
Authors: Sgarlata Cecilia , Pérez‐Martín José
Published: October 2005

Cdc25‐related phosphatases reverse the inhibitory phosphorylation of mitotic Cyclin‐dependent kinases mediated by Wee1‐related kinases, thereby promoting entry into mitosis. In the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Cdc25 is required for entry into mitosis, while in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mih1 (the homologue of Cdc25) is not required for entry into mitosis or for viability. As these differences were linked to the different cell division and growth mechanism of these species, we sought to analyse the roles of Cdc25 in Ustilago maydis, which as S. cerevisiae divides by budding, but relies in a polar growth. This basidiomycete yeast is perfectly suited to analyse the relationships between cell cycle and morphogenesis. We show that U. maydis contains a single Cdc25‐related protein, which is essential for growth. Loss of Cdc25 function results in a specific G2 arrest that correlated with high level of Tyr15 phosphorylation of Cdk1. Moreover, we show genetic interactions of cdc25 with wee1 and clb2 that support the notion that in U. maydis Cdc25 counteracts the Wee1‐mediated inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdk1–Clb2 complex. Our results supports a model in which inhibitory phosphorylation of Cdk1 is a primary mechanism operating at G2/M transition in this fungus.
Neurological and developmental outcome of neonatal jaundice and sepsis in rural Kenya
Authors: Gordon Anne L. , English Michael , Tumaini Dzombo J , Karisa Mary , Newton Charles R. J. C.
Published: October 2005

Neonatal jaundice (NJ) and sepsis are common causes of neonatal mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa, but little is known about the long‐term morbidity in this setting. This study aimed to describe the neurological and developmental sequelae of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and neonatal sepsis (NS) in a district hospital in rural Kenya. Twenty‐three term infants with NJ [total serum bilirubin (TSB) >300 μmol/l] and 24 infants with a history of NS were identified from hospital records. These children were compared to 40 children from the community (CC) without neonatal problems. At ages 18–32 months, the children's neurological, motor and developmental status were assessed, and blood groups of the NJ and NS subjects and their mothers were determined. Ten (43%) of the NJ subjects were unable to sit and/or stand independently. The NJ subjects had significantly more neurological, motor and developmental difficulties and caused greater maternal concern than the CCs. Five (21%) of the NJ subjects had possible blood group incompatibility. The NS subjects had significantly more motor and eye‐hand difficulties and maternal concerns expressed than the CCs. Severe NJ in term infants (of mainly non‐haemolytic origin) was associated with a high prevalence of neurological and developmental sequelae at ages 18–32 months. The NS is also associated with neuro‐developmental sequelae, but the pattern is different to those seen in NJ. Since NS is common in resource poor countries, this may be an important cause of neuro‐developmental impairment in children living in this setting.
Use of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy in a rural area of western Kenya with high coverage of insecticide‐treated bed nets
Authors: van Eijk A. M. , Blokland I. E. , Slutsker L. , Odhiambo F. , Ayisi J. G. , Bles H. M. , Rosen D. H. , Adazu K. , Lindblade K. A.
Published: October 2005

Kenya established intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine (SP) for malaria in pregnancy as national policy in 1998. We assessed the coverage of IPT among women who had recently delivered in a rural area of western Kenya with perennial malaria transmission and high coverage with insecticide treated nets (ITNs) through a cross‐sectional, community‐based survey in December 2002. Antenatal clinic (ANC) attendance was high (89.9% of the 635 participating women); 77.5% of attendees visited an ANC before the third trimester and 91.9% made more than one visit. Delivery of SP by the ANC was reported by 19.1% of all women but only 6.8% reported receiving more than one dose. Given the high rate of use of ANC services, if SP were given at each visit after the first trimester, the potential coverage of IPT (two doses of SP) would be 80.3% in this study population. ITNs were used by 82.4% of women during pregnancy, and almost all mothers (98.5%) who slept under an ITN shared the nets with their newborns after delivery. Women who thought malaria in pregnancy caused foetal problems were more likely to have used an ITN (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–2.4), and to have visited ANC more than once (AOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.7) compared to women who thought malaria in pregnancy was either not a problem or caused problems for the mother only. These findings illustrate the need for improved IPT coverage in this rural area. Identification and removal of the barriers to provision of IPT during ANC visits can help to increase coverage. In this area of Kenya, health messages stressing that foetal complications of malaria in pregnancy may occur in the absence of maternal illness may improve the demand for IPT.
Strategies for evaluating B*18 allelic diversity by sequence‐based typing applied to studies of a population from Singapore and African‐Americans
Authors: Hou L. , Tu B. , Ling G. , Tang T. , Cao K. , Steiner N. K. , Lazaro A. , Ng J. , Hartzman R. J. , Hurley C. K.
Published: October 2005

Strategies to resolve B*18 alleles which carry a deletion in intron 1 close to the 5′ end of exon 2 relative to other HLA‐B alleles or a null allele mutation in exon 1 and to resolve ambiguities among allele combinations including B*18 are described. B*18 allele frequencies from volunteer donors recruited for two hematopoietic stem cell registries show the presence of two alleles, B*180101 and B*1802, in a population from Singapore and only B*180101 in African‐Americans.
HLA analysis of the Parsi (Zoroastrian) population in Pakistan
Authors: Mohyuddin A. , Mehdi S. Q.
Published: October 2005

The Parsis of Pakistan are descendants of Zoroastrians from Iran who fled to Gujarat in India after the Arab invasion in 900 AD. A small group eventually migrated from India to Karachi in Pakistan. In this study, the Parsis from Pakistan were analyzed at the HLA‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 loci using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP). The most common alleles at the HLA loci were HLA‐B*35 (15.9%), HLA‐Cw*0602 (21.4%), HLA‐DRB1*11 (23.0%), and HLA‐DQB1*02 (24.7%). Data analysis suggests that the Parsis of Pakistan and India descended from the same stock and may have the closest ancestry with Jewish and Italian populations.
Three cases of adenocarcinoma following restorative proctocolectomy with hand‐sewn anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a review of reported cases in the literature
Authors: Lee S. W. , Sonoda T. , Milsom J. W.
Published: October 2005

Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) has been accepted as optimal surgical therapy for most patients with ulcerative colitis. The occurrence of adenocarcinoma adjacent to the ileoanal anastomotic site for ulcerative colitis is a serious but rare outcome. There are 16 reported cases. We report three additional cases and review previous cases in the literature.
Microarray profiling of colorectal cancer in Bangladeshi patients
Authors: Ahmed S. , Banerjea A. , Hands R. E. , Bustin S. , Dorudi S.
Published: October 2005

Objective  We have carried out a retrospective analysis of all cases of colorectal cancer at the Royal London Hospital between April 1998 and March 2002 and determined the differences in presentation and outcome between Bangladeshi and Non‐Bangladeshi patients. DNA microarrays were used to explain any potential genetic differences between these two groups that may explain the different phenotypes.

Materials and methods  We examined the colorectal database at our institution. Microarray profiles, using Affymetrix HU133A Genechips™ (Santa Clara, CA USA) were obtained from 10 Bangladeshi patients and an age‐, sex‐ and stage‐matched group of 10 Non‐Bangladeshi patients.

Results  Three hundred and sixty‐three patients have been treated for colorectal cancer at the Royal London Hospital. Eighteen (5%) patients were of Bangladeshi origin. The prevalence was 27/100 000 compared to 342/100 000 of the Non‐Bangladeshi population. Eleven (61%) of 18 Bangladeshi patients were under the age of 40 and 4 (22%) patients presented with locally advanced or metastatic disease. In comparison 39/345 (11%) of non‐Bangladeshi patients presented with advanced disease. None of the Bangladeshi patients gave a positive family history. Microarray profiling between these two groups demonstrated 1203 differentially expressed genes (P < 0.05).

Conclusion  Colorectal cancer is uncommon in the Bangladeshi patients compared to the non‐Bangladeshi population. This cancer presents in younger patients and at a more advanced stage. There is no positive family history within this ethnic community and therefore the cancers are sporadic. However, microarray profiling is able to delineate different gene expression between these two groups. Therefore, there should be a low threshold for investigating young Bangladeshi patients with symptoms of colorectal neoplasia and any future national screening programme should allow for ethnic variation.
Iron deficiency anaemia – useful diagnostic tool for right sided colon cancers?
Authors: Rai S. , Hemingway D.
Published: October 2005

Objective  Diagnosis of right‐sided colon cancers requires total colonic imaging. The decision as to when a symptomatic patient should undergo a complete colonic imaging is difficult. It has been suggested that the presence of iron deficiency anaemia in such patients can be a useful tool in making that decision, as the vast majority of proximal colon cancers are anaemic. Our study aimed to evaluate the relation between proximal colon cancers and anaemia.

Methods  A list of 194 patients who underwent a right hemicolectomy for colon cancer was extracted from our hospital cancer database. The haemoglobin levels of each of these patients at the time of their referral were identified. The proportion of these patients, who had anaemia as per locally agreed guidelines, was determined.

Results  Only 44% of the men and 57% of women with proximal colon cancer were found to be anaemic. Even after using higher cut‐off levels for ‘low’ haemoglobin, a significant proportion of patients were not anaemic.

Conclusions  Anaemia is a poor predictor of right‐sided colon cancers and cannot be used as an effective investigative tool in symptomatic patients.
Male sexual function improves after ileal pouch anal anastomosis
Authors: Gorgun E. , Remzi F. H. , Montague D. K. , Connor J. T. , O'Brien K. , Loparo B. , Fazio V. W.
Published: October 2005

Purpose  Restorative Proctocolectomy and Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis has become the gold standard surgical therapy for the majority of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis. However sexual functional disturbances after this procedure can be a concern for patients. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the outcome of sexual‐function related quality of life in male patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy.

Methods  One hundred and twenty‐two male patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis between 1995 and 2000 were evaluated by the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scoring instrument. This index scale examines sexual function in five categories. These are erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction. The IIEF instrument was administered after surgery and then scores before and after RP/IPAA were evaluated and compared. The significance of age at the time of the surgery, type of surgery, type of anastomotic technique (mucosectomy vs stapled) and septic complications on sexual functional outcome were also investigated.

Results  Mean age at the time of the surgery was 39.9 ± 11.5 years. The mean follow‐up period (time between pouch surgery and IIEF completed) was 3.6 ± 1.8 years. There was statistically significant improvement in 4 of 5 categories of sexual function (erectile function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction) where patients had improved scores after surgery compared to prior to surgery. The mean erectile function score increased pre to post surgery by 2.12 points (P = 0.02), which indicates better sexual results. Anastomotic technique and septic complication did not influence the results, however, older age had a negative impact on results.

Conclusions  Despite some adverse sexual functions, male patients who undergo RP/IPAA for the surgical management of their colitis may preserve or improve their overall sexual functional outcome.
POVERTY AND INEQUALITY: CHALLENGES FOR THE IAB: IAB PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
Authors: LUNA FLORENCIA
Published: October 2005

This paper focuses on poverty and inequality in the world today. First, it points out how this topic is a main concern for the IAB. Second, it proposes ‘new’ theoretical tools in order to analyze global justice and our obligations towards the needy. I present John Rawls's denial that the egalitarian principle can be applied to the global sphere, his proposed weak duty of assistance, and his consideration of endemic poverty as essentially homegrown. In opposition, I focus on Thomas Pogge as representative of a cosmopolitan view who also holds a critical position towards the international systems which allow and cause poverty. I endorse the general normative proposal that defends every human being as an ultimate unit of moral concern, as well as the strategy of moving away from the charity model of bilateral aid to the realm of rights and duties. These ideas should redesign and broaden the normative and practical roles of institutions, and should also help provide a new approach on bioethical issues such as drug patenting or the imbalance in global research and neglected diseases.
GLOBAL HEALTH AND JUSTICE
Authors: DWYER JAMES
Published: October 2005

In Australia, Japan, Sweden, and Switzerland, the average life expectancy is now greater than 80 years. But in Angola, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe, the average life expectancy is less than 40 years. The situation is even worse than these statistics suggest because average figures tend to mask inequalities within countries. What are we to make of a world with such unequal health prospects? What does justice demand in terms of global health? To address these questions, I characterize justice at the local level, at the domestic or social level, and at the international or global level. Because social conditions, structures, and institutions have such a profound influence on the health of populations, I begin by focusing attention on the relationship between social justice and health prospects. Then I go on to discuss health prospects and the problem of global justice. Here I distinguish two views: a cosmopolitan view and a political view of global justice. In my account of global justice, I modify and use the political view that John Rawls developed in The Law of Peoples. I try to show why an adequate political account must include three duties: a duty not to harm, a duty to reconstruct international arrangements, and a duty to assist.
HIV INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL RESEARCH: EXPLOITATION AND RISK
Authors: BALLANTYNE ANGELA
Published: October 2005

This paper aims to show that to reduce the level of exploitation present in (some) international clinical trials, research sponsors must aim to provide both an ex‐ante expected gain in utility and a fair ex‐post distribution of benefits for research subjects. I suggest the following principles of fair risk distribution in international research as the basis of a normative definition of fairness: (a) Persons should not be forced (by circumstance) to gamble in order to achieve or protect basic goods; (b) In cases where one party is gambling with basic goods and the other party is not, the distribution of benefits and burdens must be arranged so that they are of greatest benefit to the worst off; (c) In relationships where one party is gambling for basic goods and the other party is not, the party gambling for basic goods must be assured of some guaranteed benefits in addition to the chance of gaining some potential benefits.

These principles are applied to the case of HIV international research. I conclude that the research (as described) is mutually advantageous but still exploitative because the distribution of surplus benefits is unfair. It is unfair because research subjects are gambling with and for basic goods but they are not assured of a fair ex‐post distribution of benefits. Principles (b) and (c) are not satisfied. Research participants are not accorded enough guaranteed benefits to outweigh the risks they undertake.
TO KNOW OR NOT TO KNOW? GENETIC IGNORANCE, AUTONOMY AND PATERNALISM
Authors: WILSON JANE
Published: October 2005

This paper examines some arguments which deny the existence of an individual right to remain ignorant about genetic information relating to oneself – often referred to as ‘a right to genetic ignorance’ or, more generically, as ‘a right not to know’. Such arguments fall broadly into two categories: 1) those which accept that individuals have a right to remain ignorant in self‐regarding matters, but deny that this right can be extended to genetic ignorance, since such ignorance may be harmful to others, particularly those to whom one is genetically related (the ‘harm to others objection’) and 2) those which contend that, even if genetic ignorance is only self harming, it is not something to which individuals can rationally or morally claim to have a ‘right’ at all, since they defend their claims on autonomy‐respecting grounds and ignorance is inimical to autonomy (the ‘incoherence objection’). I argue that defenders of a right not to know have some plausible responses to the ‘harm to others objection’, but that in trying to respond to the ‘incoherence objection’, they and their opponents reach an impasse in which both sides are left voicing concerns about the paternalistic implications of the other's point of view. I conclude that defenders of a right not to know would, therefore, advance their position further by analysing it in terms of values other than those of autonomy and rights.
Efficacy and Safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. Feverfew CO2-Extract (MIG-99) in Migraine Prevention — A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicentre, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Diener HC , Pfaffenrath V , Schnitker J , Friede M , Zepelin H-H Henneicke-von ,   on behalf of the Investigators
Published: October 2005

The efficacy and tolerability of a CO2-extract of feverfew (MIG-99, 6.25 mg t.i.d.) for migraine prevention were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, parallel-group study. Patients ( N = 170 intention-to-treat; MIG-99, N = 89; placebo, N = 81) suffering from migraine according to International Headache Society criteria were treated for 16 weeks after a 4-week baseline period. The primary endpoint was the average number of migraine attacks per 28 days during the treatment months 2 and 3 compared with baseline. Safety parameters included adverse events, laboratory parameters, vital signs and physical examination. The migraine frequency decreased from 4.76 by 1.9 attacks per month in the MIG-99 group and by 1.3 attacks in the placebo group ( P = 0.0456). Logistic regression of responder rates showed an odds ratio of 3.4 in favour of MIG-99 ( P = 0.0049). Adverse events possibly related to study medication were 9/107 (8.4%) with MIG-99 and 11/108 (10.2%) with placebo ( P = 0.654). MIG-99 is effective and shows a favourable benefit-risk ratio.
Familial Cluster Headache. Is Atypical Cluster Headache in Family Members Part of the Clinical Spectrum?
Authors: Sjöstrand C , Russell MB , Ekbom K , Hillert J , Waldenlind E
Published: October 2005

Familial cluster headache (CH) was analysed in 21 Swedish families. Diagnosis was made according to The International Classification of Headache Disorders 2004. We identified 55 affected, of whom 42 had episodic or chronic CH, one had probable CH and 12 had atypical symptoms. The atypical cases did not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for CH, but had clinical symptoms with more resemblance to CH than to migraine or other trigeminal autonomic cephalgia syndromes. The overall male : female ratio was 1.8 : 1. The overall mean age at onset was significantly lower in the second/third generation than in the first generation (mean age at onset 22 vs. 31 years, SD ± 7 vs. 13 years; P < 0.01). This may be anticipation or selection bias, since individuals with late age at onset from the second/third generation may not yet have symptoms. The prevalence of migraine was 24% (13/55), i.e. similar to the prevalence in the general population. The high incidence of atypical CH cases in the Swedish families with other members affected with CH may suggest that the spectrum of CH is broader than previously thought. We suggest that atypical CH in CH families may represent an expanded spectrum of the disease with a common aetiology, i.e. a common genetic background.
Comparison of Clinical Symptoms and Magnetic Resonance Angiographic (MRA) Results in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia and Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain. Medium-Term Outcome after Microvascular Decompression of Cases with Positive MRA Findings
Authors: Kuncz A , Vörös E , Barzó P , Tajti J , Milassin P , Mucsi Z , Elek P , Benedek K , Tarjányi J , Bodosi M
Published: October 2005

To evaluate whether NC could be demonstrated preoperatively, high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed in 287 consecutive patients with TN and persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) on a 0.5-T and a 1-T MR unit. Depending on the clinical symptoms, the TN cases were divided into typical TN and trigeminal neuralgia with non-neuralgic interparoxysmal pain (TNWIP) groups. Microvascular decompression (MVD) was performed in 103 of the MRA-positive cases. The patients were followed up postoperatively for from 1 to 10 years. The clinical symptoms were compared with the imaging results. The value of MRA was assessed on the basis of the clinical symptoms and surgical findings. The outcome of MVD was graded as excellent, good or poor. The clinical symptoms were compared with the type of vascular compression and the outcome of MVD. The MRA image was positive in 161 (56%) of the 287 cases. There were significant differences between the clinical groups: 66.5% of the typical TN group, 47.5% of the TNWIP group and 3.4% of the PIFP group were positive. The quality of the MR unit significantly determined the ratio of positive/negative MRA results. The surgical findings corresponded with the MRA images. Six patients from the MRA-negative group were operated on for selective rhizotomy and no NC was found. Venous compression of the trigeminal nerve was observed in a significantly higher proportion in the background of TNWIP than in that of typical TN on MRA imaging (24.1% and 0.8%, respectively) and also during MVD (31.2% and 1.2%, respectively). Four years following the MVD, 69% of the patients gave an excellent, 23% a good and 8% a poor result. The rate of some kind of recurrence of pain was 20% in the typical TN and 44% in TNWIP group. The rate of recurrence was 57% when pure venous compression was present. The only patient who was operated on from the PIFP group did not react to the MVD. The clinical symptoms and preoperative MRA performed by at least a 1-T MR unit furnish considerable information, which can play a role in the planning of the treatment of TN.
Sneddon's Syndrome
Authors: Tietjen GE , Al-Qasmi MM , Gunda P , Herial NA
Published: October 2005

Sneddon's syndrome refers to the enigmatic association of ischaemic stroke and livedo reticularis. We review the Sneddon's syndrome literature examining the association of this condition with headache, including migraine. Case reports and series are stratified into two groups based on headache reference. In the group without a reference to headache, there are 208 persons, with a female to male ratio of 3 : 1. In the headache reference group, there are 175 persons, with a female to male ratio of 3.5 : 1. The proportion with headache in this second group is 58% (102 individuals), with headache described as migraine in 28 (27.5%) of the headache subjects, including six with migraine with aura. The frequency of headache is not significantly higher in persons with positive anti-phospholipid antibodies compared with the negative cohort (43% vs. 32%, P = 0.07). A review of the histopathological, radiological and serological data in Sneddon's syndrome and migraine underscores the plausibility of an association. Considered in the context of increased risk of stroke with migraine, a higher frequency of livedo in migraineurs with stroke, and the association of migraine and livedo reticularis, the question of whether livedo reticularis may be a risk marker for stroke in migraineurs is an area for further study.
Prospective epidemiologic study of the outcome and cost‐effectiveness of antenatal screening to detect neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to anti‐HPA‐1a
Authors: Turner Marc L. , Bessos Hagop , Fagge Timothy , Harkness Mairi , Rentoul Frances , Seymour Janelle , Wilson David , Gray Irene , Ahya Ridheesh , Cairns John , Urbaniak Stan
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND: To assess the value of antenatal screening to detect neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) due to anti‐HPA‐1a, a prospective study was carried out to quantify the potential clinical benefits and determine whether screening would be cost‐effective.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An observational prospective controlled study was carried out on 26,506 pregnant women over 2 years. HPA‐1a phenotyping was performed in the first trimester and women confirmed HPA‐1a‐negative were tested for anti‐HPA‐1a during pregnancy, at delivery, and 10 to 14 days after birth. Babies of HPA‐1a‐negative women were tested at delivery for thrombocytopenia and examined for signs of bleeding. Economic evaluation was undertaken on the basis of the data collected during the study.

RESULTS: Twenty‐five of 318 women (7.9%) had anti‐HPA‐1a detected for the first time. Eight women (43 per 100,000) gave birth to babies with NAIT, and 5 (27 per 100,000) had severe thrombocytopenia. Three babies had mild signs of bleeding, and no cases of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or fetal loss were detected. It is estimated that it would cost £60,596 (US$98,771) to detect a case of severe NAIT, where anti‐HPA‐1a has been identified for the first time, and £1,151,323 (US$1,876,656) to prevent a case of ICH, assuming that detection allowed successful intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that severe HPA‐1a NAIT is underdiagnosed in the absence of routine antenatal screening. Serious bleeding complications and ICH, however, occur less frequently in first cases of NAIT than suspected from the literature, and the costs of screening and possible intervention must be balanced against the procedural risks.
Immunomodulatory effects of a set of amygdalin analogues on human keratinocyte cells
Authors: Baroni A. , Paoletti I. , Greco R. , Satriano R.A. , Ruocco E. , Tufano M.A. , Perez J.J.
Published: October 2005

Abstract:  Peptide T (PT) is an octapeptide shown to resolve psoriatic lesions. Our previous investigations suggest that keratinocytes play an important role in conditioning the therapeutic effects of the PT in psoriasis. However, peptides are not good therapeutic agents, because they exhibit poor absorption, are easily metabolized and are immunogenic. Using computational methods, the natural product amygdalin was identified as peptidomimetic of PT. However, amygdalin exhibits a toxic profile due to its cyanide group. To overcome this deleterious effect, we synthesized analogues lacking the cyanide group. Human keratinocytes were treated with PT or with three different peptidomimetics of PT. To study its effects on the expression of HSP‐70, TGF‐β, α‐v integrin, ICAM‐1 and cytokines, we analysed the protein levels by Western blot and ELISA. Our results show that the different peptidomimetics of PT tested exhibit a similar biological behaviour in regard to the overexpression of HSP‐70, TGF‐β and α‐v integrin than the native peptide. TNF‐α is overexpressed by PT and SVT‐03018; between the other two analogs, SVT‐03016 do not produce any significant change in regard to the control, while SVT‐03017 shows only a moderate increase in regard to control. SVT‐03018 provokes a remarkable upregulation of IL‐10, stronger than SVT‐03016, SVT‐03017 and PT. All the other three analogues reduce comparably to the PT, the expression of ICAM‐1 and do not increase the release of proinflammatory cytokines. The results highlighted that the three analogues of amygdalin with the cyanide group removed exhibit the same biological effects of PT. Therefore, they can be considered peptidomimetics, suggesting their possible use in the treatment of psoriasis.
Inducers and inhibitors of biomineralization: lessons from pathological calcification
Authors: Giachelli CM
Published: October 2005

Structured Abstract

Author –  Giachelli CM

Objectives –  Ectopic calcification is a common response to soft tissue injury and systemic mineral imbalance and can lead to devastating clinical consequences when present in joints, heart valves and blood vessels. We have hypothesized that mineralization of matrices in any tissue is normally controlled by a balance between procalcific and anticalcific regulatory proteins such that abnormal deposition of apatite is avoided. Alterations in this balance induced by injury, disease or genetic deficiency are postulated to induce ectopic mineral deposition. Over the past several years, we have developed in vitro and in vivo models of ectopic calcification to investigate potential inducers and inhibitors of this process.

Results –  Osteopontin, a secreted phosphoprotein, has emerged as a major inhibitor of ectopic mineralization. Osteopontin is a potent inhibitor of vascular cell calcification in vitro and mice lacking osteopontin are highly susceptible to ectopic calcification. Furthermore, osteopontin treatment of biomaterials protected against ectopic mineralization. Our studies indicate that in addition to inhibiting apatite crystal initiation and growth, osteopontin stimulates resorption of ectopic calcification via peripheral macrophages and giant cells. In contrast, inorganic phosphate has emerged as a major inducer of mineralization in these systems. Elevated inorganic phosphate (Pi) was shown to induce smooth muscle cell matrix calcification with morphological properties similar to those observed in calcified human valves and atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, mineralization induced by inorganic phosphate was dependent on the activity of the sodium‐dependent phosphate cotransporter, Pit‐1.

Conclusions –  These studies implicate controlled, transcellular transport of Pi as a major requirement for matrix calcification.
Analysis of developmental potentials of dental pulp in vitro using GFP transgenes
Authors: Balic A , Mina M
Published: October 2005

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Balic A, Mina M

Background – 
In recent years there has been increasing progress in identifying stem cells from adult tissues and their potential application for tooth replacement/regeneration. Our previous in vivo studies show that pOBCol3.6GFP and pOBCol2.3GFP transgenic animals provide a unique model to gain insight into progenitor/stem cells in the dental pulp capable of giving rise to odontoblasts.

Objectives –  To characterize the behavior of dental pulp cells derived from pOBCol3.6GFP animals in vitro.

Experimental design –  Primary cultures were established from the coronal portions of the pulps isolated first molars from 5‐day‐old pOBCol3.6GFP heterozygous mice and grown for 21 days. In these cultures proliferation, clonogenic capacity, activation of 3.6‐GFP and mineralization were examined.

Results –  Our observations show that dental pulp cells derived from 3.6‐GFP contain a population of proliferative, clonogenic cells with the ability to mineralize. We also show the stage specific activation/upregulation of 3.6‐GFP in primary cultures derived from dental pulp. In these cultures, expression of Col1a1‐3.6‐GFP occurs prior to the appearance of mineralized nodules and is unregulated in mineralized nodules.

Conclusions –  Col1a1‐GFP transgenes appear to fulfill many of the requirements of a marker gene for cell lineage studies in intact tooth and primary cultures derived from dental pulp.
Regenerating the periodontium: is there a magic formula?
Authors: Foster BL , Somerman MJ
Published: October 2005

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Foster BL, Somerman MJ

Objective –  Left untreated, periodontal disease results in destruction of periodontal tissues including cementum, bone and the periodontal ligament, and subsequently, tooth loss. Increased research efforts focused on understanding periodontal disease at the cellular, molecular and clinical level have resulted in improved modalities for arresting disease progression; however, outcomes of existing procedures are not predictable and often disappointing. Critical to improving the predictability of regenerative therapies is targeting studies toward enhancing our understanding of the cellular and molecular events required to restore periodontal tissues.

Design –  Toward this goal our laboratory has focused on defining cells, mechanisms and factors regulating development of periodontal tissues, using in vitro and in vivo rodent models.

Results and Conclusion –  Results from these studies have enabled us to identify attractive candidate factors/cells including: 1) products secreted by epithelial cells that act on mesenchymal cells (amelogenins): we observed that both follicle cells and cementoblasts are responsive to amelogenin‐like molecules resulting in changes in the expression of genes associated with cell maturation; 2) morphogens (bone morphogenetic proteins, BMP): we report that follicle cells respond differently to BMPs vs. cementoblasts, depending on dose of and specific BMP used; 3) phosphates: existing data suggest that phosphates act as signaling molecules regulating the expression of genes associated with cementoblast maturation. Knowledge gained from these studies has provided insight as to the cells/factors required for designing improved regenerative therapies.
Design and assessment of a tissue‐engineered model of human phalanges and a small joint
Authors: Landis WJ , Jacquet R , Hillyer J , Lowder E , Yanke A , Siperko L , Asamura S , Kusuhara H , Enjo M , Chubinskaya S , Potter K , Isogai N
Published: October 2005

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Landis WJ, Jacquet R, Hillyer J, Lowder E, Yanke A, Siperko L, Asamura S, Kusuhara H, Enjo M, Chubinskaya S, Potter K, Isogai N.

Objectives –  To develop models of human phalanges and small joints by suturing different cell‐polymer constructs that are then implanted in athymic (nude) mice.

Design –  Models consisted of bovine periosteum, cartilage, and/or tendon cells seeded onto biodegradable polymer scaffolds of either polyglycolic acid (PGA) or copolymers of PGA and poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) or poly‐ɛ‐caprolactone (PCL) and PLLA. Constructs were fabricated to produce a distal phalanx, middle phalanx, or distal interphalangeal joint.

Setting and Sample Population –  Studies of more than 250 harvested implants were conducted at the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.

Experimental Variable –  Polymer scaffold, cell type, and implantation time were examined.

Outcome Measure –  Tissue‐engineered specimens were characterized by histology, transmission electron microscopy, in situ hybridization, laser capture microdissection and qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, magnetic resonance microscopy, and X‐ray microtomography.

Results –  Over periods to 60 weeks of implantation, constructs developed through vascularity from host mice; formed new cartilage, bone, and/or tendon; expressed characteristic genes of bovine origin, including type I, II and X collagen, osteopontin, aggrecan, biglycan, and bone sialoprotein; secreted corresponding proteins; responded to applied mechanical stimuli; and maintained shapes of human phalanges with small joints.

Conclusion –  Results give insight into construct processes of tissue regeneration and development and suggest more complete tissue‐engineered cartilage, bone, and tendon models. These should have significant future scientific and clinical applications in medicine, including their use in plastic surgery, orthopaedics, craniofacial reconstruction, and teratology.
Modulatory Effect of Ficus racemosa: Diminution of Potassium Bromate‐Induced Renal Oxidative Injury and Cell Proliferation Response
Authors: Khan Naghma , Sultana Sarwat
Published: October 2005

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to determine the potential beneficial effects of Ficus racemosa extract. Potassium bromate (KBrO3), a potent nephrotoxic agent that induces renal carcinogenesis and acts as tumour promoter in carcinogen‐initiated animals was used as a model to induce renal injury. In this study, we show the chemopreventive effect of Ficus racemosa extract (Moraceae) on KBrO3‐mediated renal oxidative stress and cell promotion response in rats. KBrO3 (125 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) enhanced lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation with reduction in renal glutathione content and antioxidant enzymes. KBrO3 treatment also induced tumour promotion markers, viz., ornithine decarboxylase activity and thymidine [3H] incorporation into renal DNA. A sharp elevation in the levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine has also been observed. Treatment of rats orally with Ficus racemosa extract (200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant decrease in xanthine oxidase (P<0.05), lipid peroxidation (P<0.001), γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (P<0.001) and H2O2 (P<0.001). There was significant recovery of renal glutathione content (P<0.01) and antioxidant enzymes (P<0.001). There was also reversal in the enhancement of renal ornithine decarboxylase activity, DNA synthesis, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (P<0.001). Our results suggest that Ficus racemosa extract is a potent chemopreventive agent and suppresses KBrO3‐mediated nephrotoxicity in rats.
Polymorphism of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Erkan Erkan , Muslumanoglu Ahmet Yaser , Oktar Tayfun , Sanli Oner , Ozbek Uður , Kadioglu Ates
Published: October 2005

Introduction

Endothelial-derived nitric oxide (NO), which is produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in response to increased blood flow, maintains the tumescence phase of erection. The eNOS gene is located on the seventh somatic chromosome and the polymorphism of this gene has been reported to cause changes in the structure of enzyme system, resulting in disturbance of its activity.

Aim

The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the relationship between polymorphism of eNOS gene and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

Thirty patients with ED (mean age: 58.7 ± 9.97, range: 39–74 years) and 25 voluntary controls (mean age: 56.44 ± 7.58, range: 47–72 years) were enrolled to the study. Patients with ED were evaluated with International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, routine blood tests for systemic vascular risk factors, and color Doppler ultrasonography while potency of the control group were only assessed with IIEF questionnaire. The presence of polymorphism of eNOS gene was determined in both groups by polymerase chain reaction in the fourth intron of the seventh somatic chromosome that encodes eNOS gene.

Results

The incidences of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease were statistically higher in the ED group (P = 0.023 and 0.029, respectively) while mean IIEF score was significantly lower (P = 0.001). Evaluation with color Doppler ultrasonography revealed penile arterial insufficiency in six cases, cavernosal insufficiency in 19 cases, and mixed vascular insufficiency in five cases. The distributions of three eNOS genotypes (eNOS4b/b, eNOS4a/b, and eNOS4a/a) among ED patients and controls were similar (P > 0.05). However, eNOS4a/b genotype was statistically higher in diabetics (P = 0.042). Also, 80% of the patients with severe ED and 54.5% of the diabetic patients with ED had eNOS4a/b genotype.

Conclusion

In our study, no correlation was detected between the polymorphism of eNOS gene and ED. However, 80% of the patients with severe ED and 54.5% of the diabetic patients with ED had eNOS4a/b genotype. Based on our data, it seems that diabetic patients with ED tend to have more eNOS4a/b genotype.
On power supplies used for laboratory demonstration of chaotic electronic oscillators
Authors: Roy Prodyot Kumar , Basuray Arijit , Gluskin Emanuel
Published: October 2005

For a simple oscillator capable of producing chaotic as well as periodic signals we discuss the role of the voltage source used to power the oscillator. This choice may sometimes be crucial to the operation of the oscillator. We have shown experimentally that a poor choice may suppress chaos altogether.
Always introduce the celestial sphere with a companion Earth-Sun figure
Authors: Duller N. M.
Published: October 2005

Contemporary authors of basic astronomy textbooks introduce the celestial sphere in less than ideal ways. It is suggested that an early discussion of the celestial sphere should make reference to a companion figure showing the Earth-Sun relation with explicit attention to the equinoxes, solstices, and other major features.
Macroscopic coherence effects in a mesoscopic system: Weak localization of thin silver films
Authors: Beyer A. D. , Koesters M. , Libbrecht K. G. , Black E. D.
Published: October 2005

We present an advanced undergraduate experiment on weak localization in thin silver films with a thickness between 60–200 Å, a mesoscopic length scale. At low temperatures, the inelastic dephasing length for electrons exceeds the film thickness, and the film becomes quasi-two-dimensional. In this limit, theory predicts corrections to the Drude conductivity due to the coherent interference between the wave functions of the conducting electrons, a macroscopically observable effect known as weak localization. This correction can be destroyed by the application of a magnetic field, and the resulting magnetoresistance curve provides information about electron transport in the film.
Student understanding of the ideal gas law, Part I: A macroscopic perspective
Authors: Kautz Christian H. , Heron Paula R. L. , Loverude Michael E. , McDermott Lillian C.
Published: October 2005

Our findings from a long-term investigation indicate that many students cannot properly interpret or apply the ideal gas law after instruction in introductory physics and chemistry as well as more advanced courses. The emphasis in this paper is on the concepts of pressure, volume, and temperature at the macroscopic level. We describe some serious conceptual and reasoning difficulties that we have identified. Results from our research were applied in the design of a curriculum that has helped improve student understanding of the ideal gas law.
Student understanding of the ideal gas law, Part II: A microscopic perspective
Authors: Kautz Christian H. , Heron Paula R. L. , Shaffer Peter S. , McDermott Lillian C.
Published: October 2005

Evidence from research indicates that many undergraduate science and engineering majors have seriously flawed microscopic models for the pressure and temperature in an ideal gas. In the investigation described in this paper, some common mistaken ideas about microscopic processes were identified. Examples illustrate the use of this information in the design of instruction that helped improve student understanding of the ideal gas law, especially its substance independence. Some broader implications of this study for the teaching of thermal physics are noted.
Weight-controlled capillary viscometer
Authors: Digilov Rafael M. , Reiner M.
Published: October 2005

The draining of a water column through a vertical discharge capillary tube is examined with the aid of a force sensor. The change of the mass of the liquid in the column with time is found to be not purely exponential as implied by Poiseuille’s law. Using observed residuals associated with a kinetic energy correction, an approximate formula for the mass as a function of time is derived and excellent agreement with experimental data is attained. These results are verified by a viscosity test of distilled water at room temperature. A simple and inexpensive weight-controlled capillary viscometer is proposed that is especially suitable for undergraduate physics and chemistry laboratories.