bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Didactic model for the development of mathematical thinking in naval engineering students in Colombia
Authors: Blanco Ana Maria Torres , Velásquez Osvaldo Rojas
Published: February 2024

The learning-teaching process in math is fundamental for navy engineering students, where specific subjects have a strong theoretical foundation in basic sciences, more concise in mathematics related areas. This research has the objective to construct a didactical model based in context problem solving, modeling and mathematical visualization for the learning-teaching process of contents from the Ship Stability subject for navy engineering students in the Colombian navy University “Escuela Naval de Cadetes Almirante Padilla (ENAP)”. The work lies in the research-action approach of the qualitative research. Results show the model structure composed of four parts; the first one contains the model principles:  the epistemological and didactical foundations and the objectives and goals of the constructed model.  The second one is a characterization of the model is described, and the necessity for students. The third one, named, resolutive, has three phases (exploration, resolution, and action), that are subdivided in inter-related components one to another. Finally, the fourth part is a proposal for the practical implementation of the model.  The model obtained generates a robust construction of mathematical context for problems related to ship stability in the naval context.
Efficacy of Short-course Weekly Isoniazid and Rifapentine Regimen as Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment among Population at Risk of Developing Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ilavarasan Ilangovan , Ariharanathan Vidhyanathan , Devi Chandrasekaran Sabitha
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in India. Individuals with latent infection do not have active disease and cannot spread Tuberculosis Infection (TBI). The prevalence of latent TB in India is very high, ranging from 40-50%. About 5 to 10% of them may convert into active TB disease. The national program primarily recommends treatment for active TB, while treatment of latent TB is recommended only in special situations. Aim: To assess the efficacy of short-course weekly Isoniazid and Rifapentine (HP) regimen as Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) among various risk groups. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, involving of about 10 Randomised Control Trials (RCTs). Studies published between 2006 and 2023 were included. Online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Clinical Trial Registry India, and grey literature were searched using keywords like Isoniazid, Rifapentine, and trial. Results: In terms of TB incidence, the pooled risk ratio favoured the weekly HP regimen, estimated at 0.69 (0.49, 0.97, 95% CI). Regarding the incidence of hepatotoxicity, the weekly HP regimen showed neither superiority nor inferiority to comparators, with a pooled risk ratio of 0.50 (0.23, 1.05, 95% CI). The odds of completing treatment were 2.19 times greater for the weekly HP regimen than for controls, with a pooled odds ratio of 2.19 (1.64, 2.92; 95% CI). Conclusion: The weekly HP regimen is superior to other regimens in reducing the incidence of TB. Additionally, the duration of the HP regimen is shorter compared to the commonly advised nine-month Isoniazid regimen. Compared with the daily dosage of Isoniazid, the weekly HP regimen offers better compliance. It also exhibits a significantly higher treatment completion rate. In summary, the weekly HP regimen is superior to other regimens.
Effects of Various Technological Interventions on Summer Moong (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Shrivastava Atul , Rai S. K. , Thakur Risikesh , Sarvade S. , Bisen N. K. , Khan Imran
Published: February 2024

The field demonstrations were laid out at 30 farmers (12.0 ha area) during 2018, 2019 and 2020 to examine the impact of various technological interventions on summer moong. In this intervention, PDM 139 variety of moong bean was sown by using seed drill during 10th-20th April of each year with 25 kg/ha seed rate and treated with Thiram @ 3 g/kg of seed and Rhizobium culture 10g/kg seed. Pendimethylene @ 1.5 kg/ha was applied for weed management, where as urea 27.5kg/ha and SSP of 250 kg/ha was applied as fertilizer doses. Farmers practice kept as check for comparing the impact of intervention on moong bean yield and economic returns. Results of the study revealed that, the crop yield was increased by 50.0, 43.9 and 44.0% under intervention over farmers practice during 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Mean of the technology gap was 3.13 q/ha and mean extension gap was 2.16 q/ha. Whereas, technology index was observed 0.31 during the demonstrations. Economic returns showed significantly improved under intervention during all the years as compared to the farmers practice. B:C ratio was 1.88 under intervention during 2019, which was higher compared farmers practice in all the years.
Enhancing Maize Seed Vigour through Seed Biopriming Using Bioagents
Authors: Chidanandappa. E.  , Singh, R. P.
Published: February 2024

Maize stands as a crucial cereal crop on a global scale, encountering up to 112 diseases, with over 70 being seed-borne. Use of bioagents not only safeguards the environment but also enhances the cost-effectiveness of production initiatives and addresses concerns related to pesticide residue. Maize plants are vulnerable to a range of diseases that significantly diminish both crop yield and quality. One prominent disease is banded leaf and sheath blight, caused by the highly prevalent and destructive pathogen Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii. In present study, the seed treatments with bacterial and fungal bio- agents on maize seed (variety DOP-339). The seed quality parameters were recorded by multi-pots tray method. Seed priming with bacterial bio-agent ie. Pseudomonas sihuinsis (96 %), Bacillus aerophilus (94.67 %), Pseudomonas stutzeri (94.33 %) and Enterobacter cloacae (94 %) significantly increased seed germination over control (92.67 %). Pseudomonas sihuinsis showed the highest shoot length (11.84 cm), root length (8.78 cm) and vigour index (854.72). Similarly, seed biopriming with fungal bio-agents with Trichoderma harzianum (96.75 %) and Trichoderma afroharzianum (97.50 %) were at par with each other in seed germination over control (93.25 %). T. harzianum showed highest root length (9.02 cm), fresh weight (15.77 g) and seedling vigour index (883.81) followed by T. afroharzianum. T. afroharzianum showed highest shoot length (12.29 cm) followed by T. harzianum (11.12 cm). while both were at par with each other in dry weight. Nigrospora sphaerica 2A, N. sphaerica 7D and N. zimmermanii 8C also displayed positive effects on various parameters as compared to control.
A Review on Organic Manure and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria’s Use in Horticultural Crops
Authors: Sharma Hariom , Kumar Punit , Gautam Manish Kumar , Rai Prasoon Kumar , Mishra Saket , Ekka Shashi Kant , Kujur Reena , Lakra Johnson
Published: February 2024

The sustainable and eco-friendly management of horticulture crops has become increasingly imperative in contemporary agricultural practices. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the synergistic utilization of organic manure and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to enhance the growth, yield, and overall health of horticulture crops. Organic manures, derived from natural sources such as compost, animal manure, and green manure, offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, providing essential nutrients while promoting soil fertility and structure. PGPR can affect on plant growth by production and releases secondary metabolites, helps in preventing deleterious effects of phyto-pathogenic organisms in the rhizosphere. This will ultimately support for better yield and quality of horticultural crops.
Anatomical Study of Septal Aperture in Human Humerus in a Population from Southwest Region of Brazil
Authors: Godoy Luana Soares De , Carvalho Neillyan Mayra Silveira De , Cruz Vitória Daolio , Ferreira-Pileggi Beatriz Carmona , Watanabe Luciane Naomi Oguma , Prado Felippe Bevilacqua , Rossi Ana Cláudia , Freire Alexandre Rodrigues
Published: February 2024

Aim: To evaluate the influence of septal aperture (SA) according to sex and side of human skeletons in a sample of the Brazilian population.

Methodology: 103 dried human humeri of both sexes (65 male and 24 female) were used, aged between 18 and 80 years. The morphometry of the SA dimensions was carried out, including the measurement of horizontal diameter and vertical diameter, using a digital caliper. Statistical analysis was performed, considering a significance level of 5%. The ANOVA test (unpaired) was performed to verify whether there was a difference between the sexes (male and female) on each side (right and left). For multiple comparisons, the Tukey test was used. When a normal distribution of data was not found, the Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to evaluate whether there was a difference between the sexes (male and female) on each side (right and left). In this case, for multiple comparisons, the Dunn test was used.

Results: From 103 bones, the SA appeared in 18 bones, regardless of sex and side, resulting in a total incidence of 17.4%. In the general sample, the incidence of SA was 12.6% for males and 4.85% for females. When considering the side, the left side had a higher incidence than the right side, presenting 9.7% and 7.7% respectively. The most common morphological aspect was Oval on both sides and in both sexes. There were no statistical differences regarding morphometry, considering sex and side.

Conclusion: SA is more common in males, on the left side and with an oval morphology in a population from southeastern Brazil.
The effect of delayed harvest on moisture content, insect damage, moulds and aflatoxin contamination of maize in Mayuge district of Uganda
Authors: Kaaya Archileo N , Warren Herman L , Kyamanywa Samuel , Kyamuhangire William
Published: August 2005

Field drying is a traditional practice carried out by farmers in Uganda and it is one of those practices reported to affect the postharvest quality of maize. A study was therefore conducted to establish the effects of delayed harvest on moisture content, insect damage, moulds and aflatoxin contamination of maize in Mayuge district. Sixteen farmers were selected from Bayitambogwe sub‐county, eight from each of the villages of Bugodi and Musita. Maize was sampled from each farmer's field in 2003B and 2004A seasons at harvest stages of physiological maturity and after delayed harvest for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. Each sample was analysed for mould incidence, moisture content, insect damage and aflatoxin contamination. In each season, mould incidence, insect damage and aflatoxin levels significantly (P < 0.05) increased with delayed time of harvest. Moisture content reduced with delayed harvest time but the maize did not dry to the required safe storage moisture content of ⩽15%. Seasonal effects were only significant for moisture content: the 2003B crop had consistently lower moisture content than 2004A crop. These results indicate that, for improved harvest quality of maize, farmers should harvest no later than 3 weeks after maize has attained physiological maturity. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of INS Derived Doppler Effects on Carrier Tracking Loop
Authors: Babu Ravindra , Wang Jinling
Published: August 2005

Tracking dynamics on the GPS signal is still a big challenge to the receiver designer as the operating conditions are becoming more volatile. Optimizing the stand-alone system for dynamics generally degrades the accuracy of measurements. Therefore, an inertial navigation system (INS) is integrated with GPS to address this issue. Doppler derived from INS can be used to aid the carrier tracking loop for improving the performance under dynamic conditions. However, the derived doppler does not truly reflect the GPS signal doppler due to errors in inertial sensors. As the tracking loop bandwidth is reduced significantly in ultra-tightly integrated systems, any offsets in the aiding doppler creates undesired correlations in the tracking loop resulting in sub-optimal performance of the loop. The paper addresses this issue and also provides a mitigating mechanism to reduce the effects of incorrect estimates of the doppler. It is shown that doppler offsets resulting in a bias in the tracking loop can be appropriately modelled and removed. Mathematical algorithms pertaining to this are provided and the results are summarized. Simulations show that the bias due to aiding doppler offsets could be effectively addressed by appropriate modelling.
Infrared and molecular-dynamics studies of the rotational dynamics of water highly diluted in supercritical CO2
Authors: Danten Y. , Tassaing T. , Besnard M.
Published: August 2005

Far-infrared (FIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) profiles of D2O infinitely dilute in supercritical CO2 have been studied using molecular-dynamics simulations. For this purpose, we have proposed an intermolecular potential model taking implicitly into account electron donor-acceptor (EDA) interactions between water and CO2 evaluated from ab initio calculations of the intermolecular potential-energy surface (IPS). Interaction-induced dipole mechanisms have been also taken into account in addition to the water permanent dipole to evaluate the simulated FIR profiles of water and CO2 polarizable molecules. They were found to play a minor role in the genesis of the FIR profiles of water/CO2 under supercritical conditions. The analysis of the reorientational dynamics of D2O shows that the rotational dynamics of water is weakly anisotropic due to the EDA interactions which affect more specifically the reorientational motions of the C2 symmetry axis of solute. These results have been used to assess the contribution of the vibrational relaxation in the experimental mid-infrared profiles associated with the ν1 symmetric and ν3 antisymmetric stretching and ν2 bending modes of D2O. It was found that the rotational dynamics mainly contribute to the broadening of the infrared (IR) profiles. Nevertheless, the vibrational processes play a role in the frequency shifts of the band centers and the relative intensity enhancements of the ν1 and ν3 modes of D2O. In particular, the EDA interactions between water and CO2 lead to the appearance of a well-defined IR band of the ν1 mode of D2O. Finally, a comparison with another model taking only into account dipole-quadrupole electrostatic interactions between water and CO2 molecules clearly reveals that EDA interactions have to be considered to reproduce both MIR and FIR measurements. From this point of view CO2 can be classified on a hydrophilic solvent scale based upon the solubility criterion as an intermediate solvent between “inert” xenon and carbon tetrachloride.
Coupled-cluster method tailored by configuration interaction
Authors: Kinoshita Tomoko , Hino Osamu , Bartlett Rodney J.
Published: August 2005

A method is presented which combines coupled cluster (CC) and configuration interaction (CI) to describe accurately potential-energy surfaces (PESs). We use the cluster amplitudes extracted from the complete active space CI calculation to manipulate nondynamic correlation to tailor a single reference CC theory (TCC). The dynamic correlation is then incorporated through the framework of the CC method. We illustrate the method by describing the PESs for HF, H2O, and N2 molecules which involve single, double, and triple bond-breaking processes. To the dissociation limit, this approach yields far more accurate PESs than those obtained from the conventional CC method and the additional computational cost is negligible compared with the CC calculation steps. We anticipate that TCC offers an effective and generally applicable approach for many problems.
Experimental and theoretical investigations of femtosecond laser ablation of aluminum in vacuum
Authors: Amoruso S. , Bruzzese R. , Vitiello M. , Nedialkov N. N. , Atanasov P. A.
Published: August 2005

We used time-gated optical emission spectroscopy to investigate the characteristics of aluminum plumes and their vacuum expansion after femtosecond laser ablation at different fluences. The prominent feature is the presence of two main classes of species in the plume: very fast Al atoms and ions preceding the plume bulk essentially constituted of much slower Al nanoparticles expanding with a ten times smaller average velocity. Atomic force microscopy of deposited Al nanoparticles evidenced an average size of about 10nm with a pretty narrow size distribution. These results and the peculiar feature of nanoparticle formation during femtosecond laser irradiation of matter were very satisfactorily interpreted and reproduced by molecular-dynamics simulation of the process. Finally, the analysis of the dependence on laser fluence of the ablation process showed an initial logarithmic increase of ablation yield, up to about 500mJ∕cm2, followed by a sudden and very steep increase at higher fluences. According to our numerical calculations, this latter feature can be ascribed to the increase of the overheated material volume due to electron heat diffusion.
Christian Symbol and Ritual
Authors: Cooke Bernard , Macy Gary
Published: August 2005

This book introduces readers, with little or no background in Christianity, to the theology and history of Christian rituals. It opens with a brief explanation of the role of symbols in human life based on recent anthropological studies. A short introduction to key Christian concepts follows, explaining the role that rituals perform in the Christian worldview. The authors are careful to translate concepts, such as salvation, grace, and sacrament, for those unaccustomed to Christianity. Five areas in which ritual activity central to Christianity are then investigated: friendship, initiation, prayer, ministry or service, and suffering and death. The book is written from an explicitly nondenominational point of view, and offers an explanation of those areas where Christian groups understand or practice rituals differently. The final chapter investigates symbols and rituals that are important to Christianity, but not usually included in lists of Christian “sacraments”.
Age‐dependent histopathological findings in the prostate of probasin/SV40 T antigen transgenic rats: Lack of influence of carcinogen or testosterone treatment
Authors: Cho Young‐Man , Takahashi Satoru , Asamoto Makoto , Suzuki Shugo , Inaguma Shingo , Hokaiwado Naomi , Shirai Tomoyuki
Published: August 2005

Sequential changes in the phenotype of prostatic lesions and the impact of additional carcinogen treatment or castration on development and progression of prostate cancers were examined in probasin/simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen transgenic (TG) rats. Non‐invasive prostate adenocarcinomas were evident in all lobes at 15 weeks of age. Invasive tumors were limited to the anterior lobe at this time point and were found in all lobes in an age‐dependent manner thereafter. No metastasis was apparent at any age. Additional carcinogen treatment or castration did not enhance progression or generate selective growth of hormone‐independent prostate cancer cells. These results suggest that our TG rats are suitable for clarification of mechanisms in early stages of prostate carcinogenesis, that is, from prostatic intraepithelial neo‐plasia (PIN) to non‐invasive and then invasive lesions. (Cancer Sci 2003; 94: 153–157)
Association of GSTM1, CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility to lung adenocarcinoma: A case‐control study in Chinese population
Authors: Wang Jingwen , Deng Yifu , Li Li , Kuriki Kiyonori , Ding Jianmin , Pan Xiaochun , Zhuge Xin , Jiang Jing , Luo Chenhong , Lin Peng , Tokudome Shinkan
Published: August 2005

A case‐control study of 164 lung adenocarcinoma (AC) patients with 181 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls was conducted in order to assess any associations between glutathione‐S‐transferase M1 (GSTM1), cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) and cyto‐chrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) polymorphisms and susceptibility to lung AC in Chinese. The presence of CYP2E1 variant allele was significantly less frequent in cases than in controls, while the distribution of GSTM1 null genotype and variant CYP1A1 Msp1 allele did not vary between cases and controls. After adjustment for age, gender, smoking and all other genotypes, the CYP2E1 Rsa1 variant allele was significantly associated with decreased risk of lung AC [odds ratio 0.534 (95% confidence interval, 0.340–0.837)]. Furthermore, 3.0‐fold increased risk was found in individuals with combined GSTM1 null genotype and CYP2E1 Rsa1 wild type versus those with combined GSTM1 non‐null type and CYP2E1 variant allele. Our results suggest that CYP2E1 Rsa1 variant allele is associated with a decreased risk of lung AC, and combined GSTM1 null genotype and CYP2E1 Rsa1 wild type has a promoting effect on susceptibility to lung AC. (Cancer Sci 2003; 94: 448–452)
Frequent hypomethylation in multiple promoter CpG islands is associated with global hypomethylation, but not with frequent promoter hypermethylation
Authors: Kaneda Atsushi , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Takamura‐Enya Takeji , Watanabe Naoko , Kaminishi Michio , Sugimura Takashi , Tatematsu Masae , Ushijima Toshikazu
Published: August 2005

Hypomethylation of the global genome, considered to be composed mainly of repetitive sequences, is consistently observed in cancers, and aberrant hypo‐ and hypermethylation of CpG islands (CGIs) in promoter regions are also observed. Since methylation alterations in unique promoter sequences and in other genomic regions have distinct consequences, we analyzed the relationship between the global hypomethylation and the hypomethylation of unique promoter CGIs using human gastric cancers. Seven of ten gastric cancer cell lines showed marked decreases in 5‐methylcytosine content, which correlated with hypomethylation of the LINE1 repetitive sequence. Six of the seven cell lines showed hypomethylation in five or all of the six normally methylated CGIs in promoter regions of six genes, and this was associated with induction of aberrant expression. The remaining three cell lines without global hypomethylation showed promoter hypomethylation in one or none of the six CGIs. Frequent promoter hypomethylation, however, did not correlate with frequent promoter hypermethylation. In primary gastric cancers too, global hypomethylation was associated with hypomethylation of LINE1 repetitive sequence and promoter hypomethylation. Of 93 gastric cancers, 33 cancers with frequent promoter hypomethylation and 27 cancers with frequent promoter hypermethylation constituted different groups. These findings represent experimental evidence that frequent hypomethylation of normally methylated promoter CGIs is associated with global hypomethylation, and that these hypomethylations occur independently of frequent promoter CGI hypermethylation. (Cancer Sci 2004; 95: 58–64)
Preferential mammary carcinogenic effects of 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP) in human c‐Ha‐ras proto‐oncogene transgenic rats
Authors: Naito Akihiro , Suzuki Akane , Ueda Shinobu , Nomoto Hiroshi , Toriyama‐Baba Hiroyasu , Asamoto Makoto , Tsuda Hiroyuki
Published: August 2005

In order to clarify the susceptibility of the Hras128 rat harboring copies of the human c‐Ha‐ras proto‐oncogene to 2‐amino‐1‐me‐thyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP), Hras128 rats were in‐tragastically treated with 100 mg/kg PhIP 8 times (females) or 80 mg/kg PhIP 10 times (males) over a 9‐week period, then sacrificed at weeks 12 and 30. Multiple mammary tumors of adenocar‐cinoma type were induced in all females, while 83% of treated males developed adenocarcinomas, sarcomas and transitional car‐cinosarcomas, as evidenced by casein and vimentin immunoreactivity. All tumors examined had mutations in the c‐Ha‐ras transgene, while the endogenous rat c‐Ha‐ras gene was intact. Our results indicate that 1) Hras128 rats of both sexes are preferentially susceptible to mammary carcinogenesis with PhIP; 2) activation of the transgene, but not the endogenous c‐Ha‐ras gene, may be important in this regard; 3) the variety of tumor types evident in male rats indicates that immature mammary gland cells of the terminal end buds may be a target of PhIP; 4) although the transgene is expressed in all organs, susceptibility to PhIP is limited to mammary glands.
Gene mutations and altered gene expression in azoxymethane‐induced colon carcinogenesis in rodents
Authors: Takahashi Mami , Wakabayashi Keiji
Published: August 2005

Studies of colon carcinogenesis in animal models are very useful to elucidate mechanisms and provide pointers to potential prevention approaches in the human situation. In the rat colon carcinogenesis model induced by azoxymethane (AOM), we have documented frequent mutations of specific genes. K‐ras mutations at codon 12 were found to be frequent in hyperplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and large adenocarcinomas. In addition, mutations of the β‐catenin gene in its GSK‐3β phosphorylation consensus motif could also be identified in many adenomas and adenocarcinomas, and altered cellular localization of p‐catenin protein was observed in all of the dysplastic ACF, adenomas and adenocarcinomas examined, indicating that activation of Wnt signaling by accumulation of β‐catenin is a major mechanism in the AOM‐induced colon carcinogenesis model. Frequent gene mutations of β‐catenin and altered cellular localization of the protein are also features of AOM‐induced colon tumors in mice. Expression of enzymes associated with inflammation, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS) and the inducible type of cyclooxyge‐nase (COX), COX‐2, is increased in AOM‐induced rat colon carcinogenesis, and overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins is considered to be involved in colon tumor development. We have demonstrated that increased expression of INOS is an early and important event occurring in step with β‐catenin alteration in rat colon carcinogenesis. Activation of K‐ras was also found to be involved in up‐regulation of INOS in the presence of inflammatory stimuli. In addition, expression levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors may be altered in colon cancers. For example, the EP, and EP2 subtypes have been shown to be up‐regulated and EP3 down‐regulated in AOM‐induced colon cancers in rats and mice. EP, and EP4 appear to be involved in ACF formation, while alteration in EP2 and EP3 is considered to contribute to later steps in colon carcinogenesis. Increased expression of some other gene products, such as the targets of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, have also been reported. The further accumulation of data with this chemically‐induced animal colon carcinogenesis model should provide useful information for understanding colorectal neoplasia in man.
Paradoxically enhanced immunoreactivity of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI‐1) in cancer cells at the invasion front
Authors: Nagaike Koki , Kohama Kazuyo , Uchiyama Shuichiro , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Chijiiwa Kazuo , Itoh Hiroshi , Kataokal Hiroaki
Published: August 2005

We have previously demonstrated significantly decreased immu‐noreactivity of hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI‐1), an integral membrane protein that exhibits potent inhibitory activity against hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA) and matriptase, in colorectal adenocarcinomas. In this report, we describe further detailed analysis of HAI‐1 expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma by using three kinds of anti‐HAI‐1 antibodies, each of which recognizes a distinct epitope of the HAI‐1 molecule, and also by in‐situ hybridization for HAI‐1 mRNA. The results indicated that the decreased immunoreactivity of HAI‐1 in colorectal carcinoma cells is largely a result of enhanced ecto‐domain shedding of HAI‐1 in these cells. In contrast, immunore‐activity of mature membrane‐form HAI‐1 was paradoxically enhanced in cancer cells at the invasion front, showing intense cell‐stroma interactions and/or sprouting invasion. This finding indicates that these invading cells showed decreased ectodomain shedding of HAI‐1 and consequently might require the existence of the membrane‐form HAI‐1. Of particular interest was the observation of a possible inverse correlation between paradoxical up‐regulation of membrane‐form HAI‐1 expression and membrane‐associated E‐cadherin in these cells. These membrane‐form HAI‐1‐positive sprouting cancer cells were also negative for MIB‐1 immunohistochemically, indicating a low‐proliferating population. All these results suggest that HAI‐1 may mediate diverse functions in regard to the progression of colorectal carcinomas, and the immunoreactivity of membrane‐form HAI‐1 may serve as a marker of invading cancer cells.
Amyloid heart disease mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy*
Authors: MÖRNER S. , HELLMAN U. , SUHR O. B. , KAZZAM E. , WALDENSTRÖM A.
Published: August 2005

Objective.  To investigate the importance of transthyretin (TTR) gene mutations in explaining the phenotypic expression in patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in northern Sweden.

Background.  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is relatively common and often caused by mutations in sarcomeric protein genes. Mutations in the TTR gene are also common, one of which causes familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), with peripheral polyneuropathy and frequently, cardiac hypertrophy. These circumstances were highlighted by the finding of an index case with amyloidosis, presenting itself as HCM. Initial rectal and fat biopsies did not show amyloid deposits. Later on, the patient was shown to carry a TTR gene mutation, and cardiac amyoloidosis was confirmed by myocardial biopsy. Only then was a repeated fat biopsy positive for amyloid deposits.

Design.  Cross‐sectional study.

Setting.  Cardiology tertiary referral centre.

Subjects.  Forty‐six unrelated individuals with HCM and the index case were included. Common diagnostic criteria for HCM were used. The 46 patients with HCM were previously analysed for mutations in eight sarcomeric protein genes and the TTR gene was now analysed by denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography and direct sequencing.

Results.  One mutation in the TTR gene (Val30Met) was found in three individuals and the index case.

Conclusions.  Three of the 46 cases with HCM carried the Val30Met mutation, and were considered likely to have cardiac amyloidosis, like the index case. As a correct diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is mandatory for a potentially life‐saving treatment, TTR mutation analysis should be considered in cases of HCM not explained by mutations in sarcomeric protein genes.
Sperm stratification and paternity success in red flour beetles
Authors: Lewis Sara M. , Kobel Annika , Fedina Tatyana , Beeman Richard W.
Published: August 2005

Abstract.  When females are inseminated by multiple males, male paternity success (sperm precedence) is determined by the underlying processes of sperm storage and sperm utilization. Although informative for many questions, two‐male sperm competition experiments may offer limited insight into natural mating scenarios when females are likely to mate with several males. In this study, genetic markers in Tribolium castaneum are used to trace paternity for multiple sires, and to determine whether displacement of stored sperm that occurs after a third mating equally affects both previous mates, or if fertilizations are disproportionately lost by the female's most recent mate. For 20 days after triple‐matings, first males retain significantly higher paternity success (relative to first male paternity in double‐matings) compared with second males. These results demonstrate that when females remate before sperm mixing occurs, sperm stratification results in differential loss of sperm from the most recent mate. This study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying sperm precedence in a promiscuous mating system, and suggests that T. castaneum females could limit paternity success of particular mates by remating with more highly preferred males.
Olfactory and visual stimuli used in orientation to conifer seedlings by the pine weevil,Hylobius abietis
Authors: Björklund Niklas , Nordlander Göran , Bylund Helena
Published: August 2005

Abstract. The influence of noncontact plant cues is investigated on the likelihood that individual conifer seedlings will be found by walking adults of the pine weevil,Hylobius abietis, in the field. Traps with solely odour or solely visual stimuli catch significantly more weevils than stimulus‐free traps, and traps with the combination of odour and visual stimuli catch more weevils than traps with odour or visual stimuli alone. There is essentially an additive effect between odour and visual stimuli. The reactions to odour and visual stimuli are similar for three phases of the pine weevil's life cycle associated with three ages of clear‐cuttings (i.e. sites where all trees have been harvested). Visual stimuli appear to be at least as important as odour for the pine weevil in finding an undamaged conifer seedling.
Comparison of antihypertensive efficacy and perinatal safety of labetalol and methyldopa in the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: PLOUIN PIERRE‐FRANçOIS , BREART GERARD , MAILLARD FRANçOISE , PAPIERNIK EMILE , RELIER JEAN‐PIERRE ,   THE LABETALOL METHYLDOPA STUDY GROUP
Published: August 2005

Summary. Labetalol was compared with methyldopa in a randomized controlled trial involving 176 pregnant women with mild to moderate hypertension. Diastolic blood pressure below 86 mmHg was obtained in a similar proportion of women given labetalol or methyldopa. Intrauterine death occurred in four women treated with methyldopa, and the one neonatal death on day 1 occurred in the labetalol group. The average birthweight and the proportion of preterm or small‐for‐gestational‐age babies were similar in both groups. Heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, respiratory rate, and Silverman score of the babies did not differ between the two treatment groups, whether the comparison was made for all the infants, or only for those that were preterm or small‐for‐gestational‐age. These data indicate that maternal betablockade with labetalol is as safe as methyldopa for the fetus and the newborn.
Human leucocyte antigen status in African women with eclampsia
Authors: JOHNSON NICHOLAS , MOODLEY JACK , HAMMOND MICHAEL G.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Investigation of the HLA system in 53 African eclamptic or imminently eclamptic women showed that they were significantly more likely to be heterozygous at the B locus than were normal controls. This did not apply to the A or D related loci.
Cervical dilatation by Lamicel before first trimester abortion: a clinical and experimental study
Authors: NORSTRÖM A. , BRYMAN I. , HANSSON H.‐A.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Twenty women were treated with Lamicel tents for 4 h and 20 women for 16 h before vacuum aspiration in the first trimester of pregnancy. The shorter time of treatment was as effective as the longer time with respect to cervical softening and dilatation. In comparison with an untreated control group, Lamicel treatment was followed by an increased collagenolytic activity and increased sensitivity to prostaglandin E2 of the cervical smooth muscle.
Carcinoma of the cervix with massive eosinophilia
Authors: LOWE D. G.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Massive local eosinophilia of 100 or more eosinophils per high power field was found in 3·2% cases of invasive carcinoma of the cervix. The prevalence, length of history before presentation to surgery and histological features were similar in patients from Great Britain and Malawi, but in both populations the mean age at diagnosis was lower than in patients with cervical carcinomas without tissue eosinophilia. In some of the tumours, the malignant cells were very difficult to find because of the eosinophil infiltrate, and misinterpretation as an inflammatory lesion was possible. Tn the absence of circulating eosinophilia, cervical carcinomas with massive eosinophilia were found to have a better prognosis than tumours without. Five patients had circulating eosinophilia as well as local tumour eosinophil infiltration, and each of them had extensive tumour spread.
Placental histology and the production of human choriogonadotrophin and its subunits in pregnancy
Authors: HAY DAVID LACHLAN
Published: August 2005

Summary. The relation between placental histology and the levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and its α‐hCG and β‐hCG subunits was studied using monoclonal antibodies in immunohistochemical and immunoassay procedures. Between 4 and 9 weeks gestation an increasing ratio of cytotrophoblasts to syncytiotrophoblasts in placental villi corresponded to rising hCG levels, with (βhCG levels declining from 4% to less than 1% of hCG levels. After 8–10 weeks gestation, declining numbers of cytotrophoblasts in villi and the formation of the definitive placenta coincided with falling hCG, rising αhCG and insignificant βhCG levels. Between 18 and 35 weeks, a secondary twofold rise in hCG levels coincided with a similar increase in average placental mass. It is proposed that hCG synthesis in syncytiotrophoblasts depends on the rate of differentiation of cytotrophoblasts into syncytiotrophoblasts.
Umbilical artery velocity waveforms: normal reference values for A/B ratio and Pourcelot ratio
Authors: THOMPSON ROSEMARY S. , TRUDINGER BRIAN J. , COOK COLLEEN M. , GILES WARWICK B.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Normal reference values for the umbilical artery Pourcelot ratio and A/B ratio are reported. Thirty‐five normal patients were studied serially from 20 weeks to term. The A/B ratio centilcs were corrected for non‐normality of the underlying distribution by transforming from the Pourcelot ratio values. The correction needed was small during the last trimester, but larger for second trimester data. Of the 35 patients 24 were nulliparous and there was a slight tendency for the waveform indices to be higher in the nulliparae, but the numbers in this study were too small to be conclusive about the effect of parity.
Measurement of cardiac output in pregnancy by thermodilution and impedance techniques
Authors: EASTERLING THOMAS R. , BENEDETTI THOMAS J. , CARLSON KAREN L. , WATTS D. HEATHER
Published: August 2005

Summary. To assess the value of impedance cardiography in pregnancy, simultaneous measurements of cardiae output were made with impedance and thermodilution techniques in 10 patients who required pulmonary artery catheterization. The methods correlated poorly (r=0·17). The discrepancy between methods was particularly pronounced in hypertensive patients. Impedance cardiography does not measure cardiac output accurately in hypertensive pregnant women.
Tocolysis during cervical ripening with vaginal PGE2
Authors: INSULL G. M. , COOKE INEZ , MacKENZIE I. Z.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Forty‐two primigravidae with unripe cervices (modified Bishop score ≤5) were pretreated with 8 mg of oral salbutamol 30 min before vaginal administration of 5 mg of PGE2. The proportion of patients in established labour after treatment (19%) was markedly less than results reported previously and cervical improvement occurred in 86% of the non‐labouring patients. The improved outcome of labour associated with the prior administration of PGE2 when the cervix is unripe, including reduced induction‐to‐delivery intervals and higher rates of vaginal delivery was maintained. Apart from some minor side‐effects, there were no adverse effects noted as a direct consequence of the tocolytic; blood loss was not increased, although one patient suffered an intrapartum abruption. This approach allows a greater control of induced uterine activity and timing of delivery which may be of particular importance in women with suspected placental insufficiency.
Vaginal pH in pregnancy in women delivered at and before term
Authors: GLEESON R. P. , ELDER A. M. , TURNER M. J. , RUTHERFORD A. J. , ELDER M. G.
Published: August 2005

Summary. A microelectrode was used to measure vaginal pH in a longitudinal study during pregnancy in 30 women, 28 of whom were delivered at term. Excluding pH readings made in the presence of pathogenic organisms, 120 readings were taken. The mean vaginal pH of all subjects was 4·16 (SD 0·41). Analysis of variance showed no significant within‐subject variation of pH during pregnancy. Two women had spontaneous preterm deliveries (<37 weeks) and their mean vaginal pH during pregnancy was 5·05 and 5·06. Eight women admitted in preterm labour, who then gave birth, had a mean pH of 5·43 (SD 0·94) which was significantly higher than the mean pH of 10 women in labour at term (4·58, SD 0·59). The relation between bacterial growth in vitro and the surrounding pH was also examined. Escherichia coli, a potential pathogen, behaved differently from both Lactobacillus (a commensal organism) and Candida albicans. The clinical observations show a trend towards higher vaginal pH values in association with preterm labour.
Efficacy of progesterone support for pregnancy in women with recurrent miscarriage. A meta‐analysis of controlled trials
Authors: DAYA SALIM
Published: August 2005

Progesterone appears to be necessary to support an early pregnancy, and it has been used for this purpose for several decades. Its potential role in women with recurrent miscarriage due to luteal phase deficiency has been suggested, but its efficacy has not yet been demonstrated. Three controlled trials of progesterone treatment in women with recurrent miscarriage have shown small, but not statistically significant, increases in the rates of pregnancies that continue beyond 20 weeks in the treated groups. None of these studies had sufficient statistical power to detect a clinically significant improvement in outcome but pooling the results of these studies using the principles of meta‐analysis has allowed an overall effect of treatment to be calculated. The resulting odds ratio for pregnancies reaching at least 20 weeks gestation was 3·09 (95% CI 1·28 to 7·42) which indicates that there is evidence to support the suggestion that progesterone given in early pregnancy is useful in women with recurrent miscarriage. Although, before progesterone is used in this way its efficacy in women with recurrent miscarriage due to luteal phase deficiency must be assessed in prospective double‐blind randomized controlled trials mounted in the light of the results of this meta‐analysis.
Pregnancy outcome after unwinding of twisted ischaemic‐haemorrhagic adnexa
Authors: BIDER D. , BEN‐RAFAEL Z. , GOLDENBERG M. , SHALEV J. , MASHIACH S.
Published: August 2005

Six women who became pregnant after human menopausal gonadotrophin/human chorionic gonadotrophin (hMG/hCG) treatment regimens were operated on between 6 and 21 weeks gestation with an intra‐operative diagnosis of twisted ischaemic‐haemorrhagic adnexa. During operation unwinding of the adnexa was performed in all patients. Monitoring of the pregnancy before and after operation by ultrasonography was normal. The postoperative period and the rest of the pregnancy were uneventful. Three women were delivered normally at term. One patient was delivered by caesarean section because of twin pregnancy with malpresentation, and two pregnancies are still ongoing beyond the first trimester. This preliminary study suggests that detorsion of ischaemic‐haemorrhagic adnexa during pregnancy is an option that is not associated with subsequent complications. This approach might be adopted relatively safely when preservation of future fertility is a goal.
Is it time for a reconsideration of the criteria for cone biopsy?
Authors: LOPES A. , PEARSON S. E. , MOR‐YOSEF S. , IRELAND D. , MONAGHAN J. M.
Published: August 2005

Between August 1985 and November 1988, 475 laser cone biopsies were performed at the Regional Gynaecological Oncology Unit in Gateshead. Of these, 332 were performed for abnormal cervical cytology and unsatisfactory colposcopy. The negative cone rate in this group was 34%. In those with cytological abnormalities up to and including mild dyskaryosis the figure was 64% and there were no cases of invasive disease. In this group the authors have reconsidered the criteria for cone biopsy and suggested biopsy of the visible ectocervical lesion combined with endocervical curettage or brushing. Those with negative histology or cytological abnormalities less than moderate dyskaryosis should be managed conservatively.
Haemodynamic changes in gestational proteinuric hypertension: the effects of rapid volume expansion and vasodilator therapy
Authors: BELFORT M. , UYS P. , DOMMISSE J. , DAVEY D. A.
Published: August 2005

Summary. Ten patients with gestational proteinuric hypertension were studied with a Swan‐Ganz thermodilution haemodynamic catheter before, during and after plasma volume expansion. Five patients were treated with dihydralazine before volume expansion and five after volume expansion. Before treatment all patients had a low pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), low cardiac index (CI) and high systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Following volume expansion the PCWP and CI increased, the SVR decreased but the blood pressure (BP) was unchanged. Administration of dihydralazine following volume expansion led to a decrease in PCWP, an increase in CI and a decrease in SVR and BP. Dihydralazine alone caused an increase in heart rate, PCWP, and CI, and a decrease in SVR and BP. Volume expansion, by increasing CI and decreasing SVR, may be of therapeutic benefit in the severely hypertensive pregnant patient with a low cardiac index.
Antiserum to pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) recognizes human haptoglobin
Authors: BUELER M. R. , BERSINGER N. A.
Published: August 2005

Summary. The presence of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) in non‐pregnancy serum has been questioned with reference to insufficient specificity of the antibodies raised against this glycopro‐tein in some departments and used in immunoassay. For convenience, but also because of this unclear situation, many laboratories now use the only commercially available anti‐PAPP‐A preparations in their assays. By analysing pregnancy and non‐pregnancy serum with two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) and Western blotting, we could demonstrate that this antiserum marketed by Dakopatts (Denmark) was capable of binding haptoglobin whereas our own (Dr P. Bischof) antibody preparation did not recognize haptoglobin.
The effect of intravascular transfusion for rhesus haemolytic disease on umbilical artery Doppler flow velocity waveforms
Authors: HANRETTY KEVIN P. , WHITTLE MARTIN J. , GILMORE DAVID H. , McNAY MARGARET B. , HOWIE CATHERINE A. , RUBIN PETER C.
Published: August 2005

Summary. To test the hypothesis that an increase in fetal blood viscosity is associated with an increase in resistance to flow, the effect on Doppler flow velocity waveforms of percutaneous umbilical blood sampling and intravascular transfusion was studied in 20 patients undergoing a total of 35 procedures. All but four of the 22 transfusions were associated with a decrease in resistance to flow, as shown by a reduction in the umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio, and this also occurred on 10 of the 13 occasions when blood sampling only was performed. These findings suggest that acute changes in blood viscosity following intravascular transfusion arc not associated with an increase in resistance to flow as assessed by Doppler velocimetry. Umbilical blood sampling per se may be associated with a Immorally mediated reduction in placental vascular resistance to flow.