bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence Variation in a Newly Identified HLA-B35-Restricted Epitope in the Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein Associated with Escape from Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes
Authors: Boon A. C. M. , de Mutsert G. , Graus Y. M. F. , Fouchier R. A. M. , Sintnicolaas K. , Osterhaus A. D. M. E. , Rimmelzwaan G. F.
Published: July 2002

Here, we describe a new HLA-B*3501-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope in the influenza A virus (H3N2) nucleoprotein, which was found to exhibit a high degree of variation at nonanchor residues. The influenza virus variants emerged in chronological order, and CTLs directed against old variants failed to recognize more recent strains of influenza A virus, indicating an escape from CTL immunity.
Contribution of Peaks of Virus Load to Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Pathogenesis
Authors: Regoes Roland R. , Staprans Silvija I. , Feinberg Mark B. , Bonhoeffer Sebastian
Published: July 2002

The mechanisms causing AIDS and subsequently death in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection are not yet fully understood. Nonetheless, correlates of accelerated progression to disease based on immunological and virological markers have been identified. The best correlate identified to date is the baseline virus load or the so-called viral set point. By focusing on a virus load measurement from a restricted time range, however, we ignore valuable information contained in the long-term profile of the virus load. Here, we investigate the relationship between virus load and survival with the aid of a statistical model. The model takes into consideration the virus load at every stage of the disease. In particular, we aim to determine the effect of peaks of virus load on disease progression. We fit our model to unique sequential viral load data of 12 simian immunodeficiency virus mac251-infected rhesus macaques which contain frequent measurements throughout the entire course of the infection until the development of simian AIDS. Our model enables us to predict the survival times of the animals more accurately than an equivalent model which considers the viral set point only. Furthermore, we find that peaks of the virus load contribute less to disease progression than phases of low virus load with the same amount of viral turnover. Our analysis implies that the total viral turnover is not the best correlate of survival. As a consequence, the direct cytopathic effects of virus replication may, by themselves, have less of an impact on disease progression than previously thought.
Nine-Vertex Polyhedral Monothiaborane Chemistry. The First nido Thianonaborane: Isolation and Characterization by NMR of the [nido-9-SB8H9]- Anion, and its Conversion to Compounds of the 6-L-arachno-4-SB8H10 Series (where L = SMe2 and Pyridine)
Authors: Holub Josef , Kennedy John D. , Štíbr Bohumil
Published: July 2002

Deprotonation of 6(exo)-(SMe2)-arachno-4-SB8H10 either by sodium hydride or sodium metal leads to the isolation in high-yield of the [nido-9-SB8H9]- anion, which has been characterized by 11B and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The nido anion can be reconverted to compounds of the 6(exo)-L-arachno-4-SB8H10 series (where L = SMe2 and pyridine) by reaction with Lewis bases (L) followed by acidification with trifluoroacetic acid.
A Study of Mesomorphous Properties of O-(2-Hydroxypropyl)cellulose Derivatives
Authors: Sroková Iva , Čík Gabriel , Hodul Pavel
Published: July 2002

O-(2-Hydroxypropyl)cellulose has been used for synthesis of O-decyl-O-(2-hydroxypropyl)cellulose (DHPC; DS = 2.2) and O-stearoyl-O-(2-hydroxypropyl)cellulose (SHPC; DS = 2.1). Both compounds show mesomorphous properties of liquid polymeric crystals. DHPC in the form of highly viscous liquid has a lyotropic character. SHPC as solid has thermotropic properties with two phase transitions in the interval of 40 - 70 °C.
Effect of OH- Concentration on Alkaline Hydrolysis of Diphenyl (4-Nitrophenyl) Phosphate Catalyzed by 2-Iodosobenzoic and 3-Iodoso-2-naphthoic Acids
Authors: Ptáček Aleš , Kulič Jiří
Published: July 2002

The hydrolysis of diphenyl (4-nitrophenyl) phosphate catalyzed by 2-iodosobenzoic and 3-iodoso-2-naphthoic acids has been studied at different pH values in the presence of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide as a micellar agent. It was found that 3-iodoso-2-naphthoic acid is better catalyst than 2-iodosobenzoic acid. At amounts of the acids higher than stoichiometric, the reaction is independent of pH in the 8.00 to 10.00 region while on using substoichiometric amounts, the reaction rate depends on OH- ion concentration only when the acid to diphenyl (4-nitrophenyl) phosphate molar ratio amounts to 12.5 : 1 for 2-iodosobenzoic acid and 6.25 : 1 for 3-iodoso-2-naphthoic acid.
Preparation of 2,3-Secodiacids of the Lupane Series
Authors: Endová Magdalena , Klinotová Eva , Sejbal Jan , Máca Bohumil , Klinot Jiří , Protiva Jiří
Published: July 2002

2,3-Seco-2,3-diacids of the 28-hydroxy-20(29)-lupene and 28-hydroxylupane series (VIIa and VIIb, respectively) and their derivatives VIII - XIV were prepared from 28-acetoxy-20(29)-lupen-3-one (IIIa) and 28-acetoxy-3-lupanone (IIIb), respectively, by oxidation to diosphenols Va and Vb and subsequent oxidative cleavage of the C(2)-C(3) bond.
Width of the Metastable Region in the Precipitation of Lead Iodide
Authors: Nývlt Jaroslav , Karel Miloslav
Published: July 2002

Nucleation kinetics in the precipitation of lead iodide from dilute solutions of lead nitrate and potassium iodide was derived from measurements of the metastable region width when adding KI solution to Pb(NO3)2 solution, and also from induction period measurements on instantaneous mixing of batches of the two solutions. The nucleation order values obtained lay within the region of m = 3.5 to 4.6, which is a satisfactory agreement in view of the different nature of the two approaches.
Dehalogenation of Chloroarenes with Sodium Dihydridobis(2-methoxyethoxo)aluminate in the Presence of Transition Metal Compounds
Authors: Včelák Jaroslav , Hetflejš Jiří
Published: July 2002

Dehalogenation of low-chlorinated arenes such as p-dichlorobenzene or chlorobenzene with the title hydride is accelerated in the presence of transition metal species formed in situ from the corresponding 2,4-pentanedionates. Their efficiency decreases in the order: Co ≈ Ni ≈ Pd > Cu >> Mn > Fe which results from changes of their activity and stability. The dehalogenation is well described by a kinetic model consisting of the set of dehalogenation steps which are first order in the chloroarene combined with the catalyst deactivation which is second order in the transition metal compound.
Phenol Degradation on Glass Fibres with Immobilized Titanium Dioxide Particles
Authors: Brezová Vlasta , Blažková Alžbeta , Brezňan Mirko , Kottáš Peter , Čeppan Michal
Published: July 2002

The photocatalytic mineralization of phenol in aqueous solutions under various experimental conditions was employed, to test the activity of the prepared immobilized fibreglass/TiO2 photocatalysts. The particles of titanium dioxide P25 were coated on the surface of commercial fibreglass fabric by dipping in ethanolic TiO2 suspensions and were fixed by firing 6 h at 500 °C.
Effect of Medium on the Electronic Spectra of 2-Nitroaniline Derivatives
Authors: Bekárek Vojtěch , Jílek Jan , Haviger Antonín
Published: July 2002

The wavenumbers of the long-wavelength absorption band were measured for nine 4-substituted and 5-substituted derivatives of 2-nitroaniline in the gaseous state and in 13 solvents where only nonspecific solvent-solute interactions can be expected. For the series involving all the solvents used, the solvent effects can be well expressed by an one-parameter equation involving the product of the Born functions of the relative permittivity and of the refractive index of the solvent. For the series involving the nonpolar solvents and the gaseous state only, this equation reduces to an one-parameter equation involving the refractive index Born function squared.
Thermodynamic Study of the CuCl2-MCl2-H2O Systems (M = Mg, Co) at 298.15 K
Authors: Christov Christomir
Published: July 2002

The Pitzer ion-interaction model was used for a simulation of the CuCl2-MCl2-H2O (M = Mg, Co) systems at 298.15 K. The necessary thermodynamic functions (binary and ternary ion-interaction parameters and thermodynamic solubility products) were calculated and the theoretical solubility diagrams plotted. A very good agreement was obtained between the calculated and observed data.
Unusual Rearrangement of Naphthalene in the Synthesis of a Novel B8-B8-Bridged Derivative in the [(1,2-C2B9H11)2-3-Co]- Series. X-Ray Structure and 11B NMR Spectra of [8,8'-μ-(CH2-C9H6)-(1,2-C2B9H10)2-3-Co]- (CH3)4N+
Authors: Franken Andreas , Plešek Jaromír , Nachtigal Christiane
Published: July 2002

On treatment of the [(1,2-C2B9H11)2Co]- ion with naphthalene in presence of AlCl3 a remarkably bridged [8,8'-μ-(CH2-C9H6)-(1,2-C2B9H10)2-3-Co]- ion is obtained as a single isolated compound. The triatomic -CH2-C9H6- bridge is derived from the rearranged naphthalene nucleus. The mechanism of this reaction is obscure but it does resemble the "Electrophile-Induced Nucleophilic Substitution" reported earlier. The structure of the compound was established by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and by single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Adsorption Effects of Thiourea at the Hg Electrode in Water-Dimethyl Sulfoxide Mixtures on Zn(II) Reduction
Authors: Marczewska Barbara
Published: July 2002

The adsorption of thiourea (TU) and the kinetics of Zn(II) reduction at mercury electrode from the solutions of NaClO4 in 10 and 70 vol.% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at various concentrations of TU have been studied. The obtained results indicate that in the process of Zn(II) electroreduction the dominant role is played by the structure of the primary solvation shell of Zn(II).
Crystal Structures of Titanium(III) Bis(acetylide) Tweezer Complexes with Alkali Metal Cations
Authors: Hiller Jörg , Varga Vojtech , Thewalt Ulf , Mach Karel
Published: July 2002

Crystal structures of the Ti(III) tweezer complexes [(C5HMe4)2Ti(σ-C≡CSiMe3)2]-[Li(THF)2]+ (2a), [(C5HMe4)2Ti(σ-C≡CSiMe3)2]-Na+ (3) and [(C5HMe4)2Ti(σ-C≡CSiMe3)2]-Cs+ (5) have been determined. In all of them the alkali metal cation is placed away from the Ti-Cα1-Cα2 plane at the distance: Li+ 0.511 Å, Na+ 1.023 Å and Cs+ 0.521 Å. The reason for the deviation of Li+ in 2a is the asymmetrical orientation of the THF ligands in the [Li(THF)2]+ cation with respect to the Ti-Cα1-Cα2 plane, which seems to release the steric congestion between the THF ligands and the trimethylsilyl groups. In 3 and 5, the molecules form polymer chains with a weak intermolecular bonding interaction between the cations and one of the C5HMe4 ligands of the neighbouring molecule in a sandwich manner.
FTIR and Thermogravimetric Study of Silicalite Treated with Methanol
Authors: Genoni Fausto , Casati Gian Piero , Buzzoni Roberto , Palmery Stefano , Spanò Guido , Dalloro Leonardo , Petrini Guido
Published: July 2002

FTIR and TGA-DTA techniques were used for the high-defective Al-Na free silicalite characterization. Methanol reacting with external and internal silanols provides a sample modification evidenced by the combined use of these two techniques. A quantitative correlation between the FTIR and TGA data was drawn out although the incomplete methoxylation did not allow to quantify the total number of silanols. At least two distinct types of methoxylated sites were found according to their oxidation temperature which is unexpectedly high for one of them.
Sorption and Transport of Species in Silicalite Study of Binary Systems Containing Iodine
Authors: Masařík Vladimír , Novák Pavel , Zikánová Arlette , Kornatowski Jan , Maixner Jaroslav , Kočiřík Milan
Published: July 2002

Sorption of iodine from both the vapour phase and iodine solutions in organic solvents on large Silicalite-1 crystals was investigated. The single component sorption of iodine and sorption from binary mixtures under co-diffusion conditions led to a uniform colouring of the crystals. Under counter-diffusion conditions with crystals saturated initially with vapour of a selected solvent, the sorption kinetics of iodine was 2 or 3 orders of magnitude slower as compared with the corresponding co-diffusion experiment. Colouring of crystals was always, at least in its initial stage, non-uniform with visualized pyramids at crystal basal planes. This finding together with the nature of outer and inner crystal morphology suggests that our Silicalite-1 crystals are 90°-intergrowths which have only pore mouth openings of sinusoidal channels in the crystal surface. The process of crystal colouring under counter-diffusion conditions seems to proceed via diffusion along the boundaries of crystal sections.
NMR Study of the Structures of Ni(II) Complexes of Schiff Bases of 2-Bromoglycine with (S)-2-[(N-Benzylprolyl)amino]benzophenone or (S)-2-[(N-Benzylprolyl)amino]-5-chlorobenzophenone
Authors: Popkov Alexander , Jirman Josef , Nádvorník Milan , Manorik Petr A.
Published: July 2002

The structure of a hydrolytically unstable Ni(II) complex of Schiff base of 3a with 2-bromoglycine was confirmed by NMR and 252Cf plasma desorption mass spectrometry; a new more hydrolytically stable chloro derivate 4a was prepared and investigated by 2D NMR.
Kinetic and Theoretical Study of the Effect of Molecular Sieve Structure on the Selectivity to Propylbenzenes in Alkylation of Benzene with Isopropyl Alcohol
Authors: Čejka Jiří , Žilková Naděžda , Šponer Judit E. , Wichterlová Blanka
Published: July 2002

The alkylation of benzene with isopropyl alcohol was investigated over molecular sieves of different structural types and acidity by kinetic measurements and ab initio quantum chemical calculations. The formation of n-propylbenzene occurring via bimolecular transalkylation between isopropylbenzene and benzene is enhanced by the appropriate geometry of the reaction space and the acidity of molecular sieves. n-Propylbenzene was formed over medium and large pore molecular sieves with such inner channel architecture which enables the approach of isopropylbenzene and benzene to form the reaction complex. Mesoporous sieves of MCM-41 structure provided only isopropylbenzene with some amount of diisopropylbenzenes. For the fully relaxed complex consisting of protonated isopropylbenzene and benzene, the computations verified the transfer of propyl group from one benzene molecule to another forming again isopropylbenzene. When the geometrical conditions modelling the channel intersections of ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 structures were considered n-propylbenzene was formed. The anti-Markovnikov type of proton transfer from the arenium cation to the propene part of the complex is promoted by the steric constraints present in the channel intersections of ZSM-5 and ZSM-11 zeolites.
Conditions Resulting in Formation of Properly Assembled Retroviral Capsids within Inclusion Bodies of Escherichia coli
Authors: Rumlová-Kliková Michaela , Pichová Iva , Hunter Eric , Ruml Tomáš
Published: July 2002

It has been generally accepted that inclusion bodies (IBs) formed in Escherichia coli consist of non-biologically active aggregated proteins, which are stabilized by non-productive interactions. We show here that bacterial expression of a retroviral capsid polyprotein results in formation of insoluble IBs that contain fully assembled viral particles connected with amorphous material. The efficiency of IBs formation and capsid assembly was not significantly affected by changes in induction temperature, pH of cultivation medium or the level of expression.
Rhodium(II)- and Copper(I)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Carbon-Hydrogen Bond Insertions with Metal Carbenoids Derived from Diazo Ketones
Authors: Müller Paul , Maîtrejean Esther
Published: July 2002

The decomposition of diazo ketones in the presence of Rh(II) and Cu(I) catalysts affords products of C-H bond insertion in high yields. The effect of structural variation on intramolecular and transannular C-H insertions of diazo ketones has been investigated. The enantioselectivity of the insertion was examined with 15 chiral catalysts of different structural types. It was low in all cases. The poor enantioselectivity of the insertion of diazo ketones in comparison to that obtained in insertions of diazo esters and diazo amides is attributed to two factors: The oxocarbenes derived from diazo esters and diazo amides are stabilized by resonance of the carbonyl group with the heteroatom. Furthermore, the conformational constraints which must be overcome in order to reach the transition state for intramolecular insertion are lower in the case of carbenes derived from diazo ketones than in those from diazo esters and amides owing to the higher rotational barriers of amides and esters in comparison with that of ketones. This results in an earlier, and therefore less selective transition state for insertion of diazo ketones.
The Isotope-Dilution Determination of Platinum in Soil by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Trešl Ivan , Mestek Oto , Suchánek Miloslav
Published: July 2002

A method of the determination of trace amounts of platinum in soils has been developed and validated. Samples were ignited, spiked by198Pt and decomposed by acid digestion (HF-HClO4, HCl-HNO3). Platinum was separated from the matrix by tellurium coprecipitation (recovery 55-87%) and its content was calculated by the (194Pt +195Pt +196Pt)/198Pt ratio measurement. In spite of the separation step (hafnium and tungsten recovery below 1%), residual spectral interference caused by HfO+ions was observed. This interference as well as that of198Hg were removed by mathematical correction. Accuracy of the method was confirmed by analysis of certified reference material and by the standard addition method. Detection limit of the method was 0.08 ng g-1Pt. It was found out that the main component of the standard uncertainty of results was sampling uncertainty. Analysis of soil samples taken in the neighbourhood of Hřensko (Northern Bohemia) showed high platinum contents near the road with heavy traffic.
Mechanism of Reduction of Cymantrene (Tricarbonyl η5-Cyclopentadienylmanganese) and Its Methyl Carboximidate Derivative
Authors: Salmain Michèle , Jaouen Gérard , Fiedler Jan , Sokolová Romana , Pospíšil Lubomír
Published: July 2002

The mechanisms of electrochemical reduction of cymantrene, [Mn(CO)3(η5-Cp)], and its ring-substituted methyl carboximidate derivative, [Mn(CO)3(η5-C5H4C(NH)OMe)], were studied by voltammetry, in situ IR spectroelectrochemistry and preparative electrolysis. The product of one-electron reduction undergoes further chemical reactions. Comparison of the data obtained under atmosphere of argon and that of carbon monoxide leads to the conclusion that a ligand substitution reaction and dimerization participate in the overall reaction sequence. FTIR spectra recorded in situ suggest product dimerization, the formation of [Mn(CO)5]- and, to a lesser extent, other unstable species. The dimer formation was not observed in the course of the reduction of the carboximidate.
An Alternative Synthesis of HPMPC and HPMPA Diphosphoryl Derivatives
Authors: Otmar Miroslav , Masojídková Milena , Votruba Ivan , Holý Antonín
Published: July 2002

In (S)-1-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]cytosine (HPMPC) and (S)-9-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine (HPMPA) with 3-hydroxy functions protected with 4,4'-dimethoxytrityl (DMTr) groups, phosphonate groups were transformed to the morpholides and treated with bis(tributylammonium) diphosphate. Selective cleavage of the DMTr group in the presence of the labile diphosphate residue was achieved in water at pH 2.5. Purification by charcoal adsorption followed by anion exchange chromatography afforded phosphonate-diphosphate compounds (HPMPCpp, HPMPApp).
Identifying college athletes at risk for pathogenic eating
Authors: DePalma M T , Koszewski W M , Romani W , Case J G , Zuiderhof N J , McCoy P M
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a discriminant function that predicts risk of pathogenic eating in comparison with a standard self report measure (EAT) and a clinical interview. In addition, to determine the effectiveness of this discriminant function using a variety of collegiate athletes.

Methods: A total of 319 participants were asked to complete a series of self report measures that assessed dietary practices. In addition, anthropometric measures were obtained, and a random sample of 15% participated in a structured clinical interview.

Results: Correlational analyses indicated that the discriminant function categorisation of risk was significantly related to both the clinical interview and EAT (p≤0.05). The discriminant function was accurate in predicting risk category in this diverse group of athletes, particularly with respect to those at low risk (83.1%) and those at high risk (72.7%).

Conclusion: This information may be helpful in the development of a simple, accessible tool to identify athletes at risk of engaging in pathogenic eating behaviours.
Osteomyelitis pubis versus osteitis pubis: a case presentation and review of the literature
Authors: Pauli S , Willemsen P , Declerck K , Chappel R , Vanderveken M
Published: July 2002

An athletic 23 year old man presented with suprapubic tenderness, fever, and raised inflammatory blood variables. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, with a presumed diagnosis of retrocaecal appendicitis, but no abnormalities were found, apart from free fluid in the pouch of Douglas. Imaging of the pubic area suggested bony infection and inflammation. Biopsy and culture confirmed the presence ofStaphylococcus aureus, a very common pathogen. The final diagnosis was osteomyelitis pubis, an infectious disease, and osteitis pubis, an inflammatory disease.
Improved survival and neurodevelopmental outcome after prolonged ventilation in preterm neonates who have received antenatal steroids and surfactant
Authors: Gaillard E A , Cooke R W I , Shaw N J
Published: July 2002

AIMS

To assess survival and neurodevelopmental outcome following prolonged ventilation beyond 27 or 49 days of postnatal life in neonates treated with antenatal steroids and surfactant.

METHODS

The medical records of 84 babies born in 1994–1996 requiring ventilation after 27 postnatal days at Liverpool Women's Hospital were reviewed to determine the duration of mechanical ventilation, survival, and neurodevelopmental outcome at 3 years of age.

RESULTS

Fifty six babies were mechanically ventilated after 27 postnatal days but for less than 50 days; 48 (86%) survived to 3 years. Twenty six (54%) of the survivors had normal neurodevelopment at 3 years and seven (15%) had only mild disability. Twenty eight babies were ventilated after 49 postnatal days; 14 survived to 3 years. Five of these survivors were neurodevelopmentally normal at 3 years and two had mild disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival decreases with more prolonged ventilation. When antenatal steroids and postnatal surfactant are used, there appears to be improved survival and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm babies who require prolonged ventilation.
Modification of small bowel mechanosensitivity by intestinal fat
Authors: Accarino A M , Azpiroz F , Malagelada J-R
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUND

Lipids may exacerbate symptoms induced by gut stimuli.

AIM

To determine the mechanism whereby fat exerts this effect.

SUBJECTS

Twenty four healthy subjects were studied during fasting.

METHODS

We measured perception (0–6 scale) in response to jejunal balloon distension and transmucosal electrical nerve stimulation; phasic stimuli (one minute) were randomly applied at five minute intervals during intestinal infusion (2 ml/min) of saline and then Intralipid 2 kcal/min (high fat; n=8 subjects), Intralipid 0.5 kcal/min (low fat; n=8), or saline (n=8).

RESULTS

Intestinal lipids increased the perception of jejunal distension regardless of concentration (by 53% with high fat, 49% with low fat, and 17% with saline; p<0.05 for both fat loads). This effect could not be attributed to changes in intestinal compliance as intraballoon pressures remained unchanged during lipid infusion (2% change; NS). Sensitisation induced by lipids seemed to be specifically related to intestinal mechanoreceptors because electrical stimulation, which non-specifically activates gut afferents, was perceived equally during saline and lipid administration (10%, 11%, and 15% change during high fat, low fat, and saline, respectively; NS).

CONCLUSION

Physiological amounts of lipids heighten intestinal sensitivity by modulating intestinal mechanoreceptor response.
Histopathological changes associated with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for localised adenocarcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Van Leenders G J L H , Beerlage H P , Ruijter E Th , de la Rosette J J M C H , van de Kaa C A
Published: July 2002

Aims—Investigation of the histopathological changes in prostatectomy specimens of patients with prostate cancer after high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and identification of immunohistochemical markers for tissue damage after HIFU treatment.

Methods—Nine patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent unilateral HIFU treatment seven to 12 days before radical prostatectomy. The prostatectomy specimens were analysed histologically. Immunohistochemical staining and electron microscopy were performed to characterise more subtle phenotypic changes.

Results—All prostatectomy specimens revealed well circumscribed HIFU lesions at the dorsal side of the prostate lobe treated. Most epithelial glands in the centre of the HIFU lesions revealed signs of necrosis. Glands without apparently necrotic features were also situated in the HIFU lesions, raising the question of whether lethal destruction had occurred. This epithelium reacted with antibodies to pancytokeratin, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and Ki67, but did not express cytokeratin 8, which is indicative of severe cellular damage. Ultrastructural examination revealed disintegration of cellular membranes and cytoplasmic organelles consistent with cell necrosis. HIFU treatment was incomplete at the ventral, lateral, and dorsal sides of the prostate lobe treated.

Conclusions—HIFU treatment induces a spectrum of morphological changes ranging from apparent light microscopic necrosis to more subtle ultrastructural cell damage. All HIFU lesions are marked by loss of cytokeratin 8. HIFU does not affect the whole area treated, leaving vital tissue at the ventral, lateral, and dorsal sides of the prostate.
Neonatal euthanasia: moral considerations and criminal liability
Authors: Sklansky Mark
Published: July 2002

Despite tremendous advances in medical care for critically ill newborn infants, caregivers in neonatal intensive care units still struggle with how to approach those patients whose prognoses appear to be the most grim, and whose treatments appear to be the most futile. Although the practice of passive neonatal euthanasia, from a moral perspective, has been widely (albeit quietly) condoned, those clinicians and families involved in such cases may still be found legally guilty of child abuse or even manslaughter. Passive neonatal euthanasia remains both a moral dilemma and a legal ambiguity. Even the definition of passive euthanasia remains unclear. This manuscript reviews the basic moral and legal considerations raised by the current practice of neonatal euthanasia, and examines the formal position statements of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The paper concludes by emphasising the need, at least in the United States, to clarify the legal status of this relatively common medical practice.
Disability and difference: balancing social and physical constructions: Figure 1:
Authors: Koch Tom
Published: July 2002

The world of disability theory is currently divided between those who insist it reflects a physical fact affecting life quality and those who believe disability is defined by social prejudice. Despite a dialogue spanning bioethical, medical and social scientific literatures the differences between opposing views remains persistent. The result is similar to a figure-ground paradox in which one can see only part of a picture at any moment. This paper attempts to find areas of commonality between the opposing camps, and thus to rearrange the figures of the paradox at a fundamental level. The purpose is first to identify areas in which common ground can be achieved, and secondarily, to clarify the areas in which disagreement continues. While a general and unified theory of physical difference/disability is beyond the scope of this paper the result may advance that general goal.
Narrative in psychiatry and psychotherapy: the evidence?
Authors: Holmes Jeremy
Published: July 2002

Psychiatry is perhaps the most “narrative” of all medical specialties, but here as elsewhere clinical skills are in danger of being lost as evidence-based medicine becomes the dominant paradigm in medical culture. Psychotherapy is a quintessentially narrative discipline. Starting from an “attachment” perspective, the uses of narrative in psychotherapy are outlined. These include the importance of metaphor, story-telling, the search for event-scripts, and the role of “narrative competence” as a mark of psychological health. Life history research, the “adult attachment interview” and other research approaches to narrative in psychiatry and psychotherapy are described. The paper calls for an integration of narrative and evidence-based medicine.
Primary infertility in nuclear industry employees: report from the nuclear industry family study
Authors: Doyle P , Roman E , Maconochie N , Davies G , Smith P G , Beral V
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether men and women who are occupationally exposed to ionising radiation are at increased risk of primary infertility.

METHODS

A cross sectional analysis of reproductive outcome was reported in an occupational cohort of nuclear industry workers from the Atomic Energy Authority, Atomic Weapons Establishment, and British Nuclear Fuels in the United Kingdom. Data on employment and radiation monitoring supplied by employers were linked to data obtained from self administered questionnaires sent to all current employees and a sample of past workers. A total of 5353 men and 603 women aged 40 years or more at the time of survey whose first pregnancy, or attempt at pregnancy, had occurred after first employment in the nuclear industry were recruited to the study. Primary infertility was defined as consultation with a doctor about the failure to achieve at least one viable (24 weeks gestational age or more) pregnancy.

RESULTS

2.6% Of men and 3.7% of women reported primary infertility. For men, this proportion did not differ by amount of radiation monitored or by dose received. The prevalence of infertility was higher among monitored women than non-monitored women, but not significantly so and the numbers were too small to draw any firm conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

No support was found for a hypothesis linking exposure to low level ionising radiation among men with primary infertility. There was weak evidence of an association in women, but the relatively few monitored women prevented detailed examination of these data.
Aspergillus niger endocarditis in an immunocompetent patient: an unusual course
Authors: Kreiss Yitshak , Vered Zvi , Keller Nathan , Kochva Ilan , Sidi Yechezkel , Gur Hanan
Published: July 2002

Aspergillus is an opportunistic nosocomial fungus generally associated with a high mortality rate.A nigerhas been rarely associated with infection, and most cases have occurred in patients who have recently undergone heart surgery or in immunocompromised patients. We present a case of an immunocompetent patient with A niger endocarditis which illustrates the difficulties in diagnosis and the possible insidious course of fungal endocarditis.
Closed pelvic fractures: characteristics and outcomes in older patients admitted to medical and geriatric wards
Authors: Morris Robert O , Sonibare Adeniyi , Green Desmond J , Masud Tahir
Published: July 2002

Objective

To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of older patients with pelvic fracture admitted to medical and geriatric wards.

Methods

All patients admitted to medical and geriatric wards with a pelvic fracture over a four year period were identified using the hospital clinical coding database. Data were collected from casenotes, hospital and Family Health Services Authority databases. Where available, pelvic radiographs were graded according to the Singh index.

Results

The casenotes of 148 patients (126 women) were studied; 83% (n=123) of patients suffered a pelvic fracture in low energy trauma. Mean (SD) length of hospital stay was 21.3 (17.6) days. Single breaks of the pubic rami accounted for 47.2% (n=68) of all fractures. Inpatient mortality was 7.6% and at one year was 27%. There was a marked adverse effect on the mobility of survivors with all patients using at least a walking stick at discharge and 51.1% (n=70) needing assistance for mobility. Although 70.9% (n=83) of patients admitted from home (or warden aided accommodation) were able to return there, 84.3% (n=70) of them required extra community support. Rates of institutionalisation rose from 20.9% (n=31) at admission to 35.8% (49/137) of survivors at discharge. Altogether 93% (n=107) of 115 patients, in whom adequate quality pelvic radiographs were available, were assigned a Singh index grade of 4 or less indicating the presence of osteoporosis.

Conclusions

Pelvic fractures are often the result of low energy trauma. They are associated with appreciable inpatient and considerable one year mortality. They also have marked negative effects on mobility in the short term. They result in increased levels of dependency in terms of higher levels of community support and rates of institutionalisation. On the evidence of Singh index grading, pelvic fractures are associated with low bone density.
Review of the current methods in the diagnosis and treatment of scaphoid fractures
Authors: Krasin E , Goldwirth M , Gold A , Goodwin D R
Published: July 2002

If neglected or misdiagnosed, non-union of a scaphoid fracture will almost inevitably progress to radiographic and symptomatic osteoarthritis of the wrist with subsequent morbidity and lifelong disability, especially in young males in which the fracture is more common. Fractures of the scaphoid bone are the most common fractures of the carpus and second in occurrence among fractures of the wrist.

The diagnosis and treatment are not simple. Familiarity with different imaging methods and treatment options is required. The treatment in most cases is conservative and will lead to uneventful union, but an operation may be needed in certain cases primarily and in the treatment of non-union.

The current literature on the diagnosis and treatment of scaphoid fractures is reviewed, and the authors try to make a clear and concise picture of this complex and sometimes controversial field.
Consultations and referrals for dyspepsia in general practice—a one year database survey
Authors: van Bommel M J J , Numans M E , de Wit N J , Stalman W A B
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE

Dyspepsia usually presents first in primary care. There are many reasons for referral including urgent problems (for example, haematemesis and melaena), treatment failure, or to exclude serious pathology. Referral will change the population characteristics of primary and secondary care dyspeptics. Many of the guidelines for primary care dyspepsia, however, are based on secondary care research on these referred patients. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of dyspepsia in general practice, the characteristics of patients presenting with dyspepsia in primary care, and the clinical and non-clinical determinants of referral in these patients.

DESIGN

Cross sectional survey of the consultation records of patients presenting with dyspepsia in primary care during a one year period.

METHODS

Dyspeptic patients who consulted their general practitioner (GP) in 1997 were selected on the basis of International Classification of Primary Care codes using a computer search among 20 sentinel practices affiliated with the Utrecht Network of General Practitioners. Cross tables and logistic regression analysis were carried out to reveal patient characteristics and determinants of referral.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dyspepsia presenting in primary care in 1997 was 3.4% (1740/48958). These patients were usually not referred during the first consultation. Men, elderly patients, and patients with a previous history of dyspepsia were referred to secondary care more frequently than other dyspeptic patients. Patients diagnosed with both irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia were at risk of being referred most.

CONCLUSION

Dyspepsia is a frequently occurring complaint in primary care and patients are usually treated by their GP. Besides clinically relevant reasons for referral, dyspeptic patients with irritable bowel syndrome seem to be more “at risk” of being referred to secondary care than other dyspeptic patients. The differences between primary and secondary care dyspeptic patients should be taken into account when interpreting research for guideline purposes. Further research is needed to clarify the background of the relation between irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia and its influence on referral.
Smoke and mirrors: how Massachusetts diverted millions in tobacco tax revenues
Authors: Ritch Wendy A , Begay Michael E
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the politics of appropriating Question 1 tobacco tax revenues in the first budget year after Massachusetts voters passed the ballot initiative in 1992. The initiative increased the tobacco tax on cigarettes by 25 cents per pack and on smokeless tobacco by 25% of the wholesale price.

METHODS

Data were collected from newspapers, letters, memoranda, budgets, press releases, legislative floor debates, government documents, legislative journals, personal interviews, and tobacco industry documents that were downloaded from the Tobacco Archives internet site.

RESULTS

During the first budget year, programmes mentioned by the initiative that were not exclusively tobacco related accounted for 27% of total Question 1 expenditures, while 50% of the revenues were allocated for programmes that were neither mentioned by the initiative nor provided any tobacco education, prevention, and cessation services. Only 23% of Question 1 funds were appropriated for programmes that provided exclusively tobacco education, prevention, and cessation services. Question 1 revenues were also used to supplant funding for pre-existing programmes, which was explicitly prohibited by the initiative. The first budget year became the template for Question 1 appropriations in subsequent fiscal years.

CONCLUSION

Politics did not end after voters passed Question 1. Public health advocates lacked a strategy and budget plan to influence the appropriation of Question 1 funds after the passage of this ballot initiative.
Effects of elevated substrateethylene on colonization of leek (Allium porrum) by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus aggregatum
Authors: Geil R D , Guinel F C
Published: July 2002

There are very few studies of hormonal regulation of arbuscular mycorrhiza formation that include the gaseous hormone ethylene. Ethylene is considered inhibitory to the formation of arbuscular mycorrhizae; however, very low concentrations may promote their formation. We used an improved method of exogenous ethylene application to determine whether ethylene concentration dependent changes in colonization occur in the leek (Allium porrum L. cv. Giant Musselburgh)  Glomus aggregatum Schenck & Smith emend. Koske system. This improved method allowed for a continuous flow of constant concentration of the gas to be applied to a substrate. The 0.6 µL/L substrateethylene treatment reduced both root and leaf length and resulted in significantly lower arbuscular colonization compared with controls, whereas the 0.3 µL/L treatment reduced root length only and did not significantly affect colonization levels. Despite continuous application of exogenous ethylene, the amount of ethylene detected in inoculated substrates was reduced to near zero 20 days after inoculation. This decrease may be either due to an increased capacity for ethylene oxidation by arbuscular mycorrhizal roots or because arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (or other microbes in the pot-cultured inoculum) are capable of metabolizing ethylene. The present study highlights the need for investigations into arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal physiology and the mechanisms by which ethylene regulates arbuscular mycorrhiza formation.Key words: arbuscular mycorrhiza, colonization, exogenous ethylene, monocot.
The effect of salinity and CO2 enrichment on the growth and anatomy of the second trifoliate leaf of Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Bray Shirley , Reid David M
Published: July 2002

The effect of CO2 and NaCl on the second trifoliate leaf of Phaseolus vulgaris L. was studied. Salt reduced leaf area and volume. Volume density of the palisade mesophyll was increased and that of the intercellular spaces and abaxial epidermis was reduced. Salt increased the numbers of epidermal and palisade cells per unit area and the stomatal density of the abaxial epidermis but reduced the numbers of cells per leaf. Salt reduced stomatal indices of both epidermal surfaces, cell volumes, relative leaf expansion rate, leaf plastochron index, leaf fresh and dry weights, and specific leaf area. Elevated CO2 increased leaf area and volume, reduced the density of epidermal and palisade cells and increased fresh and dry weights. Cell areas and volumes of epidermal and palisade cells, but not stomates, were increased. Elevated CO2 partially overcame some salinity effects such as leaf area, volume, specific leaf area, and relative leaf expansion rate. Leaf fresh and dry weights, leaf volume, palisade and spongy mesophyll tissue volume, and the numbers of palisade and epidermal cells per leaf equalled controls. Under high CO2, epidermal and intercellular space volume, cell areas, stomatal index, and the volume density of intercellular spaces and abaxial epidermis were reduced, and the volume density of the palisade mesophyll increased. Leaf thickness, palisade cell length and volume, volume density of spongy mesophyll, and succulence were greater than controls in salt and high-CO2 leaves. High CO2 had more effect on salt-stressed than unstressed plants in leaf weight, thickness, and cell volume.Key words: CO2 enrichment, leaf growth, leaf anatomy, Phaseolus vulgaris, salinity.
Coeval migmatites and granulites, Muskoka domain, southwestern Grenville Province, Ontario
Authors: Timmermann Hilke , Jamieson Rebecca A , Parrish Randall R , Culshaw Nicholas G
Published: July 2002

We present new field observations and petrologic and geochronological data from the Muskoka domain in the southwestern Grenville Province of Ontario in an attempt to constrain the relationship between amphibolite-facies and granulite-facies gneisses in areas of transitional metamorphic grade, and to examine their implication for tectonometamorphic models for the Grenville Province of Ontario. The predominant medium-grained amphibolite-facies migmatitic orthogneisses of the Muskoka domain contain several generations of leucosome, some of which are related to southeast-directed extensional structures. The amphibolite-facies granitoid gneisses contain numerous mafic enclaves with granulite-facies assemblages recrystallized from anhydrous precursors during Grenvillian metamorphism. Other associated granulites are characterized by their patchy occurrence and gradational contacts, similar to the charnockites in southern India. Patchy granulites, leucocratic vein networks in mafic enclaves, and crosscutting leucocratic granulite veins are interpreted to have formed as a result of local differences in reaction sequences and (or) fluid compositions. The UPb zircon lower intercept age of the patchy granulites overlaps with the previously determined range of 10801060 Ma for high-grade metamorphism in the Muskoka domain, while zircon and titanite from a crosscutting granulite vein crystallized at about 10651045 Ma, supporting a Grenvillian age for granulite formation. Peak metamorphic conditions of 750850°C and 1011.5 kbar (1 kbar = 100 MPa) were determined from the mafic enclaves, whereas the more felsic migmatites reequilibrated at somewhat lower temperatures. The high temperatures caused extensive migmatization and facilitated rheological weakening of the Muskoka domain 1025 million years after the start of the Ottawan orogeny in the Central Gneiss Belt.
Vernalization-induced changes of the DNA methylation pattern in winter wheat
Authors: Sherman Jamie D , Talbert Luther E
Published: July 2002

Vernalization is a cold treatment that induces or accelerates flowering and insures that temperate-zone plants will not flower until after winter. There is evidence that vernalization results in DNA demethylation that induces flowering. Differences in DNA methylation can be determined using methylation-sensitive amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Methylation-sensitive AFLPs utilize restriction enzyme isoschizomers that are differentially sensitive to methylation, producing polymorphisms related to methylation differences as opposed to sequence differences. Near-isogenic lines (NILs) have been developed for spring vs. winter habit in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and allow for the study of a single vernalization locus. In this study, differences in the methylation pattern were determined for spring and winter NILs, as well as for unvernalized and vernalized individuals. Winter wheat was more highly methylated than spring wheat and methylation-related AFLPs were produced between winter and spring wheat. Changes in the methylation pattern were observed at the end of vernalization, one week after the end of vernalization, and four weeks after the end of vernalization of winter wheat. However, the most methylation differences were observed one week after removal of winter wheat from cold treatment. Our data suggest that there is not only a vernalization-induced demethylation related to flower induction, but there is also a more general and non-specific demethylation of sequences unrelated to flowering. Two methylation-related AFLPs induced by vernalization were shared among all of the winter NILs.Key words: vernalization, wheat, DNA demethylation, AFLP.