bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of envelopes of gram‐negative bacteria in cadmium binding and toxicity
Authors: Bauda P. , Block J. C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWhole cells, mureinoplasts, and protoplasts of gram‐negative bacteria were used in cadmium biosorption and toxicity determinations. It was shown that whole cells of Pseudomonas fluorescens bind less metal than other bacterial forms, suggesting the outer membrane acts as a barrier toward metals. Such a role was confirmed by toxicity measurements showing a lower toxic effect of cadmium in the presence of the outer membrane. Chemically modified bacteria, with carboxyl groups masked, were used to identify the cadmium binding sites. Results indicate that care is necessary in interpretation since the acid pH used in the blockage reaction was shown to interfere with the cadmium binding. Moreover, the blockage reagents have been shown to modify the cadmium toxicity.
Zinc toxicity to freshwater algae
Authors: Wong P. T. S. , Chau Y. K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractStudies with natural phytoplankton from Lake Ontario as well as with pure cultures of two green and one diatom freshwater algal species revealed that the International Joint Commission water quality objective of 30 μg Zn/L was toxic to primary productivity and cell multiplication. The toxicity of Zn varied with its anionic forms, with nitrate being the most toxic, followed by chloride, sulphate, and acetate. Experiments with radioactive 65Zn indicated that Zn was rapidly taken up by the algae, and incorporated mainly into polysaccharide and nucleic acid fractions. These results indicate that an objective for Zn of 30 μg/L is too high to protect algae in the Great Lakes. Based on our results and other published data, a new objective of 10 μg Zn/L has been recommended to the International Joint Commission.
Inhibition of β‐galactosidase biosynthesis in Escherichia coli: Effect of alterations of the outer membrane permeability on sensitivity to environmental toxicants
Authors: Dutton Ronald J. , Bitton Gabriel , Koopman Ben , Agami Orna 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe use of bacteria as test organisms in rapid ecotoxicity assays is under investigation in several laboratories worldwide. However, little attention has been given to the question of permeability of the outer membrane of gram‐negative bacteria to toxicants of environmental interest. We have investigated the effect of physical, chemical, and genetic alterations on the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to environmental toxicants, as measured via inhibition of β‐galactosidase biosynthesis. Polymyxin treatment (2 mg/L) was the most promising treatment tested, significantly increasing the sensitivity of wild‐type E. coli to pentachlorophenol and sodium dodecyl sulfate. A mutant strain of E. coli (EW1b), with an outer membrane protein alteration (tol C gene), was found to be the most sensitive to hydrophobic compounds and to detergent. EW1b, further sensitized via polymyxin treatment, appears to be a sensitive microorganism for toxicant assay.
Recent advances in chemical peeling in Japan
Authors: FURUKAWA Fukumi , YAMAMOTO Yuki 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTChemical peeling is one of the dermatological treatments available for certain cutaneous diseases and conditions or aesthetic improvement. This treatment consists of the application of one or more chemical agents to the skin. Recently in Japan, chemical peeling has been very popular for medical as well as aesthetic treatment. Because the scientific background and an adequate approach have not been completely established, medical and social problems have been reported. To address these issues, the Japanese Dermatological Association has established standard guidelines for chemical peeling, and the scientific background and validity of chemical peeling has been assessed. In this review, a set of guidelines for chemical peeling is introduced, and we will discuss several clinical and histological studies including the effects of glycolic acid, and the application of deer peeling to skin tumors in our department.
Vitamin D3 upregulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a regulator for redox signaling and stress‐mediated diseases
Authors: CHUNG Jin Woong , JEON Jun‐Ho , YOON Suk‐Ran , CHOI Inpyo 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTVitamin D3 upregulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a 46‐kDa multifunctional protein, initially isolated in HL‐60 cells as a protein of which expression is upregulated by vitamin D3 administration. Subsequently, it was identified independently by investigators from diverse scientific backgrounds as a thioredoxin binding protein that negatively regulates the expression and the activity of thioredoxin, and is thus involved in redox regulation. Further studies have revealed that VDUP1 plays multiple roles in a wide range of cellular processes such as proliferation or apoptosis. Recently, it has been reported that VDUP1 is also involved in the immune system via positive regulation of natural killer development. In addition, VDUP1 has been revealed to be associated with the fatty acid utilization. In the present review, we discuss the novel aspects of VDUP1 function as well as the historical background of VDUP1. Future studies will explore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of modulating the function of VDUP1 in vivo.
Collagen–poly glycolic acid hybrid matrix with basic fibroblast growth factor accelerated angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation in diabetic mice
Authors: NAGATO Hajime , UMEBAYASHI Yoshihiro , WAKO Masahiko , TABATA Yasuhiko , MANABE Motomu 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTBecause poor skin wound healing associated with diabetes is thought to be partly a result from impaired angiogenesis, treatments that improve angiogenesis could have important clinical applications. We herein report the effects of novel developed material, collagen–poly glycolic acid fiber hybrid matrix, being used together with basic fibroblast growth factor to promote wound healing of full‐thickness skin defects on the back of type 2 diabetic Leprdb mice. Our data indicates that this therapeutic approach markedly promotes angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation in comparison with other conditions 14 days after wounding.
Application of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bioequivalent guidance of topical dermatological corticosteroid in yellow‐skinned Japanese population: Validation study using a chromameter
Authors: KEIDA Tomoko , HAYASHI Nobukazu , KAWASHIMA Makoto 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTThe American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bioequivalent guidance of topical dermatological corticosteroids in 1995 (the Guidance) requires measurement of the skin blanching response with a chromameter for evaluation of cutaneously applied corticosteroid formulations. The Japanese government decided to apply the same guidelines in 2003, despite there having been no reported trial for the yellow‐skinned races. The purpose of this study was to obtain basic data of corticosteroid‐induced skin blanching response measured with a chromameter on yellow‐skinned races. Four studies were performed according to the Japanese version of the Guidance for Industry using a chromameter on the forearms of healthy Japanese volunteers. This involved: (i) a validation study of proper duration of treatment exposure (dose duration); (ii) a comparison study of two dermatological corticosteroid products that represented different potency classes; (iii) inspection of reproducibility using right and left forearms; and (iv) study of seasonal difference. We showed that: (i) the same medication can give different values of ED50 (the dose duration required to achieve 50% of the fitted areas under the effect curves [AUEC]max value) under different dose durations; (ii) ED50 do not always represent the potency of the corticosteroid; (iii) the results of AUEC at maximum duration were similar, but AUEC at an approximate ED50 duration time varied widely; and (iv) the results of AUEC were different according to season. In conclusion the dose duration relationships, determination of the AUECmax, and the ED50 could be obtained on yellow‐skinned races using the FDA method. However, negligible differences were found in our study regarding dose duration, reproducibility and seasonal change.
PIK3CA mutation is an oncogenic aberration at advanced stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kozaki Ken‐ichi , Imoto Issei , Pimkhaokham Atiphan , Hasegawa Shogo , Tsuda Hitoshi , Omura Ken , Inazawa Johji 
Published: October 2006

Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases (PI3K) are a group of heterodimeric lipid kinases that regulate many cellular processes. Gene amplification and somatic mutations mainly within the helical (exon 9) and kinase (exon 20) domains of PIK3CA, which encode the 110‐kDa catalytic subunit of PI3K and are mapped to 3q26, have been reported in various human cancers. Herein, 14 human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines and 108 primary OSCC tumors were investigated for activating mutations at exons 9 and 20 as well as amplifications in PIK3CA. PIK3CA missense mutations in exons 9 and 20 were identified in 21.4% (3/14) of OSCC cell lines and 7.4% (8/108) of OSCC tumors by genomic DNA sequencing. An increase in the copy number of PIK3CA, although small, was detected in 57.1% (8/14) of OSCC lines and 16.7% (18/108) of OSCC tumors using quantitative real‐time PCR. A significant correlation between somatic mutations of PIK3CA and disease stage was observed: the frequency of mutations was higher in stage IV (16.1%, 5/31) than in a subset of early stages (stages I–III) (3.9%, 3/77; P = 0.042, Fisher's extract test). In contrast, the amplification of PIK3CA was observed at a similar frequency among all stages. AKT was highly phosphorylated in OSCC cell lines with PIK3CA mutations compared to those without mutations, despite the amplification. The results suggest that somatic mutations of the PIK3CA gene are likely to occur late in the development of OSCC, and play a crucial role through the PI3K–AKT signaling pathway in cancer progression. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1351–1358)
Review article: chronic constipation and food hypersensitivity – an intriguing relationship
Authors: CARROCCIO A. , IACONO G. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackgroundChronic constipation is common in the general population. Some studies have shown that in children cow's milk protein hypersensitivity can cause chronic constipation unresponsive to laxative treatment.AimsTo review the literature and summarize the data that point to a relationship between refractory chronic constipation and food hypersensitivity, and to discuss the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of constipation due to food hypersensitivity.MethodsA search in the U.S. National Library of Medicine was performed, matching the key words ‘chronic constipation, food intolerance and allergy’.ResultsThirty‐three papers were found but only 19 of them were related to the topic of this review. Most of the data indicated a relationship between constipation and food allergy in a subgroup of paediatric patients with ‘idiopathic’ constipation unresponsive to laxative treatment. There was only one study in adults that demonstrated the resolution of chronic constipation on hypoallergenic diet in four patients.ConclusionsAn increasing number of reports suggest a relationship between refractory chronic constipation and food allergy in children. Similar data in adults are scarce and need to be confirmed. Further studies should be performed to obtain firmer evidence for the role of allergy in constipation and clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms involved.
Meta‐analysis: the efficacy of over‐the‐counter gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease therapies
Authors: TRAN T. , LOWRY A. M. , EL‐SERAG H. B. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackgroundOver‐the‐counter histamine‐2 receptor antagonists, antacids and alginate/antacids are commonly used for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease.AimTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of related treatment trials.MethodsWe performed a systematic search and abstraction of randomized, placebo‐controlled trials conducted during 1972–2005. Study quality was measured by the Jadad score (0–5). Results were pooled using random effects model.ResultsTen trials (n = 3442, placebo = 2940; Jadad score 3.5) showed a higher response with histamine‐2 receptor antagonists in regard to complete relief of heartburn, symptomatic improvement, and episodes requiring rescue antacids. The absolute benefit increase was 10–12% and relative benefit increase was 19–41%. Four trials (n = 578, placebo = 577; Jadad score 3.5) showed a trend in favour of antacids in symptomatic improvement (absolute benefit increase 8%, 95% CI: 0–16%; relative benefit increase 0.11) and requirement of rescue antacids (OR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.59–0.84). Four trials (n = 146, placebo = 138; Jadad score 3.8) found alginate/antacid combination superior to placebo in symptomatic improvement (absolute benefit increase 26%, 95% CI: 12%–41%, relative benefit increase 0.60).ConclusionsOver‐the‐counter medications are effective in treating symptomatic gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. Compared with the placebo response, which ranged between 37% and 64%, the relative benefit increase was up to 41% with histamine‐2 receptor antagonists, 60% with alginate/antacid combinations, and 11% with antacids.
High prevalence and level of resistance to metronidazole, but lack of resistance to other antimicrobials in Helicobacter pylori, isolated from a multiracial population in Kuwait
Authors: JOHN ALBERT M. , AL‐MEKHAIZEEM K. , NEIL L. , DHAR R. , DHAR P. M. , AL‐ALI M. , AL‐ABKAL H. M. , HARIDAS S. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackgroundThe primary treatment regimen for Helicobacter pylori infection for Kuwaitis does not contain metronidazole, but that for expatriates does. There is also increasing failure of antimicrobial therapy.AimTo determine the susceptibility of H. pylori from upper gastrointestinal biopsies of Kuwaitis and non‐Kuwaitis to find out if differences existed in the susceptibilities of the isolates from the two different populations.MethodsThe susceptibilities of 96 H. pylori isolates were tested against metronidazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin and tetracycline by the E test. The rdxA gene was analysed from selected metronidazole‐susceptible and metronidazole‐resistant strains to find out polymorphism and the basis of metronidazole resistance.ResultsApproximately, 70% of isolates from both populations were metronidazole resistant with 65% isolates showing high minimum inhibitory concentration values of >256 μg/mL. No resistance to the other three antimicrobials was found. There were novel nonsense and missense mutations with no deletion in the rdxA gene by insertion of mini‐IS605.ConclusionsThe prevalence and level of metronidazole resistance in H. pylori in the two populations was high with no difference, in spite of different treatment regimens. Metronidazole resistance in this transitional country appeared to be independent of prior metronidazole use for treatment of H. pylori infection.
The role of magnesium as an adjuvant during general anaesthesia
Authors: Gupta K. , Vohra V. , Sood J. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryMagnesium sulphate is used extensively in the treatment of eclampsia, and is also used to treat refractory arrhythmias, asthma, myocardial ischaemia and acute respiratory failure. We studied the interaction between magnesium sulphate and the anaesthetic agents propofol, rocuronium bromide and fentanyl citrate. This randomised, double blind study was conducted in 50 patients. The magnesium group A (n = 25) received 30 mg.kg−1 magnesium sulphate before induction of anaesthesia and 10 mg.kg−1 continuously intra‐operatively until the end of surgery. Group B (n = 25) received the same volume of isotonic saline. Propofol, rocuronium and fentanyl infusions were started and the patients lungs' were ventilated with 33% oxygen in nitrous oxide. Anaesthetic depth was maintained at a bispectral index value of between 40 and 60. Muscle relaxation was maintained at a train‐of‐four count of 1 throughout surgery using neuromuscular monitoring. The fentanyl infusion was titrated to haemodynamic variables: heart rate and blood pressure. We concluded that magnesium sulphate has anaesthetic, analgesic and muscle relaxation effects and significantly reduces the drug requirements of propofol, rocuronium and fentanyl during anaesthesia.
A comparison of tracheal intubation using the Airtraq® or the Macintosh laryngoscope in routine airway management: a randomised, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Maharaj C. H. , O'Croinin D. , Curley G. , Harte B. H. , Laffey J. G. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe Airtraq® laryngoscope is a novel single use tracheal intubation device. We compared the Airtraq® with the Macintosh laryngoscope in patients deemed at low risk for difficult intubation in a randomised, controlled clinical trial. Sixty consenting patients presenting for surgery requiring tracheal intubation were randomly allocated to undergo intubation using a Macintosh (n = 30) or Airtraq® (n = 30) laryngoscope. All patients were intubated by one of four anaesthetists experienced in the use of both laryngoscopes. No significant differences in demographic or airway variables were observed between the groups. All but one patient, in the Macintosh group, was successfully intubated on the first attempt. There was no difference between groups in the duration of intubation attempts. In comparison to the Macintosh laryngoscope, the Airtraq® resulted in modest improvements in the intubation difficulty score, and in ease of use. Tracheal intubation with the Airtraq® resulted in less alterations in heart rate. These findings demonstrate the utility of the Airtraq® laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in low risk patients.
Hearing impairment and low bone mineral density increase the risk of bone fractures in women with Turner's syndrome
Authors: Han Thang S. , Cadge Barbara , Conway Gerard S. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryAims  To assess factors associated with excess rates of fractures in women with Turner's syndrome (TS).Outcome measures  History of bone fracture and treatment with oestrogen, growth hormone (GH), oxandrolone and thyroxine, anthropometry, blood measurements of calcium, vitamin D (25‐hydroxycholecalciferol), parathyroid hormone and karyotype, pure tone audiometry and spinal bone mineral density (BMD).Results  One hundred and seventy‐seven consecutive women with TS, aged 19–60 years, were interviewed with respect to bone fracture history. BMD and hearing information were recorded from the medical notes. Karyotype was available in 94% of patients (55% monosomy 45X, 45% other X chromosome defects and mosaicism). Subjects had a mean (SD) height of 1·47 (0·07) m and BMI 25·8 (5·2) kg/m2. The prevalence of fractures was 32% and hearing impairment 84% (18% conductive and 67% sensorineual, of whom 32% and 16%, respectively, used hearing aids). BMD T score was < −1 in 55% of women and < −2·5 in 9%. Fracture rates were higher in subjects with a combination of low BMD and hearing impairment (44% in conductive and 35% in sensorineural) than those with high BMD and normal hearing (25%) (P < 0·05). The duration of oestrogen deficiency was also longer in the former groups (P < 0·05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis (adjusted for age and karyotype) showed that increased risk of fracture was independently associated with low BMD (OR 3·2, 95% CI: 1·0 to10·5) and hearing impairment (conductive: OR 4·8, 95% CI: 1·2 to18·9, sensorineural: OR 3·6, 95% CI: 1·1 to11·8). Subgroup analysis showed that hearing impairment was associated with fractures only in those with low BMD (OR 9·0, 95% CI: 1·1–73·4). Further adjustments for weight, height, BMI, calcium levels, vitamin D concentrations, thyroxine use and oestrogen deficiency, previous use of oxandrolone or GH did not alter these relationships.Conclusions  Women with TS who have low BMD and hearing impairment, particularly a conductive type, are at increased risk of bone fractures.
Getting the biodiversity intactness index right: the importance of habitat degradation data
Authors: ROUGET MATHIEU , COWLING R. M. , VLOK JAN , THOMPSON MARK , BALMFORD ANDREW 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGiven high‐level commitments to reducing the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010, there is a pressing need to develop simple and practical indicators to monitor progress. In this context, a biodiversity intactness index (BII) was recently proposed, which provides an overall indicator suitable for policy makers. The index links data on land use with expert assessments of how this impacts the population densities of well‐understood taxonomic groups to estimate current population sizes relative to premodern times. However, when calculated for southern Africa, the resulting BII of 84% suggests a far more positive picture of the state of wild nature than do other large‐scale estimates. Here, we argue that this discrepancy is in part an artefact of the coarseness of the land degradation data used to calculate the BII, and that the overall BII for southern Africa is probably much lower than 84%. In particular, based on two relatively inexpensive, ground‐truthed studies of areas not generally regarded as exceptional in terms of their degradation status, we demonstrate that Scholes and Biggs might have seriously underestimated the extent of land degradation. These differences have substantial bearing on BII scores. Urgent attention should be given to the further development of cost‐effective ground‐truthing methods for quantifying the extent of land degradation in order to provide reliable estimates of biodiversity loss, both in southern Africa and more widely.
Spatial heterogeneity in soil nutrient supply modulates nutrient and biomass responses to multiple global change drivers in model grassland communities
Authors: MAESTRE FERNANDO T. , REYNOLDS JAMES F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractChanges in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide ([CO2]), nutrient availability and biotic diversity are three major drivers of the ongoing global change impacting terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. While it is well established that soil nutrient heterogeneity exerts a strong influence on the development of plant individuals and communities, it is virtually unknown how nutrient heterogeneity and global change drivers interact to affect plant performance and ecosystem functioning. We conducted a microcosm experiment to evaluate the effect of simultaneous changes in [CO2], nutrient heterogeneity (NH), nutrient availability (NA) and species evenness on the biomass and nutrient uptake patterns of assemblages formed byLolium perenne,Plantago lanceolataandHolcus lanatus. When the nutrients were heterogeneously supplied, assemblages exhibited precise root foraging patterns, and had higher above‐ and belowground biomass (average increases of 32% and 29% for above‐ and belowground biomass, respectively). Nutrient heterogeneity also modulated the effects of NA on biomass production, complementarity in nitrogen uptake and below: aboveground ratio, as well as those of [CO2] on the nutrient use efficiency at the assemblage level. Our results show that nutrient heterogeneity has the potential to influence the response of plant assemblages to simultaneous changes in [CO2], nutrient availability and biotic diversity, and suggest that it is an important environmental factor to interpret and assess plant assemblage responses to global change.