bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the amount of cytoplasmic inclusions in mouse oocytes during meiotic maturation in vivo and in vitro
Authors: NIIMURA SUEO , KAWAKAMI SHIN‐YA , TAKANO HIROKO 
Published: December 2004

Background and aims: The changes in cytoplasmic inclusions during meiotic maturation have only been examined in porcine oocytes. In the present study, the amount and the number of cytoplasmic inclusions (glycogen granules, lipid droplets and fibrous structures) were examined in mouse oocytes in the process of in vivo and in vitro maturation. For those inclusions that changed in amount during maturation, we also examined their content in oocytes treated with olomoucine, an inhibitor of cyclin‐dependent kinase, in order to clarify the relationship between nuclear maturation and changes in the inclusions.Methods: Nuclear maturation in the oocytes cultured for various periods and those collected from antral follicles and oviducts was examined after staining with aceto‐orcein. For the demonstration of glycogen granules and lipid droplets, oocytes were stained with periodic acid‐Schiff or Sudan IV. Fibrous structures in the oocytes were observed under an electron microscope.Results: The amount of glycogen granules, Sudanophilic lipid droplets and fibrous structures did not change in the oocytes matured in vivo and in vitro, whereas the number of the lipid droplets increased during maturation. In the oocytes treated with olomoucine, the resumption of nuclear maturation was inhibited, whereas the increase in the number of Sudanophilic lipid droplets was not inhibited.Conclusion: Present findings suggest that the increase in the number of Sudanophilic lipid droplets occurs in the cytoplasm of mouse oocytes during maturation, regardless of in vivo or in vitro maturation, and that such the change in the inclusion is not related to nuclear maturation. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 231–236)
Recrystallization in different sunscreen formulations after cutaneous application
Authors: Toskić‐Radojiči´ M D , Pavlović M D , Kovačević A , Milosavljević I 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBackground  Data on the structure of sunscreens prior to and after application to the skin and the possible impact of these factors on their efficacy are still scant.Aims  The microscopic structure of several commercial sunscreen products containing benzophenone‐3 (BP‐3) was analysed under a light microscope, prior to and 2 h after application of the products to the skin, and compared with various control preparations with or without BP‐3.Methods  All tested formulations were mounted on microscope slides, viewed under a light microscope and photographed. Samples were taken directly from original packages or from freshly prepared prescription formulations. Two hours after application to the skin, the samples were taken and processed for microscopy.Results  In some commercial sunscreens numerous crystals were formed upon cutaneous application, whereas others contained crystals both prior to and after epicutaneous application. A single commercial product (a lamellar ambiphyl emulsion, SPF28) retained its regular structure throughout the study. Control preparations with or without BP‐3 and/or octyl methoxycinnamate contained crystals after cutaneous application.Conclusions  Ingredients, most probably BP‐3, in many commercial sunscreens are prone to recrystallization while on the skin which might interfere with their UV light‐absorbing function.
Brittle nails
Authors: Iorizzo M , Pazzaglia M , M Piraccini B , Tullo S , Tosti A 
Published: December 2004

SummaryNail brittleness is a common complaint characterized by weak inelastic nails that split, flake and crumble. It may be a consequence of factors that alter nail plate production and/or factors that damage the already keratinised nail plate. It is often idiopathic. It can also be caused by many dermatological and systemic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, drugs and traumas. Environmental and occupational factors that produce progressive dehydration of the nail plate have an important role in nail brittleness.Treatment of brittle nails is often difficult. Preventative measures, together with oral supplementation of vitamins (especially biotin), oligo‐elements and amino acids, can be useful in improving nail strength. Cosmetic treatment affords camouflage and a degree of protection.
Traumatic nail split
Authors: Aljabre Salih Hamad Mohamad , Hejazi Mohamad , Alamir Ali 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn nail split, the nail plate is divided into two parts. Trauma involving the nail matrix, the generator of the nail plate, can result in nail plate splitting which may take some months to become apparent. Photographic documentation of this condition in the literature had hitherto been lacking.
HIV Knowledge and Practices Among Rural South Africans
Authors: Mabunda Gladys 
Published: December 2004

Purpose

: To explore the knowledge and practices related to HIV/AIDS by rural South Africans in Limpopo Province.
Design and Methods

: Qualitative research methods were used. Twenty‐eight key and general informants participated in individual interviews in summer 2001. The setting was a hospital‐based HIV clinic in rural Limpopo Province.
Findings

: All participants were members of a support group, and they had basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS; however, participants indicated that they lacked basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS until they joined the support group.
Conclusions

: Support groups were effective in educating people about HIV/AIDS.
Effect of a Low‐Cost Intervention on Recording Body Mass Index in Patients' Records
Authors: Lemay Celeste A. , Cashman Suzanne B. , Savageau Judith A. , Reidy Patricia A. 
Published: December 2004

Purpose

: Evaluate the effectiveness of body mass index (BMI) tables placed in exam rooms as an intervention to encourage providers to calculate and record BMI scores in patients' medical records.
Design

: In a prospective cohort design, medical record data for 276 adult patients at a federally funded community health center in New England were examined from August 2000 to August 2002 following the intervention.
Methods

: Prominent, multicolored, laminated BMI tables were posted in the exam rooms of one of the study site's three primary health care teams. Medical record data collected included documentation of BMI calculation in medical records, documentation of an obesity diagnosis, and inclusion of heights and current weights. Frequency distributions were calculated; chi‐square tests were used to identify associations.
Findings

: In contrast to the comparison teams, patients on the intervention team were more likely to have BMI recorded in the medical record. A statistically significant increase in the diagnosis of obesity was observed throughout the health center after the intervention.
Conclusions

: Posting BMI tables in exam rooms contributed to increased BMI documentation in patients' medical records.
Loneliness, Depression, and Social Support of Turkish Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Their Spouses
Authors: Kara Magfiret , Mirici Arzu 
Published: December 2004

Purpose

: To identify the differences in loneliness, depression, and social support among Turkish patients with COPD and their spouses.
Design

: The convenience sample consisted of 30 patients with COPD and their spouses. Descriptive statistics, Student's t tests, and Pearson product moment correlations were used to analyse the data.
Methods

: Data were collected during structured interviews in an outpatient clinic in Turkey by using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory and Perceived Social Support from Friends and Family scales.
Findings

: Levels of loneliness, depression, and perceived social support from family and friends were similar for patients and spouses. Loneliness and depression were positively related, but both loneliness and depression were greater with less perceived social support from family and friends for both patients and their spouses.
Conclusions

: Patients' and spouses' psychologic reactions to COPD might include feelings of loneliness and depression, which might be alleviated by social support.
Negative Thinking and the Mental Health of Low‐Income Single Mothers
Authors: Peden Ann R. , Rayens Mary Kay , Hall Lynne A. , Grant Elizabeth 
Published: December 2004

Purpose:

To test a conceptual model of predictors of depressive symptoms in low‐income single mothers with children from 2 to 6 years of age.
Design:

Data were collected from September 2000 to October 2002 as part of the baseline data collection for a larger study in the eastern part of the United States. A volunteer sample of 205 women who were at risk for depression was recruited.
Methods:

Each woman completed a survey that included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, the Crandall Cognitions Inventory, and the Everyday Stressors Index.
Findings:

More than 75% of the participants scored at least in the mild depressive range on the Beck Depression Inventory or in the high depressive range on the CES‐D. Negative thinking mediated the relationship between self‐esteem and depressive symptoms and partially mediated the relationship between chronic stressors and depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:

These findings are consistent with earlier research by this team. Negative thinking is an important factor in the development of depressive symptoms in at‐risk women. As a symptom, negative thinking might be more amenable to nursing intervention than to interventions focused on reducing chronic stress.
Feedback Control of Thermal Systems Modeled via the Network Approach
Authors: Papalexandris Miltiadis V. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
This article reports on feedback control algorithms for thermal systems modeled via the network approach. These networks belong to the class of descriptor systems. They are subject to nondecaying disturbances and, therefore, integral action is required for zero offset. The article includes the derivation of optimal integral controllers for general linear descriptor systems and a detailed study on decentralized control for thermal networks. Feasibility of decentralized control is established via two theorems regarding stability and decentralized integral controllability of thermal networks. Additionally, a particular strategy for the synthesis of decentralized controllers is proposed. This article concludes with a sample of the numerical tests that we performed to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
Deep vein thrombosis after total hip and knee arthroplasty in Indian patients
Authors: Jain V , Dhaon B K , Jaiswal A , Nigam V , Singla J 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the most common complications of total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Though the reported incidence of DVT is very high, that of proximal DVT is low and that of fatal thromboembolism is very low. Hence the issue of prophylaxis for DVT remains controversial.
The incidence of DVT is based on various studies in European and American populations. The Asian population is genetically and socially quite different from American and European populations, and the incidence of DVT can be quite different. Therefore a prospective study was initiated at our centre to determine incidence of DVT after THA and TKA in Indian patients.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 60 hips in 45 patients and 46 knees in 26 patients who underwent THA and TKA respectively, without any known risk factors for thromboembolic disease. DVT was studied by preoperative and postoperative serial colour Doppler ultrasonography. No prophylaxis was given to any of the patients.
Results: DVT was found in two patients who had undergone THA. No case of DVT was detected in any patient who had undergone TKA.
Conclusion: These results suggest that the incidence of DVT in Indian patients is very low and is not comparable with American and European populations. It is therefore not cost effective to advise prophylaxis in Indian patients undergoing THA/TKA who have no known risk factors for DVT.
Update on myasthenia gravis
Authors: Thanvi B R , Lo T C N 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction and characterised by weakness and fatigability of the voluntary muscles. It has a bimodal peak of incidence with first peak in the third decade and the second peak in the sixth decade. It is probably underdiagnosed in the very old population. Our understanding of the pathogenesis, immunology, and molecular biology of myasthenia gravis has greatly improved in last three decades. It is almost always possible to establish the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis with the current tests. The modern treatment is highly successful and the mortality of treated myasthenia gravis is practically zero. However, there are still important gaps in our knowledge of the origin of myasthenia gravis, the factors that contribute to chronic disease, and the way to cure the disease. In this article the current knowledge of the various aspects of myasthenia gravis are outlined.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux and bronchial asthma: current status and future directions
Authors: Mathew J L , Singh M , Mittal S K 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
In recent years there have been several reports suggesting an association between bronchial asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux; however a cause and effect relationship has not been proven yet. Confirmation of such a relationship is likely to have far reaching implications on the management of asthma. Reliable assessment of this issue is hampered by the presence of various lacunae in most of the published studies. Hence it is essential to carefully examine the strength of data suggesting a link between asthma and reflux. This article critically analyses currently available literature on the subject (including published reviews, meta-analyses, and randomised clinical trials in the English language) and summarises valid conclusions that can be drawn; it also proposes a framework for future studies to resolve the issue.
Communication skills training in postgraduate medicine: the development of a new course
Authors: Dacre J , Richardson J , Noble L , Stephens K , Parker N 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
It has long been accepted that communication is of central importance in healthcare, and a core aspect of clinical competence. Many educational institutions and Royal Colleges now reflect this and consider communication skills a priority in postgraduate examination. The new examination “Practical Assessment of Clinical and Examination Skills” has replaced the Royal College of Physicians MRCP part 2 clinical and oral examination. This examination now consists of five clinical stations, two of which focus on communication skills. A short course for postgraduate trainees has been designed to address the communication skills requirements of the part 2 clinical examination. The aims, development, and content of the course are described. Emphasis is placed on candidates practising skills with patients and receiving feedback during the course. Evidence suggests that practice with feedback is an essential ingredient of communication skills courses, and is more effective than other methods such as observing experts or video examples, or simply discussing issues in communication. Results of a preliminary evaluation indicate that the course was perceived as valuable by candidates and that the aims, format, and content were appropriate. Although the preliminary evaluation was largely positive, it could be argued that the acid test of the effectiveness of a course is an objective evaluation of skills, observed before and after the course, a development that is being considered for future evaluation of the course. Recommendations for applying this type of training to postgraduate trainees in any branch of medicine are given.
Left over bowels: an unique complication in a surviving twin
Authors: George A T , Varkey S , Kalam A , Surendran N 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Conjoint twins have always been a surgical challenge. The authors report an unusual finding in a surviving epigastric heteropagus twin. A 17 year old boy who underwent laparotomy for acute intestinal obstruction revealed a blind ending but complete duplication of the large bowel and an accessory liver in the falciform ligament, along with a separate gall bladder but with fused bile ducts.
The findings suggest that the duplicated bowel loop and the accessory liver were remnants of the incomplete parasite twin, assimilated into the body of the autosite, which remained asymptomatic for 17 years. This case is being reported because of the uniqueness of the finding.
FROM BLOCH MODEL TO THE RATE EQUATIONS II: THE CASE OF ALMOST DEGENERATE ENERGY LEVELS
Authors: BIDÉGARAY-FESQUET B. , CASTELLA F. , DUMAS E. , GISCLON M. 
Published: December 2004

Bloch equations give a quantum description of the coupling between atoms and a driving electric force. It is commonly used in optics to describe the interaction of a laser beam with a sample of atoms. In this paper, we address the asymptotics of these equations for a high frequency electric field, in a weak coupling regime. The electric forcing is taken quasiperiodic in time. We prove the convergence towards a rate equation, i.e. a linear Boltzmann equation, recovering in this way the physically relevant asymptotic model. It describes the transitions amongst the various energy levels of the atoms, governed by the resonances between the electric forcing and the atoms' eigenfrequencies. We also give the explicit value for the transition rates. The present task has already been addressed in Ref. 5 in the case when the energy levels are fixed, and for different classes of electric fields. Here, we extend the study in two directions. First, we consider almost degenerate energy levels, a natural situation in practice. In this case, almost resonances might occur. Technically, this implies that the small divisor estimates needed in Ref. 5 are false, due to the fact that the Diophantine condition is unstable with respect to small perturbations. We use an appropriate ultraviolet cutoff to restore the analysis and to sort out the asymptotically relevant frequencies. Second, since the asymptotic rate equation may be singular in time, we completely analyze the initial time-layer, as well as the associated convergence towards an equilibrium state.
IDENTIFYING UNIFORMLY MUTATED SEGMENTS WITHIN REPEATS
Authors: SAHINALP S. CENK , EICHLER EVAN , GOLDBERG PAUL , BERENBRINK PETRA , FRIEDETZKY TOM , ERGUN FUNDA 
Published: December 2004

Given a long string of characters from a constant size alphabet we present an algorithm to determine whether its characters have been generated by a single i.i.d. random source. More specifically, consider all possible n-coin models for generating a binary string S, where each bit of S is generated via an independent toss of one of the n coins in the model. The choice of which coin to toss is decided by a random walk on the set of coins where the probability of a coin change is much lower than the probability of using the same coin repeatedly. We present a procedure to evaluate the likelihood of a n-coin model for given S, subject a uniform prior distribution over the parameters of the model (that represent mutation rates and probabilities of copying events). In the absence of detailed prior knowledge of these parameters, the algorithm can be used to determine whether the a posteriori probability for n=1 is higher than for any other n>1. Our algorithm runs in time O(ℓ4log ℓ), where ℓ is the length of S, through a dynamic programming approach which exploits the assumed convexity of the a posteriori probability for n.Our test can be used in the analysis of long alignments between pairs of genomic sequences in a number of ways. For example, functional regions in genome sequences exhibit much lower mutation rates than non-functional regions. Because our test provides means for determining variations in the mutation rate, it may be used to distinguish functional regions from non-functional ones. Another application is in determining whether two highly similar, thus evolutionarily related, genome segments are the result of a single copy event or of a complex series of copy events. This is particularly an issue in evolutionary studies of genome regions rich with repeat segments (especially tandemly repeated segments).
ROBUSTNESS, STABILITY AND EFFICIENCY OF PHAGE λ GENETIC SWITCH: DYNAMICAL STRUCTURE ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHU X.-M. , YIN L. , HOOD L. , AO P. 
Published: December 2004

Based on the dynamical structure theory for complex networks recently developed by one of us and on the physical-chemical models for gene regulation, developed by Shea and Ackers in the 1980's, we formulate a direct and concise mathematical framework for the genetic switch controlling phage λ life cycles, which naturally includes the stochastic effect. The dynamical structure theory states that the dynamics of a complex network is determined by its four elementary components: The dissipation (analogous to degradation), the stochastic force, the driving force determined by a potential, and the transverse force. The potential may be interpreted as a landscape for the phage development in terms of attractive basins, saddle points, peaks and valleys. The dissipation gives rise to the adaptivity of the phage in the landscape defined by the potential: The phage always has the tendency to approach the bottom of the nearby attractive basin. The transverse force tends to keep the network on the equal-potential contour of the landscape. The stochastic fluctuation gives the phage the ability to search around the potential landscape by passing through saddle points.With molecular parameters in our model fixed primarily by the experimental data on wild-type phage and supplemented by data on one mutant, our calculated results on mutants agree quantitatively with the available experimental observations on other mutants for protein number, lysogenization frequency, and a lysis frequency in lysogen culture. The calculation reproduces the observed robustness of the phage λ genetic switch. This is the first mathematical description that successfully represents such a wide variety of major experimental phenomena. Specifically, we find: (1) The explanation for both the stability and the efficiency of phage λ genetic switch is the exponential dependence of saddle point crossing rate on potential barrier height, a result of the stochastic motion in a landscape; and (2) The positive feedback of cI repressor gene transcription, enhanced by the CI dimer cooperative binding, is the key to the robustness of the phage λ genetic switch against mutations and fluctuations in kinetic parameter values.