bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluctuation analysis of mitochondrial NADH fluorescence signals in confocal and two‐photon microscopy images of living cardiac myocytes
Authors: Blinova K. , Combs C. , Kellman P. , Balaban R. S. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryA fluctuation analysis was performed on the reduced nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorescence signal from resting rabbit myocytes using confocal and two‐photon microscopy. The purpose of this study was to establish whether any co‐ordinated biochemical processes, such as binding, metabolism and inner mitochondrial membrane potential, were contributing to NADH signal fluctuations above background instrument noise. After a basic characterization of the instrument noise, time series of cellular NADH fluorescence images were collected and compared with an internal standard composed of NADH in the bathing medium. The coefficient of variation as a function of mean signal amplitude of cellular NADH fluorescence and bathing media NADH was identical even as a function of temperature. These data suggest that the fluctuations in cellular NADH fluorescence in resting myocytes are dominated by sampling noise of these instruments and not significantly modified by biological processes. Further analysis revealed no significant spatial correlations within the cell, and Fourier analysis revealed no coherent frequency information. These data suggest that the impact of biochemical processes, which might affect cellular NADH fluorescence emission, are either too small in magnitude, occurring in the wrong temporal scale or too highly spatially localized for detection using these standard optical microscopy approaches.
SNOM and AFM microscopy techniques to study the effect of non‐ionizing radiation on the morphological and biochemical properties of human keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT)
Authors: Rieti S. , Manni V. , Lisi A. , Giuliani L. , Sacco D. , D’Emilia E. , Cricenti A. , Generosi R. , Luce M. , Grimaldi S. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryIn this study we have employed atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM) techniques to study the effect of the interaction between human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and electromagnetic fields at low frequency. HaCaT cells were exposed to a sinusoidal magnetic field at a density of 50 Hz, 1 mT. AFM analysis revealed modification in shape and morphology in exposed cells with an increase in the areas of adhesion between cells. This latter finding was confirmed by SNOM indirect immunofluorescence analysis performed with a fluorescent antibody against the adhesion marker β4 integrin, which revealed an increase of β4 integrin segregation in the cell membrane of 50‐Hz exposed cells, suggesting that a higher percentage of these cells shows a modified pattern of this adhesion marker.
A comprehensive plan for treating the major polluted regions of Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Jin Xiangcan , Hu Xiaozhen 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe Lake Taihu drainage basin is an economically developed area, containing almost the highest population density and most populous cities and towns in China. It is also among the largest lake basins in China that has been seriously degraded because of ecological destruction and eutrophication. The pollution of Lake Taihu presently exerts an enormous hindrance to the sustainable development of the basin and threatens the health of the population surrounding the lake. For this reason, it has been an urgent task for local government and relevant staffs to take measures to protect and treat the water of Lake Taihu. Based on the analysis of its present condition, as well as the trends in its water quality and the pollution sources in the drainage basin of Lake Taihu, this article identifies the six major polluted regions requiring remediation and control, and presents an engineering plan for comprehensive treatment of the lake.
The effects of climate and hydrology on the trophic status of Sélingué Reservoir, Mali, West Africa
Authors: Arfi Robert 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis work investigates the effects of climate and hydrology as factors controlling the trophic status of Sélingué, a monomictic reservoir in Mali, West Africa. Environmental (water transparency, hydrochemistry, nutrients) and biological (chlorophyll a concentrations) descriptors were studied on water samples collected biweekly from November 2000 to November 2001 in a station representative of the northern part of the water body. Statistical methods were used to estimate the existence and significance of breaks in the time series and environmental data were used to explain these breaks. In Sélingué Reservoir, the water column is stratified from March to May as a result of the cooling induced by the harmattan (North‐East trade winds). Stratification lasts a few weeks, until the beginning of the monsoon (South‐West trade winds), after which progressive warming allows vertical mixing of the lake. In harmattan or monsoon situations, the winds do not play a significant role except for storm events during the rainy season. Such events can change transiently, but markedly, the physical conditions prevailing in the whole water column. The water quality closely follows the hydrological cycle, characterized by a unique flood, which lasts a few weeks, from mid‐July. Input of nutrients during the flood events is limited and local mineralization of organic matter in the hypolimnion during the stratification period seems to play a major role in the availability of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphorus. This availability is subject to vertical mixing which is only possible when the water height is sufficiently low and the wind‐induced energy is sufficiently high. Dry (dust during the harmattan period) and wet deposition (linked to rains) play a role in supplying nutrients to the lake and can be factors in the observed increased chlorophyll a concentrations. Thus, environmental factors in Sélingué change with the current hydrological conditions. Sélingué Reservoir can be regarded as oligotrophic during the high water period, but as meso‐eutrophic during the low water period. Each annual flood initializes the ecological conditions in this water body. This pattern limits the risks of trophic change (which can lead to algal blooms) to short periods of very low water levels immediately preceding flood events.
The pollution of Lake Ladoga by organochlorine pesticides and petroleum products
Authors: Krylova Julia V. , Kurashov Evgeny A. , Korkishko Nikolay N. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractAccording to information available from scientific literature, Europe's largest lake, Lake Ladoga, is heavily polluted by organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and petroleum products. Our studies (1992–1999) were conducted over the entire lake, and at various depths, throughout the year. The substances detectable by gas chromatography were natural compounds, most of which are the product of planktonic algae metabolism. For each phytoplankton group, the use of multivariate statistics has revealed a complex of low molecular weight (LMW) haloid‐organic compounds. Studies revealed that OCPs are not detectable, even in extremely high concentrations of hexane extracts. Investigations showed that OCPs could not be identified in Lake Ladoga even at concentrations of 0.0001–0.000025 µg L−1(that is, 100 and 400 times lower than the maximum permissible concentrations for fisheries). It was discovered that the chromatographic retention times of some detected LMW haloid‐organic metabolites of phytoplankton coincide with the retention times of some OCPs and of hydrocarbons from petroleum products. The distribution of different hydrocarbons in the lake is also related to the distribution of planktonic algae, which is the main source of hydrocarbons in Lake Ladoga.
The spatio‐temporal characteristics of water transparency and temperature in shallow reservoirs in Kenya
Authors: Mwaura Francis 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWater transparency and temperature in eight small reservoirs, ranging from 0.065–0.249 km2, in a rugged escarpment landscape and stepped plateau in the Eastern Rift Valley of Kenya were investigated between 1998 and 2000. Water transparency and temperature were measured with a 20‐cm Secchi disk and a portable Jenway probe, respectively. The water transparency ranged from 0.02–0.8 m, which was low, but still similar to some larger reservoirs in the country (such as Masinga Dam). Reservoirs in the rugged escarpment had more water transparency than those in the high altitude plateau. The mean temperature ranged from 15–21°C. The reservoirs were either hypertrophic or oligo‐mesotrophic, and mostly polytrophic, based on their water transparency in accordance with the trophic status classification of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Most of the reservoirs experienced short‐lived stratification during the transition from the dry to rainy seasons. The results did not illustrate large spatio‐temporal variability in water transparency or temperature, mainly because of physiographic and ecohydrological uniformity. All the reservoirs were considered to be in a poor state of domestic water quality, based on their water transparency.
The environmental and operational impacts of Curuá‐Una, a reservoir in the Amazon region of Pará, Brazil
Authors: Gunkel Günter , Lange Uwe , Walde Detlef , Rosa João W. C. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractAn increasing demand for electrical power can be observed in the Amazon region. Although hydropower is the main source of energy production, only a few reservoirs have been built. In view of the significant energy deficit, the construction of new reservoirs certainly merits serious consideration. However, reservoir construction has significant impacts on natural water systems. The environmental effects of reservoirs in the northern hemisphere have been well‐documented but little is known about those in the Amazon area. Therefore, we studied Curuá‐Una, a 23 year‐old reservoir in the Amazon region, to evaluate developments in the catchment area and aquatic ecosystem, as well as dam use. The long‐range environmental effects of the reservoir included deforestation in the watershed, erosion and the introduction of new land and water‐borne diseases. Human migration and settlement was another significant consequence. New results of soil damage analysis are presented, illustrating a large export of iron and mercury from the system. The dam had several detrimental effects on the aquatic ecosystem, including enhanced eutrophication, inhibited decay of inundated vegetation and increased iron corrosion of electromechanical equipment related to the accumulation of iron in the water. The main downstream effect of the dam was the prevention of fish migration.
The intermittent Lake Cerknica: Various faces of the same ecosystem
Authors: Gaberščik Alenka , Urbanc‐Berčič Olga , Kržič Nina , Kosi Gorazd , Brancelj Anton 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe turnover of matter and through‐flow of energy in the intermittent Lake Cerknica is facilitated by the exchanging wet and dry periods, which either promote or suppress growth and development of organisms, depending on the season of the year. Any deviation from normal floods significantly affects the productivity of reed stands. Drainage of the lake prevents a constant presence of aquatic organisms, particularly planktonic species. Drying and wetting accelerates the decomposition of organic matter. The nutrient input into the lake by one surface tributary proved to be relatively high. The quantity of nutrients in the lake water is lower, however, because of the high buffering capacity of the densely vegetated ecosystem.
Retrospective endoscopic study of developmental and configurational changes of early colorectal cancer: Eight cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Matsui Toshiyuki , Tsuda Sumio , Iwashita Akinori , Ohshige Kaname , Kikuchi Yosuke , Yorioka Makoto , Furukawa Keiichi , Hirai Fumihito , Yao Tsuneyoshi 
Published: December 2003

Background:  A retrospective endoscopic follow‐up study was conducted to elucidate the development of minute or superficial‐type cancers.Methods:  The development of eight colorectal cancers that were followed up by endoscopy was evaluated.Results:  (i) Cancer with high‐grade atypia frequently developed from lesions diagnosed histologically by biopsy as adenoma; (ii) two polypoid adenomas developed into invasive cancers with non‐polypoid configuration; (iii) a superficial elevated‐type cancer with high‐grade atypia remained a mucosal cancer for more than 1 year; (iv) a superficial depressed (SD)‐type cancer that had a concomitant adenomatous component grew slowly, maintaining the same configuration for more than 2 years. Another SD‐type cancer grew rapidly to an advanced cancer; and (v) a superficial elevated adenoma developed into a IIa + IIc‐type submucosally invasive cancer while maintaining the size of the initial tumor. From the analysis of the literature, 35 lesions were collected, but it was impossible to speculate which specific type of tumor grew rapidly.Conclusions:  From the endoscopic observations of the present study and the review of the literature, developments of superficial type cancers were diverse, sessile‐type cancers with marked configurational change, and early cancers developed slowly, although the speed of their growth accelerated according to the downward invasion of the cancer.
Impact of gastrointestinal endoscopy on HIV‐infected children
Authors: Ukarapol Nuthapong , Lertprasertsuk Nirush , Fuchs George J. , Wongsawasdi Lumduan , Sirisanthana Virat 
Published: December 2003

Objective:  To evaluate the role of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected children with GI problems.Methods:  From 1998 to 2002, we retrospectively reviewed all cases of HIV‐infected children presenting with GI problems in which an upper or lower GI endoscopy was indicated. The initial diagnostic endoscopic examination and any repeat endoscopic session leading to a new diagnosis were used in the data analysis. Tissue biopsies were obtained from all abnormal lesions and representative sites of normal‐appearancing GI mucosa.Results:  Fourteen patients (median age: 22.5 months) underwent 23 sessions of GI endoscopy, including 10 esophagogastroduodenoscopy, nine colonoscopy and four flexible sigmoidoscopy. Chronic diarrhea was the most common indication, followed by lower GI bleeding, abdominal/retrosternal pain, dysphagia/odynophagia, and upper GI bleeding. Gross endoscopic abnormalities were observed in 78.3%; whereas histological inflammation and opportunistic pathogens were identified in 87% and 43.5%, respectively. Cytomegalovirus was the most common identified pathogen. Abnormal gross findings were significantly associated with histological inflammation and identification of pathogens (P = 0.006 and 0.046, respectively). Specific changes in medical management were made in 50% of cases as a result of endoscopic investigation.Conclusion:  If non‐invasive investigations for HIV‐infected children with GI symptoms fail to establish a diagnosis, gastrointestinal endoscopy should be performed and often yields a positive result leading to changes in medical management.
Usefulness of the Memory® 8‐wire basket forceps for endoscopic extraction of common bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy
Authors: Kitajima Yasuhiro , Okayama Yasutaka , Ban Tessin , Ueno Koichiro , Naito Itaru , Hirai Masaaki , Hayashi Kazuki , Okamoto Tetsu , Akita Shinji , Gotoh Kazuo , Nakazawa Takahiro , Ohara Hirotaka , Joh Takashi , Yokoyama Yoshifumi , Itoh Makoto 
Published: December 2003

Background:  The present study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the Memory® 8‐wire basket forceps for extracting small common bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST).Methods:  Sixty‐one patients with common bile duct stones underwent EST. In patients with stones of 1 cm or more diameter, stones were crushed into fragments having a diameter of less than 1 cm using a mechanical lithotriptor. Stones were extracted using a conventional 4‐wire basket forceps and a stone retrieval balloon catheter. After endoscopic and fluoroscopic confirmation of the absence of stones, stone extraction was again attempted using the Memory® 8‐wire basket forceps, which consists of a 5 Fr catheter sheath and a helical 8‐wire nitinol monofilament basket. After a few days, the presence or absence of residual stones was examined by cholangiography via the endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube.Results:  Further extraction of stones was possible using the Memory® 8‐wire basket forceps in 47.5% (29/61) of the patients who underwent extraction of stones by a 4 wire‐basket forceps and a stone retrieval balloon catheter. Cholangiography some days after using the Memory® 8‐wire basket forceps showed residual stones in only two patients (3.3%).Conclusions:  The Memory® 8‐wire basket forceps was a useful device for the accurate and rapid endoscopic extraction of common bile duct stones with a diameter of less than 1 cm after EST.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer using the tip of an electrosurgical snare (thin type)
Authors: Yahagi Naohisa , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kakushima Naomi , Kobayashi Katsuya , Hashimoto Takuhei , Oka Masashi , Iguchi Mikitaka , Enomoto Shotaro , Ichinose Masao , Niwa Hirohumi , Omata Masao 
Published: December 2003

Background:  Although the strip biopsy method and aspiration method are popular endoscopic mucosal resection techniques for its convenience and reliability, they have limitations in resectable tumor size and location. Endoscopic submucosal dissection techniques using the diathermic needle knife or the insulated‐tip diathermic knife have been introduced to overcome this disadvantage, but they have high risks for bleeding and perforation. Therefore, we have developed a new endoscopic submucosal dissection technique using the tip of an electrosurgical snare (thin type) and assessed its efficacy.Methods:  Fifty‐nine lesions with differentiated‐type gastric cancer without ulceration were treated with our technique at the University Hospital. The tip of an electrosurgical snare (thin type) was used for mucosal incision and submucosal dissection as a flexible diathermic knife.Results:  The size of tumor was 5–85 mm in diameter (mean size: 29 mm) and the location varied from cardia to antrum. Among 59 lesions, 56 lesions (56/59, 95%) were resected completely in an en‐bloc fashion with much less perforation (2/59, 3.4%) and bleeding (1/59, 1.7%) regardless of their size and location.Conclusion:  New endoscopic submucosal dissection technique using the tip of an electrosurgical snare (thin type) is safe and reliable. We were able to resect early gastric cancer with a much higher en‐bloc resection rate and fewer complications using this technique.
Clinical evaluation of the Haber RAMPTM catheter for endoscopic bilateral metal stent placement in patients with malignant hilar strictures
Authors: Hayashi Kazuki , Okayama Yasutaka , Naito Itaru , Hirai Masaaki , Kitajima Yasuhiro , Okamoto Tetsu , Akita Shinji , Gotoh Kazuo , Sano Hitoshi , Ohara Hirotaka , Joh Takashi , Yokoyama Yoshifumi , Itoh Makoto 
Published: December 2003

Background:  Endoscopic bilateral expandable metal stent (EMS) placement has been performed in malignant hilar strictures. To perform EMS placement successfully, insertion of guidewires into the bilateral intrahepatic bile ducts is an important and necessary step. In the present study, we evaluated the usefulness of the Haber RAMPTM catheter (HRC) for the selective insertion of guidewires.Methods:  EMS placement was performed in 17 patients with malignant hilar strictures. As the HRC has three lumens connected to apertures facing in different directions, the direction of the guidewire can be controlled at the catheter tip. Insertion of guidewires into bilateral intrahepatic bile ducts was attempted with and without the HRC.Results:  The success rate of guidewire insertion into the bilateral intrahepatic bile ducts was 100% (7/7) when the HRC was used, whereas it was 50% (5/10) without the HRC. In the five patients with insertion failure, reinsertion was successfully performed using the HRC. The time required for the bilateral insertion of guidewires was reduced using the HRC. Bilateral EMSs placement was successful in 14 of the 17 patients (82%).Conclusions:  The HRC was very useful for the accurate and rapid bilateral insertion of guidewires.
How well do doctors know their patients with severe asthma?
Authors: Abramson M. J. , Bailey M. J. , Forbes A. B. , Walters E. H. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract Background:  Rates of asthma mortality have fallen in Australia since the commencement of the National Asthma Campaign and promotion of the Australian asthma management plan. New strategies are now needed to further reduce mortality.Aim:  To examine agreement about key features between asthma patients and their general practitioners (GPs).Methods:  We interviewed: (i) the next of kin of 56 asthma deaths, (ii) 91 asthma patients presenting to emergency departments with acute severe asthma and (iii) 147 of their GPs.Results:  Agreement was substantial for usage of oral symptomatic medication, but poor for inhaled symp­tomatic and preventive medications. There was moderate agreement regarding hospital admissions within the last 12 months among the cases, but little about other markers of severity. There was moderate agreement where the presenting or fatal attack was triggered by an upper respiratory‐tract infection or aspirin. The next of kin and GPs agreed about family problems, but not about other psychosocial issues. They also agreed about which cases had been given action plans or verbal instructions, but few other aspects of asthma management. There was also moderate agreement regarding the use of peak flow meters by the controls.Conclusions:  Doctors often have relatively poor insights into self‐management practices, social background or trigger factors, even in high‐risk patients. This should be considered when planning future campaigns to improve asthma management and further reduce mortality. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 557−565)
Audit of surgeon awareness of readmissions with venous thrombo‐embolism
Authors: Swan J. , Spigelman A. D. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract Aim: An audit was undertaken to assess whether surgeons were informed of the readmission of their patients with postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolus (PE).Methods: A retrospective medical record review was conducted to detect patients who had an unplanned readmission in which DVT or PE formed part of the diagnosis and the first admission included a surgical procedure. The readmission was to John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia, a major tertiary referral teaching hospital, and the first admission was to any acute care hospital. The main outcome measures were: (i) hospital and specialty of the admitting doctor, (ii) the type of surgery performed, (iii) the length of time between admissions and (iv) the patient's previous medical history. The medical record was reviewed for documented evidence that the surgeon who performed the procedure was aware of the readmission.Results: Of the 215 patient reviewed, 34 were classified as unplanned readmissions following a surgical pro­cedure. Twenty‐four patients (70.6%) were readmitted under a different specialty, three (8.8%) patients were readmitted under the same specialty but under a different surgeon, and seven (20.6%) patients were readmitted under the same surgeon. Of the 27 patients admitted under a different consultant, only 12 (44.4%) had documented evidence that the previous surgeon was aware of the readmission.Conclusion:  The rate of DVT/PE complications following surgery is underestimated. This may lead to a reduced emphasis in DVT/PE prophylaxis in the mistaken belief that DVT/PE frequency is rarer than it is. Improved communication between teams is necessary to improve care. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 578−580)