Gender differences in patenting in the academic life sciences.

We analyzed longitudinal data on academic careers and conducted interviews with faculty members to determine the scope and causes of the gender gap in patenting among life scientists. Our regressions on a random sample of 4227 life scientists over a 30-year period show that women faculty members patent at about 40% of the rate of men. We found that the gender gap has improved over time but remains large.

A rapid method for the quantification of mouse hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo by flow cytometry. Validation with conventional and enhanced immunohistochemical methods.

Neural stem cells reside in the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in adult mammalian brain. In the hippocampus, a number of factors are reported to modulate the rate of neural progenitor proliferation in the hippocampus, such as exercise, corticosteroids, and many pharmacological agents including several classes of antidepressants. It is currently unclear whether this increased proliferation is physiologically relevant, but it provides a potentially useful biomarker to assess novel antidepressant compounds.

Patients' knowledge of adverse reactions to current medications.

Aims: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) account for 3.2-7% of acute hospital admissions. The aim of this study was to assess prospectively knowledge of ADRs in patients admitted through the emergency department of a teaching hospital.

Risk factors for increased BTEX exposure in four Australian cities.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in urban airsheds. Elevated levels of VOCs have been reported in many airsheds at many locations, particularly those associated with industrial activity, wood heater use and heavy traffic. Exposure to some VOCs has been associated with health risks.

Microtubules and actin microfilaments regulate lipid raft/caveolae localization of adenylyl cyclase signaling components.

Microtubules and actin filaments regulate plasma membrane topography, but their role in compartmentation of caveolae-resident signaling components, in particular G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and their stimulation of cAMP production, has not been defined. We hypothesized that the microtubular and actin cytoskeletons influence the expression and function of lipid rafts/caveolae, thereby regulating the distribution of GPCR signaling components that promote cAMP formation. Depolymerization of microtubules with colchicine (Colch) or actin microfilaments with cytochalasin D (CD) dramatically reduced the amount of caveolin-3 in buoyant (sucrose density) fractions of adult rat cardiac myocytes.

The effects of impact and non-impact exercise on circulating markers of collagen remodelling in humans.

Exercise has been shown to influence collagen synthesis and degradation. The aim of this study was to determine whether the stimulus for these changes is metabolic or mechanical. Eight healthy adults aged 22 +/- 4 years (mean +/- s) completed two exercise bouts-a 10 km road run and a deep water running session.

Proteomic analysis identifies alterations in cellular morphology and cell death pathways in mouse brain after chronic corticosterone treatment.

Some patients with Major Depression and other neurological afflictions display hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. HPA hyperactivity may be due to impaired feedback inhibition and manifested as increased levels of circulating cortisol. Subcutaneous implants of corticosterone pellets were used to mimic this situation in mice to gain insight into any effects on brain function by comparative proteomic analysis using two-dimensional Differential In-Gel Electrophoresis.

Gold in the ivory tower: equity rewards of outlicensing.

An analysis of life-science initial public offerings from three time periods reveals that the equity share received by universities and their academic researchers has changed over time.

Safety and preliminary clinical activity of a novel pancreatic enzyme preparation in pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis patients.

Objectives: Currently available pancreatic enzyme products are crude porcine products with few data available regarding their efficacy, safety, and manufacture. We conducted a phase 1 study of a novel pancreatic enzyme product, TheraCLEC-Total (TCT), a proprietary formulation of microbial-derived lipase, protease, and amylase, to determine its safety and preliminary efficacy in cystic fibrosis.

Methods: We conducted an open-label, dose-ranging study in 23 subjects diagnosed with pancreatic insufficiency with cystic fibrosis.

The relationship between changes in daily air pollution and hospitalizations in Perth, Australia 1992-1998: a case-crossover study.

A case-crossover study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between daily air pollutant concentrations and daily hospitalizations for selected disease categories in Perth, Western Australia. Daily measurements of particles (measured by nephelometry and PM2.5), photochemical oxidants (measured as ozone), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were obtained from 1992 to 1998 via a metropolitan network of monitoring stations.

Increasing rates and changing patterns of hospital admissions for patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Ireland: 1996-2001.

Background: The inflammatory bowel diseases require frequent hospital visits. The literature suggests that the incidence of IBD may be increasing.

Aim: To investigate the pattern of admissions of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to hospital over a five-year period (between 1996 and 2001).

Pioglitazone and reductions in post-challenge glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Aim: Pioglitazone (PIO) has been shown to decrease insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes, resulting in lowered blood glucose concentrations, lowered plasma insulin levels and lowered haemoglobin A1C (A1C) values. Postprandial glucose control has been recently recognized as an important target for reducing overall glycemic burden in patients with type 2 diabetes. Some authors assert that reductions in postprandial glucose levels may lead to a decrease in cardiovascular risk, one of the major complications associated with diabetes.

Role of O(2)-sensitive K(+) and Ca(2+) channels in the regulation of the pulmonary circulation: potential role of caveolae and implications for high altitude pulmonary edema.

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a potentially fatal complication in response to exposure to low O(2) at high altitudes. Hypoxia, by causing pulmonary vasoconstriction, increases pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure, both of which are features in the pathogenesis of HAPE. Uneven hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is thought to be responsible for increased capillary pressure and leakage, resulting in edema.

Strikingly homologous immunoglobulin gene rearrangements and poor outcome in VH3-21-using chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients independent of geographic origin and mutational status.

We recently reported that Swedish VH3-21-using chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients showed restricted immunoglobulin gene features and poor prognosis despite VH mutation status. To investigate this further, we analyzed the VH and VL gene rearrangements in 90 VH3-21+ patients from Sweden, Germany, Italy, United States, Finland, and Australia and correlated these data with survival and other prognostic markers. Sixty-three percent exhibited mutated VH genes and 37% unmutated VH genes.

Intellectual property. Enhanced: intellectual property landscape of the human genome.

The impact of gene patents on downstream research and innovation are unknown, in part because of a lack of empirical data on the extent and nature of gene patenting. In this Policy Forum, the authors show that 20% of human gene DNA sequences are patented and that some genes are patented as many as 20 times. Unsurprisingly, genes associated with health and disease are more patented than the genome at large.

The importance of microbiological investigations, medications and artificial feeding in diarrhoea evaluation.

Background: Diarrhoea in hospitalised patients is usually attributed to medications especially antibiotics, enteral tube feeding or enteropathogenic bacteria particularly Clostridium difficile.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the investigations performed on patients who developed diarrhoea during their stay in an acute general hospital.

Method: Over 18 working days, an unselected group of adult inpatients who developed diarrhoea following their admission to hospital were reviewed.

Determination of guinea-pig cortical gamma-secretase activity ex vivo following the systemic administration of a gamma-secretase inhibitor.

(2S)-2-{[(3,5-Diflurophenyl)acetyl]amino}-N-[(3S)-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-yl]propanamide (compound E) is a gamma-secretase inhibitor capable of reducing amyloid beta-peptide (1-40) and amyloid beta-peptide (1-42) levels. In this study we investigated the effect of in vivo administration of compound E on guinea-pig plasma, CSF and cortical amyloid beta-peptide (1-40) concentration. Using repeated sampling of CSF, compound E (30 mg/kg p.

Autocatalyst-derived platinum, palladium and rhodium (PGE) in infiltration basin and wetland sediments receiving urban runoff.

The emission of platinum group elements (PGE) from automobile catalytic converters has led to rapid increases in Pt, Pd and Rh concentrations in roadside media. Significant quantities of the PGE may enter and accumulate in fluvial systems via road runoff. This paper examines the occurrence and spatial distribution of autocatalyst-derived PGE in surface sediments of infiltration basin and wetland sediments receiving road-runoff in Perth, Western Australia.

Current management of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis: variations in awareness and management.

Background: Guidelines for the prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (CIO) have been widely published. There are no guidelines on the use of gastro-protectants with corticosteroids (CS).

Aims: To determine whether patients receiving CS therapy are evaluated and treated for osteoporosis risk, how management varied by steroid dose and diagnosis, and how many patients received gastro-protection.

Association between cyclooxygenase-2-expressing macrophages, ulceration and microvessel density in colorectal cancer.

Aim: In colorectal carcinomas, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is expressed predominantly by epithelial cells and is implicated in tumour progression. Tumour-associated macrophages may influence tumour growth, proliferative rate and angiogenesis and also express COX-2 when activated. Thus they may play an important stromal-epithelial role in carcinogenesis.

Hepatitis C among drug users: consensus guidelines on management in general practice.

Background: Hepatitis C (HCV) is a common cause of morbidity among patients who attend general practitioners (GPs) in Ireland for methadone maintenance treatment.

Aims: To describe the development and content of guidelines for the management of HCV among current or former opiate users in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area attending GPs for methadone treatment.

Methods: The guidelines were produced in five stages: identification of key stakeholders; development of evidence-based draft guidelines; discussion of content; determination of 'Delphi'-facilitated consensus and review by a sample of GPs for whom the guidelines would be intended.

Association between congestive heart failure and hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving treatment with insulin or pioglitazone: a retrospective data analysis.

Background: Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are widely used oral antihyperglycemic drugs that facilitate insulin action and increase insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism, thereby decreasing insulin resistance. However, concerns have been raised regarding the association between TZD use and a heightened risk for congestive heart failure (CHF).

Objective: This study used claims data to conduct a retrospective examination of the CHF risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to compare the association with CHF in those receiving the TZD pioglitazone and those receiving insulin.

Effects of a selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitor on colonic anastomotic and skin wound integrity.

Background: Selective inhibitors of inducible cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) are of potential benefit in the perioperative period for both their analgesic and, perhaps, antineoplastic actions. However, their effects on laparotomy and intestinal wound healing are unknown.

Methods: Forty adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent laparotomy, descending colonic transection and handsewn reanastomosis.

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in primary human colorectal cancers and bone marrow micrometastases.

Background: Both the expressions of the inducible form of cyclooxygenase-2 and the presence of bone marrow micrometastases are poor prognostic markers in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Aims: As cyclooxygenase-2 expression in these tumours is associated with increased metastatic potential in vitro, our objectives were to determine the relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 and haematogenous spread to bone marrow.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-two patients with resection of colorectal carcinoma were evaluated (median age: 69.

Subsets with restricted immunoglobulin gene rearrangement features indicate a role for antigen selection in the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

We recently identified a chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) subgroup using the immunoglobulin variable heavy-chain (V(H)) gene V(H)3-21 with almost identical heavy-chain complementarity determining region 3s (HCDR3s) and preferential variable light-chain (V(L)) gene usage, suggesting recognition of a common antigen epitope in this subset. To further explore the B-cell receptors (BCRs) in CLL, we characterized 407 V(H) rearrangements amplified from 346 CLLs regarding V(H), diversity (D), and joining (J(H)) gene usage and performed multiple alignment of the HCDR3 sequences. These analyses revealed 3 small subsets (2 V(H)1-69 groups, 7 cases; and 1 V(H)1-2 group, 5 cases) with highly restricted HCDR3 features including identical V(H)/D/J(H) usage, HCDR3 lengths, and shared N-sequences, in addition to the V(H)3-21 group (22 cases).