bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic splenosis misinterpreted as hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients referred for liver transplantation: Report of two cases
Authors: Di Costanzo Giovan Giuseppe , Picciotto Francesco Paolo , Marsilia Giuseppina Marino , Ascione Antonio
Published: April 2004

Liver transplantation is one of the main therapeutic options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurring in cirrhotic patients; an accurate diagnosis and staging of this cancer is crucial to selecting the candidates for this treatment. Although the best diagnostic strategy is debated, the guidelines proposed by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) are used by many centers. We report 2 cases of cirrhotic patients with hepatic splenosis, a rare condition that may be misinterpreted as HCC. In conclusion, the application of the EASL guidelines in the first case would have led to an incorrect staging of the cancer and in the second case would have led to a false diagnosis of HCC. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:706-709.)
Ewing sarcoma: Favourable results with combined modality therapy and conservative use of radiotherapy
Authors: Zogopoulos George , Teskey Lindsay , Sung Lillian , Dix David , Grant Ronald , Greenberg Mark L. , Weitzman Sheila
Published: April 2004

Background

At the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC), we have treated Ewing sarcoma (ES) with multi‐agent chemotherapy, surgery and conservative use of radiotherapy for local control. Our objective was to describe the outcome and prognostic factors associated with this strategy.

Procedure

We performed a retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with ES at HSC from Feb 1984 to June 1999.

Results

Seventy‐two evaluable children were identified. All received chemotherapy. Local control administered was surgery (n = 37), radiation (n = 23), both (n = 10) or neither (n = 2). The 7‐year EFS was 66.4%. Recurrence occurred in 23 patients, 7 locally and 16 distantly. Better EFS was associated with male gender (78.5% vs. 52.1%; P = 0.007), localised disease (77.0% vs. 39.4%; P = 0.0004), extremity primary (88.2% vs. 52.8%; P = 0.005) and non‐pelvic primary (75.7% vs. 18.2%; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Favourable outcomes were seen for patients treated with multi‐agent chemotherapy, surgery and conservative use of radiotherapy. Metastatic disease rather than local control was the major cause of failure. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic characterization of novel serum amyloid P component variants from human plasma and urine
Authors: Kiernan Urban A. , Nedelkov Dobrin , Tubbs Kemmons A. , Niederkofler Eric E. , Nelson Randball W.
Published: April 2004

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a human plasma protein that has been widely studied for its influence on amyloid plaque formation and stabilization. SAP was characterized directly from human plasma and urine samples via novel affinity mass spectrometry‐based proteomic technology that is able to readily discriminate between mass‐altered protein variants. These analyses were able to identify several variants of SAP that have not been previously reported. These variants include microheterogeneity of the glycan structure, from the loss of one or both terminal sialic acid residues, as well as the loss of the C‐terminal valine residue. Moreover, the analysis of urine allowed for the consistent identification of serum amyloid P component as a normal constituent of the urine proteome.
A competition model within and across groups explaining the contrast between the societies of chimpanzees and bonobos
Authors: Horiuchi Shiro
Published: April 2004

Two apes species, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus), show a peculiar contrast in their social structure. The contrast cannot be explained simply by the differences in their ecological conditions, as has previously been suggested. This paper presents a mathematical model to interpret the contrast, through a competition game within and across groups. Two alternative strategies, dispersal and association, are applied to the model, in order to represent within‐group‐competition (WGC). Two more alternative strategies, Hawk and Dove, are also applied to the model, in order to represent between‐group‐competition (BGC). Mathematical analysis is executed for the frequencies of three mixed‐strategists: dispersal‐Hawk, dispersal‐Dove and association. The population dominated by dispersal‐Hawk and dispersal‐Dove strategists, or by association strategists, is assumed to characterize the social structure of chimpanzees or bonobos, respectively. The model predicts that each social structure can be evolutionarily stable under the same ecological conditions, and will not easily recover once it has been replaced by the other. This stability is through a bi‐directional influence: the influence of BGC on WGC and vice versa. The model suggests that the possibility of fatal violence within a group strengthens the robustness of each social structure.
Reshuffling or inventing prosomeres: Expensive radiation or expensive neural tissue?
Authors: Miu Andrei C. , Olteanu Adrian I.
Published: April 2004

The target article is an elegant synthesis of the developmental and functional data and views on the evolutionary origin of the mammalian isocortex, integrating results from cell and molecular biology, experimental neuroanatomy, and chemoarchitectonic studies. Complementarily, we give here an account of two modes of isocortical evolution (prosomere reshuffling and invention) in terms of costs of radiation and neural tissue.
Rethinking learning and development in the Newell Test
Authors: Sirois Sylvain
Published: April 2004

The Newell Test is an ambitious and promising project, but not without pitfalls. Some of the current criteria are not theoretically neutral, whereas others are unhelpful. To improve the test, the learning and development criteria are reviewed and revised, which suggests adding a maturation criterion as well. Such changes should make the Newell Test more general and useful.
Australodelphis mirus, a bizarre new toothless ziphiid-like fossil dolphin (Cetacea: Delphinidae) from the Pliocene of Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica
Authors: Fordyce R. Ewan , Quilty Patrick G. , Daniels James
Published: April 2004

Australodelphis mirus (Delphinidae n. gen., n. sp) is a small extinct Early Pliocene dolphin known from five individuals from shallow-water strata of the Sørsdal Formation, Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica. Australodelphis mirus is the first higher vertebrate named from the Oligocene-Pleistocene interval on land in Antarctica, and is the first cetacean fossil from the polar margin of circum-Antarctic Southern Ocean that postdates the break-up of Gondwana. The dolphin is convergent in skull form with some living beaked whales (Mesoplodon spp.; Family Ziphiidae) in its long, narrow and toothless upper jaw and face, but skull suture patterns, basicranial sinuses, and ear-bones indicate close relationship with living long-beaked dolphins (Delphinidae). Australodelphis mirus perhaps was a suction-feeding squid-eater which occupied quiet near-shore shelf waters influenced by glaciers but probably lacking major sea-ice. Possible ecological equivalents of A. mirus (small ziphiids, long-beaked dolphins) do not occupy Antarctic waters today, perhaps excluded by cold conditions and/or sea-ice cover. Earlier Pliocene cetaceans worldwide reveal significant extinct and sometimes bizarre taxa, and extant families with ranges quite different from today, pointing to climate-related changes in cetacean ecology in the last 2–3 million years.
A continuous 250-year record of volcanic activity from Princess Elizabeth Land, East Antarctica
Authors: Zhang M.J. , Li Z.Q. , Xiao C.D. , Qin D.H. , Yang H.A. , Kang J.C. , Li J.
Published: April 2004

A 51.85 m ice core collected from site LGB65 (accumulation rate 127 kg m−2 a−1, mean annual temperature −33.1°C) in Princess Elizabeth Land, East Antarctica, during the 1996–97 Chinese First Antarctic Inland Expedition has been analysed for chemical composition and oxygen isotope ratio. Based on the high definition of seasonal variations of major ions, the ice core was dated with errors within ± 3 years. The continuous sulphate analysis of the ice core provides an annually resolved proxy history of southern hemisphere volcanism in the past 250 years. High nssSO42−, concentrations seem to be well correlated to some explosive volcanic eruptions, such as Tambora (AD 1815), Coseguina (AD 1835), Krakatoa (AD 1883) and Tarawera (AD 1886). In comparison with other volcanic records, it seems that nssSO42− concentration data provide a better proxy for detecting volcanic activity than nssSO42− fluxes in low and intermediate accumulation regions, however, in high accumulation regions, small and moderate events may be more identifiable using of nssSO42− flux data.
Prüfung von Analphabetismus durch modifizierten Farbe-Wort-Interferenztest: Eine Einzelfallstudie
Authors: Beblo Thomas , Menne Annemarie
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung: Der 56-jährige A.S. wurde wegen der gutachterlichen Frage nach Simulation eines Analphabetismus neuropsychologisch untersucht. Es wurden allgemeine Verfahren zur Aufdeckung von Simulation und eine modifizierte Form des Farbe-Wort-Interferenztest (FWIT; Bäumler, 1985 ) eingesetzt. Anstelle schwarz gedruckter Farbwörter in der Aufgabe “Farbwörter Lesen” wurde ein Arbeitsbogen erstellt, in welchem sich Farbwort und die zu nennende Druckfarbe entsprechen (“Kongruenzbedingung”). In einem ersten Erprobungsversuch mit gesunden und lesenden Probanden zeigte sich erwartungsgemäß und mit großer Robustheit, dass in der Kongruenzbedingung schnellere “Benennungszeiten” erzielt wurden, als beim “Farbstrich Benennen” und der “Interferenzbedingung”. A.S. zeigte hingegen über alle drei Bedingungen vergleichbare Zeiten, was mit dem angegebenen Analphabetismus vereinbar ist. Das modifizierte Verfahren erscheint zur Überprüfung von Simulation von Analphabetismus sehr gut geeignet.
Die neuropsychologischen Effekte von Kokain
Authors: Müller Christian P. , Knoche Anja , Huston Joseph P.
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung: Kokainkonsumenten sind in der Regel entweder Gelegenheitskonsumenten mit geringem und relativ gut kontrollierbarem Kokainkonsum oder Kokainabhängige, die exzessiv große Mengen Kokain einnehmen (Binge-Taking). Neuropsychologische Untersuchungen bei Gelegenheitskonsumenten mit kleinen bis mittleren Kokaindosen, die geeignet sind, “Euphorie” und “Hochgefühle” auszulösen, ergaben bisher keine Hinweise auf neuropsychologische Funktionsbeeinträchtigungen in der akuten Phase. Vielmehr wurden in der akuten Kokainphase verbesserte Aufmerksamkeitsleistungen und schnellere Reaktionszeiten gemessen, die bis zum Beginn der postakuten Phase anhielten. Explizite Untersuchungen zur postakuten Phase oder Studien über die Effekte von Kokain in einem hohen Dosisbereich liegen derzeit nicht vor. Kokainabhängige weisen in einem Abstinenzzeitraum von bis zu mindestens 3 Monaten neuropsychologische, neurologische und unter Umständen auch psychiatrische Defizite auf. Deutliche Defizite abstinenter Kokainabhängiger wurden bei der Aufmerksamkeitsleistung, der Konzentration, der inhibitorischen Kontrolle und im Gedächtnis gefunden, wobei die verschiedenen Gedächtnistypen unterschiedlich betroffen sind. Kommt es bei Kokainabhängigen zu einer erneuten Kokaineinnahme, d.h. zu einer Binge-Phase, so ist unmittelbar danach in der so genannten Crash-Phase noch zusätzlich mit zum Teil schweren emotional-motivationalen Beeinträchtigungen zu rechnen.
Toxicity from radiation therapy associated with abnormal transcriptional responses to DNA damage
Authors: Rieger Kerri E. , Hong Wan-Jen , Tusher Virginia Goss , Tang Jean , Tibshirani Robert , Chu Gilbert
Published: April 2004

Toxicity from radiation therapy is a grave problem for cancer patients. We hypothesized that some cases of toxicity are associated with abnormal transcriptional responses to radiation. We used microarrays to measure responses to ionizing and UV radiation in lymphoblastoid cells derived from 14 patients with acute radiation toxicity. The analysis used heterogeneity-associated transformation of the data to account for a clinical outcome arising from more than one underlying cause. To compute the risk of toxicity for each patient, we applied nearest shrunken centroids, a method that identifies and cross-validates predictive genes. Transcriptional responses in 24 genes predicted radiation toxicity in 9 of 14 patients with no false positives among 43 controls (
P
= 2.2 × 10
-7
). The responses of these nine patients displayed significant heterogeneity. Of the five patients with toxicity and normal responses, two were treated with protocols that proved to be highly toxic. These results may enable physicians to predict toxicity and tailor treatment for individual patients.
Cooperative synchronized assemblies enhance orientation discrimination
Authors: Samonds Jason M. , Allison John D. , Brown Heather A. , Bonds A. B.
Published: April 2004

There is no clear link between the broad tuning of single neurons and the fine behavioral capabilities of orientation discrimination. We recorded from populations of cells in the cat visual cortex (area 17) to examine whether the joint activity of cells can support finer discrimination than found in individual responses. Analysis of joint firing yields a substantial advantage (i.e., cooperation) in fine-angle discrimination. This cooperation increases to more considerable levels as the population of an assembly is increased. The cooperation in a population of six cells provides encoding of orientation with an information advantage that is at least 2-fold in terms of requiring either fewer cells or less time than independent coding. This cooperation suggests that correlated or synchronized activity can increase information.
Corticosteroids and Inhaled Salbutamol in Patients with Reversible Airway Obstruction Markedly Decrease the Incidence of Bronchospasm after Tracheal Intubation
Authors: Silvanus Marie-Therese , Groeben Harald , Peters Jürgen
Published: April 2004

Background

In patients with bronchial hyperreactivity, airway instrumentation can evoke life-threatening bronchospasm. However, the best strategy for the prevention of bronchospasm has not been defined. Therefore, in a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled study, the authors tested whether prophylaxis with either combined salbutamol-methylprednisolone or salbutamol alone (1) improves lung function and (2) prevents wheezing after intubation.

Methods

Thirty-one patients with partially reversible airway obstruction (airway resistance > 180%, forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] < 70% of predicted value, and FEV1 increase > 10% after two puffs of salbutamol), who were naive to anti-obstructive treatment, were randomized to receive daily for 5 days either 3 x 2 puffs (0.2 mg) of salbutamol alone (n = 16) or salbutamol combined with methylprednisolone (40 mg/day orally) (n = 15). Lung function was evaluated daily. Another 10 patients received two puffs of salbutamol 10 min before anesthesia. In all patients, wheezing was assessed before and 5 min after tracheal intubation.

Results

Within 1 day, both salbutamol and salbutamol-methylprednisolone treatment significantly improved airway resistance (salbutamol, 4.3+/- 2.0 [SD] to 2.9+/-1.3 mmHg x s x l(-1); salbutamol-methylprednisolone, 5.5+/-2.9 to 3.4+/-1.7 mmHg x s x l(-1)) and FEV1 (salbutamol, 1.79+/-0.49 to 2.12+/-0.61 l; salbutamol-methylprednisolone, 1.58+/-0.66 to 2.04+/-1.05 l) to a steady state, with no difference between groups. However, regardless of whether single-dose salbutamol preinduction or prolonged salbutamol treatment was used, most patients (8 of 10 and 7 of 9) experienced wheezing after intubation. In contrast, only one patient receiving additional methylprednisolone experienced wheezing (P = 0.0058).

Conclusions

: Pretreatment with either salbutamol alone or salbutamol combined with methylprednisolone significantly and similarly improves lung function within 1 day. However, only combined salbutamol-methylprednisolone pretreatment decreases the incidence of wheezing after tracheal intubation. Therefore, in patients with bronchial hyperreactivity, preoperative treatment with combined corticosteroids and salbutamol minimizes intubation-evoked bronchoconstriction much more effectively than the inhaled beta2-sympathomimetic salbutamol alone.
Effects of a Circulating-water Garment and Forced-air Warming on Body Heat Content and Core Temperature
Authors: Taguchi Akiko , Ratnaraj Jebadurai , Kabon Barbara , Sharma Neeru , Lenhardt Rainer , Sessler Daniel I. , Kurz Andrea
Published: April 2004

Background

Forced-air warming is sometimes unable to maintain perioperative normothermia. Therefore, the authors compared heat transfer, regional heat distribution, and core rewarming of forced-air warming with a novel circulating-water garment.

Methods

Nine volunteers were each evaluated on two randomly ordered study days. They were anesthetized and cooled to a core temperature near 34 degrees C. The volunteers were subsequently warmed for 2.5 h with either a circulating-water garment or a forced-air cover. Overall, heat balance was determined from the difference between cutaneous heat loss (thermal flux transducers) and metabolic heat production (oxygen consumption). Average arm and leg (peripheral) tissue temperatures were determined from 18 intramuscular needle thermocouples, 15 skin thermal flux transducers, and "deep" hand and foot thermometers.

Results

Heat production (approximately 60 kcal/h) and loss (approximately 45 kcal/h) were similar with each treatment before warming. The increases in heat transfer across anterior portions of the skin surface were similar with each warming system (approximately 65 kcal/h). Forced-air warming had no effect on posterior heat transfer, whereas circulating-water transferred 21+/-9 kcal/h through the posterior skin surface after a half hour of warming. Over 2.5 h, circulating water thus increased body heat content 56% more than forced air. Core temperatures thus increased faster than with circulating water than forced air, especially during the first hour, with the result that core temperature was 1.1 degrees +/- 0.7 degrees C greater after 2.5 h (P < 0.001). Peripheral tissue heat content increased twice as much as core heat content with each device, but the core-to-peripheral tissue temperature gradient remained positive throughout the study.

Conclusions

The circulating-water system transferred more heat than forced air, with the difference resulting largely from posterior heating. Circulating water rewarmed patients 0.4 degrees C/h faster than forced air. A substantial peripheral-to-core tissue temperature gradient with each device indicated that peripheral tissues insulated the core, thus slowing heat transfer.
Role of Lipid in Sulfite-dependent Propofol Dimerization
Authors: Baker Max T. , Gregerson Marc S. , Naguib Mohamed
Published: April 2004

Background

During long-term intravenous infusions, sulfite in sulfite-containing propofol emulsions can cause the peroxidation of lipid and dimerization of propofol. This study evaluated the role of lipid in sulfite-dependent propofol dimerization by determining the effects of individual fatty acids in soybean oil emulsion and peroxidized lipids in a model system.

Methods

Individual fatty acids, stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), linolenic (18:3), and arachidonic (20:4), were added to sulfite-containing propofol emulsion and incubated for 90 min at 37 degrees C. Model systems containing soybean oil (100 microl), water (900 microl), propofol (10 mg/ml), and sulfite (0.25 mg/ml) composed of oils with different peroxide values were allowed to react for 60 min at room temperature. After the reactions, propofol dimer and propofol dimer quinone were analyzed by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Results

Propofol did not dimerize when added to aqueous sulfite unless soybean oil was also included. The addition of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, arachidonic) to sulfite-containing propofol emulsion resulted in large increases of propofol dimerization compared with stearic or oleic acid. Using biphasic mixtures of soybean oil and aqueous sulfite, propofol dimerization increased with increasing peroxide content of the oil. In propofol emulsion, lipoxidase and ferrous iron in the absence of sulfite also caused the dimerization of propofol.

Conclusions

These results show that lipid can play a significant role in sulfite-dependent propofol dimerization. The relation of dimerization to polyunsaturated fatty acid and soybean oil peroxide content suggests that sulfite reacts with unsaturated lipid or peroxide-modified lipid to facilitate propofol dimerization.
Experimental Pain Models Reveal No Sex Differences in Pentazocine Analgesia in Humans
Authors: Fillingim Roger B. , Ness Timothy J. , Glover Toni L. , Campbell Claudia M. , Price Donald D. , Staud Roland
Published: April 2004

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that there are sex differences in analgesic responses to opioid agonists. Several studies using an oral surgery pain model have reported more robust analgesia to kappa-agonist-antagonists (e.g., pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol) among women than among men. However, evidence of sex differences in kappa-agonist-antagonist effects from studies of experimentally induced pain in humans is lacking.

Methods

Therefore, the analgesic effects of intravenous pentazocine (0.5 mg/kg) were determined in healthy women (n = 41) and men (n = 38) using three experimental pain models: heat pain, pressure pain, and ischemic pain. Each pain procedure was conducted before and after double-blind administration of both pentazocine and saline, which occurred on separate days in counterbalanced order.

Results

Compared with saline, pentazocine produced significant analgesic responses for all pain stimuli. However, no sex differences in pentazocine analgesia emerged. Effect sizes for the sex differences were computed; the magnitude of effects was small, and an equal number of measures showed greater analgesia in men than in women. Also, analgesic responses were not highly correlated across pain modalities, suggesting that different mechanisms may underlie analgesia for disparate types of pain.

Conclusions

These findings indicate significant analgesic responses to pentazocine in both men and women across multiple experimental pain assays, and the absence of sex differences contrasts with previous data from the oral surgery model. The most likely explanation for the discrepancy in results is that of differences in the pain assays. These findings are important because they suggest that sex differences in opioid analgesia may be specific to certain types of pain.
Predicting subcellular localization of proteins for Gram‐negative bacteria by support vector machines based on n‐peptide compositions
Authors: Yu Chin‐Sheng , Lin Chih‐Jen , Hwang Jenn‐Kang
Published: April 2004

Gram‐negative bacteria have five major subcellular localization sites: the cytoplasm, the periplasm, the inner membrane, the outer membrane, and the extracellular space. The subcellular location of a protein can provide valuable information about its function. With the rapid increase of sequenced genomic data, the need for an automated and accurate tool to predict subcellular localization becomes increasingly important. We present an approach to predict subcellular localization for Gram‐negative bacteria. This method uses the support vector machines trained by multiple feature vectors based on n‐peptide compositions. For a standard data set comprising 1443 proteins, the overall prediction accuracy reaches 89%, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the highest prediction rate ever reported. Our prediction is 14% higher than that of the recently developed multimodular PSORT‐B. Because of its simplicity, this approach can be easily extended to other organisms and should be a useful tool for the high‐throughput and large‐scale analysis of proteomic and genomic data.
Acidophilic adaptation of family 11 endo‐β‐1,4‐xylanases: Modeling and mutational analysis
Authors: de Lemos Esteves Frédéric , Ruelle Virginie , Lamotte‐Brasseur Josette , Quinting Birgit , Frère Jean‐Marie
Published: April 2004

Xyl1 from Streptomyces sp. S38 belongs to the low molecular mass family 11 of endo‐β‐1,4‐xylanases. Its three‐dimensional structure has been solved at 2.0 Å and its optimum temperature and pH for enzymatic activity are 60°C and 6.0, respectively. Aspergillus kawachii xylanase XynC belongs to the same family but is an acidophilic enzyme with an optimum pH of 2.0. Structural comparison of Xyl1 and XynC showed differences in residues surrounding the two glutamic acid side chains involved in the catalysis that could be responsible for the acidophilic adaptation of XynC. Mutations W20Y, N48D, A134E, and Y193W were introduced by site‐directed mutagenesis and combined in multiple mutants. Trp 20 and Tyr 193 are involved in substrate binding. The Y193W mutation inactivated Xyl1 whereas W20Y decreased the optimum pH of Xyl1 to 5.0 and slightly increased its specific activity. The N48D mutation also decreased the optimum pH of Xyl1 by one unit. The A134E substitution did not induce any change, but when combined with N48D, a synergistic effect was observed with a 1.4 unit decrease in the optimum pH. Modeling showed that the orientations of residue 193 and of the fully conserved Arg 131 are different in acidophilic and “alkaline” xylanases whereas the introduced Tyr 20 probably modifies the pKa of the acid–base catalyst via residue Asn 48. Docking of a substrate analog in the catalytic site highlighted striking differences between Xyl1 and XynC in substrate binding. Hydrophobicity calculations showed a correlation between acidophilic adaptation and a decreased hydrophobicity around the two glutamic acid side chains involved in catalysis.
Backbone dynamics of complement control protein (CCP) modules reveals mobility in binding surfaces
Authors: O'Leary Joanne M. , Bromek Krystyna , Black Gordon M. , Uhrinova Stanislava , Schmitz Christian , Wang Xuefeng , Krych Malgorzata , Atkinson John P. , Uhrin Dusan , Barlow Paul N.
Published: April 2004

The regulators of complement activation (RCA) are critical to health and disease because their role is to ensure that a complement‐mediated immune response to infection is proportionate and targeted. Each protein contains an uninterrupted array of from four to 30 examples of the very widely occurring complement control protein (CCP, or sushi) module. The CCP modules mediate specific protein–protein and protein–carbohydrate interactions that are key to the biological function of the RCA and, paradoxically, provide binding sites for numerous pathogens. Although structural and mutagenesis studies of CCP modules have addressed some aspects of molecular recognition, there have been no studies of the role of molecular dynamics in the interaction of CCP modules with their binding partners. NMR has now been used in the first full characterization of the backbone dynamics of CCP modules. The dynamics of two individual modules—the 16th of the 30 modules of complement receptor type 1 (CD35), and the N‐terminal module of membrane cofactor protein (CD46)—as well as their solution structures, are compared. Although both examples share broadly similar three‐dimensional structures, many structurally equivalent residues exhibit different amplitudes and timescales of local backbone motion. In each case, however, regions of the module‐surface implicated by mutagenesis as sites of interactions with other proteins include several mobile residues. This observation suggests further experiments to explore binding mechanisms and identify new binding sites.
Mutations in the hMLH1 gene in Slovenian patients with gastric carcinoma
Authors: Hudler P , Voulk K , Liovic M , Repse S , Juvan R , Komel R
Published: April 2004

Alterations of multiple oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, together with genetic instability, are responsible for carcinogenesis in gastric cancer. The microsatellite mutator phenotype is the cause of many somatic frameshift and point mutations in non‐coding repetitive sequences and in coding regions associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. Genetic mutations in hMLH1 and transcriptional silencing of its promoter by hypermethylation lead to the inactivation of the mismatch repair system. In our study, we screened for mutations the hMLH1 gene in patients expressing the microsatellite instability genotype by using single‐strand conformational polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing. Seven changes were identified; of these, three (A92P, E433Q, and K618A) were germline mutations and the other four (IVS5 453 + 79 A > G, I219V, 1039 − 7 del (T)n, and IVS15 1668 − 19 A > G) germline polymorphisms. A92P and E433Q are novel, previously unidentified mutations. In addition, we found a rather complex distribution of mutations and polymorphisms in individual patients and in two cases also a methylated hMLH1 promoter.
Genetic landmarks through philately – autism spectrum disorders: a genetic update
Authors: Chudley AE
Published: April 2004

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a heterogeneous group of developmental disorders that present a challenge to geneticists because of their complex etiology and inheritance. This article reviews some of the advances in our understanding of causation in ASD and the role in which molecular genetic investigations have helped in unraveling the mystery of ASD. There have been few postage stamps issued relevant to ASD. Because of the need for early diagnosis and improved recognition, some countries may consider issuing stamps to highlight the importance of ASD to the population and to raise awareness and money for research funding.
The Healing Potential of Back Massage
Authors: Gauthier Donna M.
Published: April 2004

(1) The experience of illness and/or hospitalization often elicits a stress response which may manifest as sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, anxiety and general discomfort. The diagnosis and treatment of a person's response to illness or other event is key tenet of nursing. The well‐established nursing intervention, back rub or back massage, has been utilized as a time‐honored comfort measure. This research review summarizes the studies that have evaluated the effect of massage on psychophysiologic outcome measures. Research demonstrates that back massage has the ability to elicit a relaxation response in the majority of study subjects.
Managing Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly: Conceptual, Intervention and Methodological Issues
Authors: Buckwalter Kathleen Coen , Stolley Jacqueline M. , Farran Carol J.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

(1) With the aging of society, the incidence of dementia in the elderly is also increasing, and thus results in increased numbers of individuals with cognitive impairment. Nurses and other researchers have investigated issues concerning the management of cognitive impairment. This article highlights conceptual, intervention and methodological issues associated with this phenomenon.

Conclusion

(2) Cognitive change is a multivariate construct that includes alterations in a variety of information processing mechanisms such as problem solving ability, memory, perception, attention and learning, and judgement. Although there is a large body of research, conceptual, intervention and methodological issues remain. Much of the clinical research on cognitive impairment is atheoretical, with this issue only recently being addressed. While many clinical interventions have been proposed, few have been adequately tested. There are also various methodological concerns, such as small sample sizes and limited statistical power; study design issues (experimental vs. non‐experimental), and internal and external validity problems. Clearly, additional research designed to intervene with these difficult behaviors is needed.

Implication

(3) A variety of psychosocial, environmental and physical parameters must be considered in the nursing care of persons with cognitive impairment. Special attention has been given to interventions associated with disruptive behaviors. Interventions are complex and knowledge must be integrated from both the biomedical and behavioral sciences in order to deal effectively with the numerous problems that can arise over a long and changing clinical course. Some researchers and clinicians have suggested that a new culture regarding dementia care is needed, one that focuses on changing attitudes and beliefs about persons with dementia and one that changes how organizations deliver that care. This review identifies key conceptual, intervention and methodological issues and recommends how these issues might be addressed in the future.
A Systematic Review of the Congruence Between People's Needs and Nurses' Interventions for Supporting Hope
Authors: Holt Jeanie
Published: April 2004

Purpose

(1) This systematic review of nursing research from 1987 to 1999 was conducted to explore the factors people identify as supportive of hope, the interventions nurses use to support hope, and the congruence between these two sets of studies.

Conclusions

(2) The factors supporting hope for patients and families found most frequently were social and professional support, cognitive strategies, spiritual or religious activities, relying on inner resources, and setting goals. Nurses used interventions to support families, assist with goal setting and distraction, affirm patient worth, and provide symptom relief. There was substantial congruence between people's needs and nursing actions. The main incongruence was the lack of interventions supporting spiritual practices.

Implications

(3) Nurses should continue current practices to nurture hope in their patients and clients. In addition, nurses need to provide spiritual care as an intervention that supports hope. There is a need for further research on nursing interventions to stimulate hope as well as research to understand the differences and relationships among hope, hopelessness, coping, courage, wellbeing, and spirituality. Research to understand hope in cultures outside of the mainstream United States culture is also needed.
Evaluation of Selected Behavior Change Theoretical Models Used in Weight Management Interventions
Authors: Keller Colleen S. , Allan Janet D.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

(1) This paper evaluates selected behavior change theoretical models used in weight reduction interventions and presents recommendations for the use of theory in weight reduction research.

(2) Overweight and obesity are complex problems, requiring long‐term behavioral change. Behavioral treatments for overweight and obesity are as varied as the elements of behavior, and the long‐term efficacy of most approaches is poor. Because of the complexity of both the problem and its treatment, investigations must target the development of cause‐effect explanations.

Conclusions

(3) Many of the behavioral change intervention studies reviewed lacked external validity, primarily due to the failure to consider salient moderators. The theoretical models reviewed in this paper were primarily tested on white, employed populations. These and other data suggest that extant theoretical approaches may not be salient in certain groups.

Implications

(4) Practice implications include: 1) assess indicators for readiness to engage in weight reduction efforts; 2) base interventions on multiple theories; and 3) develop context‐based interventions. Future research should include a focus on innovative methods in theory development, development of theory acknowledging mediator/moderator interactions, development of theory in context, and development of theory reflecting cultural meaning and diversity.
A European perspective on fluoride use in seven countries
Authors: Árnadóttir Inga B. , Ketley Clare E. , Van Loveren Cor , Seppä Liisa , Cochran Judith A. , Polido Mario , Athanossouli Thessaly , Holbrook W Peter , O'Mullane Denis M.
Published: April 2004

Abstract ‐ Objectives:The aim of this study was to collate data on national policies for the use of fluoride in the seven European countries participating in the FLINT project.Methods:Policies on the use of fluoride were obtained for each of the study areas. Data collected included the presence of water fluoridation and regulations governing fluoride toothpaste and fluoride supplements.Results:In Ireland 74% of the population had a fluoridated water supply but in all the other countries fluoride toothpaste was the principal form of delivering fluoride, usually recommended as a dose of a pea‐sized amount. Fluoride supplement use varied considerably between countries. The Netherlands had the clearest regulations covering the use of fluoride supplements and definition of at‐risk individuals. Most countries, even if they recognized particular caries‐risk did not define the term clearly. In Iceland all children were regarded as being at high risk of developing caries.Conclusion:Considerable variation exists between European countries in their policies for fluoride use and no clear definitions of high‐caries‐risk individuals were found. The results show that there is even a lack of coherent thought and planning within the different countries, let alone between them.
Successor Attributes in Indian and Canadian Family Firms: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sharma Pramodita , Srinivas Rao A.
Published: April 2004

This study replicates the Chrisman, Chua, Sharma 1998 Canadian study in the Indian context. Using data from 43 Indian family firms, this study compares the successor attributes that Indian and Canadian family business owners consider most important. Despite significant differences in norms and culture prevalent in these two countries, results of this comparative study indicate that both sets of family firm owners rate integrity and commitment to the business as the two most important attributes of a successor. However, compared to Canadian family firm owners, Indian owners rate blood and family relationships higher. Canadian respondents, on the other hand, rate interpersonal skills, past performance, and experience higher.
Protecting the Limited Liability Feature of Your Family Business: Evidence from the U.S. Court System
Authors: Murphy Deborah L. , Murphy J. Edward
Published: April 2004

One of the benefits cited for the organizational structure of a corporation or limited liability company is the limited liability feature associated with these forms of organization. However, our legal system contains a judicial doctrine known as piercing the corporate veil, which essentially asks the courts to disregard the limited liability feature of the organization and impose personal liability on the shareholders, officers, andqor directors. This study provides evidence regarding the extent to which the U.S. courts have ruled to pierce the corporate veil and suggests steps that family-owned businesses can take to minimize this potential risk.
Increased neurotransmitter release during long‐term potentiation at mossy fibre–granule cell synapses in rat cerebellum
Authors: Sola Elisabetta , Prestori Francesca , Rossi Paola , Taglietti Vanni , D'Angelo Egidio
Published: April 2004

During long‐term potentiation (LTP) at mossy fibre–granule cell synapses in rat cerebellum synaptic transmission and granule cell intrinsic excitability are enhanced. Although it is clear that changes in granule cell excitability are mediated postsynaptically, there is as yet no direct evidence for the site and mechanism of changes in transmission. To approach this problem, evoked postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and miniature synaptic currents (mEPSCs) were recorded by patch‐clamp in cerebellar slices obtained from P17–P23 rats. LTP was induced by theta‐burst stimulation paired with depolarization. During LTP, the EPSCs showed a significant decrease in the coefficient of variation (CV; 28.9 ± 5.2%, n= 8; P < 0.002), the number of failures (87.1 ± 41.9%, n= 8; P < 0.04), and the paired‐pulse ratio (PPR; 25.5 ± 4.1%n= 5; P < 0.02). Similar changes were observed by increasing neurotransmitter release (extracellular solutions with high Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio), whereas increases in CV, numbers of failures and PPR occurred when release was decreased (extracellular solutions with low Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio; 10 μm Cl‐adenosine). No changes followed modifications of postsynaptic holding potentials, while CV and failures were reduced when the number of active synapses was increased. LTP was prevented by use of solutions with high Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio. Moreover, LTP and the associated CV decrease were observed in the spillover‐mediated component of AMPA EPSCs and in NMDA EPSCs. During LTP, mEPSCs did not change in amplitude or variability but significantly increased in frequency (47.6 ± 16%, n= 4; P < 0.03). By binomial analysis changes in EPSCs were shown to be due to increased release probability (from 0.6 ± 0.08 to 0.73 ± 0.06, n= 7; P < 0.02) with a constant number of three to four releasing sites. These observations provide evidence for increased neurotransmitter release during LTP at mossy fibre–granule cell synapses.
COUNTABLY COMPACT L-SETS
Authors: BAI SHI-ZHONG
Published: April 2004

In this paper, the concepts of countable presemi-compactness and presemi-Lindelof property in L-topological spaces are introduced. They are defined for arbitrary L-subsets, and some of their characteristic properties and fundamental properties are studied.
The COX-2 pathway is essential during early stages of skeletal muscle regeneration
Authors: Bondesen Brenda A. , Mills Stephen T. , Kegley Kristy M. , Pavlath Grace K.
Published: April 2004

Skeletal muscle regeneration comprises several overlapping cellular processes, including inflammation and myogenesis. Prostaglandins (PGs) may regulate muscle regeneration, because they modulate inflammation and are involved in various stages of myogenesis in vitro. PG synthesis is catalyzed by different isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX), which are inhibited by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although experiments employing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have implicated PGs in tissue repair, how PGs regulate muscle regeneration remains unclear, and the potentially distinct roles of different COX isoforms have not been investigated. To address these questions, a localized freeze injury was induced in the tibialis anterior muscles of mice chronically treated with either a COX-1- or COX-2-selective inhibitor (SC-560 and SC-236, respectively), starting before injury. The size of regenerating myofibers was analyzed at time points up to 5 wk after injury and found to be decreased by SC-236 and in COX-2−/− muscles, but unaffected by SC-560. In contrast, SC-236 had no effect on myofiber growth when administered starting 7 days after injury. The attenuation of myofiber growth by SC-236 treatment and in COX-2−/− muscles is associated with decreases in the number of myoblasts and intramuscular inflammatory cells at early times after injury. Together, these data suggest that COX-2-dependent PG synthesis is required during early stages of muscle regeneration and thus raise caution about the use of COX-2-selective inhibitors in patients with muscle injury or disease.
Protective effects of ascorbic acid on arterial hemodynamics during acute hyperglycemia
Authors: Mullan Brian A. , Ennis Ciaran N. , Fee Howard J. P. , Young Ian S. , McCance David R.
Published: April 2004

Mortality increases when acute coronary syndromes are complicated by stress-induced hyperglycemia. Early pulse wave reflection can augment central aortic systolic blood pressure and increase left ventricular strain. Altered pulse wave reflection may contribute to the increase in cardiac risk during acute hyperglycemia. Chronic ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation has recently been shown to reduce pulse wave reflection in diabetes. We investigated the in vivo effects of acute hyperglycemia, with and without AA pretreatment, on pulse wave reflection and arterial hemodynamics. Healthy male volunteers were studied. Peripheral blood pressure (BP) was measured at the brachial artery, and the SphygmoCor pulse wave analysis system was used to derive central BP, the aortic augmentation index (AIx; measure of systemic arterial stiffness), and the time to pulse wave refection ( Tr; measure of aortic distensibility) from noninvasively obtained radial artery pulse pressure (PP) waveforms. Hemodynamics were recorded at baseline and then every 30 min during a 120-min systemic hyperglycemic clamp (14 mmol/l). The subjects, studied on two separate occasions, were randomized in a double-blind, crossover manner to placebo or 2 g intravenous AA before the initiation of hyperglycemia. During hyperglycemia, AIx increased and Tr decreased. Hyperglycemia did not change peripheral PP but did magnify central aortic PP and diminished the normal physiological amplification of PP from the aorta to the periphery. Pulse wave reflection, as assessed from peripheral pulse wave analysis, is enhanced during acute hyperglycemia. Pretreatment with AA prevented the hyperglycemia-induced hemodynamic changes. By protecting hemodynamics during acute hyperglycemia, AA may have therapeutic use.
Motion Perception Without Explicit Activity in Areas MT and MST
Authors: Ilg Uwe J. , Churan Jan
Published: April 2004

It is widely accepted that middle temporal (MT) and middle superior temporal (MST) cortical areas in the brain of rhesus monkeys are essential for processing visual motion. We asked whether this assumption holds true if the moving stimulus consists of a second-order motion stimulus. In addition, we asked whether neurons in area MT and MST code for moving sound sources. To answer these questions, we trained three rhesus monkeys on a direction-discrimination task. Our monkeys were able to correctly report the direction of all motion stimuli used in this study. Firing rates of directionally selective neurons from area MT ( n = 38) and MST ( n = 68) were recorded during task performance. These neurons coded only for the stimulus movement if the motion stimulus was separated from the background by luminance or flicker (Fourier and drift-balanced motion). If these segregation cues were absent (in the case of theta motion and of the moving sound source), firing rates did not code for the stimulus' direction. Therefore we conclude that although areas MT and MST are undoubtedly involved in processing a moving stimulus, they are not the final cortical stages responsible for perceiving it.