bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessed Danger-to-Others as a Reason for Psychiatric Hospitalization: An Investigation of Patients' Perspectives
Authors: Welches Philip , Pica Michael
Published: July 2005

This study investigated subjective experiences of nine men who had been psychiatrically hospitalized upon being assessed as "dangerous-to-others-due-to-a-mental-illness." Using a phenomenological interviewing approach, researchers helped subjects construct narratives of their pre-hospitalization experiences. The research illuminated aspects of life-contexts that were shared among all or nearly all subjects: feeling ostracized and alone; struggling with longstanding and pervasive feelings of inadequacy; experiencing a sense or a fear of having little or no control or options in life; and feeling emotionally depressed, misunderstood, and uncared for. Situations immediately preceding hospitalization were characterized by subjects experiencing threats to their sense of self-esteem that were of heightened intensity. In five cases, subjects reported anxiety related to self-fragmentation or becoming "nothing." Perceived threats to self-worth and self-structure were accompanied by anger and aggressive acts or impulses. In all cases, aggressive impulses and threats, and violence appeared to be in the service of self-validation and self-empowerment. In cases of violent behavior, an apparent function of the subjects' behaviors was toward self-consolidation. Based on findings, the researchers discuss implications consistent with humanistic psychology and existential psychotherapy principles and practices.
Hiob in Gath. Deutsch-jüdische Lektüren von Lessings "Nathan der Weise"
Authors: Fetscher Justus
Published: July 2005

The paper presents a series of German-Jewish readings of Lessing's "Nathan the Wise" (1779) stretching from the Enlightenment to the early post-1945 period. Already the first Jewish reader, Moses Mendelssohn, did not focus his interpretation of this drama on the so-called "parabel of the rings," where Nathan is commonly said to preach religious tolerance. Rather, Mendelssohn concentrates on act IV, scene 7, which expounds Lessing's concept of the relationship between Judaism and Christianity and Nathan's experience of Christian persecution. With the upsurge of German anti-Semitism in the late 19th and 20th century, this scene served first as a sign of German-Christian empathy for Jewish suffering, and thus of hope, then as a reminder of recent prosecutions. It seemed to foreshadow, and eventually became overshadowed by, the Shoah.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Calcific Tendinitis of the Rotator Cuff
Authors: Sabeti-Aschraf Manuel , Dorotka Ronald , Goll Alexandra , Trieb Klemens
Published: July 2005

Background

Low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy is an alternative treatment, with limited evidence for effectiveness, for calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff.

Hypothesis

Objective localization of the calcium deposit by 3-dimensional, computer-assisted navigation reveals superior clinical and radiographic outcomes compared to localization through patient-to-therapist feedback.

Study Design

Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, single-blind study was carried out on 50 patients. The population was divided into 2 groups of equal numbers (navigation group and feedback group). In all patients, treatment-resistant pain was evident for longer than 6 months. A total of 3 therapy sessions of constant low-energy focused shock wave therapy was administered in weekly intervals in both groups. Local anesthesia was not applied. Radiographs and clinical assessment, including the Constant and Murley shoulder scoring system and the visual analog scale for pain, were performed both before therapy and after 12 weeks. In the navigation group, the calcium deposit was localized using a radiographically guided, 3-dimensional, computer-assisted device. The feedback group was treated after locating the point of maximum tenderness through palpation by the therapist with feedback from the patient.

Results

Both groups had significant improvements in the Constant and Murley score and the visual analog scale after 12 weeks. The results from the navigation group were statistically significantly superior to those of the feedback group. In the navigation group, 6 calcium deposits disappeared and 9 altered, compared to 1 disappearance and 12 alterations in the feedback group. No severe complications occurred.

Conclusion

Three-dimensional, computer-assisted navigation reveals significantly better results and is therefore recommended when extracorporeal shock wave therapy is used in the treatment of calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff.
Hamstring Tendon versus Patellar Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Biodegradable Interference Fit Fixation
Authors: Wagner Michael , Kääb Max J. , Schallock Jessica , Haas Norbert P. , Weiler Andreas
Published: July 2005

Background

There are still controversies about graft selection for primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, especially with respect to knee stability and functional outcome.

Hypothesis

Biodegradable interference screw fixation of hamstring tendon grafts provides clinical results similar to those achieved with identical fixation of bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

In 1996 and 1997, primary isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft was performed in 72 patients. Since 1998, hamstring tendons were used as routine grafts. Matched patients with a hamstring tendon graft were selected from a database (n = 284). All patients were followed prospectively for a minimum of 2 years with KT-1000 arthrometer testing, International Knee Documentation Committee score, and Lysholm score.

Results

In the bone-patellar tendon-bone group, 9 patients were excluded because of bilateral rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, 3 patients (4.2%) had a graft rupture, and 4 patients were lost to follow-up (follow-up rate, 92.1%), leaving 56 patients for a matched-group analysis. In the hamstring tendon database, the graft rupture rate was 5.6% (P = .698). The Lysholm score was 89.7 in the patellar tendon group and 94 in the hamstring tendon group (P = .003). The KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference was 2.6 mm for the patellar tendon group and 2.1 mm for the hamstring tendon group (P = .041). There were significantly less positive pivot-shift test results in the hamstring tendon group (P = .005), and hamstring tendon patients showed lower thigh atrophy (P = .024) and patellofemoral crepitus (P = .003). Overall International Knee Documentation Committee scores were better (P = .001) in the hamstring tendon group (hamstring tendon: 34 × A, 21 × B, 0 × C, 0 × D; bone-patellar tendon-bone: 17 × A, 32 × B, 6 × C, 0 × D).

Conclusions

In this comparison of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone and anatomical hamstring tendon grafts, the hamstring tendon graft was superior in knee stability and function. These findings are partially contrary to previous studies and might be attributable to the use of an anatomical joint line fixation for hamstring tendon grafts. Thus, hamstring tendons are the authors’ primary graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, even in high-level athletes.
A 7-Year Follow-up of Patellar Tendon and Hamstring Tendon Grafts for Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Roe Justin , Pinczewski Leo A. , Russell Vivianne J. , Salmon Lucy J. , Kawamata Tomomaro , Chew Melvin
Published: July 2005

Background

For arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the most commonly used graft constructs are either the hamstring tendon or patellar tendon. Well-controlled, long-term studies are needed to determine the differences between the 2 materials.

Hypothesis

There is a difference between hamstring and patellar tendon grafts in the clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions at 7 years.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Two groups of 90 patients each, consecutively treated with hamstring or patellar tendon grafts, were followed and assessed at 1, 2, 5, and 7 years after surgery.

Results

At the 7-year review, abnormal radiographic findings were seen in 45% (24/53) of the patellar tendon group and in 14% (7/51) of the hamstring tendon group (P = .002). Although there was no significant difference between the groups in extension deficit (P= .22), the percentage of patients with an extension deficit increased significantly in the patellar tendon group from 8% at 1 year to 25% at 7 years (P= .02). No significant change was seen in the hamstring tendon group over time (P= .20). There was no significant difference in laxity between the groups on Lachman (P= .44), pivot-shift (P= .39), or instrumented (P= .44) testing. Graft rupture occurred in 4 patients from the patellar tendon group and in 9 patients from the hamstring tendon group (P= .15). Both autografts gave excellent subjective results, as evidenced by the International Knee Documentation Committee evaluation and Lysholm knee scores at 7 years.

Conclusions

Both hamstring and patellar tendon grafts provided good subjective outcomes and objective stability at 7 years. No significant differences in the rate of graft rupture or contralateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture were identified. Patients with patellar tendon grafts had a greater prevalence of osteoarthritis at 7 years after surgery; therefore, the authors preferred hamstring tendons as the primary graft choice in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions.
The Effect of Estradiol and Progesterone on Knee and Ankle Joint Laxity
Authors: Beynnon Bruce D. , Bernstein Ira M. , Belisle Adelle , Brattbakk Bjarne , Devanny Patrick , Risinger Randall , Durant Denise
Published: July 2005

Background

Female athletes suffer a higher incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries compared to their male counterparts, and they appear to be at increased risk for these injuries when they have increased anterior-posterior knee laxity and at specific phases of the menstrual cycle. Although the mechanism by which these factors combine to increase injury risk is unclear, studies suggest that cyclic variations in joint laxity produced by hormone fluctuation during the menstrual cycle pre-dispose an athlete to increased risk of ligamentous injury. Little is known about whether joint laxity varies cyclically during the menstrual cycle and if so, whether it is modulated by cyclic variations of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4).

Hypothesis

Increased serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels are associated with increased ankle and knee joint laxity.

Study Design

Cohort study. Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Ankle laxity, anterior-posterior knee laxity, and serum concentrations of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were measured during the menstrual cycle in women and at corresponding time intervals in men (controls). Ankle laxity was measured from stress radiographs and included anterior talar translation relative to the tibia and talar tilt relative to the tibia; anterior-posterior knee laxity was measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer.

Results

Women had greater knee and ankle laxity values compared to men. There was, however, no change in knee and ankle laxity over the normal menstrual cycle in women and no change over time in men. There was no relationship between estradiol and progesterone fluctuation and ankle and knee joint laxity.

Conclusions

Knee and ankle joint laxities are greater for women compared to men; however, the cyclic estradiol and progesterone fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle do not produce cyclic fluctuations of joint laxity. Studies using joint laxity to identify a subject at risk for ligamentous injury need only consider making measurements at a specific point in time, such as during a preseason screening evaluation.
Studies on the basis for the properties of fibrin produced from fibrinogen-containing γ′ chains
Authors: Siebenlist Kevin R. , Mosesson Michael W. , Hernandez Irene , Bush Leslie A. , Di Cera Enrico , Shainoff John R. , Di Orio James P. , Stojanovic Laurie
Published: July 2005

Human fibrinogen 1 is homodimeric with respect to its γ chains (`γA-γA'), whereas fibrinogen 2 molecules each contain one γA (γA1-411V) and one γ′ chain, which differ by containing a unique C-terminal sequence from γ′408 to 427L that binds thrombin and factor XIII. We investigated the structural and functional features of these fibrins and made several observations. First, thrombin-treated fibrinogen 2 produced finer, more branched clot networks than did fibrin 1. These known differences in network structure were attributable to delayed release of fibrinopeptide (FP) A from fibrinogen 2 by thrombin, which in turn was likely caused by allosteric changes at the thrombin catalytic site induced by thrombin exosite 2 binding to the γ′ chains. Second, cross-linking of fibrin γ chains was virtually the same for both types of fibrin. Third, the acceleratory effect of fibrin on thrombin-mediated XIII activation was more prominent with fibrin 1 than with fibrin 2, and this was also attributable to allosteric changes at the catalytic site induced by thrombin binding to γ′ chains. Fourth, fibrinolysis of fibrin 2 was delayed compared with fibrin 1. Altogether, differences between the structure and function of fibrins 1 and 2 are attributable to the effects of thrombin binding to γ′ chains.
Sequential deregulation of NK cell subset distribution and function starting in acute HIV-1 infection
Authors: Alter Galit , Teigen Nickolas , Davis Benjamin T. , Addo Marylyn M. , Suscovich Todd J. , Waring Michael T. , Streeck Hendrik , Johnston Mary N. , Staller Kyle D. , Zaman M. Tauheed , Yu Xu G. , Lichterfeld Mathias , Basgoz Nesli , Rosenberg Eric S. , Altfeld Marcus
Published: July 2005

Natural killer (NK) cells are critical in the first-line defense against viral infections. Chronic HIV-1 infection leads to a perturbation in the NK cell compartment, yet the kinetics of this deregulation and the functional consequences are unclear. Here, we characterized changes in the NK cell compartment longitudinally by multiparameter flow cytometry, starting in acute HIV-1 infection. Acute HIV-1 infection was associated with elevated NK cell numbers, with an expansion of CD3negCD56dimCD16pos NK cells and an early depletion of CD3negCD56brightCD16neg NK cells. Ongoing viral replication resulted in a depletion of CD3negCD56dimCD16pos NK cells with a paralleled increase in functionally anergic CD3negCD56negCD16pos NK cells, accompanied by reduced functional activity, as measured by CD107a expression and cytokine secretion. Taken together, these studies demonstrate a sequential impairment of NK cell function with persistent viral replication resulting from a progressive deregulation of NK cell subsets with distinct functional properties.
Discovery of novel immunostimulants by dendritic-cell–based functional screening
Authors: Mizumoto Norikatsu , Gao Jimin , Matsushima Hironori , Ogawa Yasushi , Tanaka Hiroaki , Takashima Akira
Published: July 2005

Immunostimulants represent an emerging class of drugs for the treatment of infectious disorders and cancer. CpG oligonucleotides and imiquimod, prototypic drugs in this category, are now known to activate dendritic cells (DCs). Here we report the development of a highly sensitive, unbiased functional screen to detect DC-stimulatory signals. Because interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA expression is closely associated with DC activation, we engineered DCs to stably express a fluorescent marker gene under the control of IL-1β promoter. By screening about 3000 compounds with the resulting DC biosensor clone, we identified DC-stimulatory potentials of topoisomerase I inhibitors (camptothecin derivatives) and microtubule depolymerizing drugs (colchicine and podophyllotoxin). In response to treatment with each agent, bone marrow–derived DC preparations exhibited characteristic phenotypic and/or functional changes associated with DC activation. All of these agents also triggered nuclear factor–κB (NFκB) activation in DCs, suggesting a common pharmacologic mechanism of action. Furthermore, locally administered colchicine induced in situ maturation and migration of DCs and augmented both humoral and cellular immune responses. These results support the practical utility of the DC-based biosensor system to discover novel DC-targeted immunostimulants and unveil previously unrecognized (and totally unexpected) pharmacologic activities of several drugs that are commonly used for the treatment of various disorders.
Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 inhibits the expression of SAP gene and upregulates Th1 cytokines in the pathogenesis of hemophagocytic syndrome
Authors: Chuang Huai-Chia , Lay Jong-Ding , Hsieh Wen-Chuan , Wang Hui-Ching , Chang Yao , Chuang Shuang-En , Su Ih-Jen
Published: July 2005

The primary infection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may result in fatal infectious mononucleosis or hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) in 2 diseases; that is, X-linked lymphoproliferative disorder (XLP) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). XLP is linked to mutations of the SAP/SH2D1A gene with dysregulated T-cell activation in response to EBV infection. Patients with sporadic HLH, however, usually have no mutation of the SAP/SH2D1A gene, and EBV latent membrane protein-1 (LMP1) can up-regulate Th1 cytokines in EBV-infected T cells. Since both diseases share common manifestations of HPS, it is important to clarify whether a cross-talk exists between signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)–associated protein (SAP) and LMP1-mediated pathways to explain the common pathogenesis of HPS. In this study, no mutation of the SAP/SH2D1A gene at exon 2/3 was detected in 7 HLH cases. Interestingly, EBV LMP1 could transcriptionally inhibit the expression of SAP/SH2D1A and activate downstream molecules ERK and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). LMP1-mediated SAP/ERK/IFN-γ signals appear to act via the TNF receptor–associated factor (TRAF)2,5/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, since dominantnegative TRAF2/5 and NF-κB inhibitor could rescue SAP expression and downregulate IFN-γ. Although HLH is genetically distinct from XLP, our data suggest that both diseases share a common signal pathway, through either the mutation or LMP1-mediated suppression of the SAP gene, leading to overt T-cell activation and enhanced Th1 cytokine secretion in response to EBV infection.
Critical role for CCR5 in the function of donor CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells during acute graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Wysocki Christian A. , Jiang Qi , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Taylor Patricia A. , McKinnon Karen P. , Su Lishan , Blazar Bruce R. , Serody Jonathan S.
Published: July 2005

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to inhibit graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in murine models, and this suppression was mediated by Tregs expressing the lymphoid homing molecule l-selectin. Here, we demonstrate that Tregs lacking expression of the chemokine receptor CCR5 were far less effective in preventing lethality from GVHD. Survival of irradiated recipient animals given transplants supplemented with CCR5-/- Tregs was significantly decreased, and GVHD scores were enhanced compared with animals receiving wild-type (WT) Tregs. CCR5-/- Tregs were functional in suppressing T-cell proliferation in vitro and ex vivo. However, although the accumulation of Tregs within lymphoid tissues during the first week after transplantation was not dependent on CCR5, the lack of function of CCR5-/- Tregs correlated with impaired accumulation of these cells in the liver, lung, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node, more than one week after transplantation. These data are the first to definitively demonstrate a requirement for CCR5 in Treg function, and indicate that in addition to their previously defined role in inhibiting effector T-cell expansion in lymphoid tissues during GVHD, later recruitment of Tregs to both lymphoid tissues and GVHD target organs is important in their ability to prolong survival after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Validation of a method to partition the base deficit in meningococcal sepsis: a retrospective study
Authors: O'Dell Ellen , Tibby Shane M , Durward Andrew , Aspell Jo , Murdoch Ian A
Published: July 2005

Introduction

The base deficit is a useful tool for quantifying total acid–base derangement, but cannot differentiate between various aetiologies. The Stewart–Fencl equations for strong ions and albumin have recently been abbreviated; we hypothesised that the abbreviated equations could be applied to the base deficit, thus partitioning this parameter into three components (the residual being the contribution from unmeasured anions).

Methods

The two abbreviated equations were applied retrospectively to blood gas and chemistry results in 374 samples from a cohort of 60 children with meningococcal septic shock (mean pH 7.31, mean base deficit -7.4 meq/L). Partitioning required the simultaneous measurement of plasma sodium, chloride, albumin and blood gas analysis.

Results

After partitioning for the effect of chloride and albumin, the residual base deficit was closely associated with unmeasured anions derived from the full Stewart–Fencl equations (r2 = 0.83, y = 1.99 – 0.87x, standard error of the estimate = 2.29 meq/L). Hypoalbuminaemia was a common finding; partitioning revealed that this produced a relatively consistent alkalinising effect on the base deficit (effect +2.9 ± 2.2 meq/L (mean ± SD)). The chloride effect was variable, producing both acidification and alkalinisation in approximately equal proportions (50% and 43%, respectively); furthermore the magnitude of this effect was substantial in some patients (SD ± 5.0 meq/L).

Conclusion

It is now possible to partition the base deficit at the bedside with enough accuracy to permit clinical use. This provides valuable information on the aetiology of acid–base disturbance when applied to a cohort of children with meningococcal sepsis.
Snakebite during pregnancy
Authors: Sebe A , Satar S , Acikalin A
Published: July 2005

Little is known about snakebites during pregnancy and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. The fact that venomous snakebites during pregnancy result in high fetal wastage and may cause maternal mortality makes this an important, albeit, uncommonly encountered entity in emergency medicine. In this paper, we report on the successful treatment of three cases of snakebite in pregnancy.
A New Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator with Potent Uterine Antagonist Activity, Agonist Activity in Bone, and Minimal Ovarian Stimulation
Authors: Geiser Andrew G. , Hummel Conrad W. , Draper Michael W. , Henck Judith W. , Cohen Ilene R. , Rudmann Daniel G. , Donnelly Kevin B , Adrian Mary D. , Shepherd Timothy A. , Wallace Owen B. , McCann Denis J. , Oldham Samuel W. , Bryant Henry U. , Sato Masahiko , Dodge Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2005

The use of selective estrogen receptor modulators for the treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases in premenopausal women has been hindered by undesirable ovarian stimulation and associated risks of ovarian cysts. We have identified a selective estrogen receptor modulator compound (LY2066948) that is a strong estrogen antagonist in the uterus yet has minimal effects on the ovaries of rats. LY2066948 binds with high affinity to both estrogen receptors and has potent estrogen antagonist activity in human uterine and breast cancer cells. Oral administration of LY2066948 to immature rats blocked uterine weight gain induced by ethynyl estradiol with an ED50 of 0.07 mg/kg. Studies in mature rats demonstrated that LY2066948 decreases uterine weight by 51% after 35 d treatment, confirming potent uterine antagonist activity over several estrous cycles. This strong uterine response contrasted with the minimal effects on the ovaries: serum estradiol levels remained within the normal range, whereas histologic evaluation showed granulosa cell hyperplasia in few of the rats. Bone studies demonstrated that LY2066948 prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss and treatment of ovary-intact rats caused no bone loss, confirming estrogen receptor agonist skeletal effects. Collectively, these data show that LY2066948 exhibits a tissue-specific profile consistent with strong antagonist activity in the uterus, agonist activity in bone, and minimal effects in the ovaries.
Hormonal and Metabolic Defects in a Prader-Willi Syndrome Mouse Model with Neonatal Failure to Thrive
Authors: Stefan M. , Ji H. , Simmons R. A. , Cummings D. E. , Ahima R. S. , Friedman M. I. , Nicholls R. D.
Published: July 2005

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) has a biphasic clinical phenotype with failure to thrive in the neonatal period followed by hyperphagia and severe obesity commencing in childhood among other endocrinological and neurobehavioral abnormalities. The syndrome results from loss of function of several clustered, paternally expressed genes in chromosome 15q11-q13. PWS is assumed to result from a hypothalamic defect, but the pathophysiological basis of the disorder is unknown. We hypothesize that a fetal developmental abnormality in PWS leads to the neonatal phenotype, whereas the adult phenotype results from a failure in compensatory mechanisms. To address this hypothesis and better characterize the neonatal failure to thrive phenotype during postnatal life, we studied a transgenic deletion PWS (TgPWS) mouse model that shares similarities with the first stage of the human syndrome. TgPWS mice have fetal and neonatal growth retardation associated with profoundly reduced insulin and glucagon levels. Consistent with growth retardation, TgPWS mice have deregulated liver expression of IGF system components, as revealed by quantitative gene expression studies. Lethality in TgPWS mice appears to result from severe hypoglycemia after postnatal d 2 after depletion of liver glycogen stores. Consistent with hypoglycemia, TgPWS mice appear to have increased fat oxidation. Ghrelin levels increase in TgPWS reciprocally with the falling glucose levels, suggesting that the rise in ghrelin reported in PWS patients may be secondary to a perceived energy deficiency. Together, the data reveal defects in endocrine pancreatic function as well as glucose and hepatic energy metabolism that may underlie the neonatal phenotype of PWS.
Enhanced Sexual Behaviors and Androgen Receptor Immunoreactivity in the Male Progesterone Receptor Knockout Mouse
Authors: Schneider Johanna S. , Burgess Carly , Sleiter Nicole C. , DonCarlos Lydia L. , Lydon John P. , O’Malley Bert , Levine Jon E.
Published: July 2005

Reproductive and behavioral functions of progesterone receptors (PRs) in males were assessed by examining consequences of PR gene deletion. Basal hormone levels were measured in male progesterone receptor knockout (PRKO) mice and compared to wild-type (WT) counterparts. RIA of serum LH, testosterone, and progesterone levels revealed no significant differences. Levels of FSH were moderately but significantly lower and inhibin levels were higher in PRKOs; these differences were not accompanied by gross differences in testicular weight or morphology. PRKOs exhibited significant alterations in sexual behavior. In initial tests PRKOs exhibited reduced latency to mount, compared with WT. In second sessions, PRKOs again showed a significantly reduced latency to mount and increased likelihood of achieving ejaculation. RU486 treatment in WT produced increased mount and intromission frequency and decreased latency to intromission. In anxiety-related behavior tests, PRKO mice exhibited intermediate anxiety levels, compared with WT, suggesting that enhanced sexual behavior in PRKOs is not secondary to reduced anxiety. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly enhanced androgen receptor expression in the medial preoptic nucleus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of PRKO. We conclude that testicular development and function and homeostatic regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary testicular axis are altered to a lesser extent by PR gene deletion. In contrast, PR appears to play a substantial role in inhibiting the anticipatory/motivational components of male sexual behavior in the mouse. The biological significance of this inhibitory mechanism and the extent to which it is mediated by reduced androgen receptor expression remain to be clarified.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Microarray Analysis of Gene Expression Pattern in the Arcuate Nucleus/Ventromedial Nucleus of Hypothalamus during Lactation
Authors: Xiao Xiao Qiu , Grove Kevin L. , Lau See Yan , McWeeney Shannon , Smith M. Susan
Published: July 2005

Lactation is characterized by extreme hyperphagia and negative energy balance resulting from a large energy drain due to milk production and by a suppression of cyclic ovarian function. Increases in neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein and a decrease in proopiomelanocortin expression in the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus (ARH) may contribute to the hyperphagia to maintain energy balance and to the suppression of LH secretion associated with lactation. However, little is known about the full extent of neuroendocrine changes in the ARH that may contribute to the various adaptations occurring during lactation. To address this issue, we used Affymetrix microarray to acquire a reliable profile of the lactation-induced transcriptional changes in micropunches containing the ARH and a portion of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Using high stringency criteria, 12 genes were identified as being differentially regulated during lactation, and an additional 10 genes and three transcribed sequences were identified using moderate stringency criteria. Changes in neuropeptide Y, enkephalin, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dynorphin, genes previously shown to be differentially regulated during lactation, provide validation for the microarray analysis. New genes identified as being differentially expressed include those related to neurotransmission, growth factors, signal transduction, and structure remodeling. These data identify new genes in ARH/ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus that may play an important role in the adaptations of lactation related to hyperphagia, milk production, and the suppression of cyclic reproductive function and may contribute to elucidating a framework for integrating changes in energy intake with the regulation of reproductive function during lactation.
Transient elastohydrodynamic analysis of elliptical contacts. Part 2: Thermal and Newtonian lubricant solution
Authors: Yang P , Cui J , Jin Z. M. , Dowson D
Published: July 2005

Transient thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) of general elliptical point contacts was investigated numerically in this study. Both entrainment directions along the major and the minor axes of the contact ellipse were considered, together with a transient load impulse. In this study, a Newtonian lubricant was assumed to highlight the thermal influence. The transient solution was achieved at every instant, starting from a steady state thermal EHL solution. At each instant, a multilevel solver was used for pressure and surface deformation, whereas a column-by-column relaxation technique was used for solving temperature. The unknown rigid central distance between the contact bodies was adjusted after each iteration between the transient fields of pressure and temperature, so that in each iteration, only one W cycle was required for pressure and only a few relaxation cycles were required for temperature. With these numerical techniques, the computing time required for a typical transient case was reduced to ∼ 12 h on a personal computer with a 3.0 GHz central processing unit. The transient thermal results were compared with those corresponding to isothermal conditions presented in Part 1 of this series of papers. It was found that, in general, the transient behaviour under thermal conditions was similar to that under isothermal conditions, however, the former was weaker than the latter when the slide-roll ratio was large enough.
Recoil motion theorem
Authors: Bhatnagar R M
Published: July 2005

The recoil system of a gun system is essentially a critically damped system to absorb the recoil force. Light weight and optimum bulk of an artillery gun system can be achieved if the recoil force and recoil length of the gun system are simultaneously minimized. This can be achieved if the perimeter of the recoil travel diagram is minimum. The theorem presented and proved in this short note seeks to elucidate this principle. The proof of the theorem has been developed by using the metric tensor approach to derive the equation of geodesics using the Euler or Lagrange equation in Riemann space.
Motion in Einstein's theory of relativity and comparisons with classical views
Authors: Sachs M
Published: July 2005

In everyday terms, as in Newtonian physics, ‘motion’ refers to a change of the position of an object in space with respect to a time change. That is to say, a continuous time change parameterizes a continuous spatial change along the trajectory of the object in motion. But in the later development of physics, particularly in the continuous field view that comes with Einstein's theory of relativity, ‘motion’ is a general type of change, not necessarily with respect to a time change. These differences in the meaning of the motion of matter in the classical atomistic view and the continuous field view will be addressed in this paper. Also discussed will be the question as to whether or not the ‘motion’ of matter is an absolute, objective quality of matter, or rather a subjective quality, dependent on the reference frame of the observer.
An index zero formulation of the general dynamic differential equations using the transmission functions
Authors: Orlandea N V
Published: July 2005

The Christoffel symbols of first and second kind that are used in the general theory of relativity via the Riemmanian differential geometry can be used also for the index zero formulation of mechanical systems that are defined in a multi-dimensional space. The formulation presents some advantages for numerical solution of the equations describing the dynamic behaviour of these systems. This paper harmonizes the relation between the numerical integration methods and dynamic formulation of the equation of motion, keeping in mind the robustness and accuracy of the numerical solutions. It is based on the results obtained in papers by Calahan, Gear, and Orlandea and Coddington. The formulation specifically refers to articulated mechanisms and planetary systems. However, it can be applied to any multi-degrees-of-freedom system for which the transmission functions can be defined as in the works of Maros and Orlandea. After the definitions of index and transmission functions are introduced and explained the formulation is implemented and applied to mechanisms. The results indicate that for systems such as planetary systems and articulated mechanisms, this method can be applied toward real-time digital simulation.
Technical Aspects of Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Ramos-Vara J. A.
Published: July 2005

Immunohistochemistry is an integral technique in many veterinary laboratories for diagnostic and research purposes. In the last decade, the ability to detect antigens (Ags) in tissue sections has improved dramatically, mainly by countering the deleterious effects of formaldehyde with antigen retrieval (AR) and increasing sensitivity of the detection systems. In this review, I address these topics and provide an overview of technical aspects of immunohistochemistry, including those related to antibodies (Abs) and Ags, fixation, AR, detection methods, background, and troubleshooting. Microarray technology and the use of rabbit monoclonal Abs in immunohistochemistry are also discussed.
Pathology of End-stage Remodeling in a Family of Cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cesta M. F. , Baty C. J. , Keene B. W. , Smoak I. W. , Malarkey D. E.
Published: July 2005

End-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ES-HCM), affecting 5-10% of human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, is characterized by relative thinning of the ventricular walls and septum with dilation of the ventricular lumen, decreased fractional shortening, and progression to heart failure. C. J. Baty and others recently documented similar progressive changes to ES-HCM in a family of four cats through serial echocardiograms. At the time of heart failure, these cats exhibited changes similar to those exhibited by human ES-HCM patients. Our objectives were to describe the pathologic alterations associated with ES-HCM and investigate the pathogenesis in three of the four cats. Grossly, there was left atrial dilation with relative thinning of the interventricular septum (IVS) and left ventricular free wall (LVFW). The left atrium contained large thrombi in two of the three cats, and all three cats died following thromboembolization of the aortic bifurcation. Histologically, all three cats had subendocardial and myocardial fibrosis, predominantly of the IVS and LVFW, and one cat had acute, multifocal, myocardial infarcts with mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrates. The pathogenesis of ES-HCM is uncertain, but theories implicate occlusion of the coronary blood flow by thickening of the coronary vessels, coronary vascular thromboembolism or coronary vessel spasm, apoptosis of myocytes, and myocardial hypertrophy beyond the ability of the vasculature to supply blood. Apoptosis assays did not reveal any apoptotic myocytes. Considering the hypercoagulative state of these cats, coronary vascular thromboembolism could be a major contributing factor. We cannot exclude apoptosis or coronary vessel spasm on the basis of the data presented.
Multicentric Benign Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Two Related Bearded Dragons, Pogona vitticeps
Authors: Lemberger K. Y. , Manharth A. , Pessier A. P.
Published: July 2005

Multiple subcutaneous masses from two sibling bearded dragons were removed. Nodules were well demarcated, restricted to the subcutis, and soft, white to yellow, resembling adipose tissue. Histologically, the masses were composed of short interlacing streams and bundles of spindle cells, with regions of vague nuclear palisading. Two of the tumors contained a subpopulation of polygonal cells with abundant periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive cytoplasmic granules. Neoplastic cells were immunohistochemically positive for S100 and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) but negative for desmin and smooth muscle actin. Electron microscopy and reticulin stains demonstrated a continuous basal lamina separating intertwining cells. Histologic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical features were consistent with a peripheral nerve sheath origin. At 1 year postexcision, local reoccurrence of a single incompletely excised mass from the left shoulder was noted.
The Privileging of Communitarian Ideas: Citation Practices and the Translation of Social Capital Into Public Health Research
Authors: Moore Spencer , Shiell Alan , Hawe Penelope , Haines Valerie A.
Published: July 2005

The growing use of social science constructs in public health invites reflection on how public health researchers translate, that is, appropriate and reshape, constructs from the social sciences. To assess how 1 recently popular construct has been translated into public health research, we conducted a citation network and content analysis of public health articles on the topic of social capital.

The analyses document empirically how public health researchers have privileged communitarian definitions of social capital and marginalized network definitions in their citation practices. Such practices limit the way public health researchers measure social capital’s effects on health. The application of social science constructs requires that public health scholars be sensitive to how their own citation habits shape research and knowledge.
Race/Ethnicity, Income, Major Risk Factors, and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality
Authors: Thomas Avis J. , Eberly Lynn E. , Davey Smith George , Neaton James D. , Stamler Jeremiah
Published: July 2005

Objectives. We explored differences between Black and White men for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality across major risk factor levels.

Methods. Major CVD risk factors were measured among 300 647 White and 20 223 Black men aged 35 to 57 years who were screened for the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT). Hazard ratios for CVD deaths for Black and White men over 25 years of follow-up were calculated for subgroups stratified according to risk factor levels.

Results. CVD was responsible for 2518 deaths among Black men and 30772 deaths among White men. The age-adjusted Black-to-White CVD hazard ratio was 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.29, 1.40); the risk- and income-adjusted ratio was 1.05 (95% CI=1.01, 1.10). CVD mortality rates were dramatically lower in cases of favorable risk profiles. However, fully adjusted Black-to-White CVD hazard ratios within groups at low, intermediate, high, and very high levels of overall risk were 1.76, 1.20, 1.10, and 0.94, respectively. Similar gradients were evident for individual risk factors.

Conclusions. Higher CVD mortality rates among Black men were largely mediated by risk factors and income. These data underscore the need for sustained primordial risk factor prevention among Black men.
Parent or Caregiver, Staff, and Dentist Perspectives on Access to Dental Care Issues for Head Start Children in Ohio
Authors: Siegal Mark D. , Marx Mary L. , Cole Shannon L.
Published: July 2005

Objectives. We conducted 5 surveys on consumer and provider perspectives on access to dental care for Ohio Head Start children to assess the need and appropriate strategies for action.

Methods. We collected information from Head Start children (open-mouth screenings), their parents or caregivers (questionnaire and telephone interviews), Head Start staff (interviews), and dentists (questionnaire). Geocoded addresses were also analyzed.

Results. Twenty-eight percent of Head Start children had at least 1 decayed tooth. For the 11% of parents whose children could not get desired dental care, cost of care or lack of insurance (34%) and dental office factors (20%) were primary factors. Only 7% of general dentists and 29% of pediatric dentists reported accepting children aged 0 through 5 years of age as Medicaid recipients without limitation. Head Start staff and dentists felt that poor appointment attendance negatively affected children’s receiving care, but parents/caregivers said finding accessible dentists was the major problem.

Conclusions. Many Ohio Head Start children do not receive dental care. Medicaid and patient age were primary dental office limitations that are partly offset by the role Head Start plays in ensuring dental care. Dentists, Head Start staff, and parents/caregivers have different perspectives on the problem of access to dental care.
Confronting Oral Health Disparities Among American Indian/Alaska Native Children: The Pediatric Oral Health Therapist
Authors: Nash David A. , Nagel Ron J.
Published: July 2005

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) children are disproportionately affected by oral disease compared with the general population of American children. Additionally, AIAN children have limited access to professional oral health care. The Indian Health Service (IHS) and AIAN tribal leaders face a significant problem in ensuring care for the oral health of these children.

We discuss the development and deployment of a new allied oral health professional, a pediatric oral health therapist. This kind of practitioner can effectively extend the ability of dentists to provide for children not receiving care and help to confront the significant oral health disparities existing in AIAN children.

Resolving oral health disparities and ensuring access to oral health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives is a moral issue—one of social justice.
Molecular cytogenetic characterization of a de novo supernumerary ring chromosome 7 resulting in partial trisomy, tetrasomy, and hexasomy in a child with dysmorphic signs, congenital heart defect, and developmental delay
Authors: von Beust G. , Sauter S.M. , Liehr T. , Burfeind P. , Bartels I. , Starke H. , von Eggeling F. , Zoll B.
Published: July 2005

We report on a girl with mosaicism (65%) of a de novo supernumerary ring chromosome 7. The main clinical features were delayed psychomotor development, congenital heart defect, facial dysmorphisms, and long hands, fingers, feet and toes. Molecular cytogenetic analysis revealed that the ring chromosome was duplicated in 20% of the analyzed metaphases with marker chromosome and quadruplicated in 5% thereof. Uniparental disomy (UPD) of the two normal sister chromosomes 7 was excluded. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of a partial tetrasomy to hexasomy due to a ring chromosome 7. Additionally, the ring evolution could be reconstructed according to the FISH‐results. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Initial cancer genetic counseling consultation: Change in counselees' cognitions and anxiety, and association with addressing their needs and preferences
Authors: Pieterse Arwen H. , Ausems Margreet G.E.M. , Van Dulmen Alexandra M. , Beemer Frits A. , Bensing Jozien M.
Published: July 2005

The fulfillment of counselees' expectations in cancer genetic counseling and how this affects the outcome of counseling have received little attention so far. This study investigates how the initial consultation influences counselees' cognitions and anxiety, whether counselors address counselees' prior needs and preferences during the visit, and whether addressing needs is associated with a more positive outcome of the visit. One hundred twenty‐eight affected and unaffected counselees from families with no known mutation, who were seen by one of fourteen counselors, participated. Pre‐ and post‐visit questionnaires assessed correct knowledge about hereditary breast or colon cancer, perceived personal control (PPC), anxiety (STAI), risk perceptions, and (fulfillment of) needs (QUOTE‐geneca). Results demonstrated a pre‐ to post‐visit significant increase in correct knowledge and PPC, and a significant decrease in STAI and risk perceptions. However, marked overestimation of risks persisted. Decrease in STAI and risk perceptions was significantly less pronounced in affected versus unaffected counselees. The majority of counselees were (very) satisfied about the extent to which their needs were addressed, albeit about one‐fifth were not regarding emotional matters and explanations about their own cancer risk. Finally, the better counselees perceived their needs to be fulfilled, the significantly higher their PPC and the significantly lower their STAi scores were. Findings suggest that both unaffected and affected counselees should be counseled carefully. Also, a more effective service may be attained if counselors pay more attention to counselees' emotional needs and detail more inheritance and penetrance of mutated genes in relation to counselees' family history. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sigmoid diverticulitis in patients with Williams–Beuren syndrome: Relatively high prevalence and high complication rate in young adults with the syndrome
Authors: Partsch C.J. , Siebert R. , Caliebe A. , Gosch A. , Wessel A. , Pankau R.
Published: July 2005

In a retrospective survey of 128 adults with Williams–Beuren syndrome (age range 18–62 years) sigmoid diverticulitis was reported in 10 patients (2 f, 8 m). The diagnosis of diverticulitis had been made between the ages of 17.1 and 39.6 years. An additional four patients (age range 23.5–32.2 years) had presented with sigmoid diverticulosis. In eight patients the course of the disease was complicated, some of them having to undergo multiple surgery. Conservative therapy was successful in only one female and one male patient with diverticulitis. Thus, we conclude that there is an increased prevalence of sigmoid diverticulitis in adult patients with Williams–Beuren syndrome (8% vs. 2% in the normal population in the age group below 40 years). © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.