bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Heart and Mind of the Poet Xuân Diệu: 1954–1958
Authors: Ân Lại Nguyên , Holcombe Alec
Published: June 2010

During the years 1954–1958, the Vietnamese Workers' Party, in a series of advances and retreats, asserted control over all forms of intellectual and cultural expression in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This essay looks at how one of Vietnam's greatest poets, Xuân Diệu (1916–1985), navigated his way through these turbulent years. When the storm finally abated in the latter half of 1958, some of the regime's most important intellectuals found themselves marooned in far-away labor camps with their reputations in ruins and their careers sunk. Not so with Xuân Diệu—he had been buffeted about in the rough waters but ultimately was able to sail on with his career intact. He fared well in his personal life, too, since the party leadership allowed him to continue sharing an elegant, state-owned French villa with his sister, Ngô Xuân Như, and her husband, Huy Cận—Xuân Diệu's homosexual partner. How did Xuân Diệu do it?
The Adsorption of 2‐Ketogluconate by Goethite
Authors: Journey J. S. , Anderson R. M. , Essington M. E.
Published: June 2010

Low‐molecular‐mass organic acids play an important role in many soil processes, including mineral dissolution and nutrient mobilization and uptake. One such organic acid is 2‐ketogluconate (kG). This study examined the adsorption of kG by goethite, as influenced by temperature, pH, and ionic environment. Adsorption edge studies showed that kG adsorption was a function of pH but independent of ionic strength. Ketogluconate adsorption also resulted in a negative shift in the surface charge characteristics of goethite. The inclusion of PO4 and AsO4 decreased kG adsorption throughout the pH 4 to 10 range; however, SO4 only decreased kG retention in the pH <6 range. The basic Stern surface complexation model that considered the monodentate =–FeOkG0.5−(s) and the bidentate ≡Fe2O2H−1kG−(s) surface species was used to successfully describe the experimental adsorption data. In general, the kG adsorption isotherms were well described by the Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D‐R) isotherm models. The adsorption of kG increased with increasing temperature and generally with increasing ionic strength at low values of surface coverage (the adsorption maxima were not affected by ionic strength). Adsorption was endothermic and entropically driven, and the computed enthalpy values were similar to those reported for other specifically adsorbed ligands, ranging from 22.32 to 53.70 kJ mol−1 The characteristic energy of adsorption computed from the D‐R isotherm model ranged from 12.84 to 18.33 kJ mol−1, indicating chemical adsorption. Results from this study are consistent with those of previous research, indicating that kG is retained by the goethite surface via inner sphere mechanisms and that kG may play an important role in soil chemical processes.
Optimizing Soil Nitrogen Supply in the Root Zone to Improve Maize Management
Authors: Chen X. P. , Zhang F. S. , Cui Z. L. , Li F. , Li J. L.
Published: June 2010

Developing agronomically sound, environmentally appropriate N management strategies are critical for the sustainability of agricultural production. Our objective was to evaluate agronomic performance and potential environmental impacts of in‐season N management (INM) against increased or reduced N fertilization on a calcareous alluvial soil for maize (Zea mays L.) in China. Optimal N rates (ONR) were determined for INM by deducting measured soil NO3–N content in root layers from the N target value during three maize growth periods: from planting to three‐leaf stage, three‐ to 10‐leaf stage, and 10‐leaf stage to harvest. Other treatments included a 0 N control, below ONR (70% ONR, 50% ONR, or ONR − 30 kg N ha−1), above ONR (130% ONR, 150% ONR, or ONR + 30 kg N ha−1), and farmers' N practice (FNP). Across all 14 sites from 2003 to 2006, when N treatment was less than ONR (average 141 kg N ha−1), grain yield was significantly reduced from 8.5 to 7.7 Mg ha−1 while maintaining similar residual soil NO3–N content and N losses. When extra N fertilizer was applied, no yield gain was achieved, but N losses were significantly increased from 50 to 81 kg N ha−1 The FNP treatment had the lowest N recovery (22%) and greatest residual soil NO3–N of 158 kg ha−1 and N loss of 87 kg ha−1 The INM is an extremely practical strategy for effectively utilizing soil N supply, synchronizing N demand and N supply, and addressing site‐specific N management needs.
Soil Carbon Dioxide Production and Climatic Sensitivity in Contrasting California Ecosystems
Authors: Sanderman Jonathan , Amundson Ronald
Published: June 2010

Despite the wealth of information available on respiratory fluxes of CO2 from the soil surface, relatively few studies have examined the depth‐related flux and production of CO2 within the soil. We developed a depth‐integrated CO2 flux model based on soil profile CO2 measurements to explore both the temporal and spatial patterns of, and controls on, CO2 production in two contrasting California coastal ecosystems: a redwood [Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don) Endl.] forest and a seasonal grassland ecosystem. In the forest, CO2 production increased exponentially with temperature but the dominant control on CO2 efflux was due to changes in soil diffusivity with water content. Here, ∼67% of the total efflux was produced in the top 20 cm, with little seasonal variation. In the grassland, soil temperature and water content both exerted strong positive controls on CO2 production, with CO2 efflux highest in early spring (8 g C m−2 d−1) and lowest in late summer (0.4 g C m−2 d−1). Here, the relative proportion of total respiration in the top 20 cm varied from 5% at the end of the dry season to 70% during the wet winter months. Soil respiration in the redwood soil appeared to be well buffered from climate extremes due to the stable microclimate created by the forest canopy. The grassland soil, however, lacking such buffering, was subject to large and rapid changes in CO2 production throughout the year. These results indicate that despite some uncertainty in the calculation of diffusion rates, significantly more information on soil biological processes is gained from the CO2 production–diffusion approach than from surface flux measurements alone.
Rock–Soil Preferences of ThreeCephalocereus(Cactaceae) Species of Tropical Dry Forests
Authors: Bárcenas-Argüello María Luisa , del Carmen Gutiérrez-Castorena Ma. , Terrazas Teresa , López-Mata Lauro
Published: June 2010

We examined rock–soil–plant relationships of three endemic Cactaceae species [Cephalocereus apicicephaliumE.Y. Dawson,C. nizandensis(Bravo & T. MacDoug.) Buxb., andC. totolapensis(Bravo & T. MacDoug.) Buxb.] from the tropical deciduous forest of the Tehuantepec River basin, Mexico. The goal was to explain the relationships between the species, rock, soil, and calcium oxalate. The x‐ray diffraction patterns from the rock and soil analyses showed that the species do not share either a rock or a soil type.Cephalocereus apicicephaliumgrew exclusively on outcrops of limestone with quartz on the summit to backslope of the hill andC. nizandensisgrew in metalimestone outcrops on the summit and shoulder of the hill, whileC. totolapensispreferred acid soils from andesite, growing also on siltstones or on mica schist on the shoulder to toeslope of the hill. Although only insignificant quantities of soluble Ca were found in the soil, weddellite is abundant in the plant tissue. This suggests that the plants take up the Ca they need and that weddellite is a genetically fixed characteristic related to deflection of excess radiation or an herbivore deterrent. Energy dispersive x‐ray analysis showed that calcium oxalate crystals contained other elements (Si, Mg, Na, K, Cl, and Fe) and that these impurities modified the crystal shape, as for bipyramids inC. totolapensisBiominerals did not change the mineral composition of the soil. The three species are distributed as edaphic or rocky islands, giving rise to their allopatric and patchy distribution across the landscape. Finally, the endemicity of the threeCephalocereusspecies is promoted by the parent material and the particular soil conditions in the area in which each one grows.
Only Half the Problem is Being Addressed: Underinsurance is as Big a Problem as Uninsurance
Authors: Link Carol L. , McKinlay John B.
Published: June 2010

This article examines the sociodemographic and health characteristics of the underinsured—people who have some health insurance but are having trouble paying for health care or medications. It uses data from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey, a large (N = 5,503) community-based random sample of Boston residents aged 30 to 79 years (1,767 black, 1,877 Hispanic, and 1,859 white; 2,301 men and 3,202 women). The authors found that minorities were less likely than whites to have health insurance (for men and women, respectively, 30% and 19% of Hispanics, 16% and 9% of blacks, and 9% and 7% of whites lacked health insurance). Blacks were the most likely to be underinsured (for men and women, respectively, 18% and 20% of blacks vs. 9% and 14% of Hispanics and 8% and 12% of whites were underinsured). Those of lower and middle socioeconomic status were also more likely to be uninsured or underinsured. The health status of the uninsured was similar to that of the adequately insured, whereas those who were underinsured reported more co-morbidities and depression. The underinsured are generally older and sicker, and make greater use of the health care system, and may present a larger public health and health policy challenge than the uninsured.
Clinician-Assisted Internet-Based Treatment is Effective for Panic: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wims Edward , Titov Nickolai , Andrews Gavin , Choi Isabella
Published: June 2010

Objective: To determine the efficacy of an Internet-based clinician-assisted cognitive behavioural treatment program (the Panic program) for panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia).

Method: Fifty-nine individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for panic disorder with agoraphobia were randomly assigned to a treatment group or to a waitlist control group. Treatment group participants completed the Panic program, comprising six on-line lessons, weekly homework assignments, received weekly email contact from a psychiatry registrar, and contributed to a moderated online discussion forum with other participants. An intention-to-treat model was used for data analyses.

Results: Twenty-three (79%) of treatment group participants completed all lessons within the 8-week program, and post-treatment data were collected from 22/29 treatment group and 22/25 waitlist group participants. Compared to the control group, treatment group participants reported significantly reduced symptoms of panic as measured by the Panic Disorder Severity Scale, Body Sensation Questionnaire, and Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaires. Significant reductions were also reported on measures of disability and depression. The mean within- and between-group effect size (Cohen's d) on the Panic Disorder Severity Scale was 0.93 and 0.59, respectively, and effects were sustained at 1-month follow-up. Mean therapist time per participant was 75 minutes for the program.

Conclusions: These results replicate those from the open trial of the Panic Program indicating the efficacy of the Internet-based clinician-assisted cognitive behavioural treatment program for panic disorder with agoraphobia.
Introducing Magnetic Seizure Therapy: A Novel Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression
Authors: Hoy Kate E. , Fitzgerald Paul B.
Published: June 2010

Objective: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the only established therapy for the large percentage of patients with depression who fail to respond to standard treatments. It is commonly used but has substantial problems including the occurrence of cognitive side effects that are often highly distressing for patients. One highly promising potential alternative is magnetic seizure therapy (MST). This review provides an overview of the cognitive side effects of ECT and the attempts to overcome these, the history and development of MST is then reviewed, and finally a case study of the first patient treated in Australia with MST is presented.

Methods: OVID and MEDLINE databases were used to search for the relevant literature. Reviews, meta-analyses and what were considered seminal articles were selected from the ECT literature to provide an overview of this large body of research. All of the known MST published work to date was included in this review.

Results: The first patient treated in Australia underwent MST for treatment-resistant depression in October 2009. Extensive pre- and post-psychopathology and neurocognitive assessments were conducted. The patient no longer met criteria for a major depressive episode following eight MST treatments and has remained in remission at evaluations to date. She did not experience any disorientation following treatments and her neurocognitive assessments revealed no apparent MST-related cognitive side effects.

Conclusions: Research to date and our current findings provide considerable impetus to continue to vigorously investigate the use of MST in treatment resistant depression.
Participatory Varietal Evaluation of Rainy Season Tomato under Plastic House Condition
Authors: Pandey YR , Pun AB , Upadhyuy KP
Published: June 2010

Four tomato varieties namely LTH-61, Avinash-2, NSITH-162 and BL-410 were evaluated infarmer's field with farmers participation under plastic house condition for yield potential andother yield characters at Hemja, Kaski (920 masl) during rainy seasons of two consecutive years2002 and 2003. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with 5replications, farmer as a replication. NSITH-162 took the shortest period of days to floweringand first harvest with an average of 36 and 66 days after transplanting respectively. Fruit setafter flowering was highest in NSITH-162 (93.9%) and the lowest in Avinash-2 (83.1%).NSITH-162 produced the highest marketable fruit yield (89.05 t/ha) and Avinash-2 produced thelowest (51.98 t/ha). The results of the experiment revealed that the hybrid varieties NSITH-162and LTH-61 have more yield potentiality than open pollinated variety BL-410 and Avinash-2 anIndian hybrid variety and therefore NSITH-162 variety could be recommended for commercialproduction under plastic house condition.Key words: Participatory; plastic house; rainy season; tomatoDOI: 10.3126/narj.v7i0.1860Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.7 2006 pp.11-15
Evaluation of Vegetable Type Cowpea Varieties for Commercial Production in the River Basin and Low Hill Areas
Authors: Pandey YR , Pun AB , Mishra RC
Published: June 2010

Five vegetable type cowpea varieties were evaluated in farmer's field with farmers participationat Chambas, Tanahu (450 masl) in two consecutive years 2003 and 2004 rainy season to identifysuitable vegetable type cowpea varieties for commercial production in the river basin and lowhill areas of western region. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design(RCBD) with 5 replications, farmer as replication. Prakash variety used as the check was earliestin flowering and days to first harvest from sowing with an average of 37 and 45 daysrespectively. Pod diameter and pod length among the varieties was significantly different. Thebiggest sized and longest pods were produced by IT 86F-2062-5 (Green) with an average of0.990 cm in diameter and 25.60 cm in length. The highest green pod yield (4.971 t/ha) wasproduced by IT 86F-2062-5 (Green). Despite the earliness in flowering, fruiting and harvesting,Prakash produced the smallest (0.668 cm) and shortest (16.21 cm) pods and ultimately thelowest yield (2.443 t/ha). IT 86F-2062-5 (Green) produced the biggest size (0.990 cm diameter)and longest (24.60 cm) green pods as compared to other varieties IT 86D-792, IT 86F-2062-5(White), IT 86D-798 and Prakash with white color, small size and fibrous pods. The results ofthe experiment and farmers preferences revealed that the variety IT 86F-2062-5 (Green) couldbe recommended for commercial production in the river basin and low hill areas of westernregion.Key words: Cowpea; green pods; river basin; variety; vegetableDOI: 10.3126/narj.v7i0.1861Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.7 2006 pp.16-20
Effect of Potassium on Potato Tuber Production in Acid Soils of Malepatan, Pokhara
Authors: Adhikari BH , Karki KB
Published: June 2010

Soils of Pokhara valley, especially Malepatan, are fine textured silt loam, extremely acidic innature (3.7-4.0 pH) and are medium in soil potassium content. On-station experiments wereconducted to assess the response of potassium (K2O) and its application methods on potato tuberyield in an extremely acid soil condition. Six potassium levels (0, 50, 75, 100 kg ha-1 as basalapplication, 50 kg basal plus 50 kg top dressed, and 50 kg basal plus 50 kg foliar application)were tested in the experiment for three consecutive years (2000, 2001 and 2002). A randomizedcomplete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications was employed. Variety used was MS 42.Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5) and compost were applied as basal dose in each plots at the rateof 100 kg, 50 kg and 20 t ha-1, respectively. Three years mean result on the plant growthcharacters revealed that tallest plant height was recorded (33.22 cm) when 50 kg ha-1 potassiumwas applied basally and 50 kg ha-1 top-dressed. The trend was quite similar in tillers production(6.96 branches plant-1) and biomass production (168.66 g plant-1). Maximum of 473.33-g plant-1of tubers was produced when 100 kg of potassium was applied basal single dose. Highest tuberyield of 24.75 t ha-1 of tuber were produced when 50 kg potassium was applied basally and 50kg top- dressed, a total of 100 kg ha-1. Highly significant response of potassium levels on tuberproduction was observed in all the years. The results of this investigation suggested thatapplication of potassium (K2O) at the rate of 50 kg ha-1 basal and 50 kg ha-1 top-dressed in 45days could increase potato tuber yield satisfactorily in extremely acid soil condition.Key words: Basal application; potassium levels; Solanum tuberosum; tuber production; topdressingDOI: 10.3126/narj.v7i0.1867Nepal Agriculture Research Journal Vol.7 2006 pp.42-48
REINVENTING THE NIGHT-WATCHMAN STATE?
Authors: Thorburn Malcolm
Published: June 2010

This article raises a principled objection to the privatization of certain core police services. Whereas most of the literature critical of privatizing security services has focused on the negative consequences of doing so (corruption, waste, etc.), the argument here focuses squarely on the standing of private parties to perform police services. According to an important strain of liberal political theory, certain tasks are assigned to the state not because it is deemed to be more efficient at delivering those services but simply because such services must be rendered by a party that acts in the name of the polity as a whole and not in the name of some narrower private interest. The author argues that all those policing functions – such as arrest, search, and detention – that require criminal law justification (because they involve conduct on the part of officers that is generally criminally prohibited) are of this nature. The article also summarizes the different dimensions of the larger privatization debate and traces the development of the debate about legitimate policing in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
REGULATION AND PUBLIC LAW IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Rose-Ackerman Susan
Published: June 2010

Administrative law is a key determinant of legitimate executive-branch policy making. Democracies cannot realistically limit policy making to the legislature. Delegation under broad, framework statutes is essential for effective government, but it does not eliminate the need for democratic responsiveness. Those interested in strengthening democracy should not be content with the patterns of delegation, consultation, and oversight that arise from the self-interested behaviour of politicians. This essay summarizes a number of different models, but whatever route they choose, emerging democracies need to assure rights to participate beyond a predetermined group of stakeholders and to make these rights legally enforceable. Reformers in the emerging economies that have been a focus of Michael Trebilcock's work need to seek democratic legitimacy, not just in electoral systems, but also in public administration.
Regions and Regionalism in Social Anthropology
Authors: Bitušíková Alexandra
Published: June 2010

The article deals with the study of regionalism in European social anthropology with the focus on Slovakia's regions, regional diversities and identities in a broader perspective of European integration and regionalisation. It looks at socio-anthropological research on regionalism worldwide and in Slovakia particularly. The key objective is to examine the impact of geographical conditions and political-administrative reforms on the development of historic regions, sustainability of regionalism and the survival of regional differences and identities in Slovakia. The essay also discusses the creation of transborder regional co-operation and the establishment of Euroregions that only started to develop in the new democratic conditions after 1989. What do transborder regions mean to local people? Are they only bureaucratically constructed entities based on co-operation of formal authorities or do they also have an impact on people's identities? The essay aims at drawing attention to the importance of this research orientation in contemporary European social anthropology.
Construction of Self and the Other in the Accounts of Polish Travellers to Post-Soviet Countries
Authors: Horolets Anna
Published: June 2010

Travel is one of the important modes of identity construction. It is influenced by individual choices as well as by macro-contexts of institutional practices and changes. Based on the study of the accounts of young middle-class Polish travellers to the former Soviet Union countries, this article attempts to demonstrate the ways in which macro-processes of systemic transformation and European integration affect the identity-building processes. After offering a discussion of the cultural meanings of emphasising the uniqueness of their experience and difference from 'mainstream tourists' by the travellers, the article turns to the interpretation of the role of the encounter with local dwellers as an important identity-formation related experience. The analysis of the acceptance or rejection of food from local dwellers demonstrates the ambiguous attitude of travellers to the local dwellers and attempts to place this ambiguity in the macro-context.
Can National History Be De-Provincialized?
Authors: Bender Thomas
Published: June 2010

This article examines two incidents of textbook controversy in the United States in the course of the last half-century. First, it addresses history's historical relationship to the modern nation-state and nationalism. How does that relationship, and the particular way it is understood, limit the boundaries of history, particularly the contest over whether American history ought to be taught as selfcontained and exceptionalist or taught within a larger global context? Second, it addresses the presence of what could be called a historical essentialism or even historical fundamentalism in textbook controversies. The article concludes with an examination of the increasingly political character of the textbook approval and adoption process, as well as the role of publishers and professional historians in the process.
The evolution of Cayaponia (Cucurbitaceae): Repeated shifts from bat to bee pollination and long‐distance dispersal to Africa 2–5 million years ago
Authors: Duchen Pablo , Renner Susanne S.
Published: June 2010

• Premise of the study: The Cucurbitaceae genus Cayaponia comprises ∼60 species that occur from Uruguay to the southern United States and the Caribbean; C. africana occurs in West Africa and on Madagascar. Pollination is by bees or bats, raising the question of the evolutionary direction and frequency of pollinator shifts. Studies that investigated such shifts in other clades have suggested that bat pollination might be an evolutionary end point.

• Methods: Plastid and nuclear DNA sequences were obtained for 50 accessions representing 30 species of Cayaponia and close relatives, and analyses were carried out to test monophyly, infer divergence times, and reconstruct ancestral states for habitat preferences and pollination modes.

• Key results: The phylogeny shows that Cayaponia is monophyletic as long as Selysia (a genus with four species from Central and South America) is included. The required nomenclatural transfers are made in this paper. African and Madagascan accessions of C. africana form a clade that is part of a polytomy with Caribbean and South American species, and the inferred divergence time of 2–5 Ma implies a transoceanic dispersal event from the New World to Africa. The ancestral state reconstructions suggest that Cayaponia originated in tropical forests from where open savannas were reached several times and that bee pollination arose from bat pollination, roughly concomitant with the shifts from forests to savanna habitats.

• Conclusions: Cayaponia provides the first example of evolutionary transitions from bat to bee pollination as well as another instance of transoceanic dispersal from the New World to Africa.
Flower heating following anthesis and the evolution of gall midge pollination in Schisandraceae
Authors: Luo Shi‐Xiao , Chaw Shu‐Miaw , Zhang Dianxiang , Renner Susanne S.
Published: June 2010

• Premise of the study: Flower heating is known from a few species in 11 of the c. 450 families of flowering plants. Flowers in these families produce heat metabolically and are adapted to beetles or flies as pollinators. Here, we focus on the Schisandraceae, an American/Asian plant family known to exhibit flower heating in some species, but not others, raising the question of the adaptive function of heat production.

• Methods: We used field observations, experiments, and ancestral trait reconstruction on a molecular phylogeny for Schisandraceae that includes the investigated species.

• Key results: At least two Chinese species of Illicium are exclusively pollinated by gall midges that use the flowers as brood sites (not for pollen feeding). Continuous monitoring of flower temperatures revealed that the highest temperatures were attained after the flowers’ sexual functions were over, and experiments showed that post‐anthetic warming benefited larval development, not fruit development. Midge larvae in flowers with trimmed tepals (and hence a lower temperature) died, but fruit set ratios remained unchanged. Based on the DNA phylogeny, gall midge pollination evolved from general fly/beetle pollination several times in Schisandraceae, with some species adapted to flower‐breeding midges, others to pollen‐feeding midges.

• Conclusions: Flower heating may be an ancestral trait in Schisandraceae that became co‐opted in species pollinated by flower‐breeding midges requiring long‐persistent warm chambers for larval development.
Injury-Induced Type I IFN Signaling Regulates Inflammatory Responses in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Khorooshi Reza , Owens Trevor
Published: June 2010

Innate glial response is critical for the induction of inflammatory mediators and recruitment of leukocytes to sites of the injury in the CNS. We have examined the involvement of type I IFN signaling in the mouse hippocampus following sterile injury (transection of entorhinal afferents). Type I IFNs signal through a receptor (IFNAR), which involves activation of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)9, leading to the induction of IFN-stimulated genes including IRF7, that in turn enhances the induction of type I IFN. Axonal transection induced upregulation of IRF7 and IRF9 in hippocampus. Induction of IRF7 and IRF9 mRNAs was IFNAR dependent. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed that IRF7 selectively was induced in Mac-1/CD11b+ macrophages/microglia in hippocampus after axonal transection. IRF7 mRNA was also detected in microglia sorted by flow cytometry. Lack of type I IFN signaling resulted in increased leukocyte infiltration into the lesion-reactive hippocampus. Axonal lesion-induced CXCL10 gene expression was abrogated, whereas matrix metalloproteinase 9 mRNA was elevated in IFNAR-deficient mice. Our findings point to a role for type I IFN signaling in regulation of CNS response to sterile injury.
IFN-γ Primes Intact Human Coronary Arteries and Cultured Coronary Smooth Muscle Cells to Double-Stranded RNA- and Self-RNA–Induced Inflammatory Responses by Upregulating TLR3 and Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene 5
Authors: Ahmad Usman , Ali Rahmat , Lebastchi Amir H. , Qin Lingfeng , Lo Sheng-fu L. , Yakimov Alexander O. , Khan Salman F. , Choy Jonathan C. , Geirsson Arnar , Pober Jordan S. , Tellides George
Published: June 2010

Atherosclerosis of native coronary arteries and graft arteriosclerosis in transplanted hearts are characterized by activation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Nucleic acids generated by infections or cell death have been detected within arteriosclerotic lesions, and it is known that microbial and synthetic nucleic acids evoke inflammatory responses in cultured vascular cells. In this study, we report that model RNA, but not DNA, instigated robust cytokine and chemokine production from intact human coronary arteries containing both intrinsic vascular cells and resident/infiltrating leukocytes. An ssRNA analog induced TNF-α and IFN-γ–induced protein of 10 kDa secretion by isolated human PBMCs, but not vascular cells. Conversely, synthetic dsRNA induced these inflammatory mediators by vascular cells, but not PBMCs. IFN-γ, a cytokine linked to atherosclerosis and graft arteriosclerosis, potentiated the inflammatory responses of intact arteries and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] and was necessary for inflammatory responses of VSMC to self-RNA derived from autologous cells. IFN-γ also induced the expression of TLR3, melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5, and retinoic acid-inducible gene I dsRNA receptors. Small interfering RNA knockdown revealed that TLR3 mediated VSMC activation by poly(I:C), whereas melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 was more important for VSMC stimulation by self-RNA. IFN-γ–mediated induction of dsRNA receptors and priming for inflammatory responses to poly(I:C) was confirmed in vivo using immunodeficient mice bearing human coronary artery grafts. These findings suggest that IFN-γ, and by inference adaptive immunity, sensitizes the vasculature to innate immune activators, such as RNA, and activation of IFN-γ–primed vascular cells by exogenous or endogenous sources of RNA may contribute to the inflammatory milieu of arteriosclerosis.
A Simple Technique to Prevent External Jugular Vein Compression after Microanastomosis
Authors: Yadav Prabha S , Ahmad Quazi G , Shankhdhar Vinay K , Nambi GI
Published: June 2010

External jugular vein (EJV) is one of the most commonly used veins for microanastomosis in head and reconstruction. Being in the subcutaneous plane, the EJV is prone for compression from both external and internal factors after mobilization for anastomosis. To prevent this, we describe a technique where a trench is created in the sternomastoid muscle in which the EJV is placed safely and prevented from compression.
Goiter and Airway Control
Authors: Tripathi Mukesh
Published: June 2010

Goiter or thyroid swelling in neck has been known to be a risk factor for difficulty in airway management during anesthesia and surgery. The factors associated with difficult direct laryngoscopy and intubations in any patient are also the factors to predict difficult intubation in goiter patients. The huge goiter and long standing goiter especially with intrathoracic extension predispose for tracheomalacia. The tracheomalacia can be diagnosed during surgery but the airway obstruction usually develops after the extubation. Tracheostomy may be required in the event of loss of airway. A better understanding by surgeons and the anesthesiologists about the airway problems in goiter shall improve the outcome
A Successful Strategy for Recruiting Elderly Patients with Mild Hyperparathyroidism into a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Perrier Nancy D , Mammen Joshua MV , Rafeeq Safia , Holmes Holly , Thompson Nancy E , Gantela Swaroop
Published: June 2010

Objective

Effective strategies that improve the inclusion of older persons in clinical trials are needed to better characterize and treat chronic conditions that affect elderly patients. Especially challenging is the recruitment of the elderly into treatment trials for chronic conditions with vague symptoms, as is the case for primary hyperparathyroidism. The incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism increases with age, and the disease may present with symptoms that are difficult to objectively measure but contribute to decline of function and quality of life. Understanding the optimal treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism necessitates inclusion of greater numbers of older persons in treatment trials. As a part of our study of asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism, we also devised a strategy to recruit and retain older persons in a randomized surgical trial for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Design

Individuals greater than 60 years of age who did not meet established criteria for surgical intervention for primary hyperparathyroidism were offered the opportunity to participate in a clinical study evaluating the benefits of immediate minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) vs medical observation.

Intervention

Strategies to encourage participation and compliance included compensation for incidental expenses of lodging, meals, and travel for clinic visits related to the study as well as regular interaction with an experienced study coordinator.

Measurements

Study participation included formal neurocognitive evaluations, functional magnetic resonance brain imaging, functional performance batteries, and sleep studies over a 6-month period.

Results

Thirty-five individuals ranging in age from 61 to 79 years were screened for participation. Nine individuals were ineligible, and 14 of eligible individuals consented to participate in the study. Among the 12 eligible individuals who declined to participate, the most common reason identified was distance to study center.

Conclusion

We report an effective strategy to recruit a substantial proportion of eligible elderly individuals as subjects in a study of treatment strategies for a medical condition with few overt symptoms.
Parathyroid Carcinoma, a Rare Entity with Varying Presentation and Treatment
Authors: Haar Ronald W Ter , Valk Gerlof D , Rinkes Inne HM Borel , Vriens Menno R
Published: June 2010

Background

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare entity that has diverse presentation and diverse treatments. This case-series highlights the atypical and diverse presentation of parathyroid carcinoma and stresses the importance of the diagnostic approach and intraoperative strategy.

Methods

We report three patients with parathyroid cancer.

Results

In one patient, a parathyroid lesion was found to be a parathyroid carcinoma intraoperatively, resulting in a change of operative strategy. In another, parathyroid carcinoma was suspected preoperatively and was treated accordingly. A third patient presented with an already a metastasized parathyroid carcinoma.

Conclusion

The diagnostic approach and intraoperative strategy are instrumental to determining the best treatment and yielding the best outcome.
Adrenal Lymphoma: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kanwar Jaya Bhanu
Published: June 2010

Adrenal lymphoma is a rare diagnosis in subject presenting with bilateral adrenal masses. Adrenal insufficiency is a common complication of this disease. Most cases of primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) present with adrenal insufficiency and huge bilateral adrenal masses. These are very aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. We, hereby, report two subjects of adrenal lymphoma presenting with bilateral adrenal masses. First case is a 50 years old male presented with features of adrenal insufficiency like anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and generalized hyperpigmentation. Routine investigations revealed hyponatremia, normal serum K; serum lactate dehydrogenase was moderately elevated. Primary adrenal insufficiency was confirmed by low basal and cosyntrophin stimulated cortisol. CT abdomen revealed huge bilateral heterogeneous enlargement of adrenal glands. Lymphoma was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry, diagnosis of PAL was made after further staging. He was treated with Rituximab-CHOP regimen. Second case, 50 years old lady presented with fever, anorexia, weight loss. She had generalized lymphadenopathy. On imaging found to have bilateral adrenal mass, and histopathology from lymph node, breast mass and adrenal mass was suggestive of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Jaw Tumor: An Uncommon Presenting Manifestation of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Phitayakorn Roy , McHenry Christopher R
Published: June 2010

Introduction

To report two unusual cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) that initially manifested with a “ jaw tumor” and to discuss the clinical implications of a giant cell granuloma vs an ossifying fibroma of the jaw.

Material and methods

The history, physical examination, laboratory values and the imaging and pathologic findings are described in two patients who presented with a “jaw tumor” and were subsequently diagnosed with primary HPT. The diagnosis and management of osteitis fibrosa cystica and HPT-jaw tumor syndrome are reviewed.

Results

Patient #1 was a 70-year-old male who presented with hypercalcemia, severe jaw pain, and an enlarging mass in his mandible. Biopsy of the mass revealed a giant cell tumor and he was subsequently diagnosed with primary HPT. A sestamibi scan demonstrated a single focus of abnormal radiotracer accumulation, corresponding to a 13,470 mg parathyroid adenoma, which was resected. Postoperatively, the serum calcium normalized and the giant cell granuloma regressed spontaneously.

Patient #2 was a 36-year-old male with four incidentally discovered tumors of the mandible and maxilla, who was diagnosed with normocalcemic HPT and vitamin D deficiency. Biopsy of one of the tumors revealed an ossifying fibroma. Bilateral neck exploration revealed a 2480 mg right inferior parathyroid adenoma, which was resected. Postoperative genetic testing revealed an HRPT2 gene mutation. He subsequently underwent resection of an enlarging ossifying fibroma of the mandible with secondary reconstruction.

Conclusions

A “jaw tumor” in a patient with primary HPT may be a manifestation of osteitis fibrosa cystica or HPT-jaw tumor syndrome underscoring the importance of biopsy and genetic testing for management and follow-up.
Concerning the Use of Doppler and 3-D Ultrasound in the Teaching of Gross Anatomy in a New Curriculum Featuring the Use of Clinical Presentation Schemes
Authors: Black Asa C
Published: June 2010

Although gross anatomical instruction has always been considered a foundation for medical education and practice, curricular changes have altered the manner in which it is taught. The integration of basic biomedical sciences began with the case-western reserve curriculum. Under the leadership of Dr. Henry Mandin, the University of Calgary School of Medicine developed a program of medical instruction based on 120 clinical presentation schemes. The Paul L Foster School of Medicine is currently using this approach in teaching its first class of freshman medical students.

Three-dimensional ultrasound and the other visual modalities—radiography, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—have greatly increased our ability to visualize anatomical structures. Three-dimensional ultrasound has great potential for use in the curriculum at Paul L Foster School of Medicine. For example, it can help the student differentiate between the varieties of pelvic mass, which can be subdivided into ovarian, tubal, and uterine causes. This paper demonstrates the ways that Doppler threedimensional ultrasound can help the student differentiate between these anatomical diagnoses. Coupling ultrasound with the histopathologic study of various lesions can provide a powerful visual learning tool that mimics the use of these techniques in a clinical setting.
The Ethics of Implementing First-trimester Risk Assessment
Authors: Chervenak Frank A , McCullough Laurence B
Published: June 2010

First trimester risk assessment has become a reliable screening tool for trisomy 21, replacing age-based risk assessment. On the basis of the ethical concept of the physician as fiduciary, the professional virtues of integrity and self-sacrifice, and the ethical principles of respect for autonomy, beneficence, and justice, we argue that the obstetrician has an ethical obligation to routinely offer pregnant women first trimester risk assessment in high quality centers. We then argue that both obstetricians and specialists in risk assessment have a strict ethical obligation to identify, responsibly manage, and disclose both economic and non-economic conflicts of interests, especially when they are hidden Ethics is an essential dimension of implementation of first trimester risk assessment for trisomy 21.
Fetal Behavior in High-risk Pregnancies Assessed by Two-Dimensional (2D) and Three-Dimensional/Four-Dimensional (3D)/(4D) Ultrasound: A Review
Authors: Tikvica Ana , Miskovic Berivoj , Ahmed Badreldeen
Published: June 2010

Direct assessment of functional development of the fetal central nervous system is not possible, but the assessment of fetal behavior may provide the possibility to distinct between normal and abnormal brain development. Since the ultrasonographic technique allowed the investigation of spontaneous fetal motor activity in utero first studies of spontaneous prenatal movements and fetal behavior were performed and published. 2D ultrasound was considered somewhat subjective method because information needs observer interpretation. The latest development of three-dimensional (3D) and four dimensional (4D) sonography that overcame some of the limitations of 2D methods enable precise study of fetal and even embryonic activity and behavior. In the following text we reviewed the literature on the behavior in the high-risk pregnancies for cerebral palsy assessed by the ultrasonographic techniques.
Basics on 3D Ultrasound
Authors: Cruz Lúcio Borges
Published: June 2010

In the last few years, technology has progressed to make ultrasound imaging a viable tool. Following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of 3-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) in November 1997, interest has increased to get more benefits from this new advance.

Scientific advances in imaging processing in recent years have taken ultrasound into the next generation. Until recently, processing speeds were still too slow to offer real time benefit to 3D ultrasound systems. New developments with motion estimation and imaging registration techniques can allow 3D data acquisition to be accomplished without the need for position sensing devices.

The purpose of this article is to review the basics on 3DUS, 3DUS the method and its mains advantages, limitations as well as to mention some frequent pitfalls. It is also aimed to remark important points in pre- and postprocessing.
Fetal Neurology—Lesson Learned and Future Challenges
Authors: Miskovic Berivoj , Azumendi Guillermo , Kurjak Asim , Salihagic-Kadic Aida , Spalldi Lara
Published: June 2010

Neurological failure is the most apprehension complication of pregnancy, labor and the neonatal period. The origin and outcome correlation is frequently doubtful. The arrival of four-dimensional ultrasonography (4D US) and its function to study fetal behavior patterns have initiated to offer insight into the structural and functional fetal brain development. Although many fetal behavioral studies have been conducted, it is still questionable whether the assessment of continuity from fetal to neonatal behavior could improve our ability of early detection of brain pathology. Neurological assessment of fetus in utero is extremely difficult even having such sophisticated equipment like 4D ultrasound. As it is well known that quantity of GMs is not so informative and predictive for neurological impairment, their quality should be assessed. Gestalt perception of premature GMs we are dealing with in utero and several weeks postnatally are not as predictive for the detection of neurologically abnormal fetuses or newborns as fidgety GMs. Therefore some additional parameters should be added to the prenatal neurological examination in order to improve our ability to make the distinction between normal and abnormal fetuses.
Invasive Sino-aspergillosis in Immunocompetent Individuals: Atypical Presentations
Authors: Lynrah Zareen A , Kalsotra Gopika
Published: June 2010

Aims

To describe the demographic, clinical and radiological findings of invasive aspergillosis of the orbit and paranasal sinuses in immunocompetent individuals that presented without any nasal symptoms and to review the role of voriconazole in such cases.

Materials and methods

A series of 13 cases is being reported with review of literature. All these cases except one underwent complete surgical debridement of the disease at the time of biopsy. On histopathological confirmation of invasive aspergillosis, the cases with sphenoid sinus involvement were given 2.5 gm of intravenous Amphotericin B (1 mg/kg/day) followed by oral itraconazole in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day for 6 months. The cases where there were lesser chances of intracranial involvement or the cases that refused for intravenous Amphotericin B were started on voriconazole 200 mg twice a day for six to twelve months. All these cases were followed up with the help of radiology, clinical improvement in symptoms and signs and fungal serology.

Results

We found isolated sphenoid sinus involvement in 10 (76.92%) cases, isolated maxillary sinus involvement 2 (15.38%) cases and isolated orbital involvement 1 (7.69%). Our protocol was successful in 11 (84.61%) cases, one patient was lost to follow-up while one died due to intracranial complications during the third week of therapy.

Conclusion

This study showcased the atypical presentations of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompetent individuals and the high degree of suspicion required to diagnose this entity. An aggressive, effective and optimal management protocol has been suggested and the role of voriconazole has been highlighted.
Fibrous Dysplasia of Skull Base: Is There a Role of Endonasal Endoscopic Approach?
Authors: LNU Rijuneeta
Published: June 2010

Fibrous dysplasia is abnormal proliferation of fibrous tissue interspersed with normal or immature bone. The records of 11 cases of fibrous dysplasia of paranasal sinuses with skull base involvement were reviewed. Six patients were polyostotic and 5 were classified as monostotic fibrous dysplasia. Four cases were managed endoscopically and only 1 patient had undergone right lateral craniotomy for relief of pressure symptoms. All the patients were regularly followed up to see for any recurrence. It was found that endoscopic clearance of disease in skull base should be reserved for patients with functional compression symptoms.
Endoscopic Septoplasty: Advantages and Disadvantages
Authors: Suligavi Shashidhar S , Darade MK , Guttigoli BD
Published: June 2010

Our study was conducted to assess the advantages and disadvantages of use of endoscopes use in septoplasty. Hundred patients with symptomatic deviated nasal septum were randomly divided into endoscopic septoplasty (ES) group and conventional septoplasty (CS) group of 50 patients each. The two groups were compared for technique, improvement in symptoms and complications. The postoperative symptoms and complications were significantly less in ES group due to better visualization and minimal dissection.