bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymerization of vinylidene fluoride with perfluoropolyether surfactants in supercritical carbon dioxide as a dispersing medium
Authors: Galia Alessandro , Giaconia Alberto , Scialdone Onofrio , Apostolo Marco , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: March 2006

The heterogeneous polymerization of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) was investigated at 50 °C with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a dispersing medium and diethylperoxidicarbonate as an initiator in the presence of different perfluoropolyether surfactants. When FLK 7004A ammonium carboxylate salts were used at a 5% (w/w) concentration with respect to VDF, with an initial pressure of 31–45 MPa and with an olefin concentration of about 5.5 mol/L, monomer conversions up to 63% were obtained, corresponding to a final solid content higher than 200 g/L, and the polymer was collected at the end of the process in the form of a white powder completely composed of microspheres. The effects of the density of the polymerization mixture, the monomer loading, and the surfactant concentration were studied. Collected experimental results suggest that Fluorolink ammonium perfluoropolyether carboxylic salts are the most effective surfactants yet tested in the dispersion polymerization of VDF in scCO2. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2406–2418, 2006
Structural analysis of aggregates formed by a thermoresponsive homopolymer in dilute aqueous solutions
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Kawata Takefumi , Sugihara Shinji , Aoshima Sadahito , Sato Takahiro
Published: March 2006

The aqueous solution of a thermoresponsive polymer, poly[2‐(2‐ethoxy) ethoxyethyl vinyl ether] poly(EOEOVE), contains a tiny amount of large polymer aggregates at low polymer concentrations far below the lower critical solution temperature (∼40 °C). The molar mass Mw,slow, radius of gyration 〈S2〉, and hydrodynamic radius RH,slow of the aggregating component of poly(EOEOVE) were obtained by simultaneous static and dynamic light scattering as functions of the polymer concentration and temperature, while the weight fraction wslow of the component was estimated by size‐exclusion chromatography. The Mw,slow dependencies of 〈S2〉 and RH,slow, as well as the ratio 〈S2〉/RH,slow, indicated that the poly(EOEOVE) aggregate takes a sparsely branched polymer‐like conformation. We have analyzed the structure of the aggregate, using the branched polymer model of random type. The Mw,slow dependence of 〈S2〉 obtained was favorably compared with this model with reasonable structural parameters. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1179–1187, 2006
The methodological potential of focus groups in population geography
Authors: Skop Emily
Published: March 2006

Within population geography, the last decade has seen an explosion in qualitative work in terms of the types of work, the topics addressed, and the potential theoretical consequences. Yet focus groups have received less attention as an alternative method. This paper highlights the particular promises, challenges, and practicality of doing focus group research in population geography. I begin by addressing how this research method answers ongoing pleas within the subdiscipline for non‐essentialist ways of thinking about taken‐for‐granted social categories and labels. I then outline two other promising outcomes of this method, including the potential for unique and spontaneous group interactions, and the potential for the empowerment of participants. I use the rest of the paper to provide a review of some of the methodological details of focus group research, with the idea of encouraging more population geographers to engage with this method. Throughout, I contend that focus groups have the capability to further our understanding of population processes, and to connect population geography research to ongoing debates within the broader discipline. Observations stem from an extensive review of existing focus group research, along with my own focus group research conducted with residents living in multiracial suburban communities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density functional study of protonation sites of α‐Keggin isopolyanions
Authors: Guan Wei , Yan Li‐Kai , Su Zhong‐Min , Wang En‐Bo , Wang Xiao‐Hong
Published: March 2006

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to characterize the optimal site of the protons and the precise protonation state in the polyoxometalate (POM) anions [V13O40]15− and [H12V13O40]3−. Six kinds of possible protonated stable isomers with the whole Keggin anion units are discussed. The calculations reveal that the preferred protonation site corresponds to bridging oxygens that belong to the same trimetallic group (isomers B and C). Both isomers B and C are comparatively stable in the gas phase, but only isomer B could exist stably in aqueous solution because of being stabilized by the electrostatic interaction. The solvent effects and protonation are also discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
An EMG‐controlled omnidirectional pointing device
Authors: Fukuda Osamu , Arita Jun , Tsuji Toshio
Published: March 2006

This research paper proposes an omnidirectional pointing device that uses EMG signals. Since this device does not keep the user in front of the mouse or keyboard, there are expectations for its use as an input device for a wearable computer, and other equipment. A Recurrent Log‐Linearized Gaussian Mixture Network is introduced in order to make use of the time series characteristics of EMG signals. This neural net is configured based on the hidden Markov model, which is a dynamic probability model, and infinitely many movement directions of a pointer can be expressed as combinations of probabilities of movement in preset reference directions. As a result of a verification experiment, it was confirmed that the pointer could be controlled with good precision. The effectiveness of the proposed method was confirmed by comparative experimentation with conventional methods. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(4): 55–63, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley. com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20401
Audio signal segmentation and classification using fuzzy c‐means clustering
Authors: Nitanda Naoki , Haseyama Miki , Kitajima Hideo
Published: March 2006

This paper proposes a method of segmentation and classification of audio signals which is coded by MPEG Audio. The proposed method first detects the boundaries between two different audio signals, which are called audio‐cuts, and then classifies segments, which are called audio‐segments, and uses audio‐cuts detected by fuzzy c‐means clustering their boundaries. Since conventional methods detect audio‐cuts by applying thresholding to audio features such as energy and zero‐crossing rate, misdetection often occurs when they are applied to an audio signal which contains several audio effects, such as fade‐in, fade‐out, cross‐fade, and the like. The proposed method represents the possibility that the audio‐cut exists by a real number from 0 to 1, obtained by using fuzzy c‐means clustering; all of the possible candidates for the audio‐cuts are detected. Since audio effects which are difficult to detect by using conventional methods are also detected as the candidates, misdetection can be reduced. Furthermore, the audio‐segments, whose boundaries are the candidates, are subdivided into five audio classes, which are silence, speech, music, speech with music background, and speech with noise background. By using the classification results, unnecessary audio‐cuts can be removed, and thereby both accurate audio‐cut detection and accurate audio‐segment classification can be attained. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(4): 23–34, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20491
A robust method for detecting planar regions based on random sampling using distributions of feature points
Authors: Kawakami Hiroshi , Ito Yoshihiro , Kanazawa Yasushi
Published: March 2006

We propose a robust method for detecting local planar regions in a scene with an uncalibrated stereo. Here, we assume that the correspondences between the two images have been established. Our method is based on RANSAC for estimating homographies to the local planar regions in the scene. For doing this, we adopt double random sampling scheme by a uniform distribution and the local probability distribution of each pair, which is defined by the distances from the point to the others in one image. We first choose a pair as a seed by the uniform distribution, and then choose four pairs by the local probability distribution with respect to the seed. By introducing the local probability distribution, we can efficiently choose four potentially coplanar pairs in the scene. The same scheme can be applicable to detect line segments in an image. We demonstrate that our method is robust to the outliers in a scene by simulations and real image examples. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(4): 11–22, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20492
Nanomachining by Colloidal Lithography
Authors: Yang Seung‐Man , Jang Se Gyu , Choi Dae‐Geun , Kim Sarah , Yu Hyung Kyun
Published: March 2006

Colloidal lithography is a recently emerging field; the evolution of this simple technique is still in progress. Recent advances in this area have developed a variety of practical routes of colloidal lithography, which have great potential to replace, at least partially, complex and high‐cost advanced lithographic techniques. This Review presents the state of the art of colloidal lithography and consists of three main parts, beginning with synthetic routes to monodisperse colloids and their self‐assembly with low defect concentrations, which are used as lithographic masks. Then, we will introduce the modification of the colloidal masks using reactive ion etching (RIE), which produces a variety of nanoscopic features and multifaceted particles. Finally, a few prospective applications of colloidal lithography will be discussed.
Nanoscopic Medicine: The Next Frontier
Authors: Peters Reiner
Published: March 2006

The extraordinary progress that has taken place in cell science and optical nanoscale microscopy has led recently to the concept of medical nanoscopy. Here, we lay out a concept for developing live cell nanoscopy into a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic scheme referred to as nanoscopic medicine, which integrates live cell nanoscopy with the structural and functional studies of nanoscopic protein machines (NPMs), the systems biology of NPMs, fluorescent labeling, nanoscopic analysis, and nanoscopic intervention, in order to advance the medical frontier toward the nanoscopic fundament of the cell. It aims at the diagnosis and therapy of diseases by directly visualizing, analyzing, and modifying NPMs and their networks in living cells and tissues.
Capitalizing on the human‐animal bond to teach ethics to youth
Authors: Rusk Clinton P. , Brubaker Keli M. , Balschweid Mark A. , Pajor Edmond A.
Published: March 2006

Unethical occurrences at major livestock shows have spurred the need to raise ethical awareness to youngsters involved in agriculture. The authors devised and evaluated an ethics curriculum for high school agriculture students.
“I like to treat others as others would treat me”: The development of prosocial selves in an urban youth organization
Authors: Deutsch Nancy L.
Published: March 2006

A researcher handed disposable cameras to a group of urban youth, active members of a Boys and Girls Club. They used the snapshots they took to tell her about their positive social connections to peers and adults and explain how the environment of the club had nurtured those connections.
Promoting children's ethical development through social and emotional learning
Authors: Devaney Elizabeth , Utne O'Brien Mary , Tavegia Mary , Resnik Hank
Published: March 2006

If learning is a social process, then youngsters need more than academic instruction. The authors describe a method for helping youth to develop caring and concern for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Undamped oscillations in prey–predator models on a finite size lattice
Authors: Morita Satoru , Tainaka Kei‐ichi
Published: March 2006

Sustained oscillation is frequently observed in population dynamics of biospecies. The oscillation comes not only from deterministic but also from stochastic characteristics. In the present article, we deal with a finite size lattice which contains prey and predator. The interaction between a pair of lattice points is carried out by two different methods; local and global interactions. In the former, interaction occurs between adjacent sites, while in the latter interaction takes place between any pair of lattice sites. It is found that both systems exhibit undamped oscillations. The amplitude of oscillation decreases with the increase of the total lattice sites. In the case of global interaction, we can present a stochastic differential equation which is composed of two factors, i.e., the Lotka–Volterra equation with density dependence and noise term. The quantitative agreement between theory and simulation results of global interaction is almost perfect. The stochastic theory qualitatively expresses characteristics of sustainable oscillation for local interaction.
Histone H1 inhibits the proliferation of MCF 7 and MDA MB 231 human breast cancer cells
Authors: Vani G. , Vanisree A.J. , Shyamaladevi C.S.
Published: March 2006

Purified histone H1 exerts extracellular functions suggesting novel histone functions. The cytotoxic effects of histone H1 have lead to its choice as a pharmacological tool in breast cancer. Hence the present study was aimed at investigating the effect of exogenous histone H1 on the proliferation of estrogen receptor positive (MCF 7) and estrogen receptor negative (MDA MB 231) human breast cancer cells. Cells were incubated with various concentrations of histone H1 and antiproliferative activity was assessed by MTT assay. Proliferation of breast cancer cells was assessed from the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) using [14C] labeled ornithine. Histone H1‐mediated cellular effects, such as anchorage dependent growth and apoptosis, were assessed by colony formation assay, fluorescence microscopy after acridine orange/propidium iodide staining and DNA fragmentation analysis. Histone H1 was significantly cytotoxic as it inhibited colony formation, ODC activity and induced apoptosis in both estrogen receptor positive and estrogen receptor negative cells. These results suggest that histone H1‐induced antiproliferative effects on human breast cancer cells could possibly involve inhibition of ODC.
Effect of aging on the pluripotential capacity of human CD105+ mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Roura Santiago , Farré Jordi , Soler‐Botija Carolina , Llach Anna , Hove‐Madsen Leif , Cairó Jordi J. , Gòdia Francesc , Cinca Juan , Bayes‐Genis Antoni
Published: March 2006

Background:

Whether aging modifies mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) properties is unknown.

Aim:

To compare the differentiation capacity of human CD105+ MSCs obtained from young and elderly donors.

Methods and results:

Cells were obtained from young (n = 10, 24 ± 6.4 years) and elderly (n = 9, 77 ± 8.4 years) donors. Cell senescence was assessed by telomere length assays and lipofuscin accumulation. Cell pluripotentiality was analysed by adipogenic and osteogenic induction media, and myocyte phenotype was attempted with 5‐azacytidine (5‐AZ). Immunofluorescence, Western blot, transmission electron microscopy and fluo‐4 confocal imaging were used to analyse the sarcomere, gap junctions and Ca2+ dynamics. Cells obtained from young and elderly donors showed no significant differences in relative telomere length (40.1 ± 6.4% and 40.3 ± 3.6%, p = 0.9) and lipofuscin accumulation. Adipogenic and osteogenic potential of CD105+ MSCs was demonstrated. 5‐AZ induced increased expression of sarcomeric proteins without complete sarcomere organization. Treated cells also showed increased presence of connexin‐43 both in young and old donor‐derived cells. Intercellular communications were verified by the observation of gap junctions and passage of Ca2+ between neighbouring cells. Spontaneous Ca2+ raises did not significantly increase after 5‐AZ treatment in both age groups.

Conclusion:

Age does not influence the adipogenic and myogenic differentiation potential of human CD105+ MSCs.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of urine NT‐proBNP levels in heart failure patients
Authors: Cortés Raquel , Portolés Manuel , Salvador Antonio , Bertomeu Vicente , de Burgos Fernando García , Martínez‐Dolz Luis , Lletí Esther Roselló , Climent Vicente , Jordán Alejandro , Payá Rafael , Sogorb Francisco , Rivera Miguel
Published: March 2006

Background

Plasma NT‐proBNP levels are sensitive markers of ventricular dysfunction. However, studies of natriuretic peptides in urine are limited.

Aims

To compare urine and plasma NT‐proBNP levels and to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of urine levels in heart failure (HF).

Methods

Urinary and plasma NT‐proBNP levels were measured in 96 HF patients and 20 control subjects. The patients were functionally classified according to the NYHA criteria.

Results

Urine NT‐proBNP was higher in HF patients than in control subjects (94 ± 31 pg/ml vs. 67 ± 6 pg/ml,p< 0.0001), correlating with plasma NT‐proBNP levels (r= 0.78,p< 0.0001). Urinary levels were elevated in the more severe functional classes and diminished in obese patients. Urine NT‐proBNP was a good tool for diagnosis of HF, the area under the curve (AUC) being 0.96 ± 0.02 (p< 0.0001), and for predicting 12‐month cardiac events (p= 0.011). To determine the prognostic power of urinary NT‐proBNP in detecting 12‐month cardiac mortality, we obtained an AUC of 0.75 ± 0.10 (p= 0.015).

Conclusion

Urinary NT‐proBNP, a relatively simple non‐invasive test, is a new candidate marker for the diagnosis and evaluation of prognosis in HF and for the characterization of functional status in these patients.
Methionine acts as a “magnet” in photoaffinity crosslinking experiments
Authors: Wittelsberger Angela , Thomas Beena E. , Mierke Dale F. , Rosenblatt Michael
Published: March 2006

Photoaffinity crosslinking has been utilized to probe the nature of the ligand–receptor interface for a number of G protein‐coupled receptor systems. Often the photoreactive benzophenone moiety incorporated in the ligand is found to react with a methionine in the receptor. We introduced methionines one‐at‐a‐time into the region 163–176 of the parathyroid hormone receptor, and find that crosslinking occurs to the side‐chain of methionine over a range of 11 amino acids. We call this the “Magnet Effect” of methionine. Hence, crosslinking contact points can be significantly shifted by the presence of methionine in a receptor domain.
Faster and more accurate global protein function assignment from protein interaction networks using the MFGO algorithm
Authors: Sun Shiwei , Zhao Yi , Jiao Yishan , Yin Yifei , Cai Lun , Zhang Yong , Lu Hongchao , Chen Runsheng , Bu Dongbo
Published: March 2006

On four proteins interaction datasets, including Vazquez dataset, YP dataset, DIP‐core dataset, and SPK dataset, MFGO was tested and compared with the popular MR (majority rule) and GOM methods. Experimental results confirm MFGO's improvement on both speed and accuracy. Especially, MFGO method has a distinctive advantage in accurately predicting functions for proteins with few neighbors. Moreover, the robustness of the approach was validated both in a dataset containing a high percentage of unknown proteins and a disturbed dataset through random insertion and deletion. The analysis shows that a moderate amount of misplaced interactions do not preclude a reliable function assignment.
α‐Tocopheryl succinate induces DR4 and DR5 expression by a p53‐dependent route: Implication for sensitisation of resistant cancer cells to TRAIL apoptosis
Authors: Tomasetti Marco , Andera Ladislav , Alleva Renata , Borghi Battista , Neuzil Jiri , Procopio Antonio
Published: March 2006

We evaluated the ability of α‐tocopheryl succinate (α‐TOS) to sensitise TRAIL‐resistant malignant mesothelioma (MM) cells to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. We show that α‐TOS activates expression of DR4/DR5 in a p53‐dependent manner and re‐establishes sensitivity of resistant MM cells to TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis, as documented in p53wt MM cells but not in their p53null counterparts. MM cells selected for TRAIL resistance expressed low cell surface levels of DR4 and DR5. Treatment with sub‐lethal doses of α‐TOS restored expression of DR4 and DR5. The ability of α‐TOS to modulate expression of pro‐apoptotic genes may play a role in sensitisation of tumour cells to immunological stimuli.
Genetic impacts of shrimp trawling on red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Saillant Eric , Bradfield S. Coleen , Gold John R.
Published: March 2006

Genetic variation and genetic relatedness are investigated among age-0 red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) sampled as bycatch in shrimp trawls from five localities in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Reference samples from the same geographic areas were obtained by sampling a few juveniles at a time during multiple trawl tows. No significant differences in allelic richness, gene diversity, or allele (or genotype) distributions at 16 nuclear-encoded microsatellites were found between the five bycatch samples and reference samples taken from the same geographic area. These results indicate that red snappers taken as bycatch neither have reduced genetic variation relative to the local population nor do they appear to represent a non-random sample from the local population in terms of allele or genotype distributions. Estimates of the within-sample variance of pairwise relatedness did not differ significantly from zero for any bycatch or reference sample. Hence, red snapper in the bycatch samples are not more closely related genetically to one another than would be expected when sampling individuals at random from the local population. These results indicate that there are no direct, detectable genetic impacts of shrimp trawling on red snapper at the localities sampled.
The Psychological Effects of Aromatherapy‐Massage in Healthy Postpartum Mothers
Authors: Imura Masumi , Misao Hanako , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: March 2006

This study examined the effect of aromatherapy‐massage in healthy postpartum mothers. A quasi‐experimental between‐groups design was used. Mothers who received aromatherapy‐massage were compared with a control group who received standard postpartum care. Thirty‐six healthy, first‐time mothers with vaginal delivery of a full‐term, healthy infant participated in this study. Sixteen mothers received a 30‐minute aromatherapy‐massage on the second postpartum day; 20 mothers were in the control group. All mothers completed the following four standardized questionnaires before and after the intervention: 1) Maternity Blues Scale; 2) State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory; 3) Profile of Mood States (POMS); and 4) Feeling toward Baby Scale. In the aromatherapy‐massage group, posttreatment scores significantly decreased for the Maternity Blues Scale, the State‐Anxiety Inventory, and all but one of the Profile of Mood States subscales. Posttreatment scores in the intervention group significantly increased in Profile of Mood States‐Vigor subscale and the Approach Feeling toward Baby subscale. Scores in the intervention group significantly decreased in Conflict Index of Avoidance/Approach Feeling toward Baby subscale. Our results suggest that aromatherapy‐massage might be an effective intervention for postpartum mothers to improve physical and mental status and to facilitate mother‐infant interaction.
A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Breastfeeding Studies
Authors: Nelson Antonia M.
Published: March 2006

To date, exclusive breastfeeding rates worldwide remain modest despite multiple breastfeeding initiatives. Much breastfeeding research has been conducted, but to facilitate greater understanding, cumulative knowledge development is required. The author used Noblit and Hare's (1988) method to synthesize 15 qualitative breastfeeding studies. Synthesized studies revealed that breastfeeding is an “engrossing, personal journey,” which is very physical and requires maternal commitment, adaptation, and support from multiple sources. Breastfeeding was also shown to have significant personal impact on mothers and to require time for resolution on discontinuing. These findings suggest that health care practitioners can provide the most meaningful breastfeeding support by acknowledging each mother's individual breastfeeding capacity, goals, comfort level with her own body, support network, tolerance of breastfeeding difficulties, and willingness to make the life adaptations that breastfeeding requires. An individually tailored breastfeeding plan is suggested to facilitate both a satisfactory maternal breastfeeding experience and to maximize breastfeeding exclusivity and duration.
The Stiff Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: Harrison Douglas H.
Published: March 2006

The anatomical factors causing stillness at the proximal interphalangeal joint are considered, a rational approach to the surgical treatment is proposed, and the results in thirty joints are presented.
False Aneurysm of the Digital Artery
Authors: Baruch Avraham
Published: March 2006

A case of false aneurysm of the digital artery is described. To the best of our knowledge it is the first reported case of false aneurysm involving the thumb. The aetiological factors which are usually responsible for the development of a false aneurysm are briefly discussed.

The most common factor seems to be a direct injury of the arterial wall by a sharp tool and continuing flow of the blood in the artery. Although the fingers are commonly exposed to injuries with sharp tools, development of a false aneurysm in them seems to be extremely rare.
Fractures of the Phalanges of the Hand
Authors: Barton Nicholas
Published: March 2006

A retrospective study has been made of 100 unselected adult finger fractures and a smaller group of similar injuries in children. The principles of treatment are reviewed, a simple practical classification of finger fractures suggested, and the treatment of each type described.
Dupuytren's Disease—Initial Symptoms, Age of Onset and Spontaneous Course
Authors: Mikkelsen Otto A.
Published: March 2006

647 men and 254 women with Dupuytren's disease of the hands were questioned about how, where and when the disease had started. Usually the disease started in the right hand, and nodules in the ulnar part of the palm were the first symptom in 90%. In 10% of the cases with bilateral disease, it started simultaneously in both hands. One woman and two men noticed the first symptom before 10 years of age. In about 50% of the men, the disease started between 40–59 years of age (women 40–69 years). In men the contracture increased rather constantly during the first twenty years, followed by a stationary phase from about 20 to thirty-five years of duration, whereafter it definitely decreased. In women the disease increased gradually with the duration of the disease.
Sub-Ungual Malignant Melanoma Presenting as Sub-Acute Paronychia Following Trauma
Authors: Ware J. W.
Published: March 2006

A woman presenting with a history of trauma to her thumb, apparently followed by sub-acute paronychia, is subsequently shown to have primary malignant melanoma at the site. The case serves as a reminder that wolves can appear in sheep's clothing.
The Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle Flap
Authors: Milward Timothy M. , Stott Wayne G. , Kleinert Harold E.
Published: March 2006

The problems of extensive scarring involving the median and ulnar nerves at the wrist are discussed. Possible methods of separating the dermal cicatrix from the nerves are skin flaps or muscle flaps. A case is presented in which an abductor digiti minimi muscle flap was used. The reasons for this choice are discussed and the technique described.
An Unusual Branch of the Ulnar Nerve in the Hand
Authors: Denman Eric E.
Published: March 2006

A branch passing from the deep terminal branch of the ulnar nerve distal to the piso-hamate hiatus, between the flexor digiti minimi brevis and the opponens digiti minimi, to the digital branch of the superficial terminal branch of the ulnar nerve to the little finger is described, and its possible clinical relevance suggested.
Microvascular Great Toe Transfer For Congenital Absence Of The Thumb
Authors: O'brien B. Mcc. , Black M. J. M. , Morrison W. A. , Macleod A. M.
Published: March 2006

summary

Two cases of microvascular great toe transfer for congenital absence of the thumb in children are reported. A rationale and operative details are discussed. A long term follow up is needed, but at this stage the results are most encouraging. There has been no interference with gait.
Three-Dimensional Observations Of Microvasculature Of Human Finger Skin
Authors: Inoue Hajime
Published: March 2006

summary

Resin casts of the fine vasculature of human digits in normal and some abnormal states were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The palmar skin contained terminal loops aligned with the finger-print, while the dorsal skin vasculature consisted of a coarse meshwork. Fine vessels in the nail bed had a parallel orientation as far as the lunula in adults, but were straight right up to the nail roots in young children. A deeper meshwork of capillaries (corresponding to the rete subpapillare and the rete cutaneum), vessels of the glomus bodies, and the dense meshwork of sweat glands were visible on the sagittal cut surface of the samples. A severely scarred index finger showed a coarse meshwork of surface capillaries. A skin-grafted index finger showed repaired terminal loops resembling normal skin in the area of grafted skin. The fine architecture of the digital vessels observed was discussed in terms of the physiology of blood circulation to the skin.
The Effects Of Sural Nerve Excision In Autogenous Nerve Grafting
Authors: Staniforth P. , Fisher T. R.
Published: March 2006

summary

The effect of excising fifty sural nerves from the legs of forty-five patients undergoing nerve grafting are described. Forty-two per cent of patients complained of tenderness in the calf, likely to be due to neuroma formation. Ten per cent of patients had other minor complaints. One wound haematoma and one deep vein thrombosis occurred. Overall patient satisfaction was high when the functional result of the nerve grafting was taken into account.
Management of Lost Finger Tips in Children
Authors: Das Suman K. , Brown H. G.
Published: March 2006

summary

A trial was run in the Hand Unit of the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, involving sixty consecutive children who had sustained finger tip injuries with tissue loss over a period of three years. The three forms of treatment used in different groups of children were split skin grafting, local flap repair, and a conservative method, with twenty children in each group. The results are compared from both functional and cosmetic points of view and the results analysed.
Upper-Limb-Cardiovascular Syndrome Two Cases Of Holt-Oram Syndrome
Authors: Yanase Yoshiaki , Ueba Yasuo
Published: March 2006

Two cases of Holt-Oram syndrome with an atrial septal defect and thumb deformities are reported. The embryological basis for the association between skeletal malformations particularly of the hand, and congenital heart disease, is discussed.
The Termination of Flexor Tendon Sheaths
Authors: Robb James E.
Published: March 2006

Fifty-five preserved cadaver digits were injected to show the termination of the flexor tendon sheath. The angle between the termination of the sheath and the most proximal dorsal and ventral bony points of the distal phalanx was measured. Using this concept of angles, a clinical guide to the region containing the sheath is given.
Youngest Replantation with Microsurgical Anastomoses
Authors: Sekiguchi Junsuke , Ohmori Kitaro
Published: March 2006

A successful replantation of a finger on an infant aged twelve months and fifteen days by microsurgical repair is reported.
Spontaneous Rupture of Extensor Tendons in Madelungs Deformity
Authors: Goodwin D. R. A. , Michels C. H. , Weissman S. L.
Published: March 2006

A case reported with the clinical and radiological features of Madelung's deformity, in which the additional complication of tendon rupture was found.
Fractures of the Shafts of the Phalanges of the Hand
Authors: Barton N. J.
Published: March 2006

Fractures of the shafts of the phalanges are common and often disabling. Little detailed information is available as to the results of treatment, against which new methods of treatment may be compared.

Thirty-nine comminuted fractures and 109 which were not comminuted were followed-up and their results are presented in detail. In both groups only about 57% obtained satisfactory results. Possible methods of improving these are discussed and the importance of accurate reduction of non comminuted fractures is emphasised.
Fractures of the Phalanges of the Hand in Children
Authors: Barton N. J.
Published: March 2006

Fractures of the phalanges of the hand were studied in 203 children. Fingertip fractures caused disability for three weeks but usually had good results. Comminuted fractures often took the form of longitudinal splitting. Epiphyseal fractures were mostly of the Salter type 2 and metaphyseal types and usually had good results: remodelling occurred in both planes at the base of the proximal phalanx but only in the sagittal plane at the base of the middle phalanx. Epiphyseal fractures at the base of the distal phalanx often had unsatisfactory results. Fractures of the neck of phalanx showed no remodelling at all and if deformity is not corrected it is probably permanent.
Assessment of past Results and Current Practice in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Metacarpophalangeal Joints
Authors: Nicolle F. V. , Gilbert Stephen
Published: March 2006

A new design of prosthetic finger joint for the rheumatoid patient, and the technique for its insertion is described, which has now been in use for five years. The technique includes the soft tissue correction of the ulnar deviation.

Results are reported for all the cases performed in one year giving a two year follow up, assessing flexion strength, pinch strength and the degree of recurrence of ulnar drift associated with loss of pinch strength.
Surgical Correction of Ulnar Drift in the Rheumatoid Hand
Authors: Nicolle F. V.
Published: March 2006

A new technique for the correction of ulnar drift is described which has been used by the author in selected cases during the past 5 years.

Results of this technique during a 2 year period are compared with those treated by prosthetic joint replacement alone, or a combination of the two methods.
Perichondrial Wrist Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Patients
Authors: Pastacaldi Paolo , Engkvist Ove
Published: March 2006

A new method is proposed for reconstruction of the wrist joint in rheumatoid arthritis. Perichondrial arthroplasty done in four patients with severe deformity of the wrist from rheumatoid arthritis gave functionally improved results.

In one case biopsy of the reconstructed joint showed newly formed cartilaginous tissue four months after initial surgery.
The Palmar Abduction-Pronation Osteotomy of the First Metacarpal Bone Combined with Tendon Transfer for Lateral Thenar Muscle Paralysis
Authors: Comtet J. J. , Bemelmans D.
Published: March 2006

The authors describe a palmar abduction-pronation osteotomy of the first metacarpal bone combined with a tendon transfer for treatment of palsy of the lateral thenar muscles.

The results of fourteen cases are reported.
Experience with a Two-Staged Pedicled Flexor Tendon Graft
Authors: Brug E. , Stedtfeld H. W.
Published: March 2006

A two-staged technique for flexor tendon grafting in Zone 2 is described using a silicone rubber rod which is replaced at the second stage by a somersaulted superficialis tendon graft sutured end-to-end to profundus tendon at the lumbrical level. The results are analysed.
Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Fissette J. , Onkelinx A.
Published: March 2006

Three series of cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome have been studied.

One series was treated by a different, respected surgical team, the second series by the author by decompression alone, and the third series by additional intraneural decompression using the microscope.

The authors found very little difference in the results, apart from marginally better results in the presence of thenar muscle involvement.
Collagen Types and Anticollagen-Antibodies in Dupuytren's Disease
Authors: Menzel E. J. , Piza H. , Zielinski C. , Endler A. T. , Steffen C. , Millesi H.
Published: March 2006

The relative proportion of collagen type I and type III in the aponeurosis of twenty-four patients with Dupuytren's disease was determined and compared with the aponeurosis of normal persons. The presence of considerable amounts of type III collagen was found in the Dupuytren's disease patients. The sera of the patients were screened for circulating anti-collagen antibodies using a sensitive radioimmunoassay. In seven out of the twenty-four patients low concentrations of these antibodies were found.
A New Pattern of Needle for Microsurgical Repair of Nerves
Authors: Bentall Richard , Raji Adil
Published: March 2006

This paper describes the design for a microsurgical stainless steel atraumatic needle for primary suture of small peripheral nerves in which the epineurium is friable.

The needle (manufactured by Dixey Instruments, U.K.) is curved with a spearshaped point and a small cutting edge on the concave surface. The rest of the body of the needle is round.

We have found with histological evidence that there is an improvement in accuracy of suture placement on previously used needles in experimental and clinical microsurgery of peripheral nerves.
A Mechanised Microirrigation System
Authors: Gould John S. , Henson Patsy G. , Gould Sheryl H.
Published: March 2006

A mechanised microirrigation system for microvascular surgery, which is operated by a foot pedal, utilises a large sterile reservoir, and allows control of flow rate and volume, has been designed for use in the laboratory and operating room.
An Unusual Unilateral Deformity of the Hand: A Case Report
Authors: Gigis P. I. , Kafandaris P. M.
Published: March 2006

A rare case of a congenital unilateral deformity of the right upper extremity is described consisting of: absence of the carpal bones except the capitate and hamate, absence of the first three metacarpal bones and phalanges and a thumb-like extension to the palm of the dislocated radius.

No hereditary family history was found.
Displaced Epiphyseal Plate of the Terminal Phalanx in a Child
Authors: Michelinakis E. , Vourexaki H.
Published: March 2006

A case of mallet finger in a child is described. The epiphysis of the terminal phalanx was displaced dorsally with the extensor tendon attached to it, and was first diagnosed two weeks after injury. The treatment was by open reduction. Radiograph three years later showed that a satisfactory position of the epiphysis and normal growth of the terminal phalanx had occurred.
Hydrocortisone Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Wood Michael R.
Published: March 2006

The effects of local hydrocortisone acetate injections in patients with a carpal tunnel syndrome are reported. In a prospective study of sixty one wrists injected, fifty five (90%) had initial symptomatic relief. At review after one year forty one wrists had relapsed (67%) requiring decompression.

In view of the poor long term response to injection it was decided to test the accuracy of the siting technique in a separate consecutive series of twenty six wrists at operation. The needle was found to be correctly sited in twenty four wrists (92%).

It is suggested thai, as initially considerable symptomatic relief can be achieved, the principal value of steroid injections lies as a palliative remedy whilst decompression is awaited.
The Mechanism of Acute Ulnar Instability of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb
Authors: Smith M. A.
Published: March 2006

Acute ulnar instability of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb is divided into two distinct groups, according to the history, clinical, radiological and operative findings. In the first group it is a soft tissue injury, as a result of an unresisted abduction force to the thumb. In the second group, following a resisted abduction force, there is avulsion of a bony fragment from the base of the proximal phalanx, which is the site of common insertion of both the ulnar collateral ligament and the adductor pollicis. This is confirmed by post-mortem studies.
Use of the Medial Upper Arm Skin as an Arterialised Flap
Authors: Hentz Vincent R. , Pearl Robert M. , Kaplan Ernest N.
Published: March 2006

The skin on the underside of the upper arm is supplied in part by the superior ulnar collateral artery, a direct cutaneous artery arising from the brachial artery four to six cm distal to the pectoralis major insertion. Two-thirds to three-quarters of the length of the medial arm skin can be reliably transferred as an arterialized undelayed pedicle flap. This skin provides excellent coverage for the opposite hand from a relatively inconspicuous donor site. Transfer of this flap is safe and patient discomfort is minimal. It is recommended for elective reconstruction and emergency procedures.
The Abdominohypogastric Flap — an Axial Pattern Flap for Forearm Coverage
Authors: Schlenker James D. , Atasoy Erdogan , Lyon Janice W.
Published: March 2006

The abdominohypogastric flap, an axial pattern flap supplied by the anterior perforating branches of the deep inferior epigastric artery and the branches of the superficial inferior epigastric artery, has been used successfully to resurface defects on the forearm in two patients. The Doppler is employed to determine the presence and the course of the superficial inferior epigastric artery in order to include branches of this artery within the base of the flap.
Mobile First Ray Reconstruction. A Case Report
Authors: Cavallazzi Roberto M. , Petrucci F. Saverio , Borghesi Massimo
Published: March 2006

We present a case with a serious loss of substance and function of the hand repaired by multiple surgical procedures to reconstruct a first metacarpal with a proximal articular surface stabilised by palmaris longus tendon to provide a stable proximal articulation to a mobile segment.
Compression of the Deep Branch of the Ulnar Nerve Due to Oedema of the Hand
Authors: Leslie I. J.
Published: March 2006

A patient with swelling of the hand due to multiple bites presented with a compression of the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. The nerve was not surgically decompressed but following the resolution of the oedema the nerve recovered spontaneously. The compression of the ulnar nerve in Guyon's Canal due to oedema has not been previously reported.
Measurement of Electrical Resistance after Nerve Injuries of the Hand
Authors: Egyed Bela , Eory Ajandok , Veres Tibor , Manninger Jeno
Published: March 2006

The authors measured electrical resistance of skin to define the sensory loss. A significant increase of the skin resistance was observed in the zone of sensory loss, as compared with the skin surfaces of normal innervation. The sensory map, sweating map (ninhydrine test) and the skin resistance map were also compared by the authors. The main advantages of the electrical skin resistance test are that it is a quantitative one, and takes less time than the other methods.
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis in the Hand
Authors: Crawford Gary P. , Offerman Robert J.
Published: March 2006

The related disorders of pigmented villonodular synovitis and pigmented villonodular tenosynovitis have very different clinical presentations. The synovial form occurs most frequently in the knee although other lower extremity joints including the hip, ankle and subtalar joints can be involved. Rarely, the shoulder, elbow and wrist have been the joint of origin. In contrast, the tenosynovial form is one of the most common masses in the hand and is found very much less frequently elsewhere. This report documents the synovial origin of four cases involving the small joints of the hands.
Giant Cell Tumour of the First Metacarpal Bone
Authors: Gupta Saroj , Kumar Anand , Gupta Indumohan
Published: March 2006

A rare case of giant cell tumour of first metacarpal bone which was aggressive in its clinical behaviour but histologically benign, is reported in a thirty-one year old male. The tumour was excised en-bloc with disarticulation of the thumb and index finger with a gratifying result. The literature on giant-cell-tumour of the metacarpal bones is reviewed.
Epithelioid Sarcoma — Two Case Reports
Authors: Sergiou S. P. , Reid D. A. Campbell
Published: March 2006

Two cases of epithelioid sarcoma in the hand are presented both of which underwent ray amputation of the involved digit.

The difficulty of early diagnosis may be a major factor in eradicating this tumour. Early ablation, at least a ray amputation, should be performed.
Osteosarcoma of the Hand
Authors: Fleegler Earl J. , Marks Kenneth E. , Sebek Bruce A. , Groppe Carl W. , Belhobek George
Published: March 2006

Two cases of osteogenic sarcoma in the hand are reported, with a discussion of the literature.
An Innervated Flap, Incorporating Supraclavicular Nerves, for Reconstruction of Major Hand Injuries
Authors: Sommerlad B. C. , Boorman J. G.
Published: March 2006

In the treatment of severely degloved hands, an innervated flap provides the best reconstruction in cases where revascularisation is impossible.

An innervated flap using the cutaneous territory of the supraclavicular nerves is presented and an illustrative case presented. The anatomy is described and the flap compared with other distant flaps. The principal advantages of this flap are the large amount of available skin and the presence of three or more suitable donor nerves.
Treatment of Chronic Instability of the Digital Joints Using a Strip of Volar Plate
Authors: Faithfull D. K.
Published: March 2006

This paper describes a surgical technique for treating chronic instability of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint and proximal inter-phalangeal joint. This procedure has advantages over currently used operations, in that only local tissues are used, and it is not necessary to sacrifice any tendons for reinforcement.
Intraosseous Ganglia
Authors: Brown I. , Huffstadt A. J. C.
Published: March 2006

A case report of a fifty eight year old lady with symmetrical cystic lesions in the bases of the metacarpal bones of both thumbs.

The histology showed an intraosseous ganglion which has not previously been reported in this location.
Polydactyly — Bifid Thumb
Authors: Huffstadt A. J. C.
Published: March 2006

The case of a five year old girl with a bifid thumb is presented. The radial thumb showed opposition function at the metacarpal but the phalanges were crooked and stiff. The ulnar thumb could flex and extend actively.

The treatment consisted of amputation of the crooked phalanges of the radial thumb and transfer of the ulnar thumb on its neurovascular bundles to the first ray to provide extension, flexion and opposition. The final functional result is nearly normal.
Glass Injuries of the Hand in Children
Authors: Joseph K. N. , Kalus A. M. , Sutherland A. B.
Published: March 2006

One hundred children with glass injuries to the hand were studied with an average follow-up of twenty-two months. Fifty-two had involvement of deep structures. The treatment and results are discussed.