bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure assessment of ELF magnetic fields in urban environments in Extremadura (Spain)
Authors: Paniagua Jesús M. , Jiménez Antonio , Rufo Montaña , Antolín Alicia
Published: December 2003

We present the results of a study of the extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields in urban environments of the Extremadura region (Spain). The study included a spectral analysis, an analysis of the temporal variation, and spot measurements in the streets of four cities. The spectral analysis showed that the main source of magnetic field exposure was that corresponding to the principal power frequency (50 Hz) and its third harmonic. The magnetic flux density measured at one point over 24 h presented rapid fluctuations in short time periods. Smoothing the time series eliminated these fluctuations, showing a temporal evolution associated with the differing levels of power consumption over the course of the day. The values of the spot measurements taken in the streets were all below the ICNIRP reference level, although 30% surpassed 0.2 µT, the value that some epidemiological studies take as the threshold above which there exist risks of effects that could be harmful to health. The values found for the magnetic flux density in these urban settings were generally greater than values reported in the literature for residential areas, and similar to, although in some cases less than those in workplace environments. Bioelectromagnetics 25:58–62, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radial arm maze performance of rats following repeated low level microwave radiation exposure
Authors: Cobb Brenda L. , Jauchem James R. , Adair Eleanor R.
Published: December 2003

We examined the possibility of changes in “working” memory of rats following whole body exposure to microwave (MW) radiation. During each of 10 days, we exposed rats within circularly polarized waveguides for 45 min to 2450 MHz fields at whole body SARs of 0.6 W/kg (2 μs pulses, 500 pps), followed by testing in a 12 arm, radial arm maze (RAM). Rats received a preexposure injection of one of three psychoactive compounds or saline, to determine whether a compound would interact with MW exposure to affect performance in the maze. Error rate, i.e., reentry into arms already visited, and time to criterion data for 10 consecutive days of testing were analyzed by a three way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using main effects of “exposure” and “drug” and a repeated factor of “test day.” Our alpha limit for significance was P < .05. Analyzes of error rates revealed no significant exposure effect, no significant drug effect and no significant interaction between the two main factors. There was a significant difference in test days, as expected, with repeated test‐trial days, which indicates that learning was accomplished. There was no significant interaction of test day and the other two factors. The results of our analyzes of time to criterion data included no significant exposure effect, a significant drug effect, a significant test day effect, and a significant interaction between drug and test day factors. Post hoc analyzes of the drug factor revealed that rats treated with either physostigmine or nalrexone hydrochloride, took significantly longer to complete the maze task than rats pretreated with saline or with naloxone methodide. We conclude that there is no evidence from the current study that exposure to of MW radiation under parameters examined caused decrements in the ability of rats to learn the spatial memory task. Bioelectromagnetics 25:49–57, 2004. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A single magnetic field exposure system for sequential investigation of real time and downstream cellular responses
Authors: Rao Raj R. , Kisaalita William S.
Published: December 2003

To be able to correlate real time membrane potential or ion flux changes with further downstream gene transcription responses due to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, we devised an experimental system consisting of a pair of symmetric circular coils. This system can be used on an inverted microscope stage (real time signaling) as well as inside controlled environment incubators (gene transcription end points). The system includes a unique, custom made switch box for blinding the experimental staff and a power amplifier. We report herein the design and characterization of the system with respect to parameters considered important in in vitro ELF–EMF exposure studies, including linear magnetic field distribution, compensation for microscope objective lens interference, heating effects of the coils, and harmonic content of the signals. Bioelectromagnetics 25:27–32, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electromagnetic field exposure and health among RF plastic sealer operators
Authors: Wilén Jonna , Hörnsten Rolf , Sandström Monica , Bjerle Per , Wiklund Urban , Stensson Olov , Lyskov Eugene , Mild Kjell Hansson
Published: December 2003

Operators of RF plastic sealers (RF operators) are an occupational category highly exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. The aim of the present study was to make an appropriate exposure assessment of RF welding and examine the health status of the operators. In total, 35 RF operators and 37 controls were included. The leakage fields (electric and magnetic field strength) were measured, as well as induced and contact current. Information about welding time and productivity was used to calculate time integrated exposure. A neurophysiological examination and 24 h ECG were also carried out. The participants also had to answer a questionnaire about subjective symptoms. The measurements showed that RF operators were exposed to rather intense electric and magnetic fields. The mean values of the calculated 6 min, spatially averaged E and H field strengths, in line with ICNIRP reference levels, are 107 V/m and 0.24 A/m, respectively. The maximum measured field strengths were 2 kV/m and 1.5 A/m, respectively. The induced current in ankles and wrists varied, depending on the work situation, with a mean value of 101 mA and a maximum measured value of 1 A. In total, 11 out of 46 measured RF plastic sealers exceeded the ICNIRP reference levels. RF operators, especially the ready made clothing workers had a slightly disturbed two‐point discrimination ability compared to a control group. A nonsignificant difference between RF operators and controls was found in the prevalence of subjective symptoms, but the time integrated exposure parameters seem to be of importance to the prevalence of some subjective symptoms: fatigue, headaches, and warmth sensations in the hands. Further, RF operators had a significantly lower heart rate (24 h registration) and more episodes of bradycardia compared to controls. Bioelectromagnetics 25:5–15, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of alterations on meiotic chromosomes and morphological characteristics of male germ cells in mice exposed to a 60 Hz and 2.0 mT magnetic field
Authors: Heredia‐Rojas J. Antonio , Caballero‐Hernandez Diana E. , Rodriguez‐de la Fuente Abraham O. , Ramos‐Alfano Gerardo , Rodriguez‐Flores Laura E.
Published: December 2003

The effect of in vivo exposure of mice to a 60 Hz sinusoidal magnetic field (MF) at 2.0 mT on male germ cells was studied. The cytological endpoints measured included meiotic chromosome aberrations in spermatocytes and sperm morphology. Three independent experiments were carried out: (a) animals exposed for 72 h, (b) 10 days/8 h daily, and (c) 72 h exposure to MF plus 5 mg/kg of Mitomycin‐C. No statistically significant differences indicative of MF effects were observed between MF exposed and control animals. In addition, an opposite effect between MF exposure and Mitomycin‐C treatment in terms of chromosomal aberrations and sperm morphology was observed. Bioelectromagnetics 25:63–68, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photosynthetic eukaryotes unite: endosymbiosis connects the dots
Authors: Bhattacharya Debashish , Yoon Hwan Su , Hackett Jeremiah D.
Published: December 2003

The photosynthetic organelle of algae and plants (the plastid) traces its origin to a primary endosymbiotic event in which a previously non‐photosynthetic protist engulfed and enslaved a cyanobacterium. This eukaryote then gave rise to the red, green and glaucophyte algae. However, many algal lineages, such as the chlorophyll c‐containing chromists, have a more complicated evolutionary history involving a secondary endosymbiotic event, in which a protist engulfed an existing eukaryotic alga (in this case, a red alga). Chromists such as diatoms and kelps then rose to great importance in aquatic habitats. Another algal group, the dinoflagellates, has undergone tertiary (engulfment of a secondary plastid) and even quaternary endosymbioses. In this review, we examine algal diversity and show endosymbiosis to be a major force in algal evolution. This area of research has advanced rapidly and long‐standing issues such as the chromalveolate hypothesis and the extent of endosymbiotic gene transfer have recently been clarified. BioEssays 26:50–60, 2004. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional genomics of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene family of the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jones Andrew K. , Sattelle David B.
Published: December 2003

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand‐gated ion channels that bring about a diversity of fast synaptic actions. Analysis of the Caenorhabditis elegans genome has revealed one of the most‐extensive and diverse nAChR gene families known, consisting of at least 27 subunits. Striking variation with possible functional implications has been observed in normally conserved motifs at the acetylcholine‐binding site and in the channel‐lining region. Some nAChR subunits are particular to neurons whilst others are present in both neurons and muscles. The localization of subunits in non‐synaptic regions suggests novel roles for nAChRs. Genetic and heterologous expression studies have identified a subset of nAChR subunits that are important drug targets while the study of mutants has identified genes functionally‐linked to nAChRs. Future studies using C. elegans offer the prospect of increasing our understanding of the functional diversity of a complex nAChR gene family as well as addressing the role of nAChRs and associated proteins in human disorders. BioEssays 26:39–49, 2004.© 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroprotection by monoamine oxidase B inhibitors: a therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Tabakman Rinat , Lecht Shimon , Lazarovici Philip
Published: December 2003

Parkinsonism (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the brain resulting in dopamine deficiency caused by the progressive death of dopaminergic neurons. PD is characterized by a combination of rigidity, poverty of movement, tremor and postural instability. Selegiline is a selective and irreversible propargylamine type B monoamine oxidase (MAO‐B) inhibitor. This drug, which inhibits dopamine metabolism, has been effectively used in the treatment of PD. However, its therapeutic effects are compromised by its many neurotoxic metabolites. To circumvent this obstacle, a novel MAO‐B inhibitor, rasagiline, was developed. Paradoxically, the neuroprotective mechanism of propargylamines in different neuronal models appears to be independent of MAO‐B inhibition. Recent investigations into the neuroprotective mechanism of propargylamines indicate that glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), MAO‐B and/or other unknown proteins may represent pivotal proteins in the survival of the injured neurons. Delineation of the mechanism(s) involved in the neuroprotective effects exerted by MAO‐B inhibitors may provide the key to preventive novel therapeutic modalities. BioEssays 26:80–90, 2004. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mating‐type locus homozygosis, phenotypic switching and mating: a unique sequence of dependencies in Candida albicans
Authors: Soll David R.
Published: December 2003

A small proportion of clinical strains of Candida albicans undergo white–opaque switching. Until recently it was not clear why, since most strains carry the genes differentially expressed in the unique opaque phase. The answer to this enigma lies in the mating process. The majority of C. albicans strains are heterozygous for the mating type locus MTL (a/α) and cannot undergo white–opaque switching. However, when these cells undergo homozygosis at the mating type locus (i.e., become a/a or α/α), they can switch, and they must switch in order to mate. Even though the newly identified stages of mating mimic those of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the process differs in its dependency on switching, and the effects switching has on gene regulation. This unique feature of C. albicans mating appears to be intimately intertwined with its pathogenesis. The unique, newly discovered dependencies of switching on homozygosis at the MTL locus and of mating on switching are, therefore, reviewed within the context of pathogenesis. BioEssays 26:10–20, 2004. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The next step in systems biology: simulating the temporospatial dynamics of molecular network
Authors: Zhu Hao , Huang Sui , Dhar Pawan
Published: December 2003

As a result of the time‐ and context‐dependency of gene expression, gene regulatory and signaling pathways undergo dynamic changes during development. Creating a model of the dynamics of molecular interaction networks offers enormous potential for understanding how a genome orchestrates the developmental processes of an organism. The dynamic nature of pathway topology calls for new modeling strategies that can capture transient molecular links at the runtime. The aim of this paper is to present a brief and informative, but not all‐inclusive, viewpoint on the computational aspects of modeling and simulation of a non‐static molecular network. BioEssays 26:68–72, 2004. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LAT: a T lymphocyte adapter protein that couples the antigen receptor to downstream signaling pathways
Authors: Sommers Connie L. , Samelson Lawrence E. , Love Paul E.
Published: December 2003

Adapter molecules in a variety of signal transduction systems link receptors to a limited number of commonly used downstream signaling pathways. During T‐cell development and mature T‐cell effector function, a multichain receptor (the pre‐T‐cell antigen receptor or the T‐cell antigen receptor) activates several protein tyrosine kinases. Receptor and kinase activation is linked to distal signaling pathways (PLC‐γ1 activation, Ca2+ influx, PKC activation and Ras/Erk activation) via the adapter protein LAT (Linker for Activation of T cells). Structure/function studies of LAT including expression of selected LAT point mutations in vivo reveals that these multiple pathways are integrated at the level of the LAT adapter. These studies suggest that similar levels of control may be found in other systems where adapter molecules are known to have important functions. BioEssays 26:61–67, 2004. Published 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What can Drosophila tell us about serpins, thrombosis and dementia?
Authors: Carrell Robin , Corral Javier
Published: December 2003

The validity of the fruit‐fly as a model of human disease has been confirmed in a striking way by Green and colleagues.1 They show that the mutations causing a necrotic disease phenotype in Drosophila, precisely mirror those resulting in a group of well‐studied but perplexing diseases in the human. These diseases, ranging from thrombosis to dementia, arise from mutations causing a conformational instability of serpin protease inhibitors. The findings provide clues as to the unusual severity and variable onset of such conformational diseases and demonstrate the potential of Drosophila as a model for their future study. BioEssays 26:1–5, 2004. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reassessing the molecular biology of sperm–egg recognition with mouse genetics
Authors: Dean Jurrien
Published: December 2003

The zona pellucida is an extracellular coat that surrounds mammalian eggs and early embryos. This insoluble matrix separates germ from somatic cells during folliculogenesis and plays critical roles during fertilization and early development. The mouse and human zona pellucida contain three glycoproteins (ZP1 or ZPB, ZP2, ZP3), the primary structures of which have been deduced by molecular cloning. Targeted mutagenesis of endogenous mouse genes and transgenesis with human homologues provide models to investigate the roles of individual zona components. Collectively, the genetic data indicate that no single mouse zona pellucida protein is obligatory for taxon‐specific sperm binding and that two human proteins are not sufficient to support human sperm binding. An observed post‐fertilization persistence of mouse sperm binding to “humanized” zona pellucida correlates with uncleaved ZP2. These observations are consistent with a model for sperm binding in which the supramolecular structure of the zona pellucida necessary for sperm binding is modulated by the cleavage status of ZP2. BioEssays 26:29–38, 2004. Published 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cross‐strand disulphides in cell entry proteins: poised to act
Authors: Wouters Merridee A. , Lau Ken K. , Hogg Philip J.
Published: December 2003

Cross‐strand disulphides (CSDs) are unusual bonds that link adjacent strands in the same β‐sheet. Their peculiarity relates to the high potential energy stored in these bonds, both as torsional energy in the highly strained disulphide linkage and as deformation energy stored in the sheet itself. CSDs are relatively rare in protein structures but are conspicuous by their presence in proteins that are involved in cell entry. The finding that entry of botulinum neurotoxin and HIV into mammalian cells involves cleavage of CSDs suggests that the activity of other cell entry proteins may likewise involve cleavage of these bonds. We examine emerging evidence of the involvement of these unusual disulphides in cell entry events. BioEssays 26:73–79, 2004. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of nanoparticles by electrocoagulation from soluble exopolysaccharide produced by Claviceps viridis
Authors: Flieger M. , Kantorová M. , Benada O. , Kofroňová O. , Sobotka M. , Cvak J. , Votruba J.
Published: December 2003

Electrocoagulation is an evolving technology that has been effectively applied for wastewater treatment but its applications in biotechnology and nanotechnology are very limited. This method was applied for the preparation of nanoparticles from soluble exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Claviceps viridis in a submerged batch culture. A cathode/anode pair electrode (Al or Fe) system was used for determination of the separation rates of electrocoagulation and the yields of EPS nanoparticles production. The separation rates of 0.170 ± 0.003 mg EPS/sec (Fe electrodes) and 0.250 ± 0.003 mg EPS/sec (Al electrodes) were calculated for voltage gradient 1 V/1 cm of electrodes distance and were constant during experiments. The specific yield of EPS nanoparticles production based on the consumed electric power was dependent on the material of the electrodes and its value was determined as 0.71 ± 0.01 mg EPS/W for Fe electrodes and 0.91 ± 0.01 mg EPS/W for Al electrodes, respectively. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous ulnar artery approach for primary coronary angioplasty: Safety and feasibility
Authors: Limbruno Ugo , Rossini Roberta , De Carlo Marco , Amoroso Giovanni , Ciabatti Nicola , Petronio Anna Sonia , Micheli Andrea , Mariani Mario
Published: December 2003

Transradial approach in primary and rescue angioplasty may be advantageous with respect to the femoral access due to the lower incidence of vascular complications. Ulnar cannulation has been proposed for elective procedures in patients not suitable for transradial approach. We here report on 13 patients undergoing primary angioplasty performed using the transulnar approach. Ulnar access was finally obtained in 10 patients, sheath insertion time ranged from 2 to 5 min, time from arterial puncture to vessel recanalization ranged from 21 to 36 min. Primary angioplasty was successful in all patients. At 30‐day echo color Doppler, all ulnar arteries were patent and with a physiologic pattern of flow. Subcutaneous hemorrhage of the forearm was observed in two patients, whereas hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, thrombus, and arterovenous fistula were not observed. In conclusion, transulnar access may represent an additional option in patients undergoing primary angioplasty when the radial artery access site is not available. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:56–59. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of anticoagulation using activated clotting times in patients receiving intravenous enoxaparin during percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Lawrence Mark , Mixon Timothy A. , Cross Donald , Gantt D. Scott , Dehmer Gregory J.
Published: December 2003

Enoxaparin is being used more frequently in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, we determined the effect of intravenous enoxaparin on activated clotting time (ACT) measurements in the setting of PCI. In 67 consecutive patients, either 1 mg/kg intravenous enoxaparin alone was given for anticoagulation or 0.75 mg/kg given in patients receiving eptifibatide. ACT was measured before and 5 min following enoxaparin administration. After 1 mg/kg enoxaparin (n = 22), mean ACT increased from 122 ± 22 to 199 ± 20 sec. After 0.75 mg/kg enoxaparin and eptifibatide (n = 45), mean ACT increased from 125 ± 22 to 194 ± 24 sec. The mean increase in ACT was 77 ± 26 sec in the 1 mg/kg group and 69 ± 23 sec in the 0.75 mg/kg group (both P values < 0.0001). Moreover, in a subgroup of 26 patients, there was an excellent correlation (r = 0.86) between ACTs and the ENOX test, a new point‐of‐care test for assessing enoxaparin anticoagulation. None of the patients had transient abrupt closure, thrombus formation, major bleeding, or required urgent revascularization. Intravenous enoxaparin at clinically relevant doses with and without eptifibatide increases ACT levels at 5 min in patients undergoing PCI. These data suggest the ACT may be useful in the assessment of anticoagulation by enoxaparin. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:52–55. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retrospective image‐based gating of intracoronary ultrasound images for improved quantitative analysis: The intelligate method
Authors: de Winter Sebastiaan A. , Hamers Ronald , Degertekin Muzzafer , Tanabe Kengo , Lemos Pedro A. , Serruys Patrick W. , Roelandt Jos R.T.C. , Bruining Nico
Published: December 2003

Quantitative analysis of intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) studies is performed on a series of tomographic cross‐sectional ICUS images acquired during a motorized 0.5 mm/sec catheter pullback. Catheter displacement in the vascular lumen during the cardiac cycle causes an anatomically shuffled ICUS study, which results in a sawtooth‐shaped appearance of the coronary segment in longitudinal reconstructed views in quantitative coronary ultrasound software packages. This hampers contour detection and leads to a laborious time‐consuming semiquantitative analysis process that may produce inaccurate results. To solve these problems, in the past, online ECG‐gated acquisition hardware has been applied. This article describes a novel image‐based gating method called Intelligate, which features automatic retrospective selection of end‐diastolic frames from videotaped or digitally stored ICUS studies. Our evaluation shows that there are no quantitative differences between analysis results of hardware ECG‐gated and Intelligated ICUS studies. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:84–94. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management of iatrogenic radial artery perforation
Authors: Calviño‐Santos Ramón Antonio , Vázquez‐Rodríguez José Manuel , Salgado‐Fernández Jorge , Vázquez‐González Nicolás , Pérez‐Fernández Ruth , Vázquez‐Rey Eugenia , Castro‐Beiras Alfonso
Published: December 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate a new protocol allowing coronary angiography to be performed transradially in spite of the occurrence of iatrogenic radial artery perforation during catheterization. Nine patients with iatrogenic radial artery perforation were managed conservatively by inserting a long arterial sheath in the damaged radial artery up to the brachial artery, after which the diagnostic and/or interventional procedures that had motivated transradial catheterization were completed via the protected radial artery. Radial angiography performed immediately thereafter showed no extravasation, and no major vascular complications developed during follow‐up. The day after the procedure, two patients had asymptomatic radial occlusion, but the other seven patients had normal radial pulses and reversed Allen test responses showing normal perfusion. A conservative management technique, installation of a long arterial sheath not only promotes resolution of iatrogenic radial artery perforation but also allows the procedures motivating catheterization to be completed transradially. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:74–78. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcomes and alternative techniques for device closure of the large secundum atrial septal defect
Authors: Varma Chetan , Benson Lee N. , Silversides Candice , Yip J. , Warr Matthew R. , Webb Gary , Siu Samuel C. , McLaughlin Peter R.
Published: December 2003

Outcomes of device closure of large and small secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) as related to rim anatomy with the Amplatzer atrial septal occluder were compared. Rim adequacy (≥ 5mm) of the anterior, inferior, posterior, and superior rims was determined using transesophageal echocardiography. Balloon‐stretched defect size defined patients into two groups: group 1, ≤ 25 mm (n = 138); group 2, > 25 mm (n = 34). Rim deficiency (n = 62) was more frequent in group 2 compared to group 1 (50% vs. 33%; P = 0.07), especially inferior rim deficiency (35% vs. 2%; P = 0.005). Device deployment was successful in group 1 and group 2 (100% vs. 91%; P = 0.007). Unsuccessful deployment was associated with an ASD of > 25 mm (P = 0.007) and inferior rim deficiency (P = 0.001). At first follow‐up (54 ± 16 days), right ventricular systolic pressure had improved in both groups (P < 0.001). Closure of a large ASD associated with a lack of support in the inferior rim may warrant alternative strategies to position the device successfully. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:131–139. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Damage to a covered stent by a thrombectomy device
Authors: Pate Gordon , Carere Ronald , Webb John
Published: December 2003

A 75‐year‐old with a history of coronary bypass grafting was found to have significant stenoses in a vein graft to the right coronary artery. Symbiot stents, with a polytetrafluoroethylene covering, were used to treat areas in the proximal and middle sections of the graft. The following day, she developed symptoms and signs consistent with an acute inferior infarction. The graft was found to be thrombosed. Thrombectomy was performed using an X‐Sizer device, consisting of a helical cutter connected to a vacuum source. This resulted in damage to the stent lining, which led to jamming of the device and subsequent removal of a piece of the stent covering. Treatment was by way of deployment of a long stent within the damaged stent. Recovery was unremarkable. Caution or avoidance of this device appears warranted in the setting of covered stent procedures. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:107–110. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous intervention over the origin of a saphenous vein graft anastomosed with the St. Jude Medical Symmetry Aortic Connector System
Authors: Fuertes Jorge , Lozano Iñigo , Turiel Jose M. , Llosa Juan Carlos , Suarez Emma , de la Tassa Cesar Moris
Published: December 2003

We describe a percutaneous intervention performed over the proximal anastomoses of an aortocoronary saphenous vein graft that had been attached to the aorta 3 months before with the St. Jude Medical Symmetry Aortic Connector System. Technical aspects of procedure are discussed, and the experience previously reported in the literature related to this issue is reviewed. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:103–106. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subclavian artery stenting: Factors influencing long‐term outcome
Authors: Bates Mark C. , Broce Mike , Lavigne P. Scott , Stone Patrick
Published: December 2003

This study provides extended follow‐up of a nonrandomized series of symptomatic patients who underwent subclavian stent‐supported angioplasty (SSA) with emphasis on preprocedure factors that may have influenced outcome. The endpoints of mortality and restenosis were analyzed using backward stepwise logistic regression with the following clinical variables: coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal insufficiency/failure, and hypothyroidism. Restenosis is reported based on prospective serial noninvasive studies and/or angiography. Mortality was evaluated by retrospective database review and inquiry to the State Department of Health and Human Services' statistical registry in patients who were lost to follow‐up. Over a 9‐year period (mean follow‐up, 36.1 ± 30.4 months; maximum observation, 109.5 months), 101 stents were placed in 91 consecutive patients (37 male, 54 female). The mean age at intervention was 62.03 ± 9.3. The procedure was technically successful in 89 patients 97% (mean pre‐ and postoperative stenosis and pressure gradients were 90.2% ± 9.4% vs. 3.7% ± 6.6%, P < 0.001, and 59.9 ± 35.2 vs. 0 mm Hg, P < 0.001, respectively), with 13 minor complications and no immediate major complications. One patient died of unrelated causes within 30 days. Per Kaplan‐Meier method, for years 1 through 5, the rates of overall patency were 96%, 91%, 86%, 77%, and 72%; likewise, overall patient survival was 93%, 88%, 8%4, 81%, and 76%. No clear predictors for restenosis were discovered, although a trend toward higher recurrence was noted in women (18.5% in female vs. and 8.6% in male; P > 0.05), but the same were less likely to die during follow‐up (P > 0.001). Also, the presence of hypothyroidism (P = 0.004) and increasing age (P = 0.068) were positively correlated with all‐cause mortality. This study suggests that SSA is predictable, safe, and durable. The diagnosis of symptomatic subclavian disease is of prognostic importance, with age and male gender representing important predictors of all‐cause long‐term mortality. The strong association of increased mortality with hypothyroidism is difficult to discard and raises the question of a yet to be described thyroid steal phenomena. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:5–11. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative balloon dilatation of obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in a neonate
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sivasubramanian , Kothari Shyam Sunder
Published: December 2003

Prompt recognition and early surgical correction are mandatory in neonates presenting with obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). Preoperative balloon angioplasty of obstructed TAPVC in a sick neonate is rarely reported. We describe successful short‐term palliation with balloon angioplasty of a critically ill neonate with obstructed supracardiac TAPVC. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:128–130. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fallacy of thoracic side‐branch steal from the internal mammary artery: Analysis of left internal mammary artery coronary flow during thoracic side‐branch occlusion with pharmacologic and exercise‐induced hyperemia
Authors: Guzon Osler Jay J. , Klatte Karen , Moyer Andrea , Khoukaz Souheil , Kern Morton J.
Published: December 2003

In some patients, myocardial ischemia after coronary artery bypass graft surgery has been attributed to a coronary steal phenomenon through a thoracic side branch originating from the left internal mammary artery (LIMA), even in the absence of subclavian or LIMA stenosis. To demonstrate that coronary flow through the LIMA is unchanged by occlusion of a LIMA side branch, we examined LIMA coronary flow velocity measurements (0.014″ Doppler flow wire) in three patients at rest, during adenosine hyperemia, and again during hyperemia induced by left arm exercise before and again after the balloon occlusion of the thoracic side branch. For the three patients, no significant changes in resting or hyperemic flow were noted due to side‐branch occlusion. Before side‐branch occlusion, pharmacologic intra‐arterial (adenosine) coronary flow reserve (hyperemic‐to‐basal flow velocity ratio) was 2.6, 1.5, and 3.2 and exercise flow reserve was 2.1, 1.3, and 1.2, respectively. After side‐branch occlusion, pharmacologic coronary flow reserve was 2.5, 1.8, and 2.7 with exercise flow reserve of 1.8, 1.1, and 1.3, respectively. Under most ordinary circumstances, thoracic side‐branch steal does not exist and that side‐branch occlusion does not alter LIMA flow at rest or during pharmacologic or exercise‐induced hyperemia. These data further suggest that a demonstration of the physiologic value of side‐branch occlusion should precede surgical or percutaneous interruption of the thoracic artery in such patients. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:20–28. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early experience with a novel plaque excision system for the treatment of complex coronary lesions
Authors: Ikeno Fumiaki , Hinohara Tomoaki , Robertson Gregory C. , Rezaee Mehrdad , Yock Paul G. , Reimers Bernhard , Colombo Antonio , Grube Eberhard , Simpson John B.
Published: December 2003

The use of directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) in current practice has been limited. The SilverHawk System is a newly developed plaque excision device that aims to overcome the drawbacks of prior DCA platforms. The device was evaluated in a porcine coronary model and in a series of patients. Procedural variables along with outcomes were reviewed. Quantitative angiography (QCA) was performed and excised tissue fragments were weighed and examined histologically. In porcine cases, pretreatment MLD increased from 0.51 ± 0.26 to 2.36 ± 0.59 mm postdebulking and 19.9 ± 7.6 mg of tissue was retrieved. In human cases, pretreatment MLD increased from 0.8 ± 0.4 to 2.2 ± 0.5 mm postdebulking and 15.2 ± 7.8 mg of tissue was retrieved without complications. These data show that the SilverHawk System may offer significant utility in treating a wide variety of complex coronary lesions. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:35–43. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of a very large patent ductus arteriosus in a pregnant woman at 22 weeks of gestation
Authors: Kanter Joshua P. , Hellenbrand William E. , Pass Robert H.
Published: December 2003

Successful transcatheter closure of a large PDA in a pregnant patient is reported using the Amplatzer ductal occluder device. This procedure was safe and uncomplicated, obviating the need for surgery in this high risk patient. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:140–143. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Role of Children in Eastern European Families
Authors: Robila Mihaela , Krishnakumar Ambika
Published: December 2003

This study examines the additive effect of attitudes towards gender roles and importance of marriage on the centrality of children in seven East European countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, the former East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia, and Slovenia using the data from the 1994 International Social Science Survey (ISSP). Results support country related differences in participants' attitudes about gender roles, marriage and children. The results show former East Germany as being the most egalitarian country, Bulgaria and Hungary as the most traditional ones, and Poland, Slovenia, Russia and Czech Republic in between. A model of the dynamics among attitudes towards gender roles, importance of marriage and the centrality of children was tested for the goodness‐of‐fit using structural equation models (AMOS 4.0) techniques by the method of maximum likelihood. The goodness‐of‐fit provided evidence that the hypothesised model was stable. The results indicated that attitudes towards gender roles and marriage have a strong impact on attitudes toward children.
Perceptions of child abuse: a comparison of three professional groups in Japan
Authors: Segal Uma A. , Iwai Yoshiko
Published: December 2003

Japan passed its Child Abuse Prevention Act on 20 November 2000. In these early years following the passage of this Act, it is especially important to attempt to define what constitutes child abuse. Definitions and practical responses may be coloured by perceptions of service providers, and since professional culture is believed to influence individuals, this study compared the perceptions of (a) social workers, (b) physicians, (c) lawyers, and (d) the general public. Results suggested less disagreement in perceptions than was anticipated. When differences were observed, they were correlated more frequently with age and gender rather than with profession.
By private arrangement? safeguarding the welfare of private foster children
Authors: Bostock Lisa
Published: December 2003

A key characteristic of debates on caring for children has been the distinction made between the public and the private or formal and informal sector of care. In particular, the impact on adult relationships of the material, emotional and moral dimensions of this division has been highlighted. What are the implications for children, however, of regarding the child care arrangements made by adults as private affairs between parent and provider? This paper reviews research on childminding registration to assess whether a similar system would regulate private fostering arrangements and thereby protect a hitherto neglected group of vulnerable children, private foster children.
A young female patient with anorexia nervosa complicated by Mycobacterium szulgai pulmonary infection
Authors: Hotta Mari , Minami Yuichiro , Itoda Ichiro , Yoshimori Kozo , Takano Kazue
Published: December 2003

Objective

Pulmonary infection with a rare atypical mycobacterium, Mycobacterium szulgai, was discovered during the treatment of anorexia nervosa in a 21‐year‐old Japanese woman without preexisting pulmonary disease. She had a long history of low body weight below 35kg.

Methods

On admission, she was examined. She weighed 23kg and presented with hypoproteinemia, decreased levels of rapid turnover proteins, liver dysfunction, and decreased serum level of insulin‐like growth factor‐I.

Results

Although she had had neither clinical symptom specific for mycobacterium pulmonary infection nor inflammatory data, a chest roentgenogram showed an infiltrative shadow with cavity formation in the right upper lung field. Isolated bacteria from sputum was acid‐fast bacilli and identified as M. szulgai using the DNA‐DNA hybridization method.

Discussion

In anorexia nervosa patients with a long history of severe malnutrition, special attention must be paid to the possibility of opportunistic infections, even in the absence of symptoms or inflammatory data. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 115–119, 2004.
Rating of figures used for body image assessment varies depending on the method of figure presentation
Authors: Doll Michelle , Ball Geoff D.C. , Willows Noreen D.
Published: December 2003

Objective

To determine the effect of method of figure presentation on figure rating scales used for body image assessment.

Methods

Ratings of current, ideal, and socially acceptable body sizes were elicited from 360 university students. Male and female figure drawings ranging from thin to obese were presented to subjects using one of three presentation methods. Figures were presented as an ordered array, an unordered array, or they were placed individually on cards that were fixed in order from thin to obese.

Results

Figure ratings were significantly different among methods for the selection of current and ideal figure and socially acceptable body sizes.

Discussion

The method of figure presentation had an influence on figure ratings. These findings suggest that the manner in which figures are presented to research participants for the evaluation of body image constructs may be responsible, in part, for the discordant results reported in the body image assessment literature. Future research is required to address potential reasons why the method of figure presentation results in different figure ratings. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 35: 109–114, 2004.
Calibration of an oscillating nozzle‐type rainfall simulator
Authors: Yu Bofu , Ciesiolka Cyril A. A. , Langford Paul
Published: December 2003

Nozzle‐type rainfall simulators are commonly used in hydrologic and soil erosion research. Simulated rainfall intensity, originating from the nozzle, increases as the distance between the point of measurement and the source is decreased. Hence, rainfall measured using rain gauges would systematically overestimate the rainfall received at the ground level. A simple model was developed to adjust rainfall measured anywhere under the simulator to plot‐wide average rainfall at the ground level. Nozzle height, plot width, gauge diameter and height, and gauge location are required to compute this adjustment factor. Results from 15 runs at different rain intensities and durations, and with different rain gauge layouts, showed that a simple average of measured rain would overestimate the plot‐wide rain by about 20 per cent. Using the adjustment factor to convert measured rainfall for individual gauges before averaging improved the estimate of plot‐wide rainfall considerably. For the 15 runs considered, overall discrepancy between actual and measured rain is reduced to less than 1 per cent with a standard error of 0·97 mm. This model can be easily tested in the ﬁeld by comparing rainfall depths of different sized gauges. With the adjustment factor they should all give very similar values. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A contemporary winter ground thermal profile in the Lesotho highlands and implications for active and relict soil frost phenomena
Authors: Sumner Paul
Published: December 2003

A 2 m deep ground thermal proﬁle is constructed from temperature data collected over the winter and spring of 2000 at 3220 m a.s.l. near the Thabana Ntlenyana summit (3482 m) in Lesotho, southern Africa. The zero isotherm is found to have penetrated to 0·16 m soil depth. Ground remained frozen at 0·05 m for a total of 79 days and for shorter periods at 0·02 m and 0·10 m. Diurnal freezing and thawing is restricted to the upper 0·10 m and conforms to the observed depth of active micro‐patterned ground found in the region. Holocene temperature depressions projected along the thermal proﬁle can account for freezing down to 0·45 to 0·65 m. Deeper sorting to 1 m, evident from relict patterned ground near the logger site, corresponds to at least a 2·5 °C temperature depression and such landforms are evidently pre‐Holocene. Projections indicate a seasonal freezing depth exceeding 2 m during the Pleistocene Last Glacial Maximum although the existence of permafrost appears unlikely. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weathering control over geomorphology of supermature Proterozoic Delhi quartzites of India
Authors: Tripathi Jayant K. , Rajamani V.
Published: December 2003

Quartz and quartzite are thought to be resistant as a mineral and a rock respectively; however, we have shown that the presence of small amounts of pyrite in the quartzites makes them vulnerable to weathering. We observe that weathering of Proterozoic quartzite in the semi‐arid conditions around Delhi proceeded from fractures towards the inside and produced weathering rinds. The chemical index of alteration (CIA), which is actually a measure of weathering of aluminosilicate minerals, increases from the core outwards, through the rinds. Although aluminosilicate minerals occur only as minor phases (<2 per cent), their weathering indicates a movement of the weathering front from the periphery towards the core. We have suggested a coupled mechanism in which the dissolution of pyrites by moving water produced a sulphate‐bearing acidic solution and ferrous iron, which reacted with aluminosilicate minerals and quartz, respectively. This initially makes the Delhi quartzite porous and subsequently friable. The total disintegration of grain to grain contacts imparted friability to this quartzite to produce silica sand. Subsequent physical erosion of loose sand, produced during rind development in the outermost zones, has given rise to features like tors, spheroids, gullies, cavities and small‐scale caves on these quartzites. Thus, the terrain has acquired ruggedness in semi‐arid conditions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The causes of bedload pulses in a gravel channel: the implications of bedload grain‐size distributions
Authors: Cudden Judith R. , Hoey Trevor B.
Published: December 2003

Unsteady bedload transport was measured in two c. 5 m wide anabranches of a gravel‐bed braided stream draining the Haut Glacier d'Arolla, Switzerland, during the 1998 and 1999 melt seasons. Bedload was directly sampled using 152 mm square Helley–Smith type samplers deployed from a portable measuring bridge, and independent transport rate estimates for the coarser size fractions were obtained from the dispersion of magnetically tagged tracer pebbles. Bedload transport time series show pulsing behaviour under both marginal (1998) and partial (1999) transport regimes. There are generally weak correlations between transport rates and shear stresses determined from velocity data recorded at the measuring bridge. Characteristic parameters of the bedload grain‐size distributions (D50, D84) are weakly correlated with transport rates. Analysis of full bedload grain‐size distributions reveals greater structure, with a tendency for transport to become less size selective at higher transport rates. The bedload time series show autoregressive behaviour but are difﬁcult to distinguish by this method. State–space plots, and associated measures of time‐series separation, reveal the structure of the time series more clearly. The measured pulses have distinctly different time‐series characteristics from those modelled using a one‐dimensional sediment routing model in which bed shear stress and grain size are varied randomly. These results suggest a mechanism of pulse generation based on irregular low‐amplitude bedforms, that may be generated in‐channel or may represent the advection of material supplied by bank erosion events. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mineral accumulations induced by biological activity on granitic rocks in Qinghai Plateau, China
Authors: Arocena J. M. , Zhu L. P. , Hall K.
Published: December 2003

Fragments of weathered granitic rocks from the Kunlun Shan, Qinghai Plateau (China) were investigated to elucidate the inﬂuence of biotic crusts on the breakdown of granitic rocks in an alpine environment. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive system and X‐ray diffractometry were used to describe the nature and properties of mineral accumulations on the rock surface. Results showed that organic salts such as calcium oxalate and calcium formate are associated with Aspicilia caesiocinera (Nyl.ex Malbr.) Arnold, Caloplaca sp., Xanthoria elegans (Link) Th.Fr., and Lecidea plana (Lahm) Nyl. Secondary accumulations of 2 : 1 clays minerals are found in A. caesiocinera while oxides of manganese are associated with X. elegans. Coatings of goethite (iron oxides) are believed to form from biological activity associated with the presence of hyphae and rodlet structures on the ﬂakes. Calcium oxalate crystallizes into several morphologies such as druse, hexagonal plates, and lenticular containing between 20 and 48 per cent calcium by weight. Calcium formate and iron oxide (goethite) occur together in the form of ‘red’ desert varnish. Observed ‘black’ coatings contain as much as 37 per cent manganese and 22 per cent iron. Clay accumulations have plate‐like morphology and contain c. 2 : 1 silicon to aluminium contents. We argue that organic acids from the activities of biotic crusts contribute to the breakdown of granitic rocks. Fungi accelerate the breakdown of granitic rocks through the growth of fungal hyphae along the 001 cleavage planes in primary chloritic minerals. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.