bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Basic Prehospital Trauma Life Support Program on Cognitive and Trauma Management Skills
Authors: Ali Jameel , Adam Rasheed , Josa David , Pierre Ian , Bedsaysie Henry , West Undine , Winn Jennifer , Ali Ernest , Haynes Beresford
Published: August 2002

We tested the effectiveness of a basic prehospital trauma life support (PHTLS) program by assessing cognitive performance and trauma management skills among prehospital trauma personnel. Fourteen subjects who completed a standard PHTLS course (group I) were compared to a matched group not completing a PHTLS program (group II). Cognitive performance was assessed on 50‐item multiple choice examinations, and trauma skills management was assessed with four simulated trauma patients. Pre‐PHTLS multiple choice questionnaire scores were similar (45.8 ± 9.4% vs. 48.8 ± 8.9% for groups I and II, respectively), but the post‐PHTLS scores were higher in group I (80.4 ± 5.9%) than in group II (52.6 ± 4.9%). Pre‐PHTLS simulated trauma patient performance scores (standardized to a maximum total of 20 for each station) were similar at all four stations for both groups, ranging from 7.9 to 10.4. The post‐PHTLS scores were statistically significantly higher at all four stations for group I (range 16.0–19.0) compared to those for group II (range 8.0–11.1). The overall mean pre‐PHTLS score for all four stations was 8.3 ± 2.1 for group I and 8.8 ± 2.0 (NS) for group II; the group I post‐PHTLS mean score for the four stations was 17.1 ± 2.7 (
p < 0.05) compared to 9.1 ± 2.3 for group II. Pre‐PHTLS Adherence to Priority scores on a scale of 1 to 7 were similar (1.1 ± 0.9 for group I and 1.2 ± 1.0 for group II). Post‐PHTLS group I Priority scores increased to 5.9 ± 1.1. Group II (1.1 ± 1.0) did not improve their post‐PHTLS scores. The pre‐PHTLS Organized Approach scores in the simulated trauma patients on a scale of 1 to 5 were 2.1 ± 1.0 for group I and 1.9 ± 1.2 for group II (NS) compared to 4.2 ± 0.9 (p < 0.05) in group I and 2.0 ± 0.8 in group II after PHTLS. This study demonstrates improved cognitive and trauma management skills performance among prehospital paramedical personnel who complete the basic PHTLS program.
Adjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ghaneh Paula , Kawesha Anthony , Howes Nathan , Jones Lucie , Neoptolemos John P.
Published: August 2002

Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer death; and despite advances in the standards of surgery and supportive care, the median and long‐term survival rates have not shown similar dramatic improvements. Techniques such as radical surgery alone cannot guarantee a cure. Previous work with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer has indicated a role for adjuvant therapy for patients with resectable tumors. The main modalities that have been assessed are based on the Gastrointestinal Tumour Study Group (GITSG) results using 5‐fluorouracil chemotherapy, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), or both. Alternative approaches such as neoadjuvant therapy have been used, which may increase the number of patients suitable for resection; and regional therapy techniques have been used to increase the therapeutic potential by concentrating agents to the tumor bed. The results of single or combination therapy do show some improvement in survival but have been limited in most cases to retrospective nonrandomized series of patients. Therefore the results must be assessed as such. There are several large randomized trials that will deliver definitive answers in the near future as to whether conventional adjuvant therapy is effective. New approaches using novel agents for advanced disease are currently being assessed, and they may eventually identify the most appropriate and effective agents to use for pancreatic cancer in the adjuvant setting.
Surgical Treatment of Postpneumonic Empyema
Authors: Angelillo‐Mackinlay Tomas , Lyons Gustavo A. , Piedras Miguel Barboza , Angelillo‐Mackinlay Diego
Published: August 2002

Postpneumonic empyema complicates 5% of all pneumonia cases. The loculated fibrinopurulent stage cannot be resolved by drainage tube insertion alone; it requires a débriding limited thoracotomy. Recent reports of series seem to indicate that video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) can replace thoracotomy advantageously. Eighty‐six cases of postpneumonic empyema were operated on in our institution during the last 12 years: 33 cases (group I) using limited thoracotomy (1985–1991) and 53 by VATS (1992–1996). Data were collected prospectively for group II and retrospectively for the first group. The two populations were comparable in age, gender, stage of disease, and co‐morbid status. There were no significant differences between the groups. VATS débridement for loculated fibrinopurulent postpneumonic empyema offers better results than thoracotomy in terms of resolution of the disease and length of stay in hospital. It also seems to be more advantageous, resulting in fewer surgical sequelae, lower cost, less labor impediment, and better cosmesis.
Current Status of Thoracoscopic Lung Volume Reduction
Authors: Krucylak Peter E. , Keller Cesar A. , Naunheim Keith S.
Published: August 2002

Surgical therapy has recently been reintroduced for the treatment of emphysema, and a number of investigators have used video‐assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) techniques to accomplish lung volume reduction. The published reports differ with regard to patient selection, preoperative preparation, operative approach, and surgical technique. The results of these reports are reviewed and compared. Thoracoscopic lung volume reduction appears to be a useful part of the surgeon's armamentarium in managing patients with severe pulmonary emphysema.
Intraoperative Ultrasonography versus Helical Computed Tomography and Computed Tomography with Arterioportography in Diagnosing Colorectal Liver Metastases: Lesion‐by‐lesion Analysis
Authors: Schmidt Johannes , Strotzer Markus , Fraunhofer Stefan , Boedeker Herman , Zirngibl Hubert
Published: August 2002

Helical computed tomography with arterioportography (CTAP) and intraoperative sonography (IOUS) are both recognized to be extremely sensitive in the detection of liver metastases measuring <2 cm in diameter. As sensitivity and specificity values for both techniques differ significantly in the literature and in default of sufficient published data regarding this subject, a lesion‐by‐lesion analysis was considered necessary. Accuracy of IOUS was compared with helical computed tomography (CT) and portal‐phase contrast enhancement (CTAP) in the preoperative detection of liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma projected as a prospective blinded study. Cost efficiency should be determined. Liver CTAP and IOUS were evaluated in 33 patients with colorectal carcinoma. Metastases were resected in 10 cases, and the remaining 23 patients were observed for follow‐up with CT investigations every 3 months for a period of 1 year. CTAP and IOUS detected all 13 lesions measuring 5–10 mm (13/13). One metastasis measuring >10 mm was missed by IOUS. CTAP presented an ideal sensitivity of 100%, but specificity was as low as 68%. IOUS sensitivity was 98% and specificity was 95%. IOUS and CTAP are of comparable value regarding the detection of liver metastases <10 mm. Both techniques may be used if resections of synchronous or metachronous metastases are planned in order not to miss limiting small lesions and to prevent superfluous liver surgery. Helical CT scan with dynamic intravenous contrast enhancement is considered the most cost‐effective preoperative staging method, although local staging may not be achieved because of insufficient intraabdominal survey.
Repeated Clinical and Laboratory Examinations in Patients with an Equivocal Diagnosis of Appendicitis
Authors: Andersson Roland E. , Hugander Anders , Ravn Hans , Offenbartl Karsten , Ghazi Sam H. , Nyström Per Olof , Olaison Gunnar
Published: August 2002

In‐hospital observation with repeated clinical examinations is commonly used in patients with an equivocal diagnosis of appendicitis. It is not known if repeated measurements of temperature and laboratory examinations have any diagnostic importance in this situation. The importance of repeated measurements of the body temperature, white blood cell (WBC) and differential cell counts, C‐reactive protein concentration (CRP) and of the surgeon's repeated assessments was prospectively analyzed in 420 patients with an equivocal diagnosis of appendicitis at admission who were reexamined after a median of 6 hours of observation. The final diagnosis was appendicitis in 137 patients. After observation the inflammatory response was increasing among patients with appendicitis and decreasing among patients without appendicitis. The variables discriminating power for appendicitis consequently increased, from an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.56 to 0.77 at admission, to 0.75 to 0.85 after observation. The ROC area of the surgeons' clinical assessment increased from 0.69 to 0.89. The WBC and differential cell counts were the best discriminators at the repeat examination. The change in the variables between the observations had weak discriminating power and had no additional importance in addition to the actual level at the repeat examination. To conclude, the diagnostic information of the temperature and laboratory examinations increased after observation. Repeated controls of the body temperature and laboratory examinations are therefore useful in the management of patients with equivocal signs of appendicitis, but the result of the examinations must be integrated with the clinical assessment.
The Grieving Process of Japanese Mothers who have Lost a Child to Cancer, Part I: Adjusting to Life after Losing a Child
Authors: Saiki-Craighill Shigeko
Published: August 2002

This study describes what Japanese mothers experience after losing a child to cancer. Twenty-four Japanese women who had lost a child to cancer were interviewed periodically, and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that the mothers experienced a numbing of emotions that was followed by a grieving period that included depression and difficulties dealing with the outside world. As they moved out of depression, however, the mothers started changing their emotional state, recognizing the positive aspects of their experience, and feeling that they were able to control their situations and that their deceased children were “all right.” As a result, they constructed a story of their children's lives and deaths in relation to their own lives. The waves of sadness that they experienced continued but gradually stabilized.
Femoral Medullary Infarction Secondary to Canine Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Sebestyen Peter , Marcellin‐Little DENIS J. , Deyoung Bonnie A.
Published: August 2002

Objective—To evaluate the prevalence of femoral intramedullary infarction after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to determine whether any specific femoral morphology predisposes to bone infarction.

Study Design—Retrospective clinical study.

Sample Population—All dogs from our hospital population undergoing THA between 1984 and 1997 with radiographic follow‐up available at 1 year or more postoperatively.

Methods—A case control study was conducted within the THA group to determine risk factors predisposing to femoral infarction after THA. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed. Data were collected on clinical parameters, femoral morphology, prosthesis, and bone changes. Radiographic diagnosis was confirmed using histopathology in 11 femora. Radiographs of 50 age‐matched control dogs weighing more than 20 kg with coxofemoral degenerative joint disease were randomly chosen to determine the prevalence of bone infarction in nonoperated dogs.

Results—Ninety‐one dogs with 110 THA were included in the study. Fifteen of the 110 femora with THA had radiographic evidence of infarction (14%). Infarction was not present in any femora in the control group. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infarction between dogs that received cemented or uncemented prostheses. Clinical signs were not reported in any patient that developed femoral infarction. Young age (P = .03) and a distance between the greater trochanter and nutrient foramen greater than 79 mm (P = .008) predisposed dogs to femoral infarction. Over time, three infarcts decreased in size radiographically, five remained unchanged, and three expanded. An osteosarcoma developed at the site of a bone infarct in one dog.

Conclusion—Femoral intramedullary infarction occurred in 15 of 110 THA. Young age at the time of THA and a greater distance between the greater trochanter and the nutrient foramen predisposed to infarction.

Clinical Relevance—Intramedullary infarction occurs after canine THA. These bone infarcts do not appear to cause clinical signs; however, they may present a diagnostic challenge. Malignant transformation could potentially result from medullary infarction.
Effects of Superior Check Desmotomy on Flexor Tendon and Suspensory Ligament Strain in Equine Cadaver Limbs
Authors: Alexander Guy R. , Gibson Katherine T. , Day Robert E. , Robertson Ian D.
Published: August 2002

Objective—To measure the effects of transection of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor (SDF) muscle (superior check desmotomy) on flexor tendon and suspensory ligament (SL) strain in vitro.

Study Design—In vitro experimental biomechanical investigation.

Animals Used—Ten equine cadaver forelimbs.

Methods—The effects of superior check desmotomy were determined using equine cadaver forelimbs secured in a servocontrolled hydraulic testing machine. Strain sensors were used to measure strain on the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and SL, and a goniometer was used to measure joint angles when the limb was loaded at 890 N and 3,115 N before desmotomy, and at 3,115 N after desmotomy.

Results—Superior check desmotomy was associated with significantly increased strains on the SDF tendon and SL, and significant alterations in the angles of the metacarpophalangeal and carpal joints.

Conclusions—The superior check ligament has an important role in maintaining joint angles and load distribution in the forelimb. Lengthening of the SDF musculotendinous unit after superior check desmotomy may be associated with increased strain on the SL.

Clinical Relevance—Transection of the accessory ligament of the SDF muscle may predispose horses to SL desmitis postoperatively.
Laparoscopic Ovariectomy Using Sequential Electrocoagulation and Sharp Transection of the Equine Mesovarium
Authors: Rodgerson Dwayne H. , Belknap James K. , Wilson David A.
Published: August 2002

Objective—To describe in horses and ponies a laparoscopic ovariectomy technique facilitated by electrosurgical instrumentation.

Study Design—Elective ovariectomy was performed in 23 mares using laparoscopic electrosurgical instrumentation.

Animals or Sample Population—Twenty‐three mares (13 horses, 10 ponies), aged from 2 to 21 years and weighing 90 to 545 kg.

Methods—Food was withheld for a minimum of 12 hours. Mares were sedated with detomidine hydrochloride (0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg) or xylazine hydrochloride (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg). Excluding the pony mares, all other mares were restrained in stocks. Portal sites in the paralumbar fossa region were desensitized with 2% mepivacaine. Abdominal insufflation was achieved through a teat cannula positioned in the ventral abdomen or a Verres‐type needle placed through the paralumbar fossa. After trocar and laparoscope insertion, the ipsilateral ovary and mesovarium were identified, and the mesovarium, tubal membrane, and proper ligament were infiltrated with 2% mepivacaine. The mesovarium was coagulated using bipolar or monopolar electrosurgical forceps and transected sequentially from cranial to caudal until the ovary was completely freed and then removed. The contralateral ovary was removed in a similar fashion through the opposite paralumbar fossa.

Results—Bipolar and monopolar electrosurgical forceps were easy to use and provided adequate coagulation of vessels within the mesovarium. Two mares were euthanatized after the procedure for unrelated reasons. One mare had mild signs of colic 24 hours after ovariectomy. In 1 pony mare, the incision used to remove one ovary dehisced on the 5th postoperative day and was allowed to heal by second‐intention. No long‐term complications had occurred in 11 horses and 10 ponies, 6 to 24 months after surgery.

Conclusion—Laparoscopic ovariectomy and hemostasis of the mesovarium can be easily accomplished using electrosurgical instrumentation.

Clinical Relevance—Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy, using electrosurgical instrumentation, is an effective and safe technique to provide hemostasis of the mesovarium in mares.
Trade typhoon over Japan: Turbulence metaphor and spatial production cycles feedback loops of the Japanese economy, 1980–85–90
Authors: Sonis M. , Hedwings G. J. D. , Okuyama Y.
Published: August 2002

This paper deals with the turbulence similitude between whirlpool structure of atmosphere disturbances and the spatial production cycles. Such an analogy leads to the production cycles feedback loops superposition analysis of trade feedbacks reflecting the economic phenomena of horizontal and vertical trade specifications. Moreover, the visualization of this process is achieved with the help of coloring the different permutation matrices presenting the hierarchy of production cycles feedback loops. In this manner the qualitative presentation of Japan inter‐regional and inter‐industry trade, 1980–85–90, is visualized and interpreted.
Generalized Inclusive Forms—New Canonical Reed‐Muller Forms Including Minimum ESOPs
Authors: Chrzanowska-Jeske Malgorzata , Mishchenko Alan , Perkowski Marek
Published: August 2002

This paper describes two families of canonical Reed‐Muller forms, called inclusive forms (IFs) and their generalization, the generalized inclusive forms (GIFs), which include minimum ESOPs for any Boolean function. We outline the hierarchy of known canonical forms, in particular, pseudo‐generalized Kronecker forms (PGKs), which led us to the discovery of the new families. Next, we introduce special binary trees, called the S/D trees, which underlie IFs and permit their enumeration. We show how to generate IFs and GIFs and prove that GIFs include minimum ESOPs. Finally, we present the results of computer experiments, which show that GIFs reduce the search space for minimum ESOP by several orders of magnitude, and this reduction grows exponentially with the number of variables.
Circuit Synthesis from Fibonacci Decision Diagrams
Authors: Stanković Radomir S. , Astola Jaakko , Stanković Milena , Egiazarian Karen
Published: August 2002

In decision diagrams (DDs) methods for circuit synthesis, it is possible to directly transfer a DD for a given function f into a network realizing f by the replacement of non‐terminal nodes in the DD with the corresponding circuit modules.

The chief bottleneck of mapping a DD into a network is the inherent feature that the depth of the network produced, is equal to the number of variables in f . For this reason, it is proposed a method for small depth circuit synthesis through reachability matrices describing connections among the nodes in the DD for f.

In this paper, we first generalized DD methods for circuit design to Fibonacci interconnection topologies through the Fibonacci decision diagrams (FibDDs). Then, we extended the small depth circuit synthesis method to FibDDs. In this way, design methods through DDs are completely transferred from Boolean to Fibonacci topologies.
Foundations for Applications of Gibbs Derivatives in Logic Design and VLSI
Authors: Stanković Radomir S. , Stanković Milena , Creutzburg Reiner
Published: August 2002

New technologies and increased requirements for performances of digital systems require new mathematical theories and tools as a basis for future VLSI CAD systems. New or alternative mathematical approaches and concepts must be suitable to solve some concrete problems in VLSI and efficient algorithms for their efficient application should be provided. This paper is an attempt in this direction and relates with the recently renewed interest in arithmetic expressions for switching functions, instead representations in Boolean structures, and spectral techniques and differential operators in switching theory and applications.

Logic derivatives are efficiently used in solving different tasks in logic design, as for example, fault detection, functional decomposition, detection of symmetries and co‐symmetries of logic functions, etc. Their application is based on the property that by differential operators, we can measure the rate of change of a logic function. However, by logic derivatives, we can hardly distinguish the direction of the change of the function, since they are defined in finite algebraic structures.

Gibbs derivatives are a class of differential operators on groups, which applied to logic functions, permit to overcome this disadvantage of logic derivatives. Therefore, they may be useful in logic design in the same areas where the logic derivatives have been already using. For such applications, it is important to provide fast algorithms for calculation of Gibbs derivatives on finite groups efficiently in terms of space and time.

In this paper, we discuss the methods for efficient calculation of Gibbs derivatives. These methods should represent a basis for further applications of these and related operators in VLSI CAD systems.
Spectral Testing of Digital Circuits
Authors: Falkowski Bogdan J.
Published: August 2002

Fault detection techniques using data compression methods have evolved during the last few years. Considerable work using individual Walsh spectral coefficients has been reported. In this paper, the application of spectral methods in testing of digital circuits with the emphasis on their usage for both input and output test compaction of digital circuits is described. Two closely related testing methods are discussed: syndrome testing and spectral testing as well as an overview of syndrome‐testing and syndrome‐testable design is presented. The necessary background and notation on Walsh spectral coefficients as well as their meaning in classical logic terms is shown.
A Novel, Automatic Quality Control Scheme for Real Time Image Transmission
Authors: Ramachandran S. , Srinivasan S.
Published: August 2002

A novel scheme to compute energy on‐the‐fly and thereby control the quality of the image frames dynamically is presented along with its FPGA implementation. This scheme is suitable for incorporation in image compression systems such as video encoders. In this new scheme, processing is automatically stopped when the desired quality is achieved for the image being processed by using a concept called pruning. Pruning also increases the processing speed by a factor of more than two when compared to the conventional method of processing without pruning. An MPEG‐2 encoder implemented using this scheme is capable of processing good quality monochrome and color images of sizes up to 1024 × 768 pixels at the rate of 42 and 28 frames per second, respectively, with a compression ratio of over 17:1. The encoder is also capable of working in the fixed pruning level mode with user programmable features.
Multidimensional NMR Methods for Protein Structure Determination
Authors: Kanelis Voula , Forman‐Kay Julie D. , Kay Lewis E.
Published: August 2002

Structural studies of proteins are critical for understanding biological processes at the molecular level. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for obtaining structural and dynamic information on proteins and protein‐ligand complexes. In the present review, methodologies for NMR structure determination of proteins and macromolecular complexes are described. In addition, a number of recent advances that reduce the molecular weight limitations previously imposed on NMR studies of biomolecules are discussed, highlighting applications of these technologies to protein systems studied in our laboratories.
Ligands and Signaling Through Receptor‐Type Tyrosine Phosphatases
Authors: Bixby John L.
Published: August 2002

Virtually every aspect of cellular proliferation and differentiation is regulated by changes in tyrosine phosphorylation. Tyrosine phosphorylation, in turn, is controlled by the opposing activities of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). PTKs are often transmembrane proteins (receptor PTKs) whose enzymatic activities and signaling functions are tightly regulated by the binding of specific ligands. A variety of transmembrane PTPs has also been identified; these proteins are called receptor PTPs (RPTPs), but in most cases their roles as receptors are very poorly understood. This review discusses the evidence that RPTPs are actually receptors for extrinsic ligands, and the extent to which interactions with putative ligands are known or suspected to cause changes in enzymatic activity. Finally, some of the RPTP substrates believed to be physiologically important are described. The evidence gathered to date suggests that models derived from studies of receptor PTKs may be too simple to account for the diversity and complexity of mechanisms through which ligand binding controls RPTP function.
Vitamin E 80th Anniversary: A Double Life, Not Only Fighting Radicals
Authors: Ricciarelli Roberta , Zingg Jean‐Marc , Azzi Angelo
Published: August 2002

Recent research on α‐tocopherol has revealed specific cellular functions of this compound belonging to the vitamin E family. α‐Tocopherol can act as a radical scavenger, as a pro‐oxidant, as an anti‐alkylation agent and, most important, by mechanisms that are independent of the above properties. To the last group belong protein kinase C and 5‐lipoxygenase inhibition at post‐translational level, as well as α‐tocopherol activation of protein phosphatase 2A and diacylglycerol kinase. Furthermore, at transcriptional level, several genes (CD36, α‐TTP, α‐tropomyosin, and collagenase) are modulated by α8‐tocopherol. These effects result in inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation, platelet aggregation, and monocyte adhesion and may be related to the alleged protection of atherosclerosis by vitamin E. On the other side, epidemiological and intervention studies have shown some inconsistent results. Rather than disregarding vitamin E as a means to protect against atherosclerosis progression, it would be wiser to better design clinical trials based on current knowledge of the biological properties of the molecule.
Human Heart Cytosolic Reductases and Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Mordente Alvaro , Meucci Elisabetta , Martorana Giuseppe Ettore , Giardina Bruno , Minotti Giorgio
Published: August 2002

Anthracyclines are a class of antitumor drugs widely used for the treatment of a variety of malignancy, including leukemias, lymphomas, sarcomas, and carcinomas. Different mechanisms have been proposed for anthracycline antitumor effects including freeradical generation, DNA intercalation/binding, activation of signaling pathways, inhibition of topoisomerase II and apoptosis. A life‐threatening form of cardiomyopathy hampers the clinical use of anthracyclines. According to the prevailing hypothesis, anthracyclines injure the heart by generating damaging free radicals through iron‐catalyzed redox cycling. Although the “iron and freeradical hypothesis” can explain some aspects of anthracycline acute toxicity, it is nonetheless disappointing when referred to chronic cardiomyopathy. An alternative hypothesis implicates C‐13 alcohol metabolites of anthracyclines as mediators of myocardial contractile dysfunction (“metabolite hypothesis”). Hydroxy metabolites are formed upon two‐electron reduction of the C‐13 carbonyl group in the side chain of anthracyclines by cytosolic NADPH‐dependent reductases. Anthracycline alcohol metabolites can affect myocardial energy metabolism, ionic gradients, and Ca 2+ movements, ultimately impairing cardiac contraction and relaxation. In addition, alcohol metabolites can impair cardiac intracellular iron handling and homeostasis, by delocalizing iron from the [4Fe‐4S] cluster of cytoplasmic aconitase. Chronic cardiotoxicity induced by C‐13 alcohol metabolite might be primed by oxidative stress generated by anthracycline redox cycling (“unifying hypothesis”). Putative cardioprotective strategies should be aimed at decreasing C‐13 alcohol metabolite production by means of efficient inhibitors of anthracycline reductases, as short‐chain coenzyme Q analogs and chalcones that compete with anthracyclines for the enzyme active site, or by developing novel anthracyclines less susceptible to reductive metabolism.
Singlet Oxygen Quantum Yields of Different Photosensitizers in Polar Solvents and Micellar Solutions
Authors: SPILLER WOLFGANG , KLIESCH HOLGER , WÖHRLE DIETER , HACKBARTH STEFFEN , RÖDER BEATE , SCHNURPFEIL GüNTER
Published: August 2002

The singlet oxygen luminescence method and the photochemical methods using 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran ( DPBF ) or bilirubin ditaurate ( BDT ) as chemical quenchers were employed to determine the single oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ) of different phthalocyanines and tris(2,2″-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) dichloride in dimethylformamide ( DMF ) or aqueous micellar solution of 0.1 M CTAC (cetyltrimethylammonium chloride). Additionally, a perylenetetracarboxylic acid diimide derivative was examined in DMF . In a series of tetrasulfonated phthalocyanines ( PTS ) the following order was found: ZnPTS > GaPTS > AlPTS ≈ H2PTS > CoPTS . In general, the singlet oxygen quantum yields are higher in DMF than in 0.1 M CTAC/H2O . The results obtained with the photochemical systems are comparable with those obtained by the photophysical method.

The photochemical DPBF method results in absolute values of ΦΔ. However, in micellar solution, chain reactions occur when DPBF is used as chemical quencher in the photo-oxidative process. This problem can be overcome by adding sodium thiosulphate which is able to destroy the endoperoxide initially formed. BDT can be used as quencher in different solvents to determine ΦΔrelative to a photosensitizer with known singlet oxygen quantum yield in the respective solvent.

In comparison to the chemical methods the luminescence method exhibits the advantage that side reactions of the quencher are excluded. But normally the ΦΔvalues obtained are relative to a reference, since absolute determinations need much larger efforts.
Accurate Prediction of Protein Functional Class from Sequence in theMycobacterium tuberculosisandEscherichia coliGenomes Using Data Mining
Authors: King Ross D. , Karwath Andreas , Clare Amanda , Dehaspe Luc
Published: August 2002

The analysis of genomics data needs to become as automated as its generation. Here we present a novel data-mining approach to predicting protein functional class from sequence. This method is based on a combination of inductive logic programming clustering and rule learning. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on theM. tuberculosisandE. coligenomes, and identify biologically interpretable rules which predict protein functional class from information only available from the sequence. These rules predict 65% of the ORFs with no assigned function inM. tuberculosisand 24% of those inE. coli, with an estimated accuracy of 60–80% (depending on the level of functional assignment). The rules are founded on a combination of detection of remote homology, convergent evolution and horizontal gene transfer. We identify rules that predict protein functional class even in the absence of detectable sequence or structural homology. These rules give insight into the evolutionary history ofM. tuberculosisandE. coli.
Carbohydrate metabolism in porphyria
Authors: WOLFF CARLOS , KRAUSE PAULINA , PUIG AMAYA , PARRAGUEZ ADRIANA , ARMAS RODOLFO
Published: August 2002

A high proportion of patients with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) show a hyperinsulinemic response to the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) attributed to the hepatopathy also frequent in this disease. We propose that hyperinsulinemia is the main feature and source of carbohydrate metabolic alterations present in both chronic and acute types of porphyria. In order to verify this hypothesis, the insulinemic response to the OGTT was studied in 12 healthy controls, 18 PCT patients and 14 patients with acute types of porphyria. Of the PCT patients, 22% showed an altered response to the OGTT, in agreement with other authors. The frequency of altered hyperinsulinemic response in PCT patients was similar to that in acute-type porphyria patients. However, the intensity of this alteration was significantly higher in PCT than in acute-type porphyria patients. Among the PCT patients with hyperinsulinemic response, some showed evidence of hepatic damage, while others did not. On the other hand, patients with acute types of porphyria and chronic hepatic damage, demonstrated by histology procedures, did not show the hyperinsulinemic phenomenon. In summary, both PCT and acute-type porphyria patients show a higher frequency of hyperinsulinemic response to the OGTT than the general population. This hyperinsulinemic response cannot be attributed to concomitant hepatic damage, but hepatopathy can intensify the insulinemic response.
Frequent occurrence of anticardiolipin antibodies, Factor V Leiden mutation, and perturbed endothelial function in chronic myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Jensen Morten Krogh , de Nully Brown Peter , Thorsen Sixtus , Hasselbalch Hans Carl
Published: August 2002

Chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) are characterized by a high incidence of thrombohaemorrhagic complications, possibly related to platelet abnormalities and disturbances of the coagulation system. In an attempt to define abnormalities in coagulation and fibrinolysis, we investigated risk markers for venous thromboembolism, fibrinolytic, and haemostatic system activation markers and antiphospholipid antibodies in blood samples from 50 MPD patients and 30 controls. Compared with controls median levels of protein S free and protein C were significantly decreased in the patients (0.27 vs. 0.38 arbitrary units; P < 0.001 and 0.86 vs. 0.99 arbitrary units; P < 0.001, respectively), and activated partial thromboplastin time was significantly prolonged in patients (33 vs. 27 sec; P < 0.001). No differences were observed in levels of antithrombin, thrombin–antithrombin complex, and fibrin D‐dimer. In patients the median value of thrombomodulin was significantly increased indicating perturbed endothelial function. Anticardiolipin antibodies of IgM subtype (median 38 U/mL, 33–99) were detected in 11 patients (22%) and only in one control (3%) (P < 0.021; patients vs. controls). Seven patients were heterozygous for the Factor V Leiden, one patient was heterozygous for the prothrombin G20210A mutation, and one patient was homozygous for the Factor V Leiden mutation. Among controls, two were heterozygous for the Factor V Leiden mutation. Comparing the allele frequency of the Factor V Leiden mutation in patients with MPD and the background population disclosed a significantly increased allele prevalence of the Factor V Leiden mutation in the patients (9% vs. 3.4%; P = 0.003). Alterations in the level of anticoagulant proteins, disturbances of endothelial cell function, and the presence of cardiolipin antibodies and Factor V Leiden mutation may increase the cumulative thrombotic risk in MPD besides the risk imposed by platelet activation. Am. J. Hematol. 69:185–191, 2002.© 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do the acute platelet responses of patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) to IV anti‐D and to IV gammaglobulin predict response to subsequent splenectomy?
Authors: Bussel James B. , Kaufmann Craig P. , Ware Russell E. , Woloski B.M.R.
Published: August 2002

The acute platelet response to Intravenous Gammaglobulin (IVIG) has been reported to predict response to subsequent splenectomy of patients with ITP. The current study was undertaken to determine if the platelet response to IV anti‐D (Winrho‐SDF) predicts response to subsequent splenectomy. The 61 HIV‐uninfected children and adults in this study had taken part in the pre‐licensing studies of IV anti‐D and were all those who not only had evaluable platelet responses to IV anti‐D but also had undergone splenectomy and had information available describing its 1‐year outcome. Results of treatment with IVIG were available in 38 of these 61 patients. Neither response to the initial infusion of IV anti‐D, nor response to the initial or last IVIG, predicted the response in either children or adults to subsequent splenectomy. However, response to the last anti‐D infusion in adults was strongly correlated (P = 0.003) to response to subsequent splenectomy as was hemolysis ≥2.0 gm/dl after IV anti‐D (P = 0.03). There was no overall relationship between response to IV anti‐D or IVIG, and response to subsequent splenectomy. However, a good platelet response in adults to the last IV anti‐D and a hemoglobin decrease ≥2.0 gm/dl both appeared to predict response to subsequent splenectomy. Am. J. Hematol. 67:27–33, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reversible sideroblastic anemia associated with the tetracycline analogue COL‐3
Authors: Rudek Michelle A. , Horne McDonald , Figg William D. , Dahut William , Dyer Valerie , Pluda James M. , Reed Eddie
Published: August 2002

Eight of 35 patients with cancer receiving COL‐3, a tetracycline derivative with antiangiogenic properties, developed anemia while on treatment. All of these patients were enrolled on an approved Phase I clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute. Three of these patients had bone marrow examinations that revealed ringed sideroblasts. This paper describes these cases. Am. J. Hematol. 67:51–53, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone marrow aspiration, biopsy, and culture in the evaluation of HIV‐infected patients for invasive mycobacteria and histoplasma infections
Authors: Akpek Görgün , Lee Shing M. , Gagnon David R. , Cooley Timothy P. , Wright Daniel G.
Published: August 2002

Bone marrow (BM) aspiration and biopsy are used commonly in clinical practice to diagnose invasive tissue infections caused by Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAC), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), and Histoplasma capsulatum (HC) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV) infection. However, the value of these invasive procedures relative to other diagnostic approaches has not been clearly defined. To determine the value of BM culture and BM histology in the diagnosis of opportunistic MAC/TB and HC infections in immunosuppressed patients with HIV, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 56 adult patients with HIV who underwent a single BM aspiration, biopsy, and culture because of unexplained fever and/or other clinical features suggestive of MAC/TB or HC infection. Thirty‐two patients (57%) were ultimately diagnosed with MAC/TB or HC infection by positive cultures of BM, blood, sputum, or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or by the histologic detection of organisms in biopsies of BM or other tissues. The diagnostic sensitivity of BM cultures was equal to that of blood cultures (20/32, or 63%). Granuloma and/or histologically apparent organisms were seen in BM biopsy specimens in 11 of 32 individuals (34%) ultimately diagnosed with MAC/TB or HC infections. Among these 11 cases, both granuloma and acid‐fast staining organisms were found in the BM biopsy specimens of 2 individuals for whom both BM and blood cultures were negative. Certain clinical symptoms and signs at the time of BM examination were found by logistic regression analysis to be significantly associated with a subsequent diagnosis of MAC/TB or HC infections; these included high fever, long duration of febrile days prior to BM examination, and elevated direct bilirubin. In conclusion, while the diagnostic sensitivity of BM cultures was found to be no greater than that of blood cultures in detecting MAC/TB or HC infections in immunosuppressed HIV+ patients, histopathologic examination of BM specimens resulted in the relatively rapid identification of nearly one third of infected patients who underwent BM examination, and also identified infections in some patients who were culture negative. These findings support the continued use of BM aspiration, biopsy, and culture for the diagnosis of opportunistic MAC/TB or HC infections in immunosuppressed HIV+ patients, particularly when selected clinical features are present. Am. J. Hematol. 67:100–106, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Racial differences in prevalence of a supratypic HLA‐genetic marker immaterial to pre‐employment testing for susceptibility to chronic beryllium disease
Authors: Weston Ainsley , Ensey James , Kreiss Kathleen , Keshava Channa , McCanlies Erin
Published: August 2002

Background

A beryllium materials manufacturer is conducting a limited pilot program that offers testing for HLA‐DPβ1E69 with genetic counseling through a third party to applicants for employment. An important consideration in this regard is the prevalence of this marker in the general population, and its consequent positive predictive value of disease susceptibility.

Methods

Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses were used to determine HLA‐DPβ1E69 population frequencies. Estimation of positive predictive values assumed a disease frequency among beryllium workers of either 5 or 15% and used an odds ratio for disease risk of 35 for the HLA‐DPβ1E69 marker.

Results

Allelic/carrier frequencies were found to be 0.21/0.33, 0.24/0.40, 0.27/0.47, and 0.38/0.59 for Caucasians, African‐Americans, Hispanics, and Chinese, respectively. Ranges of positive predictive values for a genetic test based on HLA‐DPβ1E69 in these populations were calculated to be 8.3–14.3% for carriers with an assumed disease frequency of 5%. For high risk subgroups with disease frequencies of 15%, the range of positive predictive values was found to span between 24.9–43.0%.

Conclusions

These estimates suggest that using HLA‐DPβ1E69 genotyping for general pre‐employment screening in the beryllium industry has a low positive predictive value, which varies little among racial groups where carrier frequencies differ significantly. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:457–465, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational categories at risk for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kirkey Kandace L. , Johnson Christine Cole , Rybicki Benjamin A. , Peterson Edward L. , Kortsha Gene X. , Gorell Jay M.
Published: August 2002

Background

The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is considered to have a strong environmental component, but relatively few studies have investigated the potential association between occupation and the disease.

Methods

In a population‐based case‐control study, we collected comprehensive occupational histories from all study participants, 144 case and 464 control subjects.

Results

Chi‐square analysis revealed that working in an agricultural occupation increased estimated PD risk (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 0.85, 3.60). In contrast, a history of ever working in a service occupation was negatively associated with PD risk (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.47, 1.00). Risk estimates were close to one for specific service occupations. Adjusted odds ratios for all non‐service occupational and industrial categories were similar, and working in a service occupation was the only significant inverse predictor of PD risk.

Conclusions

Future investigations focusing on lifestyle factors and environmental exposures within the agricultural and service occupational categories are warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:564–571, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for the multigenic inheritance of schizophrenia
Authors: Freedman Robert , Leonard Sherry , Olincy Ann , Kaufmann Charles A. , Malaspina Dolores , Cloninger C. Robert , Svrakic Dragan , Faraone Stephen V. , Tsuang Ming T.
Published: August 2002

Schizophrenia is assumed to have complex inheritance because of its high prevalence and sporadic familial transmission. Findings of linkage on different chromosomes in various studies corroborate this assumption. It is not known whether these findings represent heterogeneous inheritance, in which various ethnic groups inherit illness through different major gene effects, or multigenic inheritance, in which affected individuals inherit several common genetic abnormalities. This study therefore examined inheritance of schizophrenia at different genetic loci in a nationally collected European American and African American sample. Seventy‐seven families were previously genotyped at 458 markers for the NIMH Schizophrenia Genetics Initiative. Initial genetic analysis tested a dominant model, with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, depressed type, as the affected phenotype. The families showed one genome‐wide significant linkage (Z = 3.97) at chromosome 15q14, which maps within 1 cM of a previous linkage at the α7‐nicotinic receptor gene. Chromosome 10p13 showed suggestive linkage (Z = 2.40). Six others (6q21, 9q32, 13q32, 15q24, 17p12, 20q13) were positive, with few differences between the two ethnic groups. The probability of each family transmitting schizophrenia through two genes is greater than expected from the combination of the independent segregation of each gene. Two trait‐locus linkage analysis supports a model in which genetic alleles associated with schizophrenia are relatively common in the general population and affected individuals inherit risk for illness through at least two different loci. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patient with rheumatoid arthritis and MCA/MR syndrome due to unbalanced der(18) transmission of a paternal translocation t(18;20)(p11.1;p11.1)
Authors: Czakó Márta , Riegel Mariluce , Morava Éva , Schinzel Albert , Kosztolányi György
Published: August 2002

A girl with psychomotor retardation and a pattern of minor anomalies was found to have a slightly enlarged short arm of chromosome 18 by conventional GTG‐banded chromosome examination. The 18p + chromosome has also been found in the father. FISH studies using chromosome 18–and chromosome 20–specific painting probes confirmed a reciprocal whole arm translocation between chromosomes 18 and 20 in the father, resulting in monosomy of the short arm of chromosome 18 and trisomy of the short arm chromosome 20 in the patient. FISH analysis using a chromosome 18 alpha‐satellite–specific probe showed a reduced signal intensity. The patient presented with a flat, oval face, upslanting palpebral fissures, periorbital fullness, and mental retardation; she also had chronic diarrhea with milk protein intolerance and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age 5 years. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, like several other immunologic disorders, has occasionally been reported in patients with deletion of 18p, and thus most likely loss of a gene or genes on 18p is responsible for various immunologic disorders occurring in these patients. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.