bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palaeopathological and palaeogenetic study of 13 cases of developmental dysplasia of the hip with dislocation in a historical population from southern France
Authors: Mafart B. , Kéfi R. , Béraud‐Colomb E.
Published: August 2006

Dislocation of the hip can be consecutive to developmental dysplasia of the hip that is linked to a complex set of genetic and mechanical factors. The purpose of this report is to describe 13 cases of complete dysplastic hip dislocation observed in the skeletal remains of nine women exhumed from an historical gravesite dating from the 5th to 17th centuries in southern France. Despite the size of this palaeopathological series, which is the largest study published to date, findings indicate that the prevalence of hip dislocation in this historical sample was still lower than in some French areas at the beginning of the 20th century. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing demonstrated possible kinship only between two women, i.e. one who died in the period from the 11th to 13th centuries and another who died in the period from the 16th to 17th centuries. It is suggested that the tight swaddling of young infants in France up to the end of the 19th century could have been a predisposing factor for this highly debilitating disorder. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Geschichte der β‐Lactam‐Antibiotika: Zwischen Zufall und gezielter Entwicklung
Authors: Friedrich Christoph
Published: August 2006

Am Anfang der Geschichte der β‐Lactam‐Antibiotika steht die zufällige Entdeckung des schottischen Arztes und Bakteriologen Alexander Fleming (1881–1955). Fleming beobachtete 1928 auf einer Agar‐Platte mit Staphylococcus aureus im Umkreis einer Schimmelpilzkolonie Auflösungserscheinungen. Er schlussfolgerte, dass der Schimmelpilz einen Stoff enthält, der das Wachstum von Bakterien hemmt, isolierte den Schimmelpilz und gab dem Kulturfiltrat 1929 den Namen “Penicillium”. Obwohl seine Entdeckung zunächst wenig Resonanz fand, beschäftigten sich Harold Raistrick (1890–1971) seit 1932 und nach 1938 der so genannte “Oxford‐Kreis” unter Leitung von Howard Walter Florey (1898–1968) und Ernst Boris Chain (1906–1979) mit der großtechnischen Herstellung des Penicillins. 1941 konnte der erste Patient behandelt werden. Mit Hilfe der Röntgenstrukturanalyse wurde 1945 die β‐Lactam‐Struktur nachgewiesen, und 1957 gelang die erste Synthese eines oral applizierbaren β‐Lactam‐Antibiotikums. Trotz der von den Amerikanern verhängten Nachrichtensperre über das Penicillin entwickelte sich auch in Deutschland, vor allem bei Hoechst und in Jena eine Penicillinforschung, wobei noch vor 1945 Penicillin in geringen Mengen produziert wurde. Nach dem II. Weltkrieg knüpfte man in Jena und bei Hoechst an diese Erfolge an. Aber erst in den 1950er Jahren wurde eine ausreichende Versorgung der Bevölkerung mit Penicillin möglich. In den 1950er Jahren konnten weitere Penicillinderivate hergestellt werden, unter denen sich auch Depotpräparate befanden.

Eng verwandt mit den Penicillinen sind die Cephalosporine; 1953 gelang die Isolierung des ersten Cephalosporins. Die Strukturaufklärung erfolgte 1961, ein Jahr später wurde auch die technische Darstellung der 7‐Amino‐Cephalosporansäure möglich.
Kleine Änderung, große Wirkung – ein neues Vancomycin‐Derivat gegen MRSA
Authors: Holzgrabe Ulrike , Bennack Edith
Published: August 2006

Bakterien wehren sich gegen Antibiotika, indem sie entweder den Zielort für das Antibiotikum durch Mutation in der Aminosäurestruktur strukturell verändern, den Zugang in die Bakterienzelle für das Antibiotikum versperren oder gar das Antibiotikum chemisch vernichten.
Implementation of IDEA: Integrating response to intervention and cognitive assessment methods
Authors: Hale James B. , Kaufman Alan , Naglieri Jack A. , Kavale Kenneth A.
Published: August 2006

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) was reauthorized by the U.S. Congress in 2004, yet ongoing regulatory efforts are required to determine its operationalization and implementation. Of particular concern to school psychologists and others involved in the educational process are the guidelines for identification of children with specific learning disabilities (SLD). Two seemingly opposite camps have been arguing for either a response‐to‐intervention (RTI) approach for SLD identification or a methodology that includes comprehensive evaluations for SLD identification and intervention purposes. In this article, the authors propose a resolution to these critical issues by emphasizing a multitiered approach to serving children with learning problems—one that begins with RTI, but then provides for comprehensive evaluation of cognitive processes if RTI methods are not successful in ameliorating the child's learning difficulties. If a child fails to respond to intervention and demonstrates a deficit in the basic psychological processes following comprehensive evaluation, both the definitional criteria for SLD and the method for determining SLD eligibility will be addressed. This methodology incorporates the best aspects of both the RTI and comprehensive evaluation perspectives to forge a balanced practice model that ensures diagnostic accuracy and optimizes educational outcomes for children with SLD. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 753–770, 2006.
Survey of microarray technologies suitable to elucidate transcriptional networks as exemplified by studying KRAB zinc finger gene families
Authors: Koczan Dirk , Thiesen Hans‐Juergen
Published: August 2006

Current microarray systems are suitable to monitor genome‐wide expression patterns, to detect single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), to identify target genes of transcription factors and DNA‐protein interaction sites thereof as well as to determine genomic sites that are modified by methylation of CpG islands. In this review, advantages and limitations of individual microarray technologies are presented as well as experiences from ongoing studies on KRAB zinc finger gene families are taken to exemplify how different microarray approaches are applicable to elucidate complex transcriptional networks of gene regulation. However, bioinformaticians should be aware that each microarray technology has limitations in its sensitivity and selectivity that has to be taken into account once data mining on comprehensive genome‐wide microarray data is conducted. In many cases, microarray results are the initial step to identify target genes of interest and to study the molecular regulation of biological processes thereof followed and validated by complementary proteome, metabolome or toponome analysis. Thus, microarray technologies can be considered a reliable approach for determining gene functions that might be modulated by electromagnetic fields.
On the stability of non‐conventional π‐complexes between Ni+and toluene, phenyl‐silane and phenyl‐germane
Authors: Corral Inés , Mó Otilia , Yáñez Manuel
Published: August 2006

The complexes between Ni+and toluene, phenylsilane, and phenylgermane were investigated through the use of high‐level density functional theory (DFT) methods. Both harmonic vibrational frequencies and optimized geometries were obtained at the B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) and B3LYP/6‐311+G(2df,2p) levels of theory. These results show that at the highest level considered in this work, and in contrast with what was found before for Cu+, the complexes in which Ni+interacts specifically with only one pair of carbon atoms of the aromatic ring collapse to theconventional π‐complexes. However, similarly to Cu+, non‐conventional complex in which the metal ion interacts with theorthocarbon of the aromatic ring and with one of the hydrogen atoms of the XH3(X = Si, Ge) substituent group, through a typical agostic‐type interaction are very stable. Nevertheless, whereas for Cu+these agostic‐type complexes are not only the global minima of the potential energy surface but the dominant species in the gas phase, for Ni+they are slightly less stable than the conventional π‐complexes. Agostic‐type complexes exhibit infrared spectra that are markedly different from those of the conventional π‐complexes, and therefore they could be easily identified using this spectroscopic technique. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The regiochemistry of the NO3‐promoted gas phase nitration of toluene and phenol with NO2
Authors: Bolzacchini Ezio , Bruschi Maurizio , Galliani Guido , Hjorth Jens , Orlandi Marco , Rindone Bruno
Published: August 2006

Product studies, kinetic isotope effect measurements, linear free energy relationships and calculations have been used to study the NO3‐promoted nitration of toluene and phenol in presence of NO2. The competition between of a rate‐determining hydrogen abstraction of NO3to give the benzyl radical and HNO3and of a rate‐determining addition‐elimination pathway has been evaluated. The preference for the nitration inorthoandparaposition of toluene and for theorthoposition of phenol is suggested to derive from the concerted loss of nitric acid from an intermediate cyclohexadiene.A kinetic analysis suggests reasons for the dependence of the ratioortho:para‐nitration from the initial concentration of reactants. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development pathways in learning to be a physiotherapist
Authors: Lindquist Ingrid , Engardt Margareta , Garnham Liz , Poland Fiona , Richardson Barbara
Published: August 2006

Background and Purpose. Few studies have examined the experiences of students' professional socialization in physiotherapy. This international longitudinal study aimed to study experiences of situated learning and change in a student cohort during a physiotherapy education programme. Method. A phenomenographic design with semi‐structured interviews was carried out with a cohort of physiotherapy students from two sites, strategically selected for variation in gender, age, educational background, work experience and academic level. Interviews were carried out after each of the first five semesters in the programme by a team of researchers. Seventy‐six interviews explored students' learning experiences. Analysis identified the variation in experiences seen as important to becoming a physiotherapist. Results. Distinct perceptions of professional growth and progression are identified in four pathways of development: ‘Reflecting on Practice’; ‘Communicating with Others’; ‘Performing Skills’; and ‘Searching Evidence’. These pathways demonstrate qualitative differences in the focus of learning experiences and preferred learning context, and include learning in a context which supports reflection, learning as agreed by others in a context with patients and other professionals, learning physiotherapy skills in a practice context and learning formal knowledge in a context where theory can be linked with practice. Conclusions. In a cohort of students professional growth can be seen in a variety of development pathways. Each shows progress of professional growth in the ‘what’ as changes in experiences and the ‘how’ as ways of learning from them. In addition, the pattern of pathways in a cohort may change from one semester to another suggesting individuals may adopt different learning pathways throughout their education. Teaching staff are challenged to consider how they recognize a variation in development pathways in their student cohorts and how they purposefully ensure experiences to guide students through different learning pathways in socialization to become a physiotherapist. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in gait and symptoms after bilateral pallidotomy: a client with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Turnbull George I
Published: August 2006

A single‐subject, time‐series design was used to describe a female with young‐onset Parkinson's disease who, after a period of 15 years, was demonstrating long term side effects of medication in addition to the progression of Parkinson's disease. She underwent a bilateral pallidotomy to address these problems. Prior to her surgery, her spatiotemporal gait kinematics were measured at intervals before and after medication ingestion. The identical procedures were undertaken one month and at four months post‐pallidotomy. In all three sessions, the Webster Scale scored her symptoms while her medication was not working (Off) and again when effective (On). After surgery, she was interviewed to obtain a qualitative impression of the outcome. Before the surgery, the gait parameters demonstrated a fluctuating profile. Forty‐five minutes post‐medication, her gait parameters approached normal levels but significant dyskinetic movements were evident. Her Webster Scale scores indicated advanced Parkinson's disease particularly when Off. One‐month post‐pallidotomy, her gait parameters were more consistent with dyskinesias mildly present. Her Webster Scale scores were reduced while both Off and On. Four months post‐pallidotomy her gait parameters were entirely consistent and within normal limits. Her Webster Scale scores were the same Off and On and no dyskinesias were detectable. The excellent result was probably enhanced by the patient's dedication to regular exercise designed to minimize secondary physical complications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal investigation of low back pain in Australian adolescents: a five‐year study
Authors: Grimmer Karen , Nyland Leah , Milanese Steve
Published: August 2006

Background and Purpose. Adolescent spinal pain is a worldwide concern, with few longitudinal studies to validate concerns that an increasing number of adolescents report pain with age. The aim of the present study was to track reports of low back pain (LBP) in adolescents each year over a five‐year period (between the ages of 13 and 17 years). Method. A longitudinal, observational, repeated‐measures study, commencing in 1999. We followed a group of South Australian students throughout five years of high schooling, reporting on prevalence of recent low back pain each year. Results. In 1999, data were collected from 434 13‐year‐olds (82.5% eligible students). In the subsequent four years, the response rate from the 1999 sample was, respectively, 72.2%, 69.1%, 56.2% and 40.1%. A significant increasing prevalence of recent LBP was reported for girls and boys. The odds of girls reporting recent LBP in the final study year (fifth year) compared with the first year was 4.4 (95% CI 1.9–10.1), for boys 1.6 (95% CI 0.7–3.7). New cases of girls' recent LBP decreased consistently over the study (90% in 2000, 46.1% in 2001, 42.1% in 2002 and 33% in 2003). New boys' cases decreased in the second and third study years (85% in 2000, 45% in 2001) then increased (45.8% in 2002, 63.6% in 2003), suggesting less established patterns of occurrence. Conclusions. New cases of LBP reflected a decreasing percentage of total LBP reports over each study year for girls (suggesting increasing consistency of LBP occurrence with age). A different pattern was observed for boys, with a reversal of the downward trend after age 15 years, showing an increased percentage of LBP reports that reflected new cases in the final two study years. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manipulating luminescence in semiconductor nanostructures via field‐effect‐tuneable potentials
Authors: Kotthaus Jörg P.
Published: August 2006

The luminescence properties of III–V quantum wells under the influence of field‐effect‐tuneable and laterally modulated potentials are reviewed. Large electric fields generated in the quantum well plane cause a modulation of the quantum well absorption via the Franz–Keldysh effect as well as a reversible separation of optically excited electron–hole pairs. The electron–hole pair separation by field effect can prolong the recombination lifetimes by many orders of magnitude and yields a controllably delayed reemission of luminescence radiation. Dynamic in‐plane electric fields caused by the propagation of surface acoustic waves on piezoelectric heterostructures make possible spatially and temporarily delayed luminescence whereas a two‐dimensional modulation of the electrostatic potential enables the delayed storage of optical images. Spatial modulation of the quantum confined Stark effect via the out‐of‐plane electric field is employed to realize tuneable excitonic traps and to study macroscopic transport of long‐living, spatially indirect excitons in suitably designed double quantum wells. This is possibly paving the way for the observation of excitonic Bose–Einstein condensation in quantum well structures. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Two‐dimensional electrons occupying multiple valleys in AlAs
Authors: Shayegan M. , De Poortere E. P. , Gunawan O. , Shkolnikov Y. P. , Tutuc E. , Vakili K.
Published: August 2006

Two‐dimensional electrons in AlAs quantum wells occupy multiple conduction‐band minima at the X‐points of the Brillouin zone. These valleys have large effective mass and g ‐factor compared to the standard GaAs electrons, and are also highly anisotropic. With proper choice of well width and by applying symmetry‐breaking strain in the plane, one can control the occupation of different valleys thus rendering a system with tuneable effective mass, g ‐factor, Fermi contour anisotropy, and valley degeneracy. Here we review some of the rich physics that this system has allowed us to explore. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magneto‐transport properties of lanthanum and calcium deficient manganites
Authors: Walha I. , Boujelben W. , Koubaa M. , Cheikh‐Rouhou A. , Haghiri‐Gosnet A. M.
Published: August 2006

We present a comparative study of the physical properties of the La0.5Ca0.5MnO3, La0.45□0.05Ca0.5MnO3 and La0.5Ca0.45□0.05MnO3 powder samples. Our synthesized samples have been elaborated using the conventional solid‐state reaction technique they crystallize in the orthorhombic perovskite structure with Pnma space group. Resistivity measurements show that the defect effects in the A site on the electrical properties are substantially different for both lacunar samples. Electrical investigations show a metallic‐semiconducting transition when temperature deceases for the calcium‐deficient sample, however we observe a semiconducting behavior in the whole temperature range 20‐300 K in the lanthanum‐deficient one. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Inverse relation between photocurrent and absorption layer thickness in polymer solar cells
Authors: Hoppe Harald , Shokhovets Sviatoslav , Gobsch Gerhard
Published: August 2006

Organic solar cells based on polymer–fullerene bulk heterojunctions were optimised with respect to the short circuit photocurrent by means of optical modelling. Due to interference effects present in the thin film multilayer device, an inverse relation between active layer thickness and photocurrent was predicted and experimentally verified. Optimised photovoltaic devices yield power conversion efficiencies of 4%. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Two methods for calculating the amount of refrigerant required for cyclic temperature testing of insulated packages
Authors: Matsunaga Kazuhisa , Burgess Gary , Lockhart Hugh
Published: August 2006

This paper describes two calculation methods for estimating the amount of refrigerant required to maintain the temperature inside a small insulating container within a desired range under cyclic temperature conditions. The first calculation method is for a phase change material (PCM) that absorbs and releases heat by melting and solidifying. The PCM used in this study had a phase change temperature of 23.5°C (74.3°F). An equation for estimating the amount of the PCM required under cyclic conditions is shown. Test packages were constructed to meet USP Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) requirements. Several cyclic tests were conducted with the calculated amount of PCM in the test packages. The results showed that the calculated amount of PCM did maintain the inside temperature within the range 21.4–25.8°C (70.5–78.4°F) throughout the tests. This range met the USP CRT requirement. The second calculation method is for unfrozen gel packs that absorb and release heat by changing temperature. The amount of unfrozen gel pack required to maintain temperature within the USP range was calculated. Several cyclic tests were conducted with the calculated amount of gel packs. The calculated amount was enough to meet the USP requirement. Good agreement between the experimental and calculated temperature profiles was also found. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of eggshell powder as nucleating agent on the structure, morphology and functional properties of normal corn starch foams
Authors: Xu Yixiang , Hanna Milford
Published: August 2006

Corn starch and eggshell powder (with particle sizes of 4–5µm and 8–10µm) composite foams were prepared by extrusion. Effects of eggshell on the structure, morphology, physical properties (unit density and expansion ratio), mechanical properties (spring index and compressibility) and thermal behaviour (thermal transition and stability) of the foams were investigated. Foam cell size decreased and cell population increased with addition of eggshell into starch matrix. The foam unit density, expansion ratio and compressibility decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while the spring index increased significantly (p < 0.05) as the eggshell content increased from 0 to 6wt%. Further increasing eggshell content to 10wt% increased the unit density and compressibility and decreased the expansion ratio and spring index. The thermal transition and stability increased with the addition of eggshell. The optimum eggshell content was 6wt% and the smaller‐sized eggshell powder had a favourable effect on the functional properties of the foams. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Santulli Enterostomy Revisited: Indications in Adults
Authors: Anadol A. Ziya , Topgül Koray
Published: August 2006

Background

Surgical patients frequently need some type of intestinal stomas for a wide spectrum of disorders. Maintaining effective and enough decompression of gastrointestinal tract, securing distal bowel segments and anastomosis are the primary goals of ostomy formation as well as providing a minimum complication rate of closure or “take‐down”.

Method

In this report, we present five adult patients who were operated for some kind of intestinal disease and required enterostomy. We preferred Santulli type of enterostomy which was formerly used by pediatric surgeons. In this technique, the proximal afferent bowel is fashioned into a stoma and anastomosed side‐to‐end with double layer sutures into the distal efferent bowel.

Result

One of the five patients died of systemic problems, other four did well in terms of surgical outcome of the stoma.

Conclusion

We concluded that; although indications are limited, Santulli enterostomy can be performed in adult patients as effective as pediatric age group, particularly for its advantages in early restoration of intestinal continuity and diminished risk for post‐closure complications.
Fournier’s Gangrene: Risk Factors and Strategies for Management
Authors: Yanar Hakan , Taviloglu Korhan , Ertekin Cemalettin , Guloglu Recep , Zorba Unal , Cabioglu Neslihan , Baspinar Irfan
Published: August 2006

Objective

The prognosis of Fournier’s gangrene (FG) depends on early diagnosis and management. In this study, our objective was to identify the distinct features of FG that may influence the clinical outcome.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed in patients with a diagnosis of FG between January 1999 and December 2003. Etiological and predisposing factors, causative microbiological organisms, and clinical outcome were investigated.

Results

Twenty‐five men (71%) and 10 women (29%) were included in the study. Mean age was 59.7 ± 10.7 (range: 43–88) years. As a predisposing factor, diabetes mellitus (DM) was found to be in 46% of patients. All patients were treated by immediate debridement and wide‐spectrum antibiotics. More than one bacterium was found in 75% of the patients’ tissue cultures, and most frequently E. coli (43%) was identified. Although there were no etiological factors in 25 patients (71%), various etiological factors were found in 10 patients (29%). Multiple debridements were performed in the majority of the cases. The overall mortality rate was 40%. The mortality rates were found to be relatively higher in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM; 50%), with delayed admission to the hospital (45%), and in patients presenting with sepsis at the first admission to the hospital (78%) compared with others. In the logistic regression model, the presence of sepsis was as the only significant independent risk factor for mortality in FG.

Conclusions

Despite the use of contemporary effective antibiotic treatment, aggressive debridements, and state‐of‐the‐art intensive care conditions, FG still has high mortality and morbidity rates. In our series mortality rates were found to be higher in patients with delayed admission to the hospital, those with DM, and those who initially presented with sepsis.
Cervical Epidural Anesthesia: A Safe Alternative to General Anesthesia for Patients Undergoing Cancer Breast Surgery
Authors: Singh A. P. , Tewari Mallika , Singh D. K. , Shukla Hari S.
Published: August 2006

Background

General anesthesia (GA) is the standard anesthesia for patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer. Cervical epidural anesthesia (CEA) is practiced less often because of its reported complications. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CEA as an anesthetic technique for MRM.

Patients and Methods

Fifty breast cancer patients with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade I or II underwent MRM under CEA from September 2004 to January 2006. Anesthesia was induced with 10 ml of 1% lignocaine; adrenaline was administered through an 18‐gauge catheter in C6–C7 or C7–T1 epidural space. Postoperative analgesia was maintained with 0.125% bupivacaine through the epidural catheter.

Results

In 49 (98%) patients surgery was conducted smoothly under CEA with good analgesia. 44 patients were awake during surgery. Five patients had to be given intravenous sedation with midazolam, and in one case the procedure was terminated after accidental dura puncture. There were no clinically significant variations in perioperative pulse and respiratory rate, and there was no fall in mean arterial blood pressure during the procedure. The mean preoperative anesthesia time and total cost of the procedure was 20.36 + 2.75 minutes and 12.19 + 2.2£, respectively. All patients were started on a liquid diet and mobilized 4 hours after surgery.

Conclusions

Cervical epidural anesthesia is a safe alternative to GA and was preferred by our patients because of its lower cost and reduced perioperative morbidity.
Might “Unique” Factors be “Common”? On the Possibility of Indeterminate Common–Unique Covariances
Authors: Grayson Dave
Published: August 2006

The present paper shows that the usual factor analytic structured data dispersion matrix Λ Ψ Λ’ + Δ can readily arise from a set of scores y = Λ η + ε, where the “common” (η) and “unique” (ε) factors have nonzero covariance: Γ = Cov(ε,η) ≠ 0. Implications of this finding are discussed for the indeterminacy of factor scores, and for the issue of invariance of factor analytic covariance models. The size of the problem is explored with numerical examples.
Acquiescent Responding in Balanced Multidimensional Scales and Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Lorenzo-Seva Urbano , Rodríguez-Fornells Antoni
Published: August 2006

Personality tests often consist of a set of dichotomous or Likert items. These response formats are known to be susceptible to an agreeing-response bias called acquiescence. The common assumption in balanced scales is that the sum of appropriately reversed responses should be reasonably free of acquiescence. However, inter-item correlation (or covariance) matrices can still be affected by the presence of variance due to acquiescence. To analyse these correlation matrices, we propose a method that is based on an unrestricted factor analysis and can be applied to multidimensional scales. This method obtains a factor solution in which acquiescence response variance is isolated in an independent factor. It is therefore possible, without the potentially confounding effect of acquiescence, to: (a) examine the dominant factors related to content latent variables; and (b) estimate participants–factor scores on content latent variables. This method, which is illustrated by two empirical data examples, has proved to be useful for improving the simplicity of the factor structure.
Bayesian Analysis of Nonlinear Structural Equation Models with Nonignorable Missing Data
Authors: Lee Sik-Yum , Tang Nian-Sheng
Published: August 2006

A Bayesian approach is developed for analyzing nonlinear structural equation models with nonignorable missing data. The nonignorable missingness mechanism is specified by a logistic regression model. A hybrid algorithm that combines the Gibbs sampler and the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm is used to produce the joint Bayesian estimates of structural parameters, latent variables, parameters in the nonignorable missing model, as well as their standard errors estimates. A goodness-of-fit statistic for assessing the plausibility of the posited nonlinear structural equation model is introduced, and a procedure for computing the Bayes factor for model comparison is developed via path sampling. Results obtained with respect to different missing data models, and different prior inputs are compared via simulation studies. In particular, it is shown that in the presence of nonignorable missing data, results obtained by the proposed method with a nonignorable missing data model are significantly better than those that are obtained under the missing at random assumption. A real example is presented to illustrate the newly developed Bayesian methodologies.
Psychometrics in Psychological Research: Role Model or Partner in Science?
Authors: Sijtsma Klaas
Published: August 2006

This is a reaction to Borsboom’s (2006) discussion paper on the issue that psychology takes so little notice of the modern developments in psychometrics, in particular, latent variable methods. Contrary to Borsboom, it is argued that latent variables are summaries of interesting data properties, that construct validation should involve studying nomological networks, that psychological research slowly but definitely will incorporate latent variable methods, and that the role of psychometrics in psychology is that of partner, not role model.
Progress in plasmodial differentiation improves regularity of oscillating contractions in Physarum polycephalum
Authors: Helf Matthias , Achenbach Friedhelm
Published: August 2006

Based on the knowledge about subcellular morphogenetic processes in the acellular slime mold Physarum polycephalum, we hypothesized that during differentiation of undifferentiated endoplasm to the highly differentiated complex structure of the contractile apparatus of this organism, the regularity of oscillating contractions must improve.

We measured the endogenous contraction automaticity starting from the de novo generation within minutes after sampling small portions of undifferentiated endoplasm.

The standard deviation of the normalized period duration of these samples was compared to the respective values of radial contractions of differentiated protoplasmic plasmodial strands. The mean normalized standard deviation in endoplasmic drops was 28.3 ± 12.2%. Respective values in protoplasmic strands were 10.0 ± 3.7%. The difference between the experimental groups was highly significant (p < 0.0001).

We interpret the verification of our hypothesis as an indication that the very regular oscillating contractions in fully differentiated stages of Physarum require the complex structure of the sophisticated contractile apparatus, represented by the circular plasmalemma invagination system of protoplasmic strands, while the regularity is lower in stages, where the differentiation is still in progress. We believe that this is due to deficits in coordination capabilities, which need a directional and spatially oriented protoplasmic streaming as a precondition.
Possible role of NMDA receptors in antinociception induced by rilmenidine in mice in the formalin test
Authors: Sabetkasaie Masoomeh , Khansefid Niaz , Ladgevardi Mohammad Ali Raies Sadat
Published: August 2006

Objectives:The aim of the study was to investigate the possible role of MK‐801, an NMDA antagonist, in analgesia induced by rilmenidine, an imidazoline (I1) agonist, in mice in the formalin test.

Methods:25μl of formalin 2.5% was injected into the dorsal surface of the right hind paw of the mouse. Pain response was scored after formalin injection for a period of 50min. A weighted average of nociceptive score, ranging from 0 to 3, was calculated. The mean ±SEM of scores between 0–5 and 15–40min after formalin injection was presented.

Results:The study showed that rilmenidine (1.25, 2.5 and 5mg/kg, i.p.) produced analgesia dose‐dependently (p<0.001) in formalin test. In addition, the results demonstrated that efaroxan (0.1 and 1mg/kg, i.p.) could reduce the antinociceptive effect of rilmenidine (2.5mg/kg, i.p.) (p<0.01) in animals, however, yohimbine (0.1 and 0.2mg/kg, i.p.) could not block the analgesia induced by rilmenidine (2.5mg/kg, i.p.) (p>0.05). On the other hand, MK‐801 (0.05mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the pain related behaviors in mice (p>0.05). Moreover, our findings demonstrated that MK‐801 (0.01mg/kg, i.p.) could potentiate the analgesic effect of rilmenidine (1.25mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p<0.01).

Conclusions:The present study suggests that imidazoline (I1) receptors play an important role in mediating the antinociception induced by rilmenidine in formalin test. Furthermore, it may be concluded that there is an interaction between NMDA receptors and imidazoline (I1) binding sites.
Ameliorative effect of combined administration of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor with cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors in neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Dudhgaonkar Shailesh P. , Tandan Surendra K. , Kumar Dinesh , Naik Ajit K. , Raviprakash V.
Published: August 2006

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of rofecoxib, meloxicam, both cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors and aminoguanidine hydrochloride, an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor and their combinations in neuropathic pain in rats.

Methods: Neuropathy was induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of right sciatic nerve under ketamine anesthesia in rats. Effect of ED50 of aminoguanidine hydrochloride, rofecoxib and meloxicam administered orally was investigated using behavioral tests. Effect of combinations of aminoguanidine hydrochloride with rofecoxib and meloxicam was also investigated in neuropathic pain employing behavioral tests.

Results: Behavioral tests, mechanical, thermal and cold stimuli confirmed the development of neuropathic pain after CCI. Aminoguanidine hydrochloride, rofecoxib and meloxicam when administered alone, produced significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimuli at 6h in ipsilateral hind paw after CCI. Co‐administration of aminoguanidine hydrochloride (30mg/kg) with rofecoxib (1.31mg/kg) and meloxicam (1.34mg/kg) was also found to produce significant increase in paw withdrawal latencies to mechanical stimuli at 6h. Combined administration of aminoguanidine hydrochloride with meloxicam and rofecoxib produced significant rise in pain threshold for mechanical hyperalgesia in ipsilateral hind paw when compared with the groups treated with aminoguanidine hydrochloride, meloxicam and rofecoxib alone.

Conclusion: Co‐administration of meloxicam and rofecoxib with aminoguanidine hydrochloride may be an alternative approach for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Biochemical characterisation of the recombinant peroxiredoxin (FhePrx) of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Sekiya Mary , Mulcahy Grace , Irwin Jane A. , Stack Colin M. , Donnelly Sheila M. , Xu Weibo , Collins Peter , Dalton John P.
Published: August 2006

The parasitic helminth Fasciola hepatica secretes a 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx) that may play important functions in host–parasite interaction. Recombinant peroxiredoxin (FhePrx) prevented metal‐catalyzed oxidative nicking of plasmid DNA and detoxified hydrogen peroxide when coupled with Escherichia coli thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase (k
cat/K
m
= 5.2 × 105
M−1
s−1). Enzyme kinetic analysis revealed that the catalytic efficiency of FhePrx is similar to other 2‐Cys peroxiredoxins; the enzyme displayed saturable enzyme Michaelis–Menten type kinetics with hydrogen peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide and t‐butyl hydroperoxide, and is sensitive to concentrations of hydrogen peroxide above 0.5 mM. Like the 2‐Cys peroxiredoxins from a related helminth, Schistosoma mansoni, steady‐state kinetics indicate that FhePrx exhibits a saturable, single displacement‐like reaction mechanism rather than non‐saturable double displacement (ping–pong) enzyme substitution mechanism common to other peroxiredoxins. However, unlike the schistosome Prxs, FhePrx could not utilise reducing equivalents supplied by glutathione or glutathione reductase.
Theileria‐induced constitutive IKK activation is independent of functional Hsp90
Authors: Hermann Pascal , Dobbelaere Dirk A.
Published: August 2006

The intracellular parasite Theileria induces uncontrolled proliferation and host cell transformation. Parasite‐induced transformation is accompanied by constitutive activation of IκB kinase (IKK), resulting in permanently high levels of activated nuclear factor (NF)‐κB. IKK activation pathways normally require heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a chaperone that regulates the stability and activity of signalling molecules and can be blocked by the benzoquinone ansamycin compound geldanamycin (GA). In Theileria‐transformed cells, IκBα and p65 phosphorylation, NF‐κB nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity are largely resistant to GA and also NF‐κB‐dependent reporter gene expression is only partly affected. Our findings indicate that parasite‐induced IKK activity does not require functional Hsp90.
Regulation of cholesterol homeostasis in macrophages and consequences for atherosclerotic lesion development
Authors: Pennings Marieke , Meurs Illiana , Ye Dan , Out Ruud , Hoekstra Menno , Van Berkel Theo J.C. , Eck Miranda Van
Published: August 2006

Foam cell formation due to excessive accumulation of cholesterol by macrophages is a pathological hallmark of atherosclerosis. Macrophages cannot limit the uptake of cholesterol and therefore depend on cholesterol efflux pathways for preventing their transformation into foam cells. Several ABC‐transporters, including ABCA1 and ABCG1, facilitate the efflux of cholesterol from macrophages. These transporters, however, also affect membrane lipid asymmetry which may have important implications for cellular endocytotic pathways. We propose that in addition to the generally accepted role of these ABC‐transporters in the prevention of foam cell formation by induction of cholesterol efflux from macrophages, they also influence the macrophage endocytotic uptake.
Modulation of neuronal [Ca2+]iby caffeine is altered with aging
Authors: Alshuaib Waleed B. , Cherian Susan P. , Hasan Mohamed Y. , Fahim Mohamed A.
Published: August 2006

Voltage‐dependent calcium channels play an important role in controlling many neuronal processes such as neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Any slight alteration in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) can have a considerable impact on various neuronal functions. The effects of caffeine on [Ca2+]iwere studied in CA1 hippocampal neurons of young (2 months) and old (24 months) C57BL mice. Fura 2‐AM fluorescence photometry was used to measure [Ca2+]iin the presence and absence of caffeine (100 μM) in response to KCl (26 mM) application. Caffeine enhanced the peak [Ca2+]ias compared to control solution in young mice (control: 325 ± 8 nM, caffeine: 402 ± 10 nM), but had no effect on the peak [Ca2+]iin old mice (control: 222 ± 6 nM, caffeine: 223 ± 7 nM). These results indicate that caffeine can impact neuronal functions through the modification of [Ca2+]i. The lack of caffeine‐induced modulation of [Ca2+]iin old mice suggests that this role of caffeine has been compromised with aging.
Effects of enalapril in cats with pressure overload-induced left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Ishikawa Yumi , Uechi Masami , Hori Yasutomo , Takashi Ebisawa , Yamano Shigeki , Enomoto Youko , Ugai Jun
Published: August 2006

In order to evaluate the effect of enalapril on haemodynamics and renal function in a pressure overload model, we prepared eight feline models of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by banding of the aortic arch. The LVH cats were assigned to the placebo group or the enalapril group (0.5 mg/kg, PO, sid) 3 months following surgery, and each received its respective drug for 4 weeks. Each week, blood pressure, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in blood, and creatinine clearance were measured, and complete blood count (CBC), biochemical examination of the blood, echocardiography, and chest radiography were carried out. The interventricular septum thickness (IVSd, IVSs), fractional shortening (FS), and ejection fraction (EF) increased significantly in the LVH cats following surgery ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the placebo group and the enalapril group with respect to general physical parameters, CBC, biochemical parameters and renal function. In the enalapril group, systolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, and ACE activity in blood decreased significantly following administration ( P<0.05). In addition, the left ventricular free wall thickness in diastole and IVSd decreased significantly following administration ( P<0.05). These results suggest that, in a pressure overload model, enalapril (0.5 mg/kg, sid) inhibits cardiac hypertrophy, reduces blood pressure, and does not adversely affect renal function.
Symphyseal distraction-osteotomy using a novel spacer of spirally fashioned orthopaedic wire for the management of obstipation
Authors: Prassinos Nikitas N. , Adamama-Moraitou Katerina K. , Gouletsou Pagona G. , Rallis Timoleon S.
Published: August 2006

Three domestic shorthair cats, one male and two females, 17.6±6.5 months old and 3.5±0.4 kg body weight, were admitted with a 6.6±1.1 (range 6–8) month history of recurrent bouts of obstipation. Defecatory difficulties had started within a month of conservatively managed pelvic fractures. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed severe colonic distension with faeces and a narrow pelvic canal caused by malunion of the pelvic fractures. A pelvic symphyseal distraction-osteotomy (SDO) technique was performed, using a novel metal spacer of spirally fashioned orthopaedic wire. Pelvic canal enlargement allowed the insertion of an index finger into the rectum. Following this, no further episodes of obstipation occurred during a follow-up period of 1–3 years. The SDO technique may be successful for the treatment of obstipation secondary to post-traumatic pelvic canal stenosis in the cat, if the colon motility is not already permanently affected.
Collateral Ligament Avulsion Fractures from the Heads of the Metacarpals of the Fingers
Authors: SHEWRING D. J. , THOMAS R. H.
Published: August 2006

Nineteen patients with collateral ligament avulsion fractures from the metacarpal heads of the fingers were treated during a 6 year period. Seven undisplaced fractures were initially treated conservatively. Four united with full movement. Three required internal fixation for symptomatic non-union and healed without problems. Eleven patients with displaced fractures were treated by primary internal fixation using a single lag screw through a dorsal approach. Seven of these achieved a full range of movement of the injured digit by 3 months. Four patients failed to regain full flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joint. One patient with a displaced and comminuted fracture was treated with internal fixation at 8 weeks when the fragment had consolidated. As with similar fractures from the proximal phalangeal bases, these fractures are prone to non-union when treated conservatively, even when undisplaced. If fixation becomes necessary, the delay of a trial of conservative treatment does not appear to affect the outcome. Internal fixation of displaced fractures allows gentle mobilisation and facilitates union.
Electra Trapezio Metacarpal Prosthesis: Results of the First 100 Cases
Authors: REGNARD P. -J.
Published: August 2006

The Elektra trapeziometacarpal prosthesis is a cementless, unconstrained prosthesis made by Fixano with titanium and chrome–cobalt steel. This paper examines the results of the first 100 prostheses used by the author for one indication only, viz. painful trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. The average follow-up period was 54 (range 36–78) months. Studies of pain, mobility and grip and pinch strength were carried out, the results of which were good in 83 cases. Seven dislocations occurred. Five of these were following severe trauma. The commonest complication was a lack of osteointegration of the trapezial part of the prosthesis, which occurred in 15 cases. Sinking into the metacarpal of the distal stem occurred early in the series in two cases. Some others complications were observed: allergy to the metal (one case), fracture after direct trauma of the thumb (one case) and very painful osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint (one case).
Long-Term Results of Tendon Transfers in Radial and Posterior Interosseous Nerve Paralysis
Authors: ROPARS M. , DRÉANO T. , SIRET P. , BELOT N. , LANGLAIS F.
Published: August 2006

Eighteen cases of tendon transfer for isolated radial or posterior interosseous nerve palsy have been carried out in our unit over a period of 21 years. Fifteen patients were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 9.5 years. Nine had sustained high and six low radial nerve injury. We achieved 11 excellent, two good, one fair and one bad result. The main problems were loss of power of gripping and the occurrence of radial deviation, particularly in patients with flexor carpi ulnaris transfer to the extensor digitorum communis. During this time, our technique has evolved, including changes of the tendons transferred. Our final preference is a modified Tsuge procedure, using the pronator teres to restore extension of the wrist, the flexor carpi radialis for extension of the fingers and the palmaris longus for extension of the thumb. Abduction of the thumb is restored by a tenodesis of the abductor pollicis longus to the brachioradialis. This review justifies the final policy, in particular the preservation of flexor carpi ulnaris to maintain wrist stability and flexion.
Self-Amputation of a Healthy Hand: A Case of Body Integrity Identity Disorder
Authors: SORENE E. D. , HERAS-PALOU C. , BURKE F. D.
Published: August 2006

A case report is presented of self-amputation of a healthy hand. We have reviewed the literature and seek to broaden the scope of understanding of Body Integrity Identity Disorder. This rare condition can constitute a pitfall for the unsuspecting hand surgeon.
A Comparison of Traditional Digital Blocks and Single Subcutaneous Palmar Injection Blocks at the Base of the Finger and a Meta-Analysis of the Digital Block Trials
Authors: YIN Z. G. , ZHANG J. B. , KAN S. L. , WANG P.
Published: August 2006

A randomised, double-blinded, controlled trial was performed to compare traditional digital blocks with single subcutaneous palmar injection blocks at the base of the finger. A search for randomised controlled trials of digital blocks through MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and CBM was conducted and a meta-analysis including the current trial was performed. The current trial showed no difference between traditional digital blocks and single subcutaneous palmar injection bocks at the base of the finger in respect of injection pain and time to anaesthesia. The meta-analysis suggests that traditional digital blocks and single subcutaneous palmar injection blocks are similar with regard to injection pain and are less painful than the transthecal digital block. The palmar techniques, including single subcutaneous palmar block and transthecal block, carry a risk of not anaesthetising the dorsum of the digit adequately, particularly the dorsum of the thumb and the proximal phalanx of the fingers.