bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience-Based Top Management Team Competence and Sustained Growth
Authors: Kor Yasemin Y.
Published: January 2004

This paper develops and tests a model of multilevel experience-based top management team competence and its effects on a firm's capacity of entrepreneurial growth. The model incorporates the individual and additive effects of firm, team, and industry levels of managerial experience and the conflict effects of combining multiple levels of experience. Theoretical arguments are tested in a longitudinal sample of entrepreneurial firms from the medical and surgical instruments industry. The results indicate that founders' participation in the top management team and managers' past experience in the industry contribute to the competence of the team in seizing new growth opportunities. The results also show that, because of conflict effects, the positive effect of founders' participation in the management team on the rate of growth weakens as either the shared team-specific experience or industry-specific managerial experience in the team increases. For practitioners, the most important implication is that for sustained growth, entrepreneurial firms should learn to balance different levels of managerial experience in the top management team. One way to achieve this balance is to retain valuable founder resources in the team while avoiding high levels of shared team-specific experience and industry-specific managerial experience.
ISO 9000: Outside the Iron Cage
Authors: Boiral Olivier
Published: January 2004

Adopted by an increasing number of organizations around the world, the ISO 9000 standards have become a growing concern for more and more managers who are often compelled to adopt this system without really knowing its requirements and implications for employees. Though the effects of this standard on quality management and on performance improvement have been widely debated, there is little knowledge of how the managers and employees who are asked to implement and maintain it perceive the ISO 9000 standards or resist its use. This study will thus attempt to analyze this perception and resistance with regard to both the standard and the certification process. So as to avoid the traditional and idealised view of this standard, whose commercial stakes often give rise to uncritical statements, almost 50 interviews were conducted outside of the workplace. The results of these interviews revealed highly contrasting attitudes that were frequently critical of the ISO 9000 system, which was often given only superficial support. A qualitative analysis of the data allowed us to identify three types of respondents. They were grouped according to their opinions and attitudes about the implementation of this standard. The three groups were ceremonial integrators, quality enthusiasts and dissidents. Although the “quality enthusiasts” discourse often reflects managers' “rhetoric of success” described by Zbaracki (1998) about the implementation of total quality programs, this rhetoric is not shared by the other respondent categories. Hence, this research project contributes to a better understanding of how institutional pressures, which create “isomorphic” organizations by leading them to adopt identical management models, are reinterpreted, renegotiated, and modified within organizations. The proposed typology casts doubt on the mechanistic, consensual, and monolithic view of the ISO 9000 system that underlies most of the work on this theme. In particular, this study demonstrates the relevance of adopting both the institutionalist and critical approaches in efforts to explain the respondents' opinions. In so doing, the personnel's support for the ISO 9000 system and the certification process can then be analyzed from different angles. This certification process would ultimately appear to be a rite of passage that gives rise to various strategies that depend on the respondents' category and their support for the standard.
Police Peacekeeping: Health Risks and Challenges in a Post-Conflict Environment
Authors: Drodge Edward N. , Roy-Cyr Yolande
Published: January 2004

This study addressed the issue of negative outcomes experienced by police peacekeepers following work in a post-conflict environment. Responses from nearly 600 active and retired police officers who had participated in at least one peacekeeping mission, were analysed to determine baseline data on a range of work, interpersonal, and family issues experienced by police peacekeepers. The data from the present survey were also compared with previous sick-leave data collected as part of a work attendance management project. The results suggest that police peacekeepers have relatively few negative outcomes following the mission, that the level of extended sick leave is lower for peacekeepers than for personnel who have not been on a peacekeeping mission, and that the average number of sick days taken by peacekeepers does not change significantly following a peacekeeping mission. While alcohol consumption increases for peacekeepers during the mission, it returns to normal rates for most individuals following repatriation. The study concludes that participating in a peacekeeping mission does not pose an inordinate risk for police officers, and is a positive experience for many. In general, the screening and selection process appears to be working very well.
Modus Operandi Modelling of Group Offending: A Data-Mining Case Study
Authors: Adderley Richard , Musgrove Peter
Published: January 2004

This article looks at the application of data-mining techniques, principally the multi-layer perceptron, radial basis function and self-organising map, to the recognition of burglary offences committed by a network of offenders. The aim is to suggest a list of currently undetected crimes that may be attributed to one or more members of the network and improve on the time taken to complete the task manually and the relevancy of the list of crimes. The data were drawn from four years of burglary offences committed within an area of the West Midlands police. They were encoded from text by a small team of specialists working to a well-defined protocol and analysed using the above techniques contained within the data-mining workbench of SPSS/Clementine. Within minutes, three months of undetected crimes were analysed through the Clementine stream, producing a list of offences that might be attributed to the network of offenders. The results were analysed by two police sergeants not associated with the development process who determined that 85 per cent of the nominated crimes could be attributed to the network of offenders. To produce a manual list would take between one-and-a-half and two hours and be between 5 per cent and 10 per cent accurate.
Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy in Two Adult Cats, Sporadic Cases or New Genetic Entity
Authors: Résibois A. , Poncelet L.
Published: January 2004

Two otherwise healthy adult cats were presented with progressive cerebellar signs of different severity. Owners requested euthanasia. Necropsy disclosed whole cerebellum and pontine atrophy, with a severity paralleling the neurologic dysfunction. We used cell type-specific immunolabelings to characterize the lesions. The severity of the cerebellar cortex atrophy followed a general gradient from the midvermis toward the hemispheres and a local gradient from the depth of the folia toward their tip. Along these gradients, Purkinje cells were the first to disappear, followed by basket, Golgi, and stellate cells, and eventually by granule cells. Bergmann glia cells and unipolar brush cells were preserved. Pontine nuclei and the olivary complex were also severely depopulated. Neurons in the cerebellar nuclei, vestibular nuclei, and other cerebellar system-associated structures were preserved, as well as substantia nigra. Olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) in a domestic animal species was rarely reported. Some features allow tentative linking to either familial or sporadic OPCA of humans. However, the ordered disappearance of all cortical neuronal types has never been described before. Either this entity is cat specific or it might pinpoint the need for increased knowledge about differential gene expression depending on genetic background, i.e., among different species. It also would open prospects about gene product interactions within neurons.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Mononuclear Infiltrates in Canine Lupoid Onychodystrophy
Authors: Mueller R. S. , West K. , Bettenay S. V.
Published: January 2004

Claw biopsy samples of 11 dogs with lupoid onychodystrophy were evaluated. They were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with antibodies against CD 3 as a T-cell marker, BLA 36 and HM 57 (CD 79α) as B-cell markers, and lysozyme, Mac 387, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II as a marker for histiocytes using an immunoperoxidase and avidin-biotin technique. Inflammatory cells were counted in five high-power fields. The inflammatory infiltrate comprised predominantly B cells and T cells. Macrophages were typically only present in small numbers. CD 3, BLA 36, lysozyme, and MHC class II preserved significant antigenicity during formalin fixation and short decalcification for 24–48 hours, whereas CD 79α and particularly Mac 387 seemed to be more susceptible to denaturation by the decalcification process.
Immunoglobulin-A Nephropathy with Crescentic Glomerulonephritis in a Pigtailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina)
Authors: Borda J. T. , Pauley D. R. , Mackey J. J. , Alvarez X. , Simon M. A. , Klumpp S. A.
Published: January 2004

A 4-year-old female pigtailed macaque ( Macaca nemestrina), experimentally coinfected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac251) and Mycobacterium bovis (bacillus Calmette-Guerin), was euthanatized 1 year after infection because of weight loss and labored breathing. On gross examination, both kidneys were found to be markedly enlarged (right: 54.7 g and left: 51.7 g; normal < 20 g). Renal lesions were evaluated by histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural methods. Light microscopy revealed that the glomeruli were diffusely hypercellular with expansion of the mesangial matrix, and crescent formation affected approximately 60% of the glomeruli. By immunohistochemical evaluation, it was found that the crescents were composed principally of macrophages, as seen by CD68 (KP1), MRP8, MAC387, and HAM56 expression. Electron microscopic examination of the glomeruli revealed extensive intramembranous, subendothelial, and mesangial electron-dense deposits and multifocal fusion of the visceral epithelial foot processes. Immunofluorescence, used to determine the composition of the electron-dense deposits, revealed diffuse granular mesangial and capillary staining for immunoglobulin A (IgA). The renal changes described in this case report are most consistent with the findings of crescentic gloerulonephritis with IgA immune complex deposition in the glomerular basement membrane and mesangium as described in humans with IgA nephropathy.
Experimental Transmission of a Herpesvirus in Greek Tortoises (Testudo graeca)
Authors: Origgi F. C. , Romero C. H. , Bloom D. C. , Klein P. A. , Gaskin J. M. , Tucker S. J. , Jacobson E. R.
Published: January 2004

An experimental transmission study aimed at fulfilling Koch's postulates for a herpesvirus-associated stomatitis-rhinitis in Mediterranean tortoises is presented. Clinical, pathologic, serologic, and molecular studies were performed linking tortoise herpesvirus with the pathogenesis of stomatitis-rhinitis. Four adult Greek tortoises received either intranasally or intramuscularly two tortoise herpesvirus isolates by primary experimental infection and secondary challenge 11 months later. After the primary experimental infection and the secondary challenge, clinical signs of illness developed, which included conjunctivitis, diphtheritic oral plaques, and oral discharge. At 4 weeks after the secondary challenge, all tortoises were humanely euthanatized and evaluated. Although neutralizing antibodies developed after the primary experimental infection, they apparently did not prevent the later development of recurrent clinical signs. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription-PCR analyses allowed sensitive characterization of the systemic distribution of the herpesvirus DNA sequences and their presence in the cranial nerves and brains of the infected tortoises. Despite the failure to recover the herpesviruses used in the transmission study, the findings support the premise that tortoise herpes-virus is a primary pathogen of Greek tortoises.
Testicular Atrophy after Bile Duct Ligation in Chickens
Authors: Yoshioka K. , Sasaki M. , Imai S. , Tsujio M. , Taniguchi K. , Mutoh K.
Published: January 2004

Testicular atrophy associated with biliary obstruction in chickens, produced by the ligation of both extrahepatic bile ducts, was examined grossly, histologically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally. Grossly, reduction in testicular size and volume was evident in chickens that underwent bile duct ligation (BDL). Histologically, there was marked reduction in tubular diameter, peritubular fibrosis, loss of spermatogenic cells, and tubules lined only by Sertoli cells. In addition, Leydig cells, which accumulated in the inter-stitium of the testes, contained numerous large lipid vacuoles, as determined by electron microscopy. These features suggest that BDL in chickens causes hypogonadism and low serum testosterone.
Rete Testis Mucinous Adenocarcinoma in a Dog
Authors: Radi Z. A. , Miller D. L. , Hines M. E.
Published: January 2004

A bilateral testicular neoplasm from an 11-year-old mixed-breed male dog was removed surgically and examined histologically. The neoplasm was nonencapsulated and composed of acinar and tubular structures lined by one or more layers of neoplastic polyhedral epithelial cells with an abundant mucinous secretion. On histochemistry, all neoplastic cells and associated secretions were periodic acid-Schiff positive. Some neoplastic cells and all associated secretions were positive on mucicarmine stain, and some neoplastic cells, all the stroma, and associated secretions were positive on alcian blue stain. On immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells had strong diffuse cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for cytokeratin and vimentin, weak scattered cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for carcinoembryonic antigen and neuron-specific enolase, and no immunoreactivity for S-100. On the basis of histopathology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of mucinous adenocarcinoma of rete testis was made. Rete testis adenocarcinoma is a well known but very rare neoplasm in humans. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the mucinous variant of adenocarcinoma of the rete testis in a dog.
Titanium K‐Edge XANES Analysis to Unravel the Local Structure of Alkene Epoxidation Titanium‐Polysiloxane Homogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Blanco‐Brieva Gema , Capel‐Sanchez Mari Carmen , Campos‐Martín Jose M. , Fierro Jose L. G. , Lede Eduardo J. , Adrini L. , Requejo Felix G.
Published: December 2003

We describe the synthesis of highly effective homogeneous catalysts for the epoxidation of alkenes with organic hydroperoxide and their detailed characterization with the X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) technique. Prepeaks at Ti K‐edge XANES spectra of the catalysts showed a shift towards higher photon energy and a simultaneous drop in relative intensity with the increasing number of nearest oxygen neighbours around titanium. PCA analysis of Ti K‐edge XANES spectra revealed that the catalysts can be grouped in four distinct regions according to their structural characteristics. These structural differences revealed by Ti K‐edge XANES spectra can be ascribed to the procedure employed in catalyst synthesis. In a preliminary attempt to explain catalytic performance, FTIR, UV‐visible and XPS spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the chemical structures developed on the catalysts; however, no correlation between reactivity and surface and/or bulk structures was found. Only the Ti K‐edge XANES spectra of these Ti‐polysiloxanes afforded a successful description of the local structure of TiIV centers due to their sensitivity in distinguishing different electronic structures for Ti atoms even under slight variations in their surroundings.
The Effect of pH Control on the Selective Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Ethers and Alcohols with Sodium Hypochlorite
Authors: Gonsalvi Luca , Arends Isabel W. C. E. , Moilanen Pasi , Sheldon Roger A.
Published: December 2003

Highly selective oxidations of ethers to esters or lactones and of secondary alcohols to ketones were achieved using catalytic amounts of various Ru precursors and the theoretical amount of NaOCl. Reactions were carried out in biphasic solvent mixtures at constant pH 9–9.5 via either feed‐on‐demand addition of HCl and NaOH or in the presence of NaHCO3/Na2CO3 buffer. The catalyst could be easily recycled for at least 4 times with only minor loss in selectivity. Products were generally recovered by simple phase separation and evaporation of the organic solvent. The effects of catalyst precursor, additives and pH control method are also described.
Tail‐Tied Ligands: An Immobilized Analogue of (R)‐2‐Piperidino‐1,1,2‐triphenylethanol with Intact High Catalytic Activity and Enantioselectivity
Authors: Pericàs Miquel A. , Castellnou David , Rodríguez Israel , Riera Antoni , Solà Lluís
Published: December 2003

A functional analogue of (R)‐2‐piperidino‐1,1,2‐triphenylethanol was synthesized and anchored to different polymeric supports by a position remote from the active region. This strategy, leading to what we call a tail‐tied ligand, allows for the achievement of the optimal transition state geometry in the catalytic process. The catalytic activity of the resulting heterogenized ligands was investigated by online FTIR analysis. The optimum polymer was assayed in the addition reaction of diethylzinc to a large family of aldehydes rendering essentially intact high catalytic activity and enantioselectivity compared to its homogeneous counterpart.
Electrophilic Aromatic Nitration Using a Mixed Catalyst of Lithium, Molybdenum, Ytterbium on Silica Gel
Authors: Shi Min , Cui Shi‐Cong
Published: December 2003

A novel mixed catalyst of LiClO4 (15% w/w), Yb(OPf)3 (15% w/w, Pf=perfluorooctanesulfonyl), MoO3 (15% w/w) on silica gel for electrophilic aromatic nitration reaction has been explored. The nitration reactions were accomplished by this mixed catalyst and nitric acid under solvent‐free conditions. Moreover, the mixed catalyst can be easily recovered from the aqueous layer by heating in an oven and reused for the next nitration reaction.
Microwave‐Assisted Oxidation of Side Chain Arenes by MagtrieveTM
Authors: Lukasiewicz Marcin , Bogdal Dariusz , Pielichowski Jan
Published: December 2003

A commercial tetravalent chromium dioxide (MagtrieveTM) as a magnetically retrievable oxidant is shown to be a very useful compound for microwave‐assisted and conventional transformation of aromatic and alkyl aromatic molecules into the corresponding aryl ketones, quinones or lactones.
Kinetic Enzymatic Resolution of Cyclopropane Derivatives
Authors: Pietruszka Jörg , Rieche Anja C. M. , Wilhelm Thorsten , Witt Andreas
Published: December 2003

The kinetic enzymatic resolution of various cyclopropane derivatives was systematically investigated. The study focused on synthetically useful cyclopropylmethanols (e.g., 18a/j or 19a/j) as well as some rarely investigated cyclopropanols (e.g., 24/25 or 27). The combination of enantioselective catalytic or diastereoselective synthesis of enantiomerically enriched compounds with enzymatic approaches ultimately led to the most convenient route to enantiomerically pure starting materials. Again, this was especially proven for the synthesis of cyclopropanols 18a/j and 19a/j. Key to the successful investigation was to rigorously establish an analytical tool for the analysis of enantiomeric composition of reaction mixtures.
Optimal Heck Cross‐Coupling Catalysis: A Pseudo‐Pharmaceutical Approach
Authors: Burello Enrico , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: December 2003

The problem of predicting the activity of ligands and solvents in homogeneous catalysis is addressed. A systematic selection method for ligands and solvents is presented, using a combination of stereoelectronic and electrotopological descriptors to describe the ligands and solvents in a set of 500 Heck reactions. Libraries of ‘virtual ligands’ and ‘virtual solvents’ are projected on the reaction space, and their reactivity is then predicted using multivariate models. The applications of this approach to combinatorial catalysis and reducing the amount of ‘garbage data’ are discussed.
Thermo‐oxidative degradation studies of ternary blends of polyethylenes
Authors: Srivastava Deepak , Kumar Pramod , Mathur G. N.
Published: January 2004

Films of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) each containing 25 wt % of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) were extruded by melt blending in a single screw extruder (L/D ratio = 20:1). The samples were aged at 55, 70, 85, and 100°C for different time periods up to 600 h. The change in molecular structure and formation of oxygenated and unsaturated groups during thermo‐oxidative degradation were investigated by infrared spectroscopy. Viscosity‐average molecular weight (M̄v) was found to decrease at slower rate in the initial hours of ageing, whereas on prolonged ageing, it decreased at a faster rate. In some blend samples, the tensile strength and elongation at break initially increased up to certain hours of ageing, and then decreased while in some blends both tensile strength and elongation‐at‐break varied differently. Increase in percent gel content supports the formation of cross‐links between the molecular chains. Thermal stability of the samples also decreased with ageing time and temperature. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 59–70, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10067
Effect of mape on the mechanical properties of rubber wood fiber/thermoplastic natural rubber composites
Authors: Sameni J. K. , Ahmad S. H. , Zakaria S.
Published: January 2004

Rubber wood fiber/reinforced thermoplastic natural rubber (RWF/TPNR) composites were prepared. A blend of natural rubber with high‐density polyethylene was prepared by melt blending the materials in the internal mixer of Brabender Plasticorder machine. RWF and TPNR were mixed with different fractions of fiber (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30%) in the internal mixer. To investigate the influence of coupling agent on the mechanical properties, concentrations of maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) were employed in the composites. The mechanical properties and morphology of composite material were characterized with tensile machine and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results showed that the addition of MAPE has a positive effect on the tensile strength and Young's modulus while the maximum strain was reduced. SEM micrographs showed good adhesion between RWF and TPNR when the coupling agent was applied. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 18–23, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10070
Vinyl ester‐based three‐component IPNs for glass fibre reinforced composite applications
Authors: Parmar Jayant S. , Patel Girish R. , Patel Alpesh K.
Published: January 2004

Three‐component interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) matrix based glass fiber reinforced composites (GRC) have been prepared from the vinyl ester of an epoxy novolac resin (VEN), diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) (an epoxy resin), and methyl methacrylate (MMA) (a vinyl monomer). 2,2′‐Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) is employed as the initiator for both MMA and vinyl ester (VEN) resins, while DDM (diamino diphenyl methane) is employed for curing of DGEBA. All the IPNs and glass fiber reinforced composites based on these IPNs were characterized and are found to have good resistance to chemical reagents, good thermal stability, and good mechanical properties. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 71–75, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10071
Studies on swelling properties of wood/polymer composites based on agro‐waste and novolac
Authors: Mishra S. , Naik J. B. , Patil Y. P.
Published: January 2004

In the present work the natural and maleic anhydride esterified fibers of banana, hemp, and sisal are used as reinforcers in novolac resin in the ratio of 40:60 (wt/wt) respectively. Absorption of water and steam in these wood/polymer composites is studied. The absorption of water increases with increase in time from 2 to 30 h in all fiber composites tested. Amongst all the composites, the maximum absorption of water is found in hemp fiber composite and the minimum in maleic anhydride treated sisal fiber composite. The maleic anhydride esterified fiber composite shows less absorption of water than the untreated fiber composites. Amongst all six composites, steam absorption is maximum in untreated hemp fiber composite and minimum in maleic anhydride treated banana fiber composite. Steam absorption in maleic anhydride treated fiber composites is higher than the water absorption in respective fiber composites. Untreated fiber composites show more absorption of steam in comparison to maleic anhydride treated fiber composites. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 46–50, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.10073
NMR‐Methoden zum strukturgestützten Wirkstoff‐Design
Authors: Homans Steve W.
Published: December 2003

Die biomolekulare NMR‐Spektroskopie wurde in den vergangenen Jahren eindrucksvoll weiterentwickelt und ist inzwischen zu einer extrem leistungsstarken Methode zur Untersuchung von Strukturen, Dynamik und Wechselwirkungen von Biomolekülen gereift. Frühere Einschränkungen hinsichtlich der Molekülgröße sind weitgehend überwunden, sodass mittlerweile Systeme von bis zu 900 kDa untersucht wurden. Die NMR‐Spektroskopie hat sich als effiziente Methode für das schnelle Liganden‐Screening bewährt, interessante Perspektiven für eine Anwendung bieten sich außerdem beim strukturbasierten Wirkstoff‐Design an, z. B. zur raschen Bestimmung von globalen Proteinfaltungen, zur Strukturcharakterisierung von Ligand‐Protein‐Komplexen und zur Ableitung von thermodynamischen Parametern. Ein wichtiger Vorteil der Methode ist, dass Wechselwirkungen in Lösung untersucht werden und auf eine zeitaufwändige Kristallisation verzichtet werden kann. Dieser Aufsatz konzentriert sich auf eine Anzahl neuer Entwicklungen und zeigt auf, wie mithilfe der NMR‐Spektroskopie Engstellen in der gegenwärtigen strukturbasierten Wirkstoffsuche passiert werden können.
NMR Spectroscopy Tools for Structure‐Aided Drug Design
Authors: Homans Steve W.
Published: December 2003

Biomolecular NMR spectroscopy has expanded dramatically in recent years and is now a powerful tool for the study of structure, dynamics, and interactions of biomolecules. Previous limitations with respect to molecular size are no longer a primary barrier, and systems as large as 900 kDa were recently studied. NMR spectroscopy is already well‐established as an efficient method for ligand screening. A number of recently developed techniques show promise as aids in structure‐based drug design, for example, in the rapid determination of global protein folds, the structural characterization of ligand–protein complexes, and the derivation of thermodynamic parameters. An advantage of the method is that all these interactions can be studied in solution—time‐consuming crystallization is not necessary. This Review focuses on recent developments in NMR spectroscopy and how they might be of value in removing some of the current “bottlenecks” in structure‐based drug discovery.
Cover Picture: Reversible Switching between Superhydrophilicity and Superhydrophobicity (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 3/2004)
Authors: Sun Taolei , Wang Guojie , Feng Lin , Liu Biqian , Ma Yongmei , Jiang Lei , Zhu Daoben
Published: December 2003

The yin and the yang represent the two opposing fundamental properties of nature and the universe in ancient Taiji Chinese philosophy. Superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity are fundamentally opposing properties of wettability. Reversible switching between these surface properties can be thermally induced through the combination of chemical modification of the surface, and surface roughness. For more information, see the Communication by L. Jiang and co‐workers on page 357 ff.
Genetic approach to the role of cysteine proteases in the expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Eriksson P , Jones K G , Brown L C , Greenhalgh R M , Hamsten A , Powell J T
Published: January 2004

Background

The elastinolytic cysteine proteases, including cathepsins S and K, are overexpressed at sites of arterial elastin damage. Cystatin C, an inhibitor of these enzymes, is expressed in arterial smooth muscle cells; an imbalance in cystatin C has been implicated in the aortic wall degeneration observed in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of a polymorphism in the signal peptide of the cystatin C gene on the growth of small AAAs.

Methods

Some 424 patients with a small AAA (4·0–5·5 cm) were monitored for AAA growth by ultrasonography and provided a DNA sample for analysis of the + 148 G > A polymorphism in the cystatin C signal peptide and the—82 G > C polymorphism in the gene promoter. The median length of follow-up was 2·8 years and AAA growth rates were calculated by linear regression analysis.

Results

For patients of + 148 GG (n = 263), GA (n = 147) and AA (n = 20) genotypes, the mean(s.d.) AAA growth rates were 0·37(0·29), 0·37(0·23) and 0·30(0·26) cm, and initial diameters were 4·58(0·35), 4·58(0·35) and 4·62(0·36) cm, respectively. Patients of + 148 AA genotype had a slower aneurysm growth rate (unadjusted P = 0·058; after adjustment for age, sex, initial AAA diameter and smoking, P = 0·027). There also was a trend for the rare homozygotes of the—82 C allele to have slower AAA growth (adjusted P = 0·055). Smoking history had a stronger association with aneurysm growth (P = 0·003).

Conclusion

There was a weak association between variation in the cystatin C gene and AAA growth. Medical strategies to limit AAA growth might include the inhibition of cysteine proteases.
Preoperative probability model for predicting overall survival after resection of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer
Authors: Kanemitsu Y , Kato T , Hirai T , Yasui K
Published: January 2004

Background

The aim of this study was identify readily available factors most helpful in predicting survival and to develop a prognostic nomogram for patients with pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer who are candidates for thoracotomy.

Methods

Pretreatment data on 313 patients with metastases who underwent thoracotomy were analysed. Fourteen preoperative clinical and pathological variables were used to develop a probability model, in which their association with 3-year survival was tested. A nomogram to predict median, 1- and 3-year survival was constructed and validated internally using the concordance index (c-index). The nomogram was then validated with an external data set.

Results

Five variables were identified as independent predictors of 3-year survival: prethoracotomy carcinoembryonic antigen level, number of pulmonary tumours, presence of hilar or mediastinal tumour-infiltrated lymph nodes, histology of the primary tumour and presence of extrathoracic disease. The nomogram was well calibrated for predicting 3-year overall survival. The internal validated c-index of the nomogram was 0·72. Applied to another data set, the external validated c-index was 0·66.

Conclusion

This model has moderate predictive ability to discriminate between patients who are likely to survive after thoracotomy for pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer.
Randomized clinical trial comparing level II and level III axillary node dissection in addition to mastectomy for breast cancer
Authors: Tominaga T , Takashima S , Danno M
Published: January 2004

Background

In addition to mastectomy, level II and level III axillary node dissection procedures are performed widely in Japan. A randomized clinical trial was performed to determine which procedure was more effective.

Methods

One group of women had resection of the pectoralis minor muscle and dissection of level I, II and III axillary lymph nodes (level III dissection). In a second group, the pectoralis minor muscle was left intact and level III axillary lymph node dissection was not performed (level II dissection). A total of 1209 women with stage II breast cancer were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of the two groups.

Results

The 10-year cumulative survival rate was 86·6 per cent after level II and 85·7 per cent after level III axillary dissection (hazard ratio (HR) 1·02; P = 0·931, log rank test). The 10-year disease-free survival rate was 73·3 and 77·8 per cent respectively (HR 0·94, P = 0·666). Overall survival and disease-free survival rates in the two groups were similar after both procedures. The duration of surgery was significantly shorter (P < 0·001) and blood loss was significantly less (P = 0·001) after level II dissection. In a survey of patients' symptoms on follow-up, no significant differences were found between the two procedures.

Conclusion

The addition of pectoralis minor muscle resection and level III axillary lymph node dissection to mastectomy for stage II breast cancer did not improve overall or disease-free survival rates.
Optimal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is by dissection in front of Denonvilliers' fascia
Authors: Heald R J , Moran B J , Brown G , Daniels I R
Published: January 2004

Anatomical detail with superb illustration
Randomized clinical trial of lightweight composite mesh for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Post S , Weiss B , Willer M , Neufang T , Lorenz D
Published: January 2004

Background

Almost half the patients who undergo hernia repair with mesh report a feeling of stiffness and a foreign body in the groin. This study evaluated whether patients noticed any difference between lightweight and standard polypropylene mesh for the repair of inguinal hernia.

Methods

Patients scheduled for elective repair of unilateral or bilateral, primary or recurrent inguinal hernia by the Lichtenstein technique were randomized to receive either a conventional densely woven polypropylene mesh (100–110 g/m2) or a lightweight composite multifilament mesh (polypropylene 27–30 g/m2). Quality of life was assessed using Short Form 36 before operation and 6 months after surgery. Pain was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale 2 days and 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the feeling of a foreign body in the groin at 6 months.

Results

Some 122 hernias were randomized; 117 were included in the analysis of perioperative data, and 106 were re-examined after 6 months. There were no differences between the treatment groups with respect to early and late surgical complications. Use of lightweight mesh was associated with significantly less pain on exercise after 6 months (P = 0·042). In addition, fewer patients reported the feeling of a foreign body after repair with lightweight mesh (17·2 versus 43·8 per cent with conventional mesh; P = 0·003). Quality of life was improved significantly at 6 months compared with the preoperative assessment, and there were no differences between the treatment groups.

Conclusion

Lightweight polypropylene mesh may be preferable for Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia. Larger cohorts with longer follow-up are needed before it can be recommended for routine use.
Damage control laparotomy
Authors: Finlay I G , Edwards T J , Lambert A W
Published: January 2004

Background

Damage Control Surgery (DCS) is well established in the management of trauma. This study assessed the results of DCS in the management of critically ill patients who had not had trauma.

Methods

This was a prospective series of patients treated by DCS. The Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) and Portsmouth predictor equation (P-POSSUM) were used to predict the risk of death, which was compared with the observed mortality rate.

Results

Fourteen patients were studied. Nine had sepsis from gastrointestinal perforation. Eight of these underwent bowel resection without anastomosis or stoma formation at the initial laparotomy. Six patients later underwent bowel anastomosis and two had an end stoma formed at second laparotomy. A further three patients had a ruptured aortic aneurysm, one had a reactionary haemorrhage after elective aortic surgery, and one had a retroperitoneal bleed; all required haemostatic packing that was removed at second laparotomy. Mortality rates predicted by POSSUM and P-POSSUM scoring were 64·5 and 49·6 per cent respectively. One patient (7·1 per cent) died after operation, giving an observed mortality rate significantly lower than predicted (P = 0·002 and P = 0·038 versus values predicted by POSSUM and P-POSSUM, respectively).

Conclusion

The use of DCS in the treatment of critically ill patients resulted in a lower mortality rate than that predicted by POSSUM or P-POSSUM. DCS should not be restricted to trauma.
Randomized clinical trial investigating the use of drains and fibrin sealant following surgery for breast cancer
Authors: Jain P K , Sowdi R , Anderson A D G , MacFie J
Published: January 2004

Background

Despite limited evidence, closed suction drainage is often used to reduce the risk of seroma formation after breast cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of drains and fibrin sealant on the incidence of seroma formation.

Methods

A total of 116 patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer were randomized to receive suction drainage (group 1; n = 58), or to receive no drain (n = 58). Patients allocated to receive no drain were further randomized to have fibrin sealant applied to the dissected area (group 2; n = 29), or to no intervention (group 3; n = 29). Outcome measures were incidence and volume of postoperative seroma, length of hospital stay and postoperative pain scores.

Results

There was no significant difference in the incidence of seroma between group 1 (15 of 58) and either group with no drains (ten of 29 in group 2; 12 of 29 in group 3). There was a significant reduction in hospital stay and postoperative pain scores in patients who did not have a drain. Following mastectomy without a drain, the use of fibrin sealant was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence and total volume of seroma (190 versus 395 ml; P = 0·012).

Conclusion

Drains did not prevent seroma formation, and were associated with a longer postoperative stay and higher pain scores after surgery for breast cancer. In patients who had mastectomy the use of fibrin sealant reduced the rate of seroma formation.
Diagnostic delay in breast cancer
Authors: Barber M D , Jack W , Dixon J M
Published: January 2004

Background

Delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer has important clinical and medicolegal implications. This study assessed the frequency, causes and effects of delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer in a specialist breast unit.

Methods

Details of women who attended the breast clinic between 1988 and 1999 inclusive, and for whom the interval between first attendance and diagnosis of invasive breast cancer was greater than 2 months, were reviewed. Potential causes of delay were identified and the consequence of the delay assessed. The clinical features were compared with those of patients diagnosed with breast cancer during a 2-year period from 1999 and 2001.

Results

Breast cancer was diagnosed in 5283 women during the interval reviewed; delay in diagnosis was suggested in 72 women (1·4 per cent). Women with a delayed diagnosis were younger (P < 0·001) and had a smaller tumour at diagnosis (P = 0·011) compared with all women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1999 and 2001. There were no differences in the rate of axillary node positivity or the need for mastectomy. Women unsuitable for conservation therapy in the delayed group had a significantly longer interval to diagnosis (P = 0·006).

Conclusion

The likelihood that conservation therapy will be appropriate is reduced when the hospital delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer is more than 240 days. All patients with a palpable mass require triple assessment to minimize delay in diagnosis of breast cancer.
Interleukin 7 induces the growth of breast cancer cells through a wortmannin-sensitive pathway
Authors: Al-Rawi M A A , Rmali K , Mansel R E , Jiang W G
Published: January 2004

Background

Interleukin (IL) 7 is a growth factor able to induce the growth and development of certain haematopoietic malignancies including lymphoma and leukaemia. Its effects on solid tumours, including breast cancer, are unknown. This report concerns the effect of IL-7 on the growth of breast cancer cells.

Methods

Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunoprecipitation were used to detect to detect IL-7 and its receptor (IL-7R) in breast cancer cell lines MDA MB-231 and MCF-7. These cells were treated with various concentrations of human recombinant IL-7 over specified intervals. Changes in growth were assessed using colorimetric and fluorescence-based technologies. Selective IL-7 downstream signalling inhibitors (wortmannin, JAK-3 inhibitor 1, piceatanol and AG 490) were use to clarify the pathways through which IL-7 may affect breast cancer growth.

Results

IL-7 significantly accelerated the growth of MDA MB-231 cells and MCF-7 cells (P = 0·004 and P = 0·012, respectively, in PicoGreen® assay). The maximum effects were observed after incubation for 72 h. The stimulatory effect of IL-7 on cell growth was completely eliminated in the presence of wortmannin (P = 0·001 and P = 0·003 versus no inhibitor in MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, respectively) and JAK-3 inhibitor 1 (P < 0·001 versus no inhibitor in both cell lines), but not in the presence of piceatanol and AG 490.

Conclusion

IL-7 induced the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro through a wortmannin-sensitive pathway. This may have an important impact on research into breast cancer development and progression.
Increased vascular endothelial growth factor production in fibroblasts isolated from strictures in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Beddy D , Watson R W G , Fitzpatrick J M , O'Connell P R
Published: January 2004

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that is implicated in early wound healing and fibrosis. Fibroblasts may initiate stricture formation in Crohn's disease through overexpression of VEGF. The aim of this study was to examine VEGF expression and regulation in fibroblasts isolated from patients with Crohn's disease.

Methods

Fibroblasts were isolated by a primary explant technique from serosal biopsies of non-strictured and strictured segments of bowel from eight patients undergoing resection for Crohn's disease, and normal colon from six patients undergoing resection for benign and malignant colorectal disease. Fibroblasts were cultured with transforming growth factor (TGF) β and corticosteroids. After 24 h the culture supernatant was collected for VEGF assay by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

VEGF production was significantly higher in fibroblasts isolated from strictures (mean(s.e.m.) 1980(260) pg/ml) than from non-strictured segments (1116(165) pg/ml) in patients with Crohn's disease or control fibroblasts (898(93) pg/ml). TGF-β increased VEGF production in normal and non-strictured Crohn's fibroblasts. Corticosteroids suppressed unstimulated VEGF production in all groups.

Conclusion

Enhanced serosal fibroblast VEGF production might play a role in initiating stricture formation in Crohn's disease. VEGF production in serosal fibroblasts is sensitive to stimulation with TGF-β. Corticosteroids may reduce stricturing through suppression of VEGF.
Systematic review of survival after acute mesenteric ischaemia according to disease aetiology
Authors: Schoots I G , Koffeman G I , Legemate D A , Levi M , van Gulik T M
Published: January 2004

Background

Differentiation of acute mesenteric ischaemia on the basis of aetiology is of great importance because of variation in disease progression, response to treatment and outcome. The aim of this study was to analyse the published data on survival following acute mesenteric ischaemia over the past four decades in relation to disease aetiology and mode of treatment.

Method

A systematic review of the available literature from 1966 to 2002 was performed.

Results

Quantitative analysis of data derived from 45 observational studies containing 3692 patients with acute mesenteric ischaemia showed that the prognosis after acute mesenteric venous thrombosis is better than that following acute arterial mesenteric ischaemia; the prognosis after mesenteric arterial embolism is better than that after arterial thrombosis or non-occlusive ischaemia; the mortality rate following surgical treatment of arterial embolism and venous thrombosis (54·1 and 32·1 per cent respectively) is less than that after surgery for arterial thrombosis and non-occlusive ischaemia (77·4 and 72·7 per cent respectively); and the overall survival after acute mesenteric ischaemia has improved over the past four decades.

Conclusion

There are large differences in prognosis after acute mesenteric ischaemia depending on aetiology. Surgical treatment of arterial embolism has improved outcome whereas the mortality rate following surgery for arterial thrombosis and non-occlusive ischaemia remains poor.
Subaxillary dermocutaneous fat flap for reconstruction of the upper outer quadrant of the breast following conservation surgery
Authors: Chaturvedi S
Published: January 2004

Useful technique for breast surgeons
From Correspondenzblatt to BJS – a century of Swiss surgical publishing
Authors: Harder F , Leutenegger A , Clavien P-A
Published: January 2004

Our new partners
BJS—looking to the future
Authors: Murie J
Published: January 2004

Continuing success in Europe
Oesophagectomy – lessons from China
Authors: Alderson D
Published: January 2004

Largest single centre series ever published
Enantioselectivity of inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by ketoconazole: Testosterone and methadone as substrates
Authors: Dilmaghanian Shahrzad , Gerber John G. , Filler Scott G. , Sanchez Angela , Gal Joseph
Published: January 2004

Racemic ketoconazole (KTZ) was the first orally active azole antifungal agent used in clinical practice and has become widely used in the treatment of mucosal fungal infections associated with AIDS immunosuppression and cancer chemotherapy. However, the use of KTZ has been limited because of adverse drug–drug interactions. KTZ blocks ergosterol biosynthesis by inhibiting the fungal cytochrome P450 (CYP51). KTZ is also a potent inhibitor of human cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme, the major drug‐metabolizing CYP isozyme in the human liver. We examined the enantioselective differences of KTZ in the inhibition of human CYP3A4 and in antifungal action. Dextro‐ and levo‐KTZ exhibited modest enantioselective differences with respect to CYP3A4 inhibition of testosterone and methadone metabolism. For both substrates levo‐KTZ was approximately a 2‐fold more potent inhibitor. We examined the enantioselective differences in the in vitro activity of KTZ against medically relevant species of Candida and Aspergillus, as well as Cryptococcus neoformans. Overall, levo‐KTZ was 2–4‐fold more active than dextro‐KTZ. Therefore, levo‐KTZ is a more potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 and has stronger in vitro antifungal activity. Chirality 16:79–85, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.