bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review of the Literature on Postpartum Care: Effectiveness of Postpartum Support to Improve Maternal Parenting, Mental Health, Quality of Life, and Physical Health
Authors: Shaw Elizabeth , Levitt Cheryl , Wong Sharon , Kaczorowski Janusz ,   The McMaster University Postpartum Research Group
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Background:
Postpartum support is recommended to prevent infant and maternal morbidity. This review examined the published evidence of the effectiveness of postpartum support programs to improve maternal knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to parenting, maternal mental health, maternal quality of life, and maternal physical health.
Methods:
MEDLINE, Cinahl, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials of interventions initiated from immediately after birth to 1 year in postnatal women. The initial literature search was done in 1999 and was enhanced in 2003 and 2005. Studies were categorized based on the the above outcomes. Data were extracted in a systematic manner, and the quality of each study was reviewed.
Results:
In the 1999 search, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The 2003 and 2005 searches identified 13 additional trials for a total of 22 trials. Universal postpartum support to unselected women at low risk did not result in statistically significant improvements for any outcomes examined. Educational visits to a pediatrician showed statistically significant improvements in maternal‐infant parenting skills in low‐income primiparous women. In women at high risk for family dysfunction and child abuse, nurse home visits combined with case conferencing produced a statistically significant improvement in home environment quality using the HOME (Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment) program. Similarly, in women at high risk for either family dysfunction or postpartum depression, home visitation or peer support, respectively, produced a statistically significant reduction in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores (difference ‐ 2.23, 95% CI –3.72 to –0.74, p= 0.004; and 15.0% vs 52.4%, OR 6.23, 95% CI 1.40 to 27.84, p= 0.01, respectively). Educational programs reduced repeat unplanned pregnancies (12.0% vs 28.3%, p= 0.003) and increased effective contraceptive use (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.68, p= 0.007). Maternal satisfaction was higher with home visitation programs. Conclusions: No randomized controlled trial evidence was found to endorse universal provision of postpartum support to improve parenting, maternal mental health, maternal quality of life, or maternal physical health. There is some evidence that high‐risk populations may benefit from postpartum support. (BIRTH 33:3 September 2006)
Maternal Request for Cesarean Section due to Fear of Birth: Can It Be Changed Through Crisis‐Oriented Counseling?
Authors: Nerum Hilde , Halvorsen Lotta , Sørlie Tore , Øian Pål
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT:  Background:
A psychosocial team was established to meet the needs of an increasing number of pregnant women referred for fear of birth who wished a planned cesarean. This study describes the intervention, the women’s psychosocial problems in relation to degree of fear of birth, changes in their wishes for mode of birth and birth outcome, women’s satisfaction with the intervention, and their wishes for future births.
Methods:
The study sample comprised 86 pregnant women with fear of birth and a request for planned cesarean, who were referred for counseling by a psychosocial team at the University Hospital of North Norway in the period 2000–2002. Data were gathered from referral letters, from antenatal and intrapartum care records, and from a follow‐up survey conducted 2 to 4 years after the birth in question.
Results:
Fear of birth was accompanied by extensive psychosocial problems in most women. Ninety percent had experienced anxiety or depression, 43 percent had eating disturbances, and 63 percent had been subjected to abuse. Twenty‐four percent of those with psychiatric conditions had previously been in treatment. After the intervention, 86 percent changed their original request for cesarean section and were prepared to give birth vaginally. The follow‐up survey confirmed long‐term satisfaction with having changed their request for a cesarean delivery. Of these, 69 percent gave birth vaginally and 31 percent were delivered by cesarean for obstetrical indications.
Conclusions:
Impending birth activates previous traumatic experiences, abuse, and psychiatric disorders that may give rise to fear of vaginal birth. When women were referred to a specialist service for fear of birth and request for cesarean, they became conscious of, and to some degree worked through, the causes of their fear, and most preferred vaginal birth. They remained pleased with their choice later. (BIRTH 33:3 September 2006)
A‐85380: A Pharmacological Probe for the Preclinical and Clinical Investigation of the α4β2Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Rueter Lynne E. , Donnelly‐Roberts Diana L. , Curzon Peter , Briggs Clark A. , Anderson David J. , Bitner Robert S.
Published: August 2006

A‐85380 [3‐(2(s)‐azetidinylmethoxy) pyridine] is a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist that has been a useful tool in the investigation of the function of nAChRs in both preclinical and clinical studies. Amongst nAChR subtypes, A‐85380 shows selectivity for the α4β2vs. the α7or α1β1δγ nAChRs. In functional in vitro cation flux assays, A‐85380 is a potent and full agonist. A‐85380 has a broad‐spectrum analgesic profile with efficacy in acute, persistent, and neuropathic pain models. As demonstrated using selective nAChR antagonists or α4antisense, the α4β2nAChR mediates the analgesic effects of A‐85380. Interestingly, the site of action depends upon the type of pain as antinociception is mediated by descending inhibition into the spinal cord whereas anti‐allodynia in neuropathic pain is mediated at both central and peripheral sites. Radiolabelled forms of A‐85380 have been developed and shown to be safe for use in vivo in humans. In clinical studies using positron and photon emission tomography, marked decreases in α4β2nAChRs have been seen in patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Although not developed as a therapeutic agent, A‐85380 has proven to be an important component in the development of novel nAChR ligands for the treatment of pain and other disorders.
Humanin and Colivelin: Neuronal‐Death‐Suppressing Peptides for Alzheimer's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Matsuoka Masaaki , Hashimoto Yuichi , Aiso Sadakazu , Nishimoto Ikuo
Published: August 2006

Humanin (HN), a 24‐amino‐acid neuroprotective peptide, was originally found in the occipital lobe of an autopsied Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient. HN inhibits neuronal death by binding to its specific receptor on the cell membrane and triggering a Jak2/STAT3 prosurvival pathway. The activation of this pathway may represent a therapeutic approach to AD. HN also exhibits neuroprotective activity against toxicity by familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐related mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Recent investigations established that AGA‐(C8R)‐HNG17, a 17‐amno‐acid derivative of HN, is 105 times more potent as a neuroprotective than HN; at 10‐picomolar and higher concentrations in vitro it completely suppresses neuronal death. Moreover, a 26‐amino‐acid peptide colivelin (CL), composed of activity‐dependent neurotrophic factor (ADNF) C‐terminally fused to AGA‐(C8R)‐HNG17, provides complete neuroprotection at 100‐femtomolar or higher concentrations in vitro. A series of experiments using mouse AD and ALS models further established the efficacy of HN derivatives, including CL, against these diseases in vivo. HN and CL can be viewed as drug candidates for neuronal death suppression therapy in AD or ALS.
Quantitative EEG Asymmetry Correlates with Clinical Severity in Unilateral Sturge‐Weber Syndrome
Authors: Hatfield Laura A. , Crone Nathan E. , Kossoff Eric H. , Ewen Joshua B. , Pyzik Paula L. , Lin Doris D. M. , Kelley Thomas M. , Comi Anne M.
Published: August 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Sturge‐Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder with vascular malformations of the skin, brain, and eye. SWS results in ischemic brain injury, seizures, and neurologic deficits. We hypothesized that a decrease in quantitative EEG (qEEG) power, on the affected side, correlates with clinical severity in subjects with SWS.

Methods: Fourteen subjects had 16‐channel scalp EEG recordings. Data were analyzed using fast Fourier transform and calculation of power asymmetry. Blinded investigators assigned scores for clinical neurological status and qualitative assessment of MRI and EEG asymmetry.

Results: The majority of subjects demonstrated lower total power on the affected side, usually involving all four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta). qEEG asymmetry correlated strongly with neurologic clinical severity scores and MRI asymmetry scores. qEEG data generally agreed with the MRI evidence of regional brain involvement. In MRI‐qEEG comparisons that did not agree, decreased power on qEEG in a brain region not affected on MRI was more likely to occur in subjects with more severe neurologic deficits.

Conclusions: qEEG provides an objective measure of EEG asymmetry that correlates with clinical status and brain asymmetry seen on MRI. These findings support the conclusion that qEEG reflects the degree and extent of brain involvement and dysfunction in SWS. qEEG may potentially be a useful tool for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression in SWS. qEEG may prove useful, in severely affected individuals with SWS, for determining regions of brain dysfunction.
Electrophysiological findings in a cohort of old polio survivors
Authors: Sorenson Eric J. , Daube Jasper R. , Windebank Anthony J.
Published: August 2006

Abstract  A population‐based cohort of poliomyelitis survivors was established and followed for 15 years (mean time since polio was 40 years). Over time, the cohort demonstrated a modest decline in summated compound muscle action potential amplitudes (CMAP) and a moderate decline in the summated motor unit number estimates (MUNE). There was no association between symptoms of late deterioration and magnitude of decline. Rather, the presence of these symptoms was associated with the magnitude of the residual deficits. Two patterns of neuron loss were modeled (linear and proportional decline). The summated MUNE was a more sensitive measure of loss of motor units than was the summated CMAP and appears to be a more valid measure of attritional loss of anterior horn cells. Of these two models of neuron loss, the proportional loss of motor neurons was a better fit of the data than a linear loss.
Dorsal sural nerve conduction study in vitamin B12 deficiency with megaloblastic anemia
Authors: Turgut Burhan , Turgut Nilda , Akpinar Seval , Balci Kemal , Pamuk Gülsüm E. , Tekgündüz Emre , Demir Muzaffer
Published: August 2006

Abstract  Peripheral neuropathy is frequently observed in B12 deficiency. In spite of this, there is little knowledge about peripheral neuropathy in B12 deficiency because the severity of clinical involvement of the central nervous system clearly outweighs signs and symptoms due to peripheral nervous system involvement. We primarily investigated peripheral neuropathy with dorsal sural conduction study, which is a new method for detection of early peripheral neuropathy, in B12 deficiency with megaloblastic anemia. Conventional nerve conduction studies and tibial sensory‐evoked potential (SEP) recording were also performed. Twenty‐eight B12‐deficient patients (15 male, 13 female, mean age 65.8 years) with megaloblastic anemia and 18 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were included in the study. Although dorsal sural sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) were not recorded in 15 (54%) of 28 patients, only 9 (32%) of them were found to have polyneuropathy by conventional conduction studies. Furthermore, patients with dorsal sural SNAP had mean lower amplitude, mean longer latency, and slower velocity response when compared with controls. Twenty patients (71%) were diagnosed as having myelopathy by the combination of tibial SEP and neurological findings. Two patients whose dorsal sural SNAPs were not recorded had normal tibial SEP responses; therefore, these patients were considered to have isolated peripheral neuropathy. As a result, we conclude that dorsal sural nerve conduction study is a reliable method for detection of early peripheral neuropathy in B12 deficiency.
Effects of Residual Smoothing on the Posterior of the Fixed Effects in Disease‐Mapping Models
Authors: Reich Brian J. , Hodges James S. , Zadnik Vesna
Published: August 2006

SummaryDisease‐mapping models for areal data often have fixed effects to measure the effect of spatially varying covariates and random effects with a conditionally autoregressive (CAR) prior to account for spatial clustering. In such spatial regressions, the objective may be to estimate the fixed effects while accounting for the spatial correlation. But adding the CAR random effects can cause large changes in the posterior mean and variance of fixed effects compared to the nonspatial regression model. This article explores the impact of adding spatial random effects on fixed effect estimates and posterior variance. Diagnostics are proposed to measure posterior variance inflation from collinearity between the fixed effect covariates and the CAR random effects and to measure each region's influence on the change in the fixed effect's estimates by adding the CAR random effects. A new model that alleviates the collinearity between the fixed effect covariates and the CAR random effects is developed and extensions of these methods to point‐referenced data models are discussed.
Statistical Analysis of Unlabeled Point Sets: Comparing Molecules in Chemoinformatics
Authors: Dryden Ian L. , Hirst Jonathan D. , Melville James L.
Published: August 2006

SummaryWe consider Bayesian methodology for comparing two or more unlabeled point sets. Application of the technique to a set of steroid molecules illustrates its potential utility involving the comparison of molecules in chemoinformatics and bioinformatics. We initially match a pair of molecules, where one molecule is regarded as random and the other fixed. A type of mixture model is proposed for the point set coordinates, and the parameters of the distribution are a labeling matrix (indicating which pairs of points match) and a concentration parameter. An important property of the likelihood is that it is invariant under rotations and translations of the data. Bayesian inference for the parameters is carried out using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation, and it is demonstrated that the procedure works well on the steroid data. The posterior distribution is difficult to simulate from, due to multiple local modes, and we also use additional data (partial charges on atoms) to help with this task. An approximation is considered for speeding up the simulation algorithm, and the approximating fast algorithm leads to essentially identical inference to that under the exact method for our data. Extensions to multiple molecule alignment are also introduced, and an algorithm is described which also works well on the steroid data set. After all the steroid molecules have been matched, exploratory data analysis is carried out to examine which molecules are similar. Also, further Bayesian inference for the multiple alignment problem is considered.
Linear Measurement Error Models with Restricted Sampling
Authors: Gorfine Malka , Lipshtat Nurit , Freedman Laurence S. , Prentice Ross L.
Published: August 2006

Summary The relationship between nutrient consumption and chronic disease risk is the focus of a large number of epidemiological studies where food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and food records are commonly used to assess dietary intake. However, these self‐assessment tools are known to involve substantial random error for most nutrients, and probably important systematic error as well. Study subject selection in dietary intervention studies is sometimes conducted in two stages. At the first stage, FFQ‐measured dietary intakes are observed and at the second stage another instrument, such as a 4‐day food record, is administered only to participants who have fulfilled a prespecified criterion that is based on the baseline FFQ‐measured dietary intake (e.g., only those reporting percent energy intake from fat above a prespecified quantity). Performing analysis without adjusting for this truncated sample design and for the measurement error in the nutrient consumption assessments will usually provide biased estimates for the population parameters. In this work we provide a general statistical analysis technique for such data with the classical additive measurement error that corrects for the two sources of bias. The proposed technique is based on multiple imputation for longitudinal data. Results of a simulation study along with a sensitivity analysis are presented, showing the performance of the proposed method under a simple linear regression model.
Surrogate Marker Evaluation from an Information Theory Perspective
Authors: Alonso Ariel , Molenberghs Geert
Published: August 2006

Summary The last 20 years have seen lots of work in the area of surrogate marker validation, partly devoted to frame the evaluation in a multitrial framework, leading to definitions in terms of the quality of trial‐ and individual‐level association between a potential surrogate and a true endpoint (Buyse et al., 2000, Biostatistics1, 49–67). A drawback is that different settings have led to different measures at the individual level. Here, we use information theory to create a unified framework, leading to a definition of surrogacy with an intuitive interpretation, offering interpretational advantages, and applicable in a wide range of situations. Our method provides a better insight into the chances of finding a good surrogate endpoint in a given situation. We further show that some of the previous proposals follow as special cases of our method. We illustrate our methodology using data from a clinical study in psychiatry.
Effects of rapamycin on accumulation of α‐, β‐ and γ‐globin mRNAs in erythroid precursor cells from β‐thalassaemia patients
Authors: Fibach Eitan , Bianchi Nicoletta , Borgatti Monica , Zuccato Cristina , Finotti Alessia , Lampronti Ilaria , Prus Eugenia , Mischiati Carlo , Gambari Roberto
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  We studied the effects of rapamycin on cultures of erythroid progenitors derived from the peripheral blood of 10 β‐thalassaemia patients differing widely with respect to their potential to produce foetal haemoglobin (HbF). For this, we employed the two‐phase liquid culture procedure for growing erythroid progenitors, high performance liquid chromatography for analysis of HbF production and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for quantification of the accumulation of globin mRNAs. The results demonstrated that rapamycin induced an increase of HbF in cultures from all the β‐thalassaemia patients studied and an increase of their overall Hb content/cell. The inducing effect of rapamycin was restricted to γ‐globin mRNA accumulation, being only minor for β‐globin and none for α‐globin mRNAs. The ability of rapamycin to preferentially increase γ‐globin mRNA content and production of HbF in erythroid precursor cells from β‐thalassaemia patients is of great importance as this agent (also known as sirolimus or rapamune) is already in clinical use as an anti‐rejection agent following kidney transplantation. These data suggest that rapamycin warrants further evaluation as a potential therapeutic drug in β‐thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia.
Using phenotypic variation to determine conservation value: application of a novel approach to Arctic charr
Authors: Bush V. , Adams C. E.
Published: August 2006

Abstract –  There is a very high degree of discrete variation in phenotype between populations of Arctic charr. This takes the form of variation not only in morphometric and meristic characters traditionally used to distinguish species, but also in characteristics of life‐history, behaviour, coloration and ecology. This variability has a number of consequences, one of these is that there is a strong case for the conservation of populations with extreme phenotypes. However, if variation is discrete between populations but continuous across many populations, this poses difficulties in separating those populations of high conservation value from those of lower conservation value. In this paper we describe a statistical technique which enables populations on the extreme edges of the range of phenotypic variation to be identified and apply this to the morphometric characters of charr from 25 populations from across Scotland and Ireland. The technique enables the identification of any proportion of the most extreme phenotypes. When applied to our data, one population (Loch More) was in the top 2 percentile of the most extreme phenotypes from across the range of all populations included. Three populations were within the top 10% most extreme phenotypes (Lochs More, Uaine and Earn) and a further five within the top 20% (previously mentioned lochs plus Lochs Eck, Merkland, Uaine, Talla and Lough Nalughraman). This technique can potentially be used on any species and on any suite of characteristics as an objective measure of conservation value of a population within a continuous phenotypic range.
Antipredator responses of two native stream fishes to an introduced predator: does similarity in morphology predict similarity in behavioural response?
Authors: Nannini M. A. , Belk M. C.
Published: August 2006

Abstract – Antipredator defences in prey species are moulded largely by predation. One general expectation is that an organism's size, shape or morphology determines the optimal set of corresponding behavioural antipredator responses. We test the hypothesis that species with similar morphology and ecology exhibit similar antipredator responses by quantifying and comparing avoidance and escape responses of two similar species, leatherside chub and redside shiner. We also examine how antipredator responses of these two species translate into mortality using experimental stream enclosures. In the presence of brown trout, redside shiner increased activity level, responded to a simulated attack sooner, quicker and had a more manoeuvrable escape than leatherside chub. Predation by brown trout decreased survival of both species, but caused higher levels of mortality in leatherside chub compared with redside shiner. Similar morphology and ecology of these two prey species does not correspond to similarity in avoidance and escape responses, and this difference has consequences for the long‐term survival of these species in the presence of introduced brown trout.
Levels of lipid peroxides and antioxidants in smokers and nonsmokers
Authors: Garg N. , Singh R. , Dixit J. , Jain A. , Tewari V.
Published: August 2006

Background and Objective:  The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and periodontal damage in terms of the levels of free radicals and antioxidants.

Material and Methods:  Thirty‐five healthy subjects in the age group 25–56 yr and with chronic moderate inflammatory periodontal disease (attachment loss of 3–4 mm) were selected. All subjects were matched with respect to the clinical parameters plaque index, gingival index and attachment loss. Of the 35 subjects, 25 were smokers (smoking a minimum of 15 cigarettes/day) and 10 were nonsmokers. Smokers were subdivided into three subgroups: group I (10 subjects smoking 15–20 cigarettes/day); group II (10 subjects smoking 21–30 cigarettes/day) and group III (five subjects smoking > 50 cigarettes/day). Gingival tissue (obtained during Modified Widman surgery) and blood samples were collected from each of the subjects and analyzed for the following parameters: lipid peroxide, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and total thiol.

Results:  The level of lipid peroxide was lowest in nonsmokers (2.242 ± 0.775 in tissue and 1.352 ± 0.414 in blood) and highest in smokers smoking > 50 cigarettes/day (6.81 ± 1.971 in tissue and 4.96 ± 0.890 in blood), both in tissue and in blood. The increase was statistically significant in all groups, except in tissue of group I smokers. Catalase showed a similar trend, where the levels increased from 0.245 ± 0.043 in controls to 0.610 ± 0.076 in group III smokers for tissue, and from 0.231 ± 0.040 in controls to 0.568 ± 0.104 in group III smokers for blood. The increase was statistically significant for all groups. Total thiol levels were also higher in smokers than in controls (0.222 ± 0.050 in controls vs. 0.480 ± 0.072 in group III smokers in tissue; 0.297 ± 0.078 in controls vs. 0.617 ± 0.042 in group III smokers in blood). Except for group I in both tissue and blood, the increase was statistically significant. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was higher in nonsmokers (2.406 ± 0.477 in tissue and 2.611 ± 0.508 in blood) than in group III smokers (1.072 ± 0.367 in tissue and 0.938 ± 0.367 in blood), both in tissue and in blood, but this was significant only in the case of blood and for group III smokers in tissue. The glutathione level in tissue was consistently lower in smokers than in contols, showing a decrease from 121.208 ± 37.367 in controls to 46.426 ± 14.750 in group III smokers, but the decrease was not significant in group I smokers. In the case of blood, the glutathione level dropped from 262.074 ± 68.751 in controls to 154.242 ± 51.721 in group III smokers, but was statistically significant only for group III smokers.

Conclusion:  The study results show that smoking increases the level of free radicals in periodontal tissues, which in turn may be responsible for the destruction seen in periodontal diseases.
Differences in innate immune responses upon stimulation with gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Tietze Konrad , Dalpke Alexander , Morath Sigfried , Mutters Reinier , Heeg Klaus , Nonnenmacher Claudia
Published: August 2006

Background and Objectives:  Host recognition pathways for gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria comprise pattern recognition receptors among which Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a pivotal role. TLRs share common signaling pathways yet exhibit specificity as well. Periodontal disease is initiated and maintained in the first line by gram‐negative but also gram‐positive bacterial infection of the gingival sulcus. To date only limited information is available on whether gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria induce different host responses (strength or quality).

Materials and methods:  To elucidate these differential effects we focused on proinflammatory cytokine releases by assessing ex vivo stimulation of whole blood with heat‐killed gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria and thereof derived microbial products associated with distinct TLRs. Tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐8 release were measured in the supernatants by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, innate immune responses of peritoneal macrophages from mice lacking TLR2 and TLR4 were tested.

Results:  We observed that gram‐negative and gram‐positive species induced distinct patterns of cytokine production. Gram‐negative species produced higher amounts of tumor necrosis factor‐α while gram‐positive species released higher amounts of the chemokine interleukin‐8. Data from TLR knockout mice and TLR‐transfected HEK cells revealed a somehow specific role of TLR4 and TLR2 for the recognition of gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria, respectively, an observation that goes along with the dominant recognition of the respective pathogen associated molecular patterns lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid.

Conclusions:  The results show that gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacterial species induce different patterns of immunoregulatory activity, which might be the result of activation of different TLRs.
Syndromes with genetic instability: Model diseases for (skin) cancerogenesis
Authors: Emmert Steffen , Leibeling Diana , Rünger Thomas M.
Published: August 2006

Tumorigenesis is a multi‐step process in which exogenous and endogenous mutational events lead to accumulation of DNA mutations resulting in loss of cellular growth control. During the last decades knowledge about the molecu‐lar mechanisms of DNA mutations and the cellular systems that counteract the degeneration of the genome has increased rapidly. This expansion was driven in part by clinical and molecular investigations of syndromes with genetic in‐stability. These syndromes are typically associated with an increased predispo‐sition for tumor formation. They include nucleotide excision repair defective syndromes, mismatch repair defective syndromes, and the chromosome break‐age syndromes. These diseases mirror vividly the phenotypic consequences of the failure of important cellular systems for the maintenance of the genomic integrity. They significantly contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of (skin) carcinogenesis and for the development of preventive and therapeutic anticancer strategies.
Safety and efficiency of perilesional sclerotherapy in leg ulcer patients with postthrombotic syndrome and/or oral anticoagulation with phenprocoumon
Authors: Stücker Markus , Reich Stefanie , Hermes Nico , Altmeyer Peter
Published: August 2006

Background: The positive effects of perilesional sclerotherapy for venous leg ulcers is well documented. Although many patients with venous leg ulcers require oral anticoagulation or have had a deep vein thrombosis, the effects of these factors on perilesional sclerotherapy are unknown. The aim of this study was to review effects of oral anticoagulation and/or postthrombotic syndrome on perilesional sclerotherapy.

Patients and methods: 28 patients with venous leg ulcers were observed. 12/28 had a postthrombotic syndrome, 5/12 were on oral anticoagulants (phenprocoumon with INR 2‐3). During each treatment session, 1 ml sclerosing foam (1:5, polidocanol 2 %, method of Tessari) was injected.Treatment was continued until all extrafascial veins in the 15cm surrounding the ulcer were closed.

Results: Closure of the perilesional veins was achieved in all patients with 2.5 ± 1.8 injections. In 10 of 28 patients (35.7 %),just one injection was needed.More injections were needed, both in patients with postthrombotic syndrome (3.3 ± 2.1 vs. 1.8 ± 1.3) and on anticoagulation with phenprocoumon (4.2 ± 1.2 vs. 2.1 ± 1.7). There were only two complications: an ascending phlebitis up to the accessory saphenous vein and a superficial erosion at an injection site which healed within 1 week.

Conclusions: Perilesional sclerotherapy with foam is a safe and efficient therapy for patients with chronic venous leg ulcers even with postthrombotic syndrome and/ or ongoing anticoagulation.
ANATOMIC AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ATLAS OF THE HEAD OF THE NEWBORN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS)
Authors: LISTE FERNANDO , PALACIO JORGE , RIBES VICENTE , ÁLVAREZ‐CLAU ANA , DOMIÍNGUEZ LUISA FERNÁNDEZ , CORPA JUAN MANUEL
Published: August 2006

The head of a newborn dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), that died shortly after birth was imaged using computed tomography (CT). Gross cross‐sectional slices of the head were compared with the CT images to identify normal structures of the cranium, brain, and respiratory and digestive pathways. Labelled transverse CT images of the dolphin head are presented sequentially as a reference for normal anatomy.
THE HILAR PERIVENOUS HYPERECHOIC TRIANGLE AS A SIGN OF ACUTE SPLENIC TORSION IN DOGS
Authors: MAI WILFRIED
Published: August 2006

Diagnosis of acute primary splenic torsion is challenging. The ultrasonographic appearance of this condition has been described, but other splenic diseases, such as diffuse infarction because of thrombosis, can appear very similar. We describe an additional ultrasonographic sign of acute splenic torsion; a triangular hyperechoic area at the hilus between the veins and the splenic parenchyma that is continuous with the hyperechoic mesentery. In a group of animals where acute splenic torsion was part of the ultrasound report differential diagnosis, we compared findings in dogs with torsion with findings in dogs with other splenic conditions. The presence of a hilar hyperechoic perivenous triangle was significantly associated with splenic torsion (P=0.005). We speculate that this sign is associated with torsion because of the secondary severe, diffuse splenic enlargement. Although not pathognomonic, this sign could be used to more accurately diagnose splenic torsion in light of other findings consistent with this condition.
THREE‐DIMENSIONAL MULTISLICE HELICAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES FOR CANINE EXTRA‐HEPATIC PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT ASSESSMENT
Authors: BERTOLINI GIOVANNA , ROLLA EDOARDO C. , ZOTTI ALESSANDRO , CALDIN MARCO
Published: August 2006

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and usefulness of three‐dimensional (3D) multislice computed tomography (CT) angiography with maximum intensity projection (MIP) and volume rendering (VR) in six dogs with clinical and sonographic findings suggestive of portosystemic shunt. Furthermore, we aimed to estimate the diameter of the portal vein and shunt vessels. MIP and VR reconstructions were performed for each patient and the origin and insertion of all shunt vessels were detected. In addition, 3D reconstructions allowed excellent depiction of vascular morphology and topography. All diagnoses and vessel measurements were confirmed by surgery. 3D multidetector CT angiography is a promising, noninvasive, and accurate method of evaluating dogs with suspected portosystemic shunts.
IDENTIFYING REMOVABLE RADIOACTIVITY ON THE SURFACE OF CATS DURING THE FIRST WEEK AFTER TREATMENT WITH IODINE 131
Authors: CHALMERS H. J. , SCRIVANI PETER V. , DYKES NATHAN L. , ERB HOLLIS N. , HOBBS J. M. , HUBBLE LORNA J.
Published: August 2006

Because radioiodine (I‐131) is excreted in urine and saliva, treated cats can accumulate I‐131 on their coats from contacting soiled litter and grooming. This could result in removable radioactivity, which is a potential source of human exposure to radiation and specifically to internal contamination. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is removable radioactivity on cats treated with I‐131. Daily wipe tests were performed for 7 days at two sites (both flanks, one site; and all four paws, one site) on six hyperthyroid cats treated with I‐131. A γ counter was used to determine the counts per minute (cpm) of the samples, which were converted to disintegrations per minute (dpm) to estimate activity. The results were compared to the New York State limits of removable activity for a non‐controlled area (<1000 dpm/100 cm2) to determine if the amount of removable activity was acceptable for a member of the public. The median value of removable activity was 241 dpm (range from 34 to 4184 dpm) for the flanks, and 308 dpm (range from 60 to 1890 dpm) for the paws. The amount of removable radioactivity on the surface of hospitalized cats treated with I‐131 during the first week after treatment, occasionally and without obvious pattern, exceeded the New York State limit. Sporadic activity as high as 4148 dpm was found. It is prudent to advise owners to observe routine hygiene when handling cats after discharge to minimize the risk of internal contamination.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SEVERE SMALL AIRWAY DISEASE IN A PUPPY USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: WINTERS KIMBERLY B. , TIDWELL AMY S. , ROZANSKI ELIZABETH A. , JAKOWSKI RICHARD , HOFFMAN ANDREW M.
Published: August 2006

A young Golden Retriever dog developed severe respiratory distress following an initial clinical diagnosis of infectious tracheobronchitis. Severe expiratory flow limitation, associated with exertional respiratory distress and hypoxemia was present. Thoracic images obtained with conventional radiography were characterized by hyperinflation and abnormal bronchial and alveolar patterns. Computed tomography was performed and in conjunction with pulmonary functional changes was diagnostic of small airway disease. The dog was treated with a variety of antibiotics, anti‐inflammatory agents, and antitussives, but the clinical signs worsened and the puppy was euthanized. Pathologic examination confirmed severe small airway disease, with emphysema and bronchiolitis.
Prevalence of Pervasive Developmental Disorders in Two Canadian Provinces
Authors: Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , Coo Helen , Yu C. T. , Chudley Albert E. , Noonan Andrea , Breitenbach Marlene , Ramji Nasreen , Prosick Talia , Bedard Angela , Holden Jeanette J. A.
Published: August 2006

Abstract  Although it is generally accepted that the proportion of children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) has increased in the past two decades, there is no consensus on the prevalence of these conditions. The accompanying large rise in demand for services, together with uncertainty regarding the extent to which the observed increases are due to a true change in risk, has made PDDs a major public health concern. As few data exist on the prevalence of PDDs in Canada, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed PDDs in two Canadian provinces (Manitoba and Prince Edward Island (PEI)) and compare characteristics of diagnosed cases between the two regions. To obtain the estimates, children under the age of 15 years with a PDD diagnosis who lived in either province in 2002 were identified by workers at Children’s Special Services, a provincial government program that supports children with special needs in Manitoba, and by the PEI provincial early intervention coordinator (Department of Social Services and Seniors) and special education autism coordinator (Department of Education). The findings show that the prevalence among children 1–14 years of age was 28.4 per 10,000 (95% confidence interval: 26.1–30.8) in Manitoba and 35.2 per 10,000 (95% confidence interval: 28.2–43.4) in PEI. In Manitoba, children of aboriginal identity with PDDs (8.3%) were significantly underrepresented compared with the general population of aboriginal children living off native reserves (15.6%). Sex ratio, sibling risk, and age at initial diagnosis were similar in the two provinces. These findings can serve as a baseline from which to monitor the prevalence of these conditions over time, providing valuable data for researchers, planners, and service providers.
Presidential Difference in the Early Republic: The Highly Disparate Leadership Styles of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson
Authors: GREENSTEIN FRED I.
Published: August 2006

The absence of well‐established political precedents and norms presented the early American presidents with the political equivalent of a Rorschach test. This made for highly diverse leadership styles, as can be seen by comparing the leadership of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. This article makes such a comparison, doing so on the basis of cognitive style, emotional intelligence, public communication, organizational capacity, political skill, and policy vision.
The Changing Nature of Presidential Policy Making on International Agreements
Authors: KRUTZ GLEN S. , PEAKE JEFFREY S.
Published: August 2006

Why are executive agreements (EAs), rather than treaties, increasingly used to formalize U.S. relations with other countries? We examine this question from two perspectives. In the first, known as the “evasion” hypothesis, presidents act strategically to evade the Senate when governing circumstances are difficult. This strategic view reflects the conventional wisdom. Second, we consider whether organizational efficiency drives presidential use of EAs. As the number of countries increases, requiring more international agreements, it becomes necessary to rely more on an efficient mechanism to “get things done.” We test these rival hypotheses by analyzing EA use as a percentage of all international agreements, as well as a subset of important EAs, from 1949 to 1998. In contrast to the conventional wisdom, we find consistent support for the efficiency hypothesis and only mixed support for the evasion hypothesis. Within these mixed findings, an interesting trend emerges. As expected, presidents act more strategically on the subset of important agreements, but this behavior appears to be driven by the ideological makeup of the Senate rather than partisan cleavages.
Presidential Visits and Midterm Senate Elections
Authors: SELLERS PATRICK J. , DENTON LAURA M.
Published: August 2006

We investigate presidents' midterm domestic travel between 1982 and 2002. The president concentrates campaign appearances in states with competitive Senate races. These campaign visits appear to boost the candidates from the president's party. Yet, the president is not always working to further his party's collective goals. His individual electoral interests lead him to make official noncampaign visits to strengthen his own electoral support in some states. Self‐interest also encourages the president to campaign for his party's candidates in states with numerous electoral votes, regardless of their chances of winning. Such campaign visits may help the president's own electoral fortunes but inefficiently further his party's collective interests.
McKinley's Backbone
Authors: HAMILTON RICHARD F.
Published: August 2006

Many commentators have quoted and made use of a statement by Theodore Roosevelt—that President William McKinley had “no more backbone than a chocolate éclair.” Three uses of the quotation are reviewed here raising questions about the adequacy of the sources, the context, and the plausibility of that judgment.
The crystal structure of pyruvate decarboxylase from Kluyveromyces lactis
Authors: Kutter Steffen , Wille Georg , Relle Sandy , Weiss Manfred S. , Hübner Gerhard , König Stephan
Published: August 2006

The crystal structure of pyruvate decarboxylase from Kluyveromyces lactis has been determined to 2.26 Å resolution. Like other yeast enzymes, Kluyveromyces lactis pyruvate decarboxylase is subject to allosteric substrate activation. Binding of substrate at a regulatory site induces catalytic activity. This process is accompanied by conformational changes and subunit rearrangements. In the nonactivated form of the corresponding enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, all active sites are solvent accessible due to the high flexibility of loop regions 106–113 and 292–301. The binding of the activator pyruvamide arrests these loops. Consequently, two of four active sites become closed. In Kluyveromyces lactis pyruvate decarboxylase, this half‐side closed tetramer is present even without any activator. However, one of the loops (residues 105–113), which are flexible in nonactivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae pyruvate decarboxylase, remains flexible. Even though the tetramer assemblies of both enzyme species are different in the absence of activating agents, their substrate activation kinetics are similar. This implies an equilibrium between the open and the half‐side closed state of yeast pyruvate decarboxylase tetramers. The completely open enzyme state is favoured for Saccharomyces cerevisiae pyruvate decarboxylase, whereas the half‐side closed form is predominant for Kluyveromyces lactis pyruvate decarboxylase. Consequently, the structuring of the flexible loop region 105–113 seems to be the crucial step during the substrate activation process of Kluyveromyces lactis pyruvate decarboxylase.
Epl1, the major secreted protein of Hypocrea atroviridis on glucose, is a member of a strongly conserved protein family comprising plant defense response elicitors
Authors: Seidl Verena , Marchetti Martina , Schandl Reingard , Allmaier Günter , Kubicek Christian P.
Published: August 2006

We used a proteomic approach to identify constitutively formed extracellular proteins of Hypocrea atroviridis (Trichoderma atroviride), a known biocontrol agent. The fungus was cultivated on glucose and the secretome was examined by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. The two predominant spots were identified by MALDI MS utilizing peptide mass fingerprints and amino acid sequence tags obtained by postsource decay and/or high‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (MS/MS) experiments, and turned out to be the same protein (12 629 Da as determined with MS, pI 5.5–5.7), probably representing the monomer and the dimer. The corresponding gene was subsequently cloned from H. atroviridis and named epl1 (eliciting plant response‐like), because it encodes a protein that exhibits high similarity to the cerato‐platanin family, which comprises proteins such as cerato‐platanin from Ceratocystis fimbriata f. sp. platani and Snodprot1 of Phaeosphaeria nodorum, which have been reported to be involved in plant pathogenesis and elicitation of plant defense responses. Additionally, based on the similarity of the N‐terminus to that of H. atroviridis Epl1, we conclude that a previously identified 18 kDa plant response elicitor isolated from T. virens is an ortholog of epl1. Our results showed that epl1 transcript was present under all growth conditions tested, which included the carbon sources glucose, glycerol, l‐arabinose, d‐xylose, colloidal chitin and cell walls of the plant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, and also plate confrontation assays with R. solani. Epl1 transcript could even be detected under osmotic stress, and carbon and nitrogen starvation.
Etiology of Ejaculation and Pathophysiology of Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Donatucci Craig F.
Published: August 2006

Introduction

Ejaculation is comprised of three stages of the male sexual response cycle, namely emission, ejection, and orgasm; however, in comparison with erection, which is a well-understood component of male sexual response, the pathophysiology of ejaculation has yet to be fully delineated. Premature ejaculation (PE), the most common sexual disorder in men, while believed to have a multifactorial etiology, is even less well understood.

Aim

This article reviews the physiology of ejaculation, and the multifactorial pathophysiology of PE.

Methods

The Sexual Medicine Society of North America hosted a State of the Art Conference on Premature Ejaculation on June 24–26, 2005 in collaboration with the University of South Florida. The purpose was to have an open exchange of contemporary research and clinical information on PE. There were 16 invited presenters and discussants; the group focused on several educational objectives.

Main Outcome Measure

Data were obtained by extensive examination of published peer-reviewed literature.

Results

Evidence supports that biologic mechanisms associated with neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, Gamma-amino-butyric acid, and nitric oxide (NO) as well as the hormone estrogen play central roles in ejaculation, and subsequently may mediate PE. There is also emerging evidence to show that hyperthyroidism may be a causal factor in PE. Recent data also suggest that psychogenic factors include high level of any experience by some men with PE.

Conclusions

The pathophysiology of both lifelong and acquired PE appears to be both neurobiogenic and psychogenic. While psychogenic factors appear to be contributory to PE, pharmacologic intervention of PE can modify intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), which suggests that IELT is a biological variable, and is likely biologically dependent upon neurotransmitters and hormones.