bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of a trimeric archaeal adenylate kinase from the mesophile Methanococcus maripaludis with an unusually broad functional range and thermal stability
Authors: Davlieva Milya , Shamoo Yousif
Published: July 2009

The structure of the trimeric adenylate kinase from the Archaebacteria Methanococcus mariplaludis (AKMAR) has been solved to 2.5‐Å resolution and the temperature dependent stability and kinetics of the enzyme measured. The KM and Vmax of AKMAR exhibit only modest temperature dependence from 30°–60°C. Although M. mariplaludis is a mesophile with a maximum growth temperature of 43°C, AKMAR has a very broad functional range and stability (Tm = 74.0°C) that are more consistent with a thermophilic enzyme with high thermostability and exceptional activity over a wide range of temperatures, suggesting that this microbe may have only recently invaded a mesophilic niche and has yet to fully adapt. A comparison of the Local Structural Entropy (LSE) for AKMAR to the related adenylate kinases from the mesophile Methanococcus voltae and thermophile Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus show that changes in LSE are able to fully account for the intermediate stability of AKMAR and highlights a general mechanism for protein adaptation in this class of enzymes. Proteins 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reproductive success of rose‐ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri in a captive UK population
Authors: Lambert Mark S , Massei Giovanna , Bell Jennifer , Berry Leslie , Haigh Carol , Cowan David P
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Rose‐ringed parakeets Psittacula krameri (Scop.) have recently become established in several European countries, with potential for significant negative economic and ecological impacts. However, in northern Europe the potential for reproductive output is largely unknown. In 2005 the authors established a captive outdoor colony in north‐east England and examined breeding success over 2 years.

RESULTS: In 2006 (19 pairs, 15 clutches) the average first clutch size was 3.6 (±0.3) eggs. Six clutches were infertile, and overall the colony produced 1.4 (±0.5) fertile eggs per pair. Eleven pairs produced a second clutch following removal of the first; seven were infertile, and overall productivity was 0.7 (±0.4) fertile eggs per pair. Unsuccessful pairs were rearranged or replaced. In 2007, overall productivity was 2.5 (±0.4) and 1.8 (±0.4) fertile eggs per pair for the first and second attempts respectively. For pairs that remained unchanged through 2006–2007, productivity was consistent between years and breeding attempts.

CONCLUSION: Where food and nest sites were not limiting, clutch sizes in north‐east England were similar to those in the native range, and consistent between first and second attempts. This has implications for the future expansion and management of the species. © Crown Copyright 2009. Reproduced with permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene expression analysis on anterior temporal neocortex of patients with intractable epilepsy
Authors: Xi Zhi‐Qin , Xiao Fei , Yuan Jie , Wang Xue‐Feng , Wang Liang , Quan Feng‐Yin , Liu Guang‐Wei
Published: July 2009

To elucidate the molecular basis of intractable epilepsy (IE), we used a whole‐genome transcriptomic approach to identify genes involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Using a complementary DNAs microarray representing 4096 human genes, we analyzed differential gene expression in the anterior temporal neocortex (ATN) of IE patients relative to control patients who had an operation to relieve head trauma‐related intracranial pressure. The results were validated by real‐time fluorescence‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ‐PCR) and reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR). The expression of 143 genes (3.5%) was significantly altered in IE patients. Thirty‐seven genes (26%) were reduced relative to controls, and 106 (74%) were elevated (more than twofold change vs. controls), including genes involved in immunity, signal transduction, apoptosis, stress, synaptic plasticity, structural, and cellular reorganization, among other processes. Results for 13 of the 14 differentially expressed genes tested by FQ‐PCR were consistent with the microarray. Twelve abnormally expressed cytoskeletal genes were confirmed by RT‐PCR. Expression of 11 was significantly higher in the ATN of IE patients than in controls. Gene productsalteredin IE, namely HSPBAP1, TRAP220, glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β), and cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), were tested by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. GSK‐3β and CDK5 levels were significantly higher in the ATN of IE patients. Our gene chip data are generally in agreement with the published findings on epilepsy. Thus, gene chips may serve as a screening tool to elucidate the pathophysiology of IE. Investigation of some of these newly identified genes should enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis. Synapse 63:1017–1028, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zinc: The brain's dark horse
Authors: Bitanihirwe Byron K.Y. , Cunningham Miles G.
Published: July 2009

Zinc is a life‐sustaining trace element, serving structural, catalytic, and regulatory roles in cellular biology. It is required for normal mammalian brain development and physiology, such that deficiency or excess of zinc has been shown to contribute to alterations in behavior, abnormal central nervous system development, and neurological disease. In this light, it is not surprising that zinc ions have now been shown to play a role in the neuromodulation of synaptic transmission as well as in cortical plasticity. Zinc is stored in specific synaptic vesicles by a class of glutamatergic or “gluzinergic” neurons and is released in an activity‐dependent manner. Because gluzinergic neurons are found almost exclusively in the cerebral cortex and limbic structures, zinc may be critical for normal cognitive and emotional functioning. Conversely, direct evidence shows that zinc might be a relatively potent neurotoxin. Neuronal injury secondary to in vivo zinc mobilization and release occurs in several neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in addition to epilepsy and ischemia. Thus, zinc homeostasis is integral to normal central nervous system functioning, and in fact its role may be underappreciated. This article provides an overview of zinc neurobiology and reviews the experimental evidence that implicates zinc signals in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases. A greater understanding of zinc's role in the central nervous system may therefore allow for the development of therapeutic approaches where aberrant metal homeostasis is implicated in disease pathogenesis. Synapse 63:1029–1049, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved gap‐repair cloning method that uses oligonucleotides to target cognate sequences
Authors: Kitazono Ana A.
Published: July 2009

In vivo or gap‐repair cloning in yeast has been widely recognized as one of the most efficient means for error‐free construction of plasmids. A protocol is described here that allows easy and efficient gap‐repair cloning that is based on two major modifications. Instead of subcloning, the targeting plasmids are constructed using oligonucleotides from sequences derived from the upstream and downstream sequences of the fragment to be cloned. These sequences are selected so that they can lead to the generation of recognition sites for restriction enzymes that produce blunt ends. Accordingly, this procedure can be applied to any DNA fragment, regardless of whether these include unique restriction sites to generate the targeting ends. With the strategy described, ∼50 bp upstream and downstream targeting ends are generated that allow efficient cloning. Further, to allow easy identification of the positive clones, the annealed oligonucleotides are cloned in frame with the lacZ fragment present in the plasmid. Accordingly, these plasmids produce blue Escherichia coli colonies on media containing X‐Gal. On the other hand, plasmids rescued from yeast that have acquired the respective cognate sequences produce white colonies. To demonstrate the efficiency of the method, this report includes the cloning of fragments harbouring the CDC28, CAK1, CIN5 and CLB2 genes. We found that 30–100% of the analysed plasmids carried the expected inserts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inappropriate Hospital Utilization for Long‐stay Patients in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Herng‐Chia , Mau Lih‐Wen , Lee Li‐Juan , Hsieh Hui‐Ming
Published: July 2009

This study examined the inappropriate utilization of hospital services under the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. The study population consisted of long‐stay inpatients who stayed longer than 30 days in acute care hospitals located in southern Taiwan. The study hospitals included four medical centers, six regional hospitals, and 21 district general hospitals. The survey of patients was conducted in January and May of 1996 using the Acute Care Hospital Long‐stay Questionnaire developed by the research team. Excluding subjects with missing values and abnormal length of stay, 536 long‐stay patients were included in the analysis. Among these, 196 patients (36.6%) were classified as having an inappropriate stay, while 340 patients (63.4%) had an appropriate stay. Of the long‐stay patients in medical centers, 32.2% were inappropriate stays; this figure was 45.4% for regional hospitals and 43.3% for district general hospitals. There were significantly higher proportions of inappropriate long‐stay patients in regional and district general hospitals than in medical centers. In conclusion, this study confirms the existence of inappropriate hospital bed days, which may be due to patient characteristics, hospital factors, and NHI payment schemes. If the NHI program can provide incentives to long‐stay patients who no longer need acute care to move, patients' utilization behaviors might change and hospital discharge plans could be modified for more efficient utilization of hospital beds.
Scrotal Abscess Originating from Appendicitis: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Yung‐Chin , Wu Wen‐Jeng , Huang Shu‐Pin , Chou Yii‐Her , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , Tsai Hsiu‐Nan
Published: July 2009

There are numerous reports concerning the presentation of appendicitis as a urologic problem. However, scrotal abscess originating from appendicitis has rarely been described. We report a right scrotal abscess due to a preceding retroperitoneal abscess originating from retrocecal appendicitis. The scrotal abscess developed progressively following appendectomy. Scrotal exploration was carried out under the presumptive diagnosis of abscessed epididymo‐orchitis. However, the patient remained febrile and had productive pus drained from the scrotum after exploration. Abdominal computerized tomography demonstrated that a large retroperitoneal abscess had accumulated at the appendectomy site. Percutaneous drainage of the retroperitoneal abscess resulted in resolution of the scrotal abscess. In cases of scrotal abscess following previous abdominal events (e.g. appendectomy), we recommend that abdominal origins should be carefully surveyed before scrotal exploration.
Kikuchi‐Fujimoto Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Chih‐Hung , Cheng Shih‐Tsung
Published: July 2009

We describe a rare but typical case of Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease (KFD). Two subcutaneous nodules appeared suddenly on the right of the neck of a 15‐year‐old girl. Microscopy of a surgical specimen of the larger nodule showed necrotizing lymphadenitis. Prompt treatment with mepirizole resulted in the disappearance of the smaller nodule. No recurrence was noted during 6 months of follow‐up. KFD is a rare, self‐limiting, necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis that needs to be differentiated from malignant lymphoma. Any nodal biopsy showing fragmented nuclei, necrosis, and karyorrhexis without prominent neutrophils should alert the physician to consideration of KFD, especially in a young woman presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy.
Enhancement of Glucose Uptake in 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes by Toona sinensis Leaf Extract
Authors: Yang Yu‐Chiao , Hwang Jia‐Huae , Hong Show‐Jen , Hsu Hseng‐Kuang
Published: July 2009

The effects of substances extracted from Toona sinensis leaves, using 50% alcohol/water, on cellular [3H]‐2‐deoxyglucose uptake in differentiated cultured 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were investigated. Following treatment of cells with 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 mg/mL extracts for 60 minutes, [3H]‐2‐deoxyglucose uptake increased from a basal value of 0.23 nmol/min/mg protein to 0.30, 0.33, and 0.38 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. In insulin‐stimulated cells, cellular [3H]‐2‐deoxyglucose uptake was enhanced by Toona sinensis leaf extract from a basal value of 0.35 nmol/min/mg protein to 0.41, 0.46, and 0.52 nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Cellular glucose uptake was also enhanced by Toona sinensis leaf extract after incubation of cells with 20 mM glucose for 48 hours. Cellular glucose uptake with a combination of Toona sinensis leaf extract and insulin was significantly inhibited by pretreatment of cells with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C in normal‐, medium‐ and high‐glucose media. However, the glucose uptake‐enhancing effect of Toona sinensis leaf extract was not diminished by cycloheximide and calphostin C in the absence of insulin. These results indicate that enhancement of cellular glucose uptake by Toona sinensis leaf extract in basal and insulin‐stimulated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes may be mediated by distinct mechanisms.
Enhanced Sentinel Lymphoscintigraphic Mapping in Breast Tumor Using the Graded Shield Technique
Authors: Chen Yu‐Wen , Lai Yung‐Chang , Hsu Chien‐Chin , Hou Ming‐Feng
Published: July 2009

The graded shield technique was developed to increase the sentinel node detection rate by improving lymphoscintigraphic image contrast. In a 6‐month period, 50 women with clinical suspicion of early stage breast cancer (T1 and T2 tumors) were enrolled in this study. The patients had a mean age of 47.2 ± 10.3 years. A composite graded shield was constructed using three concentric layers of leaded plastic measuring 3 cm, 5 cm, and 7 cm each in diameter. The graded shield was designed with a movable Velcro backing for accurate positioning over the injection site. Images were acquired with a vertical angle dual‐head gamma camera using an established injection procedure developed at our institution. The rate of detection of sentinel lymph nodes using lymphoscintigraphic mapping improved from 74% (37/50 patients) to 96% (48/50) using the graded shield (p < 0.05). In addition to the increased detection rate, our technique also increased the number of nodes detected and improved visualization of the adjacent lymphatic basin. By enhancing nodal contrast, we have demonstrated that the graded shield technique is an effective method for improving the rate of sentinel node detection.
Post‐traumatic Responses of Abused Women to Marital Violence
Authors: Hou Wen‐Li , Wang Hsiu‐Hung , Chung Hsin‐Hsin
Published: July 2009

The objectives of this study were to explore the post‐traumatic responses of abused women to marital violence and to examine the correlation between these responses and demographics. This study aimed to raise awareness of post‐traumatic responses in abused women among health care providers, who are supposed to pay more attention to this problem. A cross‐sectional survey‐interview with structured questionnaires was used. Subjects were recruited from the Kaohsiung area. Of the 127 women who participated in this study, 109 (85.8%) completed the questionnaires. The most frequent post‐traumatic response was: “I had a strong feeling toward this thing.” The least frequent response was: “I felt it seemed that this thing had never happened or it was not true.” The standardized mean score of the intrusion subscale (3.12) was higher than that of the avoidance subscale (1.84). The more children an abused woman had, the fewer avoidance responses she exhibited. Of the abused women, 93.6% had a high post‐traumatic response score (! 19). The results indicate that marital violence leads to post‐traumatic responses in abused women in Taiwan. The results can help health care providers to identify post‐traumatic responses of abused women at an early stage and can also provide information for planning further treatment strategies for abused women.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis with Extension into the Inferior Vena Cava: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Juan Yung‐Shun , Jang Mei‐Yu , Shen Jung‐Tsung , Chou Yii‐Her , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , Hsieh Tsyh‐Jyi
Published: July 2009

Of all primary malignant renal tumors, 10% to 15% originate from the renal pelvis, and 90% to 92% of these tumors are transitional cell carcinomas. Nonetheless, renal pelvis transitional cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava is very rare. We report one confirmed case and one highly suspicious case of renal pelvis transitional cell carcinoma with a tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava. Both of our patients died within 6 months of initial diagnosis, indicating the poor prognosis and advanced stage of transitional cell carcinoma with an inferior vena cava thrombus. Transitional cell carcinoma should be considered in patients with obstruction of the renal vein and the inferior vena cava.
Multilobular Cyst as Endosalpingiosis of Uterine Serosa: A Case Report
Authors: Chang Yu , Tsai Eing‐Mei , Yang Cheng‐Hui , Kuo Chiu‐Hu , Lee Jau‐Nan
Published: July 2009

A case of endosalpingiosis presented as a multilobular cyst on sonography. The tentative clinical diagnosis was an ovarian tumor; however, laparotomy revealed a degenerative cyst of the uterine myoma with a stalk connecting to the uterus. Histopathologically, it showed characteristics of endosalpingiosis. To our knowledge, such a multilobular cyst of endosalpingiosis originating solely from the uterine serosa has not been reported.
Bilateral Superselective Arterial Microcoil Embolization in Post‐Traumatic High‐Flow Priapism: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Yung‐Chin , Shen Jung‐Tsung , Shih Ming‐Chen , Chen Chung‐Chin , Chou Yii‐Her , Huang Chun‐Hsiung
Published: July 2009

Priapism is a prolonged penile erection unrelated to sexual stimulation. High‐flow arteriogenic priapism is uncommon and usually occurs after genitoperineal trauma, which may damage a feeding cavernosal artery, leading to an arteriovenous fistula and, occasionally, to an associated pseudoaneurysm. The defects rarely occur bilaterally. Herein, we report successful treatment of high‐flow priapism secondary to a traumatic pseudoaneurysm fed from the bilateral cavernosal artery. Diagnosis was made after cavernosal blood gas analysis, color Doppler ultrasonography, and superselective angiography. Treatment consisted of superselective arterial embolization using metallic microcoils and resulted in simultaneous detumescence of the penis with no complications. The patient regained morning erection on the second postoperative day and erectile function remained normal 8 months after treatment. This case shows that bilateral arteriocavernosal fistulae can be successfully treated with superselective arterial embolization without affecting potency and highlights the importance of warning men about the possibility of developing high‐flow priapism following a perineal trauma.
Double J Stent Forgotten For 7 Years: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Chun‐Kai , Li Ching‐Chia , Ke Hung‐Lung , Chou Yii‐Her , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , Shih Ming‐Chen
Published: July 2009

Ureteral stents are an integral part of urologic practices. Nonetheless, stents that migrate, fragment, or are forgotten pose management and legal dilemmas. We report the case of a “forgotten” stent, which migrated upward into the right renal pelvis, concomitant with a ureteral stone. The “forgotten” stent was placed 7 years previously during right ureteral stone treatment. The patient finally underwent nephroscopic stent retrieval and ureteroscopic ureteral stone removal. The final plain X‐ray demonstrated no stone fragment or residual double J stent fragment. The patient withstood the procedure well and was free of symptoms thereafter.
Emphysematous Cystitis, A Rare Complication of Urinary Tract Infection in a Male Diabetic Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Hsin Shih‐Chieh , Hsieh Ming‐Chia , Lin Hsing‐Yi , Hsia Pi‐Jung , Shin Shyi‐Jang
Published: July 2009

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare complication of urinary tract infection, characterized by spontaneous gas formation in the urinary bladder due to bacterial fermentation. Approximately 50 to 80% of patients with this disease are diabetic, and there is a higher incidence in females. We report a case of emphysematous cystitis in a diabetic male who was admitted under the impressions of hypoglycemia, acute bronchitis, and chronic renal failure. Treatment of the emphysematous cystitis consisted of adequate urinary drainage, empirical antibiotic therapy, and strict blood sugar control. The patient recovered satisfactorily after 9 days of hospitalization.
Acute Thrombosis after Elective Direct Intracoronary Stenting in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Su Ho‐Ming , Lee Kun‐Tai , Chu Chin‐Sheng , Sheu Sheng‐Hsiung , Lai Wen‐Ter
Published: July 2009

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an uncommon prothrombotic disorder that has been increasingly recognized in recent years. The diagnosis of APS must be associated with venous or arterial thrombosis or both. Patients with APS usually present with recurrent deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, thromboembolic stroke, or myocardial infarction. Here, we report a case of a 61‐year‐old female who presented with a 3‐month history of increasingly frequent retrosternal chest tightness. After treadmill test and thallium‐201 myocardial perfusion scan, she was admitted and underwent elective coronary angiography but developed acute thrombosis after direct intracoronary stenting. She was successfully rescued with repeat percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and prolonged heparin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist use. Laboratory data showed prolongation of partial thromboplastin time and positive anti‐cardiolipin antibody. These findings satisfied the criteria for APS; the patient was diagnosed with primary APS because she had neither typical symptoms nor signs of systemic lupus erythematosus or other immunologic disorders. Thereafter, long‐term oral anticoagulant appeared to be effective. To our knowledge, this is the first report of acute stent thrombosis in a patient with primary APS.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Menopause: A Review of Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trials
Authors: Chang Chueh , Lin Catherine Hui‐Wen
Published: July 2009

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is frequently prescribed to healthy women to ameliorate menopausal symptoms. HRT is used long term (≥ 1 year) to prevent chronic disease in older women. The objective of this study was to review the benefits and risks of HRT and studies of menopause or HRT in Taiwan via a MEDLINE search. Recommendations are provided for future HRT research in Taiwan. Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trials are considered the gold standard of scientific evidence. A MEDLINE literature search (January 1966‐July 2002) identified 23 papers on trials (≥ 1 year) that met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that various HRT regimens used for more than 1 year caused more harm than good in healthy menopausal women and that there was no benefit for women with coronary artery disease, Alzheimer's disease, hysterectomy, hysterosalpingooophorectomy, and ischemic stroke. None of this research was conducted in Taiwan. A MEDLINE search using the key words “estrogen replacement therapy and menopause in Taiwan” identified 16 studies. There was only one, short‐term, HRT trial. No evidence suggested benefits from long‐term HRT in menopausal women in Taiwan.
Management Strategy for Unicameral Bone Cyst
Authors: Chuo Chin‐Yi , Fu Yin‐Chih , Chien Song‐Hsiung , Lin Gau‐Tyan , Wang Gwo‐Jaw
Published: July 2009

The management of a unicameral bone cyst varies from percutaneous needle biopsy, aspiration, and local injection of steroid, autogenous bone marrow, or demineralized bone matrix to the more invasive surgical procedures of conventional curettage and grafting (with autogenous or allogenous bone) or subtotal resection with bone grafting. The best treatment for a unicameral bone cyst is yet to be identified. Better understanding of the pathology will change the concept of management. The aim of treatment is to prevent pathologic fracture, to promote cyst healing, and to avoid cyst recurrence and re‐fracture. We retrospectively reviewed 17 cases of unicameral bone cysts (12 in the humerus, 3 in the femur, 2 in the fibula) managed by conservative observation, curettage and bone grafting with open reduction and internal fixation, or continuous decompression and drainage with a cannulated screw. We suggest percutaneous cannulated screw insertion to promote cyst healing and prevent pathologic fracture. We devised a protocol for the management of unicameral bone cysts.
Feasibility of Identification of Alcohol Intoxication by Nurses in Emergency Departments
Authors: Li Yin‐Ming
Published: July 2009

Vehicle‐related injuries are the major cause of death and injuries in Hualien County, and driving under the influence of alcohol plays a major role in such crashes. From December 1997 to May 1998, we determined the blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of injured individuals from vehicle crashes at two emergency departments in Hualien. Nurses were asked to record whether the patient presented with an alcohol odor. The accuracy of detection by nurses was assessed from the BAC and groups with increased prevalence were identified for screening. Of 945 patients assessed, 505 (53.4%) tested positive by BAC and 320 (33.9%) were identified with an alcohol odor. With a BAC threshold of more than 50 mg/dL, detection sensitivity was 75.4%, specificity was 90.4%, and accuracy was 85.0% (95% confidence interval: 82.7, 87.3). Patients with an alcohol odor were significantly more likely to be men, aborigines, or head‐injured patients. The accuracy of detection showed no significant difference by gender, head injury, or driver status. We suggest that detection of alcohol odor by nurses may be a feasible assessment of the role of alcohol in road traffic accidents. This may provide essential data for injury prevention strategies and programs.
Imported Malaria in Southern Taiwan from 1991 to 2002: A Single Hospital's Experience
Authors: Tang Jing‐Shia , Chen Chien‐Liang , Ko Wen‐Chien , Chuang Chia‐Chang
Published: July 2009

Malaria, a major public health problem worldwide, is a predominant infectious disease in most tropical and subtropical countries. Before 1965, Taiwan was a hyperendemic area, but most cases are now imported. We present our experience of dealing with various malaria infections. Charts of malaria patients visiting university hospitals in southern Taiwan between January 1991 and June 2002 were available for review. All diagnoses were made by positive blood smear and detailed history that included countries visited, paroxysm of symptoms, and medical treatment. Seventeen patients, 6 women and 11 men (mean age, 32.3 ± 11.8 years), were enrolled. Six were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, eight with Plasmodium vivax, two with a combination of P. falciparum and P. vivax, and one with an unidentified infection. All Taiwanese patients infected with P. falciparum (n = 5) contracted the disease in Africa or Indonesia. All Taiwanese patients infected with P. vivax (n = 4) contracted the disease in Southeast Asia or Oceania. Fever and chills were the leading symptoms of malaria. P. falciparum infection was treated with quinine and doxycycline/tetracycline, with the addition of artesunate for cerebral malaria. P. vivax infection was treated with chloroquine and primaquine. Maintaining a high degree of suspicion in patients with a history of travel to malaria‐endemic areas is the major cornerstone of malaria diagnosis. Erroneous diagnosis and improper treatment leads to greater morbidity and even mortality.
Correlation Between Filling Defect Patterns on Urography and Pathologic Staging of Ureteral Transitional Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Lee Yi‐Lun , Huang Shu‐Pin , Shih Min‐Chen , Chou Yii‐Her , Huang Chun‐Hsiung
Published: July 2009

Although a filling defect within the ureter is the most common finding with ureteral transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs), little is known about the correlation between filling defect patterns and pathologic findings. This study was conducted to address this. Between January 1995 and January 2003, 126 pathologically confirmed TCCs of the ureter were included in our study. We classified urographic filling defects into four patterns: ovoid, polypoid, infiltrating, and plaque‐like. The correlation between different filling defect patterns and pathologic findings was assessed using Pearson's Chi‐squared and logistic regression methods. There were 28 (22%) ovoid filling defects, 42 (33%) polypoid filling defects, 37 (29%) infiltrating filling defects, and 19 (15%) plaque‐like filling defects. Infiltrating and plaque‐like filling defects were significantly associated with more advanced disease compared to ovoid and polypoid filling defects (odds ratio, 6.75; 95% confidence interval, 3.04‐14.98; p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that filling defect presentations may signify different invasive behavior among TCCs. The distribution of ovoid, polypoid, infiltrating, and plaque‐like filling defect patterns is significantly different between superficial and advanced ureteral TCCs. We suggest that classifying the filling defect patterns of ureteral TCCs may provide important preoperative information for planning treatment and predicting outcome.
Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Human Middle Ear Cholesteatoma
Authors: Hsu Ying‐Che , Ho Kuen‐Yao , Lee Ka‐Wo , Wang Ling‐Feng , Kuo Wen‐Rei , Chai Chee‐Yin , Wu Shu‐Chuan , Tsai Shin‐Meng
Published: July 2009

Middle ear cholesteatoma is destructive to auditory ossicles and temporal bone, and treatment usually includes surgical removal of all epithelial content in the tympanomastoid cavity. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a 170 kd to 180 kd transmembrane glycoprotein and its distribution density is related to the ability of the keratinocytes to differentiate and their state of differentiation. We used the avidinbiotin complex technique and EGFR monoclonal antibody to evaluate the expression of EGFR in 29 cases of cholesteatoma and 34 samples of normal postauricular skin. Of patients with cholesteatoma, 79% (23 cases) had EGFR‐positive cells in the basal layer, 66% (19 cases) in the parabasal layer, and 62% (18 cases) in the upper layer of the epithelial tissue. Among patients with normal postauricular skin, 85% (29 cases) had EGFR‐positive cells in the basal layer, 79% (27 cases) in the parabasal layer, and 79% (27 cases) in the upper layer of the epithelial tissue. No statistical difference in EGFR expression between each layer of cholesteatoma and postauricular skin was noted. However, there was an intensity gradient of positive EGFR immunoreactivity from the basal to the higher layers in cholesteatoma. Our results showed that the distribution of EGFR in middle ear cholesteatoma is not deranged, but is similar to that in normal skin tissue.
Diagnostic Value of Unenhanced Computerized Tomography Urography in the Evaluation of Acute Renal Colic
Authors: Wang Jia‐Hwia , Wei Chao‐Jung , Chang Cheng‐Yen , Lin Wen‐Chiung
Published: July 2009

This study prospectively evaluated the diagnostic value of unenhanced computerized tomography (CT) urography in patients with acute renal colic. Fifty‐nine patients with clinical manifestations of acute renal colic underwent unenhanced helical CT to evaluate urinary tract abnormalities. Reformatted three‐dimensional CT urography was performed in all patients. The findings were correlated with ureteroscopy, surgical findings, histopathologic findings, and clinical course. CT urography detected urinary abnormalities in 57 of 59 patients with the clinical manifestation of acute renal colic, including 45 cases of urolithiasis, three urinary malignancies, one congenital abnormality, and eight ureteral strictures (due to chronic inflammation or fibrosis). CT urography showed negative findings in the urinary system in two patients, and after clinical follow‐up, urinary abnormality was excluded in these patients. Incidental findings of extrarenal disease were noted in six patients (pulmonary abnormalities, n = 2; gallstones, n = 4). Only one patient with urolithiasis was misdiagnosed as having a renal tumor by CT urography. The sensitivity and specificity of CT urography in diagnosing urolithiasis was 97.8% (44/45) and 100% (14/14), respectively. Three‐dimensional CT urography is a newly developed modality to evaluate anomalies of the urinary tract. The highly accurate diagnostic value of CT urography makes it a suitable alternative or substitutive modality in patients with acute flank pain.
Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: A Case Report
Authors: Chang Chi‐Wu , Chang Chi‐Huang , Peng Mei‐Lin
Published: July 2009

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited mitochondrial disease that primarily affects the optic nerve, causing bilateral vision loss in juveniles and young adults. A 12‐year‐old boy had complained of blurred vision in both eyes for more than 1 year. His best‐corrected visual acuity was 0.08 in the right eye and 0.1 in the left. Ophthalmologic examination showed bilateral optic disc hyperemia and margin blurring, peripapillary telangiectasis, and a relative afferent pupil defect in his right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed no stain or leakage around the optic disc in the late phase. Visual field analysis showed central scotoma in the left eye and a near‐total defect in the right. Upon examination of the patient's mitochondrial DNA, a point mutation at nucleotide position 11778 was found, and the diagnosis of LHON was confirmed. Coenzyme Q10 was used to treat the patient.
Exercise‐Induced Acute Spinal Subdural Hematoma: A Case Report
Authors: Yang Jiao‐Chiao , Chang Kun‐Chuan
Published: July 2009

A 63‐year‐old woman developed acute back pain and sciatica after playing hula‐hoop. Urinary incontinence was also noted. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute thoracolumbar spinal subdural hematoma. After emergency surgical decompression and evacuation of the spinal subdural hematoma, the patient had good recovery without any postoperative neurologic deficit. In this article, we describe and review the clinical presentations, characteristic findings from imaging studies, and treatment of spinal subdural hematoma.
Perforated Duodenum – An Unusual Etiology of Fournier's Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Yung‐Chin , Wu Wen‐Jeng , Chou Yii‐Her , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , Yang Wen‐Horng
Published: July 2009

Fournier's disease, a form of necrotizing fasciitis, is a rapidly progressing subcutaneous infection of the male genitalia. We report a case of Fournier's disease with the unusual etiology of a perforated duodenum. This patient suffered from progressive right scrotal swelling after percutaneous transhepatic cholangeal drainage. Scrotal exploration revealed a large abscess with muscle necrosis that had spread up to the right retroperitoneal space. Radiologic studies and second abdominal exploration documented the origin as a perforated duodenum. The pus distribution in this case suggested that the infection process differed from that in previous reports. In future cases of Fournier's disease involving previous abdominal events, we recommend that abdominal origins be carefully surveyed before scrotal exploration.
Sinonasal NK/T‐Cell Lymphoma with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report
Authors: Huang Kuan‐Jung , Wang Ling‐Feng , Lee Ka‐Wo , Ho Kuen‐Yao , Kuo Wen‐Rei , Tsai Kun‐Bow , Chuang Jye‐Hann
Published: July 2009

Natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma is the most common malignant lymphoma among sinonasal lymphomas. Diagnosis is difficult and prognosis is poor. Herein, we report the case of a 22‐year‐old male patient with sinonasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma who first presented with nasal obstruction and left facial swelling. There was a mushroom‐like mass over the hard palate, diffuse mucosal swelling in the left nasal cavity, and left orbital cellulitis. The patient underwent a Caldwell‐Luc operation, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and wide excision of the palate tumor. Pathologic examination of the maxillary sinus, nasal cavity, and palate tumor showed an NK/T‐cell lymphoma. Two days after the operation, the patient suddenly had bloody stool and suffered hematemesis. A series of examinations revealed a small intestinal hemorrhage. Emergent exploratory laparotomy showed an ulcerative tumor mass with bleeding over the jejunum. Pathologic examination of the mass showed that it was the same as the sinonasal mass, an NK/T‐cell lymphoma. We reviewed previous studies on nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma and found no report discussing patients with NK/T‐cell lymphoma of both nasal and non‐nasal origins. From this case, we learned that in patients with sinonasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, other sites may be involved.
Party Systems and the Representation of Social Groups
Authors: Lipset Seymour Martin
Published: July 2009

Sociologists and laymen have often seemed to differ over the nature of democracy. Public opinion generally gives prominence to the freedom of citizens to elect representatives, and until recently political scientists devoted most of their attention to the instituted rules which safeguard these rights and make them effective. The sociologist's concentration upon elites and social processes must often haye seemed, to both layman and political scientist, to blur the distinctions between democracy and totalitarian or aristocratic forms of government. This difference in emphasis sometimes reflects the gap between wish and reality; sometimes, however, it is due to the sociologist's excessive neglect of formal institutions. In this omission, the sociologist is frequently suffering from the undue influence of certain ideas in the sociological tradition, which, when first stated, were salutary correctives of older misconceptions. Thus Max Weber and Joseph Schumpeter stressed, as the distinctive and most valuable feature of democracy, the formation of the political elite in a competitive struggle for the votes of a mainly passive electorate (I). On account of its heritage of ideas, sociology has yet to create the single theory which will give due weight to the autonomy of legally-constituted elites as well as to the influence of the various other social groups involved in the democratic process.
Traditional Society and Representation A case study in Orissa
Authors: Bailey F. G.
Published: July 2009

In this essay I describe the relationship between politicians in Orissa (1) and the people whom they represent and govern. Demographic, cultural and social factors affect the politician's approach to his electorate. To be accepted, he requires a particular kind of reputation; to win an election he must take account of the structure of the society in which he lives; and, thirdly, he must create networks of relationship, which are not found in the traditional society but are a product of a society in transition.
Les sociologues et les institutions représentatives
Authors: Aron Raymond
Published: July 2009

La sociologie, telle que l'ont conçue ses fondateurs au siècle dernier, était à la fois interprétation et justification, défense et illustration de la société moderne. Elle ne voyait dans les institutions représentatives qu'un aspect secondaire de la société moderne, voire un héritage du passé, une survivance de la phase transitoire. Cette appréciation de la modernité et cette dépréciation du parlementarisme — en dépit du caractère démocratique que les fondateurs de la sociologie attribuent à la société en train de naître — caractérisent Auguste Comte aussi bien que Karl Marx, mais non Herbert Spencer, comme le montre T.B. Bottomore.
Social Stratification and the Political Community
Authors: Bendix Reinhard
Published: July 2009

In the developing areas of the world new class-relations emerge, as one after another country adopts democratic institutions and initiates industrial growth. In the ‘developing areas’ of Europe a comparable process took place since the French Revolution and during much of the nineteenth century. This essay seeks to enhance our understanding of the modern problem by a re-examination of the European experience with special reference to the relation of social stratification and the political community in the nation-state (i).
The ‘New Working Class’
Authors: Lockwood David
Published: July 2009

The problem of the ‘new working class’ is located in the events of recent political history, specifically in the three successive electoral defeats of the Labour Party. In attempting to explain the failure of the traditional working class party to increase, or even retain, its support among the wage-earning population, a good many generalizations about the causes and consequences of secular changes in the class structure have been advanced and disputed. The salient thesis is that which seeks to account for the conservative drift of the working class in terms of their growing prosperity and their gradual assimilation to the middle class in an economy of full employment and rising expectations of material welfare. As one writer puts it: “The whole working class finds itself on the move, moving towards new middle class values and middle class existence” (1).
Politics, Social Structure and Military Intervention in Latin America
Authors: Germani Gino , Silvert Kalman
Published: July 2009

The recent politico-military events of Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, and even France demonstrate that the application of unabashed armed might to the solution of civic problems is not peculiar to Latin America, nor indeed a phenomenon to be correlated only with economic underdevelopment. Public violence and political instability in Latin America have all too often been treated either as merely comic or else a manifestation of “spirit”, “temperament”, or “Latin blood”. Riots in the streets of Buenos Aires are no less tragic than riots in the streets of Algiers—and no less related to the basic facts of social disorganization as they may be reflected in crises of political legitimacy and consensus.
Soziale Normen
Authors: Popitz Heinrich
Published: July 2009

Die Normgebundenheit des sozialen Verhaltens ist eine einfache, ja triviale Alltagserfahrung : wir geraten ständig an Kreuzungen, die mit grünen und roten Signalen versehen sind, — in soziale Situationen, die offenbar bereits von anderen entdeckt, fixiert, vorgeformt sind. Es steht uns nicht frei, diese Vorgeformtheit, diese Besetzung von Situationen mit positiv und negativ bewerteten Alternativlösungen ohne weiteres zu ignorieren. Wenn wir uns um die grünen und roten Lichter nicht scheren, wird unser Verhalten dennoch von anderen als eine Antwort auf diese Signale interpretiert, — auch wenn es gar nicht in unserer Absicht lag, uns eine Frage stellen zu lassen. So können wir in einer ersten Annäherung sagen : die Normgebundenheit sozialen Verhaltens bedeutet, daΒ soziale Situationen mit bestimmten Alternativen belastet sind, die auf irgendwelchen Verabredungen zu beruhen scheinen; Verabredungen, von denen man nicht recht weiΒ, wer sie eigentlich getroffen hat; Verabredungen, die wir nicht aus der Welt schaffen, wenn wir sie von Fall zu Fall nicht akzeptieren. Sie sind irgendwie so auf Dauerhaftigkeit angelegt, daΒ sie vom Einzelnen nicht beliebig auΒer Kraft gesetzt werden können.
The Welfare State in Historical Perspective
Authors: Briggs Asa
Published: July 2009

Thephrase “welfare state” is of recent origin. It was first used to describe Labour Britain after 1945. From Britain the phrase made its way round the world. It was freely employed, usually but not exclusively by politicians and journalists, in relation to diverse societies at diverse stages of development. Historians also took over the phrase. Attempts were made to re-write nineteenth and twentieth century history, particularly British history, in terms of the “origins” and “development” of a “welfare state”.
Selbstbild und Gesellschaftsbild Wissenssoziologische Überlegungen zum Image-Begriff
Authors: Dreitzel Hans Peter
Published: July 2009

Im Mittelpunkt der folgenden Betrachtungen steht ein Begriff, der wissenschaftlich zuerst von der Psychologie, genauer : der Marktpsychologie, in Anspruch genommen worden ist, der aber darüber hinaus alle Aussicht hat, zu einer fruchtbaren Kategorie auch der Soziologie zu werden. Allerdings ist es — außer für die Zwecke der Konsumforschung — bis jetzt den Sozialwissenschaften noch nicht gelungen, die Bedeutung des Image-Begriffs klar zu umreißen. Mit Recht konnte Ralf Dahrendorf kürzlich feststellen : »The terms ‘image’ and ‘self-image’ have become rather fashionable of late, although one suspects that this fashion has not added either to their denniteness or to their usefulness« (1). Aber die wachsende Beliebtheit von Begriff en wie »soziales Image«, »soziales Weltbild«, »Gesellschaftsbild«, »Selbstverständnis« u.ä. scheint doch darauf hinzuweisen, daß hier eine Sache von wesentlicher Bedeutung gemeint ist. Allen diesen Begriffen ist gemeinsam, daß sie sich auf ein subjektives Element im gesellschaftlichen Gefüge beziehen, dem offenbar ein besonderes Gewicht beigemessen wird.
Some Political Implications of Community Development in India
Authors: Mayer Adrian C.
Published: July 2009

One of the major factors of change in rural India since Independence has been the programme of community development inaugurated in 1952 by the Government. Stemming from experimental schemes in pre-Independence times, the programme has been carried to a majority of the nation's villages. Its main aims are to raise the standards of living of the rural populace, and to aid in the establishment of democratic local government and in the stimulation of felt needs which villagers will themselves plan to meet.
Resistance to the Systematic Study of Multiple Discoveries in Science
Authors: Merton Robert K.
Published: July 2009

The pages of the history of science record thousands of instances of similar discoveries having been made by scientists working independently of one another. Sometimes the discoveries are simultaneous or almost so; sometimes a scientist will make anew a discovery which, unknown to him, somebody else had made years before. Such occurrences suggest that discoveries become virtually inevitable when prerequisite kinds of knowledge and tools accumulate in man's cultural store and when the attention of an appreciable number of investigators becomes focussed on a problem, by emerging social needs, by developments internal to the science, or by both. Since at least 1917, when the anthropologist A. L. Kroeber published his influential paper dealing in part with the subject (I) and especially since 1922, when the sociologists William F. Ogburn and Dorothy S. Thomas compiled a list of some 150 cases of multiple independent discoveries and inventions (2), this hypothesis has become firmly established in sociological thought.
Pour une sociologie actionnaliste
Authors: Touraine Alain
Published: July 2009

Dès le début des révolutions industrielles, la société a appris à se penser comme fille de ses œuvres. Mais la violence et la nouveauté des transformations techniques et économiques tout autant que les particularités de l'industrialisation européenne, libérale, soumise à un très faible contrôle politique et marquee par un décalage exceptionnel entre la production de masse d'un côté, la consommation et la démocratic de masse de l'autre, ont donné à cette prise de conscience son caractère propre.
Pouvoir et organisation
Authors: Crozier Michel
Published: July 2009

Pour le sociologue, le concept de pouvoir est un concept indispensable: des phénomènes de pouvoir accompagnent nécessairement tous les processus d'intégration sociale qui constituent un des objets sinon l'objet essentiel d'étude de la sociologie; on peut dire à la limite qu'il n'y a pas d'intégration, pas de société possible sans pouvoir.