bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Oxidative Stress Markers After Intravenous Administration of Iron Dextran, Sodium Ferric Gluconate, and Iron Sucrose in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Pai Amy Barton , Boyd Alex V. , McQuade Charles R. , Harford Antonia , Norenberg Jeffrey P. , Zager Philip G.
Published: February 2007

Study Objective. To compare non–transferrin‐bound iron and markers of oxidative stress after single intravenous doses of iron dextran, sodium ferric gluconate, and iron sucrose.

Design. Prospective, open‐label, crossover study.

Setting. University‐affiliated general clinical research center.

Patients. Twelve ambulatory patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Intervention. Patients received 100 mg of intravenous iron dextran, sodium ferric gluconate, and iron sucrose in random sequence, with a 2‐week washout period between treatments.

Measurements and Main Results. Serum samples for transferrin saturation, non–transferrin‐bound iron, and malondialdehyde (MDA; marker of lipid peroxidation) were obtained before (baseline) and 30, 60, 120, and 360 minutes and 2 weeks after each iron infusion. A serum sample for hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) RNA was obtained at baseline and 360 minutes after infusion. Non–transferrin‐bound iron values were significantly higher 30 minutes after administration of sodium ferric gluconate and iron sucrose compared with iron dextran (mean ± SEM 10.1 ± 2.2, 3.8 ± 0.8, and 0.23 ± 0.1 μM, respectively, p<0.001 for sodium ferric gluconate vs iron dextran, p=0.002 for iron sucrose vs iron dextran). A significant positive correlation was noted between transferrin saturation and the presence of non–trans‐ferrin‐bound iron for sodium ferric gluconate and iron sucrose (r2=0.37 and 0.45, respectively, p<0.001) but not for iron dextran (r2= 0.09). After sodium ferric gluconate, significantly more samples showed increases in MDA levels from baseline compared with iron sucrose and iron dextran (p=0.006); these increased levels were associated with the presence of non–transferrin‐bound iron, baseline transferrin saturation above 30%, baseline transferrin levels below 180 mg/dl, and ferritin levels above 500 ng/ml (p<0.05). However, only a transferrin level below 180 mg/dl was independently associated (odds ratio 4.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2–15.3).

Conclusion. Iron sucrose and sodium ferric gluconate were associated with greater non–transferrin‐bound iron appearance compared with iron dextran. However, only sodium ferric gluconate showed significant increases in lipid peroxidation. The relationship between non–transferrin‐bound iron from intravenous iron and oxidative stress warrants further exploration.
Treatment Strategies for the Behavioral Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Early Pharmacologic Intervention
Authors: Beier Manju T.
Published: February 2007

The impact of behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease is substantial. These symptoms contribute to diminished quality of life for patients and caregivers and increase the cost of care in nursing homes. Early recognition of behavioral symptoms and appropriate treatment are important for successful management. Nonpharmacologic strategies remain the cornerstone of the management of Alzheimer's disease–related behavioral symptoms. However, nonpharmacologic strategies may not be effective for problem behaviors, and pharmacologic intervention may be necessary. Relevant articles were identified through various MEDLINE searches with no date restrictions, with an emphasis on recent studies that used cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Additional reports of interest were identified from the reference lists of these articles. To facilitate cross‐study analyses in the review of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, the database search was limited to randomized, placebo‐controlled trials that used the Neuropsychiatric Inventory to assess behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Overall, evidence from trials of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine suggests that when these agents are optimized for the various stages of Alzheimer's disease, they can also prevent the emergence of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Although results from the literature are not uniformly positive, cholinesterase inhibitors have been shown to produce significant improvements in behavioral symptoms in patients with both mild‐to‐moderate and moderate‐to‐severe Alzheimer's disease. Evidence also indicates that memantine might be of benefit as an adjunct to long‐term cholinesterase inhibitor treatment in patients with moderate‐to‐severe Alzheimer's disease and that memantine monotherapy may have some beneficial effects on behavior in patients with mild‐to‐moderate disease. Of importance, although no direct comparisons have been performed, these agents seem to have an improved safety and tolerability profile compared with the frequently used antipsychotic drugs. When nonpharmacologic strategies are deemed insufficient to ease problem behaviors in patients with Alzheimer's disease, treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, alone or in combination with memantine as appropriate for the stage of disease, may be considered as a first‐line option in the early pharmacologic management of Alzheimer's disease–related behavioral symptoms.
Successful Treatment of West Nile Virus Infection After Approximately 3 Weeks into the Disease Course
Authors: Lewis Melissa , Amsden Jarrett R.
Published: February 2007

West Nile virus can cause a febrile illness that may progress to meningoencephalitis. The only available treatments are ribavirin (although it has had limited success in humans) and interferon α‐2b. A small pilot study showed that starting treatment with interferon α‐2b on days 1–4 of hospital admission may reduce disease severity and complications. We encountered an 83‐year‐old man with West Nile meningoencephalitis who began taking interferon α‐2b 3 weeks after disease presentation. Although studies and reports indicate that treatment is less likely to provide a favorable response if administered after days 1–6 of the disease course, the patient experienced substantial beneficial effects from this treatment. This is the first case report, to our knowledge, that describes successful treatment with interferon α‐2b after several weeks of West Nile virus infection. Further studies are warranted to more fully understand the value of interferon α‐2b in treating West Nile meningoencephalitis.
Management of Dofetilide Overdose in a Patient with Known Cocaine Abuse
Authors: Campbell Kristen Bova , Mando Jennifer D. , Gray Alice L. , Robinson Eric
Published: February 2007

Dofetilide, a class III antiarrhythmic agent, is prescribed for conversion to and maintenance of normal sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Most antiarrhythmics have significant toxicities such as torsade de pointes, and patients should be closely monitored while receiving antiarrhythmic therapy. However, we know of no reports concerning management of intentional overdose of dofetilide that have been published. We report the case of a 33‐year‐old man who was treated for ingestion of approximately 5 mg of dofetilide as a suicide attempt. In addition, he had a known history of cocaine abuse. He came to the emergency department approximately 45 minutes after the ingestion; examination revealed a QTc interval of approximately 570 msec. He was treated with activated charcoal and sorbitol by nasogastric tube and received aggressive supplementation with potassium and magnesium. The patient was monitored by telemetry for several days and responded well. Cardiac toxicity is the utmost concern when treating dofetilide overdose. The mainstay of treatment focuses on supportive care and prevention of drug absorption. Ventricular dysrhythmias or torsade de pointes should be treated according to advanced cardiac life support guidelines.
Thiopental‐Induced Neutropenia in Two Patients with Severe Head Trauma
Authors: Frenette Anne Julie , Perreault Marc M. , Lam Stefanie , Williamson David R.
Published: February 2007

Thiopental has been used for decades in the treatment of refractory intracranial hypertension in patients with traumatic and nontraumatic head injuries. Commonly reported adverse effects include hypotension, hypokalemia, respiratory complications, and hepatic dysfunction. Neutropenia has rarely been reported as an adverse effect of thiopental. We witnessed probable thiopental‐induced neutropenia in two patients with traumatic brain injuries who developed increased intracranial hypertension that was refractory to standard therapy. Based on a MEDLINE search of published case reports and literature, we propose two mechanisms by which thiopental‐related neutropenia might be explained. The first is inhibition of inflammatory mediator nuclear factor–κ B (NF‐κ B), leading to granulocyte apoptosis. The second mechanism involves inhibition of calcineurin. Although the precise link between these two mechanisms has not been elucidated, calcineurin is known to regulate NF‐κ B activity. Development of neutropenia does not appear to be correlated with time but may correlate with plasma concentrations of thiopental. The optimum management of drug‐induced neutropenia is unclear. The decision to discontinue thiopental in patients who develop neutropenia should be made by weighing the risks versus benefits. Broad‐spectrum antibiotics may be required in the presence of fever. The role of hematopoietic growth factors such as granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor is not yet defined. Given the adverse infectious consequences of neutropenia, it is essential to closely monitor neutrophil counts in patients receiving thiopental.
Decreased Serum Linezolid Levels in a Critically Ill Patient Receiving Concomitant Linezolid and Rifampin
Authors: Gebhart Benjamin C. , Barker Brian C. , Markewitz Boaz A.
Published: February 2007

Serious gram‐positive infections present an increasingly common therapeutic dilemma. Combination antimicrobial regimens (e. g., linezolid with rifampin) aimed at improving bacterial eradication and preventing resistance are often used; however, most data supporting this treatment strategy are not from randomized controlled trials. We describe a patient with disseminated community‐acquired methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureusinfection who experienced a possible drug interaction between linezolid and rifampin that resulted in decreased serum linezolid levels. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of a possible drug interaction in a critically ill patient receiving concomitant linezolid and rifampin. Although we hypothesize that the reaction was caused by P‐glycoprotein expression, further study is warranted.
MEASURING RESISTANCE TO CHANGE AT THE WITHIN‐SESSION LEVEL
Authors: Tonneau François , Ríos Américo , Cabrera Felipe
Published: February 2007

Resistance to change is often studied by measuring response rate in various components of a multiple schedule. Response rate in each component is normalized (that is, divided by its baseline level) and then log‐transformed. Differential resistance to change is demonstrated if the normalized, log‐transformed response rate in one component decreases more slowly than in another component. A problem with normalization, however, is that it can produce artifactual results if the relation between baseline level and disruption is not multiplicative. One way to address this issue is to fit specific models of disruption to untransformed response rates and evaluate whether or not a multiplicative model accounts for the data. Here we present such a test of resistance to change, using within‐session response patterns in rats as a data base for fitting models of disruption. By analyzing response rate at a within‐session level, we were able to confirm a central prediction of the resistance‐to‐change framework while discarding normalization artifacts as a plausible explanation of our results.
AN ANALYSIS OF REINFORCEMENT HISTORY EFFECTS
Authors: Okouchi Hiroto , Lattal Kennon A.
Published: February 2007

Four pigeons were exposed to two tandem variable‐interval differential‐reinforcement‐of‐low‐rate schedules under different stimulus conditions. The values of the tandem schedules were adjusted so that reinforcement rates in one stimulus condition were higher than those in the other, even though response rates in the two conditions were nearly identical. Following this, a fixed‐interval schedule of either shorter or longer values than, or equal to the baseline schedule, was introduced in the two stimulus conditions respectively. Response rates during those fixed‐interval schedules typically were higher in the presence of the stimuli previously correlated with the lower reinforcement rates than were those in the presence of the stimuli previously correlated with the higher reinforcement rates. Such effects of the reinforcement history were most prominent when the value of the fixed‐interval schedule was shorter. The results are consistent with both incentive contrast and response strength conceptualizations of related effects. They also suggest methods for disentangling the effects of reinforcement rate on subsequent responding, from the response rate with which it is confounded in many conventional schedules of reinforcement.
Effects of 3‐Methyl‐4‐Nitrophenol in Diesel Exhaust Particles on the Regulation of Testicular Function in Immature Male Rats
Authors: Li Chunmei , Taneda Shinji , Suzuki Akira K. , Furuta Chie , Watanabe Gen , Taya Kazuyoshi
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT: We investigated the effects of 3‐methyl‐4‐nitrophenol (4‐nitro‐m‐cresol, PNMC) isolated from diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on the reproductive functions of male rats. Twenty‐eight‐day‐old rats were injected subcutaneously with PNMC (1, 10, or 100 mg/kg) daily for 5 days. The weights of the epididymis, seminal vesicle, and Cowper gland were significantly decreased in rats treated with 10 mg/kg PNMC. The plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly increased by PNMC at 100 mg/kg. However, the plasma concentrations of testosterone and immunoreactive (ir)‐inhibin were significantly decreased by PNMC at 100 mg/kg. The testosterone content of the testicles was significantly decreased in the group treated with 100 mg/kg PNMC compared with the control group. Furthermore, testicular concentration of ir‐inhibin was significantly decreased by PNMC at 1 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg. To investigate the direct effects of PNMC on the secretion of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary gland, and on the secretion of testosterone from the testes, we exposed cultured anterior pituitary and interstitial Leydig cells to PNMC (10−6, 10−5, 10−4 M) with or without gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH; 10 nM) (for the LH and FSH tests) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 0.1 IU/mL) (for the testosterone test) for 24 hours. PNMC did not change either the basal or GnRH‐stimulated levels of FSH and LH secretion. However, PNMC significantly inhibited both basal and hCG‐stimulated testosterone production. These findings suggest that PNMC has a direct effect on the testes of immature male rats, causing a reduction in testosterone secretion.
Ghrelin Expression in Human Testis and Serum Testosterone Level
Authors: Ishikawa Tomomoto , Fujioka Hitoshi , Ishimura Takeshi , Takenaka Atsushi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT: Ghrelin, which is the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor (GHS‐R), has been primarily linked to the central neuroendocrine regulation of GH secretion and food intake, although additional peripheral actions of ghrelin have also been reported. Recent research has suggested that ghrelin also affects testosterone (T) secretion in vitro. To investigate the role of ghrelin in human testicular function, we examined the expression of ghrelin in testicular tissues by immunohistochemistry. Testicular tissue samples were collected from the testes of 5 fertile volunteers, 8 patients with obstructive azoospermia, and 36 oligospermic patients with varicocele testis. In the testicular tissues, ghrelin was stained using the antighrelin polyclonal antibody, and the Johnsen score was calculated. The concentrations of serum follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), lutenizing hormone (LH), and T were determined by chemiluminescence assays. Immunostaining of ghrelin was detected in the interstitium and in Leydig cells. Ghrelin expression by Leydig cells was inversely correlated with the serum T concentration (r = –.50; P < .001), but was not directly related to spermatogenesis. We conclude that steroidogenic dysfunction is associated with increased ghrelin expression in human testes.
Mechanisms Involved in Resveratrol‐Induced Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Prostate Cancer—Derived Cell Lines
Authors: Benitez Dixan A. , Pozo‐Guisado Eulalia , Alvarez‐Barrientos Alberto , Fernandez‐Salguero Pedro M. , Castellón Enrique A.
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT: Resveratrol is a polyphenol found at high concentrations in grapes and red wine with reported anticarcinogenic effects. We studied the molecular mechanism of resveratrol‐induced apoptosis and proliferation arrest in prostate derived cells PZ‐HPV‐7 (nontumorigenic line), LNCaP (androgen‐sensitive cancer line), and PC‐3 (androgen‐insensitive cancer line). Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were evaluated by flow cytometry and proliferation by MTT assay and direct cell counting. Caspases, bax, bcl‐2, cyclins, Cdks, p53, p21, and p27 were measured by Western blot and kinase activities of cyclin/Cdk complexes by immunoprecipitation followed by kinase assays with appropriate substrates. Resveratrol induced a decrease in proliferation rates and an increase in apoptosis in cancer cell lines in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. These effects were coincident with cell accumulation at the G0/G1 phase. In LNCaP and PC‐3, the apoptosis induced by resveratrol was mediated by activation of caspases 9 and 3 and a change in the ratio of bax/bcl‐2. Expressions of cyclin D1, E, and Cdk4 as well as cyclin D1/Cdk4 kinase activity were reduced by resveratrol only in LNCaP cells. In contrast, cyclin B and Cdk1 expression and cyclin B/Cdk1 kinase activity were decreased in both cell lines in the presence of resveratrol. However, modulator proteins p53, p21, and p27 were increased by resveratrol only in LNCaP cells. These effects probably result in the observed proliferation arrest and disruption of cell cycle control. In addition, the specific differences found between LNCaP and PC‐3 suggest that resveratrol acts through different mechanisms upon the androgen or estrogen receptor cell status.
Effects of the Chemotherapy Cocktail Used to Treat Testicular Cancer on Sperm Chromatin Integrity
Authors: Delbes Géraldine , Hales Barbara F. , Robaire Bernard
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT: The incidence of testicular cancer has increased dramatically over the past 50 years. Advances in treatment, which include the coadministration of bleomycin, etoposide, and cis‐platinum (BEP), have brought the cure rate to over 90%. After treatment, most patients go through a temporary period of azoo/oligozoospermia. Although the sperm concentration in approximately 80% of the patients returns to at least 10 million/mL, little is known about the integrity of the chromatin of their germ cells. Using an animal model, we assessed DNA integrity in the spermatozoa of male rats treated for 3, 6 or 9 weeks with BEP at doses, adjusted for surface area, equivalent to 0X, 1/3X, 2/3X, or 1X of the human dose. We did not observe any difference in protamination content, as assessed by the chromomycin A3 (CMA3) assay. After 9 weeks of 1X treatment, the susceptibility of DNA to denaturation evaluated by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA®)/acridine orange assay (AO) was increased, as well as the number of single and double DNA strand breaks measured by the TUNEL and COMET assays. Parameters obtained from the AO and TUNEL assays were highly correlated with the motility of the spermatozoa, suggesting that conventional sperm analysis parameters can serve as a good indicator of chromatin integrity and vice versa. Correlation studies also suggested that the parameters obtained with the different assays do not overlap, but complement each other. Thus, BEP treatment altered spermatozoal chromatin quality, and these alterations may impact adversely on progeny outcome.
Efficient Generation of Transgenic Rats Through the Male Germline Using Lentiviral Transduction and Transplantation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells
Authors: Ryu Buom‐Yong , Orwig Kyle E. , Oatley Jon M. , Lin Chih‐Cheng , Chang Lung‐Ji , Avarbock Mary R. , Brinster Ralph L.
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT:Spermatozoa produced from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the vehicle by which genes of a male are passed to the next generation. A single SSC has the ability to self‐renew and produce thousands of spermatozoa; therefore, it is an ideal target for genetic modification to efficiently generate transgenic animals in mammalian species. Rats are an important model organism for biological research; however, gene function studies have been difficult because of a limited ability to generate transgenic animals. Transgenic rat production through SSCs offers a means to overcome this obstacle. Because SSCs divide slowly both in vivo and in vitro, lentiviral vectors may be an ideal method for introducing stable genetic modification. Using a lentiviral vector, an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) transgene was introduced into the genome of cultured rat SSCs, which were microinjected into testes of immunodeficient mice to assess transduction efficiency. Approximately 40% of rat SSCs exposed to the lentiviral vector overnight carried the eGFP transgene and generated colonies of spermatogenesis. When transduced SSCs were transplanted into recipient rat testes, in which endogenous germ cells had been decreased but not eliminated by busulfan treatment, approximately 6% of offspring were transgenic. The transgene was stably integrated into the donor SSC genome and transmitted to and expressed by progeny in subsequent generations. Thus, lentiviral transduction of SSCs followed by transplantation is an effective means for generating transgenic rats through the male germline, and this approach may be applicable to other species in which existing methods are inadequate or not applicable.
Dreams Deferred but Not Deterred: A Qualitative Study on Undergraduate Nursing Student Attrition
Authors: Wells Marcia I.
Published: February 2007

A qualitative study using grounded theory was conducted to examine the reasons that a sample of undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students withdrew from their nursing programs. The sample consisted of 11 nursing students who left generic baccalaureate nursing programs located in an urban area of a southeastern state. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct taped telephone interviews with study participants. Thematic data analysis was conducted using the constant comparative method. The findings showed that nursing student departure was the result of a cumulative effect of multiple stressors in the academic, social, and/or external environments. Any combination of two or more stressors can result in the departure decision; or if allowed to persist, these stressors may become manifested in academic failure, which also results in student departure from the institution. The findings from this research support the need for early intervention strategies to identify and address student stressors before they lead to voluntary or involuntary institutional departure.
Financial, Academic, and Environmental Influences on the Retention and Graduation of Students
Authors: Wohlgemuth Darin , Whalen Don , Sullivan Julia , Nading Carolyn , Shelley Mack , Wang Yongyi (Rebecca)
Published: February 2007

Regression analysis was used to study retention and graduation for the fall 1996 entering class of students at a midwestern research extensive university ( n = 3,610; 44% female, 8% minority, 77% in-state). Logistic regression was used to predict the likelihood of a student being retained for each of four years, and the outcome of graduation at the end of years four, five, and six. Odds ratios were employed to provide insight into the relative contribution of demographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, in-state residency), ability (high school rank, high school rank2, ACT score), environmental (university athlete, university honors program, first-generation student, entering college), and financial aid data (gift, loan, and work-study) characteristics.
Efficacy of Participating in a First-Year Seminar on Student Satisfaction and Retention
Authors: Hendel Darwin D.
Published: February 2007

Improving the first-year experience has been part of a broader set of initiatives to respond to concerns about undergraduate education (Astin, Keup, & Lindholm, 2002). This research examined the efficacy of a first-year seminar on student satisfaction and retention at a Research Extensive, urban and public land-grant university. This study used survey data to compare satisfaction levels from a random sample of first-year students with those of students who had enrolled in a first-year seminar. A logistic regression model (e.g., Xiao & House, 2000) was used to determine if seminar participation affected retention. Results indicated statistically significant differences at p ≤ .05 for 15 of the 92 satisfaction items; more positive responses came from students enrolled in a first-year seminar. Results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that participation did not increase the probability of retention; only high school rank was a significant contributor to the prediction of freshman-to-sophomore retention.
Radiofrequency Volumetric Tissue Reduction (RFVTR) of Inferior Turbinates: A New Method in the Treatment of Chronic Nasal Obstruction
Authors: Fischer Yvonne , Gosepath Jan , Amedee Ronald G. , Mann Wolf J.
Published: February 2007

Twenty-two Caucasians (16 male and 6 female) with chronic bilateral nasal obstruction due to hypertrophic inferior turbinates were followed up over a three-month period. They were assessed by clinical examination, as active anterior rhinometry, and acoustic rhinometry before and after topical decongestion, preoperatively and three months after surgery. All patients were treated by application of radiofrequency-volumetric-tissue reduction (RFVTR, or somnoplasty) to both inferior turbinates. Initial postoperative edematous response disappeared during the first week after RFVTR. Three months postoperatively 20 of 22 patients (91%) reported subjective improvement of nasal patency. The average cross-sectional area for both sides of the nasal cavity (measured at the head of the inferior turbinate (C-Notch) before decongestion) increased in 15 of 22 patients (68.2%). This means a significant improvement from 1.24 to 1.49 cm2 for both sides of the nasal cavity (p = 0.0054). We conclude that RFVTR can safely reduce turbinate volume in a precise manner in patients with nasal obstruction due to hypertrophic inferior turbinates.
Biophysics of Nasal Airflow: A Review
Authors: Cole Philip
Published: February 2007

An account is given of the constituents of the flow resistive nasal valve, their aerodynamic function, and the essential role they play in processing inspiratory air. The relatively fixed structural component and the variable mucovascular components of the lateral and medial nasal walls are described, and particular attention is drawn to the septal mucovascular component because its existence is not universally recognized. Common sources of error in subjective and objective assessments of obstruction to nasal respiratory airflow are discussed. Comments are presented advocating limitations of surgical interference in the treatment of mucosal and structural nasal airway obstruction.
Diagnostic Accuracy in Sinus Fungus Balls: CT Scan and Operative Findings
Authors: Dhong Hun-Jong , Jung Jae-Yun , Park Joo Hyun
Published: February 2007

A fungus ball may be characterized by its radiologic and operative gross findings. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a rim of soft tissue attenuation of variable thickening along the bony walls of the isolated paranasal sinus, or mottled hyperdense foci of variable size. A small amount of friable muddy mass surrounded by purulent secretions or dirty brown claylike materials provide highly pathognomonic findings. However, these characteristics may induce clinical misdiagnosis. During the last four years we experienced 11 cases of chronic paranasal sinusitis in which pathologic examination failed to confirm fungal hyphae, despite clinical suspicion of a fungus ball based on operative or CT findings. During the same period, we also experienced another 52 patients who were diagnosed with fungus ball at pathologic examination. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CT scans and operative gross findings in sinus fungus balls, we reviewed the medical records of these 63 patients and also reviewed CT scans and operative records of another 1127 patients who received endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis. The sensitivity of CT evaluation was 62%, and specificity was 99%. The false-positive and false-negative rate were 22% and 2%, respectively. With regard to operative findings, such as clay-like inspissated mucus, the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value positive rate were 100%, 99%, and 83%, respectively. To make a diagnosis of fungus ball, a high index of suspicion is necessary and a pathologic confirmation is mandatory.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Is the Nose Really Involved?
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: February 2007

To determine whether chronic rhinitis usually accompanies chronic sinusitis, and critically examine the concept of chronic rhinosinusitis, paired specimens of nasal septal mucosa and ethmoid sinus mucosa were obtained in a prospective cohort of 42 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis. The histopathological degree of inflammation for each specimen was scored using a five-point rating scale. Cell counts for eosinophils and inflammatory cells per high-power field (HPF) were determined. Mean patient age was 40.5 years and mean Lund score was 9.3. The inflammation grade of the septal mucosa was within one point of the ethmoid mucosa in 36 (85.7%) cases, and correlated exactly in 24 patients (57.1%). A statistically significant correlation was found between septal and ethmoid mucosa inflammation grades (p = 0.048). No significant difference in mean non-eosinophilic inflammatory cell count per HPF was noted between ethmoid mucosa and septal mucosa (48.2 versus 54.3 cells/HPF, p = 0.061, power = 0.873). Ethmoid mucosa had a significantly higher mean eosinophil count than septal mucosa (6.6 versus” 1.9 cells/HPF, p < 0.001). For combined inflammatory cell counts, no significant difference in cell counts was noted (54.7 cells/HPF ethmoid versus 56.1 septal, p = 0.670, power = 0.847). Histopathologic evidence of rhinitis is associated with chronic sinusitis. This supports the concept of rhinosinusitis rather than sinusitis alone. Eosinophils are found in significantly higher numbers in sinus mucosa than in nasal mucosa, suggesting a site-specific role in rhinosinusitis.
A model of cognitive processes and conversational principles in survey interview interaction
Authors: Ongena Yfke P. , Dijkstra Wil
Published: February 2007

In this paper we provide a model of interviewer–respondent interaction in survey interviews. Our model is primarily focused on the occurrence of problems within this interaction that seem likely to affect data quality. Both conversational principles and cognitive processes, especially where they do not match the requirements of the respondent's task, are assumed to affect the course of interactions. The cognitive processes involved in answering a survey question are usually described by means of four steps: interpretation, retrieval, judgement and formatting. Each of these steps may be responsible for different overt problems, such as requests for clarification or inadequate answers. Such problems are likely to affect the course of the interaction through conversational principles which may cause, for example, suggestive behaviour on the part of the interviewer, which may in turn yield new problematic behaviours. However, the respondent may not be the only one who experiences cognitive problems; the interviewer may also have such problems, for example with respect to explaining question meaning to the respondent. Thus the model proposed here, unlike most of the other models which concentrate on the respondent, tries to incorporate cognitive processes and conversational principles with respect to both interviewer and respondent. In particular, the model looks at how cognitive processes and conversational principles affect both the interaction between interview participants and the quality of the eventual answers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Political involvement and memory failure as interdependent determinants of vote overreporting
Authors: Stocké Volker , Stark Tobias
Published: February 2007

Survey respondents have been found to systematically overreport their participation in political elections. Although the sociodemographic correlates of this response bias are well known, only a few studies have analysed the determinants predicted by two prominent theoretical explanations for vote overreporting: memory failure and social desirability (SD) bias. Both explanations have received empirical support in studies in which the probability of vote overreporting was found to increase (a) with the time between the election and the survey interview and (b) when respondents were politically involved to a larger extent. In the present paper, we argue that the effect of each of these determinants is not simply additive but depends on the value of the respective other factor. This interaction effect has been found with data from the American National Election Studies: The probability of vote overreporting increases significantly more strongly with the respondents' political involvement when more time has elapsed since the election day. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive aspects of survey methodology
Authors: Schwarz Norbert
Published: February 2007

Since its initiation in the early 1980s, research into cognitive aspects of survey methods (CASM) has made considerable progress in illuminating the cognitive and communicative processes underlying survey responding. This article reviews key themes and developments, notes strengths and shortcomings and places the contributions to this special issue in this context. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Minimum sequence requirements for the binding of paromomycin to the rRNA decoding site A
Authors: Anderson Peter C. , Mecozzi Sandro
Published: February 2007

We have recently introduced a computational methodology that combines molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, free‐energy calculations, and in vitro binding assays to predict the minimum RNA structural requirements for selective, high‐affinity RNA binding to small‐molecule ligands. Here, we show that this methodology can be applied to the conformationally flexible aminoglycoside antibiotic paromomycin. A RNA consisting of an 11‐mer:10‐mer duplex that contains one 16S ribosome RNA decoding A‐site bound to paromomycin was simulated for 4 ns. The methodology predicts that the 11‐mer:10‐mer duplex binds to paromomycin with high affinity, whereas smaller RNA duplexes lose complex stability and the ability to bind paromomycin. The predicted high‐affinity binding to paromomycin of the 11‐mer:10‐mer duplex was confirmed experimentally (EC50 = 0.28 μM), as well as the inability of smaller complexes to bind. Our simulations show good agreement with experiment for dynamic and structural properties of the isolated A‐site, including hydrogen‐bonding networks and RNA structural rearrangements upon ligand binding. The results suggest that MD simulations can supplement in vitro methods as a tool for predicting minimum RNA‐binding motifs for both small, rigid ligands, and large, flexible ligands when structural information is available. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 86: 95–111, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Scale‐up from shake flasks to fermenters in batch and continuous mode with Corynebacterium glutamicum on lactic acid based on oxygen transfer and pH
Authors: Seletzky Juri M. , Noak Ute , Fricke Jens , Welk Eike , Eberhard Werner , Knocke Christof , Büchs Jochen
Published: February 2007

Scale‐up from shake flasks to fermenters has been hampered by the lack of knowledge concerning the influence of operating conditions on mass transfer, hydromechanics, and power input. However, in recent years the properties of shake flasks have been described with empirical models. A practical scale‐up strategy for everyday use is introduced for the scale‐up of aerobic cultures from shake flasks to fermenters in batch and continuous mode. The strategy is based on empirical correlations of the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kL a) and the pH. The accuracy of the empirical kL a correlations and the assumptions required to use these correlations for an arbitrary biological medium are discussed. To determine the optimal pH of the culture medium a simple laboratory method based on titration curves of the medium and a mechanistic pH model, which is solely based on the medium composition, is applied. The effectiveness of the scale‐up strategy is demonstrated by comparing the behavior of Corynebacterium glutamicum on lactic acid in shake flasks and fermenters in batch and continuous mode. The maximum growth rate (µmax = 0.32 h−1) and the oxygen substrate coefficient ($Y_{{\rm O}_2 /{\rm S}}$ = 0.0174 mol/l) of C. glutamicum on lactic acid were equal for shake flask, fermenter, batch, and continuous cultures. The biomass substrate yield was independent of the scale, but was lower in batch cultures (YX/S = 0.36 g/g) than in continuous cultures (YX/S = 0.45 g/g). The experimental data (biomass, respiration, pH) could be described with a simple biological model combined with a mechanistic pH model. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 800–811. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Production of synthetically created phospholipase A2 variants with industrial impact
Authors: Markert Yvonne , Mansfeld Johanna , Schierhorn Angelika , Rücknagel Karl Peter , Ulbrich‐Hofmann Renate
Published: February 2007

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) play an important role for the production of lysophospholipids. Presently they are mainly obtained from porcine or bovine pancreas but these mammalian sources are not accepted in several fields of application. To make accessible a non‐mammalian PLA2 to industrial application, synthetic genes encoding PLA2 from honey bee (Apis mellifera) with modified N‐termini were constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. While expression of the gene with an N‐terminal leader sequence to direct the protein into the periplasm failed, four variants with slightly modified N‐termini (I1A‐PLA2, I1V‐PLA2, His6‐tagged PLA2 and PLA2 still containing the start methionine) were successfully expressed. In all cases, the PLA2 variants were produced as inclusion bodies. Their protein content amounted to 26–35% of total cell protein. The optimized renaturation procedure and subsequent purification by cation‐exchange chromatography yielded pure active enzymes in yields of 4–11 mg L−1. The recombinant PLA2 variants showed activities, far‐UV CD and fluorescence spectra similar to the glycosylated PLA2 isolated from the venom glands of honey bee (bv‐PLA2). The thermodynamic stabilities of the recombinant enzymes calculated from the transition curves of guanidine hydrochloride induced unfolding were also nearly identical to the stability of bv‐PLA2. For the variant I1A‐PLA2 high‐cell density fermentation in 10 L‐scale using mineral salt medium was shown to increase the volumetric enzyme yield considerably. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 48–59. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An examination of behavioral consistency using individual behaviors or groups of behaviors in serial homicide
Authors: Bateman Alicia L. , Salfati C. Gabrielle
Published: February 2007

Establishing behavioral consistency in serial homicide offending behavior is essential when linking homicides together and to a common offender. An examination of 35 serial homicide behaviors utilized by 90 offenders in 450 serial homicide cases was carried out to identify whether these offenders consistently performed the same behaviors across their series of homicides and whether it is more effective to examine individual behaviors or groupings of behaviors in order to identify behavioral consistency. This study provides the first empirically based evidence testing the use of using single behaviors as linking factors in linking homicide cases in a series, and shows that this method has inherent difficulties in accomplishing this, thus providing the first wave of empirical testing that questions current theories in the literature on serial homicide, which has suggested that signatures or specific key behaviors are important in understanding the consistency in an offender's behavior across the crimes. Recommendations for future studies on linking using signatures are suggested, including a more in‐depth qualitative empirical evaluation of individual series. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Server‐driven‐type communication protocol with data segmentation for remote database access
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroshi , Tsuji Hiroshi
Published: February 2007

This paper presents the communication protocol between applications and remote databases in enterprise systems. Although the International Standard OSI‐RDA adopted the one request–one response communication protocol for the remote database access, it is not suitable from the viewpoints of system resources occupation and communication overhead in the case where the system should handle the large volumes of multimedia data. This paper proposes a server‐driven communication protocol in order to solve these problems, and compares the traditional method and the proposed method as to (1) the number of communications, (2) the number of encoding–decoding, and (3) the dynamic steps. According to the quantitative comparison, the proposed method makes an effort to avoid communication resources occupation and improves by 50% the communication overhead in the case of large communication data. This paper also suggests a guideline for suitable number of data segmentations for the remote database access. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 159(2): 64–71, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20139
Hunter's Oligoamide: A Functional C2‐Symmetric Molecule with Unusual Topology for Selective Organic Gel Formation
Authors: Velázquez Daniel García , Díaz David Díaz , Ravelo Ángel Gutiérrez , Marrero‐Tellado José Juan
Published: February 2007

We report for the first time the discovery of the gelation properties of Hunter's oligoamide with pendant amino groups, 1, which possesses structural features different to some conventional gelators. the organogels were studied with infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Remarkably, the effective self‐assembly process of this oligoamide to produce stable organogels occurs exclusively in chlorinated solvents. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Leader reputation: The role of mentoring, political skill, contextual learning, and adaptation
Authors: Blass Fred R. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: February 2007

Like organizations in other sectors, military settings can be appropriately characterized as political arenas.As such, political skill is critical for military leader effectiveness and leader reputation.This article proposes a conceptual model that articulates the roles of political skill, contextual learning, impression management, and adaptation in leader reputation development for military personnel aspiring to leadership positions. Political skill is shaped by mentoring and contextual learning experiences, which, in turn, affect the flexibility needed for making favorable impressions on others, adaptation, and fit. Implications of the proposed model for developing a more informed understanding of leader effectiveness and reputation in the military are discussed, as are directions for future research. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Employer branding in the Belgian Army: The importance of instrumental and symbolic beliefs for potential applicants, actual applicants, and military employees
Authors: Lievens Filip
Published: February 2007

This study conceptualizes employer brand as a package of instrumental and symbolic attributes. Using a sample of 955 individuals (429 potential applicants, 392 actual applicants, and 134 military employees), we examine the relative importance of instrumental and symbolic employer brand beliefs across different groups of individuals: potential applicants, actual applicants, and military employees (with less than three years of tenure). Results show that instrumental attributes explain greater variance in theArmy's attractiveness as an employer among actual applicants compared to potential applicants or employees. In all three groups, symbolic trait inferences explain a similar portion of the variance. In addition, in all three groups, symbolic trait inferences explain incremental variance over and above instrumental attributes. Implications for employer branding practices and image audits are discussed. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Building strong ethics and promoting positive character development: The influence of HRM at the United States Military Academy at West Point
Authors: Offstein Evan H. , Dufresne Ronald L.
Published: February 2007

This article details the design and process of ethical and character development at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Based on a series of in‐depth interviews coupled with a rigorous analysis of archival data, we challenge the presumption that military character development is a punitive and reactive activity. Rather, our results suggest that West Point uses a deliberate, intimate, and largely developmental approach to fulfill their mission of producing men and women of character who serve in the common defense. In particular, we found that West Point utilizes traditional human resource management functions of recruiting, selection, job rotation, and training to improve their character‐development process. In addition to utilizing these traditional human resource functions, West Point also engages in more contemporary and strategic HR practices such as managing communication, promoting organizational learning, organizational design and development, and organizational socialization and culture shaping to enhance the character and integrity of its members. Accordingly, we feel that the West Point character‐development approach can be utilized across settings to assist nonmilitary organizations to aspire and reach higher ethical standards. Finally, we argue that in addition to studying the ethics of HR research, scholars can look to understand how organizations can seek ethics through HR research. ©2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.