bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of premature chromosome condensation to study in interphase cells the influence of environmental factors on human genetic material
Authors: Hatzi Vasiliki I. , Terzoudi Georgia I. , Paraskevopoulou Christina , Makropoulos Vasilios , Matthopoulos Demetrios P. , Pantelias Gabriel E.
Published: May 2007

Nowadays, there is a constantly increasing concern regarding the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of a variety of harmful environmental factors to which humans are exposed in their natural and anthropogenic environment. These factors exert their hazardous potential in humans' personal (diet, smoking, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics) and occupational environment that constitute part of the anthropogenic environment. It is well known that genetic damage due to these factors has dramatic implications for human health. Since most of the environmental genotoxic factors induce arrest or delay in cell cycle progression, the conventional analysis of chromosomes at metaphase may underestimate their genotoxic potential. Premature Chromosome Condensation (PCC) induced either by means of cell fusion or specific chemicals, enables the microscopic visualization of interphase chromosomes whose morphology depends on the cell cycle stage, as well as the analysis of structural and numerical aberrations at the G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle. The PCC has been successfully used in problems involving cell cycle analysis, diagnosis and prognosis of human leukaemia, assessment of interphase chromosome malformations resulting from exposure to radiation or chemicals, as well as elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the conversion of DNA damage into chromosomal damage. In this report, particular emphasis is given to the advantages of the PCC methodology used as an alternative to conventional metaphase analysis in answering questions in the fields of radiobiology, biological dosimetry, toxicogenetics, clinical cytogenetics and experimental therapeutics.
The Limited Role of Microbiological Culture and Sensitivity in the Management of Superficial Soft Tissue Abscesses
Authors: Khan Muhammad N. , Vidya Raghavan , Lee Richard E.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the role of the routine practice of microbial culture and sensitivity at incision and drainage of superficial soft tissue abscesses. The case notes of 162 consecutive patients, selected from the microbiology database over a period of 1 year, were reviewed. All had incision and drainage of superficial soft tissue abscesses and included perianal, pilonidal, axillary, and breast abscesses. Patients with chronic wounds, recurrent abscesses, diabetes, pregnancy, and immunosuppression were excluded. The impact of pus culture and sensitivity (C/S) on management and clinical outcome was documented. Out of 162 patients, 97 were male (59.8%) and 65 were female (40.1%). Only 115 (70.9%) yielded positive cultures and 47 (29.1%) were sterile. The cultured microbial flora was predictable and sensitive to empirical antibiotics. In four patients, the results of microbial culture sensitivity showed microbial resistance to empirical antibiotics; however, it did not affect the management or the outcome for these patients. The routine practice of sending swabs for C/S after incision and drainage of superficial soft tissue abscesses does not contribute significantly towards patient management. Most patients are already on antibiotics prior to the referral and in the remainder, surgeons start antibiotics empirically. These broad-spectrum antibiotics cover the common pathogens involved, and there is no significant change in the antibiotic treatment after reviewing the culture reports following incision and drainage of uncomplicated superficial skin abscesses.
Fmr1KO Mice as a Possible Model of Autistic Features
Authors: Bernardet Maude , Crusio Wim E.
Published: May 2007

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder appearing before the age of 3, where communication and social interactions are impaired. It also entails stereotypic behavior or restricted interests. Although this disorder was first described in 1943, little is still known about its etiology and that of related developmental disorders. Work with human patients has provided many data on neuropathological and cognitive symptoms, but our understanding of the functional defects at the cellular level and how they come about remains sketchy. To improve this situation, autism research is in need of valid animal models. However, despite a strong hereditary component, attempts to identify genes have generally failed, suggesting that many different genes are involved. As a high proportion of patients suffering from the Fragile X Syndrome show many autistic symptoms, a mouse model of this disorder could potentially also serve as a model for autism. TheFmr1KO mouse is a valid model of the Fragile X Syndrome and many data on behavioral and sensory-motor characteristics of this model have been gathered. We present here an assessment of autistic features in this candidate model. We conclude thatFmr1KO mice display several autistic-like features, but more work is needed to validate this model.
Pharmacologic Targets and Prototype Therapeutics in the Kallikrein-Kinin System: Bradykinin Receptor Agonists or Antagonists
Authors: Sharma J. N. , AL-Sherif G.J.
Published: May 2007

The kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) is a complex system produced in various organs. This system includes kininogen (precursor for kinin), kallikreins, and pharmacologically active bradykinin (BK), which is considered to be proinflammatory and/or cardioprotective. It is a proinflammatory polypeptide that is involved in many pathological conditions and can cause pain, inflammation, increased vascular permeability, vasodilation, contraction of various smooth muscles, as well as cell proliferation. On the other hand, it has been shown that BK has cardioprotective effects, as all components of KKS are located in the cardiac muscles. Numerous observations have indicated that decreased activity of this system may lead to cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, cardiac failure, and myocardial infarction. BK acts on two receptors, B1and B2, which are linked physiologically through their natural stimuli and their common participation in a variety of inflammatory responses. Recently, numerous BK antagonists have been developed in order to treat several diseases that are due to excessive BK formation. Although BK has many beneficial effects, it has been recognized to have some undesirable effects that can be reversed with BK antagonists. In addition, products of this system have multiple interactions with other important metabolic pathways, such as the renin-angiotensin system.
Human Development V: Biochemistry Unable to Explain the Emergence of Biological Form (Morphogenesis) and Therefore a New Principle as Source of Biological Information is Needed
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Hermansen Tyge Dahl , Flensborg-Madsen Trine , Nielsen Maj Lyck , Clausen Birgitte , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

Today's biomedicine builds on the conviction that biochemistry can explain the creation of the body, its anatomy and physiology. Unfortunately there are still deep mysteries strangely “fighting back” when we try to define and understand the organism and its creation in the ontogenesis as emerging from biochemistry. In analysing this from a theoretical perspective using a mathematical model focusing on the noise in complex chemical systems we argue that evolving biological structure cannot in principle be a product of chemistry. In this paper we go through the chemical gradient model and argue that this is not able to explain the ontogenesis. We discuss the used gradients as information carriers in chemical self-organizing systems and argue that by use of the “Turing structures” we are only able to modelling the mostly simple biological systems. The bio-chemical model is only able to model simple organization but not to explain the complexity of biological phenomena. We conclude that we seemingly have presented a formal proof (a NO-GO theorem) that the self-organizing chemical systems that are using chemical gradients are not able to explain complex biological matters as the ontogenesis. We need a fundamentally new, information-carrying principle to understand biological information and biological order.
Anterograde and Retrograde Effects of Benzodiazepines on Memory
Authors: Beracochea Daniel
Published: May 2007

Benzodiazepines are known as acquisition-impairing molecules, and their effects on anterograde memory processes are well described. In contrast, the impact of benzodiazepines on retrograde memory and, more particularly, on retrieval processes, is only marginally studied. This mini-review provides an overlook of the main studies evidencing an effect of benzodiazepines on retrograde memory, both in humans and animals, with special emphasis on retrieval processes. The conditions for the emergence of the benzodiazepine-induced retrieval impairments are also discussed.
Vitamin D as a Neuroactive Substance: Review
Authors: Kiraly Stephen J. , Kiraly Michael A. , Hawe Rick D. , Makhani Naila
Published: May 2007

The objectives of this paper were (1) to review recent research on the actions of vitamin D as a steroid derivative with neuroactive properties and (2) to highlight clinical relevance and need for more research. Our methods included review of research from current journals, Medline, and Cochrane Reviews; theoretical discussion. Scientific research has had a justifiably strong emphasis on how vitamin D affects calcium metabolism and bone. This appears to have eclipsed its fundamental actions on several other important systems, including the central nervous system. Vitamin D as a neuroactive compound, a prohormone, is highly active in regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, and peroxidation in a variety of structures, including the brain. Vitamin D insufficiency is not rare. Historically, focus has been on bone metabolism, which appears to have causedresearch biasandevidence bias, distorting physiological importance. The central nervous system is increasingly recognized as a target organ for vitamin D via its wide-ranging hormonal effects, including the induction of proteins such as nerve growth factor. We need more research on this important neuroactive substance because it may play a role as a relatively safe and inexpensive pharmaceutical in the prevention and treatment of a number of common neuropsychiatric conditions.
Human Development VI: Supracellular Morphogenesis. The Origin of Biological and Cellular Order
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Hermansen Tyge Dahl , Flensborg-Madsen Trine , Nielsen Maj Lyck , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

Uninterrupted morphogenesis shows the informational potentials of biological organisms. Experimentally disturbed morphogenesis shows the compensational dynamics of the biological informational system, which is the rich informational redundancy. In this paper, we use these data to describe morphogenesis in terms of the development of supracellular levels of the organism, and we define complex epigenesis and supracellular differentiation. We review the phenomena of regeneration and induction of Hydra and amphibians, and the higher animals informational needs for developing their complex nervous systems. We argue, also building on the NO-GO theorem for ontogenesis as chemistry, that the traditional chemical explanations of high-level informational events in ontogenesis, such as transmutation, regeneration, and induction, are insufficient. We analyze the informational dynamics of three embryonic compensatory reactions to different types of disturbances: (1) transmutations of the imaginal discs of insects, (2) regeneration after removal of embryonic tissue, and (3) embryonic induction, where two tissues that normally are separated experimentally are made to influence each other. We describe morphogenesis as a complex bifurcation, and the resulting morphological levels of the organism as organized in a fractal manner and supported by positional information. We suggest that some kind of real nonchemical phenomenon must be taking form in living organisms as an information-carrying dynamic fractal field, causing morhogenesis and supporting the organisms morphology through time. We argue that only such a phenomenon that provides information-directed self-organization to the organism is able to explain the observed dynamic distribution of biological information through morphogenesis and the organism's ability to rejuvenate and heal.
Electron Microscopic Radioautographic Study on Protein Synthesis in Hepatocyte Mitochondria of Aging Mice
Authors: Nagata Tetsuji
Published: May 2007

For the purpose of studying the aging changes of intramitochondrial protein synthesis in mouse hepatocytes, 10 groups of aging mice, each consisting of 3 individuals (total 30), from fetal day 19 to postnatal month 24, were injected during development with 3H-leucine, a protein precursor, sacrificed 1 h later, and the liver tissues processed for electron microscopic (EM) radioautography. On EM radioautograms obtained from each animal, the number of mitochondria, the number of labeled mitochondria, and the mitochondrial labeling index labeled with silver grains due to3H-leucine showing protein synthesis in each mononucleate hepatocytes were counted and the averages in respective aging groups were compared. From the results, it was demonstrated that the numbers of mitochondria, the numbers of labeled mitochondria, and the labeling indices of intramitochondrial protein syntheses in mononucleate hepatocytes of mice at various ages from embryonic day 19 to postnatal month 24 increased and decreased due to development and aging of animals.
Youth Knowledge of Physical Activity Health Benefits: A Brazilian Case Study
Authors: Zieff Susan Gail , Guedes Claudia Maria , Wiley James
Published: May 2007

This study presents the findings of a questionnaire-based investigation of knowledge about the relationship of physical activity to health among adolescent participants of a community-based physical activity intervention program in São Paulo, Brazil. Qualitative (inductive content analysis) and quantitative methods were applied to examine the participants responses to two open-ended questions concerning the health benefits of physical activity and the educational goals of the intervention. More than 75% of all participants stated that health benefits (of some type) are attained through participation in physical activity. More than 50% of participants reported that the goal of the intervention was to educate people about the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle. Adolescents understand the relationship of physical activity to health as reflected in their knowledge assessments; their lifestyle choices support these beliefs. These findings offer encouragement for the development and implementation of educationally oriented interventions aimed at providing physical activity information and programming.
Pharmaceutical Compounds in Wastewater: Wetland Treatment as a Potential Solution
Authors: White John R. , Belmont Marco A. , Metcalfe Chris D.
Published: May 2007

Pharmaceutical compounds are being released into the aquatic environment through wastewater discharge around the globe. While there is limited removal of these compounds within wastewater treatment plants, wetland treatment might prove to be an effective means to reduce the discharge of the compounds into the environment. Wetlands can promote removal of these pharmaceutical compounds through a number of mechanisms including photolysis, plant uptake, microbial degradation, and sorption to the soil. We review relevant laboratory research on these various mechanisms and provide data on the few studies that have examined wetland removal. There is a need to document the degree to which various pharmaceutical compounds are removed in full-scale treatment wetlands, as there is a paucity of data on overall pharmaceutical removal rates.
Characteristics of the Endoderm: Embryonic and Extraembryonic in Mouse
Authors: Familari Mary
Published: May 2007

In mouse, four endodermal lineages are generated during the period from the late blastocyst to the end of gastrulation. The characteristics of each lineage and the proposed genetic cascades involved in their formation are reviewed. In addition, a list of the current markers used to identify these lineagesin vivoandin vitrois presented.
DYRK1A (Dual-Specificity Tyrosine-Phosphorylated and -Regulated Kinase 1A): A Gene with Dosage Effect During Development and Neurogenesis
Authors: Dierssen M. , de Lagrán M. Martínez
Published: May 2007

DYRKs (dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinases) are an emerging family of evolutionarily conserved dual-specificity kinases that play key roles in cell proliferation, survival, and development. The research in the last years suggests a relevant conserved function during neuronal development, related to proliferation and/or differentiation for DYRK1A. It is expressed in neural progenitor cells and has been proposed to participate in the signaling mechanisms that regulate dendrite differentiation. InDrosophila, disruption of the homologminibraingene results in flies with reduced neuroblast proliferation, decreased numbers of central brain neurons, and learning/memory deficits. Knockout DYRK1A mice are embryonic lethal, and heterozygotes show decreased viability and region-specific reductions in brain size. In humans, DYRK1A has been proposed to be involved in the neurodevelopmental alterations associated with Down syndrome. The large number of protein interaction and putative substrates described for DYRK1A suggest multiple pathways and functions to be involved in its developmental function. This review focuses on the functional role that DYRK1A plays in brain development.
Hubble Bubble Equals Trouble: The Hazards of Water Pipe Smoking
Authors: Urkin Jacob , Ochaion Rivka , Peleg Aya
Published: May 2007

A Narghile, one of the names for a water pipe, is an instrument for tobacco smoking that has became a trend among the youth in Israel. The mistaken opinion that smoking a Narghile is not as dangerous as smoking cigarettes makes the youngsters and their parents take it lightly and contributes to the expansion of its use. The objective of this paper was to review the literature on the health risks of Narghile smoking. A literature search of Medline (PubMed) and the Internet on the health hazards of Narghile smoking was conducted. The health hazards that the Narghile smoker is exposed to include interference with oxidation, damage to genetic compounds, increased risk of developing malignancies, infectious diseases, damage to the fetus and newborn, and exposure to commonly abused chemicals. It is concluded that increased awareness of the expanded use of the Narghile is imperative and education programs about the prevention of cigarette smoking and substance abuse should also include Narghile smoking.
Clinical Holistic Medicine: The Case Story of Anna. II. Patient Diary as a Tool in Treatment
Authors: Ventegodt Sören , Clausen Birgitte , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

In spite of extreme childhood sexual and violent abuse, a 22-year-old young woman, Anna, healed during holistic existential therapy. New and highly confrontational therapeutic tools were developed and used to help this patient (like acceptance through touch and acupressure through the vagina). Her vulva and introitus were scarred from repeated brutal rape, as was the interior of her mouth. During therapy, these scars were gently contacted and the negative emotional contents released. The healing was in accordance with the advanced holistic medical toolbox that uses (1) love, (2) trust, (3) holding, and (4) helping the patient to process and integrate old traumas.The case story clearly revealed the philosophical adjustments that Anna made during treatment in response to the severe childhood abuse. These adjustments are demonstrated by her diary, where sentences contain both the feelings and thoughts of the painful present (the gestalt) at the time of the abuse, thus containing the essence of the traumas, making the repression of the painful emotions possible through the change in the patients philosophical perspective. Anna's case gives a unique insight into the process of traumatization (pathogenesis) and the process of healing (salutogenesis). At the end of the healing, Anna reconnected her existence to the outer world in a deep existential, suicidal crisis and faced her choice of life or death. She decided to live and, in this process, assumed existential responsibility, which made her able to step out of her mental disease. The advanced holistic toolbox seems to help patients heal even from the worst childhood abuse. In spite of the depth of the existential crisis, holistic existential therapy seems to support existential responsibility well and thus safe for the patients.
Clinical Holistic Health: Advanced Tools for Holistic Medicine
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Clausen Birgitte , Nielsen May Lyck , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

According to holistic medical theory, the patient will heal when old painful moments, the traumatic events of life that are often called “gestalts”, are integrated in the present “now”. The advanced holistic physicians expanded toolbox has many different tools to induce this healing, some that are more dangerous and potentially traumatic than others. The more intense the therapeutic technique, the more emotional energy will be released and contained in the session, but the higher also is the risk for the therapist to lose control of the session and lose the patient to his or her own dark side. To avoid harming the patient must be the highest priority in holistic existential therapy, making sufficient education and training an issue of highest importance. The concept of “stepping up” the therapy by using more and more “dramatic” methods to get access to repressed emotions and events has led us to a “therapeutic staircase” with ten steps: (1) establishing the relationship; (2) establishing intimacy, trust, and confidentiality; (3) giving support and holding; (4) taking the patient into the process of physical, emotional, and mental healing; (5) social healing of being in the family; (6) spiritual healing — returning to the abstract wholeness of the soul; (7) healing the informational layer of the body; (8) healing the three fundamental dimensions of existence: love, power, and sexuality in a direct way using, among other techniques, “controlled violence” and “acupressure through the vagina”; (9) mind-expanding and consciousness-transformative techniques like psychotropic drugs; and (10) techniques transgressing the patient's borders and, therefore, often traumatizing (for instance, the use of force against the will of the patient).We believe that the systematic use of the staircase will greatly improve the power and efficiency of holistic medicine for the patient and we invite a broad cooperation in scientifically testing the efficiency of the advanced holistic medical toolbox on the many chronic patients in need of a cure. The level-8 tools can traumatize the patient if used incorrectly. Some of the level 9 tools and most of the level-10 tools can be severely traumatising for the patient, even when used correctly, so there must be compelling reasons for using them, and the patient must know, understand, and accept the risk before the onset of treatment.
Holistic Health: Does It Really Include Mental Health?
Authors: McClanahan Kimberly K. , Huff Marlene B. , Omar Hatim A.
Published: May 2007

Holistic health, incorporating mind and body as equally important and unified components of health, is a concept utilized in some health care arenas in the United States (U.S.) over the past 30 years. However, in the U.S., mental health is not seen as conceptually integral to physical health and, thus, holistic health cannot be realized until the historical concept of mind-body dualism, continuing stigma regarding mental illness, lack of mental health parity in insurance, and inaccurate public perceptions regarding mental illness are adequately addressed and resolved. Until then, mental and physical health will continue to be viewed as disparate entities rather than parts of a unified whole. We conclude that the U.S. currently does not generally incorporate the tenets of holistic health in its view of the mental and physical health of its citizens, and provide some suggestions for changing that viewpoint.
Proliferation Potential of 18-Month-Old Callus ofAnanas comosusL. cv. Moris
Authors: De Silva A.E. , Kadir M.A. , Aziz M.A. , Kadzimin S.
Published: May 2007

Differential effect of plant growth regulators and additives in proliferation of 18-month-old calli ofAnanas comosusL. cv. Moris were assessedin vitro. The proliferation of callus relied on the growth regulators and additives. Of the different auxins supplemented in the Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, 32.22 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) gave the highest mean fresh weight of callus (46.817 g). Medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was inferior to NAA, while b-naphthoxy acetic acid (BNOA) and p-chlorophenoxy acetic acid (4-CPA) were not effective in proliferating 18-months old callus. Addition of casein hydrolysate and coconut water to NAA supplemented medium showed better proliferation and production of callus. However, in terms of callus production, NAA at 32.22 μM was economically better.
Significant Delay of Lethal Outcome in Cancer Patients Due to Peroral Administration of Bacillus oligonitrophilus KU-1
Authors: Malkov Sergey V. , Markelov Vladimir V. , Polozov Gleb Y. , Barabanschikov Boris I. , Kozhevnikov Alexander Y. , Trushin Maxim V.
Published: May 2007

Treatment of cancer patients remains a serious medical problem and the development of alternative treatment strategies is therefore of great importance. In this connection, we developed a new bacterial-based, anticancer method. Ten cancer patients (three males, seven females) were involved in this study. Bacterial suspension of stationary phaseBacillus oligonitrophilusKU-1 was used as a remedy for peroral administration. In five patients, side effects (sicchasia, slight blood, and intracranial pressure gain) were detected, but all patients showed significant delay of lethal outcome without serious side effects. In conclusion, the suggested method was, in our opinion, a good alternative to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy techniques. In order to evaluate its efficiency for various tumors, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study is needed.
Qualitative Evaluation of the Project P.A.T.H.S. Based on the Perceptions of the Program Participants
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Lee Tak Yan , Siu Andrew , Lam Ching Man
Published: May 2007

Qualitative evaluation was carried out to understand the perceptions of the students participating in the Tier 1 Program of the P.A.T.H.S. Project. Five focus groups based on 43 students recruited from four schools were conducted to generate qualitative data to evaluate the program. With specific focus on how the informants described the program, results showed that the descriptors used were mainly positive in nature. When the informants were invited to name three metaphors that could stand for the program, the related metaphors were basically positive in nature. Finally, the program participants perceived many beneficial effects of the program in different psychosocial domains. Intra- and inter-rater reliability analyses revealed that the coding of the positive or negative nature of the responses was reliable. The present study provides qualitative support for the effectiveness of the Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in promoting holistic development in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong.
Quali-Quantitative Analysis (QQA): Why It Could Open New Frontiers for Holistic Health Practice
Authors: Bell Erica
Published: May 2007

Holistic health practice is often described as being about understanding the larger contexts of patients, their health services, and their communities. Yet do traditional quantitative and qualitative health research methods produce the best possible evidence for the holistic practices of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals? This paper argues “no”, and examines the potential of a cutting-edge, social science research method — Quali-Quantitative Research (QQA) — for providing better evidence for holistic practice, particularly in small-N populations, such as rural and remote communities. It does so with reference to the international literature on holistic medicine, as well as three holistic health projects conducted in Tasmania: about prevention of falls in older people, adolescent substance abuse, and interventions for children aged 05 exposed to domestic violence. The findings suggest that much health research fails to capture rigorously the contextual complexity of holistic health challenges: the multiple different needs of individual patients, and the interprofessional approaches needed to deliver multidisciplinary and multiservice health interventions tailored to meet those needs in particular community contexts. QQA offers a “configurational”, case-based, diversity-oriented approach to analysing data that combines qualitative and quantitative techniques to overcome the limitations of both research traditions. The author concludes that QQA could open new frontiers for holistic health by helping doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals answer a fundamental question presented by complex health challenges: “Given this set of whole-of-patient needs, what elements of which interventions in what services would work best in this particular community?”
Laparoscopic Unroofing and Aspiration-Sclerotherapy in the Management of Symptomatic Simple Renal Cysts
Authors: Arisan Serdar , Dalkilinc Ayhan , Caskurlu Turhan , Sonmez Nurettin Cem , Guney Soner , Ergenekon Erbil
Published: May 2007

Simple renal cysts are quite common in adults with an incidence that increases with age. Sclerosant treatment is very common, but the recurrence rate is high. Results are still under investigation for laparoscopic approaches and their long follow-up periods. Between 1998 and 2004, 21 patients were diagnosed with symptomatic renal cysts in our clinics. Initially, all patients underwent aspiration-sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol, the most common sclerosant, under ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or CT guidance. For those with sclerosant therapy failure, the laparoscopic unroofing method was used. Like open surgery, laparoscopic unroofing of the cyst appears to be effective by not only removing part of the cyst wall, but more importantly, by providing adequate drainage of the cyst. After sclerotherapy, 71% of the patients had recurrent pain and cyst on follow-up (at mean 14 months). This group of patients was cured with the laparoscopic unroofing method and there is still no recurrence.We emphasize the unroofing method as better than single session sclerotherapy. And also, laparoscopic unroofing of the cyst is more predictable and has better results than sclerotherapy aspiration.
Blunt Renal Trauma in a Pre-Existing Renal Lesion
Authors: Pandyan G.V. Soundra , Omo-Adua Idris , Al Rashid Mohammed , Zaharan Ahmed Bakheet
Published: May 2007

A 70-year-old male presented with direct trauma to his loin with gross hematuria, as an isolated case of blunt renal trauma (BRT) due to a traffic accident. A pre-existing renal lesion (PERL) was strongly suspected by his past history of gross macroscopic hematuria and monotrauma to the kidney without other associated injuries. Spiral CT scan with contrast and a retrograde pyelogram (RGP) confirmed an occult complex renal cyst. The gold standard of CT diagnosis in this situation is stressed. Computed tomography is particularly useful in evaluating traumatic injuries to kidneys with pre-existing abnormalities. The decision on the initial course of conservative management, ureteral retrograde stenting to drain extravasation, and its final outcome are discussed. Radical nephroureterectomy was carried out by a transperitoneal approach with an early vascular control of the renal pedicle. A brief review of recent literature has been undertaken.
Spontaneous Recanalization after Vasectomy
Authors: Lucon Antônio Marmo , Pasqualotto Fábio Firmbach , Schneider-Monteiro Edison Daniel , Saldanha Luis Balthazar , Danilovic Alexandre
Published: May 2007

Vasectomy is the method most commonly used in men for voluntary sterilization purposes. We report two cases of early recanalization following vasectomies performed in 1085 men for sterilization purposes at a tertiary public institution between January 2000 and November 2003. Thus, the risk of 0.2% of failure due to early recanalization should be explained and the fertility implications stressed. Written documentation recording the clarification presented at consultation is essential.
Acute Hemorrhage into Adrenal Pseudocyst Presenting with Shock: Diagnostic Dilemmas  Report of Three Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: Sivasankar Amarapathy , Jeswanth Sathyanesan , Johnson Maria Antony , Ravichandran Palaniappan , Rajendran Shanmugasundaram , Kannan Devy Gounder , Surendran Rajagopal
Published: May 2007

We report three cases of acutely bleeding adrenal pseudocysts presenting as hemorrhagic shock. Pregnancy was associated in two cases. The diagnostic dilemmas are discussed with special reference to their unusual presentations, diagnosis, and treatment. We believe that our cases, complicated by intracystic hemorrhage, may be related to pregnancy.
A Comparative Study of Ultrasound Examination of Urinary Tract Performed on Spinal Cord Injury Patients with No Urinary Symptoms and Spinal Cord Injury Patients with Symptoms Related to Urinary Tract: Do Findings of Ultrasound Examination Lead to Changes in Clinical Management?
Authors: Vaidyanathan Subramanian , Hughes Peter L. , Soni Bakul M.
Published: May 2007

Findings of ultrasound examination of the urinary tract and changes in clinical management, which were instituted on the basis of ultrasound examination, were compared between two groups of spinal cord injury patients. Group 1 had no urinary symptoms when they underwent the scan, whereas group 2 was comprised of patients with symptoms pertaining to the urinary tract. Between 2000 and 2006, ultrasound examination of the urinary tract was performed in 87 spinal cord injury patients who had no urinary symptoms when they underwent the ultrasound scan. No abnormality was found in 63 patients. The ultrasound scan showed some abnormality of the urinary tract in 24 patients (simple cyst in the kidney: 4; reduced size of a kidney: 3; increased echogenicity of left kidney: 1; prominent extrarenal pelvis and mild calyceal dilatation: 1; slightly dilated renal pelvis and calyceal system: 1; pelvic kidney showing mild hydronephrosis: 1; foetal lobulation of kidney: 2; multicystic kidney with no interval change in the appearance since last examination: 1; 2-cm-diameter parapelvic cyst: 1; small renal calyceal calculus: 5; a little cortical scarring bilaterally: 1; focal renal scar: 2; generalised thinning of renal cortex: 3; increase in renal sinus fat: 3; trabeculated bladder: 2; small vesical diverticulum: 1; mild generalised bladder wall thickening: 1; small residual urine in postvoid scan; 2). No specific interventions were performed in these patients on the basis of ultrasound findings. In Group 2, ultrasound examination revealed serious abnormalities such as hydronephrosis, pyonephrosis, vesical calculi, vesical polyp in 20 of 21 patients, and all 20 patients required therapeutic intervention on the basis of ultrasound scan findings.In conclusion, routine ultrasound examination of the urinary tract in spinal cord injury patients who have no urinary symptoms may not be justifiable in terms of cost effectiveness; limited hospital resources should be directed to spinal cord injury patients with urinary symptoms so that ultrasound examination and therapeutic interventions based on ultrasound findings are carried out expeditiously.
The Role of T Cells in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Engraftment
Authors: Hexner Elizabeth
Published: May 2007

Much attention has focused on the immune recovery of donor T cells following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Termed immune reconstitution, a better understanding of the dynamics of the functional recovery of immune cells following HSCT has important implications both for fighting infections and, in the allogeneic setting, for providing antitumor activity while controlling graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD). The immune cells involved in immune reconstitution include antigen-presenting cells, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and, in particular, T lymphocytes, the immune cell that will be the subject of this review. In addition, T cells can play an important role in the process of engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells. The evidence for a T cell tropic effect on hematopoietic engraftment is both direct and indirect, and comes from the clinic as well as the research lab. Animal models have provided useful clues, but the molecular mechanisms that govern the interaction between donor stem cells, donor T cells, the host immune system, and the stem cell niche remain obscure. This review will describe the current published clinical and basic evidence related to T cells and stem cell engraftment, and will identify future directions for translational research in this area.
Relation Between Rates of Geriatric Suicide and Consumption of Alcohol Beverages in European Countries
Authors: Sher Leo
Published: May 2007

Among older adults, suicide is a significant and persistent health problem. The highest suicide rate is found among white men aged 65 years and older. The causes of elder suicide are multifaceted. Although no predominate factor precipitates or explains geriatric suicide, alcohol is strongly linked to suicide attempts and completions. This study examined the relationship between rates of suicide in 65- to 74-year-olds and per capita consumption of alcoholic beverages in European countries. Data on suicide rates in 65- to 74-year-olds and per capita consumption of alcoholic beverages were obtained from the World Health Organization databases. Correlations were computed to examine relationships between suicide rates in 65- to 74-year-old males and females and per capita consumption of beer, wine, and spirits in the general population in 34 European countries. There was a positive correlation between suicide rates in 65- to 74-year-old males and per capita consumption of spirits. No correlations between suicide rates in 65- to 74-year-old males and per capita consumption of beer or wine were found. We also found no correlations between rates of suicide in 65- to 74-year-old females and per capita consumption of beer, wine, or spirits. The results of this study are consistent with reports that consumption of spirits is associated with suicide events. It is to be hoped that this paper will stimulate further studies that are necessary to clarify the relation between suicide rates in different age groups and consumption of alcoholic beverages, and attract more attention to the problem of geriatric suicide.
Suicide Soon After Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure. A Possible Peri-Ictal Phenomenon?
Authors: Pompili Maurizio , Girardi Paolo , Lester David , Tatarelli Roberto
Published: May 2007

We report the case of 36-year-old woman who had suffered from focal-unilateral right febrile grand mal since she was 9 months old as a result of neonatal asphyxia. Over the years, a modification of the clinical picture occurred and eventually the patient suffered from paranoid delusions that impaired her ability to work. After many years free from seizures, she experienced one day a generalized tonic-clonic seizure that required hospitalization and, soon thereafter, she committed suicide.
Immobilization of Zinc Phthalocyanines in Silicate Matrices and Investigation of Their Photobactericidal Effect on E.coli
Authors: Artarsky Spas , Dimitrova Stanislava , Bonnett Raymond , Krysteva Milka
Published: May 2007

The aim of the present investigation was to immobilize zinc phthalocyanines in a silicate matrix and to test the photobactericidal properties of the matrices so prepared toward Esherichia coli in model aqueous media. For the purpose, tetra tertiary butyl zinc phthalocyanine (TBZnPc) and zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid (ZnPcTS) were used. The abilities of these two photosensitizers to generate singlet oxygen in solution were compared by following the rate of photobleaching of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) at 430 nm in dimethylformamide (DMF).The results of this study show clearly that, under the conditions used here, the TBZnPc is the more effective generator of singlet oxygen; with it the DPBF was virtually completely photobleached in 4 min, while with the ZnPcTS under the same conditions, it took 12 min to reach this point. Glass conjugates with the two phthalocyanines were obtained by the sol-gel technique and were characterized by a well-defined color due to the phthalocyanine incorporated in the silicate matrix. Glasses with an intense, but inhomogeneous, green color were obtained when the tetrasulfonic derivative of the zinc phthalocyanine was used, while blue glasses of evenly distributed coloration were formed from the tetra tertiary butyl derivative.The ZnPcTS conjugate demonstrates more effective singlet oxygen evolution than is the case with the TBZnPc conjugate. These results are the opposite of those obtained for the free phthalocyanines in solution. The structural formulae of the compounds show that TBZnPc has a more pronounced hydrophobic character than the sulfonic derivative. In our view, the relative reactivities of the conjugates can be explained by the tetrasulfonic derivative being situated mainly in the surface parts of the glass matrix where the hydrophilic character is prevailing, while the tertiary butyl derivative is mainly present in the internal parts of the matrix as a result of which it is less accessible and therefore less activeThe results obtained on the effect of zinc phthalocyanine conjugates on E. coli show a trend similar to that observed with singlet oxygen evolution shown. Thus, for the ZnPcTS conjugate, the log kill is 1.32 and for the TBZnPc conjugate, it is 0.98, in each case after 120 min. The results obtained show that phthalocyanines can be immobilized successfully in a silicate matrix and used for photodisinfection of microbially polluted waters. The silicate matrix has some advantages in comparison with other organic matrices. It is insoluble in water, resistant towards microorganisms, easy to fabricate, and might be developed successfully for the photodisinfection of water, e.g., in swimming pools and in other open water reservoirs.
Quality Physical Intervention Activity for Persons with Down Syndrome
Authors: Lotan Meir
Published: May 2007

Persons with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk for a life of inactivity that can result in a multitude of medical problems including heart and vascular diseases. This review presents findings regarding the physical status of individuals with DS, as well as proper interventions found to improve the physical fitness and general health for this population. This review was written with the intent to suggest practical directions in planning and implementing quality physical intervention programs for this population.
The Use of Critical Levels for Determining Plant Response to Ozone in Europe and in North America
Authors: Musselman Robert C. , Lefohn Allen S.
Published: May 2007

Critical levels to determine plant response to ozone (O3) have been used in Europe since the 1980s, utilizing the concentration-based AOT40 to relate plant response to ambient O3exposure. More recently, there has been progress in Europe toward utilizing flux-based critical levels, because plant response is more closely related to O3uptake than to the amount of O3in ambient air. Flux-based critical levels are plant species specific; data for parameterization of flux-based critical levels models are lacking for most plant species. Although flux-based critical levels are now being used for a limited number of agricultural crops and tree species where data are available, the use of flux-based critical levels is limited by the lack of adequate consideration and incorporation of plant internal detoxification mechanisms in flux modeling. Critical levels have not been used in North America; however, recent interest in the U.S. and Canada for using critical loads for nitrogen and sulfur has generated interest in using critical levels for O3. A major obstacle for utilization of critical levels in North America is that ambient air quality standards for O3in the U.S. and Canada are concentration based. It appears that cumulative exposure-based metrics, particularly when implemented with a quantification of peak concentrations and environmental variables, such as a drought index, are currently the most useful to relate O3to vegetation response. Because data are unavailable to quantify detoxification potential of vegetation, effective flux models are not available to determine plant response to O3.
Mechanisms of Action of Probiotics in Intestinal Diseases
Authors: O'Hara Ann M. , Shanahan Fergus
Published: May 2007

Intestinal microbiota is a positive health asset that exerts a conditioning effect on intestinal homeostasis. Resident bacteria deliver regulatory signals to the epithelium and instruct mucosal immune responses. Recent research has revealed a potential therapeutic role for the manipulation of the microbiota and exploitation of host-microbial signalling pathways in the maintenance of human health and treatment of various mucosal disorders. A variety of pharmabiotic strategies, such as the use of specific members of the microbiota, their surface components, or metabolites, as well as genetically modified commensal bacteria, are being investigated for their ability to enhance the beneficial components of the microbiota. It is clear that engagement with host cells is central to pharmabiotic action, and several strain-specific mechanisms of action have been elucidated. However, the molecular details underpinning these mechanisms remain almost entirely unknown. Understanding how pharmabiotics exert their beneficial effects is critical for the establishment of definitive selection criteria for certain pharmabiotic strategies for specific clinical conditions. Scientifically accredited evidence of efficacy and studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of host-microbiota interactions are needed to lend credence to the use of pharmabiotic strategies in clinical medicine.
Endosonography: New Developments in 2006
Authors: Giovannini Marc
Published: May 2007

Recent progress of the data processing applied to ultrasound (US) examination made it possible to develop new software. The US workstation of the last generation thus incorporated a computer into their center that allowed a very precise treatment of the US image. This made it possible to work out new images like three-dimensional (3-D) US, the US of contrast-harmonic associated with the intravenous injection with product with contrast for US, and finally even more recently, elastography. These techniques, currently quite elaborate in percutaneous US, are to be adapted and evaluated with echoendoscopy (EUS).

We thus will approach the 3-D EUS successively, then the contribution of the products of contrast for US with the pancreatic EUS, and finally, elastography guided by endosonography.