bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bias? What bias? The evolution of downstream larval‐feeding in animals
Authors: Rouse Greg W.
Published: March 2003

The homology of larval‐feeding modes has been a major element in recent discussions about animal phylogeny. ‘Downstream‐feeding’ is one of the two main larval‐feeding modes, and is usually equated to an opposed‐band system involving ciliary bands called the prototroch and metatroch. Larval‐feeding in Spiralia is reviewed here and the homology hypothesis of downstream larval‐feeding is expanded, encompassing any feeding involving the prototroch. It is often argued that the presence of planktotrophic larvae using downstream‐feeding is plesiomorphic among spiralian animals, and that there is a bias in transformations, such that feeding larvae tend to be lost rather than gained. These hypotheses are assessed in relation to the Spiralia, Trochozoa and particularly polychaete annelids. Cladistic parsimony analyses are performed based on datasets of Rouse & Fauchald (1997) and
Rouse (1999), with an additional character based on downstream larval‐feeding. Methods adopted to assess the possibility of a bias in transformations towards loss of downstream larval‐feeding include: expanded primary homology arguments, character transformations favouring reversals and polymorphic terminals coded as having downstream larval‐feeding. These measures all tend to favour the possibility that downstream larval‐feeding will be plesiomorphic, and tends to be lost rather than gained. Nevertheless, all analyses show that downstream larval‐feeding is not plesiomorphic, and appears to have evolved multiple times. The results support a conclusion that the prototroch has become associated with feeding a number of times. Hypotheses of metazoan phylogeny that are predicated on the assumption that downstream‐feeding larvae are plesiomorphic (e.g.
Peterson et al. 1997
) should be re‐assessed.
Morphology, reproductive biology and molecular genetics of ovoviviparous freshwater gastropods (Cerithioidea, Pachychilidae) from the Philippines, with description of a new genusJagora
Authors: Köhler Frank , Glaubrecht Matthias
Published: March 2003

The new genusJagoraof the family Pachychilidae Troschel, 1857 is described for the type speciesMelania asperataLamarck, 1822 from the Philippines. In addition toJ. asperata, a second endemic species of the new genus,J. dactylus(I. Lea & H.C. Lea, 1850), is recognized on the basis of shell morphometry and molecular genetic data (cytochrome C oxidase I and 16S rRNA). The taxonomic history ofJ. asperataandJ. dactylusis revised and the recent distribution documented on basis of available museum material and the authors’ own field collections.J. asperataoccurs on Luzon and its satellite islands Leyte and Samar, whileJ. dactylusis restricted to the Visayan islands Bohol, Cebu, and Guimeras. The morphology of the two species is presented and illustrated in detail, and compared to taxa of the closely related genusBrotiaH. Adams, 1866 to which they were previously assigned. Among the South‐east Asian freshwater Cerithioidea of the family Pachychilidae, which were previously subsumed underBrotiafor their more or less similar shell morphology and operculum, three distinct lineages can be distinguished, in particular by means of distinct reproductive anatomy: (1) the species ofBrotia sensu strictofrom mainland South‐east Asia, Sumatra, Borneo and Java, which all exhibit a subhaemocoelic brood pouch; (2) the pachychilid species endemic to Sulawesi, currently assigned to the generaBrotiaandTylomelania, as well as both species ofPseudopotamisendemic to the Torres Strait Islands, which possess a uterine brood pouch; (3) the females of the PhilippineJagora,which carry egg capsules, embryos and advanced juvenile stages within the mantle cavity — a unique reproductive feature. Associated with this mode of ovoviviparity,Jagorais characterized by additional unique properties of the reproductive system including a deeply incised and long sperm gutter in the medial lamina, a very short and posteriorly positioned spermatophore bursa formed by the medial lamina, and a prominent lateral ridge functioning as a seminal receptacle. These characteristics are exclusive toJagoraand are consequently considered to represent autapomorphies of this clade which is endemic only to the Philippines. The zoogeographical implications are discussed in connection with a recently developed palaeogeographical reconstruction.
High‐risk sexual behaviours and genital infections during pregnancy
Authors: Dwyer J. M.
Published: March 2003

This article describes the sexual behaviours of some pregnant women that contribute to vaginal and cervical infections, and describes their lack of awareness about the dangers associated with sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy. It presents a subanalysis of data from a principal epidemiological study of the association between preterm delivery and genital hygiene habits and sexual behaviour during pregnancy. One‐hundred and nine postpartum women were questioned about high‐risk sexual behaviours during their pregnancies, their partner’s sexually transmitted disease status and their knowledge about the effect of sexually transmitted infections on their pregnancy. Global concerns about the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of cervical and vaginal infection from sexually transmitted diseases are discussed. The dangers associated with high‐risk sexual behaviours during pregnancy, and recommendations for clinicians, are included.
Critiquing Bachelor candidates’ theses: are the criteria useful?
Authors: Kapborg I. , Berterö C.
Published: March 2003

Nursing education programmes should be at an academic level and connected to research. In Sweden, empirical studies are generally required in order to obtain a Bachelor’s degree; hence, in some cases, these studies are replaced by a literature review. A study was conducted using 11 criteria. Thirteen theses produced in a department of nursing science were examined, elaborated and reproduced by reviewing international and national literature. Thereafter, the criteria themselves were scrutinized. Principal findings when critiquing the theses were that in eight theses the purpose was clearly identified and well defined in relation to the study accomplished; in three theses the purpose was indistinct and vague; and in two the definitions and research questions were lacking. The topic was relevant for the area of nursing in all theses. General problems identified were poor spelling and grammar, and unsatisfactory thesis structure. This article discusses whether criteria are useful when examining the Bachelor candidates’ theses. The authors report that the criteria seemed to be useful, giving some guidance for scrutinizing theses and facilitating correspondence. Criteria could be appropriate guidelines for using to increase the quality of the theses as well as the quality of nursing.
Human nature as a source of practical truth: Aristotelian–Thomistic realism and the practical science of nursing
Authors: Whelton Beverly J. B.
Published: March 2003

Abstract This discussion is grounded in Aristotelian–Thomistic realism and takes the position that nursing is a practical science. As an exposition of the title statement, distinctions are made between opinion and truth, and the speculative, productive and practical sciences. Sources of opinion and truth are described and a discussion follows that truth can be achieved through knowing principles and causes of the natural kind behind phenomena. It is proposed that humans are the natural kind behind nursing phenomena. Thus, human nature provides proper principles (the truth) of nursing practice.
Antiadipogenic properties of retinol in primary cultured differentiating human adipocyte precursor cells
Authors: Garcia  , Lacasa  , Agli  , Giudicelli  , Castelli
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of retinol on the human adipose conversion process using primary cultured human adipocyte precursor cells. When these cells were seeded in a medium containing retinol (concentrations ranging from 3.5 nM to 3.5 μM), cell proliferation was slightly inhibited by high concentrations of retinol, as demonstrated by cell counting and [3H]‐thymidine incorporation. Moreover, the differentiation capacities of these cells were markedly and dose‐dependently inhibited by retinol, as shown by the reduced expression of the lipogenic enzyme glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and by microscopic morphological analysis. These results strongly suggest that retinol, by inhibiting the ability of human preadipocytes to convert into mature adipocytes, could be of potential interest in the prevention of human adipose tissue development in general and of cellulitis in particular.

Résumé

Le but de ce travail est l’étude de l’effet du rétinol sur le processus d’adipoconversion chez l’homme en utilisant des cultures primaires de préadipocytes humains. Lorsque les cellules sont cultivées dans un milieu contenant du rétinol (de 3,5 nM à 3,5 μM), la prolifération cellulaire est légèrement inhibée par de fortes concentrations de rétinol comme le démontrent le comptage cellulaire et l’incorporation de thymidine tritiée. De plus, les capacités de différenciation de ces cellules sont fortement diminuées par le rétinol de façon dose‐dépendante comme le montrent l’analyse microscopique des cellules et l’expression réduite de la glycéro‐3‐phosphate déshydrogénase, enzyme lipogénique majeure. Ces résultats suggèrent que le rétinol, en inhibant la capacité d’adipoconversion des préadipocytes humains en adipocytes matures, pourrait avoir un intérêt potentiel dans la prévention du développement du tissu adipeux humain en général et de la cellulite en particulier.
Les fards rouges cosmétiques et rituels a base de cinabre et d'ocre de l'époque punique en Tunisie: analyse, identification et caractérisation
Authors: Alatrache A. , Mahjoub H. , Ayed N. , Ben Younes H.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

Natural antique colorants include mainly red pigments such as cinnabar and ochre. These archeological pigments were used especially as funeral and cosmetic makeup and are a material proof of handicraft activities and exchanges.

The identification and characterization of a group of punic colorants, corresponding to samples discovered during excavations at several Tunisian archeological sites (Cartage, Ksour Essef, Kerkouane, Bekalta, Makthar, Bou Arada), were conducted using the least destructive analysis techniques such us scanning electron microscopy coupled to X‐ray fluorescence microprobe, direct current plasma emission spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X‐ray diffraction.

Eleven natural red colorants from punic period were subject to this investigation and were compared to contemporary substances. Five colorants were cinnabar and the other six were ochre.
Latex as a sunscreen carrier in a silicone vehicle
Authors: Ruiz M. A. , Martinez M. T. , Zouaki J. , Gallardo V.
Published: March 2003

Synopsis

This work comprises a study of the adsorption–desorption of three chemical sunscreens on the polymer surface of the latex Aquacoat, which has a high specific surface. The aim was to delay the release of these filters from the silicone excipient containing them and therefore increasing the substantivity, i.e. prolonging the sunscreening effect.
The nutritional contribution of meat to the British diet: recent trends and analyses
Authors: Robinson Frankie
Published: March 2003

Summary Over the last decade, some interesting changes have been seen in the British diet. Some of these have resulted from changes in wide‐reaching social issues that affect today's eating culture, such as the fast pace of today's lifestyle, whereas others have occurred as a result of alterations in food production methods and technological advances. The consumption of meat and meat products, in particular, has seen a great deal of flux, and as meat is an important source of various nutrients in the diet, this is an area that warrants further investigation of the resulting public health implications. This paper reviews some of the trends in meat consumption over the last 10 years and describes the role of meat in the UK diet today.
Interventions for preventing obesity in childhood. A systematic review
Authors: Campbell K. , Waters E. , O'Meara S. , Summerbell C.
Published: March 2003

Background The prevalence of obesity and overweight is increasing worldwide. Obesity in children impacts on their health in both short‐ and long‐term. Obesity prevention strategies are poorly understood.

Objective To assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent obesity in childhood.

Search strategy Electronic databases were searched from January 1985 to October 1999.

Selection criteria Data from randomized control trials and non‐randomized trials with concurrent control group were included. A priori, studies with follow up of 1 year minimum were selected however, this was subsequently amended to include studies with a minimum follow up of three months.

Data collection & analysis Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality.

Main results Seven studies were included, three long‐term (>1 years) and four short‐term (>3 months and <1 years). The studies included were diverse in terms of study design and quality, target population, theoretical underpinning of intervention approach, and outcome measures. As such, it was not appropriate to combine study findings using statistical methods.

Conclusions Two of the long‐term studies (one focused on dietary education and physical activity vs. control, and the other only on dietary education vs. control), resulted in a reduction in the prevalence on obesity, but the third, which focused on dietary education and physical activity, found no effect. Of the four short‐term studies, three focused simply on physical activity/reduction of sedentary behavious vs. control. Two of these studies resulted in a reduction in the prevalence of obesity in intervention groups compared with control groups, and another study found a non‐significant reduction. The fourth study focused on dietary education and physical activity, and did not find an effect on obesity, but did report a reduction in fat intake. Overall, the findings of the review suggest that currently there is limited quality data on the effectiveness of obesity prevention programmes and as such no generalizable conclusions can be drawn. The need for well‐designed studies that examine a range of interventions remains a priority.
Weight control and physical activity in cancer prevention
Authors: Bianchini Franca , Kaaks Rudolf , Vainio Harri
Published: March 2003

Overweight and obesity have reached epidemic dimensions worldwide, mainly due to consumption of high energy diets and increased sedentary behaviour. Overweight and insufficient physical activity are clearly associated with cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Evidence is also accumulating that they may also increase cancer risk, particularly in the colon, breast and endometrium. This effect seems to be mediated by alterations in the metabolism of endogenous hormones, including sex steroids and insulin, and levels of insulin‐like growth factor(IGF)‐I and IGF‐binding proteins. In light of the beneficial effects of weight control and physical activity for cancer prevention, a healthy lifestyle, keeping a low body weight and exercising most days of the week, is recommended.
A role for olestra in body weight management
Authors: Eldridge A. L. , Cooper D. A. , Peters J. C.
Published: March 2003

Olestra is a fat substitute made from fatty acids esterified to sucrose and can be used in the preparation of virtually any food made with fat. Foods made with olestra retain the mouthfeel, palatability and satiating effects of their full‐fat counterparts without providing any digestible energy. Because olestra provides no energy, it has the potential to be a useful tool in weight loss and weight maintenance. Short‐term studies of olestra replacement in foods demonstrate that fat replacement leads to a net reduction in fat intake. When excess total energy is available, fat replacement also reduces total energy intake in lean and obese men and women. In longer‐term studies in which olestra is incorporated into the daily diet, there is an incomplete compensation for the fat energy replaced by olestra. When overweight men consumed olestra as part of a varied diet over nine months, weight loss continued for the duration of the study, whereas individuals receiving a typical low‐fat diet regained most of the initial weight lost. Other studies are underway to examine the usefulness of olestra in long‐term weight maintenance following weight loss. Post‐marketing surveillance of olestra foods in the United States indicates that substitution of olestra for only 1–2 g of fat d−1 may be sufficient to prevent
the average weight gain reported in adults of 0.5–1.0 kg year−1.
Impact of immune interventions on proviral HIV‐1 DNA decay in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Lafeuillade A , Poggi C , Chadapaud S , Hittinger G , Khiri H , Halfon P
Published: March 2003

Objective  To measure the evolution of proviral HIV‐1 DNA levels in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) compared to those treated with HAART plus interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and hydroxyurea.

Design  Prospective randomised trial.

Methods  Twenty‐two HIV‐1 infected patients were randomly assigned to a five‐drug antiretroviral regimen for 72 weeks, with or without IL‐2, followed by a three‐drug regimen up to week 120 with additional hydroxyurea in patients having received IL‐2. HIV‐1 DNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were measured regularly using the Amplicor Monitor kit from Roche Diagnostics (Meylan, France). Potentially infectious HIV‐1 was cultured in enhanced conditions from circulating CD4 T cells at week 120.

Results  During the study period of 120 weeks, HIV‐1 DNA levels in PBMC decreased by −1.1 log in patients treated with HAART only compared with −1.8 log in patients with additional IL‐2 and hydroxyurea. A two‐phase decay rate was observed, with an inflexion point at 12 weeks. The second decay was slow, with mean half‐lives of 130.1 ± 21.3 weeks and 95.1 ± 26.3 weeks for patients on HAART and those receiving additional IL‐2 and hydroxyurea, respectively. At week 120, one out of 11 patients with HAART alone compared to six out of 11 in the group with IL‐2 and hydroxyurea had undetectable proviral DNA levels and three of them had unsuccessful recovery of replication‐competent HIV‐1 from blood CD4 T cells.

Conclusion  Therapeutic strategies combining HAART and immune interventions have higher potency to decrease the number of infected cells than HAART alone.
Phenotypic and genotypic resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in HIV‐1 clinical isolates
Authors: Lafeuillade A , Poggi C , Hittinger G , Chadapaud S
Published: March 2003

Objective To assess phenotypic and genotypic cross‐resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in patients treated with a combination including zidovudine, who were switched to a combination including stavudine.

Methods We analysed 24 clinical HIV‐1 isolates from 12 patients before and several months after therapeutic switching. Plasma HIV‐1 RNA was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Roche). Genotypic resistance was measured by sequencing the reverse transcriptase gene from plasma HIV‐1 RNA. Phenotypic resistance was measured using a recombinant assay (Virco).

Results Patients were treated with a combination including zidovudine for a mean (± SEM) period of 21.8 ± 3.5 months and had a plasma viral load of 4.1 ± 0.2 log HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL (time 1). After a mean period of 19.3 ± 1.6 months following the therapeutic change, the plasma viral load was 3.6 ± 0.1 log copies/mL (time 2). At time 1, genotypic resistance to zidovudine was found in all cases (41L: four cases; 41L, 215Y: five cases; 41L, 210W, 215Y: two cases; K70R: one case) with a mean 6.6 ± 1.6‐fold increase in the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) to zidovudine and 1.7 ± 0.4‐fold to stavudine. At time 2, genotypic resistance to zidovudine was found in 11 out of 12 cases (41L: two cases; 41L, 215Y: six cases; 41L, 210W, 215Y: two cases; M41L, D67N, L210W, T215Y: one case) with a mean 18.9 ± 8.8‐fold increase in the IC50 to zidovudine and 1.4 ± 0.4‐fold to stavudine

Conclusions In this clinical series of patients with suboptimal control of plasma HIV‐1 RNA using a combination including zidovudine, the presence of zidovudine‐related mutations was associated with a decreased phenotypic sensitivity to this drug. Despite persistent HIV‐1 replication, switching to stavudine was associated with a further decrease in phenotypic sensitivity to zidovudine but not to stavudine after 19 months. These data suggest that stavudine remains a possible option in zidovudine‐experienced patients.
Cytomegalovirus infection: the point in 2001
Authors: Salmon‐Ceron D
Published: March 2003

The incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, one of the most prevalent opportunistic infections in HIV‐infected persons in the early 1990s, has decreased by more than 80% since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The rare cases of CMV disease still observed in Western countries occur mainly in profoundly immunosuppressed patients who have failed to respond to HAART. A new finding is the occasional occurrence of inflammatory retinitis in some patients on HAART with a history of healed retinitis. New tools for CMV detection have become available recently, including use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect CMV DNA from plasma. It has been possible to redefine, in the HAART period, patients at risk for CMV disease as those who have a low CD4 cell count as well as a blood marker of CMV blood dissemination (plasma CMV DNAaemia or high pp65 antigenaemia). Besides the classical therapeutic approach using ganciclovir (GCV), foscarnet and cidofovir, development of valganciclovir (VGCV), an orally administered prodrug of GCV, appears promising. There is evidence to suggest that it is as effective as intravenous GCV for the treatment of CMV retinitis, and it is currently being studied as a pre‐emptive therapy in patients at high risk for CMV disease. Finally, patients with inactive CMV retinitis receiving HAART and with stable immune reconstitution may be able to discontinue maintenance therapy provided a regular ophthalmological and virological surveillance is maintained.
Lentiginous macules and patches of neurofibromatosis (an approach to better terminology)
Authors: Amer M , Mostafa FF , Nasr AN
Published: March 2003

Background and objectives

Freckles (ephelides) are small, light brown macules of sun‐exposed areas in fair‐skinned subjects. On the other hand, freckle‐like pigmentation of the axilla is a highly characteristic feature of neurofibromatosis. To what extent (clinically and pathologically) are the two pigmentary defects similar? And to what extent are café‐au‐lait patches and freckle‐like lesions similar pathologically?

Subjects and methods

Ten cases of neurofibromatosis and 10 cases of freckles were examined clinically. Two biopsies were taken from the former; one obtained from an axillary freckle‐like lesion, and the other from a café‐au‐lait patch. One biopsy only was taken from freckles. The biopsies were processed for haematoxylin and eosin, silver stain and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Obvious differences were detected between freckles (ephelides) and freckle‐like lesions in cases of neurofibromatosis. Café‐au‐lait patches and freckle‐like lesions showed the same pathological changes of lentigo simplex, with increased melanin pigment from the basal layer up to the stratum corneum, moderate elongation of the rete ridges and mild inflammatory infiltrate intermingled with melanophages. Electron microscopy revealed an increase in melanocyte number and the presence of giant melanin granules in freckle‐like pigmentation as well as café‐au‐lait patches. These ultrastructural freckles (ephelides) showed an increase in activity but not the number of melanocytes.

Conclusions

The term freckle‐like should be changed to lentiginous macules of neurofibromatosis. On the other hand, the café‐au‐lait patches should be considered as lentiginous patches. Freckles should be restricted to sun‐exposed areas in fair‐skinned persons only.
PIBI(D)S: clinical and molecular characterization of a new case
Authors: Belloni Fortina A , Alaibac M , Piaserico S , Peserico A
Published: March 2003

The term PIBI(D)S has been used to indicate a rare recessively inherited genetic disorder characterized by photosensitivity, mild non‐congenital ichthyosis, brittle sulphur‐deficient hair with trichoschisis (trichothiodystrophy), impaired intelligence, occasionally decreased fertility and short stature. To the best of our knowledge, about 20 cases have been reported in the literature. Here we report the characterization of the hair, brain, ultraviolet sensitivity and DNA excision repair defects of a new patient affected by PIBI(D)S. The diagnosis of PIBI(D)S syndrome was made in our patient on the basis of the clinical features and then confirmed by hair microscopy and biochemical analysis. Our patient has increased muscular tone, alteration of the deep tendon reflexes and psychomotor retardation, all consistent with hypomyelination of the brain showed by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. A deficiency of DNA repair capacity was demonstrated in our patient. Furthermore, complementation analysis by cell fusion assigned our patient to xeroderma pigmentosum group D. The nucleotide excision repair defect of the other reported patients with PIBI(D)S falls generally into the same group as xeroderma pigmentosum group D and carry a mutation on the same repair gene (XPD). The relationship between these molecular characteristics and the clinical spectrum of PIBI(D)S is discussed.
Idiopathic photodermatoses: clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects
Authors: Lecha M
Published: March 2003

Idiopathic photodermatoses are a group of photosensitivity dermatoses, which are not very frequent with the exception of polymorphous light eruption. Therefore, their recognition may not be easy for dermatologists who are not familiar with photosensitivity diseases.

Learning objective The information in this review is intended for giving clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic clues for the correct management of patients. Clinical features will be described together with diagnostic relevant procedures and usual therapeutic measures.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with onset in early childhood: a case report
Authors: Navarro M , Requena C , Febrer I , Marin S , Aliaga A
Published: March 2003

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a tumour that grows locally, infiltrating the subcutaneous tissue; it is uncommon in children. We report the case of a 27‐year‐old man who had had such a lesion from the age of 3 years, and it had enlarged during his lifetime. A wide local excision with margins of 3.0 cm was performed, but the lesion was not entirely removed. This is a new report of infantile dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and this case reflects the need for Mohs micrographic surgery.
Supravenous hyperpigmentation, transverse leuconychia and transverse melanonychia after chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s disease
Authors: Lang K , Groeger M , Neumann NJ , Ruzicka T , Fritsch C
Published: March 2003

Pigmentary abberations of the skin, mucosa and epidermal appendages are common side‐effects after systemic treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. These pigment changes appear in different patterns and are partly quite typical for the applied chemotherapeutic drug. The pathogenesis of the different skin pigmentations are not well known. The most often discussed causes are the stimulation of melanocytes, involvement of the tyrosinase enzyme system and thrombophlebitis with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation by the aggressive substances. Nail discolorations are mainly due to direct toxic effects and stimulation of the matrix melanocytes. We report a rare event of supravenous hyperpigmentation, transverse leuconychia and melanonychia after chemotherapy of a patient suffering from Hodgkin’s disease.
Verrucous herpes of the scrotum in a human immunodeficiency virus‐positive man: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Carrasco DA , Trizna Z , Colome‐Grimmer M , Tyring SK
Published: March 2003

We report a case of a 28‐year‐old human immunodeficiency virus‐positive man. He presented with confluent verrucous papules and nodules on his scrotum that were due to herpes simplex infection.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma arising on chronic osteomyelitis
Authors: Foti C , Giannelli G , Berloco A , Mascolo V , Ingravallo G , Giardina C
Published: March 2003

We present a case of a primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the skin (MFH) arising on chronic osteomyelitis in a 67‐year‐old woman.

 Although this condition seems to be a predisposing factor for the onset of the malignancy, MFH complicating chronic osteomyelitis is generally localized at the level of the bone tissue. In the case we report the neoplasm was primitively localized at the dermal and subcutaneous level and presented as a rapidly growing mass.
Erythema annulare centrifugum: report of a case with neonatal onset
Authors: Bottoni U , Innocenzi D , Bonaccorsi P , Carlesimo M , Faina P , Richetta A , Cugini P , Calvieri S
Published: March 2003

Darier's erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is often associated with infectious, autoimmune or neoplastic disease, nevertheless, most cases of EAC remain unexplained.

 We report a case of EAC with neonatal onset and a clinical course of over 20 years. The patient presented from the 6th day of life with erythematous papules that enlarged centrifugally to form figurate, annular or policyclic plaques involving the entire cutaneous surface. The clinical picture had a chronic course, disappearing only during unrelated febrile episodes. Histologic examination revealed a normal epidermis and a dense perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and numerous eosinophils in the superficial and reticular dermis. Today the patient is 24 years old and his lesions are still unchanged. Recently, clinical evaluation revealed a diffuse sclerodermic induration. A second biopsy showed a diffuse thickening of collagen fibers in the dermis.

 To our knowledge, this is the second report of EAC with neonatal onset and such a long and peculiar clinical course.
Lymphadenopathy detected by ultrasound examination as first diagnostic hint of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in a patient with melanoma
Authors: Schmid‐Wendtner M‐H , Lebeau A , Sander CA , Volkenandt M , Emmerich B , Wendtner C‐M
Published: March 2003

Recent reports indicate that patients with malignant melanoma might be at higher risk for developing a non‐cutaneous unrelated second malignancy. We describe the case of a 46‐year‐old woman who had a malignant melanoma on her right shoulder that was treated in 1998 by surgical excision combined with axillary lymph node dissection. In 1999, ultrasound examination of peripheral lymph nodes revealed one suspicious echopoor structure in the woman's right axilla that was not palpable. Diagnostic excision and histopathological examination revealed a small B‐cell lymphocytic lymphoma, and further investigations led to a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic B‐cell leukaemia (B‐CLL). We would like to point out the value of high‐resolution ultrasound examination in the follow‐up of patients with malignant melanoma; this examination can detect early metastasis as well as other unrelated malignancies.
The Development and Evaluation of a Deaf Awareness Training Course for Support Staff
Authors: McMillan L. , Bunning K. , Pring T.
Published: March 2003

Hearing impairments are common in people with intellectual disabilities and contribute to their communication difficulties. Those who care for and communicate with them need to be aware of this problem and of any strategies which may compensate for a hearing loss. The present study assessed the effectiveness of a Deaf Awareness Training Course for support workers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Questionnaires assessed knowledge of hearing impairment, hearing aid management and the use of strategies to facilitate communication. Knowledge prior to the course was poor despite previous experience of caring for people with intellectual disabilities. Those attending the course significantly improved their knowledge and use of strategies compared to a control group. Further research is needed to assess whether gains made in training of this kind are transferred to the support of people with intellectual disabilities.
Early Intervention or Early Incarceration? Using a Screening Test for Intellectual Disability in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Hayes Susan Carol
Published: March 2003

Background  People with an intellectual disability are significantly over‐represented in the criminal justice system in many Western jurisdictions; early identification in the system is important if they are to receive appropriate services, protection, diversion and rehabilitation.

Methods  The Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) were compared with the Hayes Ability Screening Index (HASI), developed from a battery of items. In total, 567 adult and juvenile offenders, in custodial and community settings, were tested.

Results  Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses showed that the final version of the HASI was as effective as the KBIT or the VABS in predicting results on the other test. Correlation coefficients between the HASI, the KBIT and VABS were significant.

Conclusions  The HASI is an effective screening instrument for determining offenders who may have an intellectual disability and need to be referred for full‐scale diagnostic assessment.
Teaching Food Preparation Skills to People with Intellectual Disabilities: a Literature Overview
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , O'Reilly Mark F.
Published: March 2003

Background  Food preparation skills are considered very relevant for people with intellectual disabilities. This paper reviewed research studies teaching these skills through the use of pictorial instructions or systematic prompting strategies.

Methods  Computerized and hard searches led to the identification of: 12 studies using pictorial instructions on cards; four studies using pictorial instructions through computers; seven studies using systematic prompting (time delay or prompted practice of incorrect task steps), and three studies combining time delay with cards.

Results  The overall training outcomes were quite encouraging. Maintenance and generalization data tended to be in line with the training outcomes. The findings for the different teaching approaches were analysed in relation to the characteristics of the participants, number and complexity of the tasks available, data collection strategies as well as relevant literature on intellectual disabilities. The suitability of the teaching approaches for different types of people and environments and some relevant issues for future research were also examined.
The characterization of uterine tumors by transvaginal color Doppler
Authors: Kurjak A. , Žalud I.
Published: March 2003

The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using transvaginal color Doppler and spectral analysis to differentiate between malignant and benign uterine tumors. This method was performed on 308 patients with uterine tumors before gynecological surgery. The final diagnosis was made following pathological examination of the uterus. There were 291 benign and 17 malignant uterine tumors.

Tumor arterial blood flow was detected in 134 (58%) patients with myoma (RI = 0.58 ± 0.12 SD), 23 (42.6%) patients with adenomyosis (RI = 0.67 ± 0.14), 12 (92.3%) patients with endometrial carcinoma (RI = 0.34 ± 0.05)) three (100%) patients with uterine sarcoma (RI = 0.31 ± 0.03) and in one case (100%) of sarcoma botryoides (RI = 0.33). Blood flow was not detected in patients with endometriotic cysts (n = 6). The comparison of RI between patients with uterine myoma and endometrial cancer showed a significantly lower RI in the cases of endometrial carcinoma (t = 13.5; p < 0.01). Our results showed that transvaginal color Doppler has potential in the non‐invasive differentiation of benign and malignant uterine tumors. Copyright © 1991 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fetal toxoplasmosis: ultrasonographic signs
Authors: Hohlfeld P. , MacAleese J. , Capella‐Pavlovski M. , Giovangrandi Y. , Thulliez P. , Forestier F. , Daffos F.
Published: March 2003

Eighty‐nine cases of proven Toxoplasma gondii fetal infection were studied in order to describe the morphological lesions which could be demonstrated on ultrasound examination; these were present in 32 of the infected cases. Cerebral ventricular dilatation was the most common sign and was generally bilateral and symmetrical. Its evolution was always very rapid over a period of a few days. Other signs observed included intracranial and intrahepatic densities, increased thickness and hyperdensity of the placenta, ascites and rarely pericardial and pleural effusions. Thirteen fetuses demonstrated two or more ultrasound features. Intrauterine growth retardation and microcephaly were not observed. Ultrasonographic assessment of the fetus injected with Toxoplasma gondii is important. It improves the reliability of prenatal diagnosis and is of important prognostic value in cases with severe brain lesions, but is of little value in detecting brain necrosis without ventricular dilatation. Copyright © 1991 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Genetic amniocentesis in twin pregnancies: results of a multicenter study of 529 cases
Authors: Pruggmayer M. R. K. , Jahoda M. G. J. , Van der Pol J. G. , Baumann P. , Holzgreve W. , Karkut G. , Lettau R. , Eiben B. , Osmers R. , Gola H. W. , Duda V. , Polak P. , Körner H. , Schulte‐Valentin M. , Schütte H.
Published: March 2003

To evaluate the risk of abortion after genetic amniocentesis in twin pregnancies, a retrospective study of 15 centers was performed. The spontaneous abortion rate up to 20 completed weeks of gestation was 2.3%; the abortion rate up to 28 completed weeks, as defined by WHO, was 3.7%. The abortion rate could not be correlated either with the number of needle insertions or with the type of marker dye used. There was also no correlation between the abortion rate and the gestational age at which amniocentesis was performed. A significant association was shown between congenital intestinal obstructions and the application of methylene blue intra‐amniotically as a marker dye. Considering the increased natural loss rate in multiple gestations, amniocentesis in twin pregnancies seems to be a safe and reliable technique. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Indomethacin and amniocentesis‐induced changes in fetal flow velocity waveforms
Authors: Weinraub Z. , Avrech O. M. , Golan A. , Zabow P. , Ron‐El R. , Bukovsky I. , Caspi E.
Published: March 2003

The effect of genetic amniocentesis on flow velocity waveforms in the fetal aorta and the umbilical artery, and fetal heart rate and their correlation with uterine contractions was examined in 75 pregnant women who underwent this procedure. Forty‐three were untreated and 32 were pretreated with indomethacin. Median maternal age was 36 years and median gestational age was 18 weeks. The resistance index of waveforms from the fetal aorta was stable at 0.8 throughout the approximately 20‐h study period in both groups, but the systolic/diastolic ratio in the umbilical artery increased significantly after amniocentesis in the untreated group, and remained stable in the treated group. Fetal heart rate remained at about 150 beats/min throughout all measurements in both groups. These findings indicate that genetic amniocentesis causes an increase in downstream resistance in the umbilical artery which, however, remains within normal limits. This mild fetoplacental response to amniocentesis can be suppressed by the administration of a potent prostaglandin inhibitor like indomethacin. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Breast examinations with continuous wave and color Doppler
Authors: Madjar H.
Published: March 2003

Continuous wave Doppler has been used for many years to characterize malignant breast lesions. With continuous wave Doppler pencil probes, operating at frequencies between 8 and 10 MHz, 94% of the carcinomas have shown abnormal vascularity. Flow assessment with continuous wave Doppler alone is only possible in palpable lesions. We have improved the diagnostic accuracy by combining continuous wave Doppler and B‐mode ultrasound which allows for flow detection in non‐palpable lesions. This procedure is rather complicated, because of sound interference, and requires a good deal of experience.

Ultrasound equipment with color flow mapping has been available for several years. However, during the last 3 years, the sensitivity of the instruments has been improved, allowing the detection of flow in microscopic vessels which are not visible in B‐mode scanning. Evaluation of this method is difficult, as the sensitivity of color Doppler equipment shows remarkable variations.

In order to evaluate the capability of color Doppler for investigation of abnormal blood flow in breast malignancies, we examined 120 symptomatic women using different types of equipment and compared the findings to those of continuous wave Doppler. In ten of 44 carcinomas, no color flow signals were found. However, continuous wave Doppler showed low vascularity in all of these ten false‐negative cases. Among the remaining patients with benign disease, no false‐positive reports were made. The major difficulty in flow assessment with color Doppler was the heterogeneous vascularity of breast malignancies. When a low Doppler frequency (≤ 5 MHz) is used, signals may not be detected from poorly vascularized cancers. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Routine ultrasonography in utero and subsequent vision and hearing at primary school age
Authors: Salvesen K. Å. , Vatten L. J. , Jacobsen G. , Eik‐Nes S. H. , Økland O. , Molne K. , Bakketeig L. S.
Published: March 2003

The study was performed to investigate any associations between routine ultrasonography during pregnancy and subsequent reduced vision and/or hearing among children.

A follow‐up was carried out of primary school children born to women who took part in two randomized, controlled trials of routine ultrasonography during pregnancy. Of 2428 eligible singletons, 2161 (89%) were followed up with a parental questionnaire and with information from maternal and child health centers.

Parents assessed vision and hearing in their children and reported their observations in questionnaires. At the age of 7 years, the children were also screened with bilateral visual acuity tests and pure tone audiometry at public maternal and child health centers.

No significant differences between ultrasound‐screened children and their controls were found in the parental assessment of vision or hearing. The objective tests did not show any significant differences between children in the two groups with regard to visual acuity or hearing.

The risk of reduced vision or hearing was no greater for children of mothers who had been offered routine ultrasonography during pregnancy than for those whose mothers had not received that offer. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Transvaginal ultrasound: does it help in the diagnosis of placenta previa?
Authors: Sherman S. J. , Carlson D. E. , Platt L. D. , Medearis A. L.
Published: March 2003

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of placenta previa and to assess the risk of bleeding secondary to the placement of the vaginal transducer. Thirty‐eight patients with an estimated gestational age equal to or greater than 26 weeks and the diagnosis of suspected placenta previa gave their consent and were randomized to two groups. Randomization was stratified by patient weight and anterior or posterior placental location. Group 1 (n = 20) had complete obstetric ultrasounds using linear and sector transducers. Group 2 (n = 18) had similar examinations followed by transvaginal ultrasound scans. Patients were rescanned to follow placental location and fetal growth parameters. On abdominal ultrasound, the posterior placenta (n = 17) was often shadowed by fetal parts. The ease of placental visualization was rated on a four‐point scale with 1 being the clearest. The mean clarity score for posterior placentas on abdominal ultrasound in Group 2 was 1.6 and on transvaginal ultrasound was 1.0, p < 0.04. The use of transvaginal ultrasound consistently revealed greater clarity of diagnosis in these patients. No patient in either group experienced increased vaginal bleeding following the scanning sessions. Transvaginal ultrasound was most beneficial for those patients with posterior placenta previas because of increased clarity of diagnosis, decreased time of scanning, and no increased incidence of hemorrhage. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Intrauterine fetal transfusion, 1963–90
Authors: Pattison N. S. , Roberts A. B. , Mantell N.
Published: March 2003

The first fetal transfusion was performed at the National Women's Hospital in Auckland in 1963. From that time until the end of 1990, a total of 1041 transfusions have been completed on 459 fetuses. The survival rate for affected pregnancies rose significantly from 39% in 1963–65 to 90% in 1986–90. The initial 409 patients had fetal transfusions performed via the intraperitoneal cavity with X‐ray guidance. Since 1986, 50 pregnancies have been treated with intravascular transfusions under ultrasound guidance and 45 fetuses survived. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ultrasound‐controlled removal of a dislocated intrauterine device in the first trimester of pregnancy: a report of 26 cases
Authors: Kirkinen P. , Simojoki M. , Kivelä A. , Jouppila P.
Published: March 2003

Intrauterine, ultrasound‐guided removal of a copper‐releasing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) was carried out in 26 first‐trimester pregnancies. In all the pregnancies, the string of the device had retracted into the uterine cavity. The total loss of pregnancies was 46%, while 36% of the initially uncomplicated single pregnancies ended in a spontaneous abortion. The time lag between the removal of the IUCD and clinical abortion was 21.5 days (range 3–48 days). A fundal location of the IUCD and failure to remove the IUCD by the first traction were common features in the abortion group. A total of 14 of the pregnancies resulted in a liveborn baby, and the incidence of complications after the 20th gestational week was not increased compared with the normal population. Copyright © 1992 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology