bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life in patients older than 75 years following major head and neck surgery
Authors: Khafif Avi , Posen Jennie , Yagil Yaron , Beiser Michael , Gil Ziv , Ben‐Yosef Rami , Landsberg Roee , Fliss Dan M.
Published: July 2007

Background.

This study was designed to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients older than 75 years undergoing major head and neck surgery.

Methods.

Three groups of patients were included: elderly patients (>75, n = 35) and younger patients (65 to 75 years, n = 30) undergoing major head and neck surgery and healthy controls (>75, n = 40). Measurements were made using the SF‐12 health survey, the University of Washington QOL questionnaire, and measurements of the “sense of burden” on the caregiver.

Results.

With the SF‐12, the role physical, role emotional, and bodily pain were decreased by the surgical intervention, while physical function was affected by age alone. With the UW‐QOL Questionnaire, overall QOL was preserved. “Appearance” and “Leisure” subscales were affected by the surgical intervention and old age. “Chewing” and “Activity” were decreased by the surgical intervention in the older patients, and “Speech” was affected by the surgical intervention alone. The “sense of burden” was alleviated by surgery in the elderly patients.

Conclusions.

Several QOL domains are decreased in elderly patients undergoing major head and neck surgery. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2007
Inhibitory effect of Zn2+ in zinc‐containing β‐tricalcium phosphate on resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts
Authors: Yamada Yasutaka , Ito Astuo , Kojima Hiroko , Sakane Masataka , Miyakawa Shumpei , Uemura Toshimasa , LeGeros Racquel Z.
Published: July 2007

Long term effect of the growing instability of the bone‐implant interface due to bone resorption at the interface is a problem for the implants, including bioactive ceramics. Zn2+‐containing tricalcium phosphate (ZnTCP) is a material which may overcome this problem. The present study aims to clarify whether Zn2+‐containing tricalcium phosphate (ZnTCP) ceramics with a Zn2+ content of 0.316 (ZnTCP316) and 0.633 (ZnTCP633) wt % suppress resorption by mature osteoclasts in vitro. Suppression would be due to an increase in the number of apoptotic osteoclasts and the inhibition of the resorbing activity of osteoclasts, the latter being the major mechanism of the suppression. The number of apoptotic osteoclasts was significantly 6.3 times higher with ZnTCP633 than with tricalcium phosphate ceramic (TCP) after 24‐h culture. The net contribution to resorption of this change in apoptotic cell numbers is much smaller than that of the change in resorbing activity. The osteoclasts cultured on ZnTCP formed fewer actin rings than those cultured on the TCP. The mRNA expression of CAII and cathepsin K/OC2 in the osteoclasts on ZnTCP633 was downregulated 0.5‐fold and 0.6‐fold, respectively, compared with that on the TCP. The volume of resorption pits was downregulated 0.4‐fold in the ZnTCP633 than that in TCP. These results suggest that ZnTCPs suppressed the resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts probably through a local increase in the level of Zn2+. Bone substitutes or coating layers containing ZnTCP would be promising biomaterials from the viewpoint of counteracting osteoclastic bone resorption at the bone‐implant interface. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Amorphous and crystalline polyetheretherketone: Mechanical properties and tissue reactions during a 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Nieminen Tuomo , Kallela Ilkka , Wuolijoki Erkki , Kainulainen Heikki , Hiidenheimo Ilmari , Rantala Immo
Published: July 2007

The study was aimed to test the mechanical strength, structural stability, and tissue reactions of optically amorphous and crystalline polyetheretherketone (PEEK) plates during a 3‐year follow‐up in vivo and in vitro. The injection‐moulded PEEK plates were implanted to the dorsal subcutis of 12 sheep, which were sacrificed at 6–156 weeks. Thereafter, the plates were subjected to tensile tests, and levels of crystallinity were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Histological evaluation was carried out using the paraffin technique. In vitro properties were examined with the tensile test and DSC at 0–156 weeks. Tissue reactions were mild and fairly similar for the amorphous and crystalline plates at corresponding points in time. The mechanical characteristics of the plates remained stable over the entire follow‐up. The tensile yield load and elongation at the yield load of the crystalline plates were roughly double (∼500 vs. 270 N and 2.4 vs. 1.4 mm, respectively) in comparison to the amorphous plates. The elongation at break load of the crystalline plates was smaller than that of the amorphous ones (6 vs. 10). The level of crystallinity in both the optically amorphous (∼15%) and crystalline (32–34%) plates remained invariable during the follow‐up. The in vitro and in vivo data coincided remarkably well. In conclusion, both optically amorphous and crystalline PEEK plates are suitable for the fixation of fractures and osteotomies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Titanium with aligned, elongated pores for orthopedic tissue engineering applications
Authors: Spoerke Erik D. , Murray Naomi G.D. , Li Huanlong , Brinson L. Catherine , Dunand David C. , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: July 2007

Porous titanium with elongated and aligned pores, mimicking the anisotropic structure of bone, was created by solid‐state expansion of argon trapped in elongated pores between titanium wires. Both elastic moduli and yield strengths are larger in the longitudinal direction (E = 51 GPa, σy = 338 MPa) than in the transverse direction (E = 41 GPa, σy = 267 MPa). Finite‐element analysis of simplified anisotropic structures provides insight into the local micromechanical behavior of these porous materials, evaluating elastic modulus, resistance to plastic deformation, and localized stress concentrations which may be experienced under biological loading. Preliminary in vitro cell culture studies further demonstrate the influence of the elongated porous microstructure on osteoblast colonization behavior. These studies suggest that as an optimized material, titanium with aligned, elongated pores is promising for applications in orthopedic tissue engineering, as it combines high strength, toughness, and biocompatibility of titanium with the reduced stiffness and open porosity suitable for mechanical integration with bone tissue produced by aligned pores. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Amidic alginate hydrogel for nucleus pulposus replacement
Authors: Leone Gemma , Torricelli Paola , Chiumiento Antonio , Facchini Alessandro , Barbucci Rolando
Published: July 2007

Degeneration of intervertebral discs is the most common cause of back pain. The first phase of this degenerative process involves the nucleus pulposus (NP). A rapid recovery of this structure can prevent further degradation of the annulus fibrosus. A new amidic derivative of alginate (AAA) was developed to obtain a polysaccharide possessing some of the physical–chemical properties of Hyal (i.e. viscosity) without losing the rigidity of the native alginate structure. The modified polysaccharide was crosslinked using 1.3 diaminopropane as crosslinking agent. The hydrogel obtained was characterized in terms of water uptake and rheological behavior. In particular, the viscoelastic behavior of the hydrogel was determined in shear stress under dynamic conditions and compared with the behavior of nondegenerated human lumbar NP. We then assessed the effect of the AAA hydrogel on NHC (Normal Human Chondrocyte) cell viability and on the production of important extracellular matrix factors, such as glycosaminoglycans and Type II collagen. In conclusion, the results achieved in this study demonstrated that the amidic alginate‐based scaffold is a promising material to be utilized in the replacement of NP. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Bone cell responses to the composite of Ricinus communis polyurethane and alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Beloti Marcio Mateus , de Oliveira Paulo Tambasco , Tagliani Marcela Martini , Rosa Adalberto Luiz
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of osteoblastic cells to the composite of Ricinus communis polyurethane (RCP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) incubated in synthetic body fluid (SBF). RCP pure (RCPp) and RCP blended with ALP 6 mg/mL polymer (RCP+ALP) were incubated in SBF for 17 days. Four groups of RCP were tested: RCPp, RCP+ALP, and RCPp and RCP+ALP incubated in SBF (RCPp/SBF and RCP+ALP/SBF). Stem cells from rat bone marrow were cultured in conditions that allowed osteoblastic differentiation on RCP discs and were evaluated: cell adhesion, culture growth, cell viability, total protein content, ALP activity, and bone‐like nodule formation. Data were compared by ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test. The group RCP+ALP was highly cytotoxic and, therefore, was not considered here. Cell adhesion (p = 0.14), culture growth (p = 0.39), viability (p = 0.46) and total protein content (p = 0.12) were not affected by either RCP composition or incubation in SBF. ALP activity was affected (p = 0.0001) as follows: RCPp < RCPp/SBF < RCP+ALP/SBF. Bone‐like nodule formation was not observed on all evaluated groups. The composite RCP+ALP prior to SBF incubation is cytotoxic and must not be considered as biomaterial, but the incorporation of ALP to the RCP followed by SBF incubation could be a useful alternative to improve the biological properties of the RCP. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Silklike materials constructed from sequences of Bombyx mori silk fibroin, fibronectin, and elastin
Authors: Yang Mingying , Tanaka Chikako , Yamauchi Kazuo , Ohgo Kosuke , Kurokawa Masato , Asakura Tetsuo
Published: July 2007

Two silklike proteins, [TGRGDSPAGG(GAGAGS)3AS]5 (FS5) and [TGRGDSPA‐(GVPGV)2GG(GAGAGS)3AS]8 (FES8) were designed to demonstrate the superior performance as biomaterials of silklike proteins. The former protein consists of the crystalline domain sequence, (GAGAGS)n from Bombyx mori silk fibroin and cell‐adhesive sequence TGRGDSPA coming from fibronectin‐containing RGD triplet. The additional sequence (GVPGV)n from elastin was included in the latter protein. The considerably higher cell‐adhesion activities of these proteins for NHDF and VERO cells were observed by comparing with those of silklike materials without RGD sequences and also the crystalline fraction of B. mori silk fibroin. This tendency was independent of the treatments, 4.5M LiClO4 or formic acid (FA), on silklike proteins. Their activities are also higher than those of commercial Fibronectin F™ for NHDF cell. Their structural characterization was studied using 13C solid‐state NMR. Although the overlapped peaks in usual 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra make the detailed structural analysis difficult, the methyl resonance regions observed using dipolar dephasing NMR were very useful for the analysis. The presence of both random coil and β‐sheet structures was observed in these proteins clearly. The content of β‐sheet structure in both proteins increases after FA treatment when compared with the lyophilized samples. The production of electrospun nanofibers from their hexafluoroacetone solution was also tried. The silklike protein FES8 could prepare nonwoven silk fibers although FS5 could not. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Preparation of fibroin/recombinant human‐like collagen scaffold to promote fibroblasts compatibility
Authors: Hu Kun , Cui Fuzhai , Lv Qiang , Ma Jun , Feng Qingling , Xu Li , Fan Daidi
Published: July 2007

Recombinant human‐like collagen (RHLC) was added to fibroin solution to prepare a novel hybrid scaffold material for skin tissue engineering. The morphology of the scaffold had highly homogeneous and interconnected pores with pore sizes 136 ± 32 μm measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR analysis indicated intermolecular crosslinkages between fibroin and RHLC formed. The viscosity of the blend solution increased because of the interaction between fibroin and RHLC, and then it restrained the unwanted fibroin aggregation in freezing process that generally appeared in fibroin scaffold preparation with freeze drying method. After methanol treatment the fibroin/RHLC scaffold became water‐stable. The porosity of scaffolds was ≫90%, the compressive strength and modulus were up to 662 ± 32 KPa and 7.8 ± 0.64 MPa, respectively. Fibroblasts cultured within fibroin/RHLC scaffolds were investigated by SEM, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), and MTT assay, which showed that the adding of RHLC significantly enhanced the cells adhesion, proliferation, and viability compare with fibroin scaffolds. These results suggest that the hybrid scaffolds have favorable characteristics for skin tissue engineering. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Build up of multilayered thin films with chitosan/DNA pairs on poly(D,L‐lactic acid) films: Physical chemistry and sustained release behavior
Authors: Cai Kaiyong , Hu Yan , Wang Yuanliang , Yang Li
Published: July 2007

In an effort to surface engineering of poly(D,L‐lactic acid) (PDLLA), layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly of chitosan (Chi) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were employed to build up multilayered films. The formation of multilayers was monitored by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact‐angle measurement, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. A full coverage of Chi/DNA pair film was formed only after the fifth sequential deposition (PEI/(DNA/Chi)2), which was revealed by contact‐angle measurement. Surface chemistry and topography of multilayered films were directly related to the corresponding outmost layer component. Discernable island‐like structures on PEI/(DNA/Chi)5/DNA layered PDLLA film was observed. Lysozyme‐mediated multilayer degradation and DNA‐releasing measurement suggested that DNA was gradually released into the incubation medium over a period of up to 32 h. The approach presented here may be exploited to develop controlled administration of functional DNA constructs from the surfaces of biomedical materials and devices in situ. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Reconstruction of critical size calvarial bone defects in rabbits with glass–fiber‐reinforced composite with bioactive glass granule coating
Authors: Tuusa Sari M.‐R. , Peltola Matti J. , Tirri Teemu , Puska Mervi A. , Röyttä Matias , Aho Heikki , Sandholm Jouko , Lassila Lippo V. J. , Vallittu Pekka K.
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate glass–fiber‐reinforced composite as a bone reconstruction material in the critical size defects in rabbit calvarial bones. The bone defect healing process and inflammatory reactions were evaluated histologically at 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Possible neuropathological effects on brain tissue were evaluated. The release of residual monomers from the fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC). Results: At 4 weeks postoperatively, fibrous connective tissue ingrowth to implant structures was seen. Healing had started as new bone formation from defect margins, as well as woven bone islets in the middle of the defect. Woven bone was also seen inside the implant. Inflammation reaction was slight. At 12 weeks, part of the new bone had matured to lamellar‐type, and inflammation reaction was slight to moderate. Control defects had healed by fibrous connective tissue. Histological examinations of the brain revealed no obvious damage to brain morphology. In HPLC analysis, the release of residual 1,4‐butanedioldimethacrylate and methylmethacrylate from polymerized FRC was low. Conclusions: This FRC‐implant was shown to promote the healing process of critical size calvarial bone defect in rabbits. After some modifications to the material properties, this type of implant has the potential to become an alternative for the reconstruction of bone defects in the head and neck area in the future. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Histomorphometric analysis of the intramedullary bone response to titanium particles in wild‐type and IL‐1R1 knock‐out mice: A preliminary study
Authors: Bragg Bill , Epstein Noah J. , Ma Ting , Goodman Stuart , Smith R. Lane
Published: July 2007

Aseptic loosening of implants following total joint arthroplasty remains a major cause of implant failure. Particulate debris generated primarily from wear results in inflammatory mediated periprosthetic osteolysis. Titanium is a commonly utilized metal in joint arthroplasty and titanium debris induces the production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1. To further elucidate the role of IL‐1, this study examined the response of murine femora to the presence of titanium particles following implantation of an intramedullary rod in mice lacking the receptor for IL‐1. We hypothesized that the inflammatory effects of wear debris on bone would be mitigated in IL‐1R1 deficient mice with a resultant decrease in resorption. Femora receiving titanium particles demonstrated a marked inflammatory response in wild‐type mice with increased endocortical resorption, periprosthetic membrane formation, and significant histomorphometric changes. Femora exposed to titanium particles in the knockout mice also demonstrated osteolysis with irregular deposition of trabecular bone and increased cortical porosity. The persistence of inflammation and osteolysis, despite the lack of functional IL‐1R1, suggests a multi‐factorial role for IL‐1 in the proinflammatory cascade resulting from wear debris. This intramedullary murine model provides the ability to evaluate and quantify the proinflammatory cascade in an in vivo model approximating prosthesis failure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Progesterone sensitizes breast cancer MCF7 cells to imatinib inhibitory effects
Authors: Rocha Ana , Azevedo Isabel , Soares Raquel
Published: July 2007

In previous studies, we found that progesterone was able to induce the expression of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) in human breast cancer MCF7 cells. Knowing that imatinib mesylate targets PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of imatinib on progesterone‐treated MCF7 cells. Expression of phosphorylated (activated) platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α (PDGFRα) was detected in MCF7 cells. Interestingly, phosphorylated‐PDGFRα expression was significantly downregulated by imatinib. The effects of imatinib on cell growth, apoptosis and migration were then analyzed. Imatinib effectively inhibited anchorage‐dependent colony formation, and cell viability as evaluated by MTT assay. Corroborating these findings, a significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells was also observed when cells were treated with imatinib. Surprisingly, these inhibitory effects were all enhanced by the presence of progesterone. Cell migration assays did also show a reduction in the migratory capacity after incubation with imatinib. These findings reveal that imatinib acts by decreasing MCF7 cell viability, growth and migration, with concomitant increase in apoptosis. Furthermore, incubation with progesterone seems to prompt cells to the inhibitory action of imatinib, probably by sustaining PDGFRα activity. The current study points out imatinib as a possible therapeutic strategy in progesterone‐dependent breast cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 607–614, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A systematic study of chromium solubility in the presence of organic matter: consequences for the treatment of chromium‐containing wastewater
Authors: Remoundaki Emmanouela , Hatzikioseyian Artin , Tsezos Marios
Published: July 2007

The treatment objective for wastewater containing Cr(VI) and/or Cr(III) is the reduction of Cr(VI) to the less toxic Cr(III) and the sequestering of Cr(III) from the water streams. The presence of organic matter in the wastewater and in a bioreactor environment may alter the solubility behavior of Cr(III), resulting in poor sequestering and Cr(III) removal from the soluble phase. Systematic experimental solubility results for Cr(III) were obtained in the presence of organic molecules often encountered in industrial effluents containing chromium as well as in biological treatment systems. Chromium solubility curves were determined experimentally from synthetic solutions of Cr(III) in contact with organic acids (acetic, oxalic, citric and ascorbic), amino acids (alanine and aspartic), proteins (albumin and casein) and synthetic nutrient media (yeast extract, nutrient broth and peptones). Experimental data sets were generated for each one of the above organics at three different initial organics concentrations in order to quantify the role of the relative abundance of organic matter in the solubility behavior of Cr(III). A progressive increase of trivalent chromium solubility was systematically observed when the relative abundance of organic ligands to Cr(III) exceeds 10, indicating the existence of a threshold above which the solubility of Cr(III) increases significantly. The hexacoordinate and octahedral character of Cr(III) complexes may explain the need for ligand excess also pointing to a treatment strategy suggesting the relative abundance of organic moieties should be kept below the above threshold. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodiesel production by direct methanolysis of oleaginous microbial biomass
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhao Zongbao (Kent)
Published: July 2007

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel conventionally prepared by transesterification of pre‐extracted vegetable oils and animal fats of all resources with methanol, catalyzed by strong acids or bases. This paper reports on a novel biodiesel production method that features acid‐promoted direct methanolysis of cellular biomass of oleaginous yeasts and filamentous fungi. The process was optimized for tuning operation parameters, such as methanol dosage, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and time. Up to 98% yield was reached with reaction conditions of 70 °C, under ambient pressure for 20 h and a dried biomass to methanol ratio 1:20 (w/v) catalyzed by either 0.2 mol L−1 H2SO4 or 0.4 mol L−1 HCl. Cetane numbers for these products were estimated to range from 56 to 59. This integrated method is thus effective and technically attractive, as dried microbial biomass as feedstocks omits otherwise tedious and time‐consuming oil extraction processes. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies on lignan constituents from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. fruits using high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang Xin , Song Fengrui , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Shuying
Published: July 2007

A reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector‐electrospray ionization multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry (RP‐HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MSn) method has been developed for the detection and analysis of lignan constituents in the methanol extract from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. RP‐HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MSn and electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐FT‐ICR‐MSn) have been applied to investigate the characteristic product ions of four lignan reference compounds. Then, the logical fragmentation pathways of the lignans have been proposed. By comparing the retention time (tR) of HPLC, the ESI‐MSn data and the structures of analyzed compounds with the data of reference compounds and in the literature, 11 peaks in HPLC have been unambiguously identified and another 5 peaks have been tentatively identified or deduced. Also, in the present paper, the extracted ion chromatograms (EIC) have been used to analyze the lignan isomers. The experimental results demonstrate that RP‐HPLC‐DAD‐ESI‐MSn is a specific and useful method for the identification of the lignan constituents and their isomers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel pyrimidine‐based stable‐isotope labeling reagent and its application to quantitative analysis using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Li , Zhou Ying , Guo Yin‐Long
Published: July 2007

As an extension of our previous work, a novel pyrimidine‐based stable‐isotope labeling reagent, [d0]‐/[d6]‐4,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐(methylsulfonyl)pyrimidine (DMMSP), was developed for comparative quantification of proteins by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Our one‐step labeling strategy combines several desirable properties such as cysteine‐specific labeling, signal amplification and direct analysis with minimum sample handling. All these features not only allow easy interpretation for protein identification and quantification but also ensure rapid and sensitive progression to MS analysis. Using cysteine, Cys‐containing peptide, and lysozyme digest as model samples, the labeling methodology was established and the following pilot application for quantitative analysis was accomplished with high confidence, accuracy, efficiency, and reproducibility. The application of DMMSP‐labeling strategy is expected to provide a powerful new tool for comparative proteome research, especially for the analysis of low‐abundance proteins. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent advances on noncovalent molecular imprints for affinity separations
Authors: Wei Shuting , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: July 2007

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor‐made synthetic materials capable of selectively rebinding a target analyte, or a group of structurally related compounds based on a combination of recognition mechanisms including size, shape, and functionality. Among the advantageous properties of MIPs are the achievable specific affinity, the relative ease of preparation, and their mechanical and chemical robustness, which renders them ideal materials for applications as stationary phase (e. g., affinity chromatography or SPE), or as antibody mimics (e. g., biomimetic assays). Here, we review recent advancements on the application of MIPs in affinity separations and biomimetic assays, which have focused on the synthesis of size‐ and shape‐uniform particles facilitating reproducibility, improved binding site accessibility, and enhanced affinity. While MIPs certainly offer promising potential as selective separation phase in a variety of applications, deeper understanding of the fundamental interactions governing imprinting, and rational understanding of the imprinting mechanism has yet to be achieved for providing rational guidelines in deliberately designing next‐generation MIP materials.
Adenosine A2A receptors, dopamine D2 receptors and their interactions in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fuxe Kjell , Marcellino Daniel , Genedani Susanna , Agnati Luigi
Published: July 2007

Future therapies in Parkinson's disease may substantially build on the existence of intra‐membrane receptor–receptor interactions in DA receptor containing heteromeric receptor complexes. The A2A/D2 heteromer is of substantial interest in view of its specific location in cortico‐striatal glutamate terminals and in striato‐pallidal GABA neurons. Antagonistic A2A/D2 receptor interactions in this heteromer demonstrated at the cellular level, and at the level of the striato‐pallidal GABA neuron and at the network level made it possible to suggest A2A antagonists as anti‐parkinsonian drugs. The major mechanism is an enhancement of D2 signaling leading to attenuation of hypokinesia, tremor, and rigidity in models of Parkinson's disease with inspiring results in two clinical trials. Other interactions are antagonism at the level of the adenylyl cyclase; heterologous sensitization at the A2A activated adenylyl cyclase by persistent D2 activation and a compensatory up‐regulation of A2A receptors in response to intermittent Levodopa treatment. An increased dominance of A2A homomers over D2 homomers and A2A/D2 heteromers after intermittent Levodopa treatment may therefore contribute to development of Levodopa induced dyskinesias and to the wearing off of the therapeutic actions of Levodopa giving additional therapeutic roles of A2A antagonists. Their neuroprotective actions may involve an increase in the retrograde trophic signaling in the nigro‐striatal DA system. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: Clinical features, genetics, and testing guidelines
Authors: Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth , Abrams Liane , Coffey Sarah M. , Hall Deborah A. , Greco Claudia , Gane Louise W. , Grigsby Jim , Bourgeois James A. , Finucane Brenda , Jacquemont Sebastien , Brunberg James A. , Zhang Lin , Lin Janet , Tassone Flora , Hagerman Paul J. , Hagerman Randi J. , Leehey Maureen A.
Published: July 2007

Fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with core features of action tremor and cerebellar gait ataxia. Frequent associated findings include parkinsonism, executive function deficits and dementia, neuropathy, and dysautonomia. Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies in FXTAS demonstrate increased T2 signal intensity in the middle cerebellar peduncles (MCP sign) in the majority of patients. Similar signal alterations are seen in deep and subependymal cerebral white matter, as is general cortical and subcortical atrophy. The major neuropathological feature of FXTAS is the presence of intranuclear, neuronal, and astrocytic, inclusions in broad distribution throughout the brain and brainstem. FXTAS is caused by moderate expansions (55–200 repeats; premutation range) of a CGG trinucleotide in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene, the same gene which causes fragile X syndrome when in the full mutation range (200 or greater CGG repeats). The pathogenic mechanism is related to overexpression and toxicity of the FMR1 mRNA per se. Although only recently discovered, and hence currently under‐diagnosed, FXTAS is likely to be one of the most common single‐gene disorders leading to neurodegeneration in males. In this report, we review information available on the clinical, radiological, and pathological features, and prevalence and management of FXTAS. We also provide guidelines for the practitioner to assist with identifying appropriate patients for DNA testing for FXTAS, as well as recommendations for genetic counseling once a diagnosis of FXTAS is made. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Distal anterior compartment myopathy with early ankle contractures
Authors: Saito Hiroshi , Suzuki Naoki , Ishiguro Hideaki , Hirota Koichi , Itoyama Yasuto , Takahashi Toshiaki , Aoki Masashi
Published: July 2007

Dysferlinopathies exhibit marked heterogeneity in the initial distribution of muscle involvement at the onset of the disease. We describe a Japanese patient with dysferlinopathy who exhibited distal anterior compartment myopathy (DACM) with early contractures of the ankle, whose pedigree included patients with two other types of dysferlinopathy. The existence of three phenotypes of dysferlinopathy in one pedigree is reported, indicating the involvement of molecules other than dysferlin in the pathogenesis. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Coincident membranous glomerulonephritis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: Questioning the autoimmunity hypothesis
Authors: Smyth Shane , Menkes Daniel L.
Published: July 2007

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) are both autoimmune disorders that are rarely observed concurrently. We describe a patient who developed MGN nearly 20 years after the onset of CIDP, resulting in a secondary progression of his neuropathy. He responded dramatically to a novel regimen of plasma exchange and methotrexate. We propose a mechanism other than autoimmunity for the coincidence of these disorders and discuss the theoretical superiority of the treatment regimen that he received. Muscle Nerve, 2007
The management and administration of parastatal organizations for the promotion of indigenous enterprise: A West African Experience
Authors: Collins Paul D.
Published: July 2007

Among the various functional types of public corporation and statutory authority, those concerned with the regulation and provision of economic opportunities and social amenities constitute one of the most interesting developments in West Africa's parastatal sector today.

Taking as a case study the recent initiatives of the Ghana Government ta promote indigenous enterprise (which have had an important demonstration effect on neighbouring Nigeria), the article analyses the performance of parastatal organizations that have been instrumental in fulfilling public policy objectives in this area. It examines first the management objectives established by the guiding legislation, secondly the corresponding choice of organizational structure, and finally the ways in which parastatal managers therein endeavour to implement the tasks of redistributing opportunities between foreign and indigenous private enterprise. Particular emphasis is placed on the innovative roles played by public officials and their organizations in mediating between government and the two segments of the private sector (foreign and indigenous). This includes especially the organization for disinvestment and the management of access to opportunities thereby created: identification of affected business and evaluation of their assets, provision of information for applicants, determination of rules of eligibility for the channelling of demand, supervision of purchase, transfer of management and labour relations during the period of negotiation and transfer.

Finally, the article considers the effectiveness of resources use by recipients of enterprises, including patterns of distribution amongst the latter, in order to determine the impact of parastatal organization procedures on policy outcomes.
Intergovernmental relations in Nigeria: Local government and the 1979 Nigerian Constitution
Authors: Gboyega Alex
Published: July 2007

This paper examines the intergovernmental relations prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution of 1979. In particular it discusses the elevated constitutional status of local government, tracing the origins of this to the 1976 local government reform. The question of how to interpret the provisions of the Constitution on the restructuring of local government and whether this is solely a State responsibility or a joint State/Federal responsibility is analysed. The article argues that the States have political and administrative responsibility for local government whereas the Federal responsibility concerns the regulation of the amount of money to be distributed to local government from the Federal Account. The Lagos State High Court judgement which supports the view that States have political and administrative responsibility for local government, but nullified the State's legislation, is extensively reported and analysed. Also discussed is the Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act 1981 which both reflects and supports the view that the federal relationship to local government is defined by finance. The paper also probes the intention of the Constituent Assembly by analysing its report. The paper complements that by Smith and Owojaiye in the previous number.
Conducting the elections in Zimbabwe 1980
Authors: Baker Colin
Published: July 2007

The Zimbabwe elections in 1980 presented unusual administrative difficulties. They were conducted in some haste, during a cease fire in the civil war, and when stable administration was not established over the whole country. Further, the political settlement and re‐establishment of an internationally recognized government hinged on popular and international acceptance of the elections as having been fairly conducted. The problems faced in the administration of the elections went beyond what are discussed in standard works on elections and the article describes what the main problems were in conducting the elections and facilitating effective supervision of them.
Career problems and issues of senior level public servants in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Sundeen Richard A.
Published: July 2007

This paper describes some of the career problems and issues faced by senior level officers of the Papua New Guinea public service. Restrictive educational and personnel policies prior to independence and subsequent rapid localization of the public service have led to a senior level administrative corps that is predominantly male, relatively young and inexperienced. These circumstances provide the context for a description and analysis of the perceived career impediments of 46 senior level officers, including career opportunity deficiencies; inadequacies of management; inadequacies of knowledge, skills, and abilities; lack of opportunity for decision making and implementation; political influence; inadequacies of staffing; decentralization; lack of procedural guidelines and professional standards; and miscellaneous problems. The analysis suggests that the twin purposes of establishing a career service and rapidly localizing the public service have worked against each other and resulted in career problems such as those perceived by the officers. Greater attention needs to be focused on organizational design, interpersonal relationships, and career development in order to reduce these impediments.
Rapid labour data collection for secondary crops: Cocoyam and soybean farming systems in Nigeria
Authors: Knipscheer Hendrik C.
Published: July 2007

The challenge to effective farming systems research is to find methods of system appraisal that maximize the use of existing information and are timely while maintaining a certain measure of accuracy and validity—in other words to achieve rapid rural appraisal. The comparative method for the collection of labour utilization for secondary crops is based on a combination of literature study and field survey. Farmers compare foodcrops of which labour utilization data are known with crops of which the labour requirements are unknown. From the rankings, the labour use of the unknown crops can be derived.

The comparative method was applied for cocoyam and soybean farming systems in Nigeria. In both cases absolute labour data derived correspond with relative labour data provided by the farmers themselves. The method, therefore, seems to be a quick, but nevertheless reliable, method by which generally applicable labour utilization data can be obtained.
Management performance for rural development: Packaged training or capacity building
Authors: Honadle George H. , Hannah John P.
Published: July 2007

Development project training has two objectives: a direct objective to improve organizational performance and an indirect objective to enhance an organization's ability to function effectively within a changing environment. Traditional training approaches that emphasize knowledge transfer fail to meet these objectives because they are place‐oriented and thus emphasize giving standardized training to groups of unrelated trainees at a particular facility; they emphasize teaching the skills trainers know rather than determining management needs or building upon knowledge trainees already possess; learning is expected to occur by inference from artificial examples rather than by attacking real problems; trainees are generally drawn from only one management level at a time; actual performance and skills are not examined; and training is treated as a discrete event rather than as just one ripple in a constant stream of management development activity.

To overcome these six weaknesses, an alternative approach is advocated. That approach has two major chaacteristics: it is action oriented and it has an organizational capacity development bias rather than a transfer of knowledge to individuals bias. The action orientation and enhancement orientation are described in detail, the approach is illustrated by a Jamaican example, and implications of adopting an action‐based approach are specified. The authors contend this alternative approach is practical, necessary, and rewarding to those who engage in it.
Administrative reform in Haiti: Problems, progress and prospects
Authors: Garcia‐Zamor Jean‐Claude , Mayo‐Smith Ian
Published: July 2007

A growing awareness among officials in Haiti of the need for public service reforms has resulted in the reorganization and revitalization of the country's Administrative Reform Commission (Commission Administrative). At present there is no uniformity in organization, procedures, regulations or remuneration between the different government agencies. The bureaucrats have little security and the bureaucracy is completely dominated by the executive branch of government. Coupled with this, owing largely to the budgeting system, the public service has developed into virtually two separate services, one dealing with development and the other with recurrent tasks. The number of public servants has doubled in the past decade. The Administrative Reform Commission has identified its priorities including the creation of a unified career service system, a restructuring of the bureaucracy and decentralization. This article comments on the Commission's proposals and the problems of implementing them.
Regional government in the Sudan
Authors: Alassam Mukhtar
Published: July 2007

Decentralization has been a central concern in the Sudan and has inspired a far reaching restructuring of government. Following a transfer of substantial functions from central government ministries to province councils in 1979 new regional governments were created in 1980 as a level of government between provinces and the central government. This article describes the reasons for the introduction of regional government, the aims for it and the structure of government created.
Power to the people? Decentralizationin Papua New Guinea
Authors: Standish Bill
Published: July 2007

Since 1977, after pressure from secessionists, Papua New Guinea has, with both boldness and hesitancy, sought to decentralize its unitary state. Nineteen elected provincial governments, which are financially dependent on the centre, now control the former colonial districts and the national government public servants within them. National parliamentarians, while competing with provincial governments, have gained strong influence over some of these nominally autonomous bodies. The hoped‐for popular mobilization and the intended sensitization and improved co‐ordination of the public service have not occurred widely, but rather abuses of position, waste of resources and a decline in the legitimacy of the state have resulted. This scheme, which was ill‐suited to the political culture, the country's economic and financial balance and the available human resources, is being re‐assessed at the national level.
Public enterprise in Algeria: Law as a bridge between ideology and reality
Authors: Causey Margaret Cameron
Published: July 2007

In 1971, the Algerian government promulgated the Charte de l'Organisation Socialiste des Entreprises. By means of this Charte it ostensibly sought to reform Algerian public enterprise law and to correct increasingly disruptive problems in public enterprise management. It also sought to reduce the widening gap between workers and the technocratic elite managing the state‐controlled economy. The Charte and its subsequent implementing legislation have been criticized as being, at best, ambiguous; at worst, insincere. Moreover, implementation of la gestion socialiste, as the reform came to be known, was uneven and slow.

This article discusses Algerian public enterprise law before and after the 1971 reform. It does so within the context of comparing the utility of applying a symbolic rather than an instrumental view of the role of law in development. On the basis of analysis of the Algerian experience, the article suggests that the symbolic view of law allows a much deeper understanding of the role of law in development, primarily because it allows, if not requires, consideration of the influence of economic, political and social factors on the role of law in developing countries.
Mobilizing local resources in developing countries
Authors: Bahl Roy , Miner Jerry , Schroeder Larry
Published: July 2007

Many developing countries are putting increased pressure on local governments to mobilize resources, especially to meet the recurrent costs of operating and maintaining locally sited capital projects. Local taxes, user charges and voluntary contributions are all possible mechanisms to carry out these efforts. Yet several important issues arise whenever these mobilization instruments are contemplated and evaluated.

Several, often competing, objectives must be considered when evaluating fiscal instruments including the ability of the mechanism to raise revenues, its effect on economic efficiency, its equity implications and its administrative feasibility. After discussing each of these objectives, we show how numerous constraints, including those imposed by the political/legal system, administrative structure, the economy and the culture of the country, must be recognized while searching for a workable set of reforms that will mobilize additional resources without doing great harm to the other objectives. The key to these reforms would seem to be incentives or disincentives inherent in the revenue structure. Without recognizing these incentives or attempting to alter them, resource mobilization efforts are likely to go astray.
Political change, urban services and social movements: Political participation and grass‐roots politics in Metro Manila
Authors: Rüland Jürgen
Published: July 2007

Rapid urbanization in the Third World has become one of the most pressing developmental problems of today. Metro Manila, capital of the Philippines, for instance, grew from 300,000 inhabitants in 1903 to more than 8 million in 1980. The authorities were unable to cope with the gigantic socio‐economic problems of such an explosive growth. As a consequence, the urban poor gradually developed their own strategies for improving their adverse living conditions. Social movements emerged, in order to press the government for a more responsive policy towards the needs of the poor. Although the activities of these social movements culminated in the late 60s and early 70s, the imposition of martial law on the Philippines in 1972 had highly negative repercussions on citizen'S participation and community organizing efforts. Since authoritarian regimes have been established in the majority of Third World countries, the article examines the following questions by elaborating on the Philippine experience: how urban social movements are able to exist under authoritarian regimes, whether they are able to contribute to an upgrading of urban services and to what extent they are able to be starting points for a democratization from the grass roots’ level. The findings are that, without a minimum of constitutional liberties and pluralism, urban social movements remain rather short‐lived phenomena and that the improvement of services through urban social movements is bound to fail under a political climate of severe repression. Moreover, the suppression of reformist and participatory movements fuels political polarization.