bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomale Ursachen der geistigen Behinderung
Authors: Reis A. , Rauch A.
Published: July 2009

Aneuploidien und Aneusomien stellen die häufigste bekannte Ursache mentaler Retardierung (MR) dar. Neben zahlenmäßigen Aberrationen ist eine Reihe von Mikrodeletionssyndromen klinisch und molekular gut definiert. Mit der Entwicklung von Verfahren zur systematischen, genomweiten Analyse auf Kopienzahlveränderungen mittels Array- oder Matrix-CGH („comparative genomic hybridization“) sowie Oligonukleotidmikroarrays konnten jüngst mehrere weitere Mikrodeletions- und Mikroduplikationssyndrome aufgedeckt werden. Neben rekurrenten Bruchpunkten zwischen repetitiven Sequenzen werden auch zahlreiche „private“ Aberrationen mit variablen Bruchpunkten gesehen, die meist andere Entstehungsmechanismen haben. Neben klinisch charakteristischen Syndromen sind mehrere Aberrationen durch extrem variable Expressivität und Penetranz gekennzeichnet, weshalb neben de novo aufgetretenen auch über scheinbar gesunde Eltern vererbte Aberrationen pathogenetisch relevant sein können. Das phänotypische Spektrum reicht von MR mit und ohne kongenitale Fehlbildungen bis hin zu psychiatrischen Erkrankungen, wobei Mikroduplikationen meist mit einer milderen phänotypischen Ausprägung als die entsprechenden Deletionen einhergehen.
Surgical blood loss during femoral rodding in children with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Pichard Carmen P. , Robinson Raymond E. , Skolasky Richard L. , Fedarko Neal S. , Leet Arabella I.
Published: July 2009

Background

Historically, patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) have been reported to be at risk for significant surgical bleeding secondary to abnormalities in platelet function. By reviewing the operative blood loss in OI patients undergoing femoral osteotomies and rodding, we hoped to identify risk factors for excessive bleeding.

Methods

A retrospective review of 22 patients with 52 inserted femoral rods was conducted under Institutional Review Board approval. Information concerning patients and procedures was collected. Associations with mean blood loss were made for categorical variables using the unpaired t-test and for continuous variables using correlation. Multivariate linear regression was used to test the influence of potential risk factors for excessive bleeding.

Results

The mean blood loss was 197 cc (standard deviation [SD] 129 cc, range 10–500 cc). The adjusted mean blood loss (ratio of actual blood loss divided by the total predicted blood volume [Custer and Rau in “The Harriet Lane Handbook,” 18th edn. Mosby-Elsevier, Philadelphia, p 382, 2009]) was 0.16 (SD 0.13, range 0.01–0.44). Six blood transfusions were required out of 42 cases for a transfusion rate of 14%. The mean blood loss in those patients who were transfused was 279 cc compared with 182 cc for those not transfused. There were no differences in the adjusted mean blood loss between acute fracture treatment versus elective reconstruction ( P = 0.08), nor between primary rodding versus revision rodding ( P = 0.66). Older patients tended to have lower adjusted mean blood loss, though this was not significant ( P = 0.07). Increasing number of osteotomies tended to lead to increased adjusted mean blood loss ( P = 0.05). There was no association between operative time and adjusted mean blood loss ( P = 0.36). When adjusting for procedure characteristics, increasing age was associated with decreasing adjusted mean blood loss ( P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Predicting blood loss for femoral rodding in patients with OI is difficult, with no differences between revision and primary procedures or elective versus trauma cases. The blood loss in our patients undergoing femoral rodding was manageable, and the transfusion rate was reasonably low. Although massive blood loss has been described in patients with OI in the literature, we found that femoral rodding did not pose excessive risk of transfusion in our OI population.
Incudostapedial Rebridging Ossiculoplasty with Bone Cement
Authors: Baglam Tekin , Karatas Erkan , Durucu Cengiz , Kilic Ali , Ozer Enver , Mumbuc Semih , Kanlikama Muzaffer
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate hearing results of our experience with ionomeric bone cement repair of ossicular discontinuity between incus and stapes.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred thirty‐six patients who underwent incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with ionomeric bone cement were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative audiologic results of incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with bone cement were evaluated. One year of follow‐up is provided.

RESULTS

The postoperative air‐bone gap was less than 20 dB in 81.6 percent after one year. The mean preoperative and postoperative pure‐tone avarages of the patients were 52.82 ± 5.59 and 32.81 ± 7.18 dB, respectively (P < 0.01). The mean preoperative and postoperative air‐bone gaps were 35.83 ± 4.73 and 16.54 ± 5.01, respectively (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences among the hearing results of different types of surgeries (P >0.05). No complications in the middle ear related to bone cements were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

Incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty with ionomeric bone cement is a reliable method for ossicular reconstruction that is cost effective and offers satisfactory hearing results in selected patients.
Percutaneous Treatment of Lymphatic Malformations
Authors: Shiels William E. , Kang D. Richard , Murakami James W. , Hogan Mark J. , Wiet Gregory J.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate a new treatment regimen for macrocystic and microcystic lymphatic malformations (LM) of the head and neck.

STUDY DESIGN

The study represents a retrospective review of outcomes from new percutaneous treatments for lymphatic malformations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty‐one patients (age range, 2 days to 51 years of age) underwent percutaneous treatment for LM of the head and neck from 2001 to 2007. The LM involved the orbit, ear, parotid gland, face, and neck. Twenty‐seven patients underwent primary treatment of LM; 4 were treated for recurrence after operative resection. Macrocysts ≥1 cm) were treated with dual‐drug chemoablation (sequential intracystic sodium tetradecyl sulfate and ethanol); doxycycline was used for microcysts. Macrocysts and microcysts were treated after complete cyst aspiration with sonographic guidance. Fifty‐four macrocysts and 125 microcysts were treated. The goal of treatment was complete cyst ablation documented by sonography or MR imaging.

RESULTS

Mean number of treatments was 1.7 per patient; mean number of treatments for macrocysts was 1.1; mean treatments for microcysts was 1.7. Ablation efficacy was 179 of 179 (100%) cysts. Effective cyst ablation achieved effective clinical control with resolution of the external mass appearance. Treatments included massive head and neck mixed LM and cysts surrounding the facial nerve and brachial plexus. Infection occurred in 2 (6%) of 31 patients. No patient experienced postprocedural pain, skin necrosis, neuropathy, skin retraction, or myoglobinuria.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous sclerotherapy provides effective treatment for macrocystic and microcystic LM as primary treatment or for recurrence after surgical resection.
Analysis of Residual Symptoms after Treatment in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Using Questionnaire
Authors: Lee No Hee , Kwon Hee Jun , Ban Jae Ho
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVES

Canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) provides rapid and long‐lasting relief of symptoms in most patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. However, some patients express nonspecific symptoms such as anxiety or discomfort after treatment, even after the disappearance of nystagmus and vertigo. The purpose of this study was to assess the residual symptoms after CRP in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) in a questionnaire format.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Controlled, prospective study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

CRP was performed in 135 patients until nystagmus and vertigo disappeared. Patients were asked to complete the questionnaire before and 5 to 7 days after treatment. A control group of 135 normal volunteers was selected and cross‐matched according to the age and sex of the patient group. The data were compared for the pre‐CRP, post‐CRP, and control groups.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in the DHI scores when comparing the pre‐ and post‐CRP groups (P= 0.000), although six items showed incomplete improvement. Subsequent comparison of DHI scores between the control group and the post‐CRP group still showed a difference in some items so that the improvement was incomplete.

CONCLUSION

Even after successful CRPs, Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores indicated that residual subjective symptoms may remain. Thus, additional follow‐up and management are important for these patients.
The Effect of Arytenoid Resection on Functional Results of Cricohyoidopexy
Authors: Yäce İmdat , Çaglı Sedat , Bayram Ali , Karasu Fatih , Satı Işıl , Gäney Ercihan
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of arytenoid resection on voice and swallowing function in patients who undergo supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy.

STUDY DESIGN

A case series with chart review. According to the arytenoid number, patients were divided into two groups: 11 patients with two arytenoids and 9 patients with one arytenoid. The decannulation, nasogastric tube removal, and hospitalization times were noted. Maximum phonation time, average fundamental frequency, percent jitter, percent shimmer, and noise‐to‐harmonic ratio were measured. Grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenicity and strain scale (for the perceptual evaluation of vocal quality), Voice Handicap Index (for self‐assessment of the voice), and dysphagia score were used.

RESULTS

The mean decannulation, nasogastric tube removal, and hospitalization time was 18.4, 40.2, and 32.7 days in patients with one arytenoid, whereas 8.8, 20.8, and 25.3 days in patients with two arytenoids, respectively. The differences were statistically significant. For all of the parameters that are associated with voice function and dysphagia, there was no statistically significant difference between one arytenoid and two arytenoids.

CONCLUSION

Arytenoid resection may affect the swallowing function in the early postoperative period, but for voice and deglutition functions there was no difference between cricohyoidopexy with one arytenoid and two over the course of time.
Emerging Concepts in Airway Infantile Hemangioma Assessment and Management
Authors: Perkins Jonathan A. , Duke William , Chen Eunice , Manning Scott
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in airway infantile hemangioma treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

SUBJECTS

Airway hemangioma patients, tertiary pediatric hospital.

METHODS

Data collected included age at diagnosis, evaluation methods, hospitalizations, airway size, and interventions. Patients were divided into group A (1981–1993) and group B (1994–2005) and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Fisher exact test, and the Student t test.

RESULTS

Thirty‐two subjects were identified. Nasopharyngoscopy was used more in group B (11/16 [69%]) than group A (4/16 [25%], P = 0.032). CT angiography (3/16 [19%]) and laryngeal distractors (11/16 [69%]) were only used in group B; these techniques showed airway hemangiomas to be “transglottic,” not just “subglottic.” Intralesional steroids alone (3/16 [19%]) and primary hemangioma excision (2/16 [13%]) were new treatments used in group B. Frequent direct laryngoscopies (>six) correlated with tracheotomy (5/32 [16%], P = 0.015). Presenting age (<2 months) impacted treatment more than airway hemangioma size.

CONCLUSIONS

New methods of airway infantile hemangioma assessment changed our concept of airway hemangiomas and their primary treatment.
Detection of Human Papillomavirus and Adenovirus in Benign and Malignant Lesions of the Larynx
Authors: Gallo Andrea , Degener Anna Marta , Pagliuca Giulio , Pierangeli Alessandra , Bizzoni Federica , Greco Antonio , de Vincentiis Marco
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) and adenovirus (AdV) infections in the oncogenesis of squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx and of laryngeal dysplasia.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study with planned data collection.

SETTING

Department of Otorhinolaryngology G. Ferreri and Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology‐Section of Virology, Sapienza University of Rome.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Biopsy samples were taken from 68 patients with benign and malignant lesions of the larynx. All tissue samples were analyzed by means of polymerase chain reaction with two groups of primers for HPV and with a pair of primers for AdV.

RESULTS

All cases of carcinomas and dysplasia as well as all control cases were negative for both viruses. Four of the five cases of laryngeal papillomas were positive for only HPV, confirming the role of these viral types in the origin of papillomas.

CONCLUSION

The absence of viral genomes in laryngeal carcinomas as in the other cases studied suggests the existence of other factors that play a more important role than viral infection in the carcinogenesis of these lesions.
Induction of Parotitis by Fine‐Needle Aspiration in Parotid Warthin's Tumor
Authors: Suzuki Kensuke , Iwai Hiroshi , Kaneko Toshihiko , Sakaguchi Mariko , Hoshino Shoichi , Inaba Muneo
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVES

To estimate parotitis caused by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) in parotid Warthin tumor.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Hospital records were reviewed for 104 parotid tumors (103 patients) including 35 Warthin tumors, which underwent FNA within our department.

RESULTS

Three patients with four Warthin tumors among them noticed parotid pain, swelling, and abscess formation as a consequence of acute parotitis after FNA. Examinations of the materials obtained from tumor puncture or drainage before the start of antibiotic therapy showed no bacterial association in any patient. Two of the patients with Warthin tumor underwent parotidectomy, and the surgical specimens indicated histopathological changes with necrosis, abscess, granuloma, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells including Langhans‐type multinucleated giant cells.

CONCLUSIONS

It is conceivable that Warthin tumor bears the characteristics of inflammation induced by the FNA procedure without any relation to infection. Therefore, it may be better to avoid routine FNA and give priority to diagnostic imagings over FNA in the diagnosis of tumors strongly suspected as Warthin tumor.
SHRIMP zircon study of a micromonzodiorite dyke in the Karkonosze Granite, Sudetes (SW Poland): age constraints for late Variscan magmatism in Central Europe
Authors: AWDANKIEWICZ MAREK , AWDANKIEWICZ HONORATA , KRYZA RYSZARD , RODIONOV NICKOLAY
Published: July 2009

The large Variscan Karkonosze Granite in the West Sudetes, representative of the vast Variscan granite plutonism in Central Europe and located adjacent to regional tectonic suture and strike-slip-zones, has been difficult to date precisely; a range of published data varies betweenc.304 and 328 Ma. However, the granite is cut by locally numerous lamprophyre and other dykes. Dating of the dyke rocks, emplaced shortly after the granite intrusion and cooled more rapidly, provides a promising tool for the verification of published SHRIMP results on the granite itself. SHRIMP zircon geochronology of a studied micromonzodiorite dyke indicates substantial admixture of inherited zircons ofc.2.0, 1.4 Ga (207Pb–206Pb minimum ages), andc.570 (and 500?) Ma. The average concordia age of the main magmatic population of the zircons in the dyke is 313 ± 3 Ma (2σ); however, the true magmatic age might be older, around 318 Ma. This would constrain the age of the hypabyssal magmatism in the Karkonosze Massif and the minimum age of the host Karkonosze Granite. Thus, the Karkonosze Granite is confirmed as representative of an early phase of Variscan granite plutonic activity in the central-European Variscides.
The effect of dietary addition of a polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrophala Koidz on growth performance, immunoglobulin concentration and IL-1β expression in weaned piglets
Authors: LI L. L. , WU X. , PENG H. Z. , FAN M. Z. , HOU Z. P. , KONG X. F. , YIN Y. L. , ZHANG B. , LI T. J. , HOU Y. Q. , YANG K. M. , LI A. K. , LIU C. Y. , QIU X. M. , LIU Y. L.
Published: July 2009

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of a polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrophala Koidz (PAM) as a dietary additive on growth performance, immunoglobulin concentration and IL-1β expression in weaned piglets. One hundred and twenty Landrace×Yorkshire piglets weaned at 28 days old (body weight 7·5±0·07 kg) were assigned to five treatment groups (three pens/group, eight piglets/pen) fed maize/soybean-based diets supplemented with 0, 3, 6 or 9 g of PAM/kg diet or antibiotics (0·4 g flavomycin/kg+0·13 g olaquindox/kg). The experimental period was 28 days. With increasing PAM supplementation levels, average daily gain was greater (quadratic, P<0·05) and the ratio of amount fed to live weight (LW) gain (feed/gain) improved (quadratic, P<0·05) during days 14–28 and overall, and diarrhoea incidence decreased (linear, P<0·05) during days 14–28. Supplementation of PAM also increased (quadratic, P<0·05) serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-6 on day 14, and increased (quadratic, P<0·05) IL-1β expression in jejunal mucosa and lymph nodes. Concentrations of PAM between 6 and 9 g/kg presented the strongest bioactivity compared to the control group or antibiotic-fed group. These findings indicate that PAM is effective in improving growth performance and cytokine response, which suggests that PAM can be used as a diet additive for weanling piglets.
Environmental and genetic variation of phenolic compounds in grapes (Vitis vinifera) from northwest Spain
Authors: VILANOVA M. , SANTALLA M. , MASA A.
Published: July 2009

The effects of cultivars and environment on phenolic composition were analysed in a 7-year experiment comprising 18 grape cultivars (10 red, 8 white) in Spain. A total of 37 flavonoids (14 anthocyanins in red cultivars; 14 flavonols and 9 dihydroflavonols in white cultivars) were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Significant differences between years were observed for most of the compounds (11 of the 14) studied in red cultivars and seven compounds in white cultivars. A significant year×cultivar interaction was observed for some of the flavonoids studied. All the phenolic compounds determined showed significant differences among grape cultivars. A high coefficient of variation was found for five flavonoid compounds: dihydroquercetin-3-glycoide, dihydrokaempferol-3-glycoside, kaempferol-3-glycoside, quercetin-3-glucoside and kaempferol-3-rhamnoside. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the variation observed in the phenolic compounds identified four relatively compact groups for the white and red grape cultivars. It was found that the variation of the phenolic composition among years for white grape cultivars was higher than for red cultivars. Stable profiles between years were found for Sousón, Garnacha, Caiño Tinto and Verdejo Negro. These results also indicate that the effect of year on grape phenolic composition was less than that of cultivar.
TNFα-mediated plasminogen activation on neutrophils is involved in the high plasmin activity in mammary secretion of drying-off cows
Authors: Chou Wen K , Yu Ting C , Chen Shuen E , Peh Ho C , Liu Wen B , Chen Ming T , Nagahata Hajime , Chang Chai J
Published: July 2009

Interactions between inflammatory cytokines and plasminogen (Pg) activation system on immune cells are yet to be established. In previous studies we reported a somatic cell-associated elevation of proteolytic activity in mammary secretion of drying-off goats and cows. The purposes of the present study were to examine the role of TNF-α in polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)-associated Pg activation, and the significance of this activation pathway for overall plasmin (Pm) activity in mammary secretion of drying-off cows. Results of experiments in vitro showed that the spontaneous Pg activation observed on fresh preparations of bovine blood PMN was completely blocked by anti bovine TNF-α antibody, and was further up-regulated by exogenous bovine TNF-α. Monitoring the parameters of mammary secretion of drying-off cows revealed that both somatic cell counts and differential PMN ratio was significantly elevated at weeks 1, 2 and 3 of milk stasis. Nevertheless, specific activity of soluble Pm in mammary secretion increased and the level of 17-kDa TNF-α decreased immediately following milk stasis. Iimmunoblotting revealed that although both 26-kDa pro-TNF-α and 17-kDa TNF-α were consistently present in somatic cells of mammary secretion collected at weeks 0, 1, 2 and 3 of milk stasis, only 26-kDa pro-TNF-α was present in somatic cells of milk during lactation. In-vitro assay indicated that cell-free mammary secretion of drying-off cows exerted no Pg activation bioactivity towards bovine blood PMN. Altogether, the current study suggests the existence of an active TNF-α-Pg-Pm autocrine/paracrine loop on the massively infiltrated PMN inside udders of drying-off cows, which involves extensive binding and internalization of 17-kDa TNF-α on PMN and consequently activation of Pg, resulting in high Pm activity and low 17-kDa TNF-α level in mammary secretion. These coordinated mechanisms may play a role in the defence of drying-off mammary gland.
Genetic polymorphism of STAT5A protein: relationships with production traits and milk composition in Italian Brown cattle
Authors: Selvaggi Maria , Dario Cataldo , Normanno Giovanni , Celano Gaetano V , Dario Marco
Published: July 2009

STATs are a group of transcription factors that mediate actions of a variety of peptide hormones and cytokines within target cells (for example, prolactin and growth hormone). Therefore, STAT5A gene is a candidate marker for quantitative traits in farm animals with respect to milk production traits. In this study the STAT5A/AvaI polymorphism was investigated with PCR-RFLP in a sample of 233 Italian Brown cattle. This polymorphism is localized in the coding region of the bovine STAT5A gene. It is a substitution C→T at position 6853 within exon 7. All three possible genotypes for the C/T polymorphism were identified. The overall frequencies of alleles C and T were 0·83 and 0·17 respectively; the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was verified. In order to study the relationship between STAT5A/AvaI polymorphism and milk performance traits, the data for a 305-d milk production that included milk yield, protein and fat yield, fat and protein percentage were used. Significant differences between the two genotypes were found in yields of milk, fat and protein and protein percentage (P<0·01). CC cows produced more milk than CT (5418·68 v. 5149·54 kg). Protein content was higher in milk from CC compared with CT genotypes (3·40 v. 3·21%). No significant difference was found in fat content. Owing to the low number of TT cows in the studied population, this genotype was not included in the statistical analysis; in fact the number of TT cows was not enough to provide an accurate statistical analysis. Although more studies are needed to better clarify the role of this SNP on production traits, STAT5A/AvaI polymorphism appears to be a promising indirect marker to improve milk production traits in cattle.
Weekly excretion of the mammalian lignan enterolactone in milk of dairy cows fed flaxseed meal
Authors: Gagnon Nathalie , Côrtes Cristiano , Petit Hélène V
Published: July 2009

Flaxseed meal (FM) is rich in the plant lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) which is converted to the mammalian lignans enterodiol and enterolactone (EL) by ruminal microbiota. Feeding FM to dairy cows increases linearly EL concentration in milk but enterodiol is not detected. The objectives of the study were to determine the length of time to obtain peak EL concentration in the milk of dairy cows fed 20% FM and the length of time to return to EL baseline level in milk when cows are switched from high to low intake of flax SDG. A total of 12 multiparous lactating Holstein cows were assigned randomly to one of two feeding regimens: the control (CO) diet was fed for 6 weeks or the FM diet was fed from week 0 to 3 inclusive and then cows were switched to the control diet from week 3 to 6 inclusive. Milk samples were taken weekly for EL analysis. There was a significant interaction between feeding regimen and week for milk concentration of EL as a result of higher concentration of EL from week 1 to 3 for cows on the FM regimen compared with those on the CO regimen. Concentrations of milk EL on the FM regimen maintained uniform high levels from week 1 to 3 and they decreased significantly from week 3 to 4 when the CO diet was reintroduced in week 3. This study suggests that the conversion of SDG to the mammalian lignan EL and the transfer of EL to the mammary gland are well established after one week of feeding 20% FM in the diet of dairy cows and that milk concentration of EL returns to baseline level after one week of FM deprivation.
Antioxidant and cholesterol assimilation activities of selected lactobacilli and lactococci cultures
Authors: Jain Shalini , Yadav Hariom , Ravindra Sinha Pushpalata
Published: July 2009

In present study, three strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viz.Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus acidophilusandLactococcus lactisand milk fermented with these strains have been studied for antioxidant and cholesterol assimilation activities in-vitro and in-vivo, in addition to the effect on total lactobacilli, lactococci and coliform counts into the gut of mice fed with diets supplemented by fermented milk. All three selected strains exhibited potent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, malonaldialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging abilities as well as inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation activity. These activities were highest inLb. caseias followed byLb. acidophilusandLc. lactis. In addition, these bacterial cultures also exhibited good in-vitro cholesterol assimilation potential. Oral administration to mice of milk fermented with selected LAB strains, slightly decreased blood cholesterol, increased colonization of total lactobacilli and lactococci, and decreased coliforms in the intestinal tissues as well as faecal samples. These results indicate that, selected LAB strains have good antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic and coliform removal activities. It may suggest that, a novel functional food can be obtained by supplementation of selected LAB in milk, which may have various health beneficial properties such as antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities.
Evidence for the presence of restriction/modification systems inLactobacillus delbrueckii
Authors: Suárez Viviana , Zago Miriam , Giraffa Giorgio , Reinheimer Jorge , Quiberoni Andrea
Published: July 2009

The bacteriophages Cb1/204 and Cb1/342 were obtained by induction from the commercial strainLactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.lactisCb1, and propagated onLactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.lactis204 (Lb.l204) andLactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.bulgaricus342 (Lb.b342), respectively. By cross sensitivity, it was possible to detect a delay in the lysis ofLb.l204 with Cb1/342 phage, while the adsorption rate was high (99·5%). Modified and unmodified phages were isolated using phage Cb1/342 and strainLb.l204. The EOP (Efficiency of Plaquing) values for the four phages (Cb1/204, Cb1/342, Cb1/342modified and Cb1/342unmodified) suggested that an R/M system modified the original temperate phage, and theBglII-DNA restriction patterns of these phages might point out the presence of a Type II R/M system. Also, the existence of a Type I R/M system was demonstrated by PCR and nucleotide sequence, being the percentages of alignment homology with Type I R/M systems reported previously higher than 95%. In this study it was possible to demonstrate that the native phage resistant mechanisms and the occurrence of prophages in commercial host strains, contribute strongly to diversify the phage population in a factory environment.
Isolation of lactobacilli from sow milk and evaluation of their probiotic potential
Authors: Martín Rocío , Delgado Susana , Maldonado Antonio , Jiménez Esther , Olivares Mónica , Fernández Leónides , Sobrino Odón J. , Rodríguez Juan M.
Published: July 2009

Sow milk protects the piglet against infectious diseases through a variety of mechanisms. In this study, the presence of potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria in this biological fluid was investigated. Milk samples were obtained from 8 sows and a total of 19 rod-shaped isolates were selected for identification and assessment of their probiotic potential. RAPD profiling revealed the existence of 8 different genetic profiles among them. One representative of each profile was selected for further characterization and they were identified as Lactobacillus reuteri, Lb. salivarius, Lb. plantarum, Lb. paraplantarum, Lb. brevis and Weissella paramesenteroides. Then, their probiotic potential was evaluated through different assays, including survival in conditions simulating those existing in the gastrointestinal tract, production of antimicrobial compounds, adherence to intestinal mucin, production of biogenic amines, degradation of mucin, and pattern of antibiotic sensitivity. Three strains, Lb. reuteri CR20 (a reuterin-producing strain), Lb. salivarius CELA2 (a bacteriocin-producing strain) and Lb. paraplantarum CLB7 displayed the highest probiotic potential.
The Era of RNA Awakening: Structural biology of RNA in the early years
Authors: Rich Alexander
Published: July 2009

In the mid-1950s, RNA was a somewhat mysterious molecule with unknown three-dimensional structure and little hard evidence of biological function. Changes began with the 1956 discoveries of the RNA double helix and the phenomenon of nucleic acid hybridization. Discovery of the DNA–RNA hybrid helix in 1960 opened the door to understanding biological information transfer. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis made it possible to precisely define the RNA double helix, discover the novel L-shaped fold of transfer RNA (tRNA), and finally reveal the complete three-dimensional tRNA structure by 1974. By then, a functional understanding of protein synthesis had developed with an appreciation of the various roles of different RNA species. This was the era of RNA awakening.
Multiple equivalent matings with the aeroplane polynomial
Authors: REES MARY
Published: July 2009

We produce arbitrarily large equivalence classes of matings with the aeroplane polynomial. These are obtained via a slight generalization of the technique of proof of a similar result for Wittner captures.
The importance of English communication skills in multilingual settings in Southern Africa
Authors: Fandrych Ingrid
Published: July 2009

An account of the need for appropriate language skills in a developing multilingual context.

Language issues in Southern Africa have always been marked by political struggle. In South Africa, these were sometimes violent, as with, for example, the 1976 Soweto uprisings, in which protests over the medium of education were prominent. One of the priorities of the first democratically elected government of 1994 was to democratise the situation by making eleven languages official, in contrast to the two prior to that, namely Afrikaans and English. In other Southern African countries, language issues have also been characterised by debates and struggles. A prime example is the decision by the Namibian government to make English the official language of the country, even though English had never even been a colonial language in Namibia. Another example is Lesotho, a former British protectorate, with two official languages, English and Sesotho. In the last two decades, there have been numerous debates about the status of English as a subject necessary for a pass in schools and as a prerequisite for admission to university. Kramsch's observation that ‘[l]inguistic wars are always also political and cultural wars’ captures the situation well. Language issues are still on many speakers' minds and influence their sense of self and identity. As Baugh observes, ‘[i]n societies like the United States and South Africa, where race and language development have strongly been influenced by racial strife, many students do not aspire to “talk like Whites”’.
Marxism, International Law, and Political Strategy
Authors: KNOX ROBERT
Published: July 2009

The question of international law's role in progressive politics has become increasingly important. This is reflected in an upsurge in scholarship dealing with international law's relationship to imperial power and its progressive potential. There has also been an increase in the number of Marxist accounts of international law, with China Miéville's Between Equal Rights being particularly important. Miéville's book is very pessimistic as to the progressive potential of international law. This article contests Miéville's claims by examining his accounts of legal subjectivity, violence, and indeterminacy, and argues that international law's content is open to progressive appropriations. However, the ‘form’ of international law limits its ability to criticize systemic or structural problems, so that it has very little transformative potential. A progressive politics of international law must therefore take advantage of content without falling foul of form. The article finally enquires whether in some extraordinary situations international law might be transformative.
Gramsci Reconsidered: Hegemony in Global Law
Authors: BUCKEL SONJA , FISCHER-LESCANO ANDREAS
Published: July 2009

This article focuses on Antonio Gramsci's hegemony theory. Hegemony, for Gramsci, is a particular way of living and thinking, a Weltanschauung (world-view), on which the preferences, taste, morality, ethics, and philosophical principles of the majority are based. Social struggles are transformed into legal ones in the course of processes in which juridical intellectuals are organizing hegemony under the special conditions of the legal system. We try to use this concept to contrast it with the prevailing readings of hegemony in international relations and in international law. ‘Hegemonic law’, we argue, is not the law of any superpower, but an asymmetric consensus which relies on a climate of world-society-wide recognition. The concrete form of hegemonic law under particular social conditions depends on the ‘historical bloc’, in which it is coupled with other social praxes. In the post-Westphalian system the historical bloc is fragmented into transnational and colliding legal regimes and law-generating processes in civil society.
Lights and Shadows of Immunities and Inviolability of State Officials in International Law: Some Comments on the Djibouti v. France Case
Authors: BUZZINI GIONATA PIERO
Published: July 2009

This article examines the reasoning and findings of the International Court of Justice in its judgment in Djibouti v. France on issues pertaining to the immunities and inviolability of state officials. While recognizing the Court's contribution to the clarification of certain aspects of the legal regime of the immunities and inviolability of state officials, the article emphasizes a number of points on which a clear response cannot be found in the judgment. Moreover, some concerns or doubts are raised about the way in which the Court dealt with certain issues regarding, in particular, the classification of immunities, their scope, their implementation, and the acts precluded by their operation. The Court's judgment clearly shows the complexities surrounding the legal treatment of numerous aspects of a topic which continues to be of the highest importance and sensitivity in international law and international relations.
The Practice of ‘Witness Proofing’ in International Criminal Tribunals: Why the International Criminal Court Should Prohibit the Practice
Authors: JORDASH WAYNE
Published: July 2009

Witness proofing – or witness preparation – has been common practice at the ad hoc criminal tribunals but was prohibited in the first trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) (the Lubanga case). The ad hocs have robustly defended the practice, claiming that it assists the efficient presentation of evidence and enhances the truth-finding process. This article examines the way in which the ad hocs have allowed the process to become an integral feature of their procedural regimes without sufficient examination of these apparent merits. The ad hocs appear to have accepted that prohibiting the parties from rehearsing, practising, and coaching evidence was in the interests of justice, but yet – in the uncritical acceptance of the benefits of proofing – have sanctioned practices which are impossible to distinguish. The Lubanga case represented a welcome attempt by the ICC to examine proofing and its attendant risks and, for the reasons outlined in the article, the chambers arrived somewhere close to the right decision.
Two Kinds of Wrong: On the Context Element of Crimes against Humanity
Authors: KIRSCH STEFAN
Published: July 2009

It can be shown that – as with the tie between crimes against humanity and the perpetration of other international crimes in the Charter of the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg – the context element of the crimes against humanity as set out in the Rome Statute is based on the international law principle of non-interference in the affairs of a foreign country, and only serves to justify ‘international’ jurisdiction in respect of crimes which are typically already punishable pursuant to the lex loci commissii. As a consequence, the feature of a ‘widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population’ is not an aggravating circumstance in respect of the material facts of the case that define the wrong of the act (Unrecht) or the offender's blameworthiness (Schuld), but a jurisdictional element which is a mere precondition for prosecution only.
In Search of a Fair Balance: The Absolute Character of the Prohibition of Refoulement under Article 3 ECHR Reassessed
Authors: BATTJES HEMME
Published: July 2009

According to well-established case law of the European Court of Human Rights, the prohibition on expulsion resulting in ill-treatment under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights is ‘absolute’: it does not allow for balancing of interests. Analysis of the Court's case law, however, shows that the application of the provision involves various forms of balancing, for example when delimiting the burden of proof or qualifying an act as ill-treatment. The absolute character expresses a value judgement about the importance of the prohibition, and it serves as an argumentative tool applied to sustain wide or inclusive readings of Article 3 ECHR.
Ethics Committees and Social Issues: Potentials and Pitfalls
Authors: Callahan Daniel
Published: July 2009

When the Karen Ann Quinlan case emerged in the mid-1970s and the New Jersey Supreme Court made mention of the role that ethics committees might play in such cases, no one could have predicted at the time what the consequences of that observation might be. It took a while for momentum to build, but we are now seeing the flowering of what is an important movement in the field of bioethics: the interplay of ethics committees and broader societal issues.
Development of a Hospital Ethics Committee: Lessons from Five Years of Case Consultations
Authors: Andereck William S.
Published: July 2009

The development and consultation experience of an ethics committee in an urban community hospital has been presented, and various approaches to case consultation have been considered. Our committee has concentrated on the clinical evaluation model. As expected, most consultations have centered on issues of withdrawing or limiting medical care. Most patients evaluated have been unable to clearly express their wishes concerning further treatments, highlighting the need for promoting advance directives. When resorting to substituted judgment, our committee has supported continued care in a majority of cases. Limitation of the consultation process to the attending physician has, in our experience, actually served to increase the credibility of the committee and has promoted acceptance of its recommendations. The committee's most useful function seems to be in assisting physicians and their patients in defining realistic goals and limitations of treatment. Within this context, the coming decade may find ethics committees concerned less with promoting the autonomous wishes of individual patients than with defining the limits of that autonomy against the competing demands of the larger society. Such a shift be approached with caution.
Pregnant Woman vs. Fetus: A Dilemma for Hospital Ethics Committees
Authors: Swartz Martha
Published: July 2009

Hospital ehtics committees are often consulted when cmopeting patient interests blur an otherwise clear course of medical treatment. Nowhere is the potential for competing interests greater than in the field of abosterics, wherer obstetricians have traditionally viewed themselves as having two patients: the pregnant woman and the fetus.
The Patient Self-Determination Act: A Legal Solution for a Moral Dilemma
Authors: Welie Jos V. M.
Published: July 2009

The Patient Self-Determination Act is a fact. Finally, respect for patient autonomy has been guaranteed. At first sight, there seems little reason to object to any measure that intends to increase the autonomy of the patient. Too long, one may argue, physicians have behaved paternalistically; too often, they have been advised to change this habit. If the profession of medicine is unwilling or simply unable to grant the patient the decision-making power that is her due, the law has to step in. One may add, this law in no way hinders professional autonomy; by requiring a hospital official to provide the patient with information about advance directive, the law actually reduces the work load of the physician, who is already overburdened.
Last Rites and Wrongs—Euthanasia: Autonomy and Responsibility
Authors: Dawson John
Published: July 2009

The word “euthanasia” is hopelessly overloaded with emotional connotations. It means so many things to many different people. The implications of euthanasia associated with the Second World War have often rendered the term unsuitable for discussions of a rational manner. As far as I am concerned, what happened in Germany under Hitler had nothing to do with the classic meaning of a gentle and easy death but was rather simply a policy of mass murder.
Bioethics Here and in Poor Countries: A Comment
Authors: Leisinger Klaus M.
Published: July 2009

There has been a tremendous increase in interest in bioethics, which has come in direct response to the substantial advances in biomedical research and medical technology over the past 30 years. The more sophisticated medical science and technology becomes, the more sophisticated are questions that are raised: Who has the right to decide whether a medical treatment should be initiated, continued, or stopped? How much information are healthcare professionals required to give to patients? When should a patient's right to confidentiality be violated? When, if ever, is active or passive euthanasia or abortion justified, and who has the right to decide on these issues?
Been There: Physicians Speak for Themselves
Authors: Bennahum David A. , Kimsma Gerrit K. , Spreeuwenberg Cor
Published: July 2009

Some years ago I received the following letter from a friend who became my patient.

In pursuit of my ultimate objective of being in control of my self-deliverance at the time when my physical condition no longer warrants continuance, I have joined the Hemlock Society of Los Angeles. The Society urges its members to explore with their personal physicians this subject well in advance of the actual moment of necessity, and in particular the problem of acquiring a lethal dose of a drug that will provide a release consistent in quality with the degree of peace and serenity sought in life. It is my hope that we can find a process commensurate with your moral and professional concerns which will allow us to collaborate.
Dutch Medical Examiner/Coroner's Euthanasia Report Form
Authors: Jitta A. Josephus
Published: July 2009

This document was developed by prosecutor A. Josephus Jitta, Chief, Office of Justice, Alkmaar, The Netherlands, with assistance from physicians and is typical of the euthanasia report forms completed by medical examiners and coroners In The Netherlands.
Physician Attitudes and Experiences with Assisted Suicide: Results of a Small Opinion Survey
Authors: Ciesielski-Carlucci Chris
Published: July 2009

Many recent events have contributed to the resurgence of the historically cyclical debate over euthanasia. Now, the focus rests on physician-assisted suicide. Many landmark events regarding physician-assisted suicide have occurred within the last year alone. For example, Derek Humphry'sFinal Exitrecently became a best seller, giving people the detailed knowledge of how to “self-deliver” InThe New England Journalbf Medicine, Dr. Timothy Quill shared his touching experience of assisting his patient “Diane” after she chose to decline treatment options for leu- kemia. Dr. Jack Kevorkian made use of his highly publicized “death machine” to help Janet Adkins and subsequently, several other women, end their lives
Euthanasia: Current Problems in Japan
Authors: Hoshino Kazumasa
Published: July 2009

Approximately 30 years ago, a son prepared a cup of milk mixed with insecticide and arranged for his mother to unknowingly administer the poison to his father, who had been suffering severe pain after a cerebral apoplectic attack and demanding that his son assist him. in dying. After drinking the mixture, the father died, and the son was charged with homicide.
Reviving the Swan, Extending the Curse of Methuselah, or Adhering to the Kevorkian Ethic?
Authors: Smith George P.
Published: July 2009

Methuselah, it is said, lived 969 years. His state of health at death is not revealed. It can only be surmised that he was surely not robust and, no doubt, was subject to all of the infirmities of old age and the tragic indignities associated with senility.

Jonathan Swift captured well the “curse” of immortality when, inGulliver's Travels, he created a group of individuals, the Struldbrugs, who, when encountered, dulled what had heretofore been an appetite for perpetual life. The Struldbrugs were allowed to be born totally exempt from the “calamity of human Nature,” in that their minds were free “and disingaged (sic), without the Weight and De pression of Spirits caused by the continued Apprehension of Death.” They were thus condemned “to a perpetual continuance in the World.” In his travels, Gulliver found some Struldbrugs well over 1,000 years old.
CQ Interview: Derek Humphry on Death with Dignity Thomasine Kushner
Authors: Kushner Thomasine
Published: July 2009

CQ: Do you see the Patient Self-Determination Act as a positive step toward the goals you and the Hemlock Society have been pursuing for many years?

DH: The main value is education; it has impressed on health professionals that the federal government backs right-to-die issues. The federal government did not legislate when you would die or how you would die, but it did say providers must obey state regulations, and if you do not they are going to withdraw our funds. I am a great believer that legislation in needed to back up education. We were enormously pleased to see the Patient Self-Determination Act come into law without much fuss. It is a very useful step.