bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid epidemiologic assessment of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in malaria‐endemic areas in Southeast Asia using a novel diagnostic kit
Authors: Jalloh A. , Tantular I. S. , Pusarawati S. , Kawilarang A. P. , Kerong H. , Lin K. , Ferreira M. U. , Matsuoka H. , Arai M. , Kita K. , Kawamoto F.
Published: April 2004

We recently reported a new rapid screening method for glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This method incorporates a new formazan substrate (WST‐8) and is capable of detecting heterozygous females both qualitatively and quantitatively. Here, we report its evaluation during field surveys at three malaria centres and in malaria‐endemic villages of Myanmar and Indonesia, either alone or in combination with a rapid on‐site diagnosis of malaria. A total of 57 severe (45 males and 12 females) and 34 mild (five males and 29 females) cases of G6PD deficiency were detected among 855 subjects in Myanmar whilst 30 severe (25 males and five females) and 23 mild (six males and 17 females) cases were found among 1286 subjects in Indonesia. In all cases, severe deficiency was confirmed with another formazan method but due to limitations in its detection threshold, mild cases were misdiagnosed as G6PD‐normal by this latter method. Our results indicate that the novel method can qualitatively detect both severely deficient subjects as well as heterozygous females in the field. The antimalarial drug, primaquine, was safely prescribed to Plasmodium vivax‐infected patients in Myanmar. Our new, rapid screening method may be essential for the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency particularly in rural areas without electricity, and can be recommended for use in malaria control programmes.
The effectiveness of active population screening and treatment for sleeping sickness control in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Robays Jo , Bilengue Miaka Mia C. , Stuyft Patrick Van der , Boelaert Marleen
Published: April 2004

Background  The human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) control programme of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) uses mass screening with the card agglutination test for trypanosomes (CATT). We looked at the contribution of CATT and improved parasitological confirmation to the effectiveness of screening and treatment.

Method  The effectiveness of the screening and treatment process is measured by the percentage of HAT cases that is effectively cured after a single round of screening. The process is analysed in five steps: (i) the attendance at the screening, (ii) the sensitivity of the screening procedure, (iii) the sensitivity of the parasitological confirmation, (iv) the proportion of the confirmed cases that effectively receive treatment and (v) the cure rate of the treatment. We used a simplified model that multiplies proportions of infected persons that go through each step. We estimated these parameters using a combination of routine data collected by the national control programme over the period January 1997 to December 1998 and published data. For varying attendance rates we compared the effectiveness of screening strategies based on CATT or on CATT combined with improved parasitological confirmation by mini anion exchange column technique (mAECT) with the previously used strategy based on palpation of neck glands and microscopy alone.

Results  The model shows that overall effectiveness of the active case detection and treatment strategy is <50% under most scenarios. Attendance rates averaged 74% but showed considerable regional variability and are a major problem in some areas of DRC. The CATT and replacing traditional parasitology by mAECT increases the sensitivity of the screening but a substantial part of the gains are lost at other stages of the screening process.

Conclusion  Improvements of the HAT screening process such as introduction of CATT or mAECT only make sense if other parameters and attendance rate in particular are optimized at the same time.
Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease: immediate remission with ciprofloxacin
Authors: Mahajan Vikram K. , Sharma Nand L.
Published: April 2004

An 18‐year‐old, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐negative, male patient was referred for dermatologic opinion for reactive hyperplasia of the cervical lymph nodes on fine needle aspiration cytology. History revealed multiple, painful, progressively enlarging, left cervical lymph nodes associated with episodes of moderate to high fever for more than 1 year. There was no history of previous cutaneous lesions. On examination, the patient was afebrile and showed three left supraclavicular lymph nodes, 2–4 cm in size, which were discrete, tender, of firm to hard consistency but with normal overlying skin. Cutaneous and systemic examination was normal. Hemogram, hepatorenal function, and chest X‐ray film showed no significant abnormality, and the Mantoux test was negative. With the clinical possibilities of lymphoma, sarcoidosis, or tubercular lymphadenitis, one of the excised lymph nodes was subjected to histopathologic examination and acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) culture. The patient was given ciprofloxacin, 500 mg orally twice daily.

The histopathology report became available 1 week later and showed a thickened capsule infiltrated by chronic inflammatory cells. There were large areas of necrosis with nuclear debris palisaded by histiocytes and a peripheral rim of lymphocytes. Occasional vessels also showed fibrinoid necrosis. Features of lymphoma, sarcoidosis, and tuberculosis were absent and the stain for AFB was negative. Despite the histopathology, suggesting histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, tests performed for antinuclear antibodies were negative. Culture of the lymph node specimen on Lowenstien Jensen (LJ) medium for AFB did not show any growth.

After 10 days of treatment with ciprofloxacin, the patient showed complete regression of lymphadenopathy. He is being regularly followed up.
Localized blastomycosis‐like pyoderma with good response to cotrimoxazol and cryotherapy
Authors: Su Özlem , Demirkesen Cuyan , Onsun Nahide
Published: April 2004

Blastomycosis‐like pyoderma is an unusual, exaggerated, vegetative‐tissue reaction to a prolonged primary or secondary bacterial infection. It is a rare disease, usually seen in immunocompromized patients. We report a case of localized blastomycosis‐like pyoderma responding poorly to classic treatments, but that gave a dramatic response to a combination treatment of cotrimoxazol and cryotherapy.
Clinical management of obsessive‐compulsive‐bipolar comorbidity: a case series
Authors: Raja Michele , Azzoni Antonella
Published: April 2004

Objective:  To assess the clinical characteristics and the optimal treatment of obsessive compulsive symptoms in patients with familial background, current or past symptoms consistent with a bipolar spectrum diagnosis.

Methods:  Longitudinal clinical observation of seven cases with obsessive‐compulsive‐bipolar comorbidity.

Results:  In the cases presented that met the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the concurrent symptoms and the clinical course pointed to a different principal diagnosis and suggested therapeutic strategies different from those currently recommended in OCD. Clear‐cut onset of symptoms, high prevalence of mood disorders in relatives, revaluation of their history, switch into mania induced by antidepressants, and clinical follow‐up suggested a hierarchical priority of bipolar diagnosis.

Conclusions:  The presence of the aforementioned atypical symptoms should alert the physician about the possibility of bipolar comorbidity in OCD patients. If the suspicion is confirmed, bipolar diagnosis should have priority, at least from a therapeutic point of view. The first choice in treatment should be with mood stabilizers or second generation antipsychotics. Mood stabilization should be achieved as a first objective.
Management Buyouts and Human Resource Management
Authors: Bacon Nicolas , Wright Mike , Demina Natalia
Published: April 2004

This paper reports the findings from a survey of the effects of management buyouts on human resource management (HRM). Buyouts resulted in increased employment, the adoption of new reward systems, and expanded employee involvement. These developments support the resource‐based view that buyouts develop internal assets over agency theory predictions that managers will adopt a cost reduction approach. The type of buyout influences the subsequent development of HRM. Buyouts report more commitment‐orientated employment policies where employees own shares, and where the buyout pursues a ‘buy and build’ corporate strategy and adopts a business strategy of enhancing customer service and developing markets.
A Critical Assessment of the High‐Performance Paradigm
Authors: Godard John
Published: April 2004

This paper assesses research on the effects of high‐performance systems on employer, worker and union outcomes. It concludes that, compared with what has long been thought of as good management practice, claims that these systems yield superior performance outcomes may be unwarranted, and their implications for both workers and unions are at best uncertain. Conventional explanations for these findings are found to be insufficient. Alternative explanations involving the nature of the employment relation are proposed, and the need for an alternative paradigm, which promotes legal and institutional reforms, is established.
Raising the Quality of Home Care: A Study of Service Users’ Views
Authors: Francis Jennifer , Netten Ann
Published: April 2004

Raising standards is one of the key objectives of the British government's Modernizing Agenda. The quality of life of vulnerable older people who are being maintained at home is fundamentally dependent on the quality of the home‐care services they receive, so raising standards of home care is clearly central to this agenda. This paper draws on a small‐scale study of service users and providers to examine the aspects of quality of home care of importance to older people, their experiences and barriers to improvement. Six key aspects of quality were investigated: reliability, continuity, flexibility, communication, staff attitudes and skills and knowledge. If performance indicators are to have the desired effect, more work needs to be done to ensure they reflect key aspects of quality from the user perspective. We identify potential areas for improvement in commissioning and organization but these all have resource implications that will need to be met if home care is to realize its full potential in maintaining and improving quality of life for older people.
Practical Reasoning in a Modular Mind
Authors: Carruthers Peter
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  This paper starts from an assumption defended in the author's previous work. This is that distinctively‐human flexible and creative theoretical thinking can be explained in terms of the interactions of a variety of modular systems, with the addition of just a few a‐modular components and dispositions. On the basis of that assumption it is argued that distinctively human practical reasoning, too, can be understood in modular terms. The upshot is that there is nothing in the human psyche that requires any significant retreat from a thesis of massively modular mental organization.
Context of Thought and Context of Utterance: A Note on Free Indirect Discourse and the Historical Present
Authors: Schlenker Philippe
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Based on the analysis of narrations in Free Indirect Discourse and the Historical Present, I argue (building in particular on (Banfield, 1982) and (Doron, 1991)) that the grammatical notion of context of speech should be ramified into a Context of Thought and a Context of Utterance. Tense and person depend on the Context of Utterance, while all other indexicals (including here, now and the demonstratives) are evaluated with respect to the Context of Thought. Free Indirect Discourse and the Historical Present are analyzed as special combinatorial possibilities that arise when the two contexts are distinct, and exactly one of them is presented as identical to the physical point at which the sentence is articulated.
The Use of Colonic Irrigation to Control Fecal Incontinence in Dogs With Colostomies
Authors: Williams Fred A. , Bright Ronald M. , Daniel Gregory B. , Hahn Kevin A. , Patton Steve A.
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo determine if once‐daily colonic irrigation results in fecal continence for a 24‐hour period in dogs with colostomies and if colonic volume increased in response to the irrigation.

Study DesignA prospective controlled experimental study.

AnimalsFour intact male and one intact female mixed breed dogs.

MaterialsAll dogs received left end‐on paralumbar colostomies. Four dogs received once‐daily colonic irrigation for 8 weeks, whereas the control dog did not. Daily fecal weights were recorded for the length of the study in all dogs. Barium enema studies and volumetric studies were used to determine colonic volumes.

ResultsDaily fecal weights were significantly decreased in treatment dogs compared with the control dog. Colonic volume increased in irrigated dogs in response to daily irrigation over the 8 week period of the study.

ConclusionsColonic irrigation resulted in significantly decreased fecal production over a 24‐hour period. Therefore management of dogs with colostomies would be more practical and cost effective. It did not result in complete fecal continence in this study. Further clinical studies are indicated to determine if longer periods of irrigation would result in complete continence.

Clinical RelevanceIndications for colostomy in dogs are limited, but more radical surgical procedures for the treatment of colorectal neoplasia, trauma, and strictures might be possible if colostomy could be made more acceptable for owners. Colonic irrigation can make management of colostomies in dogs easier.
Surgical Palliation of Severe Tricuspid Valve Stenosis in a Dog by Use of Fontan's Procedure
Authors: Robertson Sheilah A. , Eyster George , Perry Ruby , Patterson V.
Published: April 2004

Objective To describe surgical treatment of tricuspid valve stenosis using the Fontan procedure in a young dog.

Study Design Case report.

Sample Population One client‐owned dog

Results A six month old female Labrador retriever was diagnosed with tricuspid obstruction. The dog had a displaced tricuspid valve and small right ventricle and had progressed to right‐sided (backward) cardiac failure. A Fontan procedure (connection of the right atrium to the pulmonary artery with a prosthetic conduit) was performed. Within three days the right atrial pressure had dropped from a preoperative value of 33 mmHg to 8 mmHg and the ascites was significantly reduced. The dog died suddenly two months after surgery. Postmortem examination of the heart showed a greatly enlarged right atrium and hypoplastic right ventricle. The tricuspid valve leaflets were fused and displaced ventrally leaving an opening measuring 3 × 5 mm between the chambers. The conduit was intact with no evidence of leakage or thrombosis.

Conclusions Palliation of tricuspid stenosis using the Fontan procedure can be performed in dogs. Sudden death may occur and is most likely because of cardiac arrythmias.
Caudal Vena Cava Obstruction and Ascites in a Cat Treated by Balloon Dilation and Endovascular Stent Placement
Authors: Holt David , Saunders H. Mark , Aronson Lillian , Peikes Heather , Goldschmidt Micheal , Haskal Ziv J
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo present details of an unusual case of caudal vena caval obstruction and its management in a cat.

Study DesignClinical case report.

Study PopulationA 15 month old male castrated domestic shorthaired cat.

ResultsThe diagnostic evaluation included the use of digital subtraction angiography and ultrasonography to locate the caudal vena caval obstruction. Treatment initially involved puncture and balloon dilation of the obstructed area of the cava. After reobstruction, the stenotic area was redilated and stented. The cat was euthanatized 4 weeks later because of vomiting, anorexia, and abnormal behavior, presumed to be associated with liver disease.

Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceInterventional radiography provided a minimally invasive way to manage this unusual vascular anomaly.
Surgical Repair of a Thoracic Meningocele in a Foal
Authors: Van Hoogmoed Linda , Yarbrough Tom B. , Lecouteur Richard A. , Hornof William J.
Published: April 2004

A 6 week old American Paint filly was admitted for evaluation of a dorsal thoracic mass suspected to be a meningocele. The diagnosis was confirmed by plain and contrast enhanced computed tomography. Surgical repair was performed by dissection of the base of the meningocele followed by ligation. No postoperative complications occurred. Contrast enhanced computed tomography was useful to confirm the diagnosis of meningocele and rule out a meningomyelocele.
Keratinocyte Growth Factor Enhances Early Gut Adaptation in a Rat Model of Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Johnson Will F. , DiPalma Christopher R. , Ziegler Thomas R. , Scully Sheila , Farrell Catherine L.
Published: April 2004

Objective— To evaluate the effects of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) on intestinal adaptation after resection of 85% of the small intestine and consider its potential application in short bowel syndrome (SBS).

Study Design— Experimental study using a known model of SBS.

Animal Population— Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats.

Methods— Four groups of animals were designated. Two groups underwent 85% resection of the small intestine, while the other two groups were sham‐operated, undergoing transection and reanastomosis. Resected and sham‐operated groups then received either 3 mg/kg KGF or vehicle subcutaneously daily for 3 days. Gut adaptation was evaluated by measurements of mucosal cellularity and biochemical activity in duodenal, jejunal, and ileal segments.

Results— Significant small intestinal growth after bowel resection alone was confirmed in resected versus sham‐operated rats. KGF further augmented this growth in the resected animals. Mucosal wet weight of the small intestine increased with resection and was further increased (by 20% or more) with KGF administration. Mucosal thickness, villus length, and crypt depth exhibited similar patterns of response. The KGF‐induced increase in mucosal morphology was accompanied by increased mucosal DNA and protein content, followed by a trend toward increased mucosal enzyme activity. Histology demonstrated an increase in goblet cells in KGF‐treated animals. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that KGF markedly increased mucosal expression of intestinal trefoil protein (ITF) mRNA.

Conclusions— KGF enhances gut growth, differentiation, and gene regulation during adaptation in rat small intestine after massive resection.

Clinical Relevance— KGF may be beneficial in the management of veterinary and human patients undergoing massive intestinal resection.
Evaluation of a Bioresorbable Hyaluronate‐Carboxymethylcellulose Membrane for Prevention of Experimentally Induced Abdominal Adhesions in Horses
Authors: Mueller P.O. Eric , Hay William P. , Harmon Barry , Amoroso Lisa
Published: April 2004

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of a bioresorbable hyaluronate‐carboxymethylcellulose membrane (HA‐membrane) for prevention of experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in horses.

Study Design—Experimental study.

Animal Population—Twelve healthy adult horses.

Methods—The effect of an HA‐membrane on adhesion formation was evaluated in 12 healthy horses using an established model of serosal trauma to induce adhesions. A ventral median celiotomy and two jejunal resections and end‐to‐end anastomoses were performed. Two separate jejunal areas were abraded, and three 2–0 chromic gut sutures placed in the abraded areas. In treated horses (n = 6), HA‐membranes were applied to the jejunum to completely cover the anastomoses and abraded areas of jejunum. Nontreated horses (n = 6) served as controls. All horses were killed 10 days after surgery. The abdominal cavity was evaluated for adhesion formation. The frequency of intra‐abdominal adhesions between groups was compared with ax2test with statistical significance set atP< .05..

Results—All control horses had intra‐abdominal adhesions; fibrous adhesions were associated with both jejunal abrasion sites in 5 horses. One treated horse developed adhesions. There were significantly fewer adhesions in the HA‐membrane‐treated group (P< .0034).

Conclusions—In this experimental model, application of an HA‐membrane to a localized area of serosal trauma reduced the frequency of intra‐abdominal adhesion formation.

Clinical Relevance—Application of an HA membrane may decrease the frequency of adhesions in horses at an increased risk of postoperative adhesion formation.
The Effects of Perioperative Hypothermia and the Duration of Anesthesia on Postoperative Wound Infection Rate in Clean Wounds: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Beal Matthew W. , Brown Dorothy Cimino , Shofer Frances S.
Published: April 2004

Objective—To determine the effects of hypothermia and duration of anesthesia on the infection rate in clean wounds in dogs and cats.

Study Design—Retrospective clinical study.

Sample Population—Seven hundred seventy‐seven dogs and cats undergoing clean surgical procedures.

Methods—Records of animals prospectively evaluated for postoperative wound infection were retrospectively evaluated for the prevalence of perioperative hypothermia. Body temperatures during the perioperative period and the duration of surgery and anesthesia were recorded. Data were analyzed to identify differences between animals with infected and uninfected wounds and multiple logistic regression modeling was used to evaluate the independent contribution of risk factors to the incidence of postoperative wound infection.

Results—No statistically significant differences were found in the analysis of temperature data between animals with infected and uninfected wounds. Duration of anesthesia was significantly greater in animals with wound infections (P= .01). Multiple logistic regression modeling identified duration of anesthesia as a risk factor for postoperative wound infection independent of the duration of surgery.

Conclusions—In animals with clean surgical wounds, mild perioperative hypothermia is not a significant risk factor for postoperative wound infection. The duration of anesthesia, however, is a significant risk factor independent of the duration of surgery.

Clinical Relevance—To decrease the incidence of postoperative wound infection, the duration of anesthesia should be minimized. Surgical time, as well as the time required for ancillary diagnostic tests while under anesthesia should, therefore, be kept to a reasonable minimum.
Tissue Strength and Wound Morphology of the Equine Linea Alba After Ventral Median Celiotomy
Authors: Chism Patricia N. , Latimer Federico G. , Patton C.S. , Rohrbach Barton W. , Blackford James T.
Published: April 2004

Objective—To evaluate the tensile strength and wound morphology of the equine linea alba at intervals over 6 months after ventral median celiotomy.

Study Design—Linea alba tensile strength and wound morphology were determined at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Linea alba samples from 3 unoperated horses were used as controls.

AnimalsEighteen adult horses, weighing 400 to 500 kg, 4 to 15 years old.

Methods—Tensile strength and thickness of incised linea alba samples collected at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks after ventral median celiotomy were compared with control linea alba samples. Additional samples were subjectively evaluated for wound morphology, notably collagen morphology.

Results—Control linea alba had a mean (±SEM) tensile strength of 484.9 ± 58.3 N and was significantly (P≤ .05) stronger than at 2 weeks (87.7 ± 61.4 N) after surgery. The tensile strength of 4‐week (305.8 ± 61.7 N), 8‐week (465.4 ± 56.5 N), and 16‐week (477.8 ± 57.2 N) samples were not significantly different from control linea alba. At 24 weeks, the tensile strength (721.0 ± 57.9 N) was significantly stronger than control. The 2‐, 4‐, and 8‐week samples were significantly thicker than controls, whereas the 16‐ and 24‐week samples were not different from controls. On microscopy, control samples were characterized by dense mature collagen bundles. At 2 weeks, samples consisted primarily of granulation tissue, whereas at 4 weeks, samples had immature collagen fibers that were not formed into bundles, and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks, all samples had abundant mature collagen fibers formed into bundles.

Conclusions—At 8 weeks, incised and sutured equine linea alba had a tensile strength comparable with non‐incised linea alba and was characterized by mature collagen.

Clinical Relevance—Based on tensile strength and wound morphology, horses that have had an uncomplicated recovery after ventral median celiotomy should be able to return to controlled exercise as early as 60 days after surgery.
In Vitro Cyclic Biomechanical Properties of an Interlocking Equine Tibial Nail
Authors: McDuffee Laurie A. , Stover Susan M. , Taylor Kenneth T.
Published: April 2004

Objective— To determine cyclic biomechanical properties of gap osteotomized adult equine tibiae stabilized with an equine interlocking nail (EIN).

Study Design— In vitro experimental biomechanical investigation.

Sample Population— Thirteen adult equine cadaveric tibiae.

Methods— Adult equine tibiae with transverse, midshaft, 1‐cm gap osteotomies, stabilized with an equine interlocking nail, underwent cyclic biomechanical testing in vitro under axial compression, 4‐point bending, and torsion. Different specimens were subjected to different load levels that represented estimated in vivo loads at 2 Hz for 740,000 cycles. Fatigue life and gap strain were calculated.

Results— Compression and bending, but not torsional, fatigue life were longer than time necessary for bone healing. Compressive, but not bending or torsional, gap strains were small enough to be compatible with fracture healing by primary bone formation. Gap strains for compressive, bending, and torsional loads were compatible with indirect, or secondary, bone formation.

Conclusions— Further modification should be made to the equine interlocking nail to increase bending stiffness and torsional fatigue life.

Clinical Relevance— The stainless steel equine intramedullary interlocking nail is unlikely to provide appropriate long‐term stability for fracture healing in adult equine tibiae without modifications in the nail design and material.
The Effect of Changing the Mode of Ventilation on the Arterial‐to‐End‐Tidal CO2Difference and Physiological Dead Space in Laterally and Dorsally Recumbent Horses During Halothane Anesthesia
Authors: Teixeira Neto Francisco J. , Luna Stelio P.L. , Massone Flavio , Thomassian Armen , Vargas José L.R. , Junior José R.S. , D'Utra Beatriz B. , Crocci Adalberto José
Published: April 2004

Objective—To evaluate the effect of changing the mode of ventilation from spontaneous to controlled on the arterial‐to‐end‐tidal CO2difference [P(a‐et)CO2] and physiological dead space (VD(phys)/VT) in laterally and dorsally recumbent halothane‐anesthetized horses.

Study Design—Prospective, experimental, nonrandomized trial.

AnimalsSeven mixed breed adult horses (1 male and 6 female) weighing 320 ±11 kg.

Methods—Horses were anesthetized in 2 positions—right lateral and dorsal recumbency—with a minimum interval of 1 month. Anesthesia was maintained with halothane in oxygen for 180 minutes. Spontaneous ventilation (SV) was used for 90 minutes followed by 90 minutes of controlled ventilation (CV). The same ventilator settings were used for both laterally and dorsally recumbent horses. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed every 30 minutes during anesthesia. End‐tidal CO2(PetCO2) was measured continuously. P(a‐et)CO2and VD(phys)/VTwere calculated. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance for repeated measures over time, followed by Student‐Newman‐Keuls test. Comparison between groups was performed using a pairedttest;P< .05 was considered significant.

Results—P(a‐et)CO2and VD(phys)/VTincreased during SV, whereas CV reduced these variables. The variables did not change significantly throughout mechanical ventilation in either group. Dorsally recumbent horses showed greater P(a‐et)CO2and VD(phys)/VTvalues throughout. PaCO2was greater during CV in dorsally positioned horses.

Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceChanging the mode of ventilation from spontaneous to controlled was effective in reducing P(a‐et)CO2and physiological dead space in both laterally and dorsally recumbent halothane‐anesthetized horses. Dorsal recumbency resulted in greater impairment of effective ventilation. Capnometry has a limited value for accurate estimation of PaCO2in anesthetized horses, although it may be used to evaluate pulmonary function when paired with arterial blood gas analysis.
Endovascular Stent Graft Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in High‐Risk Patients:
Authors: ALLAQABAND SUHAIL , MORTADA MOHAMMAD E. , TUMULURI RAMAGOPAL , KUMAR ASHOK , BAJWA TANVIR K.
Published: April 2004

Background: Endovascular stent graft (EVG) repair can be a safe alternative to open surgical repair to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in high‐risk patients. We report our results with EVG repair in such high‐risk patients at our institution.

Objectives: We wanted to show that EVG repair can be performed successfully and with a low complication rate in patients with serious comorbidities.

Methods: All patients prospectively studied underwent EVG repair of AAA from February 2000 to July 2002.

Results: Of the 60 patients studied, 45 (75%) were high‐risk surgical candidates because of associated comorbidities; their aneurysms ranged from 4.5 to 10 cm (mean: 5.7 ± 1.2 cm). Fifty‐nine of 60 patients (98.3%) were treated successfully. Two (3.3%) who underwent surgical intervention for site‐related complications died from postoperative complications. Hospital stay was <48 hours in 46 (77%) patients.

Conclusion: Our preliminary results show that EVG is safe, feasible, and yields excellent technical success even in patients at high risk for complications. Teamwork between interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons is advised. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:71–79)
Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients Previously Considered “Without Option”:
Authors: LOWE HARRAY C. , OESTERLE STEPHEN N. , HE K.L. , MACNEILL B.D. , BURKHOFF DANIEL
Published: April 2004

Objectives: The present study assesses clinical outcomes in patients from the Potential Angina Class Improvement From Intramyocardial Channels (PACIFIC) trial of percutaneous transmyocardial revascularization (PTMR) who had previously been considered “no‐option,” but who subsequently underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for continuing symptoms.

Background: Patients with advanced symptomatic coronary artery disease who are not candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or PCI comprise an important group, for which no established treatment is currently available. These patients have been described as having “no option,” and are currently targeted for various experimental therapies. One such proposed therapy, PTMR, was recently examined in the PACIFIC trial. A subgroup of patients in this trial subsequently underwent PCI, although to initially qualify for the study they had previously been considered as unsuitable for PCI and as having “no option.” The therapeutic benefit of PCI for patients of this type is unknown.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on data obtained from all subjects of the PACIFIC study who underwent PCI within the 12‐month follow‐up period.

Results: Ten subjects originally randomized to PTMR and 11 subjects from the medical treatment group underwent PCI. Most had undergone at least one prior PCI and at least one CABG, and there was a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Despite excellent immediate procedural success, PCI resulted in only modest, statistically nonsignificant increases in mean exercise duration, small improvements in angina status, and no significant improvements in quality of life.

Conclusions: These data suggest that PCI provides only marginal—if any—symptomatic benefit in these patients. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:87–91)
Pretreatment attrition and dropout in an outpatient clinic for anxiety disorders
Authors: Issakidis C. , Andrews G.
Published: April 2004

Objective:  Treatment attrition represents a considerable problem for efficient delivery of care for mental disorders. The present study examined rates and predictors of pretreatment attrition and dropout from outpatient treatment for anxiety disorders.

Method:  The influence of clinical, demographic, clinician and system variables on pretreatment attrition (treatment refusal or non‐attendance) and dropout were analysed in a consecutive sample of 731 clients treated at an anxiety disorders clinic in Sydney.

Results:  Pretreatment attrition was common (30.4%) but dropout once clients had commenced treatment was rare (10.3%). Milder pretreatment symptoms were associated with treatment dropout and comorbid depression or depressive symptoms were associated with higher probability of both pretreatment attrition and dropout. Demographic, clinician and system influences were present but less important.

Conclusion:  Targeting of individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression may reduce treatment attrition rates among individuals with anxiety disorders presenting for treatment.
Attachment security and parental bonding in adults with obsessive‐compulsive disorder: a comparison with depressed out‐patients and healthy controls
Authors: Myhr G. , Sookman D. , Pinard G.
Published: April 2004

Objective:  This study examines concurrent associations of attachment security, psychopathology and recollections of early parental interactions, in adults with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and in healthy controls.

Method:  Thirty‐six out‐patients with OCD, 16 depressed out‐patients and 26 controls were asked to fill out the Revised Adult Attachment Scale and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI).

Results:  OCD and depressed groups were more insecure than controls. The depressed group recalled less caring mothers than the OCD group, while the OCD group was indistinguishable from controls on PBI measures. Married status was associated with greater security, but also with recollections of greater parental control, and lower maternal care.

Conclusion:  OCD and depressed groups demonstrated greater attachment insecurity than controls. No clear relationship emerged between security and PBI recollections. The PBI may not measure aspects of early interactions essential for later attachment security, or recollections may be biased according to diagnosis or attachment style.
Novel antipsychotics in bipolar and schizoaffective mania
Authors: Mensink G. J. R. , Slooff C. J.
Published: April 2004

Objective:  Novel antipsychotics are increasingly used in the treatment of bipolar and schizoaffective mania. This paper presents an overview of the controlled studies in this field.

Method:  Using cross‐references, a computerized search was performed on MEDLINE and EMBASE psychiatry covering the period 1990–2002.

Results:  Olanzapine and risperidone, added to mood stabilizers, and olanzapine as monotherapy enjoy the most evidential support in terms of efficacy and side‐effect profile for their use in acute bipolar mania. The use of modern antipsychotics in bipolar prophylaxis and in both the short‐ and long‐term treatment of schizomania has not been widely studied yet.

Conclusion:  More controlled trials are still needed comparing modern antipsychotics as monotherapy and adjunctive to mood stabilizers with conventional antipsychotics, lithium, anticonvulsants and with each other in short‐term and, especially, maintenance treatment of (schizo)mania. Partly based on controlled studies, olanzapine, risperidone and other modern antipsychotics could become preferable for these indications.
Mood changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period: development of a biopsychosocial model
Authors: Ross L. E. , Sellers E. M. , Gilbert Evans S. E. , Romach M. K.
Published: April 2004

Objective:  Women are vulnerable to mood changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We set out to empirically test the hypothesis that biological and psychosocial variables interact to result in this vulnerability.

Method:  Using structural equation modeling techniques, we developed an integrative model of perinatal mood changes from clinical, psychosocial, hormone and mood data collected from 150 women in late pregnancy and at 6‐weeks postpartum.

Results:  In the prenatal model, biological variables had no direct effect on depressive symptoms. However, they did act indirectly through their significant effects on psychosocial stressors and symptoms of anxiety. The same model did not fit the postpartum data, suggesting that different causal variables may be implicated in postpartum mood.

Conclusion:  This model demonstrates the importance of considering both biological and psychosocial variables in complex health conditions such as perinatal mood disorders.
Insights into the Phosphoregulation of β‐Secretase Sorting Signal by the VHS Domain of GGA1
Authors: Shiba Tomoo , Kametaka Satoshi , Kawasaki Masato , Shibata Masahiro , Waguri Satoshi , Uchiyama Yasuo , Wakatsuki Soichi
Published: April 2004

BACE (β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme, β‐secretase) is a type‐I membrane protein which functions as an aspartic protease in the production of β‐amyloid peptide, a causative agent of Alzheimer's disease. Its cytoplasmic tail has a characteristic acidic‐cluster dileucine motif recognized by the VHS domain of adaptor proteins, GGAs (Golgi‐localizing, γ‐adaptin ear homology domain, ARF‐interacting). Here we show that BACE is colocalized with GGAs in the trans‐Golgi network and peripheral structures, and phosphorylation of a serine residue in the cytoplasmic tail enhances interaction with the VHS domain of GGA1 by about threefold. The X‐ray crystal structure of the complex between the GGA1‐VHS domain and the BACE C‐terminal peptide illustrates a similar recognition mechanism as mannose 6‐phosphate receptors except that a glutamine residue closes in to fill the gap created by the shorter BACE peptide. The serine and lysine of the BACE peptide point their side chains towards the solvent. However, phosphorylation of the serine affects the lysine side chain and the peptide backbone, resulting in one additional hydrogen bond and a stronger electrostatic interaction with the VHS domain, hence the reversible increase in affinity.
VisBio: A Computational Tool for Visualization of Multidimensional Biological Image Data
Authors: Rueden Curtis , Eliceiri Kevin W. , White John G.
Published: April 2004

New laser scanning microscopy techniques enable biologists to acquire larger, more complex image datasets. Emerging imaging modalities such as multispectral, harmonic, and fluorescence lifetime can generate data with six or more dimensions; however, existing software is not well suited to the visualization or analysis of such data. To address these concerns, we have developed VisBio, an application and toolkit for visualization and analysis of multidimensional, biological image data of any dimensionality.
Something Warm, Something New
Authors: Crowley Thomas J.
Published: April 2004

The Discovery of Global Warming
. by Spencer R. Weart. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 2003. 240 pp. $24.95, £16.95, €23.10. ISBN 0-674-01157-0.

Writing for a general audience, Weart offers a narrative account of the century of research that has led to the conclusion that the buildup of greenhouse gases from human activity is warming Earth's climate.
Protein Displacement by DExH/D "RNA Helicases" Without Duplex Unwinding
Authors: Fairman Margaret E. , Maroney Patricia A. , Wang Wen , Bowers Heath A. , Gollnick Paul , Nilsen Timothy W. , Jankowsky Eckhard
Published: April 2004

Members of the DExH/D superfamily of nucleic acid–activated nucleotide triphosphatases are essential for virtually all aspects of RNA metabolism, including pre–messenger RNA splicing, RNA interference, translation, and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking. Physiological substrates for these enzymes are thought to be regions of double-stranded RNA, because several DExH/D proteins catalyze strand separation in vitro. These “RNA helicases” can also disrupt RNA-protein interactions, but it is unclear whether this activity is coupled to duplex unwinding. Here we demonstrate that two unrelated DExH/D proteins catalyze protein displacement independently of duplex unwinding. Therefore, the essential functions of DExH/D proteins are not confined to RNA duplexes but can be exerted on a wide range of ribonucleoprotein substrates.
Formation of Hollow Nanocrystals Through the Nanoscale Kirkendall Effect
Authors: Yin Yadong , Rioux Robert M. , Erdonmez Can K. , Hughes Steven , Somorjai Gabor A. , Alivisatos A. Paul
Published: April 2004

Hollow nanocrystals can be synthesized through a mechanism analogous to the Kirkendall Effect, in which pores form because of the difference in diffusion rates between two components in a diffusion couple. Starting with cobalt nanocrystals, we show that their reaction in solution with oxygen and either sulfur or selenium leads to the formation of hollow nanocrystals of the resulting oxide and chalcogenides. This process provides a general route to the synthesis of hollow nanostructures of a large number of compounds. A simple extension of the process yielded platinum–cobalt oxide yolk-shell nanostructures, which may serve as nanoscale reactors in catalytic applications.
PATTERN FORMING DYNAMICAL INSTABILITIES OF BOSE–EINSTEIN CONDENSATES
Authors: KEVREKIDIS P. G. , FRANTZESKAKIS D. J.
Published: April 2004

In this short topical review, we revisit a number of works on the pattern-forming dynamical instabilities of Bose–Einstein condensates in one- and two-dimensional settings. In particular, we illustrate the trapping conditions that allow the reduction of the three-dimensional, mean field description of the condensates (through the Gross–Pitaevskii equation) to such lower dimensional settings, as well as to lattice settings. We then go on to study the modulational instability in one dimension and the snaking/transverse instability in two dimensions as typical examples of long-wavelength perturbations that can destabilize the condensates and lead to the formation of patterns of coherent structures in them. Trains of solitons in one dimension and vortex arrays in two dimensions are prototypical examples of the resulting nonlinear waveforms, upon which we briefly touch at the end of this review.
AN EXTENSION OF THE VAN DER WAALS EQUATION OF STATE
Authors: TIAN JIANXIANG , GUI YUANXING
Published: April 2004

We extend the Van der Waals equation of state to a universal form and find that the Van der Waals equation of state is a special condition of this form. Then a good form of the equation of state for a balanced liquid-gas coexistence canonical argon-like system is given. The localization of this universal form concludes the paper.
CUSTOMIZING COMPONENT-BASED SOFTWARE USING COMPONENT COORDINATION MODEL: A USE-CONTEXT DRIVEN APPROACH TOWARD ROLE-BASED MODEL
Authors: OLARNSAKUL MATHEE , BATANOV DENTCHO N.
Published: April 2004

In this paper, we introduce a component coordination model (CCM) that is embedded into the applications during software architecture design. The CCM is driven by the use-context model, which directly reflects the role-based model that abstracts system behaviors as a computational organization comprising various role relationships. It then focuses on exposing the design of software components to be separated from their execution contexts. These separate concerns — computation, coordination, and policies imposed on a given use-context — form the principal concept of our approach. Finally, a case study using the proposed model has been demonstrated in order to provide the feasibility of the introduced approach.
NUMERICAL APPROXIMATION OF CONTROLLABILITY OF TRAJECTORIES FOR EULER–BERNOULLI THERMOELASTIC PLATES
Authors: GERVASIO PAOLA , NASO MARIA GRAZIA
Published: April 2004

Euler–Bernoulli thermoelastic plate model with a control function in the thermal equation is considered. This paper is devoted to the analysis and construction of the minimization procedure related to the controllability of its trajectories by applying both penalty and duality arguments. Numerical approximation of the optimality system is carried out through the use of spectral element methods in space and finite difference schemes in time. Numerical results obtained on several test cases are shown.
RISING ATMOSPHERIC CARBON DIOXIDE: Plants FACE the Future
Authors: Long Stephen P. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A. , Rogers Alistair , Ort Donald R.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Atmospheric CO2concentration ([CO2]) is now higher than it was at any time in the past 26 million years and is expected to nearly double during this century. Terrestrial plants with the C3photosynthetic pathway respond in the short term to increased [CO2] via increased net photosynthesis and decreased transpiration. In the longer term this increase is often offset by downregulation of photosynthetic capacity. But much of what is currently known about plant responses to elevated [CO2] comes from enclosure studies, where the responses of plants may be modified by size constraints and the limited life-cycle stages that are examined. Free-Air CO2Enrichment (FACE) was developed as a means to grow plants in the field at controlled elevation of CO2under fully open-air field conditions. The findings of FACE experiments are quantitatively summarized via meta-analytic statistics and compared to findings from chamber studies. Although trends agree with parallel summaries of enclosure studies, important quantitative differences emerge that have important implications both for predicting the future terrestrial biosphere and understanding how crops may need to be adapted to the changed and changing atmosphere.
HOW DO CROP PLANTS TOLERATE ACID SOILS? MECHANISMS OF ALUMINUM TOLERANCE AND PHOSPHOROUS EFFICIENCY
Authors: Kochian Leon V. , Hoekenga Owen A. , Piñeros Miguel A.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Acid soils significantly limit crop production worldwide because approximately 50% of the world's potentially arable soils are acidic. Because acid soils are such an important constraint to agriculture, understanding the mechanisms and genes conferring tolerance to acid soil stress has been a focus of intense research interest over the past decade. The primary limitations on acid soils are toxic levels of aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn), as well as suboptimal levels of phosphorous (P). This review examines our current understanding of the physiological, genetic, and molecular basis for crop Al tolerance, as well as reviews the emerging area of P efficiency, which involves the genetically based ability of some crop genotypes to tolerate P deficiency stress on acid soils. These are interesting times for this field because researchers are on the verge of identifying some of the genes that confer Al tolerance in crop plants; these discoveries will open up new avenues of molecular/physiological inquiry that should greatly advance our understanding of these tolerance mechanisms. Additionally, these breakthroughs will provide new molecular resources for improving crop Al tolerance via both molecular-assisted breeding and biotechnology.