bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFA supplementation in children with inattention, hyperactivity, and other disruptive behaviors
Authors: Stevens Laura , Zhang Wen , Peck Louise , Kuczek Thomas , Grevstad Nels , Mahon Anne , Zentall Sydney S. , Eugene Arnold L. , Burgess John R.
Published: October 2008

This pilot study evaluated the effects of supplementation with PUFA on blood FA composition and behavior in children with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)‐like symptoms also reporting thirst and skin problems. Fifty children were randomized to treatment groups receiving either a PUFA supplement providing a daily dose of 480 mg DHA, 80 mg EPA, 40 mg arachidonic acid (AA), 96 mg GLA, and 24 mg α‐tocopheryl acetate, or an olive oil placebo for 4 mon of doubleblind parallel treatment. Supplementation with the PUFA led to a substantial increase in the proportions of EPA, DHA, and α‐tocopherol in the plasma phospholipids and red blood cell (RBC) total lipids, but an increase was noted in the plasma phospholipid proportions of 18∶3n‐3 with olive oil as well. Significant improvements in multiple but outcomes (as rated by parents) were noted in both groups, but a clear benefit from PUFA supplementation for all behaviors characteristic of AD/HD was not observed. For most outcomes, improvement of the PUFA group was consistently nominally better than that of the olive oil group; but the treatment difference was significantly, by secondary intent‐to‐treat analysis on only 2 out of 16 outcome measures: conduct problems rated by parents (−42.7 vs. −9.9%, n=47, P=0.05), and attention symptoms rated by teachers (−14.8 vs. +3.4%, n=47, P=0.03). PUFA supplementation led to a greater number of participants showing improvement in oppositional defiant behavior from a clinical to a nonclinical range compared with olive oil supplementation (8 out of 12 vs. 3 out of 11, n=33, P=0.02). Also, significant correlations were observed when comparing the magnitude of change between increasing proportions of EPA in the RBC and decreasing disruptive behavior as assessed by the Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire (ASQ) for parents (r=−0.38, n=31, P<0.05), and for EPA and DHA in the RBC and the teachers' Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD) Rating Scale for Attention (r=−0.49, n=24, P<0.05). Interestingly, significant correlations were observed between the magnitude of increase in α‐tocopherol concentrations in the RBC and a decrease in scores for all four subscales of the teacher's DBD (Hyperactivity, r=−0.45; Attention, r=−0.60; Conduct, r=−0.41; Oppositional/Defiant Disorder, r=−0.54; n=24, P<0.05) as well as the ASQ for teachers (r=−0.51, n=24, P<0.05). Thus, the results of this pilot study suggest the need for further research with both n−3 FA and vitamin E in children with behavioral disorders.
Effect of orlistat on fat absorption in rats: A comparison of normal rats and rats with diverted bile and pancreatic juice
Authors: Porsgaard Trine , Straarup Ellen Marie , Mu Huiling , Høy Carl‐Erik
Published: October 2008

Orlistat is a specific inhibitor of pancreatic and gastric lipases leading to decreased absorption of fat. In the present study, we measured the effect of orlistat on lymphatic fat transport in rats following intake of oils very different in FA composition and TAG, structure, and compared this with the transport in normal rats and rats with fat malabsorption. Rats were subjected to cannulation of the main mesenteric lymph duct, and a feeding catheter was inserted into the stomach. In addition, malabsorbing rats were cannulated in the common bile and pancreatic duct. Emulsified safflower, fish, and randomized oils were administered, and lymph was collected for 24 h and analyzed for FA composition. Administration of 25 mg orlistat together with the dietary oils resulted in very small changes from baseline lymphatic transport, indicating that inhibition of the fat absorption was almost complete and furthermore that the source of fat had no influence on the inhibitory effect of orlistat. Orlistat did not interfere with the absorption of the hydrolysis products, since high absorption of sn‐2 MAG and FFA (oleic acid) mixed with orlistat was observed. The baseline lymphatic transport in the orlistat group was higher than in the malabsorbing group, but this was the result of generally lower transport of endogenous FA in the malabsorbing group, presumably caused by the absence of bile FA. The transport of FA in normal rats was several‐fold higher than the transport after orlistat addition and in malabsorbing rats. Thus, this study showed that orlistat inhibited fat hydrolysis, and thereby lymphatic absorption, almost completely independently of the fat administered.
Dietary α‐linolenic acid increases the n−3 PUFA content of sow's milk and the tissues of the suckling piglet
Authors: Bazinet Richard P. , McMillan Ewen G. , Cunnane Stephen C.
Published: October 2008

α‐Linolenic acid (18∶3n−3) is a precursor to DHA (22∶6n−3), which is essential for normal growth and development in the infant. This study was undertaken to assess how a raised 18∶3n−3 intake in sows affects the n−3 PUFA content of the suckling piglet. Sows consumed a high‐ 18∶3n−3 or control diet (n−3 PUFA/n−6 PUFA, 0.5 vs. 0.05, respectively) for 10 d prior to parturition and for 14 d postpartum. Piglets suckled from their mothers until 14 d of age, when they were sacrificed. Sows consuming the high‐18∶3n−3 diet had 141% more 18∶3n−3 and 86% more 22∶6n−3 in their milk compared to control sows. There was no difference in the proximate composition of the piglets. The n−3/n−6 PUFA ratio was 82% higher in the milk of sows consuming the high‐18∶3n−3 diet compared to controls. Piglets suckling from sows consuming the high‐18∶3n−3 die had 423% more 18∶3n−3 in the carcass as well as a 460% higher n−3/n−6 PUFA ratio than controls. The piglets suckling from sows consuming the high‐18∶3n−3 diet had 333% more 18∶3n−3 and 54% more 22∶6n−3 in the liver, as well as a 114% higher n−3/n−6 ratio than control piglets. Piglets suckling from sows consuming a high‐18∶3n−3 diet also had 24% more 22∶6n−3 and a 33% higher n−3/n−6 ratio in the brain compared to control piglets. A high 18∶3n−3 intake in the sow increases not only the 18∶3n−3 but also the 22∶6n−3 content of sow's milk and the tissues of the suckling piglet.
Stearic acid stimulates FA ethyl ester synthesis in HepG2 cells exposed to ethanol
Authors: Hasaba Ali , Cluette‐Brown Joanne E. , Laposata Michael
Published: October 2008

FA ethyl esters (FAEE) are nonoxidative metabolites of ethanol produced by the esterification of FA and ethanol. FAFF have been implicated as mediators of ethanol‐induced organ damage in vivo and in vitro, and are markers of ethanol intake. Upon ethanol intake, FAEE are synthesized in the liver and pancreas in significant quantities. There is limited information on the stimulation of FAEE synthesis upon addition of exogenous FA in vitro. HepG2 cells were incubated with ethanol alone, ethanol with 25 μM linoleate, and ethanol with 25 μM stearate. The amount of FAFF in human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells was determined 1–3 h after ethanol and FA addition. Stearate increased the FAEE concentration in HepG2 cells when incubated with the cells for 1 h, whereas linoleate did not increase the cellular FAEE concentration at any time. Ethyl palmitate, ethyl stearate, and ethyl oleate were the predominant FAEE species identified in all cases, independent of the specific supplemental FA added to the medium.
Inhibitory action of emulsified sulfoquinovosyl acylglycerol on mammalian DNA polymerases
Authors: Mizushina Yoshiyuki , Maeda Naoki , Kawasaki Miho , Ichikawa Hideki , Murakami Chikako , Takemura Masaharu , Xu Xianai , Sugawara Fumio , Fukumori Yoshinobu , Yoshida Hiromi , Sakaguchi Kengo
Published: October 2008

We reported previously that sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol and sulfoquinovosyl monoacylglycerol (SQDG/SQMG) are potent inhibitors of mammalian DNA polymerases and DNA topoisomerase II, and can be potent immunosuppressive agents and anticancer chemotherapy agents [Matsumoto, Y., Sahara, H., Fujita T., Shimozawa, K., Takenouchi, M., Torigoe, T., Hanashima, S., Yamazaki, T., Takahashi, S., Sugawara, F., et al., An Immunosuppressive Effect by Synthetic Sulfonolipids Deduced from Sulfonoquinovosyl Diacylglycerols of Sea Urchin, Transplantation 74, 261–267 (2002); Sahara, H., Hanashima, S., Yamazaki, T., Takahashi, S., Sugawara, F., Ohtani, S., Ishikawa, M., Mizushina, Y., Ohta, K., Shimozawa, K., et al., Anti‐tumor Effect of Chemically Synthesized Sulfolipids Based on Sea Urchin's Natural Sulfonoquinovosylmonoacylglycerols, Jpn. J. Cancer Res. 93, 85–92 (2002)]. In those experiments, the in vivo effectiveness greatly depended on the degree of water solubility of SQDG/SQMG. In the present work, we studied the emulsification of SQDG/SQMG in terms of their use in in vivo experiments. Lipid emulsions containing SQDG/SQMG (oil‐in‐water emulsions) in which the particle size was smaller than 100 nm were designed and synthesized, and then the biochemical modes of emulsified SQDG/SQMG were studied in comparison with those of SQDG/SQMG solubilized by DMSO. Emulsified SQDG/SQMG are also selective mammalian DNA polymerase inhibitors and potent antineoplastic agents but do not inhibit the DNA topoisomerase II activity. The growth inhibition effect of emulsified SQMG to NUGC‐3 cancer cells was twofold stronger than DMSO‐soluble, SQMG (69 and 151 μM, respectively). From these results, the properties of lipid emulsions containing SQDG/SQMG and their possible use in in vivo experiments including clinical use are discussed.
On the origin of cis‐vaccenic acid photodegradation products in the marine environment
Authors: Rontani Jean‐François , Koblížek Michal , Beker Béatriz , Bonin Patricia , Kolber Zbigniew S.
Published: October 2008

The origin of 11‐hydroxyoctadec‐trans‐12‐enoic and 12‐hydroxyoctadec‐trans‐10‐enoic acids (photodegradation products of cis‐vaccenic acid) in the marine environment was investigated. cis‐vaccenic acid is commonly used as a bacterial biomarker; however, in heterotrophic bacteria the observed rates of cis‐vaccenic acid photodegradation are negligible. Here, two hypotheses explaining the source of the photoproducts were tested. According to the first hypothesis, the photoproducts originate from aerobic anoxygenic bacteria, i.e., photoheterotrophic organisms using bacteriochlorophyll‐containing reaction centers. Alternatively, the photoproducts come from a heterotrophic bacterial community closely associated with senescent phytoplanktonic cells. cis‐Vaccenic acid photodegradation was detected in both experimental setups. However, a detailed comparison of the cis‐vaccenic acid photodegradation patterns with those observed in particulate matter samples of the DYFAMED station (Mediterranean Sea) suggests that photodegradation of heterotrophic bacteria attached to senescent phytoplanktonic cells constitutes the more likely source of cis‐vaccenic acid oxidation products detected in situ.
Fatty acids of lipid fractions in extracellular polymeric substances of activated sludge flocs
Authors: Conrad Arnaud , Kontro Merja , Keinänen Minna M. , Cadoret Aurore , Faure Pierre , Mansuy‐Huault Laurence , Block Jean‐Claude
Published: October 2008

Phospholipid (PL), glycolipid (GL), and neutral lipid (NL) FA, and the lipopolysaccharide 2‐ and 3‐hydroxy (LPS 2‐OH and 3‐OH) FA of activated sludges and extracted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were determined on samples collected from two wastewater treatment plants. EPS extracted from sludges by means of sonication and cation exchange contained proteins (43.4%), humic‐like substances (11.5%), nucleic acids (10.9%), carbohydrates (9.9%), and lipid‐bound FA (1.8%). The lipids associated with EPS were composed of GL, PL, NL, and LPS acids in proportions of 61, 21, 16, and 2%, respectively. The profiles of lipid‐bound FA in activated sludges and EPS were similar (around 85 separate FA were identified). The FA signatures observed can be attributed to the likely presence of yeasts, fungi, sulfate‐reducing bacteria, gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria, and, in lesser quantities, mycobacteria. Comparison of data from the dates of sampling (January and September) showed that there were more unsaturated PLFA in the EPS extracted from the activated sludges sampled in January. This observation could be partly related to microorganism adaptation to temperature variations. The comparison between two wastewater treatment plants showed that the FA profiles were similar, although differences in microbial community structure were also seen. Most of the FA in sludges had an even number of carbons.
Two Novel Ceramides with a Phytosphingolipid and a Tertiary Amide Structure from Zephyranthes candida
Authors: Wu Zhi‐ping , Chen Yu , Xia Bing , Wang Ming , Dong Yun‐Fa , Feng Xu
Published: October 2008

Two novel ceramides, Candidamide A (1) with a phytosphingolipid structure, and Candidamide B (2) with a tertiary amide structure, together with 12 known compounds (3–14) have been isolated from the bulbs of Zephyranthes candida, The structures of 1 and 2 have been elucidated to be 1,3,5,6‐tetrahydroxy‐2‐(2′‐hydroxytetracosanoyl amino)‐8‐(E)‐octadecadiene (1) and (2S,3S,4R,8E,2′R)‐2‐[N‐(2′‐hydroxyoctadecanoyl)‐N‐(1′′,2′′‐dihydroxyethyl)‐amino]‐8‐hexacosene‐1,3,4‐triol (2) on the basis of spectroscopic evidence including IR, MS, NMR (1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, DEPT, 1H–1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC). The known compounds were identified as (2S)‐3′,7‐dihydroxy‐4′‐methoxyflavan (3), (2S)‐4′‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxyflavan (4), (2S)‐4′,7‐dihydroxyflavan (5), 7‐hydroxy‐3′, 4′‐methylenedioxyflavan (6), ambrettolide (7), β‐sitostero1 (8), β‐daucosterin (9), rutin (10), pancratistatin (11), lycorine (12), haemanthidine (13), and haemanthamine (14). In the antimicrobial assay, candidamide A (1) and candidamide B (2) displayed moderate activities against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and fungi Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum.
NMR, GC–MS and ESI‐FTICR‐MS Profiling of Fatty Acids and Triacylglycerols in Some Botswana Seed Oils
Authors: Mitei Y. C. , Ngila J. C. , Yeboah S. O. , Wessjohann L. , Schmidt J.
Published: October 2008

In the search for non‐traditional seed oils, physicochemical parameters, fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) profiles for five Botswana seed oils, obtained by Soxhlet extraction, were determined. GC–MS and 1H‐NMR analyses showed the FA profiles for mkukubuyo, Sterculia africana, and manketti, Ricinodendron rautanenii, seed oils dominated by linoleic and oleic acids, 26.1, 16.7 and 51.9, 24.4%, respectively, with S. africana containing significant amounts of cyclic FAs (19.9%). Mokolwane, Hyphaene petersiana, seed oil was typically lauric; 12:0 and 14:0 acids were 25.9 and 13.4%, respectively. Morama, Tylosema esculentum, seed oil resembled olive oil; 18:1 (47.3%) and 18:2 (23.4%) acids dominated. Moretologa‐kgomo, Ximenia caffra, seed oil had 45.8% of 18:1 FA, plus significant amounts of very long chain FAs: 26:1 (5.8%), 28:1 (13.9%), 30:1 (3.9%), and acetylenic acids, 9a‐18:1 (1.5%) and 9a, 11t‐18:2 (16.0%). TAG classes and regiochemistry were determined with ESI‐FTICR‐MS, and 13C‐NMR spectra, respectively. Morama showed seven major TAG classes with C54:4 and C54:3 dominating; mokolwane had 16 major classes with C32:0, C38:0 and C42:2 dominating; manketti had 11 major classes with C54:7, C54:6 and C54:4 dominating; mkukubuyo had 12 major classes with C52:4, C52:3 and C54:4 dominating; moretologa‐kgomo had 30 major TAG classes with C64:5, C64:3 and C62:3 dominating. Saturated FAs were generally distributed over the sn‐1(3) position for morama, manketti, and moretologa‐kgomo but at the sn‐2 position for mokolwane and mkukubuyo. These findings indicate that morama and manketti seed oils can be developed for food uses, whilst moretologa‐kgomo and mkukubuyo seed oils only for nonfood uses.
Neonatal immune challenge affects the regulation of estrus cyclicity and feeding behavior in female rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Murakami Masahiro , Kinouchi Riyo , Shimizu Fumi , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru
Published: October 2008

A single immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the neonatal period has a long‐lasting influence on immune response. Using female Sprague–Dawley rats, we examined whether neonatal LPS challenge influences the life‐long neuroendocrine sensitivity of reproductive function and feeding behavior to LPS, and whether stress‐related neuropeptides and their receptors are involved in neonatal LPS‐induced physiological change. On day 10 after birth, all pups were injected with LPS (100 μg/kg, i.p.) or saline. Then, in Experiment 1, LPS (100 μg/kg, i.p.) or saline was injected at diestrous in adulthood, and the length of the estrous cycle, 24 h food intake and body weight change were recorded. In Experiment 2, the mRNA expression levels of corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), urocortin (UCN), urocortin 2 (UCN2), CRH receptor type 1 (CRH‐R1) and CRH receptor type 2 (CRH‐R2) in the hypothalamus were measured using real‐time PCR. LPS injection in adulthood prolonged the estrous cycle in neonatal LPS‐injected rats. LPS injection in adulthood decreased food intake and body weight in both neonatal LPS‐ and saline‐injected rats, more so in the latter. Basal expressions of UCN2 and CRH‐R2 mRNA were higher in neonatal LPS‐injected rats than in saline‐injected rats. These findings indicate that neonatal immune challenge influences the anti‐stress regulation of the estrous cycle and feeding behavior in adulthood. Increased expression of UCN2 and CRH‐R2 might enhance the sensitivity of the estrous cycle in suppressing the effects of LPS.
Phylogenetic Study of Dengue‐3 Virus in Taiwan with Sequence Analysis of the Core Gene
Authors: Tung Yi‐Ching , Lin Kuei‐Hsiang , Chang Ko , Ke Liang‐Yin , Ke Guan‐Ming , Lu Po‐Liang , Lin Chun‐Yu , Chen Yen‐Hsu , Chiang Horn‐Che
Published: October 2008

Dengue virus serotype 3 (dengue‐3) has been classified into five genotypes (I–V) by phylogenetic analysis based on different viral genes. To investigate the genetic variability and evolutionary character of the dengue‐3 isolates in southern Taiwan from 2005 to 2006, we analyzed the 290 nucleotides of the core (C) gene of 12 dengue‐3 isolates and compared them with the published C gene sequences of global dengue‐3 strains available in GenBank, including four isolates from 1998 and one isolate from 1999, from Taiwan. The dengue‐3 viruses from 2005 to 2006 were not from continuous spread of an epidemic strain or re‐emergence of the 2005 strains in the 2‐year period because there was a 5.4–6.2% difference in the 290 nucleotides of the C gene and different genotypes between the 2005 and 2006 strains. Most of the nucleotide changes, compared with a prototype dengue‐3 virus, H87, occurred in the third codon position and were non‐synonymous mutations occurring naturally in the C gene. In addition, there was no consistent difference in the 290 nucleotides of the C gene between eight dengue fever and two dengue hemorrhagic fever isolates from 2006. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that the isolates from the 1998, 1999 and 2006 Taiwan dengue‐3 epidemics are phylogenetically related and belong to genotype III. It was noted that the 2005 Taiwan dengue‐3 isolates belong to another genotype. This molecular epidemiology study of dengue‐3 viruses in Taiwan helps to elucidate whether there is a continuation of outbreaks in consecutive years, re‐emergence of endemic dengue virus, or introduction of strains from other countries.
Factors Related to Abstinence from Drug Use and Seeking Help from Medical Services in Taiwanese Heroin and Methamphetamine Users
Authors: Yen Chia‐Nan , Tang Tze‐Chun , Liu Shu‐Chun , Liu By‐Yu , Chang Hsiu‐Tao , Yen Cheng‐Fang
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to examine the factors related to abstinence from heroin and methamphetamine (MAMP) use and to seeking help from medical services in Taiwanese drug users. Atotal of 196 heroin users and 226 MAMP users were recruited in this study. Their experience of previous abstinence from drug use and the routes taken to seek help for abstinence were determined at interview. Demographic data, characteristics of drug use and reasons to abstain from drug use were compared between subjects who had and those who had never tried to abstain from drug use before, as well as between the subjects who had previously sought help from medical services and those who had tried to abstain from drug use by themselves. Those who had previously tried to abstain from heroin use had longer durations of heroin use, spent more money on getting heroin, were more likely to have a criminal record of illicit drug use and had longer durations of being detained due to illicit drug use compared with those who had never tried to abstain from heroin use. Those who had sought help from medical services for abstinence were more likely to be heroin users and to spend more money on getting illicit drugs, and tried to abstain due to concerns about relationships with family. Demographic data, characteristics of drug use and reasons to abstain from drug use were different between drug users who had different experiences of abstinence.
Treatment for Frozen Shoulder Combined with Calcific Tendinitis of the Supraspinatus
Authors: Chen Shen‐Kai , Chou Pei‐Hsi , Lue Yi‐Jing , Lu Yen‐Mou
Published: October 2008

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a process that involves calcium deposition in the rotator cuff tendons. It is usually a self‐limiting process and is often chronic in nature. However, it can lead to acute pain resulting in frozen shoulder syndrome. We report 32 cases in which frozen shoulder was associated with calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus. The aim of this study was to use arthroscopic brisement of the glenohumeral joint and make multiple punctures in the calcific spot to treat the frozen shoulder associated with calcific tendinitis of the supraspinatus. In our study, 30 patients had satisfactory results after a 2‐year follow‐up. Five patients experienced some postoperative calcium shadows, but there was also greater improvement in the range of motion and pain relief in this study compared with other reports in the literature of frozen shoulder cases.
Successful Weaning Predictors in a Respiratory Care Center in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Pei‐Hsuan , Hung Jen‐Yu , Yang Chih‐Jen , Tsai Jong‐Rung , Wang Tung‐Heng , Lee Jung‐Chen , Huang Ming‐Shyang
Published: October 2008

Respiratory care centers (RCCs) provide effective care for patients who have been in intensive care and have undergone prolonged mechanical ventilation. Between February 2002 and December 2005, 891 patients who met the admission criteria of RCCs were referred to our RCC at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in southern Taiwan for attempted weaning. We recorded demographic and clinical data, including variables identified previously as predictive of weaning success among highly selected populations. The common causes of respiratory failure at RCC admission were neuromuscular disease (29.2%), pneumonia (27.5%), cancer (18.0%), cardiovascular disease (10.1%), sepsis (5.7%) and post‐surgery (1.6%). The percentage of patients successfully weaned was 40.2%, while 59.8% remained dependent on ventilators. In a stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant predictors of weaning success included neuromuscular disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.64), APACHE II score (OR, 0.93) and blood urea nitrogen level at RCC admission (OR, 0.99). The results could be helpful in the accreditation of medical care quality and may provide guidelines for future research and education programs.
Low‐Energy Helium‐Neon Laser Therapy Induces Repigmentation and Improves the Abnormalities of Cutaneous Microcirculation in Segmental‐Type Vitiligo Lesions
Authors: Wu Chieh‐Shan , Hu Stephen Chu‐Sung , Lan Cheng‐Che E. , Chen Gwo‐Shing , Chuo Wen‐Ho , Yu Hsin‐Su
Published: October 2008

Segmental vitiligo (SV) is a special form of vitiligo occurring in a dermatomal distribution, and an abnormality involving the sympathetic nerves supplying the affected dermatome is known to underlie this disorder. Previously, we have shown that SV is associated with an abnormal increase in cutaneous blood flow and adrenoceptor responses in the affected areas. Since SV is resistant to conventional forms of therapy, its management represents a challenge for dermatologists. Low energy helium‐neon lasers (He‐Ne laser, wavelength 632.8nm) have been employed as a therapeutic instrument in many clinical situations, including vitiligo management and repair of nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of He‐Ne lasers in treating SV, and determine their effects on the repair of sympathetic nerve dysfunction. Forty patients with stable‐stage SV on the head and/or neck were enrolled in this study. He‐Ne laser irradiation was administered locally at 3.0J/cm2 with point stimulation once or twice weekly. Cutaneous microcirculatory assessments in six SV patients were performed using a laser Doppler flowmeter. The sympathetic adrenoceptor response of cutaneous microcirculation was determined by measuring cutaneous blood flow before, during and after iontophoresis with sympathomimetic drugs (phenylephrine, clonidine and propranolol). All measurements of microcirculation obtained at SV lesions were simultaneously compared with contralateral normal skin, both before and after He‐Ne laser treatment. After an average of 17 treatment sessions, initial repigmentation was noticed in the majority of patients. Marked repigmentation (> 50%) was observed in 60% of patients with successive treatments. Cutaneous blood flow was significantly higher at SV lesions compared with contralateral skin, but this was normalized after He‐Ne laser treatment. In addition, the abnormal decrease in cutaneous blood flow in response to clonidine was improved by He‐Ne laser therapy. Our study showed that He‐Ne laser therapy is an effective treatment for SV by normalizing dysfunctions of cutaneous blood flow and adrenoceptor responses in SV patients. Thus, the beneficial effects of He‐Ne laser therapy may be mediated in part by a reparative effect on sympathetic nerve dysfunction.
Cognitive and Motor Components of Response Speed in the Stroop Test in Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Hsieh Yi‐Hsing , Chen Kuan‐Jen , Wang Chin‐Chi , Lai Chiou‐Lian
Published: October 2008

This study assessed the performance of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in the Stroop test. Twenty‐seven patients with PD (17 men, 10 women; mean age, 63.3 ± 10.5 years) and 27 age‐matched controls (14 men, 13 women; mean age, 63.5 ± 9.2 years) were administered the color‐naming, word‐reading, and incongruent color‐word‐naming tasks in the Stroop test. Compared with the normal control group, the PD group had slower speeds for all three tasks and greater Stroop interference, indicating a response inhibition deficit in PD patients. Further analysis indicated that slowness during color naming might be due to motor slowness, rather than a central cognitive processing problem in color discrimination. In conclusion, the performance of the PD group on the three tasks of the Stroop test suggests that the PD patients were deficient in motor responses and cognitive inhibitory abilities.
Duplicated Vas Deferens: A Rare Congenital Abnormality
Authors: Erdemir Fikret , Parlaktas Bekir Suha , Yasar Adem , Uluocak Nihat
Published: October 2008

Duplication of vas deferens is a rare congenital anomaly for which the overall incidence in the general population is estimated to be less than 0.05%. We report here a case of duplicated vas deferens found during a routine varicocele operation.
Giant Invasive Schwannoma of Cauda Equina with Minimal Neurologic Deficit: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Hung Chen‐Hsiang , Tsai Tai‐Hsin , Lieu Ann‐Shung , Lin Chih‐Lung , Lee Kung‐Shing , Hwang Shiuh‐Lin , Howng Shen‐Long
Published: October 2008

A 53‐year‐old man presented with a history of slight weakness in the right lower limb. Giant invasive cauda equina schwannoma was diagnosed according to the criteria of Sridhar et al. Schwannomas are usually benign and common tumors arising from nerve sheath cells, particularly from sensory nerves. Giant invasive schwannomas, however, are rare, and most of patients with them present with severe neurologic deficits independent of daily activity, although in the case presented here, in spite of the large size of the tumor causing pedicle erosion, expansive destruction of the vertebral body and widening of the neural foramina, there were only minimal neurologic deficits. We have therefore decided to report this case, with a review of the relevant English literature emphasizing clinical presentations, plain film images and magnetic resonance image findings of giant invasive cauda equina schwannoma for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
Tumor‐like Cerebral Perivasculitis in a Pediatric Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Huang Ching‐Hua , Hung Chih‐Hsing , Chu Yu‐Te , Hua Yi‐Ming
Published: October 2008

Nervous system manifestations are present in up to 70% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The spectrum of clinical symptoms varies widely, from severe, life‐threatening symptoms at presentation, such as transverse myelitis, to symptoms of more subtle and subclinical abnormalities of neurocognitive function. We report the case of a 14‐year‐old patient with SLE and lupus nephritis under regular steroid therapy, who had a sudden onset of consciousness change. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a huge mass lesion. After surgical decompression and corticosteroid pulse therapy, the patient's neurologic symptoms improved dramatically. Brain biopsy revealed perivasculitis of the brain with marked perivascular infiltration of eosinophils, macrophages, and neutrophils. Microhemorrhage was also evident. The patient recovered without obvious neurologic sequelae.
Current Trends in Developing Medical Students' Critical Thinking Abilities
Authors: Harasym Peter H. , Tsai Tsuen‐Chiuan , Hemmati Payman
Published: October 2008

Health care is fallible and prone to diagnostic and management errors. The major categories of diagnostic errors include: (1) no‐fault errors—the disease is present but not detected; (2) system errors—a diagnosis is delayed or missed because of the imperfection in the health care system; and (3) cognitive errors—a misdiagnosis from faulty data collection or interpretation, flawed reasoning, or incomplete knowledge. Approximately one third of patient problems are mismanaged because of diagnostic errors. Part of the solution lies in improving the diagnostic skills and critical thinking abilities of physicians as they progress through medical school and residency training. However, this task is challenging since both medical problem‐solving and the learning environments are complex and not easily understood. There are many interacting variables including the motivation of the medical student (e.g. deep versus surface learning), the acquisition and evolution of declarative and conditional knowledge (e.g. reduced, dispersed, elaborated, scheme, and scripted), problem‐solving strategies (e.g. procedural knowledge—guessing, hypothetical deductive, scheme inductive, and pattern recognition), curricular models (e.g. apprenticeship, discipline‐based, body system‐based, case‐based, clinical presentation‐based), teaching strategies (e.g. teaching general to specific or specific to general), the presented learning opportunities (PBL versus scheme inductive PBL), and the nature of the learning environment (e.g. modeling critical thinking and expert problem‐solving). This paper elaborates on how novices differ from experts and how novices can be educated in a manner that enhances their level of expertise and diagnostic abilities as they progress through several years of medical training.
The Role of Case Presentation for Teaching and Learning Activities
Authors: Onishi Hirotaka
Published: October 2008

In most clinical teaching settings, case presentation is the most frequently used teaching and learning activity. From an educational viewpoint, the two important roles of case presentations are the presenter's reflective opportunity and the clinician educator's clues to diagnose the presenter. When a presenter prepares for a case presentation, he/she has to organize all the information collected from a patient. The presenter sometimes does not recall what to ask or to examine with relation to pertinent differential diagnoses while seeing a patient, and afterward he/she might note that more information should have been collected. He/she is able to note the processes by reflection‐on‐action and improve the processes the next time. Such a reflective process is the most important role of case conference for a presenter. When a clinician has a consultation with a patient, early problem representation determines the quality of differential diagnoses. Clinicians make a “big picture” while listening to the patient (sometimes only a glance is enough to diagnose a patient) as problem representation to narrow down clinical areas to ask questions. If the early problem representation is far from the optimal direction, the possibility of misdiagnosis will be higher. To correct the cognitive processes that lead to misdiagnosis, disclosure of uncertainty will be the key. If the teaching environment among residents or young clinicians is too competitive, some might feel reluctant to disclose incorrect reasoning processes to their peers. Or, if a clinician educator is too authoritative, students may hide key information from the educator. The educator should construct the best environment for students to be able to disclose such uncertainty. The main role of clinician educators is to facilitate and evaluate case presentations and to suggest points for improvement. Neher et al's “five microskills” are a typical example of these processes, after a short presentation of an outpatient case. Yet, for an inpatient or for formal discussion, a longer version presentation is used. To improve the clinical reasoning processes of the presenter, the short presentation has several advantages: (1) shortening the presentation requires abstraction of information, possibly leading to better problem representation; (2) it is time‐efficient; and (3) it stimulates more informal interactions with the facilitator and the audience. In clinical settings, a presenter uses his/her time for the preparation of case presentations to reflect on the information he/she has collected. The facilitator should know how to improve case presentations to diagnose and improve the presenter. The advantages of the short presentation should be emphasized.
Use of Portfolios by Medical Students: Significance of Critical Thinking
Authors: Azer Samy A.
Published: October 2008

Portfolios have been used in the medical curriculum to evaluate difficult‐to‐assess areas such as students' attitudes, professionalism and teamwork. However, their use early in a problem‐based learning (PBL) course to foster deep learning and enhance students' self‐directed learning has not been adequately studied. The aims of this paper are to: (1) understand the uses of portfolios and the rationale for using reflection in the early years of a PBL curriculum; (2) discuss how to introduce portfolios and encourage students' critical thinking skills, not just reflection; and (3) provide students with tips that could enhance their skills in constructing good portfolios.
Lack of Associations Between Several Polymorphisms in Cytokine Genes and the Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Meng‐Hsuan , Chong Inn‐Wen , Hwang Jhi‐Jhu , Lee Chien‐Hung , Ho Chi‐Kung , Yu Ming‐Lung , Huang Chia‐Tsuan , Lee Chung‐Ying , Wu Ming‐Tsang , Christiani David C.
Published: October 2008

Cytokine‐induced inflammation is the predominant underlying mechanism in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Genetic factors may play a pivotal role in the development of this disease. This study looked at the relationship between COPD and genetic polymorphisms in the genes encoding some of these cytokines in a Taiwanese population. The genetic polymorphisms examined in this study were tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α(−308), TNF‐α(+489), interleukin(IL)‐1β(−31), interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1 RN), and IL‐6(−174). In total, 30 patients with COPD, 64 subjects at risk of COPD and 115 controls were recruited to the study between 1999 and 2003. DNA was collected from these subjects and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism analysis. The frequencies of cytokine genotypes in COPD cases and controls, respectively, were as follows: for G/G in TNF‐α(−308), 76.7% and 83.5%; for G/G in TNF‐α(+ 489), 76.7% and 68.7%; for C/T in IL‐1β(−31), 60.0% and 55.7%; for 4R/4R in IL‐1 RN, 80.0% and 86.1%; and for G/G in IL‐6(−174), 100.1% and 98.3%. There was no difference in the distribution of the frequencies of these genotypes and alleles between COPD cases and controls. Moreover, no association was found between these genetic polymorphisms in cytokines and COPD (regardless of COPD subtypes) with respect to cigarette smoking or pulmonary function tests. Despite this, smoking is still an important risk factor for developing COPD.
Use of Pelvic Lymphoscintigraphy to Demonstrate Lymphoid Fluid Leakage in an Ovarian Cancer Patient with Chylous Ascites
Authors: Tu Dom‐Gene , Yao Wei‐Jen , Chen Yi‐Hsun , Hwang Shu‐Mu
Published: October 2008

Despite radiotherapy and chemotherapy, chylous ascites occur frequently in patients with ovarian cancer. We report a case of ovarian cancer with massive chylous ascites and describe the use of lymphoscintigraphy to demonstrate pelvic lymph nodes and lymphoid fluid leakage to the pelvic floor.
Electoral Systems and Real Prices: Panel Evidence for the OECD Countries, 1970–2000
Authors: CHANG ERIC C. C. , KAYSER MARK ANDREAS , ROGOWSKI RONALD
Published: October 2008

In a recent article, Rogowski and Kayser introduced a claim to the political economy literature that majoritarian electoral systems: (a) systematically privilege consumers relative to producers and, consequently, (b) reduce real prices. The authors, modifying an established model of regulation, showed that, within a competitive political system, politicians favour those who provide only votes (consumers) over those who provide both money and votes (producers). When producers provide only money, the intuition becomes apparent even without a model: politicians respond more to voters under (majoritarian) systems in which a small change in vote share can produce a large change in seat share. Cross-sectional evidence for the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries in 1990 was strongly supportive, suggesting that real prices were, all else equal, about 10 per cent lower in the averageOECDcountry with single-member district (SMD) electoral systems than in those that used some form of proportional representation (PR).

As with all new empirical claims, healthy scepticism is warranted. Indeed, recent research in related areas has to be contrasted with – but it has not contradicted – these price results, associating proportional electoral arrangements with more positive social welfare outcomes including (a) less income inequality, (b) higher public spending, or, in combination with central banking institutions, (c) greater price stability. We acknowledge the possible incongruity of these results with those of Rogowski and Kayser; after all, verification of the price effects would suggest a more complicated relationship between electoral institutions and social welfare than is indicated in the extant literature.
In Riker’s Footsteps
Authors: McLean Iain
Published: October 2008

Three important books have recently been published in the long shadow of William
H. Riker (1920–93). Norman Schofield declares himself a friend of
Riker; Gerry Mackie, an enemy; Anthony McGann, a mere acquaintance. However,
Riker’s legacy gives shape to all three. The main elements of the
Riker programme are explained in this article, and then how far each book under
review advances or undermines it is examined.
Clonal diversity within infections and the virulence of a malaria parasite,Plasmodium mexicanum
Authors: Vardo-ZALIK A. M. , Schall J. J.
Published: October 2008

Both verbal and mathematical models of parasite virulence predict that genetic diversity of microparasite infections will influence the level of costs suffered by the host. We tested this idea by manipulating the number of co-existing clones ofPlasmodium mexicanumin its natural vertebrate host, the fence lizardSceloporus occidentalis. We established replicate infections ofP.mexicanummade up of 1, 2, 3, or >3 clones (scored using 3 microsatellite loci) to observe the influence of clone number on several measures of parasite virulence. Clonal diversity did not affect body growth or production of immature erythrocytes. Blood haemoglobin concentration was highest for the most genetically complex infections (equal to that of non-infected lizards), and blood glucose levels and rate of blood clotting was highest for the most diverse infections (with greater glucose and more rapid clotting than non-infected animals). Neither specific clones nor parasitaemia were associated with virulence. In this first experiment that manipulated the clonal diversity of a naturalPlasmodium-host system, the cost of infection with 1 or 2 clones ofP.mexicanumwas similar to that previously reported for infected lizards, but the most complex infections had either no cost or could be beneficial for the host.
Induced encystment improves resistance to preservation and storage of Acanthamoeba castellanii
Authors: CAMPBELL S. J. , INGRAM P. R. , ROBERTS C. W. , HENRIQUEZ F. L.
Published: October 2008

Several conditions that allow the preservation, storage and rapid, efficient recovery of viable Acanthamoeba castellanii organisms were investigated. The viability of trophozoites (as determined by time to confluence) significantly declined over a period of 12 months when stored at −70°C using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; 5 or 10%) as cryopreservant. As A. castellanii are naturally capable of encystment, studies were undertaken to determine whether induced encystment might improve the viability of organisms under a number of storage conditions. A. castellanii cysts stored in the presence of Mg2+ at 4°C remained viable over the study period, although time to confluence was increased from approximately 8 days to approximately 24 days over the 12-month period. Storage of cysts at −70°C with DMSO (5 or 10%) or 40% glycerol, but not 80% glycerol as cryopreservants increased their viability over the 12-month study period compared with those stored at room temperature. Continued presence of Mg2+ in medium during storage had no adverse effects and generally improved recovery of viable organisms. The present study demonstrates that A. castellanii can be stored as a non-multiplicative form inexpensively, without a need for cryopreservation, for at least 12 months, but viability is increased by storage at −70°C.
Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation among geographical isolates of Opisthorchis viverrini in Thailand and Lao PDR, and phylogenetic relationships with other trematodes
Authors: SAIJUNTHA W. , SITHITHAWORN P. , WONGKHAM S. , LAHA T. , CHILTON N. B. , PETNEY T. N. , BARTON M. , ANDREWS R. H.
Published: October 2008

The present study compared the genetic variation among 14 different geographical isolates of Opisthorchis viverrini sensu lato from Thailand and Lao PDR using sequence data for 2 mitochondrial DNA genes, the subunit 1 of NADH dehydrogenase gene (nad1) and cytochrome c oxidase gene (cox1). Four different nad1 haplotypes were detected among isolates, all of which were identical at the amino acid sequence level. Nucleotide sequence variation among 14 isolates ranged from 0 to 0·3% for nad1. Two different cox1 haplotypes were detected among isolates. These two haplotypes differed at 2 nucleotide positions, one of which resulted in a change in the amino acid sequence. Nucleotide sequence variation among isolates for cox1 ranged from 0 to 0·5%. Comparison of cox1 sequences of O. viverrini to those of other trematodes revealed nucleotide differences of 13–31%. A phylogenetic analysis of the cox1 sequence data revealed strong statistical support for a clade containing O. viverrini and 2 other species of opisthorchid trematodes; O. felineus and Clonorchis sinsensis.
Children's production of verb-phrase anaphora in a spoken task
Authors: DONALDSON MORAG L. , COOPER LYNN S. M.
Published: October 2008

To investigate the influence of semantic/pragmatic variables on children's production of verb-phrase anaphora (VPA), a spoken sentence completion task (e.g.John is throwing a ball and … Mary is too) was administered to four-, seven- and ten-year-olds. The frequency of VPA production was affected by whether the two clauses had the same or different polarity and by whether the actions were portrayed as simultaneous or sequential. These effects interacted in complex ways with age and with the presentation order of the polarity types. We speculate that developmental changes in the influence of semantic/pragmatic factors may be linked to increases with age in the strength of syntactic priming effects.
The longitudinal development of clusters in French
Authors: DEMUTH KATHERINE , MCCULLOUGH ELIZABETH
Published: October 2008

Studies of English and German find that children tend to acquire word-final consonant clusters before word-initial consonant clusters. This order of acquisition is generally attributed to articulatory, frequency and/or morphological factors. This contrasts with recent experimental findings from French, where two-year-olds were better at producing word-initial than word-final clusters (Demuth & Kehoe, 2006). The purpose of the present study was to examine French-speaking children's longitudinal acquisition of clusters to determine if these results replicate developmentally. Analysis of spontaneous speech productions from two French-speaking children between one and three years confirmed the earlier acquisition of initial clusters, even when sonority factors were controlled. The findings suggest that French-speaking children acquire complexity at the beginnings of words before complexity appears word-finally. The role of frequency, morphological, structural and input factors is discussed.
Imageability predicts the age of acquisition of verbs in Chinese children
Authors: MA WEIYI , GOLINKOFF ROBERTA MICHNICK , HIRSH-PASEK KATHY , MCDONOUGH COLLEEN , TARDIF TWILA
Published: October 2008

Verbs are harder to learn than nouns in English and in many other languages, but are relatively easy to learn in Chinese. This paper evaluates one potential explanation for these findings by examining the construct of imageability, or the ability of a word to produce a mental image. Chinese adults rated the imageability of Chinese words from the Chinese Communicative Development Inventory (Tardifet al., in press). Imageability ratings were a reliable predictor of age of acquisition in Chinese for both nouns and verbs. Furthermore, whereas early Chinese and English nouns donotdiffer in imageability, verbs receive higher imageability ratings in Chinese than in English. Compared with input frequency, imageability independently accounts for a portion of the variance in age of acquisition (AoA) of verb learning in Chinese and English.