bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatal vascular outcomes following major orthopedic surgery
Authors: Caprini Joseph , Colwell Clifford , Frostick Simon , Haas Sylvia , Hull Russell , Laporte Sylvie , Stein Paul , Dahl Ola
Published: April 2005

Major orthopedic surgery is known to be associated with potentially serious arterial and venous vascular complications, although uncertainty exists about current event rates. Using electronic databases and investigator contact, we identified randomized and cohort studies reporting overall mortality and fatal vascular events. Where possible, studies reporting high autopsy rates (>60%) were examined. Pooled incidences were calculated from eligible studies. For Autopsy studies: Pooled overall mortality and fatal pulmonary embolism for patients undergoing elective hip and knee replacement without prophylaxis could not be calculated, while with prophylaxis they were 0.44% (95% confidence interval 0.02 to 0.87%) and 0.43% (0.01 to 0.85%). For patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, the corresponding rates without prophylaxis were 15.9% (14.5 to 17.3%) and 1.9% (1.4 to 2.4%). With prophylaxis, mortality and fatal pulmonary embolism rates were 8.5% (7.3 to 9.7%) and 1.0% (0.6 to 1.5%). Among Cohort studies: Pooled overall mortality and fatal pulmonary embolism for patients undergoing elective hip and knee replacement without prophylaxis were 0.93% (0.57 to 1.29%) and 0.36% (0.14 to 0.59%). For patients receiving prophylaxis (7 to 14 days), mortality and fatal pulmonary embolism were 0.57% (0.51 to 0.62%) and 0.18% (0.14 to 0.21%). Patients undergoing hip fracture surgery receiving prophylaxis had mortality and fatal pulmonary embolism rates of 3.2% (2.8 to 3.6%) and 0.30% (0 to 0.61%). Vascular events contributed towards approximately 50% of all deaths with similar proportions due to ischemic heart disease, cardiac failure and pulmonary embolism. In conclusion, although prophylaxis results in a reduction in overall mortality and fatal pulmonary embolism, vascular events continue to be a common cause of mortality.
The Use of Millimeter Doppler Radar Echoes to Estimate Vertical Air Velocities in the Fair-Weather Convective Boundary Layer
Authors: Geerts Bart , Miao Qun
Published: April 2005

Vertical velocity characteristics of the optically clear convective boundary layer (CBL) are examined by means of profiling airborne radar data collected in the central Great Plains during the International H2O Project, May–June 2002 (IHOP 2002). Clear-air echoes are sufficiently strong for the radar, a 95-GHz cloud radar, to detect most of the CBL at a resolution of ∼30 m. Vertical radar transects across the CBL are remarkably dominated by well-defined plumes of higher reflectivity. These echo plumes occupy most of the depth of the CBL in the developing and mature stages of the CBL. Gust probe data indicate that the plumes tend to correspond with ascending motion. Evidence exists in the literature, and arises from this study, that the clear-air scatterers are mostly small insects.

The close-range Doppler radar velocities, some 100 m above and below the aircraft, are compared to gust probe vertical velocities after both are corrected for aircraft motion.

It is found that the radar vertical velocities have a downward bias of 0.5 ± 0.2 m s−1 on average. This bias is of the same sign as that reported in wind profiler data in the CBL, but it is larger. The difference between aircraft and radar vertical velocities becomes larger in stronger updrafts. This does not happen in cases where the scatterers are hydrometeors: hydrometeors fall out at their terminal velocity, which does not directly depend on updraft speed.

The existence of the CBL echo plumes and radar “fine lines,” sustained by low-level air convergence, has long been attributed to a biotic response to updrafts. This response has been assumed to be controlled by air temperature; that is, insects subside when they encounter cold air in the upper CBL. The authors propose that the biotic response is not temperature controlled but, rather, is dependent on the vertical displacement.
Observations of Steep Wave Statistics in Open Ocean Waters
Authors: Scott Nicholas , Hara Tetsu , Walsh Edward J. , Hwang Paul A.
Published: April 2005

A new wavelet analysis methodology is proposed to estimate the statistics of steep waves. The method is applied to open ocean wave height data from the Southern Ocean Waves Experiment (1992) and from a field experiment conducted at Duck, North Carolina (1997). Results show that high wave slope crests appear over a wide range of wavenumbers, with a large amount being much shorter than the dominant wave. At low wave slope thresholds, all wave fields have roughly the same amount of wave crests regardless of wind forcing. The steep wave statistic decays exponentially with the square of the wave slope threshold, with a decay rate that is larger for the low wind cases than the high wind cases. Comparison of the steep wave statistic with independent measurements of the breaking wave statistic suggests a breaking wave slope threshold of about 0.12. The steep wave statistic does not scale with the cube of the wind speed, suggesting that other factors besides the wind speed also affect its level. Comparison of the steep wave statistic to the saturation spectrum reveals a reasonable correlation at moderate wave slope thresholds.
Remote Sensing of Atmospheric Water Vapor Using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer
Authors: Albert P. , Bennartz R. , Preusker R. , Leinweber R. , Fischer J.
Published: April 2005

This paper presents first validation results for an algorithm developed for the retrieval of integrated columnar water vapor from measurements of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument on board the polar-orbiting Terra and Aqua platforms. The algorithm is based on the absorption of reflected solar radiation by atmospheric water vapor and allows the retrieval of integrated water vapor above cloud-free land surfaces. A comparison of the retrieved water vapor with measurements of the Microwave Water Radiometer at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site for a 10-month period in 2002 showed an rms deviation of 1.7 kg m−2 and a bias of 0.6 kg m−2. A comparison with radio soundings in central Europe from July 2002 to April 2003 showed an rms deviation of 2 kg m−2 and a bias of −0.8 kg m−2.
Correlation of Short Form-36 and Disability Status with Outcomes of Arthroscopic Acetabular Labral Debridement
Authors: Potter Benjamin K. , Freedman Brett A. , Andersen Romney C. , Bojescul John A. , Kuklo Timothy R. , Murphy Kevin P.
Published: April 2005

Background

Arthroscopic debridement is the standard of care for the treatment of acetabular labral tears. The Short Form-36 has not been used to measure hip arthroscopy outcomes, and the impact of disability status on hip arthroscopy outcomes has not been reported.

Hypothesis

Short Form-36 subscale scores will demonstrate good correlation with the modified Harris hip score, but patients undergoing disability evaluation will have significantly worse outcome scores.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

The records of active-duty soldiers who underwent hip arthroscopy at the authors’ institution were retrospectively reviewed. Forty consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for the primary indication of labral tear formed the basis of the study group. Patients completed the modified Harris hip score, the Short Form-36 general health survey, and a subjective overall satisfaction questionnaire.

Results

Thirty-three patients, with a mean age of 34.6 years, were available for follow-up at a mean of 25.7 months postoperatively. Fourteen (43%) patients were undergoing medical evaluation boards (military equivalent of workers’ compensation or disability claim). Pearson correlation coefficients for comparing the Short Form-36 Bodily Pain, Physical Function, and Physical Component subscale scores to the modified Harris hip score were 0.73, 0.71, and 0.85, respectively (P <. 001). The mean modified Harris hip score was significantly lower in patients on disability status than in those who were not (92.4 vs 61.1; P <. 0001). The Short Form-36 subscale scores were significantly lower in disability patients (P <. 02). Patient-reported satisfaction rates (70% overall) were 50% for those undergoing disability evaluations and 84% for those who were not (P <. 04). There was no significant difference in outcomes based on patient age, surgically proven chondromalacia, or gender for military evaluation board status.

Conclusion

The Short Form-36 demonstrated good correlation with the modified Harris hip score for measuring outcomes after arthroscopic partial limbectomy. Arthroscopic debridement yielded a high percentage of good results when patients undergoing disability evaluations were excluded. Disability status may be a negative predictor of success after hip arthroscopy.
Groin Pain in Footballers
Authors: Slavotinek John Paul , Verrall Geoffrey Mark , Fon Gerald Tau , Sage Michael Radford
Published: April 2005

Background

Groin pain and tenderness are common in athletes from a variety of codes of football, but little attention has been directed to the influence of magnetic resonance imaging and such clinical findings on athlete participation.

Hypothesis

Preseason groin pain, tenderness, and magnetic resonance imaging findings such as pubic bone marrow edema are associated with restricted training capacity and missed games.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Fifty-two Australian footballers in the national competition were recruited. Preseason groin pain and focal tenderness were recorded, and magnetic resonance imaging of the groin was performed within 1 week of examination. Training restriction and games missed owing to groin pain were documented during the subsequent season.

Results

Magnetic resonance imaging showed pubic bone marrow edema in 19 of 52 (37%) footballers and linear parasymphyseal T2 hyperintensity in 16 of 52 (31%) footballers. Groin pain restricted training during the season in 22 of 52 (42%) footballers, and 9 of 52 (17%) footballers missed at least 1 game. Preseason pain (P =. 0004), pubic bone tenderness (P =. 02), and linear parasymphyseal T2 hyperintensity (P =. 01) were associated with restricted training capacity during the subsequent season. Preseason groin pain (P =. 03) was associated with missed games, but magnetic resonance imaging findings were not.

Conclusion

Preseason pubic bone marrow edema, groin pain, and linear parasymphyseal T2 hyperintensity were associated with training restriction, but only preseason groin pain was associated with missed games.
Effect of Drain Placed in the Donor Site in the Early Postoperative Period after Arthroscopically Assisted Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Quadrupled Hamstring Tendons
Authors: Karahan Mustafa , Erol Bülent , Bekiroglu Nural , Uyan Derya
Published: April 2005

Background

No scientific study has addressed the effects of the routine use of postoperative drains in the donor site after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendons.

Hypothesis

Patients who have drains placed in their donor sites have less lower extremity edema, more motion, and more comfort in the early postoperative period.

Study Design

Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

Thirty-four patients undergoing arthroscopically assisted quadruple hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomly assigned to either receive a drain for 24 hours placed at the donor site (17 patients) or have no drain at the donor site (17 patients). Data were collected on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7 regarding knee flexion, knee extension, thigh circumference, leg circumference, and visual analog scale (measuring pain).

Results

In the study group versus the control group, there were increased knee flexion measurements on postoperative day 7 (84° vs 69°, P <. 05); smaller thigh circumference measurements on postoperative day 7 (36.8 vs 40.1 cm, P <. 05); smaller leg circumference measurements on postoperative days 3 (33.2 vs 36.4 cm, P <. 05), 5 (32.7 vs 36.0 cm, P <. 05), and 7 (31.8 vs 35.7 cm, P <. 001); and a lower visual analog scale score on postoperative days 3 (40.38 vs 57.50, P =. 001), 5 (38.46 vs 60.35, P =. 001), and 7 (38.07 vs 61.43, P =. 001).

Conclusion

Drain placement at the donor site after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction gives more comfort to the patient and provides better flexion within the first week.
The Effectiveness of Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Using the Novel Knot/Press-Fit Technique
Authors: Kilger Robert H.P. , Thomas Maribeth , Hanford Scott , Alaseirlis Dimosthenis A. , Paessler Hans H. , Woo Savio L-Y.
Published: April 2005

Background

A variety of fixation devices are used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon grafts. These devices increase costs and can present artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging as well as complications in revision surgery. Therefore, a novel knot/press-fit technique that requires no implantable devices has been introduced.

Null Hypothesis

The knot/press-fit technique restores knee kinematics as well as the more commonly used EndoButton CL fixation and has similar biomechanical properties as other devices published in the literature.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (52 ± 7 years) were tested using a robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system. The knee kinematics of the intact, anterior cruciate ligament-deficient, EndoButton-reconstructed, and knot/pressfit-reconstructed knee in response to both a 134-N anterior tibial load and a combined rotatory load at multiple knee flexion angles was determined. Differences between the 4 knee states were evaluated with a 2-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance (P <. 05). To determine the stiffness and strength of the knot/press-fit fixation, the femur-graft-tibia complex was tested in uniaxial tension.

Results

In response to an anterior tibial load, the anterior tibial translation for the knot/press-fit reconstruction was found to be not significantly different from that of the intact anterior cruciate ligament as well as that of the EndoButton reconstruction (P >. 05). In response to a combined rotatory load, neither reconstruction procedure could effectively reduce the coupled anterior tibial translation to that of the intact knee, and no significant difference between the 2 reconstructions could be detected (P >. 05). The stiffness of the knot/press-fit complex was found to be 37.8 ± 9.6 N/mm, and the load at failure was 540 ± 97.7 N, which is equal to other devices published in the literature.

Clinical Relevance

The experiment suggests that the knot/press-fit technique may be a reliable alternative for the femoral fixation of hamstring tendon grafts.
The level of TACI gene expression in myeloma cells is associated with a signature of microenvironment dependence versus a plasmablastic signature
Authors: Moreaux Jérôme , Cremer Friedrich W. , Reme Thierry , Raab Marc , Mahtouk Karene , Kaukel Philine , Pantesco Veronique , De Vos John , Jourdan Eric , Jauch Anna , Legouffe Eric , Moos Marion , Fiol Genevieve , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Rossi Jean François , Hose Dirk , Klein Bernard
Published: April 2005

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) have been shown to promote multiple myeloma (MM) cell growth. We show that the main site of production for BAFF and APRIL is the bone marrow (BM) environment, and that production is mainly by monocytes and neutrophils. In addition, osteoclasts produce very high levels of APRIL, unlike BM stromal cells. Myeloma cells (MMCs) express TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor), the receptor of BAFF/APRIL, at varying levels. TACI expression is a good indicator of a BAFF-binding receptor. Expression data of purified MMCs from 65 newly diagnosed patients have been generated using Affymetrix microarrays and were analyzed by supervised clustering of groups with higher (TACIhi) versus lower (TACIlo) TACI expression levels. Patients in the TACIlo group had clinical parameters associated with bad prognosis. A set of 659 genes was differentially expressed between TACIhi and TACIlo MMCs. This set makes it possible to efficiently classify TACIhi and TACIlo MMCs in an independent cohort of 40 patients. TACIhi MMCs displayed a mature plasma cell gene signature, indicating dependence on the BM environment. In contrast, the TACIlo group had a gene signature of plasmablasts, suggesting an attenuated dependence on the BM environment. Taken together, our findings suggest using gene expression profiling to identify the group of patients who might benefit most from treatment with BAFF/APRIL inhibitors.
Neural induction: old problem, new findings, yet more questions
Authors: Stern Claudio D.
Published: April 2005

During neural induction, the embryonic neural plate is specified and set aside from other parts of the ectoderm. A popular molecular explanation is the`default model' of neural induction, which proposes that ectodermal cells give rise to neural plate if they receive no signals at all, while BMP activity directs them to become epidermis. However, neural induction now appears to be more complex than once thought, and can no longer be fully explained by the default model alone. This review summarizes neural induction events in different species and highlights some unanswered questions about this important developmental process.
p130/p107/p105Rb-dependent transcriptional repression during DNA-damage-induced cell-cycle exit at G2
Authors: Jackson Mark W. , Agarwal Mukesh K. , Yang Jinbo , Bruss Patrick , Uchiumi Takeshi , Agarwal Munna L. , Stark George R. , Taylor, William R.
Published: April 2005

The progression of normal cells from G2 into mitosis is stably blocked when their DNA is damaged. Tumor cells lacking p53 arrest only transiently in G2, but eventually enter mitosis. We show that an important component of the stable G2 arrest in normal cells is the transcriptional repression of more than 20 genes encoding proteins needed to enter into and progress through mitosis. Studies from a number of labs including our own have shown that, by inducing p53 and p21/WAF1, DNA damage can trigger RB-family-dependent transcriptional repression. Our studies reported here show that p130 and p107 play a key role in transcriptional repression of genes required for G2 and M in response to DNA damage. For plk1, repression is partially abrogated by loss of p130 and p107, and is completely abrogated by loss of all three RB-family proteins. Mouse cells lacking RB-family proteins do not accumulate with a 4N content of DNA when exposed to adriamycin, suggesting that all three RB-family proteins contribute to G2 arrest in response to DNA damage. Stable arrest in the presence of functional p53-to-RB signaling is probably due to the ability of cells to exit the cell cycle from G2, a conclusion supported by our observation that KI67, a marker of cell-cycle entry, is downregulated in both G1 and G2 in a p53-dependent manner.
Impact of a Pharmaceutical Care Program in a Community Pharmacy on Patients with Dyslipidemia
Authors: Paulós Claudio P , Nygren Carin E Akesson , Celedón Consuelo , Cárcamo Carina A
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND:

Inappropriate use of medications is a significant problem in health care today. A possible solution to this problem may be achieved through better control of patients' drug therapy.

OBJECTIVE:

To design a pharmaceutical care program for dyslipidemic patients within a community pharmacy setting that provides education in the areas of medication compliance and lifestyle modifications, while emphasizing the importance of achieving cholesterol goals to ensure improvement in quality of life.

METHODS:

Patients at an outpatient pharmacy volunteered to be surveyed for 16 weeks. Although both the intervention and control groups were surveyed, the randomly selected intervention group was interviewed more frequently and more comprehensively. Cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, weight, risk factors, drug-related problems (DRPs), and quality of life were measured via a survey at the onset of the study and continually measured until the study's conclusion.

RESULTS:

In the intervention group, 26 DRPs were detected, of which 24 were resolved; in the control group, 26 DRPs were detected, of which 5 were resolved. When comparing initial and final blood cholesterol levels in the intervention group, the mean decrease was 27.0 ± 41.1 mg/dL (p = 0.0266); in the control group, the average blood cholesterol level decreased by a mean of 1.4 ± 37.2 mg/dL (p = 0.6624). In the intervention group, the triglyceride level decreased an average of 50.5 ± 80.3 mg/dL (p = 0.0169), while the control group experienced a mean triglyceride level increase of 29.6 ± 118.5 mg/dL (p = 0.1435). As a result of the intervention, the quality of life in the intervention group was improved.

CONCLUSIONS:

Short-term pharmaceutical care plans developed in a retail pharmacy within the proper setting may contribute to improved blood lipid values, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and patients' quality of life.
Sildenafil for Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Lee Audrey J , Chiao Teresa B , Tsang Mildred P
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of sildenafil for treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

DATA SOURCES:

Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1977–March 2005), Cochrane Library, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1977–March 2005) using the terms sildenafil and pulmonary hypertension. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All articles in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. Studies including >5 patients with primarily adult populations were included in the review.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

The treatment of pulmonary hypertension is challenging. Sildenafil has recently been studied as monotherapy and in combination with other vasodilators in the management of pulmonary hypertension. Eight hemodynamic studies and 12 clinical trials were reviewed (1 retrospective, 3 double-blind, 8 open-label). Sildenafil reduced pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary vascular resistance/peripheral vascular resistance index and tended to increase cardiac output/cardiac index compared with baseline. Sildenafil was comparable to nitric oxide and at least as effective as iloprost or epoprostenol in terms of its pulmonary vasoreactivity. Combination therapy with iloprost, nitric oxide, or epoprostenol resulted in enhanced and prolonged pulmonary vascular effects. Clinical trials suggest that sildenafil improves exercise tolerance and New York Heart Association functional class, but large, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings. Overall, sildenafil was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall, sildenafil is a promising and well-tolerated agent for management of pulmonary hypertension. Further well-designed trials are warranted to establish its place in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
Etoricoxib: A Highly Selective COX-2 Inhibitor
Authors: Martina Shaunta‘ D , Vesta Kimi S , Ripley Toni L
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To review the available literature evaluating the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of etoricoxib, a highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor that is not currently approved for use in the US.

DATA SOURCES:

Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–December 2004), Current Contents (1998–December 2004), and Cochrane Library (4th quarter 2004). References from retrieved articles, information from the manufacturer, and abstracts from the American College of Rheumatology and Annual European Congress of Rheumatology meetings were searched.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All clinical trials published in English evaluating etoricoxib were included in this review. An abstract was excluded if it presented preliminary data from trials that are now published, analyzed data previously reported in a published clinical trial, or compared etoricoxib with placebo for an indication with published active-comparator controlled trials.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Twelve clinical trials evaluating efficacy were reviewed. Efficacy for acute pain has been evaluated in acute gout, primary dysmenorrhea, and dental surgery and for chronic pain in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and chronic lower back pain. For safety, 3 clinical trials and 6 retrospective analyses of gastrointestinal, renovascular, or cardiovascular adverse effects were reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Available studies demonstrate the efficacy of etoricoxib compared with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, but no published studies to date have compared etoricoxib with other selective COX-2 inhibitors. While these agents have demonstrated a significant reduction in gastrointestinal adverse effects, the cardiovascular adverse effects of selective COX-2 inhibition are not well defined. Further study is necessary to delineate the benefits and risks of etoricoxib compared with alternative treatment regimens.
Generalized Seizure and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis following Levofloxacin Exposure
Authors: Christie Megan J , Wong Karen , Ting Robert H , Tam Paul Y , Sikaneta Tabo Gordon
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To report the case of a ciprofloxacin-allergic patient who developed a generalized tonic—clonic seizure and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) following a single dose of levofloxacin.

CASE SUMMARY:

An 87-year-old white woman was admitted to the hospital following a transient episode of unresponsiveness that had been accompanied by flailing of her limbs. Approximately 4 hours earlier, she had developed a pruritic rash on her trunk and limbs, and 3 hours before this had taken a first dose of levofloxacin. The fluoroquinolone had been prescribed for treatment of an upper respiratory tract infection. She had developed a skin rash approximately 3 years earlier following ciprofloxacin prescribed for a urinary tract infection. On admission, the patient had a normal neurologic examination. She was mildly hypomagnesemic (serum magnesium 1.7 mg/dL), with no other electrolyte imbalances present. Skin biopsy confirmed TEN. The lesions progressed to involve 30% of the body surface area and were managed with polymyxin B and gramicidin cream. Levofloxacin was discontinued on admission, and no anticonvulsants were prescribed. The woman remained seizure-free at discharge one week later.

DISCUSSION:

Generalized tonic—clonic seizures are a rare complication of levofloxacin therapy. TEN following levofloxacin use has, to our knowledge, as of March 28, 2005, been previously reported only once. The seizure and TEN were probably induced by levofloxacin as corroborated by the Naranjo probability scale. We believe that the previous adverse dermatologic reaction to ciprofloxacin sensitized our patient to levofloxacin.

CONCLUSIONS:

These rare adverse reactions to levofloxacin, involving disparate organ systems, can occur simultaneously. A previous dematologic adverse reaction to a fluoroquinolone can sensitize a patient to more severe adverse reactions (with onset after only a single dose of the subsequent fluoroquinolone). Further fluoroquinolone use should be avoided in such patients.
The non-thyroidal illness syndrome after coronary artery bypass grafting: a 6-month follow-up study
Authors: Cerillo Alfredo Giuseppe , Storti Simona , Mariani Massimiliano , Kallushi Enkel , Bevilacqua Stefano , Parri Maria Serena , Clerico Aldo , Glauber Mattia
Published: April 2005

The non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) is considered a transient and completely reversible phenomenon, but it has been shown that it may last for several days postoperatively after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. This study was undertaken to assess thyroid function 6 months after uncomplicated CABG. The thyroid profile was evaluated in 40 consecutive patients undergoing CABG preoperatively, at 0, 12, 48, and 120h postoperatively, and at 6-month follow-up. Triiodothyronine (T
Preanalytical variability in laboratory testing: influence of the blood drawing technique
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Salvagno Gian Luca , Brocco Giorgio , Guidi Gian Cesare
Published: April 2005

The predominant technique used to draw blood for laboratory testing is a conventional straight needle attached to an evacuated tube system. However, alternative tools might be advantageous in exceptional circumstances. The use of butterfly devices has been traditionally discouraged for reasons of costs and due to the high risk of obtaining unsuitable samples, but there is no convincing evidence to support the latter indication. The purpose of this study was to compare results of hematological and clinical chemistry testing, after drawing blood into evacuated tubes, employing either a traditional 21-gauge straight needle or a 21-gauge butterfly device with 300-mm-grade polyvinyl chloride tubing. Blood samples and complete sets of data were successfully obtained for 30 consecutive outpatients. Of the 43 hematological and clinical chemistry parameters measured, means for paired samples collected by the two alternative drawing techniques did not differ significantly, except for serum sodium, white blood cells and platelets counts. Bland-Altman plots and limits-of-agreement analysis showed mean bias of between −7.2% and 1.7% and relative coefficients of variation ranging from 0.2% to 21.2%. The 95% agreement interval in the set of differences was acceptable and was mostly within the current analytical quality specifications for desirable bias. The rate of hemolysis in plasma was not statistically different between the two collection techniques. Taken together, the results of the present investigation suggest that, when a proper technique is used and within certain limitations, the butterfly device may be a reliable alternative to the conventional straight needle to draw blood for laboratory testing.
Postpubertal Sex Differentiation of Forebrain Structures and Functions Depend on Transforming Growth Factor-α
Authors: Koshibu Kyoko , Ahrens Eric T. , Levitt Pat
Published: April 2005

Sex- and age-associated deficits in brain structure and behavior are reported in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis, there are only few examples in clinical or experimental systems that have identified specific causes. Here, we report that transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) may regulate sex- and age-dependent development of forebrain structures and associated neural functions after puberty.Waved-1(Wa-1) mice inherit an autosomal recessive, spontaneous mutation that results in a postnatal reduction inTGFα gene expression. The assessment of forebrain structures using a three-dimensional magnetic resonance microscopy indicated ventricular enlargement and striatal reduction in both male and femaleWa-1adult mice, withWa-1males exhibiting a more severe phenotype. In contrast, the hippocampal volume was reduced only in adultWa-1males. Similarly, behavioral analyses showed impaired auditory and contextual fear learning in adultWa-1males only, whereas abnormal stress response was expressed by both male and female adultWa-1mice. Interestingly, all behavioral deficits were absent before full sexual maturation, despite some slight forebrain structural abnormalities. These results suggest that TGFα may regulate postpubertal, sex differentiation in ventricular and periventricular anatomy and associated behavior, affecting predominantly males. In particular, the adult male-specific reduction in hippocampal volume may reflect an age- and sex-specific regulation of stress homeostasis and fear learning. Furthermore, a lack of a behavioral phenotype, despite anatomical alterations in peripubertalWa-1mice, suggests that analysis of certain neuroanatomical features at puberty may predict neurobehavioral deficits in adulthood.
Feedforward Inhibition of Projection Neurons by Fast-Spiking GABA Interneurons in the Rat StriatumIn Vivo
Authors: Mallet Nicolas , Le Moine Catherine , Charpier Stéphane , Gonon François
Published: April 2005

Discharge activities and local field potentials were recorded in the orofacial motor cortex and in the corresponding rostrolateral striatum of urethane-anesthetized rats. Striatal projection neurons were identified by antidromic activation and fast-spiking GABAergic interneurons (FSIs) by their unique characteristics: briefer spike and burst responses. Juxtacellular injection of neurobiotin combined with parvalbumin immunohistochemistry validated this identification. Spontaneous activities and spike responses to cortical stimulation were recorded during both states of cortical activity: slow waves and desynchronization. Both FSI and projection neurons spontaneously discharged synchronously with slow waves at the maximum of cortical activity, but, on average, FSIs were much more active. Cortical desynchronization enhanced FSI activity and facilitated their spike responses to cortical stimulation, whereas opposite effects were observed regarding projection neurons. Experimental conditions favoring FSI discharge were always associated with a decrease in the firing activity of projection neurons. Spike responses to cortical stimulation occurred earlier (latency difference, 4.6 ms) and with a lower stimulation current for FSIs than for projection neurons. Moreover, blocking GABAAreceptors by local picrotoxin injection enhanced the spike response of projection neurons, and this increase was larger in experimental conditions favoring FSI responses. Therefore, on average, FSIs exertin vivoa powerful feedforward inhibition on projection neurons. However, a few projection neurons were actually more sensitive to cortical stimulation than FSIs. Moreover, picrotoxin, which revealed FSI inhibition, preferentially affected projection neurons exhibiting the weakest sensitivity to cortical stimulation. Thus, feedforward inhibition by FSIs filters cortical information effectively transmitted by striatal projection neurons.
Differential Responses of Bladder Lumbosacral and Thoracolumbar Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons to Purinergic Agonists, Protons, and Capsaicin
Authors: Dang Khoa , Bielefeldt Klaus , Gebhart G. F.
Published: April 2005

The present study explored differences in sensitivity to purinergic agonists, protons, and capsaicin in lumbosacral (LS) and thoracolumbar (TL) sensory neurons that innervate the rat urinary bladder. The majority of LS neurons (93%) were sensitive to α,β-methyleneATP (α,β-metATP) compared with 50% of TL neurons. Based on inactivation kinetics, a slowly desensitizing current evoked by α,β-metATP predominated in LS neurons (86%) compared with mixed components that characterized TL neuron responses (58%). The density of the slowly desensitizing current was greater in LS than in TL neurons (LS, 34.4 ± 5.3 pA/pF; TL, 2.5 ± 0.8 pA/pF). Almost all neurons in both ganglia responded to protons and to capsaicin (LS, 100%; TL, 98%). Proton-activated currents in bladder sensory neurons exhibited distinct inactivation kinetics as fast, intermediate, slowly desensitizing, and sustained components. More than one component was expressed in every cell. Although there was no difference in the percentage of neurons expressing more than one component, the density of the sustained current was significantly greater in LS than in TL neurons (LS, 86.1 ± 16 pA/pF; TL, 30.3 ± 7 pA/pF). Similarly, the capsaicin-evoked current was greater in LS than in TL neurons (LS, 129.6 ± 17 pA/pF; TL, 86.9 ± 11 pA/pF). Finally, a greater percentage of TL neurons bound isolectin B4 than LS neurons (LS, 61%; TL, 85%). The greater degree of α,β-metATP, proton, and capsaicin responsiveness, in addition to differences in current type and current densities, in LS and TL neurons suggests that bladder pelvic and hypogastric/lumbar splanchnic afferents are functionally distinct and likely mediate different sensations arising from the urinary bladder.
Geochemistry and mineralogy of recent sediments of Guanabara Bay (NE sector) and its major rivers - Rio de Janeiro State - Brazil
Authors: FARIA MARCIA DE MELO , SANCHEZ BRAZ A.
Published: April 2005

Geochemical and clay mineralogical studies of bottom sediments collected along the Macacu and Caceribu rivers and Guanabara Bay were carried out in order to investigate the relationship between major source areas and recent sediments of the bay. Clay mineralogy includes different groups with selective distribution conditioned by geomorphic features and depositional settings. Micaceous clay minerals are abundant near parent rock in the upper course, whereas kaolinite derived from varied sources is gradually concentrated towards the estuary. In the Guanabara Bay, kaolinite accumulates near river mouths, while micaceous clay minerals are converted into mixed layers in the estuary. Analyses of heavy metal contents reveal higher levels of Zn and Cu in sediments of the bay than in river sediments. Profiles along rivers indicate a downstream decrease of heavy metals, whereas in the bay geochemical trends display greater variations. In general river mouth sediments present the lowest concentrations. At the north and east of Paquetá Island anomalous areas with the highest heavy metal contents occur. Cu tends to concentrate in < 2mum grain-size fraction and indicates an association with micaceous clay minerals in the upper river course. However, Cu retention seems to be further controlled by other components of bottom sediments due to changes in physical and chemical conditions of the estuarine environment. Zn shows unstable behavior along the rivers and concentrates in the bay. Pb displays small variations from river to bay sediments, and accumulates mainly in the < 63mum grain-size fraction without any association with clay mineral. Geoaccumulation indexes of Cu, Pb and Zn classify the study area as unpolluted in both studied rivers and in the NE sector of the bay, though the enrichment factors are higher in the bay. The study does not indicate those rivers as major sources of heavy metal pollution to the bay.
Evolution and development: some insights from evolutionary theory
Authors: DAVID JEAN R.
Published: April 2005

Developmental biology and evolutionary biology are both mature integrative disciplines which started in the 19th century and then followed parallel and independent scientific pathways. Recently, a genetical component has stepped into both disciplines (developmental genetics and evolutionary genetics) pointing out the need for future convergent maturation. Indeed, the Evo-Devo approach is becoming popular among developmental biologists, based on the facts that distant groups share a common ancestry, that precise phylogenies can be worked out and that homologous genes often play similar roles during the development of very different organisms. In this essay, I try to show that the real future of Evo-Devo thinking is still broader. The evolutionary theory is a set of diverse concepts which can and should be used in any biological field. Evolutionary thinking trains to ask « why » questions and to provide logical and plausible answers. It can shed some light on a diversity of general problems such as how to distinguish homologies from analogies, the costs and benefits of multicellularity, the origin of novel structures (e.g. the head), or the evolution of sexual reproduction. In the next decade, we may expect a progressive convergence between developmental genetics and quantitative genetics.
Surfaces of Constant Mean Curvature in Euclidean 3-space Orthogonal to a Plane along its Boundary
Authors: HINOJOSA PEDRO A.
Published: April 2005

We consider compact surfaces with constant nonzero mean curvature whose boundary is a convex planar Jordan curve. We prove that if such a surface is orthogonal to the plane of the boundary, then it is a hemisphere.
Graphs with constant mean curvature in the 3-hyperbolic space
Authors: HINOJOSA PEDRO A.
Published: April 2005

In this work we will deal with disc type surfaces of constant mean curvature in the three dimensional hyperbolic space which are given as graphs of smooth functions over planar domains. From the various types of graphs that could be defined in the hyperbolic space we consider in particular the horizontal and the geodesic graphs. We proved that if the mean curvature is constant, then such graphs are equivalent in the following sense: suppose that M is a constant mean curvature surface in the 3-hyperbolic space such that M is a geodesic graph of a function rho that is zero at the boundary, then there exist a smooth function f that also vanishes at the boundary, such that M is a horizontal graph of f. Moreover, the reciprocal is also true.
New triterpene isolated from Eschweilera longipes (Lecythidaceae)
Authors: COSTA PATRÍCIA M. DA , CARVALHO MÁRIO G. DE
Published: April 2005

The phytochemical studies of Eschweilera longipes Miers (Lecythidaceae) have led to the identification of a new triterpene 3beta, 24-dihydroxyfriedelane, the known 1beta, 2beta, 3beta, 19beta-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (1beta-hydroxyeucaphic acid) besides the saponin sitosterol 3betaO-betaD-glucopyranoside. The structures were established from the IR, NMR and mass spectra data including 2D NMR experiments of natural substances and of the acetyl derivative of the new triterpene.
Selectivity and efficiency of pyrene attachment to alkanes induced by broadband X-rays
Authors: BROWN GERALD O. , GUARDALA NOEL A. , PRICE JACK L. , WEISS RICHARD G.
Published: April 2005

Bombardment of pyrene-doped n-heneicosane (C21H44) in its orthorhombic solid phase with <1.3> MeV broadband X-rays results in the formation of both mono- and di-heneicosylpyrenes, whereas the same dose in liquid cyclohexane yields only monosubstituted pyrene. In both cases, the reaction efficiency decreases as pyrene concentration is increased from 10-5 to 10-2 M. Qualitatively, the overall attachment efficiency is higher in orthorhombic n-heneicosane than in liquid cyclohexane, but the selectivity of attachment is greater in cyclohexane. Differences between these results and those from irradiations of the same samples with eV range photons are discussed.
Geochemistry of tourmalines associated with iron formation and quartz veins of the Morro da Pedra Preta Formation, Serra do Itaberaba Group (São Paulo, Brazil)
Authors: Garda Gianna M. , Beljavskis Paulo , Juliani Caetano , Silva Dailto
Published: April 2005

Tourmalines of intermediate schorl-dravite composition occur in iron formation (including metachert and tourmalinites), metasediments, calc-silicate and metabasic/intermediate rocks of the Morro da Pedra Preta Formation, a volcanic-sedimentary sequence of the Serra do Itaberaba Group (northeast of São Paulo City, southeastern Brazil). The Morro da Pedra Preta Formation is crosscut by quartz veins that contain both intermediate schorl-dravite and an alkali-deficient, Cr-(V-)bearing tourmaline, in which the occupancy of the X-site is ϑ0.51Ca0.33Na0.15, characterizing it as intermediate to foitite and magnesiofoitite end-members. Mg# values for this tourmaline are higher than those for intermediate schorl-dravite. Raman spectroscopy also confirms the presence of two groups of tourmalines. Stable isotope data indicate sediment waters as fluid sources, rather than fluids from magmatic/post-magmatic sources. Delta18O compositions for tourmalines, host metachert, and quartz veins are similar, showing that fluid equilibration occurred during crystallization of both quartz and tourmaline. Syngenetic, intermediate schorl-dravite tourmalines were formed under submarine, sedimentary-exhalative conditions; amphibolite-grade metamorphism did not strongly affect their compositions. Younger tourmalines of compositions intermediate to foitite and magnesiofoitite reflect the composition of the host rocks of quartz veins, due to fluid percolation along faults and fractures that caused leaching of Cr (and V) and the crystallization of these alkali-deficient, Cr-(V-)bearing tourmalines.
On holomorphic one-forms transverse to closed hypersurfaces
Authors: Ito Toshikazu , Scárdua Bruno
Published: April 2005

In this note we announce some achievements in the study of holomorphic distributions admitting transverse closed real hypersurfaces. We consider a domain with smooth boundary in the complex affine space of dimension two or greater. Assume that the domain satisfies some cohomology triviality hypothesis (for instance, if the domain is a ball). We prove that if a holomorphic one form in a neighborhood of the domain is such that the corresponding holomorphic distribution is transverse to the boundary of the domain then the Euler-Poincaré-Hopf characteristic of the domain is equal to the sum of indexes of the one-form at its singular points inside the domain. This result has several consequences and applies, for instance, to the study of codimension one holomorphic foliations transverse to spheres.
Sedimentation and pedogenic features in a clay deposit in Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Santos Maria-do-Carmo , Varajão Angélica F.D.C.
Published: April 2005

The clay deposit of Caxambu Hill occurs in a NW/SE oriented graben originated by syntectonic sedimentation during Cenozoic. Four facies were identified (fragmentary, nodular, massive and friable) and their differentiation is related to gravity mass-flow processes. The fragmentary facies is composed of extraclast fragments of the local Paleoproterozoic basement and sand size quartz-grains dispersed in a kaolinite-muscovite-goethitehematite matrix. The nodular facies is constituted by lithorelictal and pedorelictal nodules dispersed in a similar matrix as in the fragmentary facies. The massive facies is characterized by quartz grains dispersed in a kaolinite, hematite and goethite matrix with minor amounts of muscovite. The friable facies differs from the massive facies by its channel morphology, higher quartz and kaolinite content and the presence of millimetric clay-balls. The fragmentary facies is considered as deposited during the early stage of opening of the basin. After that, under sub-arid conditions, the slumping of lateritic materials from the surrounding regolith led to the formation of the nodular and massive facies. The friable facies was originated by the action of unidirectional flow that reworking the clayey sediments. The increasing of kaolinite content towards the top is related to the chemical weathering action after the deposition of the sediments.
Innateness and the instinct to learn
Authors: Marler Peter
Published: April 2005

Concepts of innateness were at the heart of Darwin's approach to behavior and central to the ethological theorizing of Lorenz and, at least to start with, of Tinbergen. Then Tinbergen did an about face, and for some twenty years the term 'innate' became highly suspect. He attributed the change to Lehrman's famous 1953 critique in which he asserted that classifying behaviors as innate tells us nothing about how they develop. Although Lehrman made many valid points, I will argue that this exchange also led to profound misunderstandings that were ultimately damaging to progress in research on the development of behavior. The concept of 'instincts to learn', receiving renewed support from current theorizing among geneticists about phenotypic plasticity, provides a potential resolution of some of the controversies that Lehrman created. Bioacoustical studies, particularly on song learning in birds, serve both to confirm some of Lehrman's anxieties about the term 'innate', but also to make a case that he threw out the genetic baby with the bathwater. The breathtaking progress in molecular and developmental genetics has prepared the way for a fuller understanding of the complexities underlying even the simplest notions of innate behavior, necessary before we can begin to comprehend the ontogeny of behavior.