bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active hepatocyte growth factor is present in skeletal muscle extracellular matrix
Authors: Tatsumi Ryuichi , Allen Ronald E.
Published: July 2004

When skeletal muscle is stretched or injured, satellite cells are activated to proliferate, and this process can be mediated by release of the active form of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) from the extracellular matrix. The objective of these experiments was to determine whether the mechanism of release includes proteolytic activation of pro‐HGF. Extracellular HGF in uninjured adult rat extensor digitorum longus muscle was extracted by treatment with 1 M NaCl or heparinases I and III in the presence of a cocktail of serine protease inhibitors. Active HGF heterodimer was the predominant form present, but both pro‐HGF and active HGF were extracted when muscle was incubated with Triton X‐100 or crush‐injured. Incubation of exogenous pro‐HGF with uninjured or crush‐injured skeletal muscle resulted in cleavage to the active form, indicating that endogenous extracellular proteases are present and capable of rapidly converting pro‐HGF to active HGF. Finally, treatment with sodium nitroprusside, a nitric oxide (NO) donor, resulted in liberation of active HGF. These experiments indicate that the active form of HGF is present in the extracellular compartment of uninjured skeletal muscle; therefore, the mechanism of HGF release in response to stretch and NO does not require proteolytic activation of pro‐HGF. Muscle Nerve, 2004
Cytoplasmic body myopathy masquerading as motor neuron disease
Authors: Krishnan Arun V. , Pamphlett Roger , Burke David , Wills Edward J. , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: July 2004

Cytoplasmic body myopathy (CBM) is characterized by proteinaceous inclusion bodies in muscle tissue. A 43‐year‐old woman presented with rapidly progressive weakness and dysphagia. Electromyography (EMG) elsewhere demonstrated lower‐limb chronic partial denervation. Muscle biopsy showed fiber size variation without diagnostic features. A diagnosis of possible motor neuron disease was made and the patient was commenced on riluzole. Subsequently, the patient's condition stabilized, prompting reassessment. Repeat EMG demonstrated no features of denervation and was more suggestive of a myopathic process. Review of the original muscle biopsy showed cytoplasmic bodies. The case highlights a further diagnostic possibility in the assessment of patients with “possible” motor neuron disease. The clinical features of CBM are briefly reviewed. Muscle Nerve, 2004
Methanol permeability and proton conductivity of polybenzimidazole and sulfonated polybenzimidazole
Authors: Pu Hongting , Liu Qizhi
Published: July 2004

The preparation of sulfonated polybenzimidazole (sPBI) by the grafting of (4‐bromomethyl) benzenesulfonate onto polybenzimidazole (PBI) has been investigated. The methanol permeability and proton conductivity of PBI and sPBI have been studied, and the effects of methanol concentration and temperature on the methanol permeability of PBI and sPBI membranes are discussed. The results showed that the PBI membrane is a good methanol barrier. Methanol permeability in this membrane decreases with increasing methanol concentration and increases with increasing temperature. The temperature‐dependence of methanol permeability of PBI and sPBI membranes is of the ‘Arrhenius type’. Methanol permeation of sPBI is less sensitive to temperature than that of PBI. However, sPBI is a poorer methanol barrier when compared to PBI. Methanol permeability in sPBI membranes increases with increasing methanol concentration and temperature. The proton conductivity of sPBI is 4.69 × 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature in the hydrated state. The DC conductivity of sPBI–H3PO4 increases with increasing temperature. Proton transport in sPBI–H3PO4 is less sensitive to temperature than that in PBI–H3PO4. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Child level correlates of teacher–student relationships: An examination of demographic characteristics, academic orientations, and behavioral orientations
Authors: Murray Christopher , Murray Kelly M.
Published: July 2004

The purpose of this investigation was to examine associations between different child characteristics and conflict, closeness, and dependency within teacher–student relationships. The participants were primarily students of color from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds in a large urban school district. The strength of associations between student demographic variables, academic orientations, behavioral orientations, and aspects of teacher–student relationships was examined. Findings indicated that these variables accounted for a significant amount of variance in teacher ratings of conflict and dependency in teacher–student relationships. Externalizing and internalizing symptomology demonstrated the strongest associations with the conflict and dependency relationship constructs. Preliminary implications of these findings for teachers and school psychologists are explored. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 751–762, 2004.
The role of school psychology in preventing depression
Authors: Herman Keith C. , Merrell Kenneth W. , Reinke Wendy M. , Tucker Carolyn M.
Published: July 2004

To advance the role of school psychologists in mental health prevention and wellness activities, in this article we describe (a) a social ecological theory for guiding school‐based prevention research, (b) the role of schools in the development and prevention of depression, (c) a continuum of school‐based support for meeting the needs of children who are currently depressed for preventing future internalizing distress for all children, and (d) social and political factors that must be considered if lasting change is to occur. We conclude with specific considerations for school psychologists. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 763–775, 2004.
Resorcinarene‐based ATRP initiators for star polymers
Authors: Strandman Satu , Luostarinen Minna , Niemelä Satu , Rissanen Kari , Tenhu Heikki
Published: July 2004

Two novel multifunctional initiators for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) were synthesized by derivatization of tetraethylresorcinarene. The derivatization induced a change in the conformation of the resorcinarene ring, which was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. The initiators were used in ATRP of tert‐butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate, producing star polymers with controlled molar masses and low polydispersities. Instead of the expected star polymers with eight arms, polymers with four arms were obtained. Conformational studies on the initiators by rotating‐frame nuclear Overhauser and exchange spectroscopy NMR and molecular modeling suggested that of eight initiator functional groups on tetraethylresorcinarene, four are too close to each other to be able to initiate the chain growth. Starlike poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) macroinitiators were used further in the block copolymerization of methyl methacrylate. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4189–4201, 2004
Novel miktofunctional initiator for the preparation of an ABC‐type miktoarm star polymer via a combination of controlled polymerization techniques
Authors: Tunca U. , Ozyurek Z. , Erdogan T. , Hizal G.
Published: July 2004

An ABC‐type miktoarm star polymer was prepared with a core‐out method via a combination of ring‐opening polymerization (ROP), stable free‐radical polymerization (SFRP), and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). First, ROP of ϵ‐caprolactone was carried out with a miktofunctional initiator, 2‐(2‐bromo‐2‐methyl‐propionyloxymethyl)‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐propionic acid 2‐phenyl‐2‐(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐1‐yl oxy)‐ethyl ester, at 110 °C. Second, previously obtained poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) was used as a macroinitiator for SFRP of styrene at 125 °C. As a third step, this PCL–polystyrene (PSt) precursor with a bromine functionality in the core was used as a macroinitiator for ATRP of tert‐butyl acrylate in the presence of Cu(I)Br and pentamethyldiethylenetriamine at 100 °C. This produced an ABC‐type miktoarm star polymer [PCL–PSt–poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)] with a controlled molecular weight and a moderate polydispersity (weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight < 1.37). The obtained polymers were characterized with gel permeation chromatography and 1H NMR. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4228–4236, 2004
Graft polymerization of polysilsesquioxane containing chloromethylphenyl groups by atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Sugizaki Toshio , Kashio Mikihiro , Kimura Atsuko , Yamamoto Shin‐ichi , Moriya Osamu
Published: July 2004

Polysilsesquioxane with phenyl and chloromethylphenyl groups (PCPSQ) was prepared readily from phenyltrimethoxysilane and [2‐(chloromethylphenyl)ethyl]trimethoxysilane under acidic conditions. Polymerization with chloromethylphenyl groups on PCPSQ with methyl methacrylate (MMA) was conducted in the presence of a catalytic amount of copper(I) bromide and (−)‐sparteine. Atom transfer radical polymerization yielded a graft polymer (PCPSQ‐g‐MMA) efficiently, and no gelation was observed. The process was also applied to the preparation of graft block copolymers on PCPSQ with several methacrylate monomers. An advantage of the graft hybrid polymers was shown in improved thermal behavior. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4212–4221, 2004
Fast accurate evaluation of protein solvent exposure
Authors: Zhang Naigong , Zeng Chen , Wingreen Ned S.
Published: July 2004

Protein solvation energies are often taken to be proportional to solvent‐accessible surface areas. Computation of these areas is numerically demanding and may become a bottleneck for folding and design applications. Fast graph‐based methods, such as dead‐end elimination (DEE), become possible if all energies, including solvation energies, are expressed as single‐residue and pair‐residue terms. To this end, Street and Mayo originated a pair‐residue approximation for solvent‐accessible surface areas (Street AG, Mayo SL. Pairwise calculation of protein solvent accessible surface areas. Fold Des 1998;3:253–258). The dominant source of error in this method is the overlapping burial of side‐chain surfaces in the protein core. Here we report a new pair‐residue approximation, which greatly reduces this overlap error by the use of optimized generic side‐chains. We have tested the generic‐side‐chain method for the ten proteins studied by Street and Mayo and for 377 single‐domain proteins from the CATH database (Orengo CA, Michie AD, Jones S, Jones DT, Swindells MB, Thornton JM. CATH‐A hierarchic classification of protein domain structures. Structure 1997;5:1093–1108). With little additional cost in computation, the new method consistently reduces error for total areas and residue‐by‐residue areas by more than a factor of two. For example, the residue‐by‐residue error (for buried area) is reduced from 7.42 Å2 to 3.70 Å2. This difference translates into a solvation energy difference of ∼0.2 kcal/mol per residue, amounting to a reduction in root‐mean‐square energy error of 2 kcal/mol for a 100 residue chain, a potentially critical difference for both protein folding and design applications. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Commutator length of symplectomorphisms
Authors: Entov Michael
Published: July 2004

Each element

x

of the commutator subgroup

[G, G]

of a group

G

can be represented as a product of commutators. The minimal number of factors in such a product is called the commutator length of

x

. The commutator length of

G

is defined as the supremum of commutator lengths of elements of

[G, G]

. We show that for certain closed symplectic manifolds

(M,\omega)

, including complex projective spaces and Grassmannians, the universal cover

\widetilde{\mathrm{Ham}} (M,\omega)

of the group of Hamiltonian symplectomorphisms of

(M,\omega)

has infinite commutator length. In particular, we present explicit examples of elements in

\widetilde{\mathrm{Ham}} (M,\omega)

that have arbitrarily large commutator length – the estimate on their commutator length depends on the multiplicative structure of the quantum cohomology of

(M,\omega)

. By a different method we also show that in the case

c_1 (M) = 0

the group

\widetilde{\mathrm{Ham}} (M,\omega)

and the universal cover

\widetilde{\mathrm{Symp}}_0 (M,\omega)

of the identity component of the group of symplectomorphisms of

(M,\omega)

have infinite commutator length.
Four-manifold systoles and surjectivity of period map
Authors: Katz Mikhail G.
Published: July 2004

P. Buser and P. Sarnak showed in 1994 that the maximum, over the moduli space of Riemann surfaces of genus

s

, of the least conformal length of a nonseparating loop, is logarithmic in

s

. We present an application of (polynomially) dense Euclidean packings, to estimates for an analogous 2-dimensional conformal systolic invariant of a 4-manifold

X

with indefinite intersection form. The estimate turns out to be polynomial, rather than logarithmic, in

\chi(X)

, if the conjectured surjectivity of the period map is correct. Such surjectivity is targeted by the current work in gauge theory. The surjectivity allows one to insert suitable lattices with metric properties prescribed in advance, into the second de Rham cohomology group of

X

, as its integer lattice. The idea is to adapt the well-known Lorentzian construction of the Leech lattice, by replacing the Leech lattice by the Conway-Thompson unimodular lattices which define asymptotically dense packings. The final step can be described, in terms of the successive minima

\lambda_i

of a lattice, as deforming a

\lambda_2

-bound into a

\lambda_1

-bound, illustrated by Figure 1.
Some geometric properties of the Bakry-Émery-Ricci tensor
Authors: Lott John
Published: July 2004

The Bakry-Émery tensor gives an analog of the Ricci tensor for a Riemannian manifold with a smooth measure. We show that some of the topological consequences of having a positive or nonnegative Ricci tensor are also valid for the Bakry-Émery tensor. We show that the Bakry-Émery tensor is nondecreasing under a Riemannian submersion whose fiber transport preserves measures up to constants. We give some relations between the Bakry-Émery tensor and measured Gromov-Hausdorff limits.
Combings of groups and the grammar of reparameterization
Authors: Bridson Martin R.
Published: July 2004

A new construction of combings is used to distinguish between several previously indistinguishable classes of groups associated to the theory of automatic groups and non-positive curvature in group theory. We construct synchronously bounded combings for a class of groups that are neither bicombable nor automatic. The linguistic complexity of these combings is analysed: in many cases the language of words in the combing is an indexed language.
A geometric construction of the Conway potential function
Authors: Cimasoni David
Published: July 2004

We give a geometric construction of the multivariable Conway potential function for colored links. In the case of a single color, it is Kauffman's definition of the Conway polynomial in terms of a Seifert matrix.
On uniqueness of JSJ decompositions of finitely generated groups
Authors: Forester Max
Published: July 2004

We give an example of two JSJ decompositions of a group that are not related by conjugation, conjugation of edge-inclusions, and slide moves. This answers the question of Rips and Sela stated in [RS]. On the other hand we observe that any two JSJ decompositions of a group are related by an elementary deformation, and that strongly slide-free JSJ decompositions are genuinely unique. These results hold for the decompositions of Rips and Sela, Dunwoody and Sageev, and Fujiwara and Papasoglu, and also for accessible decompositions.
Une remarque sur l' inégalité de McKean
Authors: Veeravalli Alain R.
Published: July 2004

Pour une classe de variétés riemanniennes équipées de métriques tordues, nous donnons dans ce travail une borne inférieure optimale pour la première valeur propre du laplacien dans le problème de Dirichlet. L' inégalité présentée, qui est obtenue très simplement, étend celle de McKean à des variétés dont la courbure peut être de signe variable. C' est le principal intérêt de l' inégalité. Elle répond aussi partiellement à une question de Schoen et Yau.
Application of Koszul complex to Wronski relations for $U(\frak{gl}_n)$
Authors: Umeda Tôru
Published: July 2004

Explicit relations between two families of central elements in the universal enveloping algebra

U(\frak{gl}_n)

of the general linear Lie algebra

\frak{gl}_n

are presented. The two families of central elements in question are the ones expressed respectively by the determinants and the permanents: the former are known as the Capelli elements, and the latter are the central elements obtained by Nazarov. The proofs given are based on the exactness of the Koszul complex and the Euler-Poincaré principle.
Geodesic flow on the diffeomorphism group of the circle
Authors: Constantin Adrian , Kolev Boris
Published: July 2004

We show that certain right-invariant metrics endow the infinite-dimensional Lie group of all smooth orientation-preserving diffeomorphisms of the circle with a Riemannian structure. The study of the Riemannian exponential map allows us to prove infinite-dimensional counterparts of results from classical Riemannian geometry: the Riemannian exponential map is a smooth local diffeomorphism and the length-minimizing property of the geodesics holds.
Quaternions, octonions and the forms of the exceptional simple classical Lie superalgebras
Authors: Elduque Alberto
Published: July 2004

The forms of the exceptional simple classical Lie superalgebras are determined over arbitrary fields of characteristic

\ne 2,3

.
Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding after Acid‐corrosive Injury
Authors: Tseng Yau‐Lin , Wu Ming‐Ho , Lin Mu‐Yen , Lai Wu‐Wei
Published: July 2004

Our purpose was to delineate the characteristics and outcome of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGI) caused by acid‐corrosive injury and to determine its management protocol. From June 1988 to June 2000, all patients with the history of acid‐corrosive injury at our institution were reviewed. Patients with massive UGI bleeding (hematocrit level < 25% or transfusion of three or more units of whole blood required to restore normal vital sign) were enrolled into this study. Altogether, 12 (3.2%) of 378 patients with acid‐corrosive injury developed massive bleeding: 8 gastric bleeding, 2 duodenal bleeding, and 2 first gastric and then duodenal bleeding. Gastric bleedings started an average of 12.1 days after the initial injury (range 9–21 days). Duodenal bleeding usually occurred later, at 10.1 days (range 6–18 days) after a gastric or esophagogastric operation. Nine of the ten patients with gastric bleeding underwent surgery during the subacute stage: three esophagogastrectomy, three gastric mucosectomy with gastrostomy and jejunostomy, and three total or subtotal gastrectomy. Operative findings were hemorrhagic gastritis with diffuse mucosal bleeding. Two of four patients with duodenal bleeding underwent duodenotomy with suture‐ligation of bleeding vessels, and the other two had conservative treatment. Nine patients (75%) had postoperative complications. One patient (8%) died from complications of surgery performed to stop duodenal bleeding. Massive UGI bleeding rarely occurs after acid‐corrosive injury; but when it does, it occurs during the subacute stage. Aggressive surgical treatment is mandatory for gastric bleeding. How duodenal bleeding can be better managed requires further study.
Antiarrhythmic Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning in Recent Unstable Angina Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Wu Zhong‐Kai , Iivainen Tiina , Pehkonen Erkki , Laurikka Jari , Tarkka Matti R.
Published: July 2004

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for unstable angina pectoris patients results in a higher incidence of arrhythmia and higher arrhythmic cardiac mortality. Ischemic preconditioning (IP) has proved effective in suppressing ischemia reperfusion arrhythmias in animals and in humans. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether IP protects against postoperative arrhythmias in recent unstable angina patients undergoing urgent CABG. Forty‐one patients with recent unstable angina and three‐vessel coronary artery disease admitted for CABG were randomized into an IP group and a control group. The IP protocol involved twice occluding the ascending aorta with a cross‐clamp for 2 minutes, followed by 3 minutes of reperfusion. Twenty‐four‐hour continuous electrocardiography (24‐h ECG) was recorded from the preoperative day to the 2nd postoperative day. The incidences of supraventricular extrasystole (SVES), ventricular extrasystole (VES), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ventricular tachycardia (VT) were 95.2%, 85.7%, 26.2%, and 26.2%, respectively, before surgery and 100.0%, 100.0%, 88.1%, and 76.2%, respectively, after surgery. IP significantly reduced the incidence of VT and the severity of SVES, VES, SVT, and VT after surgery. The period of mechanical ventilation and the length of stay in the intensive care unit were significantly shorter in the IP group. In summary, rhythm disturbances are common in CABG patients with recent unstable angina. IP significantly reduces rhythm disturbances, including SVES, VES, SVT, and VT after CABG. The findings indicate that IP could constitute an additional myocardial protective strategy in recently unstable angina patients undergoing CABG.
Enduring Effects of Thoracoscopic Heller Myotomy for Treating Achalasia
Authors: Lee Jang‐Ming , Wang Chih‐Hsien , Huang Pei‐Ming , Hsu Hsao‐Hsun , Chen Jin‐Shing , Lee Chun‐Jean , Lee Yung‐Chie
Published: July 2004

Minimal invasive surgery using a laparoscopic or thoracoscopic approach for cardiomyotomy (Heller myotomy) has become a widely accepted procedure to treat achalasia of the esophagus. In this study, we evaluated the long‐term results of Heller myotomy achieved by performing video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). We recruited patients with achalasia who had undergone VATS for Heller myotomy from 1991 to 2000 at the National Taiwan University Hospital. The myotomy was performed 6 cm above and 1 cm below the gastroesophageal junction. No fundoplication was performed during the procedure. The symptom score, which included dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain, was evaluated before and after surgery. Body weight was also recorded before and after surgery. The cases of 14 patients (4 men, 10 women) were studied. The mean patient age was 41.8 ± 4.9 years. No postoperative mortality or morbidity was found in these patients. The follow‐up duration was 56 ± 7.17 months. The dysphasia score improved from 3.0 preoperatively to 0.79 ± 0.30 postoperatively (p = 0.001). The reflux score improved from 2.64 ± 0.17 preoperatively to 0.50 ± 0.20 postoperatively (p = 0.001). All the improvements were still in place at the time of the most recent follow‐up examinations. Heller myotomy to treat achalasia using a thoracoscopic approach can provide satisfactory long‐term results.
Ocular Manifestations and Complications of Pyogenic Liver Abscess
Authors: Tan Yu‐Meng , Chee Soon‐Phaik , Soo Khee‐Chee , Chow Pierce
Published: July 2004

In anecdotal reports, septic metastatic lesions from a pyogenic liver abscess can result in endogenous endophthalmitis, an infection of intraocular contents. Recent reports suggest that this devastating complication is increasing in frequency. The initial presentation may be nonspecific and easily misdiagnosed by the surgical team. When the infecting organism is virulent, it tends to be rapidly progressive and often leads to permanent visual deterioration or blindness despite medical intervention. We conducted a study to determine the incidence of endophthalmitis associated with pyogenic liver abscess, to identify its associations, and to determine the outcome of treatment. A retrospective review of 289 patients with a clinical diagnosis of pyogenic liver abscess admitted between January 1995 and March 2001 revealed 10 patients (3.5%) with the complication of endogenous endophthalmitis. Among them, seven had a previous history of diabetes mellitus. The offending organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae in all cases. There was no mortality in this series. Final visual outcomes of our patients were as follows: Five had no light perception (two had undergone evisceration), one had light perception only, and four were able to visualize hand motion only. There is a trend toward a worse outcome when ocular symptoms are not diagnosed and treated within 24 hours of onset. Of the five patients who lost their eyesight completely, three were initially misdiagnosed, and referral to the ophthalmologist was delayed. Surgeons must be alert to the complication of endogenous endophthalmitis. Ocular symptoms in patients treated for pyogenic liver abscess must be referred early for an ophthalmologic consult. Increased awareness and a high index of suspicion are required for salvage of visual function.
Needle Tract Implantation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Pancreatic Carcinoma after Ultrasound‐guided Percutaneous Puncture: Clinical and Pathologic Characteristics and the Treatment of Needle Tract Implantation
Authors: Kosugi Chihiro , Furuse Junji , Ishii Hiroshi , Maru Yasushi , Yoshino Masahiro , Kinoshita Taira , Konishi Masaru , Nakagohri Toshio , Inoue Kazuto , Oda Tatsuya
Published: July 2004

Tumor implantation along the needle tract following percutaneous procedures under ultrasonographic guidance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreatic carcinoma (PC) has been well documented. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the procedure, the pathologic differentiation of the primary tumor, and the treatment after implantation. Between July 1992 and March 2000, HCC patients (n = 372) who underwent biopsy, percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) therapy and percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) and PC (n = 73) patients who underwent biopsy were retrospectively studied. Needle tract implantation was found in six of the HCC patients (1.6%) and one of the PC patients (1.4%). The interval to diagnosis ranged from 5 to 25 months (mean ± SD 11.2 ± 7.6 months) in the HCC patients. The needle tract implantation was evident for all procedure types in these patients (two after PEI alone, two after both biopsy and PEI, and one after PMCT) and for each degree of pathologic differentiation of the primary tumors (well differentiated in one, moderately differentiated in two, and poorly differentiated in one). Each implanted tumor was surgically resected, with no recurrence at the focal lesion. These results suggest that needle tract implantation develops regardless of the procedure or the pathologic differentiation of the primary tumor, and that surgical resection might be effective for controlling these implanted lesions.
Management of Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava Injury during Hepatectomy for Neoplasms
Authors: Ai‐jun Li , Meng‐chao Wu , Guang‐shun Yang , Han Chen , Fen Shen
Published: July 2004

The aim of this article is to discuss the management of retrohepatic inferior vena cava injury during hepatectomy for neoplasms. Step‐by‐step hepatic vascular exclusion, digital compression, finger pinching, and surface‐to‐surface suturing were used in the management of retrohepatic inferior vena cava injury during hepatic resection in 16 cases: 12 patients underwent exclusion of the hepatic artery and portal vein by portal triad clamping (PTC) only; 3 underwent PTC and exclusion of the infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC); and 1 underwent PTC together with exclusion of the suprahepatic and infrahepatic IVC. In all cases, bleeding stopped immediately after the management described, with no intraoperative deaths and no postoperative bleeding. The median follow‐up was 42.5 months (range 19–60 months) for all patients, and the 5‐year survival rate of all patients with malignant tumors was 28.57%. One died of lung metastasis 19 months after operation, one with spontaneous rupture of a hepatocellular carcinoma 19 months after operation, and eight others from recurrence or metastasis 21, 23, 24, 27, 30, 35, 50, or 54 months after operation, respectively. Two patients had a recurrence 4 years and 4 years 6 months after the initial operation, respectively. The recurrent tumors of the liver were resected. The other patients are currently alive without recurrence or metastasis. The techniques described are safe, simple, practical, time‐saving, and effective for controlling massive bleeding arising from injury to the retrohepatic inferior vena cava during hepatic resection.
Anastomotic Healing in a Small Bowel Transplantation Model in the Rat
Authors: Wasserberg Nir , Tzakis Andreas G. , Santiago Sergio F. , Ruiz Phillip , Salgar Shashikumar K.
Published: July 2004

Anastomotic healing is impaired after intestinal surgery because of ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI), which can result in intestinal leaks leading to increased mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of transplant IRI and immune mechanisms on intestinal graft anastomotic healing. Orthotopic intestinal transplantations (OIT) were performed in rats. The experimental design consisted of six groups A–F (n = 5/group): A, allogeneic OIT treated with tacrolimus (1mg/kg/day); B, syngeneic OIT treated with tacrolimus; C, syngeneic OIT; D, allogeneic OIT; E, proximal and distal anastomoses performed in nontransplanted animals; F, same as in group E but treated with tacrolimus. Anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP), hydroxyproline content (HPC), and mucosal inflammatory infiltrate (MII) were determined at the anastomotic sites (proximal and distal) and compared between groups. ABP was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in OIT groups A, B, C, and D compared to control groups E and F at both the proximal and distal anastomotic sites. HPC was ∼1 μg/mg of tissue in groups A, B, C, and D, and ∼5μg/mg of tissue in groups E and F. This demonstrates a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in HPC after OIT. MII was significantly (p < 0.001) increased in OIT groups when compared to nontransplanted control groups. MII was also significantly (p < 0.05) increased in allogeneic OIT groups A and D compared to syngeneic OIT groups B and C. Generally, ABP and HPC were inversely proportional to MII in both nontransplanted control and OIT groups. Reduced anastomotic strength was demonstrated in both syngeneic and allogeneic OIT anastomotic sites irrespective of immunosuppressive therapy, and is probably related to IRI.
Relation between Hepatic and Portal Veins in the Right Paramedian Sector: Proposal for Anatomical Reclassification of the Liver
Authors: Cho Akihiro , Okazumi Shinichi , Makino Harufumi , Miura Fumihiko , Ohira Gaku , Yoshinaga Yushin , Toma Takayuki , Kudo Hidehiro , Matsubara Katsuhiko , Ryu Munemasa , Ochiai Takenori
Published: July 2004

Although a right liver graft without a middle hepatic vein resulted in potential venous congestion in the right paramedian sector, the details of the hepatic venous distribution in the right paramedian sector have not been established. In this study, the ramification patterns of the hepatic veins draining the right anterosuperior segment (S8) and the relation between the hepatic and portal veins were assessed using multislice computed tomography in 44 patients without lesions in the liver. All 52 drainage veins of the ventral area of S8 joined the middle hepatic vein, and all 48 drainage veins of the dorsal area joined the right hepatic vein. The hepatic vein crossing between the ventral and dorsal areas was observed in each patient examined. Therefore, we propose a reclassification wherein the right paramedian sector is divided into ventral and dorsal segments. This new classification may contribute to the development of new and safer surgical procedures, including more limited resection and right lobe adult living donor liver transplantation to avoid graft congestion.
Practice Patterns in Breast Cancer Surgery: Canadian Perspective
Authors: Porter Geoffrey A. , McMulkin‐Tait Heather
Published: July 2004

Breast cancer is a common disease, and the surgical management is continually evolving. The objective of this study was to describe the current breast cancer practice patterns among Canadian surgeons. All active General Surgeons (n = 1172), as accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, were sent a 31‐item questionnaire. Anonymous responses were collected and analyzed regarding surgeon demographics, practice, and perceptions regarding surgical care of breast cancer patients. Overall 640 active surgeons responded; of these, 519 (81%) treated breast cancer and formed the study cohort. Practice settings included community (55%), community with university affiliation (28%), and academic (17%). The majority of surgeons (76%) stated that < 25% of their practice was devoted to breast disease, and 42% performed ≤ 2 breast cancer operations/month. Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) was used by 57% of surgeons. On multivariate analysis, higher surgeon volume of breast cancer cases (p = 0.0008), fellowship training in Surgical Oncology (p = 0.009), community population (p = 0.001), and academic practice setting (p < 0.0001) were independently associated with the use of IBR. Of the 640 surgeons who responded, 79% stated that breast cancer surgery should be performed by “most general surgeons.” In Canada, most breast cancer surgery was performed by general surgeons who did not appear to have an interest, as defined by training or clinical volume, in breast cancer. Although variability regarding specific surgical issues was found among subgroups of surgeons, the majority of respondents felt that most general surgeons should treat breast cancer.
Effect of Spontaneous Portosystemic Shunts on Hemorrhage from Esophagogastric Varices
Authors: Hsieh Jan‐Sing , Wang Jaw‐Yuan , Huang Che‐Jen , Chen Fang‐Ming , Huang Tsung‐Jen
Published: July 2004

The role of a massive spontaneous portosystemic shunt (MSPSS) in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes and portal hemodynamic changes following ligation of the MSPSS during devascularization surgery. Portography and gastroendoscopy were performed before and after surgery for hemodynamic and follow‐up studies. Three types of MSPSS were demonstrated portographically: 22 portoumbilical shunts, 18 splenorenal shunts, and 2 inferior mesenteric‐caval shunts. A total of 40 MSPSS patients with esophagogastric variceal (EGV) bleeding underwent surgery: 26 had ligation of the MSPSS, and the remaining 14 served as the nonligation group. Neither the preoperative mean portal pressure (MPP) nor the postoperative MPP were significantly different between the ligation and nonligation groups (p > 0.1), and there was no significant difference regarding surgical mortality, recurrent varices, or cumulative survival rate for the two groups in the follow‐up study. However, postoperative portography demonstrated persistent drainage of portal flow and decreased intrahepatic portal perfusion in the nonligation patients. Clinical signs of hepatic encephalopathy subsided after ligation of the MSPSS in three patients. Therefore ligation of the MSPSS, which may be responsible for the development of encephalopathy, is recommended during devascularization surgery for EGV in cirrhotic patients.
Identification of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Colon Cancer Depends on the Amount of Dye Injected Relative to Tumor Size
Authors: Viehl Carsten T. , Hamel Christian T. , Marti Walter R. , Guller Ulrich , Eisner Lukas , Stammberger Uz , Terracciano Luigi , Spichtin Hans P. , Harder Felix , Zuber Markus
Published: July 2004

Recent studies have shown that the sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure might improve staging in colon cancer. However, low SLN identification and high false negative rates have also been reported. In a two‐institution study, the SLN procedure with isosulfan blue 1% was performed according to a standardized protocol in 31 patients with open resections for colon cancer. Data were collected prospectively. The database was analyzed retrospectively to determine factors contributing to a low identification rate. The SLN identification rate was 87% and the false negative rate was 50%. Successful SLN identification was significantly associated with application of higher volumes of dye relative to the tumor diameter (p = 0.04) and more frequent tumor localization in the sigmoid colon (p = 0.04) as compared to missing SLN identification. The tumor diameter was not significantly different in the two groups. Sentinel lymph node identification in colon cancer depends on the amount of dye injected relative to the tumor size. Application of only 1 ml of dye—the amount generally recommended in the literature—is not sufficient in large tumors.
Predictors of Surgical Outcome for Complicated Pneumonia in Children: Impact of Bacterial Virulence
Authors: Margenthaler Julie A. , Weber Thomas R. , Keller Martin S.
Published: July 2004

The charts of 110 children with community acquired bacterial pneumonia were reviewed. A subset of children who required surgical intervention for empyema or parapneumonic effusion was identified. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: antibiotics/tube thoracostomy alone (group 1) versus operative intervention (group 2). Overall, 33 (30%) of the children required surgical intervention for complications. Seventeen (15%, group 1) were successfully treated with antibiotics/tube thoracostomy alone, while 16 (15%) in group 2 were treatment crossovers, failing this initial therapy. Of group 2 children, 4 (25%) underwent thoracotomy and lobectomy, while 12 (75%) underwent video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Although group 2 children were younger than those in group 1 (4.4 ± 3.6 versus 6.3 ± 4.1 years, p < 0.05) and had longer hospitalizations (20.1 ± 10.1 versus 8.2 ± 3.9 days, p < 0.05), symptom duration, preoperative antibiotics, fibrinolytic use, and leukocytosis were similar (p > 0.05). Group 1 children had 13 (76%) positive cultures, 92% with pan‐sensitivities, in contrast to group 2, which had 12 (75%) positive cultures, but only 33% were sensitive to first‐line antibiotics (p < 0.01). Group 2 patients were also more likely to have complex multi‐loculated empyemas, pneumatoceles, or pulmonary necrosis identified on imaging studies (100% versus 24%, p < 0.01). These data suggest that the natural history of pneumonia in children is heavily influenced by bacterial virulence. Tube thoracostomy and appropriate antibiotics remain effective for pan‐sensitive, simple parapneumonic effusions and empyema. Complex parapneumonic effusions and empyema, however, which occur more frequently in the setting of first‐line antibiotic resistance, often fail more conservative managements and may be best treated by earlier operative debridement.
The comet assay differentiates efficiently and rapidly between genotoxins and cytotoxins in quiescent cells
Authors: Daza P. , Torreblanca J. , Moreno F.J.
Published: July 2004

Our main aim was to establish the efficiency of the single cell electrophoresis technique for differentiating between drugs that bind DNA and those that do not. The alkaline comet assay was used to test the responses of human leukocytes (quiescent cells) to damage induced by reportedly genotoxic and reportedly cytotoxic agents. Incubation of G0 leukocytes for 1 h with the genotoxic agents camptothecin and actinomycin C provoked DNA migration, observed as comet figures. On the other hand, when cells were treated with the cytotoxic agents cordycepin, fluorodeoxyuridine and puromycin, the leukocyte nuclei were indistinguishable from those of untreated cells. In addition, we have developed a rapid method using non‐proliferating cells that requires neither culture nor lymphocyte isolation. This method promises to be useful as a rapid in vitro screening assay.
Jasmonic acid prevents the accumulation of cyclin B1;1 and CDK‐B in synchronized tobacco BY‐2 cells
Authors: Świątek Agnieszka , Azmi Abdelkrim , Stals Hilde , Inzé Dirk , Van Onckelen Harry
Published: July 2004

Jasmonic acid (JA) plays a crucial role in plant fertility and defense responses. It exerts an inhibitory effect on plant growth when applied exogenously. This effect seems to be somehow related to a negative regulation of cell cycle progression in the meristematic tissues. In this report, we focus on the molecular events that occur during JA‐induced G2 arrest. We demonstrate that JA prevents the accumulation of B‐type cyclin‐dependent kinases and the expression of cyclin B1;1, which are both essential for the initiation of mitosis. This feature suggests the existence of an early G2 checkpoint that is affected by JA.
Constructivism, identity and neoliberal (in)security
Authors: Varadarajan Latha
Published: July 2004

How do we understand the relationship between ‘national security’ and a global capitalist economy? I argue in this article that liberal constructivist scholars have tended to ignore the constitutive effects of the global economy in the process of distancing themselves from ‘materialist ontologies’ and ‘rationalist epistemologies’. I contend that an important aspect of state identities is that they are dynamic and are historically constituted in and through a relationship to global capital. Only by paying close attention to this fluctuating terrain, can one make sense of the security practices of nation-states. In the latter half of the article, I illustrate my argument with an analysis of the Indian nuclear tests of 1998.
America and the world: (still) a work in progress?
Authors: Miller Linda B.
Published: July 2004

Andrew J. Bacevich, American Empire (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2002).

Charles Kupchan, The End of the American Era (New York: Alfred Knopf, 2002).

Ivo H. Daadler and James M. Lindsay, America Unbound (Washington, DC: Brookings
Institution, 2003).

Did 11 September 2001 change everything about the United States including its foreign policy? Have the subsequent US-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq altered the scholarly calculus of what should be studied and how? Must authors determined to assert the continuing importance of history, geopolitics or domestic factors as explanatory variables recast or abandon their existing conclusions to highlight the newer realities after the terrorist attacks and their aftermath? If so, how? These questions lead to others. Is there a usable American past that helps illuminate the dilemmas of the present? If so, where is it found? Is there a sustainable future role for the US in the world, beyond ideology or improvisation? If so, what are its contours? Is the Bush administration truly ‘radical’ or even ‘revolutionary’ in its imperial thrusts? After Afghanistan and Iraq, is American foreign policy still largely a success story? Or is the United States en route to becoming an ordinary country, albeit one with extraordinary resources in both hard and soft power?
The red herring of economism: a reply to Marieke de Goede
Authors: Laffey Mark
Published: July 2004

In ‘Beyond Economism in International Political Economy’, Marieke de Goede argues that the study of International Political Economy (IPE) fails to take seriously the insights generated by poststructuralism and discourse analysis. Specifically, much of IPE ‘remains wedded to a profound separation between the ideal and the realm of the real, whereby the politics of representation are seen to have a bearing only on the former domain, leaving the latter intact as an incontestable reality’. The result, especially apparent in analysis of international finance, is economism: the assumption of ‘a prediscursive economic materiality’ constituted independently of ideas, identity and discourse. Getting beyond economism requires using poststructualism to challenge the separation of the ideal and the real in the analysis of international finance and IPE more generally. Drawing on well-established literatures in geography and accounting, de Goede highlights the necessity of analysing the practices through which financial knowledge – and by extension capital itself – is produced.
Exploring the Public Understanding of Basic Genetic Concepts
Authors: Lanie Angela D. , Jayaratne Toby Epstein , Sheldon Jane P. , Kardia Sharon L. R. , Anderson Elizabeth S. , Feldbaum Merle , Petty Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2004

It is predicted that the rapid acquisition of new genetic knowledge and related applications during the next decade will have significant implications for virtually all members of society. Currently, most people get exposed to information about genes and genetics only through stories publicized in the media. We sought to understand how individuals in the general population used and understood the concepts of “genetics” and “genes.” During in‐depth one‐on‐one telephone interviews with adults in the United States, we asked questions exploring their basic understanding of these terms, as well as their belief as to the location of genes in the human body. A wide range of responses was received. Despite conversational familiarity with genetic terminology, many noted frustration or were hesitant when trying to answer these questions. In addition, some responses reflected a lack of understanding about basic genetic science that may have significant implications for broader public education measures in genetic literacy, genetic counseling, public health practices, and even routine health care.
Translating Genetics Leaflets into Languages Other Than English: Lessons from an Assessment of Urdu Materials
Authors: Shaw Alison , Ahmed Mushtaq
Published: July 2004

Genetic counselors frequently counsel clients whose first language is not English, relying on interpreters and on supplementary translated written material. This paper highlights factors that counselors need to consider before using or commissioning translated leaflets. It is based on an assessment of leaflets translated into Urdu, the national language of Pakistan, which are available through U.K. genetics clinics for use with Pakistani‐origin clients. The 2 authors, who know Urdu as their 2nd and 1st languages respectively, independently read each leaflet, checking for accuracy of information, ease of reading and understanding, cultural sensitivity, and contact details for Urdu‐speaking professionals. There were factual errors and confusing or very difficult text in all leaflets; some leaflets also contained culturally insensitive messages that could alienate users of genetics services. The paper discusses the reasons for these pitfalls and makes recommendations to guide the future production of translated genetics leaflets.
Förderung des computerbasierten Wissenserwerbs durch kooperatives Lernen und eine Feedbackmaßnahme
Authors: Krause Ulrike-Marie , Stark Robin , Mandl Heinz
Published: July 2004

Zusammenfassung: In einer experimentellen Studie wurde die Wirksamkeit kooperativen Lernens und einer Feedbackmaßnahme beim computerbasierten Wissenserwerb im Bereich empirischer Forschungsmethoden untersucht. Variiert wurden die Faktoren “Sozialform” (individuell vs. kooperativ) und “Feedbackmaßnahme” (vorhanden vs. nicht vorhanden). 137 Studierende der Pädagogik und Psychologie wurden den vier experimentellen Bedingungen zufällig zugewiesen. Die Probanden bearbeiteten eine computerbasierte Lernumgebung zur Korrelationsrechnung; die Feedbackmaßnahme bestand aus Verständnistests mit elaboriertem Feedback. In den kooperativen Bedingungen bezog sich das Feedback auf die gemeinsame Leistung, es handelte sich also um Gruppenfeedback. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der Wissenserwerb mit Hilfe der Feedbackmaßnahme gefördert werden konnte, während sich die Sozialform nicht signifikant auf die Lernleistung auswirkte. Es zeigte sich weiterhin ein unerwarteter Interaktionseffekt: Mit Feedback waren Individuen den Dyaden überlegen, ohne Feedback waren Dyaden deskriptiv erfolgreicher.