bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of chordal cutting in alleviating ischemic mitral regurgitation: insights from 3-dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Sai-Sudhakar Chittoor B , Vandse Rashmi , Armen Todd A , Bickle Katherine M , Nathan Nadia S
Published: September 2007

Background

Ischemic mitral regurgitation often complicates severe ischemic heart disease and adversely affects the prognosis in these patients. There is wide variation in the clinical spectrum of ischemic mitral regurgitation due to varying location and chronicity of ischemia and anomalies in annular and ventricular remodeling. As a result, there is lack of consensus in treating these patients. Treatment has to be individualized for each patient. Most of the available surgical options do not consistently correct this condition in all the patients. Chordal cutting is one of the newer surgical approaches in which cutting a limited number of critically positioned basal chordae have found success by relieving the leaflet tethering and thereby improving the coaptation of leaflets. Three-dimensional echocardiography is a potentially valuable tool in identifying the specific pattern of tethering and thus the suitability of this procedure in a given clinical scenario.

Case Presentation

A 66-year-old man with cardiomyopathy and ischemic mitral regurgitation presented to us with the features of congestive heart failure. The three-dimensional echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation associated with the tethering of the lateral (P1) and medial (P3) scallops of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve due to secondary chordal attachments. The ejection fraction was only 15% with severe global systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Mitral regurgitation was successfully corrected with mitral annuloplasty and resection of the secondary chordae tethering the medial and lateral scallops of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve.

Conclusion

Cutting the second order chordae along with mitral annuloplasty could be a novel method to remedy Ischemic mitral regurgitation by relieving the tethering of the valve leaflets. The preoperative three-dimensional echocardiography should be considered in all patients with Ischemic mitral regurgitation to assess the complex three-dimensional interactions between the mitral valve apparatus and the left ventricle. This aids in timely surgical planning.
IL-23 induces human osteoclastogenesis via IL-17 in vitro, and anti-IL-23 antibody attenuates collagen-induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Yago Toru , Nanke Yuki , Kawamoto Manabu , Furuya Takefumi , Kobashigawa Tsuyoshi , Kamatani Naoyuki , Kotake Shigeru
Published: September 2007

This study demonstrates that IL-23 stimulates the differentiation of human osteoclasts from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Furthermore, in vivo blockade of endogenous IL-23 activity by treatment with anti-IL-23 antibody attenuates collagen-induced arthritis in rats by preventing both inflammation and bone destruction. IL-23 induced human osteoclastogenesis in cultures of PBMC in the absence of osteoblasts or exogenous soluble-receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL). This IL-23-induced osteoclastogenesis was inhibited by osteoprotegerin, anti-IL-17 antibody, and etanercept, suggesting that RANKL, IL-17, and TNF-alpha are involved. In addition, we found the ratio of production levels of IL-17 to those of IFN-gamma from activated human T cells was elevated at 1 to 10 ng/ml IL-23. The inductive effect of IL-17 and the inhibitory effect of IFN-gamma on osteoclastogenesis indicate that the balance of these two cytokines is particularly important. We also demonstrated that IL-23 administered at a later stage significantly reduced paw volume in rats with collagen-induced arthritis, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, anti-IL-23 antibody reduced synovial tissue inflammation and bone destruction in these rats. These findings suggest that IL-23 is important in human osteoclastogenesis and that neutralizing IL-23 after onset of collagen-induced arthritis has therapeutic potential. Thus, controlling IL-23 production and function could be a strategy for preventing inflammation and bone destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Platelet-derived exosomes induce endothelial cell apoptosis through peroxynitrite generation: experimental evidence for a novel mechanism of septic vascular dysfunction
Authors: Gambim Marcela Helena , de Oliveira do Carmo Alipio , Marti Luciana , Veríssimo-Filho Sidney , Lopes Lucia Rossetti , Janiszewski Mariano
Published: September 2007

Introduction

Several studies link hematological dysfunction to severity of sepsis. Previously we showed that platelet-derived microparticles from septic patients induce vascular cell apoptosis through the NADPH oxidase-dependent release of superoxide. We sought to further characterize the microparticle-dependent vascular injury pathway.

Methods

During septic shock there is increased generation of thrombin, TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO). Human platelets were exposed for 1 hour to the NO donor diethylamine-NONOate (0.5 μM), lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/ml), TNF-α (40 ng/ml), or thrombin (5 IU/ml). Microparticles were recovered through filtration and ultracentrifugation and analyzed by electron microscopy, flow cytometry or Western blotting for protein identification. Redox activity was characterized by lucigenin (5 μM) or coelenterazine (5 μM) luminescence and by 4,5-diaminofluorescein (10 mM) and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (10 mM) fluorescence. Endothelial cell apoptosis was detected by phosphatidylserine exposure and by measurement of caspase-3 activity with an enzyme-linked immunoassay.

Results

Size, morphology, high exposure of the tetraspanins CD9, CD63, and CD81, together with low phosphatidylserine, showed that platelets exposed to NONOate and LPS, but not to TNF-α or thrombin, generate microparticles similar to those recovered from septic patients, and characterize them as exosomes. Luminescence and fluorescence studies, and the use of specific inhibitors, revealed concomitant superoxide and NO generation. Western blots showed the presence of NO synthase II (but not isoforms I or III) and of the NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox, protein disulfide isomerase and Nox. Endothelial cells exposed to the exosomes underwent apoptosis and caspase-3 activation, which were inhibited by NO synthase inhibitors or by a superoxide dismutase mimetic and totally blocked by urate (1 mM), suggesting a role for the peroxynitrite radical. None of these redox properties and proapoptotic effects was evident in microparticles recovered from platelets exposed to thrombin or TNF-α.

Conclusion

We showed that, in sepsis, NO and bacterial elements are responsible for type-specific platelet-derived exosome generation. Those exosomes have an active role in vascular signaling as redox-active particles that can induce endothelial cell caspase-3 activation and apoptosis by generating superoxide, NO and peroxynitrite. Thus, exosomes must be considered for further developments in understanding and treating vascular dysfunction in sepsis.
Atherosclerosis and liver inflammation induced by increased dietary cholesterol intake: a combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis
Authors: Kleemann Robert , Verschuren Lars , van Erk Marjan J , Nikolsky Yuri , Cnubben Nicole HP , Verheij Elwin R , Smilde Age K , Hendriks Henk FJ , Zadelaar Susanne , Smith Graham J , Kaznacheev Valery , Nikolskaya Tatiana , Melnikov Anton , Hurt-Camejo Eva , van der Greef Jan , van Ommen Ben , Kooistra Teake
Published: September 2007

Background

Increased dietary cholesterol intake is associated with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis development requires a lipid and an inflammatory component. It is unclear where and how the inflammatory component develops. To assess the role of the liver in the evolution of inflammation, we treated ApoE*3Leiden mice with cholesterol-free (Con), low (LC; 0.25%) and high (HC; 1%) cholesterol diets, scored early atherosclerosis and profiled the (patho)physiological state of the liver using novel whole-genome and metabolome technologies.

Results

Whereas the Con diet did not induce early atherosclerosis, the LC diet did so but only mildly, and the HC diet induced it very strongly. With increasing dietary cholesterol intake, the liver switches from a resilient, adaptive state to an inflammatory, pro-atherosclerotic state. The liver absorbs moderate cholesterol stress (LC) mainly by adjusting metabolic and transport processes. This hepatic resilience is predominantly controlled by SREBP-1/-2, SP-1, RXR and PPARα. A further increase of dietary cholesterol stress (HC) additionally induces pro-inflammatory gene expression, including pro-atherosclerotic candidate genes. These HC-evoked changes occur via specific pro-inflammatory pathways involving specific transcriptional master regulators, some of which are established, others newly identified. Notably, several of these regulators control both lipid metabolism and inflammation, and thereby link the two processes.

Conclusion

With increasing dietary cholesterol intake the liver switches from a mainly resilient (LC) to a predominantly inflammatory (HC) state, which is associated with early lesion formation. Newly developed, functional systems biology tools allowed the identification of novel regulatory pathways and transcriptional regulators controlling both lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses, thereby providing a rationale for an interrelationship between the two processes.
Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulators and Antihormonal Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Jordan V. Craig , O'Malley Bert W.
Published: September 2007

Selective estrogen-receptor (ER) modulators (SERMs) are synthetic nonsteroidal compounds that switch on and switch off target sites throughout the body. Tamoxifen, the pioneering SERM, blocks estrogen action by binding to the ER in breast cancers. Tamoxifen has been used ubiquitously in clinical practice during the last 30 years for the treatment of breast cancer and is currently available to reduce the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women. Raloxifene maintains bone density (estrogen-like effect) in postmenopausal osteoporotic women, but at the same time reduces the incidence of breast cancer in both high- and low-risk (osteoporotic) postmenopausal women. Unlike tamoxifen, raloxifene does not increase the incidence of endometrial cancer. Clearly, the simple ER model of estrogen action can no longer be used to explain SERM action at different sites around the body. Instead, a new model has evolved on the basis of the discovery of protein partners that modulate estrogen action at distinct target sites. Coactivators are the principal players that assemble a complex of functional proteins around the ligand ER complex to initiate transcription of a target gene at its promoter site. A promiscuous SERM ER complex creates a stimulatory signal in growth factor receptor–rich breast or endometrial cancer cells. These events cause drug-resistant, SERM-stimulated growth. The sometimes surprising pharmacology of SERMs has resulted in a growing interest in the development of new selective medicines for other members of the nuclear receptor superfamily. This will allow the precise treatment of diseases that was previously considered impossible.
“We are not now as we once were”: Iowa Indians' Political and Economic Adaptations during U.S. Incorporation
Authors: Bernstein David
Published: September 2007

The historical legacy of the eastern prairies between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers in the 1830s is dominated by a series of violent confrontations between Indians and the U.S. Army. Though the “Black Hawk Wars” involved just a few of the Indians living along the Mississippi River watershed, these conflicts epitomize commonly held understandings of Indian-white relations in the region: a violent clash of cultures in which Indians valiantly, but unsuccessfully, fought against American expansion. Contradicting this binary, Iowa Indian leaders understood that their communities had potentially much to gain from aspects of white expansion. The primary purpose of this article is to look beyond circumscribed definitions of Indian-white relations and to illustrate how the Iowa used an assortment of political, economic, and social tactics to help shape their rapidly changing world. Confronting declining wildlife resources, the Iowa began reshaping their economies toward what they hoped would be a more stable agricultural future while initiating diplomatic relations with American agents to help mitigate recurring and more immediate tensions with powerful Indian adversaries.
Recovery and Separation of Precious Metals Using Waste Paper
Authors: Adhikari Chaitanya Raj , Parajuli Durga , Kawakita Hidetaka , Chand Rumi , Inoue Katsutoshi , Ohto Keisuke
Published: September 2007

An adsorption gel was prepared from waste paper by immobilizing iminodiacetic acid so as to investigate its adsorption behavior for various metal ions from chloride media. The gel was found to be selective for AuIII and PdII over PtIV and other base metal ions including CuII, FeIII, NiII and ZnII at varying concentrations of hydrochloric acid. Moreover, AuIII was reduced by the gel giving rise to clearly recognizable beautiful elemental gold particles which was confirmed by means of the XRD-spectrum and SEM-images of the adsorbent after adsorption. This result has increased the prospect for mutual separation of AuIII and PdII from coexisting PtIV and base metals.
Absorption Spectra of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Katoh Ryuzi
Published: September 2007

The absorption spectra of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) and 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([bmim][TFSI]) were measured. The similarity of the spectra in the liquid phase with the corresponding solution spectra shows that weak electronic intermolecular interaction occurs in these ionic liquids.
Preparation of Mesoporous Silica and Carbon Using Gelatin or Gelatin–Phenol–Formaldehyde Polymer Blend as Template
Authors: Lin Yu-Chin , Hsu Chun-Han , Lin Hong-Ping , Tang Chih-Yuan , Lin Ching-Yen
Published: September 2007

Mesoporous silica and carbon with high surface area and large pore size were readily prepared in a dilute silica solution at pH ≈4.0–6.0 by using the biodegradable gelatin or gelatin–phenol–formaldehyde polymer blend as template.
Hypervalent Silicon and Phosphorus Atoms in Single Molecules: Synthesis and Properties of Phosphoranylalkoxysilicates and a Phosphoranyloxysilicate
Authors: Kano Naokazu , Miyake Hideaki , Kawashima Takayuki
Published: September 2007

The first hypervalent compounds containing both a pentacoordinated silicon atom and a pentacoordinated phosphorus atom were synthesized by the cooperative three-component reaction of a phosphoranide, a silane, and THF accompanying the ring opening of THF, or by the nucleophilic addition of phosphoranylalkoxides to a silane. Hydrolysis of the phosphoranyloxysilicate and phosphoranylalkoxysilicates gave the hydroxysilicate and the corresponding phosphoranes.
Continuous Hydrothermal Preparation of Partially Substituted Perovskite Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Jinfeng , Hakuta Yukiya , Hayashi Hiromichi , Ohashi Tomotsugu , Hoshi Yasushi , Sato Koichi , Nishioka Masateru , Inoue Tomoya , Hamakawa Satoshi
Published: September 2007

Using a supercritical flow system, in which supercritical water was utilized as reaction medium, nanoparticles of partially substituted perovskite oxide (Ca0.8Sr0.2Ti0.9Fe0.1O3−α) were rapidly formed within a 10 s reaction time. The average particle size is 20 nm, and BET specific surface area is 70.6 m2/g.
Patterning of Self-assembled Thin Films Using Vacuum Ultraviolet Irradiation Through Anodic Porous Alumina Mask
Authors: Harada Masahiro , Murata Sunao , Yanagishita Takashi , Sugimura Hiroyuki , Nishio Kazuyuki , Masuda Hideki
Published: September 2007

The high-throughput patterning of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on Au substrates could be achieved by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV: λ=172 nm) irradiation through an anodic porous alumina mask. The fluorescence image of the patterned SAM indicated the formation of a hole array on the submicron scale identical to that in the alumina mask.
Zirconocene-mediated Preparation of Precursors for Estratriene Synthesis
Authors: Herrmann Pavel , Budešínský Miloš , Kotora Martin
Published: September 2007

Zirconium-mediated cyclization of an allyl-ene compound afforded organozirconium intermediate, which after alkylation (allylation and acylation) afforded either dienes or unsaturated ketones. These are considered to be precursors further elaboration of which should yield functionlized steroids.
Hypervalent Iodine-mediated Efficient Synthesis of Imidazoles
Authors: Das Biswanath , Srinivas Yallamalla , Holla Harish , Krishnaiah Maddeboina , Narender Ravirala
Published: September 2007

The condensation of an α-hydroxy ketone with an aldehyde and ammonium acetate in the presence of diacetoxy iodobenzene (DIB) produced the corresponding imidazole in excellent yield.
Complexation of Some Phenol Hosts with Quinoline N-Oxide and the Structural Studies of Their Complexes by X-ray Crystallography
Authors: Hatano Bunpei , Aikawa Akiko , Katagiri Hiroshi , Tagaya Hideyuki , Takahashi Hiroki
Published: September 2007

The 1:1 inclusion complexes of phenol hosts, 4,4′-isopropylidenebisphenol, 4,4′-cyclohexylidenebisphenol, and 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, with quinoline N-oxide were obtained in good yields. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses revealed the molecular arrangement of the inclusion complexes.
Effect of Base Additives on the Selective Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol over Ru/TiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Feng Jian , Wang Jinbo , Zhou Yafen , Fu Haiyan , Chen Hua , Li Xianjun
Published: September 2007

Under mild reaction conditions (170 °C, 3 MPa), glycerol is hydrogenolyzed to 1,2-propanediol with very high selectivity at high conversion using Ru/TiO2 as catalyst in basic aqueous solution. The base aids the initial dehydrogenation of glycerol to glyceraldehyde and promotes the dehydration of glyceraldehyde to 2-hydroxyacrolein.
Involvement of Electron Transfer in the Radical-scavenging Reaction of Resveratrol
Authors: Nakanishi Ikuo , Shimada Tomokazu , Ohkubo Kei , Manda Sushma , Shimizu Takehiko , Urano Shiro , Okuda Haruhiro , Miyata Naoki , Ozawa Toshihiko , Anzai Kazunori , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Ikota Nobuo , Fukuhara Kiyoshi
Published: September 2007

Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) efficiently scavenges an oxygen radical via an electron transfer from resveratrol to the radical in deaerated acetonitrile, which is significantly accelerated by the presence of magnesium ion.
Umbilical cord blood serum procalcitonin by Time-Resolved Amplified Cryptate Emission (TRACE) technology: reference values of a potential marker of vertically transmitted neonatal sepsis
Authors: Llorente Elena , Prieto Belén , Cardo Leyre , Avello Noelia , Alvarez Francisco V.
Published: September 2007

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1531–5.
Evaluation of genus-specific and species-specific real-time PCR assays for the identification of Brucella spp.
Authors: Al Dahouk Sascha , Nöckler Karsten , Scholz Holger C. , Pfeffer Martin , Neubauer Heinrich , Tomaso Herbert
Published: September 2007

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1464–70.
Redefining functional sensitivity of thyroglobulin assay on Immulite platform: implications in thyroid cancer management
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Ceriani Luca , Ghelfo Antonella
Published: September 2007

Circulating thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement after thyrotropin stimulation is a pivotal tool in the management of patients affected by differentiated thyroid carcinoma. The Tg assay on Immulite platform has a declared functional sensitivity of 0.9 ng/mL and it is widely used in clinical practice and research on thyroid carcinoma. Recently, thyroglobulin measured during thyroxine treatment was found to be adequate for thyroid carcinoma follow-up if functional sensitivity at 0.2–0.3 ng/mL was reached by assay methods. Thus, the present study was then undertaken to evaluate the imprecision of Immulite Tg assay at very low concentrations. The detection limit was calculated on zero calibrator and Tg-free pooled sera replicates and was 0.14 and 0.16 ng/mL, respectively. Different serum pools with Tg concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 2.50 ng/mL were assayed according to the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry guidelines to estimate functional sensitivity. By interpolating the imprecision profile with a coefficient of variation of 20%, the functional sensitivity was 0.36 ng/mL. The Immulite-Tg assay was directly compared with a high-sensitive immunoradiometric Tg assay in sera from 93 patients with thyroid carcinomas. No significant differences in sensitivity and specificity were observed by using the newly defined functional sensitivity. In conclusion, the Immulite Tg assay showed a lower functional sensitivity than expected and performed comparably to high-sensitive immunoradiometric assay in patients with thyroid carcinoma.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1523–4.
Biomarkers of folate and vitamin B12 status in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Herrmann Wolfgang , Obeid Rima
Published: September 2007

Folate and vitamin B

Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1614–20.
A Simple Triaxial System for Evaluating the Performance of Unsaturated Soils Under Repeated Loading
Authors: Thom R. , Sivakumar V. , Brown J. , Hughes D.
Published: September 2007

Unsaturated soils constitute a large proportion of the foundation materials supporting infrastructure throughout the world and they are subject to various loading conditions. This paper describes the development of a simple system for testing unsaturated soils under repeated loading. The equipment was comprised of a modified triaxial cell with hydraulic loading system, hall-effect transducers for on-sample strain measurements, and thermocouple psychrometer for suction measurements. A number of undrained monotonic and repeated loading triaxial tests were performed on compacted samples of kaolin clay in order to attest the newly developed system. The results yielded some useful information on the resilient modulus and permanent deformation of a soil when subjected to repeated loading. There is some difference between the failure deviator stress of samples subjected to repeated and monotonic loading, though repeated loading continued to result in a significant permanent deformation. This paper is aimed at demonstrating the key features of the equipment using preliminary data generated as part of the on-going research.
Modeling the Impact of Formal and Informal Supports for Young Children With Disabilities and Their Families
Authors: Bailey Donald B. , Nelson Lauren , Hebbeler Kathy , Spiker Donna
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to examine factors related to perceived impact of early intervention on children with disabilities and their families.

METHODS. A nationally representative sample of ∼2100 parents completed a 40-minute telephone interview near their child's third birthday. Structural equation modeling examined the relationships between 3 support variables (quality of child services, quality of family services, and family/community support) and 2 outcomes at 36 months (impact on child and impact on family) and determined whether these relationships were mediated by 2 perceptual variables (optimism and confidence in parenting) or moderated by 5 demographic variables (poverty, maternal education, ethnicity, age of initial Individual Family Service Plan, and health at 36 months).

RESULTS. Perceived impact of early intervention on both child and family were significantly related to each other. The quality of child services was related to impact on the child but not on the family. The quality of family services was related to both child and family impact. Informal support was not related to perceived impact on children or families but was strongly related to confidence in parenting and optimism. Neither optimism nor confidence in parenting mediated the relationships between services or supports and perceived impact. Minority families and families of children with poor health reported lower quality of services, but these characteristics did not moderate the relationships between services and perceived impact on the child. However, both poverty status and minority status were associated with perceptions of impact on the family.

CONCLUSIONS. Findings reinforce the role of high-quality services in maximizing perceived impact. They also highlight the important role of informal support in promoting optimism and confidence in parenting. Poverty status, minority status, and poor health of the child are salient factors in predicting lower perceived quality of and benefit from services.
Correction of Celiac Disease After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Kline Ronald M. , Neudorf Steven M.L. , Baron Howard I.
Published: September 2007

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been shown to correct or improve a variety of autoimmune disorders. This has not been reported for celiac disease, but transmission to a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipient from a donor with celiac disease has been reported. We report a 12-year-old girl with celiac disease who was diagnosed with acute leukemia and received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Her celiac disease resolved after the hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Effects of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure on Growth: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Richardson Gale A. , Goldschmidt Lidush , Larkby Cynthia
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE. There has been a limited amount of research on the long-term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on growth of the infant, and there has been no use of longitudinal growth models. We investigated the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on offspring growth from 1 through 10 years of age by using a repeated-measures growth-curve model.

METHODS. Women were enrolled from a prenatal clinic and interviewed at the end of each trimester of pregnancy about their cocaine, crack, alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other drug use. Fifty percent of the women were white, and 50% were black. Follow-up assessments occurred at 1, 3, 7, and 10 years of age.

RESULTS. Cross-sectional analyses showed that children exposed to cocaine during the first trimester (n = 99) were smaller on all growth parameters at 7 and 10 years, but not at 1 or 3 years, than the children who were not exposed to cocaine during the first trimester (n = 125). The longitudinal analyses indicated that the growth curves for the 2 groups diverged over time: children who were prenatally exposed to cocaine grew at a slower rate than children who were not exposed. These analyses controlled for other factors associated with child growth.

CONCLUSIONS. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the long-term effects of prenatal cocaine exposure to conduct longitudinal growth-curve analyses using 4 time points in childhood. Children who were exposed to cocaine during the first trimester grew at a slower rate than those who were not exposed. These findings indicate that prenatal cocaine exposure has a lasting effect on child development.
Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Suckle With Weak Pressures to Maintain Breathing During Feeding
Authors: Mizuno Katsumi , Nishida Yoshiko , Taki Motohiro , Hibino Satoshi , Murase Masahiko , Sakurai Motoichirou , Itabashi Kazuo
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE. Preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia often demonstrate sucking difficulties. The aim of this study was to determine whether the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia affects not only coordination among suck–swallow–respiration but also sucking endurance and performance itself.

PATIENTS AND METHODS. Twenty very low birth weight infants were studied. Infants with anomalies or intraventricular hemorrhage were excluded from the evaluation. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: no bronchopulmonary dysplasia (7 infants), bronchopulmonary dysplasia without home oxygen therapy (7 infants), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia with home oxygen therapy (6 infants). In addition to sucking efficiency, pressure, frequency, duration, and duration of sucking burst, length of deglutition apnea, number of swallows per burst, and respiratory rate were also measured during bottle-feeding at 40 weeks' postmenstrual age. In addition, Pco2 and oxygen saturation were measured at rest and during bottle-feeding.

RESULTS. Infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia demonstrated not only the lowest sucking pressure and sucking frequency, shortest sucking burst duration, and lowest feeding efficiency but also the lowest frequency of swallows during the run and the longest deglutition apnea. The respiratory rate was highest, and the decrease in oxygen saturation was largest, in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

CONCLUSIONS. Feeding problems depend on the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia demonstrated not only poor feeding coordination but also poor feeding endurance and performance.
Epidemiology of Oronasal Hemorrhage in the First 2 Years of Life: Implications for Child Protection
Authors: McIntosh Neil , Mok Jacqueline Y.Q. , Margerison Adrian
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND. Epistaxis in childhood is common but unusual in the first years of life. Oronasal blood has been proposed as a marker of child abuse.

METHODS. We performed a retrospective review of all hospital notes of children in the Lothian region of Scotland who were <2 years of age and in whom facial blood had been recorded over a 10-year period.

RESULTS. There were 77173 accident and emergency department attendances with 58059 admissions during the 10-year study period in children <2 years of age; 16 cases of nose bleed and 3 cases of hemoptysis were recorded. All cases of hemoptysis were associated with significant bouts of coughing and respiratory infections. Epistaxis in 8 cases was associated with visible trauma and in 4 cases with thrombocytopenia (secondary to malignancy in 3). In 2 cases, an associated apparent life-threatening event was described, and in 2 cases there was a coincident upper respiratory tract infection. Review of previous and subsequent history suggested 7 cases of “accidental” injury that might have been caused by abuse. These cases are described here. All children who presented with this problem to the accident and emergency department had been admitted for observation or management.

CONCLUSIONS. Epistaxis is rare in the accident and emergency department and hospital in the first 2 years of life and is often associated with injury or serious illness. The investigation of all cases should involve a pediatrician with expertise in child protection.
Tuberculosis of the hip
Authors: Erdélyi Gábor , Kiss János , Zahár Ákos
Published: September 2007

Hazánkban az elmúlt években évente átlagosan 2000–2500 új tbc-s beteget regisztráltak. A betegség gyakorisága az utóbbi 10 évben folyamatosan csökkent: incidenciája 2000-ben 36/100 000 volt, 2005-ben mindössze 20, 2006-ban 18,8 megbetegedés jutott 100 000 lakosra. Az extrapulmonalis esetek rendkívül alacsony gyakorisága, a lassan induló, szegényes tünettan miatt a specifikus ízületi gyulladás diagnosztikája nem képezi a mozgásszervi betegekkel foglalkozó szakrendeléseken a mindennapi rutin részét. A pontos diagnózis felállításához és a sikeres kezeléshez számos szakma – esetünkben ortopéd sebész, radiológus, infektológus, pulmonológus, mikrobiológus, urológus – együttműködésére van szükség. A szerzők cikkükben bemutatják egy 19 éves férfi beteg két éve fennálló csípőízületi panaszai hátterében talált tuberkulózis diagnosztikai és kezelési lépéseit.
Direct cost differences of severe sepsis between survivors and non-survivors on day 1 of intensive care admission
Authors: Csomós Ákos , Szentkereszty Zoltán , Fülesdi Béla
Published: September 2007

Az intenzív osztályok forgalmának jelentős részét teszik ki a súlyos szepszissel felvett betegek, akiknek komplex kezelése magas költséggel és magas mortalitással párosul.
Célkitűzés:
A tanulmány célja annak vizsgálata, hogy a betegellátással összefüggő költségek szempontjából jelentkezik-e már az első ápolási napon különbség a gyógyult és a meghalt betegek között.
Módszer:
A tanulmányban 6 intenzív osztály vett részt, melyek összesen 70, súlyos szepszis miatt osztályukra felvett beteget vontak be a vizsgálatba. Az osztályok a bevont betegekről kigyűjtötték a betegellátással összefüggő intenzív osztályos anyag- és eszközfelhasználást a felvételt követő első 24 órában. Összesen 59, betegellátással összefüggő költségelem felhasználását gyűjtötték ki és csoportosították, úgymint radiológia, laboratóriumi vizsgálatok és egyszer használatos eszközök. A vérkészítmények és a gyógyszerek/infúziók esetében teljes, tételes adatgyűjtés történt. Az egységes költségmeghatározás érdekében a felhasznált költségelemekhez a szerzők adtak költségértékeket.
Eredmények:
A súlyos szepszis intenzív osztályos mortalitása ebben a mintában 64%-os volt, az átlag ápolási napok száma a gyógyult betegeknél 19,9 (SD ± 11,4), a meghaltaknál 13,0 (SD ± 8,5). A betegellátással összefüggő (direkt) első napi költség átlag 60 957 Ft-ot tett ki, a meghaltaknál szignifikánsan többet, mint a gyógyult betegeknél (70 835 Ft vs 40 108 Ft,
p
= 0,020). Költségcsoportokra bontva, a meghalt betegek magasabb direkt költségét a vérkészítmények (
p
= 0,047) és a gyógyszerek/infúziók okozzák (
p
= 0,003). A meghalt betegek magasabb gyógyszer- és/vagy infúzióköltségéért a kolloidok (
p
= 0,016) és a költségesebb antibiotikumok használata (
p
= 0,021) felelős.
Következtetések:
Nemzetközi összehasonlításban a súlyos szepszis mortalitása magasabb, a szepsziskezelés napi költsége alacsonyabb Magyarországon. A meghalt betegek közel kétszer magasabb első napi költsége alátámasztja a korai diagnózis és a hatékony kezelés szükségességét.
Women, behavior, and evolution: Understanding the debate between feminist evolutionists and evolutionary psychologists
Authors: Liesen Laurette T.
Published: September 2007

Often since the early 1990s, feminist evolutionists have criticized evolutionary psychologists, finding fault in their analyses of human male and female reproductive behavior. Feminist evolutionists have criticized various evolutionary psychologists for perpetuating gender stereotypes, using questionable methodology, and exhibiting a chill toward feminism. Though these criticisms have been raised many times, the conflict itself has not been fully analyzed. Therefore, I reconsider this conflict, both in its origins and its implications. I find that the approaches and perspectives of feminist evolutionists and evolutionary psychologists are distinctly different, leading many of the former to work in behavioral ecology, primatology, and evolutionary biology. Invitingly to feminist evolutionists, these three fields emphasize social behavior and the influences of environmental variables; in contrast, evolutionary psychology has come to rely on assumptions deemphasizing the pliability of psychological mechanisms and the flexibility of human behavior. In behavioral ecology, primatology, and evolutionary biology, feminist evolutionists have found old biases easy to correct and new hypotheses practical to test, offering new insights into male and female behavior, explaining the emergence and persistence of patriarchy, and potentially bringing closer a prime feminist goal, sexual equality.
Demographic profile of states with human cloning laws: Morality policy, meets political economy
Authors: Stabile Bonnie
Published: September 2007

This analysis seeks to identify factors that may shape the policy stance — whether restrictive or permissive — that each state in the United States with a human cloning law in place takes toward human therapeutic cloning. The investigation also considers if cloning policy is more the product of morality politics or political economy. Results show that among states with human cloning policies in place, those with a greater biotechnological capacity, more permissive abortion laws, fewer Evangelical Protestants, and higher political liberalism rankings are more likely to have permissive cloning laws. A higher Roman Catholic population is strongly associated with permissive cloning laws, rather than restrictive cloning laws as originally supposed. Factors with morality policy and economic bases were both found to be associated with cloning policy outcomes. Results suggest that morality policies, though distinct in some ways, do share determinants with public policies based on political economy.
Multilevel Structural Equation Models for the Analysis of Comparative Data on Educational Performance
Authors: Goldstein Harvey , Bonnet Gérard , Rocher Thierry
Published: September 2007

The Programme for International Student Assessment comparative study of reading performance among 15-year-olds is reanalyzed using statistical procedures that allow the full complexity of the data structures to be explored. The article extends existing multilevel factor analysis and structural equation models and shows how this can extract richer information from the data and provide better fits to the data. It shows how these models can be used fully to explore the dimensionality of the data and to provide efficient, single-stage models that avoid the need for multiple imputation procedures. Markov Chain Monte Carlo methodology for parameter estimation is described.
An Importance Sampling EM Algorithm for Latent Regression Models
Authors: von Davier Matthias , Sinharay Sandip
Published: September 2007

Reporting methods used in large-scale assessments such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) rely on latent regression models. To fit the latent regression model using the maximum likelihood estimation technique, multivariate integrals must be evaluated. In the computer program MGROUP used by the Educational Testing Service for fitting the latent regression model to data from NAEP and other assessments, the integral is computed either by numerical quadrature or approximated. CGROUP, the current operational version of MGROUP used in NAEP for problems with more than two dimensions, uses Laplace approximation that may not provide fully satisfactory results, especially if the number of items per scale is small. This article examines a stochastic expectation-maximization (EM) method that uses importance sampling to NAEP-like settings. A simulation study and a real data analysis show that the importance sampling EM method provides a viable alternative to CGROUP for fitting multivariate latent regression models.
Redundant Overdispersion Parameters in Multilevel Models for Categorical Responses
Authors: Skrondal Anders , Rabe-Hesketh Sophia
Published: September 2007

In some distributions, such as the binomial distribution, the variance is determined by the mean. However, in practice, overdispersion is often observed where the variance is larger than that predicated by the mean, and underdispersion is sometimes observed where the variance is smaller. It is well known that overdispersion or underdispersion cannot be modeled for dichotomous responses having a Bernoulli distribution. Redundant overdispersion parameters are nevertheless often included when multilevel or hierarchical models for categorical responses are estimated using quasi-likelihood methods and in generalized estimating equations. This may be due to the popularity of an algorithmic model formulation.
Advances in Liquid‐Electrolyte and Solid‐State Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Snaith H. J. , Schmidt‐Mende L.
Published: September 2007

This Progress Report highlights recent developments in dye‐sensitized solar cells composed of both liquid electrolytes and solid‐state hole transport materials. The authors discuss and review the present understanding of and recent developments in the operational processes, such as charge generation, transport, recombination, and charge collection. Also, the merits and challenges of alternative device approaches are discussed, including extremely thin absorber cells, devices containing inorganic p‐type hole‐transporters and non‐TiO2 mesoporous metal‐oxide electrodes employed in dye‐sensitized solar cells.
Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Metal Nanostructures: The Case of Palladium
Authors: Xiong Y. , Xia Y.
Published: September 2007

This article features shape‐controlled synthesis of Pd nanostructures. Similar to the Ag system, both the crystallinity of seeds and the growth rates of different crystallographic facets play a vital role in determining the final shape of a resultant nanostructure. We specifically discuss how the reduction rate can be controlled to maneuver the crystallinity (i.e., single‐crystal, single twinned, and multiple twinned) of seeds in the nucleation stage. The distribution of multiple twinned and single‐crystal seeds can be further manipulated by employing oxidative etching. As the seed grows into a nanocrystal, the growth rates of different facets (e.g., {111} versus {100}) can be altered with capping agents to control the final shape. The ability to generate Pd nanostructures with a variety of geometrical shapes provides a great opportunity to systematically evaluate their electrical, plasmonic, and catalytic properties, as well as to fully explore their applications.
A monodisperse thermodynamic model for estimating asphaltene precipitation
Authors: Mohammadi Amir H. , Richon Dominique
Published: September 2007

Asphaltene precipitation is a serious problem, which can affect oil production and transportation. To avoid this problem, knowledge of asphaltene phase behavior is of great interest. Asphaltene precipitation is traditionally modeled using the Flory–Huggins polymer theory. Two assumptions are normally made: (1) The precipitated phase consists of asphaltene only (2) The precipitated phase consists of asphaltene and nonasphaltene components and the oil phase is free of asphaltene. In this work, the Flory–Huggins theory is employed to develop a monodisperse model in which, a distribution of asphaltene and nonasphaltene components in the oil and precipitated phases is considered. It is shown the previous Flory–Huggins theory based models are specific cases of the present model. The results of the new model are finally compared with some selected experimental data from the literature. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
BDNF Val66Met variant and age of onset in schizophrenia
Authors: Chao Helen M. , Kao Hung‐Teh , Porton Barbara
Published: September 2007

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been advanced as a candidate gene for schizophrenia by virtue of its effects on neurotransmitter systems that are dysregulated in psychiatric disorder and its involvement in the response to antipsychotic drugs. The extensively examined BDNF gene Val66Met (or rs6265) variant has been associated with schizophrenia, and studies have linked this polymorphism to brain morphology, cognitive function, and psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia. Moreover the BDNF Val66Met variant has been reported to be associated with age of onset in schizophrenia. Genotyping of African‐American subjects with schizophrenia for five BDNF coding region single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed variance only at the Val66Met allele. The results of statistical analyses indicate a relationship between the BDNF Val66Met genotype and the ages of first psychiatric hospitalization and first schizophrenia symptoms. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Associations between an alpha 2a adrenergic receptor gene polymorphism and adolescent personality
Authors: Mäestu Jarek , Allik Jüri , Merenäkk Liis , Eensoo Diva , Parik Jüri , Veidebaum Toomas , Harro Jaanus
Published: September 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the C‐1291G polymorphism in the promoter region of the alpha 2A adrenoreceptor gene (ADRA2A) to the personality traits. In the present study, data of the younger cohort of the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study was used (N = 419). Personality traits were assessed by 240‐item (Estonian Personality Item Pool NEO (EPIP‐NEO)). Restriction enzyme MspI was used after PCR amplification to genotype the subjects according to C‐1291G polymorphism of the ADRA2A. There were no significant differences on the level of the Big Five personality domains between genotypes; however, there were three significant differences on the level of different subscales. The subjects with GG genotype had significantly higher scores on Depression and significantly lower scores on Morality and Orderliness compared to subjects with CC and CG genotypes. There was a significant interaction between sex and ADRA2A polymorphism regarding E1, Friendliness; E2, Gregariousness; and E6, Cheerfulness. With CC and CG genotypes girls had higher scores on extraversion scales than boys, but with GG genotype boys score higher than girls with GG genotype. It is concluded that the gene polymorphism in the ADRA2A has an influence on personality traits in adolescents. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Social games between bonobos and humans: evidence for shared intentionality?
Authors: Pika Simone , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: September 2007

Triadic social games are interesting from a cognitive perspective because they require a high degree of mutual social awareness. They consist of two agents incorporating an object in turn‐taking sequences and require individuals to coordinate their attention to the task, the object, and to one another. Social games are observed commonly in domesticated dogs interacting with humans, but they have received only little empirical attention in nonhuman primates. Here, we report observations of bonobos (Pan paniscus) engaging in social games with a human playmate. Our behavioral analyses revealed that the bonobos behaved in many ways similar to human children during these games. They were interested in the joint activity, rather than the play objects themselves, and used communicative gestures to encourage reluctant partners to perform their role, suggesting rudimentary understanding of others' intentions. Our observations thus may imply that shared intentionality, the ability to understand and shares intention with other individuals, has emerged in the primate lineage before the origins of hominids. Am. J. Primatol. 70:207–210, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of subgrouping and spatial affiliation in a community of mantled howling monkeys (Alouatta palliata)
Authors: Bezanson Michelle , Garber Paul A. , Murphy John T. , Premo L. S.
Published: September 2007

Studies of social affiliation and social spacing offer important insight into the dynamics of subgroup formation and social strategies in living primates. Among the 11 species in the genusAlouatta, mantled howlers (A. palliata) are the only species to consistently form large, stable social groups composed of several adult males and several adult females. In this study, we examine patterns of subgrouping, activity, and partner preferences in a troop of 26–29 wild mantled howling monkeys (including 12–13 marked individuals) inhabiting Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua. During two study seasons in 2000 and 2001, we simultaneously monitored the size, composition, and activities of individuals in two to three different subgroups. A half‐weight association index was used to calculate partner preferences and patterns of spatial association. Results indicate that our howler study troop fragmented into subgroups of 1–20 with subgroups averaging five and six individuals. Subgroup size and membership reflected individual patterns of social affiliation and social tolerance, and in general remained consistent across activities and from year to year. We also found evidence of cliques or social networks of three to four individuals embedded within larger subgroups. A small number of adult males appeared to play an important social role as the nucleus of clique formation. We argue that the persistence of strong male–male and male–female partner preferences in mantled howlers helps to explain the stability of relatively large multimale–multifemale groups. Am. J. Primatol. 70:282–293, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.