bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser surgery in gynecologic oncology
Authors: Schellhas Helmut F.
Published: February 2007

In the treatment of premalignant epithelial cancers of the female lower genital tract, the CO2 laser beam is used with precision through a surgical microscope for tissue ablation and excision. Intra‐abdominal vaporization of abnormal tissues can be performed endoscopically through fiberoptics. Surgical lasers provide thermal scalpels for hemo‐static excision of malignant lesions. Photodynamic therapy is applied in the treatment of isolated malignancies persistent after conservative treatment. Surgical laser systems are important tools in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endoscopie treatment of gastrointestinal tumors: Indications and results of laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Spinelli Pasquale , Mancini Andrea , Fante Marco Dai
Published: February 2007

Both Nd:YAG laser and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have ideal indications in endoscopie treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tumors. A retrospective analysis of 3,505 Nd:YAG laser treatments in 1,015 patients revealed that recanalization of inoperable tumors can be obtained in 93% and 97% of patients with upper and lower GI neoplasms, respectively. Subjective improvement of symptoms was achieved in 74% and 97%, respectively. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 3% and 1%, respectively, for upper GI tumors and 3% and 0.5% for lower GI tumors. Colorectal adenomas were eradicated in 84% of cases, with a morbidity and mortality of 5% and 0%, respectively. Early stage esophageal and gastric carcinomas were treated with Nd:YAG laser when lesions had well‐defined borders or protruded over the mucosal surface and with PDT (38 PDT cycles in 27 patients) in the case of undefined borders or ulcerated lesions. The cure rate was 73% for esophageal tumors and 85% for gastric tumors. Sunburns after photosensitization and local complications occurred in 7% and 6% of patients, respectively. No death was related to endoscopie treatment. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lasers in rectosigmoid tumors
Authors: Brunetaud Jean Marc , Maunoury Vincent , Cochelard Dominique
Published: February 2007

Over a 14‐year period, 746 patients were treated at the Lille Laser Center for rectosigmoid tumor. Two hundred seventy‐two patients were treated for palliation of symptoms from rectosigmoid cancer and 474 patients were treated for a benign rectosigmoid villous adenoma. The immediate success rate and complication rate were 85% and 2%, respectively, for patients with advanced cancer, and 92.8% and 1.8% for those with a villous adenoma. Patients with an advanced cancer remained functionally improved during a 10.1‐month average period after initial improvement. The recurrence rate after initial treatment for villous adenomas was 18% during a 29.7‐month average follow‐up. Immediate results were influenced by reason for treatment, initial symptoms, and circumferential extension for patients with a cancer, and only by circumferential extension for patients with a villous adenoma. Long‐term results were influenced by reason for treatment and circumferential extension for patients with cancer, and by reason for treatment, initial histology and localization for patients with a villous adenoma. Laser treatment provided relief of symptoms in inoperable patients with advanced rectosigmoid carcinomas. Because treatment is long and difficult and the cancer rate is high, endoscopic laser should be limited in patients with a circumferential villous adenoma to non‐surgical candidates. The risk of complication after surgery (some being fatal) has to be balanced against the risk of undetected carcinoma and the indication for endoscopic laser treatment should be discussed case by case. © 1995 Witey‐Liss, Inc.
Photodynamic therapy of brain tumors
Authors: Popovic Emil A. , Kaye Andrew H. , Hill John S.
Published: February 2007

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a binary treatment modality suitable for various malignant tumors including brain. It involves the selective uptake of a photosensitizer into tumor followed by intraoperative irradiation of the tumor with light of an appropriate wavelength to cause activation of the sensitizer and subsequent selective tumor destruction. PDT has been extensively investigated in laboratory studies and has been used in clinical trials to treat a variety of brain tumors, particularly gliomas. The main advantage of PDT lies in its ability to select out infiltrating tumor cells that are responsible for local tumor recurrence. The therapy has been shown to be safe clinically but adequate trials have yet to be undertaken to prove its efficacy and much work remains to be done to optimize treatment. The biological basis, laboratory studies, and clinical trials involving PDT in the treatment of cerebral tumors are discussed. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Use of photodynamic therapy for the management of pleural malignancies
Authors: Pass Harvey I. , Donington Jessica S.
Published: February 2007

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a surface oriented, locally cytotoxic intervention being investigated for oncologic therapy. Surfaces such as the pleura or the peritoneum are frequently involved with primary or metastatic cancer, and the chance for cure in such situations is low due to the inability to eradicate all the disease. A series of investigations have been performed at the National Cancer Institute since 1985 studying the possible use of PDT for large cavity treatment. This report details evolution of the methodology, toxicity, and overall feasibility of the delivery of intrapleural PDT to patients after debulking of primary and malignant chest neoplasms, with an emphasis on malignant pleural mesothelioma. These investigations have culminated in an ongoing Phase III trial to define the efficacy of intrapleural PDT. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

This article is a U.S. Government work, and, ans such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Intracavitary photodynamic therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Takita Hiroshi , Dougherty Thomas J.
Published: February 2007

A total of 31 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma disease, limited to one hemithorax, were entered into a phase II study of surgery and intracavitary photodynamic therapy. Photofrinr̀, 2 mg/kg, was injected intravenously, and 48 hours later the patient was taken to the operating room. Bulk tumor was excised by a pleurop‐neumonectomy or pleurectomy. The patient then received 20–25 J/cm2 of 630 nm light energy from an argon dye laser. The overall estimated median survival of patients of all stages was 12 months. Survival of stage III and stage IV patients was 8 months. The median survival of 9 patients with stage I and II disease was 21 months. We plan to continue this clinical trial; however, entry will be limited to patients with stage I and II disease. The light dose for photodynamic therapy will be carefully increased to find the maximal tolerated dose. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photodynamic therapy in Barrett's esophagus: Reduction of specialized mucosa, ablation of dysplasia, and treatment of superficial esophageal cancer
Authors: Overholt Bergein F. , Panjehpour Masoud
Published: February 2007

Twelve patients with Barrett's esophagus and dysplasia were treated with photodynamic therapy. Five patients also had early, superficial esophageal cancers and five had esophageal polyps. Light was delivered via a standard diffuser or a centering esophageal balloon. Patients were maintained on omeprazole and followed for 6–54 months. In patients with Barrett's esophagus, photodynamic therapy ablated dys‐plastic mucosa and malignant mucosa in patients with superficial cancer. Healing and partial replacement of Barrett's mucosa with normal squamous epithelium occurred in all patients and complete replacement with squamous epithelium was found in three patients. Side effects included photosensitivity and mild‐moderate chest pain and dysphagia for 5–7 days. In four patients with extensive circumferential mucosal ablation in the mid or proximal esophagus, healing was associated with esophageal strictures which were treated successfully by esophageal dilation. Strictures were not found in the distal esophagus. Photodynamic therapy combined with long‐term acid inhibition provides effective endoscopie therapy of Barrett's mucosal dysplasia and superficial (Tis‐Tl) esophageal cancer. The windowed centering balloon improves delivery of photodynamic therapy to diffusely abnormal esophageal mucosa. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Premalignant changes in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Nixon John B. , Burdick J. Steven , Mirza Ahmed H.
Published: February 2007

Colitis‐associated carcinoma is often associated with, or preceded by, noninvasive epithelial neoplastic changes termed dysplasia. Surveillance colonoscopy with biopsies looking for dysplasia is now standard practice in the management of the cancer problem in ulcerative colitis. However, this practice continues to have a number of limitations and problems that need to be understood by surgeons who may be referring such patients. A number of recent reports indicate that colitis associated carcinoma is predominantly left‐sided and incorporation of this distribution in the surveillance methods merits consideration. The molecular and genetic abnormalities involved in the pathogenesis of colitis associated neoplasia are being actively investigated and may yield supplementary methods to better define individual patient risk. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inherited syndromes of colon polyps
Authors: Box J. Craig , Watne Alvin L.
Published: February 2007

Recognition of the mendelian dominant inherited syndrome of familial polyposis coli in the 1930s has been followed by the recognition of many inherited colonic polyposis syndromes. The recognition of different histological types of colon polyps was associated by the gradual recognition that some, such as the hamartomatous polyps, do not progress into adenocarcinoma, and others, such as various adenomas have a greater or lesser propensity to eventually give rise to invasive cancer.

As the host of inherited syndromes expanded and were more widely recognized, additional inherited characteristics became apparent: such tumors as breast and thyroid associated with Cowden's syndrome, ovarian cysts and sex cord tumors with Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome, and, of course, the soft tissue, bony tumors, ampullary cancers, and fi‐broadenomas associated with Gardner's syndrome.

In recent years, genetic markers for the various syndromes have been studied, and in some cases confirmed. This whole field is rapidly developing and is briefly covered. All the steps and influencing factors in cancer development are shown in one phase or another of the polyp‐cancer sequence in these inherited syndromes. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and colonic adenomas: Aggressive adenomas?
Authors: Lynch Henry T. , Smyrk Thomas , Jass Jeremy R.
Published: February 2007

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) results from an inherited defect in one of the genes responsible for repair of errors that occur during DNA replication. Affected individuals have high risk for cancers of the colon and certain extracolonic sites. It appears that HNPCC patients form adenomas at about the same rate as the general population and there is circumstantial evidence that adenoma is the precursor to colorectal carcinoma in the syndrome. It is hypothesized that HNPCC features accelerated progression from colonie adenoma to carcinoma, a process theoretically driven by the inability to repair DNA mismatches. Evidence in support of the “Aggressive Adenoma” in HNPCC is provided. We discuss our recommendations for colono‐scopic surveillance on an annual basis for HNPCC gene‐positive individuals, and for genetic counseling. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colonoscopic polypectomy: Indication, technique, and therapeutic implications
Authors: Greene Frederick L.
Published: February 2007

The flexible fibroscopic colonoscope has changed the way we approach colonie disease. The technique of safe, effective colonoscopy is discussed including the indications and contraindications for therapeutic intervention via the colonoscope. The techniques of polypectomy is described, including some tips for methodology gained by the broad experience of the author, and admonition against the possible complications which can be life‐threatening. The application for polypectomy in the presence of in‐situ or invasive cancer is presented. The possible future development of colonoscopic and laparoscopic techniques are presented. The article concludes with a discussion of the monumental work of the National Polyp Study documenting that patients undergoing polypectomy have a significant reduction in the incidence of colon cancer. Application of the knowledge to the general population requires the identification of at‐risk populations. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transition metal catalyzed carbon‐silicon bond forming reactions using chlorosilanes promoted by Grignard reagents
Authors: Terao Jun , Kambe Nobuaki
Published: February 2007

New catalytic CSi bond‐forming reactions using chlorosilanes are described. These reactions proceed efficiently under mild conditions by the combined use of Grignard reagents and transition metal catalysts, such as Ti, Zr, Ni, and Pd. It is proposed that ate complex intermediates formed by the reaction of transition metals with Grignard reagents play important roles as the active catalytic species. The present study demonstrates the practical use of chlorosilanes in transition metal catalyzed silylation reactions providing convenient methods for allyl‐ or vinylsilane synthesis. The reaction pathways of these transformations as well as the scope and limitations are discussed. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 7: 57–67; 2007: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20101
Trend of permanent magnet synchronous machines
Authors: Morimoto Shigeo
Published: February 2007

The performance of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) has improved rapidly by the progress in elemental technologies such as electromagnetic material technology, computer‐aided design technology, control technique, and drive circuit technology, and thus PMSMs are attractive as high‐performance machines in various fields. This paper describes the recent technology and the trends in PMSMs. To begin with the PMSMs are classified by the ratio of magnet torque to the reluctance torque and their features described, then the trend of the motor design and the electromagnetic material for highly efficient PMSM is shown. The technologies that help to reduce the vibration and noise are also described, and the recently developed PMSMs for traction drive application are introduced. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Trends of intelligent power module
Authors: Majumdar Gourab , Fukunaga Masanori , Ise Toshifumi
Published: February 2007

The state‐of‐the‐art Intelligent Power Modules (IPMs) have been reviewed in the beginning of this paper along with a brief overview of its history and the purpose of its development. In the following part, the paper reviews the key IPM concept and the technologies that supported its evolution as a major power electronics component family so far. The paper will also highlight on the status and future possibilities of IPM based power semiconductors for far future power conversion applications. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development trend of the permanent magnet synchronous motor for railway traction
Authors: Matsuoka Koichi
Published: February 2007

Owing to the resent progress in power electronics and permanent magnet materials, a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that is lighter, smaller, and more efficient than the conventional induction motor has become realistic as a traction motor. We are making research and development effort on the introduction of the PMSM to rail vehicle traction. The recent development trend of the permanent magnet synchronous traction motor is reviewed. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Permanent magnet synchronous motor drives for hybrid electric vehicles
Authors: Sato Eiji
Published: February 2007

In this paper, high‐output motor control and variable voltage system are introduced as technologies, which increase the output of motor drive systems for hybrid vehicles. High‐output motor control enabled 30% increase of output by driving the permanent magnet (PM) motor with a rectangular wave. The variable voltage system successfully managed to achieve both high output and low loss by increasing the battery voltage using a boost converter. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Image matching based on relation between pixels located on the maximum and minimum gray‐levels in local area
Authors: Saitoh Fumihiko
Published: February 2007

This paper proposes a template matching method maximum and minimum gray levels pixels sign matching (MMM) which is based on a comparison of the gray levels of a pair of pixels whose locations are on the pixels with the maximum and the minimum gray levels in a local area in a template image. In this method, the locations of the pixels with the maximum and the minimum gray levels are registered in a local area whose center is every pixel in a template image. The target image area is searched from the matching ratio which is obtained by the relation between the gray levels of the two pixels whose locations have been registered in the template image. The experimental results show that the proposed method had equal or better robustness to the inferior factors of objective images in comparison with the three typical conventional template matching methods. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of terabit‐class super‐networking technologies
Authors: Murayama Junichi , Matsuda Kazuhiro , Araki Soichiro , Chugo Akira , Tsuruoka Tetsumei , Suzuki Toshiaki , Matsuoka Hideaki
Published: February 2007

We propose terabit‐class super‐networking technologies, designed to improve the scalability, reliability and performance of optical Internet protocol networks. Our technologies comprise both intra‐ and interlayer traffic engineering technologies. The intralayer technologies include an optical path protection scheme, an electrical load‐balancing scheme and a distributed content‐caching scheme. These provide an effective and economical way of improving performance and reliability. The interlayer technologies include both traffic‐driven and application‐driven optical cut‐through control schemes and a policy control scheme. These provide an effective and economical way of improving scalability and performance. The feasibility of our technologies has been verified by means of experiments using prototype systems. The results showed that the different techniques can be combined to form a single network architecture for dynamic optical path control. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Process variation compensation technique for voltage‐controlled ring oscillator
Authors: Kim Guechol , Ueda Keisuke , Cha Sungwoo , Ida Tsukasa , Shimizu Yoshiyuki , Matsuoka Toshimasa , Taniguchi Kenji
Published: February 2007

A voltage‐controlled ring oscillator with process variation compensation circuits is designed using 0.25 µm CMOS technology. The simulation results show that the proposed ring oscillator increases the guaranteed frequency tuning range by 12% compared to a conventional ring oscillator. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Particle swarm optimization with controlled mutation
Authors: Higashitani Mitusharu , Ishigame Atsushi , Yasuda Keiichiro
Published: February 2007

This paper presents a new Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique which uses mutation. This method is based on PSO, with mutation appended to it. The most important point in this paper is that we make use of the information provided to gbest by the mutation of just one dimension, because we consider that gbest is the best possible information to update after mutation. In this paper, we adapt this method into Linearly Decreasing Inertia Weight Method (LDIWM), and validate it through several benchmark problems. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Automated X‐ray inspection method for fillet‐less mounted chip components
Authors: Teramoto Atsushi , Murakoshi Takayuki , Tsuzaka Masatoshi , Fujita Hiroshi
Published: February 2007

Chip components mounted on the printed circuit board are rapidly being miniaturized. Furthermore, the fillet‐less chip soldering technique, which does not use a solder fillet, is widely used in portable products such as mobile phones. However, there is no method to inspect the soldering of fillet‐less chip mounting. In this paper, we propose an automated X‐ray inspection technique for fillet‐less chip mounting. It extracts three inspection parameters from the X‐ray image. In the experiments, we evaluate the repeatability and inspecting ability of the technique and confirm that sufficient information for failure detection is obtained. An automated X‐ray inspection system using this technique is now in operation at some factories, so in conclusion our automated method would be useful in practice. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Role of the α‐glucanase Agn2p in ascus‐wall endolysis following sporulation in fission yeast
Authors: Dekker Nick , van Rijssel Jos , Distel Ben , Hochstenbach Frans
Published: February 2007

During sporulation in the ascomyceteous fungus Schizosaccharomyces pombe, diploid cells undergo differentiation into asci containing four haploid ascospores, which are highly resistant to environmental stresses. Although the morphogenetic processes involved in ascospore formation have been studied extensively, little is known about the molecular mechanism that ensures the release of mature ascospores from the ascus, allowing their dispersal into the environment. Recently, we identified Agn2p as the paralogue of the characterized endo‐(1,3)‐α‐glucanase Agn1p, and observed that asci deleted for agn2 are defective in ascospore dispersal. Here, we focus on the cellular and biochemical functions of Agn2p. By placing agn2 under the control of an inducible promoter, we show that expression of agn2 is required for the efficient release of ascospores from their asci. Furthermore, we characterize the enzyme activity of purified recombinant Agn2p and show that Agn2p, like Agn1p, is an endo‐(1,3)‐α‐glucanase that produces predominantly (1,3)‐α‐glucan pentasaccharides. Finally, we demonstrate that exogenous addition of purified Agn2p liberated the ascospores from asci deleted for agn2. We propose that Agn2p participates in the endolysis of the ascus wall by hydrolysing its (1,3)‐α‐glucan, thereby assisting in the release of ascospores. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Video‐assisted Thoracoscopic Resection of a Small Pulmonary Nodule after Computed Tomography–guided Localization with a Hook‐wire System
Authors: Pittet Olivier , Christodoulou Michel , Pezzetta Edgardo , Schmidt Sabine , Schnyder Pierre , Ris Hans‐Beat
Published: February 2007

Background

This study is a single‐institution validation of video‐assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) resection of a small solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) previously localized by a CT‐guided hook‐wire system in a consecutive series of 45 patients.

Methods

The records of all patients undergoing VATS resection for SPN preoperatively localized by CT‐guided a hook‐wire system from January 2002 to December 2004 were assessed with respect to failure to localize the lesion by the hook‐wire system, conversion thoracotomy rate, duration of operation, postoperative complications, and histology of SPN.

Results

Forty‐five patients underwent 49 VATS resections, with simultaneous bilateral SPN resection performed in 4. Preoperative CT‐guided hook‐wire localization failed in two patients (4%). Conversion thoracotomy was necessary in two patients (4%) because it was not possible to resect the lesion by a VATS approach. The average operative time was 50 min. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 patients (6%), one hemothorax and two pneumonia. The mean hospital stay was 5 days (range: 2–18 days). Histological assessment revealed inflammatory disease in 17 patients (38%), metastasis in 17 (38%), non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 4 (9%), lymphoma in 3 (6%), interstitial fibrosis in 2 (4%), histiocytoma in one (2%), and hamartoma in one (2%).

Conclusions

Histological analysis of resected SPN revealed unexpected malignant disease in more than 50% of the patients indicating that histological clarification of SPN seems warranted. Video‐assisted thoracoscopic resection of SPN previously localized by a CT‐guided hook‐wire system is related to a low conversion thoracotomy rate, a short operation time, and few postoperative complications, and it is well suited for the clarification of SPN.
Mucocele of the Appendix
Authors: Ruiz‐Tovar J. , Teruel D. García , Castiñeiras V. Morales , Dehesa A. Sanjuanbenito , Quindós P. López , Molina E. Martínez
Published: February 2007

Background

Mucocele of the appendix is an infrequent event, representing 0.3%–0.7% of appendiceal pathology and 8% of appendiceal tumors. It is characterized by a located or diffuse distension of the appendix with a mucus‐filled lumen.

Materials and Methods

We describe 35 cases of mucocele of the appendix diagnosed at Ramón y Cajal Hospital between January 1985 and January 2006.

Results

A total of 21 males and 14 females with a mean age of 52.7 years are described. Most cases manifested as abdominal pain located in right iliac fossa, but 2 cases were incidental findings at CT‐scan and 1 at ultrasonography, performed for other reasons. In 4 cases, mucocele coexisted with colorectal cancer and was an incidental finding during laparotomy performed for tumor resection. Ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scan helped to achieve a correct diagnosis. Preoperative diagnosis of mucocele was achieved in 29% of the cases; 88% of patients underwent appendectomy, 2 had ileocecal resection, and 2 others underwent right hemicolectomy. Pathology revealed mucous hyperplasia in 34% of the cases, simple mucocele in 29%, cystadenoma in 31%, and cystadenocarcinoma in 2 patients. Two other patients developed adenocarcinoma of the cecum 12 and 33 months after surgery, and one patient developed pseudomyxoma peritonei after 62 months, causing his death.

Conclusions

The pathologist is forced to do an exhaustive study, looking for inadvertent perforations that can change the good prognosis of mucocele. We recommend follow‐up of all patients with mucoceles, because sometimes they are associated with colorectal neoplasms and recurrence as pseudomyxoma peritonei.
Management of Non-United Four-Corner Fusions
Authors: Skie Martin C. , Gove Nicholas , Ciocanel Despina E. , Smith Holly
Published: February 2007

Purpose

Wrist degeneration, resulting from scaphoid nonunion or scapholunate ligamentous disruption, is widely managed with scaphoid excision with four-corner fusion. There are no specific details in the literature regarding “salvage” of nonunion after attempted “four-corner fusions” or the patient outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of patients who underwent treatment for nonunion after four-corner fusion, the subsequent surgeries done for wrist salvage and the functional results.

Methods

We reviewed, retrospectively, 37 patients who underwent limited wrist fusion using circular plate fixation, of which eight cases (22%) went on to nonunion and necessitated revision surgeries with plate exchange and bone graft. ( Table 1 ) Five of eight patients were available to return to the clinic, and the wrist range of motion and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score were recorded.

Results

The average DASH score was 46 (range, 15 to 60.8). Grip on the affected limb was, on the average, 62% of the contralateral limb. Average arc of wrist motion was 70° (35.7° of flexion and 34.3° of extension). Three of the five patients were laborers, and two returned to the previous employment. The remaining two patients returned to their previous sedentary jobs. All patients reported difficulty with recreational activities involving heavy activity.

Conclusions

Complications of four-corner arthrodesis using circular plate fixation were recorded, revealing a high number of nonunions and hardware failures. All nonunions were salvaged with allograft or autogenous grafting with plate revision; however, the patients did have considerable limitations.
The relations among narcissism, self‐esteem, and delinquency in a sample of at‐risk adolescents
Authors: Barry Christopher T. , Grafeman Sarah J. , Adler Kristy K. , Pickard Jessica D.
Published: February 2007

The present study explores the relation between narcissism and delinquency among 372 at‐risk 16–18‐year‐olds. The study also considered the relation between narcissism and self‐esteem, as well as the potential interaction between narcissism and self‐esteem for predicting delinquency in this age group. Narcissism and self‐esteem were positively interrelated; however, only narcissism was significantly correlated with delinquency. The results suggested that low self‐esteem was actually associated with delinquency when controlling for narcissism. So‐called adaptive narcissism was positively correlated with self‐esteem, but maladaptive narcissism was not related to self‐esteem. Limitations and directions for future research in this area are discussed.
Alterations of NR2B and PSD‐95 expression after early‐life epileptiform discharges in developing neurons
Authors: Jiang Qian , Wang Jingmin , Wu Xiru , Jiang Yuwu
Published: February 2007

As an extreme form of abnormally synchronized activity, epilepsy may modify patterns of organization in the nervous system. It is clear that enhanced glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission with alterations in the expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors is a mechanism critical for seizure susceptibility and excitotoxicity. However, the exact quomodo and the roles of regulated N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) composition and expression of a major postsynaptic density (PSD) scaffolding molecule, PSD‐95, are as yet unclear. To study protein expression changes after epileptiform discharges in cultured immature rat cortical neurons, we divided cells into three groups which were transiently exposed to regular Neurobasal/B27 (control group), physiological solution (PS group) and magnesium‐free physiological solution (MGF group) at cultured day 6. Neurons at three different culture ages (DIV7, DIV12 and DIV17) were collected for immunoblotting analysis. We found a decrease in expression of NR2B NMDAR subunit and PSD‐95 (P < 0.05) shortly after insult (within 24 h), which may show that brief magnesium‐free media treatment of primary cultured rat cortical neurons, an in vitro model of seizure brain injury, has a major influence on the expression of NR2B subunit and PSD‐95.
AN ANTIBOY ANTIBODY? RE-EXAMINATION OF THE MATERNAL IMMUNE HYPOTHESIS
Authors: WHITEHEAD N. E.
Published: February 2007

The maternal immune hypothesis (MIH) argues same sex attraction (SSA) results from maternal immune attack on fetal male-specific brain structures and involves the previous biological influence of elder brothers. One of the surveys supporting this is shown to be based on an unsuitable sample and to contain some strong contrary evidence. The hypothesis relies on at least four speculative ideas and there is evidence against each. (1) Likely immune response prevalence is too low compared with calculated SSA prevalence resulting from the fraternal birth order effect. (2) Testis immune attack would be more likely than brain attack but is not known. (3) Fetal brain structures are practically indistinguishable at birth and subsequent brain anatomical gender differentiation only occurs after birth when no attack is occurring. (4) The hypothesis also predicts unfavourable biology for late birth-order males but in fact the reverse is generally true, and neurological effects are very minor. Studies show aborted fetuses caused by likely maternal immune attack are predominantly girls rather than boys, which also argues against the theory. Studies on identical twins show that common factors such as uterine environment are only a small influence on SSA and post-natal idiosyncratic reactions and non-shared environmental factors are much larger influences.
Weakly nonlinear waves in magnetized plasma with a slightly non-Maxwellian electron distribution. Part 2. Stability of cnoidal waves
Authors: PHIBANCHON S. , ALLEN M. A. , ROWLANDS G.
Published: February 2007

We determine the growth rate of linear instabilities resulting from long-wavelength transverse perturbations applied to periodic nonlinear wave solutions to the Schamel–Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov (SKdVZK) equation which governs weakly nonlinear waves in a strongly magnetized cold-ion plasma whose electron distribution is given by two Maxwellians at slightly different temperatures. To obtain the growth rate it is necessary to evaluate non-trivial integrals whose number is kept to a minimum by using recursion relations. It is shown that a key instance of one such relation cannot be used for classes of solution whose minimum value is zero, and an additional integral must be evaluated explicitly instead. The SKdVZK equation contains two nonlinear terms whose ratio b increases as the electron distribution becomes increasingly flat-topped. As b and hence the deviation from electron isothermality increases, it is found that for cnoidal wave solutions that travel faster than long-wavelength linear waves, there is a more pronounced variation of the growth rate with the angle θ at which the perturbation is applied. Solutions whose minimum values are zero and which travel slower than long-wavelength linear waves are found, at first order, to be stable to perpendicular perturbations and have a relatively narrow range of θ for which the first-order growth rate is not zero.
Effect of haemin on growth, protein content and the antioxidant defence system inTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: CICCARELLI A. , ARAUJO L. , BATLLE A. , LOMBARDO E.
Published: February 2007

A nutritional characteristic of trypanosomatid protozoa is thatin vitrothey need a haem-compound as a growth factor, which is supplied as haemoglobin, haematin or haemin. Because haemin and related porphyrins are an important source of oxidative stress in biological systems, the effect of haemin on growth, protein content and the antioxidant defence system inTrypanosoma cruziwas evaluated. We have observed that, in epimastigotes grown under different haemin concentrations in the culture medium (0–30 mg/l), 5 mg/l was the haemin concentration yielding optimum growth. Above 15 mg/l there was a clear decrease in growth rate, producing the epimastigote to amastigote transformation. Such morphological change was observed together with a marked injury of the enzymatic machinery of the parasite, leading to diminished protein synthesis as well as lower activity of the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and trypanothione reductase), reduced total thiol content and a marked increase in the HaemOx-1 activity and expression. The current work demonstrates that there is a correlation between higher haemin concentrations in the culture medium and oxidative damage in the cells. Under these conditions induction of HaemOx-1 would indicate the important role of this enzyme as an antioxidant defence response inTrypanosoma cruzi.
Characterization of two classes of benzodiazepine binding sites in Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: NOËL F. , MENDONÇA-SILVA D. L. , THIBAUT J-P. B. , LOPES D. V. S.
Published: February 2007

As we have recently shown that GABA should be considered a putative neurotransmitter inSchistosoma mansoni, the present work aimed to search for GABAAreceptors in adult worms using [3H]-flunitrazepam to label the allosteric benzodiazepine binding site which is classically present on GABAAreceptor complexes. We detected a large population (Bmax=8·25±1·1 pmol . mg protein−1) of high affinity (Kd=33·6±1·5 nm) binding sites for flunitrazepam. These sites harboured a singular pharmacological modulation that does not fit well with a mammalian central benzodiazepine receptor, mainly due to a very high affinity for Ro5-4864 and a very low affinity for clonazepam. We also detected a second population of benzodiazepine binding sites labelled with high affinity (IC50=85 nm) by [3H]-PK11195, a selective ligand of the mammalian peripheral benzodiazepine receptor. In conclusion, this work describes the pharmacological properties of a large population of central-like benzodiazepine receptors supporting their study as putative new targets for the development of anti-parasitic agents. We also describe, for the first time, the presence of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors in this parasite.
Mental attention, not language, may explain evolutionary growth of human intelligence and brain size
Authors: Pascual-Leone Juan
Published: February 2007

Using neoPiagetian theory of mental attention (or working memory), I task-analyze two complex performances of great apes and one symbolic performance (funeral burials) of early Homo sapiens. Relating results to brain size growth data, I derive estimates of mental attention for great apes, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and modern Homo sapiens, and use children's cognitive development as reference. This heuristic model seems consistent with research.
From neural dynamics to true combinatorial structures
Authors: van der Velde Frank , de Kamps Marc
Published: February 2007

Various issues concerning the neural blackboard architectures for combinatorial structures are discussed and clarified. They range from issues related to neural dynamics, the structure of the architectures for language and vision, and alternative architectures, to linguistic issues concerning the language architecture. Particular attention is given to the nature of true combinatorial structures and the way in which information can be retrieved from them in a productive and systematic manner.
Bioactivity of vitamin E
Authors: Brigelius-Flohé Regina
Published: February 2007

More than 80 years after the discovery of the essentiality of vitamin E for mammals, the molecular basis of its action is still an enigma. From the eight different forms of vitamin E, only α-tocopherol is retained in the body. This is in part due to the specific selection ofRRR-α-tocopherol by the α-tocopherol transfer protein and in part by its low rate of degradation and elimination compared with the other vitamers. Since the tocopherols have comparable antioxidant properties and some tocotrienols are even more effective in scavenging radicals, the antioxidant capacity cannot be the explanation for its essentiality, at least not the only one. In the last decade, a high number of so-called novel functions of almost all forms of vitamin E have been described, including regulation of cellular signalling and gene expression. α-Tocopherol appears to be most involved in gene regulation, whereas γ-tocopherol appears to be highly effective in preventing cancer-related processes. Tocotrienols appear to be effective in amelioration of neurodegeneration. Most of the novel functions of individual forms of vitamin E have been demonstratedin vitroonly and requirein vivoconfirmation. The distinct bioactivities of the various vitamers are discussed, considering their metabolism and the potential functions of metabolites.
Diet, physical activity and energy balance and their impact on breast and prostate cancers
Authors: Saxton John M.
Published: February 2007

Obesity, physical activity status and circulating levels of sex steroid hormones and growth factor proteins are intrinsically linked to energy balance. Epidemiological studies have previously reported associations between these factors and the risk of hormone-related cancers such as prostate and breast cancer in men and postmenopausal women. An increasing number of intervention studies in ‘at-risk’ populations and cancer survivors are now investigating the effects of lifestyle interventions that promote negative energy balance on circulating levels of sex hormones and growth factor proteins as surrogate markers of cancer risk. Evidence from these studies suggests that lifestyle interventions can improve insulin sensitivity, alter the balance of circulating sex steroid hormones and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis proteins (including IGF-1 and the IGF binding proteins 1 and 3) and change the functioning of immune cells in peripheral blood. Such changes could influence the risk of developing hormone-related cancers, as well as having the potential to improve disease-free survival in patients recovering from cancer treatment. However, despite promising results, the methodological quality of most intervention studies has been limited due to small subject numbers, lack of adequate control groups or non-randomised designs and the absence of long-term follow-up measures. More intervention studies with randomised controlled designs, higher numbers of subjects and longer-term follow-up measures are needed to establish which combination of specific dietary and physical activity interventions work best for reducing risk in ‘at-risk’ populations and survivors, optimal dose–response relationships and the magnitude of change in surrogate markers of cancer risk that is required to induce a protective effect.
Bioavailability of lignans in human subjects
Authors: Clavel Thomas , Doré Joël , Blaut Michael
Published: February 2007

Dietary lignans are phyto-oestrogens that possibly influence human health. The present review deals with lignan bioavailability, the study of which is crucial to determine to what extent metabolism, absorption and excretion of lignans alter their biological properties. Since intestinal bacteria play a major role in lignan conversion, for instance by producing the enterolignans enterodiol and enterolactone, emphasis is put on data obtained in recent bacteriological studies.
Gastrin, cholecystokinin and gastrointestinal tract functions in mammals
Authors: Guilloteau P. , Le Meuth-Metzinger V. , Morisset J. , Zabielski R.
Published: February 2007

The aim of the present review is to synthesise and summarise our recent knowledge on the involvement of cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin peptides and their receptors in the control of digestive functions and more generally their role in the field of nutrition in mammals. First, we examined the release of these peptides from the gut, focusing on their molecular forms, the factors regulating their release and the signalling pathways mediating their effects. Second, general physiological effects of CCK and gastrin peptides are described with regard to their specific receptors and the role of CCK on vagal mucosal afferent nerve activities. Local effects of CCK and gastrin in the gut are also reported, including gut development, gastrointestinal motility and control of pancreatic functions through vagal afferent pathways, including NO. Third, some examples of the intervention of the CCK and gastrin peptides are exposed in diseases, taking into account intervention of the classical receptor subtypes (CCK1and CCK2receptors) and their heterodimerisation as well as CCK-C receptor subtype. Finally, applications and future challenges are suggested in the nutritional field (performances) and in therapy with regards to the molecular forms or in relation with the type of receptor as well as new techniques to be utilised in detection or in therapy of disease. In conclusion, the present review underlines recent developments in this field: CCK and gastrin peptides and their receptors are the key factor of nutritional aspects; a better understanding of the mechanisms involved may increase the efficiency of the nutritional functions and the treatment of abnormalities under pathological conditions.
Physiology, regulation and multifunctional activity of the gut wall: a rationale for multicompartmental modelling
Authors: Bannink A. , Dijkstra J. , Koopmans S.-J. , Mroz Z.
Published: February 2007

A rationale is given for a modelling approach to identify the mechanisms involved in the functioning and metabolic activity of tissues in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. Maintenance and productive functions are discussed and related to the distinct compartments of the gastrointestinal tract and the metabolic costs involved. Functions identified are: tissue turnover; tissue proliferation; ion transport; nutrient transport; secretions of digestive enzymes, mucus and immunoglobulins; production of immune cells. The major nutrients involved include glucose, amino acids and volatile fatty acids.In vivomeasurements of net portal fluxes of these nutrients in pigs and ruminants are evaluated to illustrate the complexity of physiology and metabolic activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Experimental evidence indicates that high, but variable and specific, nutrient costs are involved in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Increasing children's fruit and vegetable consumption: distribution or a multicomponent programme?
Authors: Reinaerts Evelien , Nooijer Jascha de , Candel Math , de Vries Nanne
Published: February 2007

Objective

To measure the effects of two school-based interventions on children's intake of fruit and vegetables (F&V).

Design and methods

A total of six primary schools were randomly assigned to (1) a free F&V distribution programme, or (2) a multicomponent programme, consisting of a classroom curriculum and parental involvement. The two interventions were evaluated on their effects and compared with six control schools in a pre-test–post-test design. Two methods were used for dietary assessment: a pre-structured food recall and a food-frequency questionnaire including only F&V.

Subjects

A total of 939 parents of children aged 4–12 years filled out the questionnaire at both pre-test and post-test. The response rate was 54%.

Results

Multilevel analyses showed that both programmes were equally effective in increasing children's fruit consumption by 0.2 portions per day. The free F&V distribution increased vegetable intake among non-native children and the oldest age group, and the multicomponent programme among the oldest children and girls. The distribution also caused an increased 24 h fruit, juice and vegetable intake among the youngest and the oldest age groups, and the multicomponent programme among all children.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that both interventions were shown to be effective for different subgroups regarding age, gender and ethnicity. When comparing both interventions, the distribution programme was shown to be more effective, especially in increasing vegetable consumption. An important next step will be to investigate which intervention has the greatest potential to be implemented in primary schools.