bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basigin-Mediated Gene Expression Changes in Mouse Uterine Stromal Cells During Implantation
Authors: Chen Li , Belton Robert J. , Nowak Romana A.
Published: October 2008

Implantation of mouse embryos is dependent on the proliferation and differentiation of uterine stromal cells in a process called decidualization. Decidualization both supports and limits the invasion of the implanting embryo and is regulated in part by the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Molecules that alter the balance between MMP and TIMP expression could prevent implantation of the embryo. The membrane glycoprotein basigin (CD147/EMMPRIN), a known inducer of MMPs, is necessary for normal implantation in the mouse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential roles of basigin during implantation in the mouse. Using an in vitro stromal cell culture system, we found that recombinant human basigin protein (rBSG) increases MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression without altering TIMP-3 expression. Our results also showed rBSG induces expression of cytokines IL-1α/β and leukocyte chemoattractants, CCL3, CCL20, CXCL2, and CXCL5. More importantly, rBSG significantly suppressed stromal cell decidualization as shown by the inhibition of alkaline phosphatase-2 expression and activity by rBSG. However, rBSG did not affect stromal cell proliferation. Taken together, our data indicate that basigin mediates gene expression changes in mouse uterine stromal cells and suggests that temporal and spatial regulation of basigin expression may be involved in the recruitment of leukocytes to the mouse uterus during early pregnancy.

The role of basigin during embryo implantation in mice is examined. Basigin regulates matrix metalloproteinase, IL-1, and leukocyte chemoattractant production by uterine stromal cells.
17β-Estradiol Modulates Expression of Low-Voltage-Activated CaV3.2 T-Type Calcium Channel via Extracellularly Regulated Kinase Pathway in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Marni Farzana , Wang Yan , Morishima Masaki , Shimaoka Toru , Uchino Tomoko , Zheng Mingqi , Kaku Toshihiko , Ono Katsushige
Published: October 2008

T-type Ca2+ channel current (ICa,T) plays an important role for spontaneous pacemaker activity and is involved in the progression of structural heart diseases. Estrogens are of importance for the regulation of growth and differentiation and function in a wide array of target tissues, including those in the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to elucidate the short-term and long-term effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on ICa,T in cardiomyocytes. We employed in vivo and in vitro techniques to clarify E2-mediated modulation of heart rate (HR) in ovariectomized rats and ICa,T in cardiomyocytes. Ovariectomy increased HR and E2 supplement reduced HR in ovariectomized rats. Slowing of E2-induced HR was consistent with the deceleration of automaticity in E2-treated neonatal cardiomyocytes. Short-term application of E2 did not have significant effects on ICa,T, whereas in cardiomyocytes treated with 10 nm E2 for 24 h, estrogen receptor-independent down-regulation of peak ICa,T and declination of CaV3.2 mRNA were observed. Expression of a cardiac-specific transcription factor Csx/Nkx2.5 was also suppressed by E2 treatment for 24 h. On the other hand, expression of CaV3.1 mRNA was unaltered by E2 treatment in this study. An ERK-1/2, 5 inhibitor, PD-98059, abolished the effects of E2 on ICa,T and CaV3.2 mRNA as well as Csx/Nkx2.5 mRNA. These findings indicate that E2 decreases CaV3.2 ICa,T through activation of ERK-1/2, 5, which is mediated by the suppression of Csx/Nkx2.5-dependent transcription, suggesting a genomic effect of E2 as a negative chronotropic factor in the heart.

Long-term treatment of cardiomyocytes with 17β-estradiol decreases the T-type Ca2+ channel current of CaV3.2 through activation of ERK-1/2, 5, which is mediated by the suppression of a transcription factor Csx/Nkx2.5.
Parathyroid Hormone Contributes to Regulating Milk Calcium Content and Modulates Neonatal Bone Formation Cooperatively with Calcium
Authors: Cao Guofan , Gu Zhen , Ren Yongxin , Shu Lei , Tao Chunxiang , Karaplis Andrew , Goltzman David , Miao Dengshun
Published: October 2008

To determine whether PTH and calcium (Ca) interact in neonatal bone formation, female lactating mice either heterozygous (PTH+/−) or homozygous (PTH−/−) for targeted deletion of the pth gene were fed either a normal (1% Ca, 0.6% phosphate) or high-Ca diet (2% Ca and 0.4% phosphate). Dietary effects on milk Ca content and Ca-regulating hormones were determined in dams, and the effects of milk content were assessed on bone turnover in 3-wk-old pups. On the normal diet, milk Ca and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels were lower, but milk PTH-related protein levels were higher in the PTH−/− dams compared with the PTH+/− dams. On the high-Ca diet, milk Ca levels were higher, but milk 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and PTH-related protein levels were lower in both PTH+/− and PTH−/− dams. In pups fed by PTH−/− dams compared with pups fed by PTH+/− dams on normal diets, bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume relative to tissue volume, and the number of osteoblasts were reduced in both PTH+/− (32.5 ± 1.2 vs. 39.6 ± 1.5 mg/cm2, P < 0.05; 23.3 ± 1.6 vs. 29.2 ± 2.8%, P < 0.01; and 94.2 ± 8.2 vs. 123.5 ± 3.5/mm2, P < 0.01, respectively) and PTH−/− (20.4 ± 0.9 vs. 27.0 ± 1.2 mg/mm2, P < 0.05; 16.8 ± 1.9 vs. 19.3 ± 2.1%, P < 0.05; and 48.6 ± 7.9 vs. 90.5 ± 8.6/mm2, P < 0.01, respectively) pups but were lower in the PTH−/− pups compared with the PTH+/− pups. In contrast, in pups fed by either PTH+/− or PTH−/− dams on the high-Ca diet, bone mineral density, bone volume/tissue volume, and osteoblast numbers were significantly higher, in both PTH+/− (50.5 ± 1.7 vs. 58.7 ± 2.0 mg/mm2, P < 0.05; 37.9 ± 5.2 vs. 46.1 ± 5.1, P < 0.05; and 120.5 ± 9.2 vs. 159.3 ± 14.7/mm2, P < 0.01, respectively) and PTH−/− (33.0 ± 1.2 vs. 47.5 ± 2.2 mg/mm2, P < 0.001; 23.8 ± 3.1 vs. 35.9 ± 2.0, P < 0.05; and 78.7 ± 10.1 vs. 99.8 ± 13.6/mm2, P < 0.05, respectively), and were highest in the PTH+/− pups fed by the PTH+/− dams on the high-Ca diet. These results indicate that PTH can modulate Ca content of milk, and that PTH and Ca can each exert cooperative roles on osteoblastic bone formation in the neonate.

PTH can modulate calcium content of maternal milk, and PTH and calcium exert cooperative roles on osteoblastic bone formation in the neonate.
Oxytocin Receptor Down-Regulation Is Not Necessary for Reducing Oxytocin-Induced Prostaglandin F2α Accumulation by Interferon-τ in a Bovine Endometrial Epithelial Cell Line
Authors: Krishnaswamy Narayanan , Danyod Ghislain , Chapdelaine Pierre , Fortier Michel A.
Published: October 2008

Interferon-τ (IFNτ) is the embryonic signal responsible for pregnancy recognition in ruminants. The primary action of IFNτ is believed to be mediated through inhibition of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) released from the endometrial epithelial cells in response to oxytocin (OT). Our working hypothesis was that the antiluteolytic effect of IFNτ also involved modulation of PG production downstream of OT receptor (OTR) and/or cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). There is currently no OT-sensitive endometrial cell line to study the molecular mechanisms underlying our hypotheses. Therefore, we established an immortalized bovine endometrial epithelial cell line (bEEL) exhibiting OT response. These cells were cytokeratin positive, expressed steroid receptors, and exhibited preferential accumulation of PGF2α over PGE2. The bEEL cells were highly sensitive to OT, showing time- and concentration-dependent increase in COX2 transcript and protein and PGF2α accumulation. Interestingly, IFNτ (20 ng/ml) significantly reduced OT-induced PGF2α accumulation, but surprisingly, the effect was not mediated through down-regulation of either OTR or COX2. Rather, IFNτ up-regulated COX2 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner while decreasing OT-induced PG accumulation. This suggests that COX2 is not a primary target for the antiluteolytic effect of IFNτ. Because IFNτ reduced OT-stimulated PGF2α accumulation within 3 h, the mechanism likely involves a direct interference at the level of the OT signaling or transcription in addition to the down-regulation of OTR observed in vivo. In summary, bEEL cells offer a unique in vitro model for investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying OT and IFNτ response in relation with luteolysis and recognition of pregnancy in the bovine.

Interferon-τ acts as a competitive partial agonist, stimulating basal but inhibiting oxytocin- and phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated prostaglandin F2α production in immortalized bovine endometrial epithelial cells.
Psychosocial Stress Inhibits Amplitude of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Pulses Independent of Cortisol Action on the Type II Glucocorticoid Receptor
Authors: Wagenmaker Elizabeth R. , Breen Kellie M. , Oakley Amy E. , Tilbrook Alan J. , Karsch Fred J.
Published: October 2008

Our laboratory has developed a paradigm of psychosocial stress (sequential layering of isolation, blindfold, and predator cues) that robustly elevates cortisol secretion and decreases LH pulse amplitude in ovariectomized ewes. This decrease in LH pulse amplitude is due, at least in part, to a reduction in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH, caused by cortisol acting via the type II glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The first experiment of the current study aimed to determine whether this layered psychosocial stress also inhibits pulsatile GnRH release into pituitary portal blood. The stress paradigm significantly reduced GnRH pulse amplitude compared with nonstressed ovariectomized ewes. The second experiment tested if this stress-induced decrease in GnRH pulse amplitude is mediated by cortisol action on the type II GR. Ovariectomized ewes were allocated to three groups: nonstress control, stress, and stress plus the type II GR antagonist RU486. The layered psychosocial stress paradigm decreased GnRH and LH pulse amplitude compared with nonstress controls. Importantly, the stress also lowered GnRH pulse amplitude to a comparable extent in ewes in which cortisol action via the type II GR was antagonized. Therefore, we conclude that psychosocial stress reduces the amplitude of GnRH pulses independent of cortisol action on the type II GR. The present findings, combined with our recent observations, suggest that the mechanisms by which psychosocial stress inhibits reproductive neuroendocrine activity at the hypothalamic and pituitary levels are fundamentally different.

A paradigm of psychosocial stress inhibits GnRH pulse amplitude. This effect is not reversed by treatment with RU486, a type II glucocorticoid receptor antagonist.
Regulation of Islet Hormone Release and Gastric Emptying by Endogenous Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 after Glucose Ingestion
Authors: Salehi Marzieh , Vahl Torsten P. , D'Alessio David A.
Published: October 2008

Background: Exogenous administration of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 improves glucose tolerance by stimulation of insulin secretion, inhibition of glucagon secretion, and delay of gastric emptying. It is not known which of these effects is involved in the action of endogenous GLP-1 to control blood glucose. To determine the role of endogenous GLP-1 on islet cell function and gastric emptying independent of variable glycemia, we clamped blood glucose before and during glucose ingestion with and without GLP-1 receptor blockade with exendin-[9–39] (Ex-9).

Methods: There were 10 healthy subjects that participated in two experiments each, one a control and one with infusion of 750 pm/kg · min Ex-9. Subjects consumed 75 g oral glucose solution mixed with d-xylose and 13C-glucose while their blood glucose levels were held fixed at approximately 8.9 mmol/liter.

Results: Plasma insulin levels during hyperglycemia alone were similar in the two studies (control, 282.5 ± 42 vs. Ex-9, 263.8 ± 59 pmol/liter) but were reduced by approximately 30% by Ex-9 after glucose ingestion (control, 1154 ± 203 vs. Ex-9, 835 ± 120 pmol/liter; P < 0.05). Blocking the action of endogenous GLP-1 caused an approximate 80% increase in postprandial glucagon concentrations. The appearance of ingested d-xylose in the blood was not affected by Ex-9, suggesting that postprandial secretion of GLP-1 has only minimal effects on gastric emptying of oral glucose.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that GLP-1 is an incretin in healthy humans at modestly supraphysiological blood glucose levels. The primary effect of GLP-1 to regulate oral glucose tolerance is mediated by effects on islet hormones and not on gastric emptying.
Rate of β-Cell Destruction in Type 1 Diabetes Influences the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy: Protective Effect of Residual β-Cell Function for More Than 10 Years
Authors: Nakanishi Koji , Watanabe Chizuru
Published: October 2008

Context: Although residual β-cell function delays the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes, the rate of β-cell destruction is variable.

Objective: The aim of the study was to clarify the influence of the rate of β-cell destruction on the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes.

Design: We performed a historical cohort study regarding residual β-cell function and retinopathy.

Setting: The study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of a general hospital.

Patients: A total of 254 patients with type 1 diabetes participated.

Main Outcome Measures: Serum C-peptide and fundus findings were evaluated longitudinally.

Results: The cumulative incidence of mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy was higher in the patients without detectable β-cell function than in those with residual β-cell function at 20, 15, and 10 yr after the onset of diabetes (P = 0.013, P = 0.006, and P = 0.048, respectively), but not at 5 yr after the onset (P = 0.84). There were higher mean glycosylated hemoglobin values during the entire follow-up period in the patients without detectable β-cell function at 20 and 15 yr after the onset of diabetes (P = 0.030 and P = 0.042, respectively). Positivity for HLA-A24 and -DQA1*03, as well as the acute onset of diabetes, was associated with early β-cell loss and also with early development of diabetic retinopathy. Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that undetectable β-cell function at 20, 15, or 10 yr after the onset of diabetes was an independent risk factor for the development of diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusions: Undetectable β-cell function within 10 yr of the onset of type 1 diabetes is associated with the earlier occurrence of diabetic retinopathy.
Myofibroblast communication is controlled by intercellular mechanical coupling
Authors: Follonier Lysianne , Schaub Sébastien , Meister Jean-Jacques , Hinz Boris
Published: October 2008

Neoformation of intercellular adherens junctions accompanies the differentiation of fibroblasts into contractile myofibroblasts, a key event during development of fibrosis and in wound healing. We have previously shown that intercellular mechanical coupling of stress fibres via adherens junctions improves contraction of collagen gels by myofibroblasts. By assessing spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ oscillations, we here test whether adherens junctions mechanically coordinate myofibroblast activities. Periodic Ca2+ oscillations are synchronised between physically contacting myofibroblasts and become desynchronised upon dissociation of adherens junctions with function-blocking peptides. Similar uncoupling is obtained by inhibiting myofibroblast contraction using myosin inhibitors and by blocking mechanosensitive ion channels using Gd3+ and GSMTx4. By contrast, gap junction uncouplers do not affect myofibroblast coordination. We propose the following model of mechanical coupling for myofibroblasts: individual cell contraction is transmitted via adherens junctions and leads to the opening of mechanosensitive ion channels in adjacent cells. The resulting Ca2+ influx induces a contraction that can feed back on the first cell and/or stimulate other contacting cells. This mechanism could improve the remodelling of cell-dense tissue by coordinating the activity of myofibroblasts.
The ENTH and C-terminal domains ofDictyosteliumepsin cooperate to regulate the dynamic interaction with clathrin-coated pits
Authors: Brady Rebecca J. , Wen Yujia , O'Halloran Theresa J.
Published: October 2008

Epsin contains a phospholipid-binding ENTH domain coupled to C-terminal domain motifs that bind coated pit proteins. We examined how these domains interact to influence epsin function and localization in Dictyostelium. Although not required for global clathrin function, epsin was essential for constructing oval spores during development. Within the epsin protein, we found that features important for essential function were distinct from features targeting epsin to clathrin-coated pits. On its own, the phospholipid-binding ENTH domain could rescue the epsin-null phenotype. Although necessary and sufficient for function, the isolated ENTH domain was not targeted within clathrin-coated pits. The C-terminal domain containing the coated-pit motif was also insufficient, highlighting a requirement for both domains for targeting to coated pits. Replacement of the ENTH domain by an alternative membrane-binding domain resulted in epsin that sequestered clathrin and AP2 and ablated clathrin function, supporting a modulatory role for the ENTH domain. Within the ENTH domain, residues important for PtdIns(4,5)P2 binding were essential for both epsin localization and function, whereas residue T107 was essential for function but not coated pit localization. Our results support a model where the ENTH domain coordinates with the clathrin-binding C-terminal domain to allow a dynamic interaction of epsin with coated pits.
Horizons of Understanding: A Review of Ray Fair's Estimating How the Macroeconomy Works
Authors: Fernández-Villaverde Jesús
Published: October 2008

Ray Fair's Estimating How the Macroeconomy Works is the latest in a series of books by Fair that build, estimate, and apply his macroeconometric model to study the U.S. economy. In this book, Fair updates the model to incorporate the most recent data and uses it to analyze several important empirical questions, such as whether the U.S. economy moved into a new age of high productivity in the last half of the 1990s and the dynamics of prices, output, and unemployment. This review places his work in the context of the historical evolution of aggregate econometric models, compares it with the current developments in the estimation of dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models, and discusses some salient aspects of Fair's contributions.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Behavioral Operations
Authors: Gans Noah , Croson Rachel
Published: October 2008

The observed behavior of customers and managers often does not fit the assumptions of theoretical models used in the operations management (OM) literature. New research in behavioral OM is emerging to bridge the gap between traditional models and these newer observational findings. This work is both deductive and inductive, and it draws on multiple reference disciplines: experimental and behavioral economics, judgment and decision making from psychology, and organizational behavior and decision analysis from management. This special issue presents seven interesting papers that reflect the wide range of current research activity in behavioral OM. These papers provide insightful and thought-provoking introduction to this new direction in OM research.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Patients Admitted to a Surgical Unit in Scotland
Authors: Shakeel Muhammad , Bruce Julie , Jehan Shah , McAdam Timothy K , Bruce Duff M
Published: October 2008

INTRODUCTION

Within the UK there are 50,000 practitioners of complementary medicine. Five million people have consulted such practitioners in one year. The aim of this study was to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients attending general, vascular and cardiothoracic units at a regional Scottish centre.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was administered to 450 patients attending the units over an 8-week period. The questionnaire consisted of demographic sections, a listing of 48 herbal preparations and alternative therapies, reasons for use and opinions on efficacy.

RESULTS

A total of 430 patients completed questionnaires (95%); age and sex were equally distributed over the sample. Of respondents, 68% (291 patients) had ever used CAM; 46% had used CAM in the preceding year. Half had used herbal preparations only, 13% non-herbal treatments and 35% both types of therapy. Only 10% were using CAM for the condition that led to their hospital admission. Two-thirds failed to inform their family physician about their use of CAM.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite concerns regarding the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of complementary medicine, use amongst surgical patients is common.
Prospective Evaluation of a Novel One-Stop Testicular Clinic
Authors: Rochester Mark , Scurrell Sue , Parry John RW
Published: October 2008

INTRODUCTION

In 2003, the waiting time for routine scrotal assessment approached 6 months in our hospital. The patients' diagnostic pathway was not uniform and involved several delays between general practitioner, radiologist and urologist. If malignancy was suspected, patients were seen and assessed within 2 weeks. However, it was possible for patients with unsuspected malignancy to have their diagnosis delayed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Funding was provided by the NHS Modernisation Agency's Action On Urology project. Men who were referred by their general practitioner (GP) with a testicular or scrotal condition would be reviewed in a one-stop joint sonographer and urology nurse specialist clinic provided entirely within the urology department with rapid open access. Data were prospectively collected for 2 years. Source of referral, suspected diagnosis, findings and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1017 patients attended the clinic over this period; of these, 203 (4%) were referred under the ‘2-week wait’ criteria. Of patients attending the clinic, 79% were discharged to GP care, 8% were added to the waiting list for a surgical procedure and 20% were referred with ‘testicular lump’. Eleven patients were suspected to have testicular tumour on ultrasound and proceeded to orchidectomy in this period. One patient (0.1%) was found to have an unsuspected seminoma. The waiting time for all scrotal ultrasound examinations has fallen from 22 to 2 weeks. The waiting times for intravenous urography and general ultrasound were also significantly reduced following the introduction of this service (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients passing through this clinic are the ‘worried-well’ with benign scrotal pathology. They can now be seen within 2 weeks regardless of whether their GP suspects testicular tumour. This reduces anxiety in this large group of patients freeing capacity elsewhere in the diagnostic imaging department.
Role of Information Available Over the Internet: What are the Parents of Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy Likely to Find?
Authors: Roshan A , Agarwal S , England RJA
Published: October 2008

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of information available on the world wide web to parents of children undergoing tonsillectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main data source was from internet searches using the five most popular search engines and the keyword ‘tonsillectomy’ with default settings. The first 50 web links in each search were evaluated with the LIDA Instrument (assessing accessibility, usability and reliability criteria). We also assessed the readability of the sites using the Flesch reading ease score (FRES).

RESULTS

Of the 250 possible links, 113 new links were included the remaining being repetitions, inactive links or restricted access sites. The websites had an average accessibility score of 42/63 (66.7%; range, 26–57), a usability score of 29/54 (53.7%; range, 7–49), and are liability score of 17/51 (33.3%; range, 0–49). The Flesch reading ease score was 43.8 (range, 3–84.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Health information available on the internet varies greatly. Highly ranked websites on popular search engines may not be the most reliable. Overall, the websites had low scores for reliability, with poor engagability, content production and conflict of interest declaration. Patients should be given previously assessed references on the internet to prevent them being misled by in accurate or commercially motivated information.
www.Accurate Information for Varicose Vein patients.com?
Authors: Scurr James RH , Hufton Alison , Jeffrey Victoria , Vallabhaneni S Rao
Published: October 2008

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to review the information available to the public regarding the treatment of varicose veins on dedicated UK-based websites.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Websites were identified by using the Google® search engine. All identified websites were examined, noting the range of treatments explained and their stated potential complications. Website ownership was also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 49 websites were identified, belonging to individual physicians (21), private clinics or groups (15), national institutions (4) and device/drug manufacturers (4). Five websites were simply redirecting portals and, hence, were excluded from further analysis. Treatment methods discussed were conventional surgery (32), endovenous laser [EVLA] and/or radiofrequency ablation [RFA] (31), and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy [UGFS] (27). Only 19 websites (43%) discussed all treatment methods. Complications mentioned following surgery were: cutaneous nerve damage (56%), recurrence (56%), infection (53%), bleeding (41%) and venous thrombo-embolism (38%). Complications following EVLA/RFA were: cutaneous nerve damage (42%), recurrence (42%), venous thrombo-embolism (39%) and burns (35%). Complications following UGFS were: pigmentation (59%), venous thrombo-embolism (48%), ulceration (41%), recurrence (41%), allergy (26%) and visual disturbance (26%).

CONCLUSIONS

Over 50% of the websites examined did not mention all the management methods now available for varicose veins. More importantly, the majority of the websites did not warn of the common complications of intervention. Currently, information on the Internet cannot be relied upon to supplement informed consent and may actually generate unrealistic patient expectations.
The Acute Blue Finger: Management and Outcome
Authors: Cowen R , Richards T , Dharmadasa A , Handa A , Perkins JMT
Published: October 2008

INTRODUCTION

The objective was to assess the management, and short- and longer-term outcome of patients presenting with an acute blue finger.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, case-note review and prospective follow-up by telephone and general practitioner enquiry. All patients who presented with sudden onset blue discolouration of a finger within the previous 72 h, with normal radial and ulnar pulses, were included.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2006, 22 patients, 15 female, 7 male, were reviewed. Median age was 56 years (range, 19–88 years). Median time from onset of blue finger was 6 days (range 1 day to 3 months). In most cases (17), no underlying cause was identified. Five patients had an underlying cause; two had symptoms compatible with Raynaud's phenomenon, one patient had signs (later confirmed on MRA) of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome and two had polycythaemia (haemoglobin > 17 g/dl). Otherwise, all laboratory investigations were normal. Upper limb duplex, echocardiogram and 24-h cardiac tapes were normal in all cases. Median follow-up was 19 months. Three patients had recurrent symptoms in the finger. No patient suffered tissue loss or loss of digit(s), and none had stroke or arterial embolisation.

CONCLUSIONS

The acute blue finger is a benign condition not suggestive of arterial embolisation. Tissue or digit loss is not a threat and, in the longer term, there is no threat of embolisation to other vascular sites.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Performance of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (Vats) in Investigation and Management of Pleural Exudates
Authors: Medford ARL , Awan YM , Marchbank A , Rahamim J , Unsworth-White J , Pearson PJK
Published: October 2008

INTRODUCTION

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is the gold standard investigation for diagnosis of pleural exudates. It is invasive and it is important to ensure that it is performed to acceptable national standards. We assumed that VATS empyema fluid culture would not contribute further to microbiological diagnosis in referred culture-negative empyemas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-six consecutive external referrals for VATS for diagnosis of a cytology-negative pleural exudate (or for further management of the exudate) were studied retrospectively. Diagnostic yield, pleurodesis efficacy and complications were compared to national standards and good practice recommendations. VATS empyema fluid microbiological culture results were compared to pre-VATS empyema fluid culture results.

RESULTS

VATS was performed well within national standards with a diagnostic yield of 82.3% for cytology-negative exudates, 100% pleurodesis efficacy, 5.8% postoperative fever, with only one significant complication (1.2% rate) and no deaths. Compliance with good practice pleural fluid documentation points was greater than 70%. VATS empyema fluid culture positivity (84.6%) was significantly higher than pre-VATS fluid culture (35%).

CONCLUSIONS

VATS was performed to acceptable standards. These data confirm the utility and safety of VATS in the right context but also suggest the potential diagnostic utility of VATS empyema fluid culture. Further studies are required to investigate this latter possibility further.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Adiponectin, Leptin, and BMI Among Adolescents in Taiwan: A Multivariate Twin/Sibling Analysis
Authors: Liu Pi-Hua , Jiang Yi-Der , Chen Wei J. , Chang Ching-Chung , Lee Tso-Ching , Sun H. Sunny , Chuang Lee-Ming
Published: October 2008

Circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin are closely associated with obesity. However, it is not known whether there are common shared genes or environment exerting influences on the levels of leptin, adiponectin, and BMI. We aimed to assess the relative contribution of genes and environment to adiponectin, leptin, and BMI individually as well as simultaneously to the three measures. Our subjects included a total of 228 twin/sibling pairs aged 12 to 18 (130 monozygotic twins, 68 dizygotic twins and 30 sibling pairs) were recruited from the middle schools. Multivariate analyses were applied to twin/sibling data using structural equation modeling. The results showed that intraclass correlations for adiponectin, leptin and BMI were higher in the MZ twins than those in the DZ/SP group. The relative contribution of genes to adiponectin (39%) was comparable to those of shared environment (40%). In contrast, leptin and BMI were influenced mostly by genes (74% and 89%, respectively). The multivariate genetic analyses showed that a latent factor underlying the three measures was identified, with BMI being equivalent to this latent factor. The BMI-dependent genetic factor explains only 15% and 34% of variation of adiponectin and leptin, respectively. These data indicate a differential contribution of genetic factors for the variation of adiponectin, leptin and BMI. More importantly, only a small portion of the genetic influences on adiponectin and leptin was attributed to BMI. Our findings provided more insight into the complex regulation of adiponectin and leptin in obesity.
An Application of Salivary DNA in Twin Research of Chinese Children
Authors: Zhang Yue , Ji Chengye
Published: October 2008

Since saliva collection is noninvasive, painless and inexpensive, it may become an alternative to obtain genomic DNA, which is critical to evaluate zygosity and the role of genetic factors in twin research. This study provided a rough description of salivary DNA in Chinese twin children, and presented the DNA yield and quality extracted from saliva in a large-scale children sample, which supplied an example for saliva sample using in genetic epidemiology. Three milliliters of saliva was collected from 356 twin children aged 6 to 15, and DNA was extracted by a com mercial DNA isolation kit. The DNA yield and purity was determined by spectrophotometry at 260nm and 280nm. The zygosity determination of the same-sex twins and the assay of Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism indicated the quality of salivary DNA. The amount of extracted DNA from three milliliters of saliva was about 34.91μg (2.20 ~ 122.04μg), average OD260/280 values was 1.84. Saliva DNA is a reliable sample for the determination of twins' zygosity. We conclude that saliva may be a feasible and reliable source of DNA for genetic epidemiology studies, especially for twin research.
Prediction of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery in Twin Pregnancies By Cervical Length at Mid-Gestation
Authors: Klein Katharina , Gregor Hubertus , Hirtenlehner-Ferber Kora , Stammler-Safar Maria , Witt Armin , Hanslik Andreas , Husslein Peter , Krampl Elisabeth
Published: October 2008

The objective of our study was to evaluate the correlation of the cervical length at 20–25 weeks of gestation with the incidence of spontaneous preterm delivery in twins in a country with a high incidence of preterm delivery compared to other European countries. Cervical length was measured in 262 consecutive patients. Previous preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation, chorionicity, maternal age, body-mass-index, smoking habit and parity were recorded as risk factors for preterm delivery. Women who were symptomatic at 20–25 weeks and who delivered because of other reasons than spontaneous labour and preterm rupture of membranes or at term were excluded. The primary outcome was incidence of preterm birth before 34 weeks. Two hundred and twenty-three patients were analyzed. Thirty-two (14%) delivered before 34 weeks. There was a significant correlation between cervical length of less than 25 mm and spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks (50% vs. 13%,p= .007). In addition, logistic regression analysis found cervical length to be the only significant predictor of spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks (OR 1.084; 95% CI 1.015; 1.159;p= .017). We conclude that the risk of severe preterm delivery in twins is high. Cervical length at mid-gestation was the only predictor of delivery before 34 weeks.
Neuronal Mechanisms of Cortical Alpha Oscillations in Awake-Behaving Macaques
Authors: Bollimunta Anil , Chen Yonghong , Schroeder Charles E. , Ding Mingzhou
Published: October 2008

Field potential oscillations at ∼10 Hz (alpha rhythm) are widely noted in the visual cortices, but their physiological mechanisms and significance are poorly understood.In vitrostudies have implicated pyramidal neurons in both infragranular and supragranular layers as pacemakers. The generality of these observations for the intact brain in the behaving subject is unknown. We analyzed laminar profiles of spontaneous local field potentials and multiunit activity (MUA) recorded with linear array multielectrodes from visual areas V2, V4, and inferotemporal (IT) cortex of two macaque monkeys during performance of a sensory discrimination task. Current source density (CSD) analysis was combined with CSD–MUA coherence to identify intracortical alpha current generators and their potential for alpha pacemaking. The role of each alpha current generator was further delineated by Granger causality analyses. In V2 and V4, alpha current generators were found in all layers, with the infragranular generator acting as primary local pacemaking generator. In contrast, in IT, alpha current generators were found only in supragranular and infragranular layers, with the supragranular generator acting as primary local pacemaking generator. The amplitude of alpha activity in V2 and V4 was negatively correlated with behavioral performance, whereas the opposite was true in IT. The alpha rhythm in IT thus appears to differ from that in the lower-order cortices, both in terms of its underlying physiological mechanism and its behavioral correlates. This work may help to reconcile some of the diverse findings and conclusions on the functional significance of alpha band oscillations in the visual system.
Neuer Echtzeitkern zur Verbesserung von Dynamik und Sicherheit eines navigierten Chirurgie-Assistenzroboters A Novel Real Time Core for Dynamics and Safety Enhancement of a Navigated Surgical Assistance Robot
Authors: Schneider Hans-Christian , Wahrburg Jürgen
Published: October 2008

modiCAS (= modular interactive Computer Assisted Surgery) ist die softwarebasierte Integration von Planungssystem, Navigationssystem, Kraftsensorik, mechatronischem Manipulator und anwendungsspezifischen Operationswerkzeugen zu einem interaktiven Chirurgie-Assistenzsystem. Es ermöglicht dem Chirurgen die planungsgerechte und reproduzierbar genaue Durchführung operativer Eingriffe mit einem hohen Maß an intuitiver Bedienbarkeit. Eine Kernfunktionalität von modiCAS ist das mechatronikgestützte, navigierte Nachführen der verwendeten Operationswerkzeuge bei kleinen Patientenverlagerungen in Echtzeit. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die derzeitige Umgestaltung des Echtzeitkerns sowie zukünftige Forschungsziele hinsichtlich einer Verbesserung der dynamischen und sicherheitstechnischen Eigenschaften.
Optimierung von Wirbelstromspulen. Verbesserte Fehlerdetektion bei der Heißdrahtprüfung Optimised Eddy Current Sensor. Improved Defect Detection on Hot Wire Steel
Authors: Ricken Werner , Hartmann Knut , Becker Wolf-Jürgen , Perez Carmen , Gonzalo Leandro
Published: October 2008

Verschiedene Wirbelstrom-Spulen der Heißdrahtprüfung wurden untersucht. Fehler beim Warmwalzen von Stahldrähten wurden sowohl mit Messungen der Spulenimpedanz als auch durch die Erfassung des Übertragungsverhaltens gekoppelter Wirbelstromspulen detektiert. Für eine hohe Messempfindlichkeit bei ausreichender Robustheit des Sensors wurden Spulen mit weichmagnetischen Ferritmaterialien verwandt. Der Einsatz von weichmagnetischem Kernmaterial verbessert die Fehlerdetektion von Durchlaufspulen. Messungen zeigen einen geringeren Lift-off-Effekt und dadurch wird ein verbessertes Verhältnis zwischen Nutz- und Störsignal erzielt. Durch Variation von Wicklungsparametern wie Windungszahl und Geometrie wurde ein optimaler Arbeitspunkt gefunden. Ein Wirbelstrom-Sensorarray wird zurzeit entwickelt, um lange Längsfehler sicher detektieren zu können.
Hochauflösende Wirbelstromprüfung mittels GMR-Sensorik am Beispiel supraleitender Drähte High Resolution Eddy Current Testing of Superconducting Wires by Means of GMR Sensors
Authors: Kreutzbruck Marc , Bernau Hendrik , Allweins Kai
Published: October 2008

Aufgrund eines anhaltenden Trends der Miniaturisierung von Bauteilen sowie eines gesteigerten Qualitätsanspruches in Fertigung und Instandhaltung besteht ein wachsender Bedarf für hochauflösende zerstörungsfreie Prüfverfahren. Ein derzeit vielversprechender Lösungsansatz in der elektromagnetischen Prüfung wird durch die magnetischen Mikrosysteme eröffnet. Insbesondere die jüngst mit dem Physik-Nobelpreis ausgezeichnete GMR-Technologie bietet neben einer hohen Feldempfindlichkeit zugleich hervorragende Ortsauflösungen mit Schichtabmessungen bis in den unteren μm-Bereich. Hierdurch werden magnetische Feldverteilungen bei der Wirbelstromprüfung oder der Streuflussprüfung mit einem gegenüber Spulensystemen erhöhten Signal/Rausch-Verhältnis (SNR) und einer verbesserten Ortsauflösung gemessen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird das Potenzial der MR-Technologie anhand der Wirbelstromprüfung von Drähten verdeutlicht. Hierbei wird ein kreuzförmiges GMR-Sensor-Array um den zu untersuchenden Draht positioniert. Jeder einzelne GMR-Sensor misst dabei mit einer Feldempfindlichkeit von etwa 200pT/√Hz und einer Ortsauflösung von 100μm. Der Nachweis von im Durchmesser etwa 200μm großen Defekten in einer Tiefenlage von 200μm unterhalb der Drahtoberfläche gelingt mit einem SNR von über 400. Oberflächendefekte ähnlicher Größenordnung können mit einem SNR von nahezu 104 detektiert werden. Ein derart hohes SNR birgt in Kombination mit der hohen örtlichen Auflösung Potenzial für eine 3D-Fehlerlokalisierung. Unter Verwendung eines analytischen Ansatzes sowie auf FEM beruhende Dateninversionsalgorithmen können Defekte mit einer Abmessung von größer 200μm auf einige 10μm exakt lokalisiert werden.
El problema de la nación en las independencias americanas: Una propuesta teórica
Authors: Vejo Tomás Pérez
Published: October 2008

El punto de partida de este artículo es que las naciones no son la causa de las guerras de independencia sino su consecuencia. La propuesta, intentar una nueva relectura de los conflictos que tuvieron lugar en la Monarquía Católica en la segunda década del siglo XIX a partir de una mirada que intente evitar lo que hay de construcción posterior e incluir las nuevas aportaciones que desde diversos campos, especialmente desde la teoría política, se han hecho sobre el concepto de nación en los últimos años. Las guerras de independencia son vistas como un problema de soberanía y no como un enfrentamiento entre naciones.

This article maintains that nations were not the cause of the wars of independence but their consequence. It proposes a new evaluation of the conflicts that took place in the Catholic Monarchy during the second decade of the nineteenth century. The evaluation seeks to avoid subsequent constructions and to include new contributions that from different fields, especially from political theory, have been made about the concept of nation in recent years. It considers the wars of independence as a problem of sovereignty and not as a conflict between nations.
Por lealtad al rey, a la patria y a la religión. Los años de transición en la provincia de Zacatecas: 1808–1814
Authors: Fuentes Mariana Terán
Published: October 2008

El artículo pretende dar cuenta de los motivos de lealtad a la patria, al rey y a la religión que esgrimieron distintos actores involucrados en el proceso de insurgencia en la provincia de Zacatecas. Más específicamente se explica la participación, composición y tendencias que tuvo el ayuntamiento de la ciudad de Zacatecas.

The article seeks to explain the reasons why the leading actors of the process of independence in the Province of Zacatecas expressed loyalty to the patria, the king, and the Catholic religion. More specifically, it examines the role, composition, and activities of the Ayuntamiento of the City of Zacatecas.
Royalist Scourge or Liberator of the Patria? Agustín de Iturbide and Mexico's War of Independence, 1810–1821
Authors: Archer Christon I.
Published: October 2008

Agustin de Iturbide was a pivotal figure in the epoch of Mexican independence and as he became emperor of his independent nation. He is less well known for his earlier roles in the army of New Spain and as an effective though controversial counterinsurgency commander in the provinces of Guanajuato where he became captain general. Iturbide maintained a high profile with the viceroys and senior commanders and he was particularly hard on the insurgent leaders and their followers. He developed rough counterinsurgency techniques and unlike most royalist commanders, he kept detailed journals of his exploits that illustrate the nature of the brutal and lengthy war. Iturbide also abused royalists who got in his way and he appeared to profit significantly from his campaigns. In 1816, he came under severe criticism from the Cura of Guanajuato for his abuses and for over three years he lived in Mexico City as a sort of internal exile. Iturbide received a new lease on life in 1820 as a counterinsurgency commander and in 1821 as a liberator who issued the Plan de Iguala and established a new government with the Treaty of Córdoba. The present study traces Iturbide's career and different roles from 1810 to 1821.

Agustin de Iturbide fue una figura fundamental en la época de la independencia mexicana cuando se hizo emperador de la nación independiente. Él es menos conocido por su participación anterior en el ejército de la Nueva España, como un eficaz aunque controvertido comandante de la contrainsurgencia en las provincias de Guanajuato, donde ocupó el cargo de capitán general. Iturbide mantuvo un rol importante con los virreyes y los comandantes mayores y fue particularmente duro con los líderes insurgentes y sus seguidores. Desarrolló técnicas de contrainsurgencia ásperas y a diferencia de la mayor parte de los comandantes monárquicos, mantuvo diarios detallados de sus acciones que ilustran la naturaleza de esa guerra brutal y larga. Iturbide también abusó de los monárquicos que se metieron en su camino ya que pareció sacar considerable ganancia de sus campañas. En 1816, fue criticado severamente por el Cura de Guanajuato por sus abusos; durante más de tres años vivió en la Ciudad de México en una especie de exilio interno. Iturbide recibió un nuevo impulso a su vida en 1820 como comandante de la contrainsurgencia, y en 1821 como un libertador que proclamó el Plan de Iguala y estableció un nuevo gobierno con el Tratado de Córdoba. El presente estudio recorre la trayectoria de Iturbide y sus diferentes roles, de 1810 a 1821.
Orígenes federales del republicanismo en México, 1810–1824
Authors: Chust Manuel , Frasquet Ivana
Published: October 2008

El republicanismo en México tuvo diversos orígenes ideológicos. Se alimentó de diferentes fuentes teóricas, ideológicas y políticas. Una de ellas, y la que le dotará de singularidad, es la surgida desde las Cortes de Cádiz hasta el periodo de Iturbide. En las Cortes de Cádiz los diputados novohispanos se sintieron representantes de sus provincias en un congreso nacional, de tal forma que conjugaron una doble soberanía, la provincial y la nacional. Esta doble soberanía provocó un posicionamiento del liberalismo peninsular hacia posturas centralistas y, en segundo lugar, la reacción visceral del sector absolutista y, especialmente, del propio monarca en contra de los derechos de igualdad americanos. Tras la reacción absolutista de mayo de 1814 y la posterior represión, el autonomismo americano se fue reafirmando en que sus derechos se truncaban sistemáticamente por la oposición del monarca, por lo que las reivindicaciones federales fueron progresivamente adscribiéndose a las tesis republicanas por el antagonismo que tenía hacia la monarquía. Esta problemática se volvió a repetir, tanto en las Cortes de 1820 y 1821 en Madrid como en las del México independiente. De esta forma, la lucha por el federalismo se tornó en una lucha por la república, dado que ni la monarquía absolutista ni la constitucional de Fernando VII, ni el imperio de Iturbide fueron capaces de garantizar un estado federal.

The ideological origins of Mexican republicanism were diverse and included a variety of theoretical, ideological, and political sources. One of them, a unique source, emerged in the Cortes of Cádiz and continued into the Iturbide period. The novohispano deputies to Cortes of Cádiz considered themselves to be representatives of their provinces in a national congress and therefore assumed a double sovereignty, that of their province and that of the nation. That double sovereignty caused Peninsular deputies to embrace centralism. It also provoked a visceral reaction from absolutists and particularly from the monarch against the American quest for equality. The absolutist reaction of May 1814 and the subsequent repression convinced American autonomists that their rights would be systematically reduced by the monarch's opposition. As a result, the federalist tendencies of the Americans increasingly changed to republicanism as the only way to achieve their goal. This trend continued both in the Cortes of 1820 and 1821 in Madrid and subsequently in independent Mexico. Therefore the drive for federalism became a struggle for a republic since neither the absolutist and the later constitutional monarchy of Fernando VII nor Iturbide's empire were willing to accept a federal state.