bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper critical field Hc2 in PrOs4Sb12
Authors: Parker D. , Won H. , Maki K.
Published: December 2006

We study the upper critical field of the A and B phases in the triplet superconductor PrOs4Sb12 within the p + h‐wave superconductivity proposed recently for this material. The present result is compared with Hc2(t) and H *(t), the boundary between the A and B phase in PrOs4Sb12, reported earlier [Measson et al., Phys. Rev. B 70, 064516 (2004)] and with more recent data of Hc2(t) for the single phase crystal. We find Hc2(t)'s for both the two phase crystal and the single phase crystal are described by the model for the A phase. From this fitting one can deduce the Fermi velocity as ν = 2.5 × 106 cm/s. On the other hand Hc2(t) for the B phase is found to be somewhat smaller than H *(t), which indicates that H *(t) belongs to the A phase. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mössbauer and neutron‐diffraction studies of LaCo0.42Fe0.58O3–d
Authors: Karpinsky D. V. , Troyanchuk I. O. , Kopcewicz M.
Published: December 2006

Mössbauer, neutron powder diffraction and magnetization measurements have been performed for the LaCo0.42Fe0.58O3–d compounds in the temperature range 4.2 K < T < 400 K. It was found that a stoichiometric compound has a canted G‐type antiferromagnetic structure with TN ∼ 380 K and magnetic moment of 2.3µB per formula unit. Combined Mössbauer and neutron‐diffraction data give evidence that only Fe3+ ions are in the magnetically ordered state, whereas Co3+ ones are in the nonmagnetic low‐spin state and do not participate actively in the magnetic interactions. The oxygen loss leads to the reduction of Co ions down to the 2+ valence state keeping Fe ions in the 3+ valence state. At the same time the TN temperature increases and the weak ferromagnetic component is suppressed. Newly generated strong antiferromagnetic interactions Co2+–O–Fe3+ arise. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Successful combination of remediation techniques at a former silver factory
Authors: Roosma Anneke , Godschalk Bas , Lageman Reinout , Henssen Maurice , Bemmel Marc Van
Published: December 2006

A residential area that was formerly part of a silver factory site severely contaminated with chlorinated solvents was remediated using an in situ electro‐bioreclamation technique. Electro‐bioreclamation is a method for heating soil and groundwater combined with soil vapor and low‐yield groundwater extraction and enhanced reductive dechlorination (ERD). During the first two years of remediation in the source area (the intensive phase), a total of 80 kg of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was removed by heating combined with ERD. After another two years of ERD in the source and plume areas (the attenuation phase), the VOC concentrations were reduced to a level below 100 μg/L in groundwater. Given these satisfying results, electro‐reclamation in combination with ERD turned out to be a successful in situ remediation technique for removing VOCs. © 2006Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuclear waste disposition and site remediation: U.S. department of energy, state governments, and other stakeholders dialogue
Authors: Abbotts John , Weems Charles , Takaro Tim K.
Published: December 2006

Remediation responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) encompass a vast national complex of highly contaminated former weapons facilities. During the mid‐1990s, DOE announced its intentions to consolidate some waste types at specific sites. At about the same time, organizations and public officials around DOE sites urged a National Dialogue, designed to develop comprehensive solutions to the Department's needs for waste disposition ( transportation, treatment, and storage). Recent opposition from citizens and elected officials in Nevada and Washington State has presented obstacles to DOE's plans. Additionally, chairs of nine site‐specific advisory boards recommended that DOE support a National Stakeholder Forum, similarly designed to develop solutions to disposition needs. This article reviews the chronology of DOE's disposition efforts, along with public and state reactions and recommendations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acquiring human embryos for stem‐cell research
Authors: Dickens B.M. , Cook R.J.
Published: December 2006

Human tissue engineering and regenerative medicine may be considerably advanced by embryonic stem‐cell research and cell line development, to provide preventive means, cures and treatment strategies for a range of debilitating conditions and injuries. Research may result in embryos from which stem‐cells are derived losing viability, which offends some religious convictions. The different status religions and laws may attribute to embryos serves different purposes and results from different approaches. Neither need depend on, nor impose itself on, the other. Embryos surplus to IVF patients' needs may be donated to research with appropriate consent. In some circumstances, it may be ethical to ask patients to make their fresh embryos available for research. Prohibitions against deliberately creating embryos for research purposes are common, but not universally adopted, and are being challenged. Women who donate ova require information about risks, which for women considering donation for research may not be balanced by compensating benefits.
When Faces Are Heads: View-Dependent Recognition of Faces Altered Relationally or Componentially
Authors: Carbon Claus-Christian , Leder Helmut
Published: December 2006

When faces are viewed from different angles the appearance of facial features undergoes dramatic changes. We investigated two types of 3D-head models in frontal and three-quarter views, varying either in componential information such as different eyes, mouths and noses, or in relational information. Variations of the latter can only be investigated using 3D-head versions. Experiment 1 revealed high costs of transfer in recognition performance when views change, that were similar for both componentially and relationally altered faces. In Experiment 2, whole-to-part superiority was investigated by presenting isolated parts of critical features in addition to the whole face. Recognition of the whole face was only superior when views were identical. The results support the hypothesis of picture-based and view-dependent processing. Thus, there seems to be no efficient view-independent representation, at least for relatively unfamiliar faces.
Dependency and vulnerability in the nurse/patient situation
Authors: McGilloway F.A.
Published: December 2006

This theoretical study considers, briefly, the situations of nurse practitioner and patient and their relationships, within the wider setting of nursing practice. It considers an ideal type of nurse/patient process in a way which ignores a whole range of what, relative to the ethical and technical standards of the best practitioners, are substandard deviant practices. The study reveals two important consequences of the features of the patient situation for the problem of the structuring of nursing practice. The first is that the patient's dependency places him in a vulnerable situation, and second that his situation is such as to make rational judgement difficult for him. He can be, therefore, exposed to technical incompetence and a wide range of irrational and non‐rational practices. Also, it is not only that the patient has a need to be helped but that this need is institutionally categorized and, by institutional arrangement, he finds himself in a defined framework in which the kind of help offered is defined. The study reveals that even in an ideal nurse/patient situation, that is, with a competent nurse and a patient who is a rational layman, the patient is ‘at risk’. This may have very important consequences for the structuring of any practitioner/patient situation.
Changes in alcohol consumption after childbirth
Authors: Davidson Sheena , Davidson Park , Alden Lynn
Published: December 2006

The early post‐partum period is one of the few times of life stress for which health care professionals recommend alcohol consumption In this study, a group of nursing mothers who had delivered normal full‐term, first‐born infants were examined during the 1‐month period following childbirth. Data were collected on alcohol consumption patterns prior to and during pregnancy and following childbirth. Most women reported abstaining or decreasing consumption during pregnancy. Those who continued to drink during pregnancy reported drinking on social occasions, rather than when depressed or bored

During the post‐partum period, a number of women began drinking. By far the most common post‐partum drinking situation was during or prior to breast feeding. Reportedly, many women were advised to drink by nurses and doctors in order to relax and to aid the letdown reflex. Several factors seem worth noting. First, professional advice may be based on misinformation Animal studies have suggested that alcohol inhibits the letdown reflex and may interfere with nursing Secondly, because alcohol has been shown to enter the milkstream, attention should be given to possible harmful effects of alcohol (on the newborn) during nursing. Nurses could easily incorporate up‐to‐date information into their nursing practice.
The role of the nursing profession in hospital accident and emergency departments
Authors: Lewis Barbara R. , Bradbury Yvonne
Published: December 2006

A major investigation in the North West region has aimed to ascertain attitudes towards, and expectations of, accident and emergency services among both client groups and professionals involved in the provision of the services. One element of the research has focussed on a questionnaire based survey among 260 nurses in nineteen hospital accident and emergency (A & E) departments. The results show that the nurses found their work to be interesting and satisfying and they enjoyed the challenge of a varied and unpredictable workload. They expected to deal with patients in need of urgent medical attention, and to use and develop their nursing skills and experience. On the whole, their expectations were met, although they were not very satisfied with the levels of cooperation from other hospital departments, their liaison with community services, and the amount of time which casual attenders with minor/non‐urgent conditions occupied. The nurses were, however, generally sympathetic towards all A & E patients although they believed that many came for reasons of convenience and ignorance and that the general public need more education with regard to the appropriate use of an A & E department.
Nurses' performance and interpretation of urine testing and capillary blood glucose monitoring measures
Authors: Hilton B. Ann
Published: December 2006

This descriptive study attempts to identify the ways Registered Nurses (RNs) perform and interpret diabetic urine testing and capillary blood glucose monitoring measures. Seventy per cent of the RNs from one acute care hospital participated in the study. Seventy‐six nurses participated; five of these comprising the pilot study. It was concluded that RNs did not perform these tests accurately according to standards. Knowledge of specimen collection procedures and drugs which affect urine testing results was not consistently high. RNs perceived the definitions of hypoglycaemia, normoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia more widely than standard ranges thus having major implications for patient care. RNs'experience with tests is not necessarily related to the accurate completion of the tests. Implications, limitations and idiosyncracies of each test should be taught in addition to procedural specifics so that nurses can make sound judgements for patient care.
A conceptual model of children's cognitive adaptation to physical disability
Authors: Bernardo Marie Louise
Published: December 2006

Increasing numbers of children are being required to adapt to lifelong illness and disability. While numerous studies exist on theories of adaptation, reaction to illness, and children's concepts of self and of illness, an integrated view of children's ability to conceptualize themselves, their disabilities and possible adaptations has not been formulated. In this article at attempt has been made to integrate models of adaptation to disability and knowledge about children's cognitive development using Piagetian theory of cognitive development and Crate's stages of adaptation to chronic illness. This conceptually integrated model can be used as a departure point for studies to validate the applicability of Piaget's theory to the development of the physically disabled child and to clinically assess the adaptational stages available to the child at various developmental stages.
Protein kinase C‐δ phosphorylates Ebp1 and prevents its proteolytic degradation, enhancing cell survival
Authors: Liu Zhixue , Liu Xia , Nakayama Keiichi I. , Nakayama Keiko , Ye Keqiang
Published: December 2006

ErbB3‐binding protein (Ebp1) promotes cell survival by preventing apoptotic DNA fragmentation through a complex with active nuclear Akt. Ebp1 phosphorylation by protein kinase C (PKC)‐δ mediates its binding to nuclear Akt. In this study, we show that Ebp1 itself acts as a substrate of active caspase 3 during the programmed cell death. PKC‐δ phosphorylation on Ebp1 protects it from apoptotic degradation initiated in cell‐free apoptotic solution. Moreover, Ebp1 is evidently cleaved in PKC‐δ‐deficient cells but not in wild‐type cells. Ebp1 translated from first ATG is resistant to apoptotic cleavage; by contrast, Ebp1 from second and third ATG demonstrates robust degradation, and PKC phosphorylation on S360 suppresses its cleavage by active caspase 3. Ebp1 can be digested at both D53 and D196 sites, but cleavage at D196 appears to be a prerequisite for its further degradation at D53 site. Compared with wild‐type Ebp1, D196A mutant markedly protects cells from apoptosis. Thus, PKC‐δ antagonizes apoptosis through phosphorylating Ebp1 and protects it from apoptotic degradation.
Eccrine squamous syringometaplasia in the skin of children after burns
Authors: Sommer B. , Hagedorn M. , Wood F. , Heenan P.
Published: December 2006

We report 3 cases of severe burns in children in which eccrine squamous syringometaplasia (ESS) was found in skin biopsies taken 10 days after the trauma occurred. Microscopic examination showed partial or total necrosis of the epidermis, focal dermal necrosis and squamous metaplasia in eccrine ducts. These cases appear to be the first reported instances of ESS as an early consequence of severe burns.
Histopathologic and ultrastructural study of lupus‐like skin lesions in a patient with Bloom syndrome
Authors: Grob Martin , Wyss Myriam , Spycher Max A. , Dommann Stefan , Schinzel Albert , Burg Günter , Trüeb Ralph M.
Published: December 2006

The histopathology of the lupus‐like skin lesions associated with Bloom syndrome has been sporadically described. Skin biopsies from a 2‐year‐old boy with the classical features of Bloom syndrome, including lupus‐like skin lesions, demonstrated marked interface changes with basal liquefaction degeneration, a moderate superficial mononuclear infiltrate, pigmentary incontinence, and capillary dilation in the papillary dermis. Immunophenotyping of the dermal infiltrate revealed predominance of T‐cells. Basement membrane thickening on periodic acid‐Schiff examination was not seen. Direct immunofluorescence failed to demonstrate deposits of immunoglobulin other than nonspecific IgM deposition along the basement membrane zone of lesional skin. Ultrastructurally, the most striking findings were disintegration of basal cell cytoplasm and tubuloreticular inclusions in vascular endothelia. Taken together, the histologic and ultrastructural features of lipus‐like lesions associated with Bloom syndrome mimic those of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, with the exception of paucity of immune deposits at the dermoepidermal Junction.
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the oral cavity
Authors: Sun ZJ , Zhang L , Zhang WF , Chen XM , Lai FMM , Zhao YF
Published: December 2006

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and biologic behaviour of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in the oral cavity.

Materials and methods: The clinical features and pathological findings of nine cases with intraoral epithelioid hemangioendothelioma were reviewed, including immunohistochemistry study.

Results: This series comprised seven males and two females aged 6–53 years (mean 28 years). The sites of the tumour included the tongue (n = 4), lip (n = 1), the gingiva and alveoli of the maxilla (n = 1), the gingiva and alveoli of the mandible (n = 1), buccal mucosa (n = 1), and the floor of the mouth (n = 1). A painless solitary mass was the most common presentation and was found in eight cases. On pathology, the tumour grew in short strands, cords or nests of polygonal to slightly spindled epithelioid cells in fibro‐myxoid stroma, with formation of intracytoplasmic lumina. Tumour cells were immunoreactive to CD34, FVIIIRAg, and vimentin. Focal‐positive cytokeration were observed in three cases. Immunoreactivity for S‐100 protein, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and human herpesvirus (HHV)‐8 was negative in all cases. Two cases recurred after surgical excision, but no patient developed local or distant metastasis.

Conclusions: Wide local excision with long‐term follow‐up seems to be the treatment of choice for intraoral epithelioid hemangioendothelioma because of their unpredictable biological behaviour and recurrence potential.
Interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism and gingivitis in children
Authors: Dashash M , Drucker DB , Hutchinson IV , Bazrafshani MR , Blinkhorn AS
Published: December 2006

Aim:  To investigate the role of the polymorphism of a variable numbers of tandem repeats of interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist gene (IL‐1RN) on gingivitis in children.

Materials and methods:  A total of 146 Caucasian subjects (98 subjects with gingivitis and 48 controls) aged 8–12 years, were enrolled. Plaque and Calculus Indices were recorded to assess the oral hygiene. Gingival and Bleeding on Probing Indices were used to identify patients with gingivitis. DNA was extracted from epithelial cells of the cheek. Normal polymerase chain reaction was used for IL‐1Ra genotyping.

Results:  A significant association was observed between IL‐1Ra gene polymorphism and gingivitis in children (P = 0.008). The IL‐1RN*2 allele (A2) was significantly more frequent in controls (37%vs 22% in children with gingivitis). In addition, the carriage of A2 seemed to be protective against gingivitis, and it was more frequent in controls (60%vs 40% in children with gingivitis, P = 0.008). Moreover, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the association between IL‐1Ra gene polymorphism and gingivitis in children remained significant (P = 0.014) regardless of the significant influence of plaque (P = 0.013).

Conclusion:  IL‐1Ra gene polymorphisms could have an active role in the pathogenesis of gingivitis in Caucasian children and IL‐1RN*2 allele could be a protective marker against gingivitis.
Metachronal coupling between spinal neuronal networks during locomotor activity in newborn rat
Authors: Falgairolle Mélanie , Cazalets Jean‐René
Published: December 2006

In the present study, we investigate spinal cord neuronal network interactions in the neonatal rat during locomotion. The behavioural and physiological relevance of metachronally propagated locomotor activity were inferred from kinematic, anatomical and in vitro electrophysiological data. Kinematic analysis of freely behaving animals indicated that there is a rhythmic sequential change in trunk curvature during the step cycle. The motoneurons innervating back and tail muscles were identified along the spinal cord using retrograde labelling. Systematic multiple recordings from ventral roots were made to determine the precise intrinsic pattern of coordination in the isolated spinal cord. During locomotor‐like activity, rhythmic ventral root motor bursts propagate caudo‐rostrally in the sacral and the thoracic spinal cord regions. Plotting the latency as a function of the cycle period revealed that the system adapts the intersegmental latency to the ongoing motor period in order to maintain a constant phase relationship along the spinal axis. The thoracic, lumbar and sacral regions were capable of generating right and left alternating motor bursts when isolated. Longitudinal sections of the spinal cord revealed that both the bilateral antiphase pattern observed for the sacral region with respect to the lumbar segment 2 as well as the intersegmental phase lag were due to cross‐cord connections. Together, these results provide physiological evidence that the dynamic changes observed in trunk bending during locomotion are determined by the intrinsic organization of spinal cord networks and their longitudinal and transverse interactions. Similarities between this organization, and that of locomotor pattern generation in more primitive vertebrates, suggest that the circuits responsible for metachronal propagation of motor patterns during locomotion are highly conserved.
Sustained activation of proton channels and NADPH oxidase in human eosinophils and murine granulocytes requires PKC but not cPLA2α activity
Authors: Morgan Deri , Cherny Vladimir V. , Finnegan Alison , Bollinger James , Gelb Michael H. , DeCoursey Thomas E.
Published: December 2006

The prevailing hypothesis that a signalling pathway involving cPLA2α is required to enhance the gating of the voltage‐gated proton channel associated with NADPH oxidase was tested in human eosinophils and murine granulocytes. This hypothesis invokes arachidonic acid (AA) liberated by cPLA2α as a final activator of proton channels. In human eosinophils studied in the perforated‐patch configuration, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation elicited NADPH oxidase‐generated electron current (Ie) and enhanced proton channel gating identically in the presence or absence of three specific cPLA2α inhibitors, Wyeth‐1, pyrrolidine‐2 and AACOCF3 (arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone). In contrast, PKC inhibitors GFX (GF109203X) or staurosporine prevented the activation of either proton channels or NADPH oxidase. PKC inhibition during the respiratory burst reversed the activation of both molecules, suggesting that ongoing phosphorylation is required. This effect of GFX was inhibited by okadaic acid, implicating phosphatases in proton channel deactivation. Proton channel activation by AA was partially reversed by GFX or staurosporine, indicating that AA effects are due in part to activation of PKC. In granulocytes from mice with the cPLA2α gene disrupted (knockout mice), PMA or fMetLeuPhe activated NADPH oxidase and proton channels in a manner indistinguishable from the responses of control cells. Thus, cPLA2α is not essential to activate the proton conductance or for a normal respiratory burst. Instead, phosphorylation of the proton channel or an activating molecule converts the channel to its activated gating mode. The existing paradigm for regulation of the concerted activity of proton channels and NADPH oxidase must be revised.
INVESTIGATIONS ON Sm- AND Nb-SUBSTITUTED PZT CERAMICS
Authors: PRAKASH CHANDRA , JUNEJA J. K.
Published: December 2006

In the present paper, we report the effect of Samarium substitution and Niobium doping on the properties of a PZT(52:48). The properties studied are: structural, dielectric and ferroelectric. The samples with chemical formula Pb 0.99 Sm 0.01 Zr 0.52 Ti 0.48 O 3 were prepared by solid-state dry ceramic method. Small amount (0.5 wt%) of Nb 2 O 5 was also added. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed formation of a single phase with tetragonal structure. Dielectric properties were studied as a function of temperature and frequency. Transition temperature, Tc, was determined from dielectric constant versus temperature plot. The material shows well-defined ferroelectric (PE) hysteresis loop.
AN ANALYTICAL FORMULATION FOR CALCULATING INFRARED ABSORPTION AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTANCE IN AMORPHOUS SOLIDS
Authors: GRADO-CAFFARO M. A. , GRADO-CAFFARO M.
Published: December 2006

By employing a cluster model within the context of the extended Hückel theory, an analytical formulation is established by studying infrared absorption and electrical conductance in amorphous solids. This formulation is derived from considerations on electronic density of states. With respect to infrared absorption, the low region of the far-infrared range is analyzed for large clusters.
LONG RANGE TIME SERIES FORECASTING BY UPSAMPLING AND USING CROSS-CORRELATION BASED SELECTION OF NEAREST NEIGHBOR
Authors: ABBAS SYED RAHAT , ARIF MUHAMMAD
Published: December 2006

Long range or multistep-ahead time series forecasting is an important issue in various fields of business, science and technology. In this paper, we have proposed a modified nearest neighbor based algorithm that can be used for long range time series forecasting. In the original time series, optimal selection of embedding dimension that can unfold the dynamics of the system is improved by using upsampling of the time series. Zeroth order cross-correlation and Euclidian distance criterion are used to select the nearest neighbor from up-sampled time series. Embedding dimension size and number of candidate vectors for nearest neighbor selection play an important role in forecasting. The size of embedding is optimized by using auto-correlation function (ACF) plot of the time series. It is observed that proposed algorithm outperforms the standard nearest neighbor algorithm. The cross-correlation based criteria shows better performance than Euclidean distance criteria.
Immunogold labeling study of the distribution of GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 in cardiac tissue following stimulation by insulin or ischemia
Authors: Davey Katherine A. B. , Garlick Pamela B. , Warley Alice , Southworth Richard
Published: December 2006

Whereas glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) is thought to be responsible for basal glucose uptake in cardiac myocytes, little is known about its relative distribution between the different plasma membranes and cell types in the heart. GLUT-4 translocates to the myocyte surface to increase glucose uptake in response to a number of stimuli. The mechanisms underlying ischemia- and insulin-mediated GLUT-4 translocation are known to be different, raising the possibility that the intracellular destinations of GLUT-4 following these stimuli also differ. Using immunogold labeling, we describe the cellular localization of these two transporters and investigate whether insulin and ischemia induce differential translocation of GLUT-4 to different cardiac membranes. Immunogold labeling of GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 was performed on left ventricular sections from isolated hearts following 30 min of either insulin, ischemia, or control perfusion. In control tissue, GLUT-1 was predominantly (76%) localized in the capillary endothelial cells, with only 24% of total cardiac GLUT-1 present in myocytes. GLUT-4 was found predominantly in myocytes, distributed between sarcolemmal and T tubule membranes (1.84 ± 0.49 and 1.54 ± 0.33 golds/μm, respectively) and intracellular vesicles (127 ± 18 golds/μm2). Insulin increased T tubule membrane GLUT-4 content (2.8 ± 0.4 golds/μm, P < 0.05) but had less effect on sarcolemmal GLUT-4 (1.72 ± 0.53 golds/μm). Ischemia induced greater GLUT-4 translocation to both membrane types (4.25 ± 0.84 and 4.01 ± 0.27 golds/μm, respectively P < 0.05). The localization of GLUT-1 suggests a significant role in transporting glucose across the capillary wall before myocyte uptake via GLUT-1 and GLUT-4. We demonstrate independent spatial translocation of GLUT-4 under insulin or ischemic stimulation and propose independent roles for T-tubular and sarcolemmal GLUT-4.
Nitric oxide production in the ventilatory muscles in response to acute resistive loading
Authors: Vassilakopoulos Theodoros , Govindaraju Karuthapillai , Parthenis Dimitrios , Eidelman David H. , Watanabe Yasu , Hussain Sabah N. A.
Published: December 2006

The effect of muscle activation on muscle nitric oxide (NO) production remains controversial. Whereas NO release increases in in vitro activated muscles and in vivo limb muscles, diaphragmatic NO synthase (NOS) activity declines after 3 h of inspiratory resistive loading (IRL). We tested in this study the hypotheses that acute IRL decreases diaphragmatic NO derivatives levels and reduces protein expression of neuronal (nNOS), endothelial (eNOS), and inducible (iNOS) NO synthases, as well as 3-nitrotyrosine formation. Anesthetized, tracheostomized, spontaneously breathing adult rats were subjected to IRL (50% of the maximum inspiratory pressure) for 1, 3, or 6 h. Quietly breathing rats served as controls. After 3 h of IRL, muscle eNOS and nNOS protein levels rose by 80 and 60% of control values, respectively. Whereas eNOS expression did not change any further, nNOS expression reached 550% of control values after 6 h of IRL. Strong iNOS protein expression was detected in the diaphragms after 6 h of IRL. Total NO derivatives levels in the diaphragm declined during IRL as a result of reduction in nitrate, nitrite, and nitrosothiols. Diaphragmatic protein tyrosine nitration decreased in response to IRL, and this reduction was mainly due to reduced tyrosine nitration of enolase and aldolase. We conclude that diaphragmatic NO derivatives levels decline in response to IRL and that the rise in diaphragmatic NOS protein expression may be a compensatory response designed to counterbalance the decline in NOS activity.
Safety and Efficacy of Micro-Incisional Cataract Surgery with Bimanual Phacoemulsification for White Mature Cataract
Authors: Wong Victoria W.Y. , Lai Timothy Y.Y. , Lee Gary K.Y. , Lam Philip T.H. , Lam Dennis S.C.
Published: December 2006

Background: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of micro-incisional cataract surgery (MICS) with bimanual phacoemulsification for the management of white mature cataract. Methods: Twenty-five eyes in 25 patients with mature cataract were prospectively recruited to undergo MICS with bimanual phacoemulsification. Serial changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD) were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: MICS was successfully performed in 24 (96%) of the 25 eyes, with 1 eye requiring conversion to extracapsular cataract extraction due to radial tear during continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. The median preoperative BCVA was hand movement. On day 1 postoperatively, the median BCVA improved to 0.6 (p < 0.001 compared with baseline). All patients had BCVA of 0.6 or better at 3 months after surgery (p < 0.001 compared with baseline). The mean increase in CCT at day 1 and week 1 postoperatively was 11.5 and 7.1%, respectively. The change in mean CCT was no longer significant at month 3 postoperatively (p = 0.82). The mean reduction in ECD at 3 months postoperatively was 7.8% (p = 0.037). None of the patients developed any postoperative complications. Conclusions: MICS with bimanual phacoemulsification appeared to be a promising alterative for the management of white mature cataract.
Clinical Study of Endoscopic Endonasal Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with Jones Tube Placement
Authors: Park Min Soo , Chi Mi Jung , Baek Se Hyun
Published: December 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic endonasal primary conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) and revision CDCR after primary CDCR. Methods: Twenty-four patients who had undergone endoscopic endonasal CDCR with a Jones tube and who were followed up for over 6 months at our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Our analysis included success rate, operation times, and causes of failure. Results: The indications for revision CDCR were Jones tube prolapse and inadequate tube length. The initial success rate in the primary and revision groups were 78.6% (11/14) and 100% (10/10), respectively, and their mean operation times were 24 min (± 6.3) and 21 min (± 6.1), respectively. Main causes of failure included inaccurate tube length and abnormal tube position. Conclusions: Endoscopic endonasal CDCR appears to be a reasonable revision and primary approach, because it allows Jones tube length to be measured accurately during surgery, and an 18- to 20-mm Jones tube length was used in most cases.
Topical Anesthesia in Transconjunctival Sutureless 25-Gauge Vitrectomy for Macular-Based Disorders
Authors: Tang Shibo , Lai Pinghong , Lai Mingying , Zou Yuping , Li Jiaqing , Li Shuangnong
Published: December 2006

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of topical anesthesia in vitrectomy using the transconjunctival sutureless 25-gauge system (TSV 25G). Methods:TSV 25G vitrectomy was performed prospectively in 46 eyes of 46 patients with macular-based disorders, including macular holes (n = 31), idiopathic epiretinal membranes (n = 11), and vitreoretinal traction syndrome (n = 4). Topical anesthesia was administered in each patient by instilling 2% Alcaine at 5 min intervals, three times before surgery. Additional Alcaine drops were given as a supplementation if needed during the operation. The levels of intraoperative analgesia were graded from 1 (adequate) to 3 (inadequate). Results: Thirty-one patients (67.4%) tolerated the procedure well, with no additional anesthetic agent. Thirteen patients (28.3%) required additional topical anesthesia and 2 patients (4.3%) required a systemic sedative. Intraoperative pain occurred when the sclera was pierced by the microcannula and when sclera indentation was performed. No patient required additional retrobulbar or peribulbar anesthesia. There was no intraoperative complication which was specifically related to topical anesthesia. Conclusion: Topical anesthesia permits the successful management of some surgically less complex vitreoretinal disorders when the TSV 25G is used.
Effectiveness of Inpatient Treatment on Quality of Life and Clinical Disease Severity in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis Vulgaris – A Prospective Study
Authors: Schmitt Jochen , Heese Elisabeth , Wozel Gottfried , Meurer Michael
Published: December 2006

Background: Financial constraints challenge evidence of the effectiveness of dermatological inpatient management. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of hospitalization in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis regarding initial and sustained benefits. Methods: Prospective study on adults with psoriasis vulgaris (n = 22) and atopic dermatitis (n = 14). At admission, discharge, and 3 months after discharge, validated outcomes of objective and subjective disease severity were assessed by trained investigators. Results: Hospitalization resulted in substantial benefit in quality of life and clinical disease severity. Looking at mean scores, the observed benefit appeared stable until 3-month follow-up. The analysis of individual patient data revealed significant changes in disease severity between discharge and 3-month follow-up with some patients relapsing, others further improving. Reasons for hospitalization and treatment performed were not related to sustained benefit. Conclusions: In psoriasis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis, hospitalization effectively improved quality of life and clinical disease severity. Further research should focus on prognostic factors for sustained improvement.
Hemosiderotic Dermatofibroma: Report of One Case
Authors: Scalvenzi M. , Balato A. , De Natale F. , Francia M.G. , Mignogna C. , De Rosa G.
Published: December 2006

Dermatofibroma (DF) is a common benign fibrohistiocytic lesion which presents with a wide variety of clinicopathological features. Generally, the clinical diagnosis is easy, but differentiating it from other cutaneous tumors could be difficult in atypical cases and rare variants. We may find at least four different histopathological variants of DF; more than one of which may be present in a single tumor. Hemosiderotic DF is a variant composed of numerous small vessels, extravasated erythrocytes, and intra- and extracellular hemosiderotic deposits. The differential diagnosis may comprise melanoma as well as other melanocytic and nonmelanocytic tumors. We report the case of a 38-year-old man who presented with a hemosiderotic DF on the abdomen.
Cutaneous Pseudolymphoma Induced by Cimicifuga racemosa
Authors: Meyer S. , Vogt T. , Obermann E.C. , Landthaler M. , Karrer S.
Published: December 2006

We report a 56-year-old female patient who presented with asymptomatic, localized erythematous plaques on arms and legs. Histologically, the diagnosis of pseudolymphoma (PL) was confirmed. Because of menopausal complaints, the patient had been taking Remifemin®, a phytotherapeutical agent containing a standardized extract of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) rhizome for 1 year. Six months after initial administration of this herbal drug, first skin lesions appeared which continuously increased. Withdrawal of Remifemin resulted in regression and complete remission of the lesions within 12 weeks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on cutaneous PL induced by a standardized extract of C. racemosa rhizoma. Thus, though claimed to be poor in adverse effects, the potency of phytotherapeutical agents to induce uncommon cutaneous eruptions needs to be taken into careful reconsideration since the course of cutaneous PL tends to be chronic and indolent if the causative agent is not discontinued.
Articular Chondrocyte Culturing for Cell-Based Cartilage Repair: Needs and Perspectives
Authors: Giannoni Paolo , Cancedda Ranieri
Published: December 2006

Articular cartilage displays a limited capacity of self-regeneration after injury. Thus, the biology of this tissue and its cellular components – the chondrocytes – has become the focus of several investigations, driven by tissue engineering and the basic and clinical research fields, aiming to ameliorate the present clinical approaches to cartilage repair. In this work, we present a brief recapitulation of the events that lead to cartilage development during the skeletal embryonal growth. The intrinsic phenotypic plasticity of the mesenchymal precursors and the adult chondrocytes is evaluated, dependent on the cell source, its physiopathological state, and as a function of the donor’s age. The phenotypic changes induced by the basic culturing techniques are also taken into account, thus highlighting the phenotypic plasticity of the chondrocyte as the main property which could couple the differentiation process to the repair process. Chondrocyte proliferation and the contemporary maintenance of the chondrogenic differentiation potential are regarded as the two primary goals to be achieved in order to fulfill the quantitative needs of the clinical applications and the qualitative requirements of a properly repaired tissue. In this light, the effects of several growth factors and medium supplements are investigated. Finally, the latest improvements in culturing conditions and their possible clinical applications are presented as well.
Differentiation Status of Human Renal Proximal and Distal Tubular Epithelial Cells in vitro: Differential Expression of Characteristic Markers
Authors: Baer Patrick C. , Bereiter-Hahn Jürgen , Schubert Ralf , Geiger Helmut
Published: December 2006

Background: The culture of human renal tubular cells of well-defined nephron origin is an important basis in the research of various physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms in the kidney. In vitro differentiation of cultured cells is affected by cell isolation and culture conditions. Our study describes in vitro differentiation of cultured human renal proximal and distal (thick ascending limb and early distal) tubular epithelial cells. Methods: Proximal tubular cells (PTC) and early distal tubular cells (DTC) were isolated immunomagnetically and cultured. In vitro differentiation was assessed by Western blot analysis and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction using characteristic markers. Morphologic characterization was shown by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Results: E-cadherin was highly expressed in DTC, whereas expression was low in PTC. In contrast to DTC, in PTC, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and aquaporin 1 were constitutively expressed at high levels. Both cell types expressed cytokeratin 18 and Na-K-ATPase but not α-smooth muscle actin. Morphological analysis showed that PTC develop long microvilli, whereas DTC formed short microvilli in culture, and both express the tight junction protein zona occludens protein 1. Conclusions: We demonstrate differential expression of E-cadherin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and aquaporin 1 in cultured PTC and DTC as described for the renal tubule in vivo. We could show the in vitro differentiation of the cells, and thus, their usefulness as an in vitro model of the human proximal and early distal tubule.
Chemical Coding of Submucosal Type V Neurons in Porcine Ileum
Authors: Kapp Sonja , Schrödl Falk , Neuhuber Winfried , Brehmer Axel
Published: December 2006

In this study, we attempted to determine the proportion of type V neurons relative to the putative whole neuron population in the two submucosal plexuses of pigs identified by their neurofilament immunoreactivity. The total neuron number was estimated in cuprolinic blue (CB)/anti-Hu protein (HU) costained wholemounts as the sum of the number of CB+/HU+, CB+/HU– and CB–/HU+ neurons. In the external submucosal plexus (ESP), HU labelled 98.6% and CB 97.3% of neurons. In the internal submucosal plexus, HU labelled 98.3%, whereas CB only marked 92.5% of neurons. Furthermore, we investigated the chemical coding of submucosal type V neurons and searched for submucosal, non-type V neurons displaying the same chemical coding as the myenteric type V neurons described earlier, i.e. the colocalization of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and somatostatin (SOM). In order to facilitate immunohistochemical detection of neuroactive peptides, ileal segments were pretreated with colchicine prior to fixation. Type V neurons in the ESP occurred either as single cells displaying one or few prominent dendrite(s) or within aggregates displaying a dendritic tangle. In this plexus, type V neurons amounted to between 0.9 and 1.6% of all CB-stained neurons. ESP type V neurons displayed immunoreactivities for choline acetyl transferase (95.8%) and leucine-enkephalin (73.9%). All type V neurons were negative for neuronal nitric oxide synthase. Fifty-eight percent of ESP CGRP/SOM co-immunoreactive neurons displayed type V morphology, whereas 42% were non-type V neurons. Thus, the chemical coding of ESP type V neurons is in principal similar to that of the myenteric type V neurons described earlier. In the internal submucosal plexus, we found no type V neurons. In this plexus, 0.2% of all neurons counterstained with HU displayed CGRP/SOM coreactivity. As had been observed earlier concerning the myenteric type V neurons, ESP type V neurons were also closely apposed by conspicuous accumulations of boutons reactive for the same markers as the neurons themselves. Although we cannot exclude that axons of CGRP/SOM-reactive enteric, non-type V or extrinsic neurons end synaptically on type V neurons, we suggest that the main synaptic input to type V neurons originates from other type V neurons. This presents an argument for an interneuronal role of type V neurons.
Wilson’s Disease: A Great Masquerader
Authors: Soltanzadeh Akbar , Soltanzadeh Payam , Nafissi Shahriar , Ghorbani Askar , Sikaroodi Hajir , Lotfi Jamshid
Published: December 2006

Background: Wilson’s disease (WD) is a treatable autosomal recessive metabolic disorder which could lead to protean hepatic or neurologic manifestations. WD could mimic many neurologic disorders and is often diagnosed with a long delay. This study describes central nervous system manifestations of a group of Iranian patients with neurologic WD. Methods: Data from case records of patients with neurologic WD presenting at a referral university hospital and a private clinic in Tehran from 1984 to 2004 were analyzed. Results: Fifty patients from 44 unrelated families with WD were identified, whose mean duration of follow-up was 51.8 (±58.5) months. The median age of onset of neurologic symptoms in 37 patients with primary neurologic or simultaneous hepatic-neurologic presentation was 16 (10–38) years, whereas in 13 patients with prior hepatic damage, this was 18.5 (11–34) years. The 6 most common manifestations were dysarthria (80%), drooling (48%), tremor in limbs (44%), abnormal gait (44%), psychiatric and/or sleep symptoms (44%), and dystonia in limbs (42%). Conclusion: Neurologic WD has heterogeneous manifestations and should be considered in young patients presenting with dysarthria, drooling, any kind of movement disorders or psychiatric symptoms.
Use of Botanicals in Food Supplements
Authors: Coppens P. , Delmulle L. , Gulati O. , Richardson D. , Ruthsatz M. , Sievers H. , Sidani S.
Published: December 2006

Background/Aims: In the European Union, an elaborate legal framework regulates botanical products both under food and medicinal law. The decision as to which legal framework applies to an individual product may differ between the Member States. In the case of botanical food supplements, all food law provisions apply to their manufacturing, composition and marketing, including the new claims legislation. Methods: Elements from EU and national law, scientific and other publications are brought together to investigate how to clarify the differentiation between the use of botanicals for medicinal and health-promoting purposes on a scientific basis. Results: Guidance on the safety assessment and quality evaluation of botanicals is proposed in light of the different approaches described in the scientific literature with particular attention to the concept of long-term use as an integral part of safety evaluation. Guidance on claims substantiation is also included, taking into consideration the proposed legislation, the concept of long-term experience and grading of evidence. Conclusions: A model for safety and efficacy assessment of botanical food supplements in the EU is proposed, and should be taken into consideration in the development of legislation and scientific research on botanicals.
Impaired Release of Bioactive Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension and Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Sokolova Juliana , Zimmermann Rainer , Kreuder Joachim , Michel-Behnke Ina , Schranz Dietmar , Piper Hans Michael , Schlüter Klaus-Dieter
Published: December 2006

Background: Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is an endothelial-derived vasoactive peptide. This study investigated whether bioactive PTHrP is locally released in a pressure-dependent way. Methods: A PTHrP antibody directed against the midregional part of PTHrP was used to analyze PTHrP in plasma samples. The biological activity of this PTHrP-like peptide was investigated in vitro. Plasma values were determined in samples from the left pulmonary artery and the arteria femoralis, taken under basal conditions and after the application of oxygen or iloprost to lower the pulmonary pressure. Twenty young patients (mean age 6.5 years), who were catheterized for an analysis of the reactivity of the pulmonary bed, were investigated. Endothelial function was investigated by acetylcholine responsiveness. Results: The antibody recognized a 30-kDa protein with in vitro PTHrP-like activity. In 11 patients (responders) with intact endothelial function, the PTHrP values determined in the left pulmonary artery were higher than those in the arteria femoralis. The local increase in the PTHrP concentration was reduced when either oxygen or iloprost lowered the pressure. Nine patients with endothelial dysfunction did not show any concentration gradients at any time (nonresponders). Conclusions: The local concentration of bioactive PTHrP is increased in patients with pulmonary hypertension and normal endothelial function.