bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOXA3 Modulates Injury-Induced Mobilization and Recruitment of Bone Marrow-Derived Cells
Authors: Mace Kimberly A. , Restivo Terry E. , Rinn John L. , Paquet Agnes C. , Chang Howard Y. , Young David M. , Boudreau Nancy J.
Published: April 2009

The regulated recruitment and differentiation of multipotent bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) to sites of injury are critical for efficient wound healing. Previously we demonstrated that sustained expression of HOXA3 both accelerated wound healing and promoted angiogenesis in diabetic mice. In this study, we have used green fluorescent protein-positive bone marrow chimeras to investigate the effect of HOXA3 expression on recruitment of BMDCs to wounds. We hypothesized that the enhanced neovascularization induced by HOXA3 is due to enhanced mobilization, recruitment, and/or differentiation of BMDCs. Here we show that diabetic mice treated with HOXA3 displayed a significant increase in both mobilization and recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells compared with control mice. Importantly, we also found that HOXA3-treated mice had significantly fewer inflammatory cells recruited to the wound compared with control mice. Microarray analyses of HOXA3-treated wounds revealed that indeed HOXA3 locally increased expression of genes that selectively promote stem/progenitor cell mobilization and recruitment while also suppressing expression of numerous members of the proinflammatory nuclear factor κB pathway, including myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 and toll-interacting protein. Thus HOXA3 accelerates wound repair by mobilizing endothelial progenitor cells and attenuating the excessive inflammatory response of chronic wounds.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Stem Cell Therapy Restores Transparency to Defective Murine Corneas
Authors: Du Yiqin , Carlson Eric C. , Funderburgh Martha L. , Birk David E. , Pearlman Eric , Guo Naxin , Kao Winston W.-Y. , Funderburgh James L.
Published: April 2009

Corneal scarring from trauma and inflammation disrupts vision for millions worldwide, but corneal transplantation, the primary therapy for corneal blindness, is unavailable to many affected individuals. In this study, stem cells isolated from adult human corneal stroma were examined for the ability to correct stromal opacity in a murine model by direct injection of cells into the corneal stroma. In wild-type mice, injected human stem cells remained viable for months without fusing with host cells or eliciting an immune T-cell response. Human corneal-specific extracellular matrix, including the proteoglycans lumican and keratocan, accumulated in the treated corneas. Lumican-null mice have corneal opacity similar to that of scar tissue as a result of disruption of stromal collagen organization. After injection with human stromal stem cells, stromal thickness and collagen fibril defects in these mice were restored to that of normal mice. Corneal transparency in the treated mice was indistinguishable from that of wild-type mice. These results support the immune privilege of adult stem cells and the ability of stem cell therapy to regenerate tissue in a manner analogous to organogenesis and clearly different from that of normal wound healing. The results suggest that cell-based therapy can be an effective approach to treatment of human corneal blindness.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Differentiation of a Highly Tumorigenic Basal Cell Compartment in Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: He Xiaobing , Marchionni Luigi , Hansel Donna E. , Yu Wayne , Sood Akshay , Yang Jie , Parmigiani Giovanni , Matsui William , Berman David M.
Published: April 2009

Highly tumorigenic cancer cell (HTC) populations have been identified for a variety of solid tumors and assigned stem cell properties. Strategies for identifying HTCs in solid tumors have been primarily empirical rather than rational, particularly in epithelial tumors, which are responsible for 80% of cancer deaths. We report evidence for a spatially restricted bladder epithelial (urothelial) differentiation program in primary urothelial cancers (UCs) and in UC xenografts. We identified a highly tumorigenic UC cell compartment that resembles benign urothelial stem cells (basal cells), co-expresses the 67-kDa laminin receptor and the basal cell-specific cytokeratin CK17, and lacks the carcinoembryonic antigen family member CEACAM6 (CD66c). This multipotent compartment resides at the tumor-stroma interface, is easily identified on histologic sections, and possesses most, if not all, of the engraftable tumor-forming ability in the parental xenograft. We analyzed differential expression of genes and pathways in basal-like cells versus more differentiated cells. Among these, we found significant enrichment of pathways comprising “hallmarks” of cancer, and pharmacologically targetable signaling pathways, including Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription, Notch, focal adhesion, mammalian target of rapamycin, epidermal growth factor receptor (erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog [ErbB]), and wingless-type MMTV integration site family (Wnt). The basal/HTC gene expression signature was essentially invisible within the context of nontumorigenic cell gene expression and overlapped significantly with genes driving progression and death in primary human UC. The spatially restricted epithelial differentiation program described here represents a conceptual advance in understanding cellular heterogeneity of carcinomas and identifies basal-like HTCs as attractive targets for cancer therapy.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Dopaminergic activity in depressed smokers: A positron emission tomography study
Authors: Busto Usoa E. , Redden Laura , Mayberg Helen , Kapur Shitij , Houle Sylvain , Zawertailo Laurie A.
Published: April 2009

Tobacco dependence is highly prevalent in depressed patients. We assessed changes in [11C]‐raclopride binding potential (BP) using positron emission tomography (PET) before and after the oral administration of d‐amphetamine in healthy controls and unmedicated patients with current depression with and without current tobacco dependence. Over a single study day 2 [11C]‐raclopride positron emission tomography scans were taken in 38 subjects: at baseline and 2 h following oral d‐amphetamine 30 mg. Twenty controls (9 smokers, 11 nonsmokers) and 18 subjects with current major depressive episode (8 smokers, 10 non‐smokers). Striatal [11C]‐raclopride binding potential was measured before and after d‐amphetamine administration. Depressed smokers had a lower baseline [11C]‐raclopride binding potential compared with both control non‐smokers (P < 0.007) and depressed non‐smokers (P < 0.001). There was a main effect of smoking status on amphetamine‐induced change in [11C]‐raclopride binding potential (P < 0.02), but no main effect of depression. This may be due to a floor effect because of the low BP at baseline. Depressed subjects reported significant increase of positive mood after d‐amphetamine administration compared with controls (depressed smokers vs. control smokers: P < 0.05; depressed non‐smokers vs. controls: P < 0.055). Tobacco dependence appears to decrease d‐amphetamine‐induced changes in [11C]‐raclopride binding potential as measured by positron emission tomography. Comorbid major depression and tobacco dependence exacerbates this effect, suggesting an altered dopamine system in comorbid patients. Synapse 63:681–689, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of scopolamine on dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra: Role of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus
Authors: Di Giovanni Giuseppe , Shi Wei‐Xing
Published: April 2009

Previous neurochemical and behavioral studies suggest that muscarinic receptor antagonism has an excitatory effect on the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) system. Using in vivo extracellular single unit recording, this study examined whether blockade of the muscarinic receptor by scopolamine alters the firing properties of DA neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Scopolamine was administered either systemically or locally to DA neurons using microiontophoresis. Surprisingly, scopolamine did not cause any significant change in either the firing rate or pattern of the spontaneously active DA neurons. However, systemic injection of scopolamine significantly increased the number of active DA neurons in the SN. Local infusion of scopolamine into the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT) mimicked the effect induced by systemically administered scopolamine, significantly increasing the number of active DA neurons without altering the firing rate and pattern. These results suggest that the reported increase in striatal DA release induced by scopolamine is in part mediated by activation of silent nigral DA neurons. The experiments with PPT local infusion further suggest that part of the effect of scopolamine may be due to its blockade of the inhibitory muscarinic autoreceptors on PPT cholinergic cells. The latter effect may lead to activation of quiescent DA neurons by increasing acetylcholine (ACh) release in the SN or in other brain areas providing inputs to DA neurons. Further understanding of the mechanism of action of scopolamine may help us further understand the role of ACh in both the pathophysiology and treatment of DA‐related disorders including schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Synapse 63:673–680, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasticity of L‐type Ca2+ channels after cocaine withdrawal
Authors: Ford Kerstin A. , Wolf Marina E. , Hu Xiu‐Ti
Published: April 2009

Increased reactivity of certain frontal cortical brain regions to cocaine re‐exposure or drug‐associated cues in cocaine‐abstinent human addicts is linked to drug craving. Similarly, in rats tested after withdrawal from repeated cocaine exposure, cocaine or other strong excitatory stimuli produce greater activation of pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Our recent findings indicate that the increased mPFC neuronal activation depends primarily upon enhanced voltage‐sensitive Ca2+ influx, most likely through high‐voltage activated (HVA) L‐type Ca2+ channels, but the mechanism underlying the enhanced Ca2+ currents is unknown. In this study, we used a protein crosslinking assay to show that repeated cocaine injections, resulting in behavioral sensitization, increased total protein levels and cell surface expression of HVA‐Cav1.2 L‐type channels in pyramidal neurons in deep layers of the mPFC. These changes in Cav1.2 L‐channels were time dependent and subtype specific (i.e., differed from those observed for Cav1.3 L‐channels). Furthermore, we found enhanced PKA activity in the mPFC of cocaine‐sensitized rats that persisted for 21 days after withdrawal. PKA phosphorylation of L‐channels increases their activity, so Ca2+ currents after cocaine withdrawal could be enhanced as a result of both increased activity and number of HVA‐Cav1.2 L‐channels on the cell surface. By increasing the suprafiring threshold excitability of mPFC pyramidal neurons, excessive upregulation of HVA L‐channel activity and number may contribute to the cortical hyper‐responsiveness that enhances vulnerability to cocaine craving and relapse. More generally, our results are the first to demonstrate that repeated cocaine exposure alters the membrane trafficking of a voltage‐sensitive ion channel. Synapse 63:690–697, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐ and three‐dimensional saline contrast sonohysterography: interobserver agreement, agreement with hysteroscopy and diagnosis of endometrial malignancy
Authors: Opolskiene G. , Sladkevicius P. , Valentin L.
Published: April 2009

Objectives

The aims of our study were to compare the interobserver reproducibility of two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) and agreement of these techniques with hysteroscopy, and to determine which SCSH findings best discriminate between benign and malignant endometrium.

Methods

Consecutive women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickness ≥ 4.5 mm underwent 2D and 3D SCSH; the results were videotaped and stored electronically, respectively, for analysis by two independent experienced examiners who were blinded to each other's results. A histological diagnosis was obtained by dilatation and curettage, hysteroscopic resection or hysterectomy. The hysteroscopist was blinded to the ultrasound results and used the same standardized research protocol to describe the uterine cavity as the ultrasound examiners.

Results

Of 170 consecutive women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickness ≥ 4.5 mm, 84 (14 with endometrial malignancy) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Hysteroscopy findings in 54 women (one with endometrial malignancy) were used to determine agreement with SCSH. Interobserver agreement of 2D and 3D SCSH was 95% (80/84) vs. 89% (75/84) with regard to presence of focal lesions, 89% (75/84) vs. 88% (74/84) for presence of focal lesions with irregular surface, 67% (54/81) vs. 63% (51/81) for number of focal lesions, and 77% (46/60) vs. 70% (42/60) for location of focal lesions. The agreement between 2D and 3D SCSH and hysteroscopy was 94% (51/54) vs. 93% (50/54) with regard to presence of focal lesions, 74% (40/54) vs. 76% (41/54) for presence of focal lesions with irregular surface, 63% (34/54) vs. 54% (29/54) for number of focal lesions, and 66% (29/44) vs. 64% (28/44) for location of focal lesions. The SCSH finding that best discriminated between benign and malignant endometrium was the presence of focal lesion(s) with irregular surface (for 2D SCSH: sensitivity 71%, specificity 97%, positive likelihood ratio 25, negative likelihood ratio 0.3; for 3D SCSH: sensitivity 43%, specificity 97%, positive likelihood ratio 15, negative likelihood ratio 0.6).

Conclusions

3D SCSH does not seem to be superior to 2D SCSH when performed by experienced ultrasound examiners either with regard to reproducibility, agreement with hysteroscopy findings or diagnosis of endometrial malignancy. The presence of focal lesion(s) with irregular surface is the best SCSH variable for discrimination between benign and malignant endometrium. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance modeling of QoS in a multicode multicarrier CDMA wireless network with fading
Authors: Ganesh Babu Thimma V. J. , Anpalagan Alagan , Hayes Jeremiah F.
Published: April 2009

For emerging wireless mesh networks, multicode multicarrier CDMA(MC‐CDMA) based technology is one of the most viable candidates. We perform stochastic modelling of the queues at the mobile station for uplink communication with multicode multicarrier CDMA system with two types of traffic, namely real‐time and non‐real‐time. Each traffic is assigned its own codes. However, the non‐real‐time traffic is allowed to use codes assigned to real‐time traffic, when real‐time traffic is not using its codes. Based on the probability of bit error for a multicode MC‐CDMA system, we first compute the probability of packet error. The packet in error will be inserted into the queue until it successfully gets through to the receiver. The packet arrival process at the input queue is modelled as Markov modulated Poisson processes (MMPP). The QoS performance in terms of packet loss for real‐time traffic and the occupancy distribution for non‐real‐time traffic is evaluated using matrix geometric techniques. We present numerical results for low and high load of real‐time traffic with varying loads of non‐real‐time traffic. We observe the binomial tweaking feature of occupancy distribution at higher loads due to batch departures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of A Cubane Tetranuclear Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Yan Xiao Fei , Pan Jie , Li Shi Rong , Zhou Hong , Pan Zhi Quan
Published: April 2009

Cubane tetranuclear copper complex [Cu4L4]·5CH3OH·H2O (1; L = 2‐(5‐fluorosalicylideneamino)ethanol) was synthesized and characterized. The X‐ray analysis shows that the coordinative interactions between the copper(II) ions and four oxygen atoms lead to the formation of a cube core in the complex. The coordination polyhedron of each copper ion can be approximately described as a distorted square pyramid with one nitrogen and four oxygen atoms from three ligands. A small molecular cluster, constructed by one water and four methanol molecules, is found in the crystal structure with an average O–O distance of 2.782 Å. Magnetic measurements reveal ferromagnetic interactions among the copper atoms.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of SrFe[BP2O8(OH)2]
Authors: Menezes Prashanth W. , Hoffmann Stefan , Prots Yurii , Schnelle Walter , Kniep Rüdiger
Published: April 2009

SrFe[BP2O8(OH)2] was synthesised under mild hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structure was determined from single–crystal X–ray diffraction data: triclinic, space group P$\bar{1}$ (No. 2), a = 6.6704(12) Å, b = 6.6927(13) Å, c = 9.3891(19) Å, α = 109.829(5)°, β = 102.068(6)°, γ = 103.151(3)°, V = 364.74(12) Å3 and Z = 2. The crystal structure of SrFe[BP2O8(OH)2] contains isolated borophosphate oligomers, [BP2O8(OH)2]5–, which are interconnected by FeIIIO4(OH)2 coordination octahedra. The resulting three–dimensional framework is characterised by elliptical channels running along [011]. Strontium takes positions inside the channels.
Laparoscopy in the Management of Impalpable Testis: Series of 64 Cases
Authors: Ismail Khalid , Ashour Mohamed , El‐Afifi Mahmoud , Hashish Amel , El‐Dosouky Nagi , Nagm Mohamed , Hashish Mohamed
Published: April 2009

Background

The undescended testis represents one of the most common disorders of childhood. Laparoscopy has been widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of non‐palpable testis. In this study, we investigated and evaluated the usefulness of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of the non‐palpable testis.

Methods

From January 2003 to January 2008, we used laparoscopy in the management of 64 patients with 75 impalpable testes. The patients’ ages varied from 1 to 15 years (median 4.6 years). The sites and sizes of the testes were localized by abdominopelvic ultrasonography (US) in all 64 children. One‐stage laparoscopic orchiopexy was performed for 26 testes, staged Fowler Stephens orchiopexy for 17 testes, and laparoscopic orchidectomy for five testes. Follow‐up by clinical examination and color Doppler US was performed in every patient who underwent orchiopexy.

Results

There were 11 patients with bilateral non‐palpable testes. The overall diagnostic agreement of US with laparoscopy was seen for only 16 of 75 testes (21.3%). The results of diagnostic laparoscopy were varied and showed various pathologic conditions and positions of the testes, such as 20 low intraabdominal testes (26.6%), 17 high intraabdominal testes (22.7%), and 18 testes (24%) that had entered the inguinal canal. Associated inguinal hernia was present in four patients. After a mean follow‐up period of 26 months (6 months–5 years) all testes were seen to be located in the bottom of the scrotum, with the exception of three testes that had retracted to the neck of the scrotum and two testes that had atrophied (2.7%).

Conclusions

Laparoscopy has proven to be the only diagnostic modality where the findings provide a clear, dependable direction for definitive management of impalpable testes. It allows an accurate diagnosis and simultaneous definitive treatment.
Oncologic Outcomes of Self‐Expanding Metallic Stent Insertion as a Bridge to Surgery in the Management of Left‐Sided Colon Cancer Obstruction: Comparison with Nonobstructing Elective Surgery
Authors: Kim Jin Soo , Hur Hyuk , Min Byung Soh , Sohn Seung Kook , Cho Chang Hwan , Kim Nam Kyu
Published: April 2009

Background

Self‐expanding metallic stents (SEMS) have been used as a bridge to surgery in patients with obstruction by colorectal cancer, but the oncologic safety of this technique has not yet been established. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of bridge to surgery after SEMS insertion and nonobstructing elective surgery.

Methods

Between October 1999 and July 2007, 35 patients who had left‐sided colon malignancy obstruction and underwent surgical resection after SEMS insertion (group A) were matched to 350 patients who underwent elective surgery for nonobstructing left‐sided colon cancer based on stage II, III, and IV malignancies according to the 2001 American Joint Committee on Cancer (group B). Group B was randomly extracted from the colorectal database of our institute. The two groups were compared for clinicopathologic variables, complications, and survival rate.

Results

There were no significant differences in clinicopathologic variables between group A and group B. However, the stoma formation rate was statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.003). Self‐expanding metallic stent insertion had an adverse effect on the 5‐year overall survival rate (A vs. B, 38.4% vs. 65.6%, respectively; p = 0.025) and the 5‐year disease‐free survival rate (A vs. B, 48.3% vs. 75.5%, respectively; p = 0.024).

Conclusions

These data show that insertion of SEMS as a bridge to surgery in the management of left‐sided colon cancer obstruction is possibly associated with adverse oncologic outcomes compared with nonobstructing elective surgery, but it is unclear what magnitude of this effect is related to the underlying obstruction rather than to the SEMS.
Risk Perception Among Women at Risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Pilarski Robert
Published: April 2009

This paper is a summation of selected history and literature on risk perception as it pertains to genetic counseling and testing, with a focus on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, the area which has seen the greatest focus of research. Risk perception is a complex and incompletely understood concept which seeks to capture the myriad meanings that an individual attaches to the experience of being at increased risk. It is now evident that “risk”, as perceived by the patient, is different from the objective, quantifiable risk estimate often provided to them during genetic counseling. What is also clear is that the complicated set of factors influencing risk perception are not yet well understood, nor are the mechanisms the lead from perceived risk to behavioral change in the patient. In situations where specific behavioral changes such as increased cancer screening are an inherent goal of the genetic risk assessment and counseling process, gaining a better understanding of the specific factors motivating change will be essential.
Sleepless in adolescence: Prospective data on sleep deprivation, health and functioning
Authors: Roberts Robert E. , Roberts Catherine Ramsay , Duong Hao T.
Published: April 2009

We estimate prevalence, incidence and persistence of short sleep or sleep deprivation in a two wave cohort study of 4175 youths 11–17 years old at baseline and 3134 of these a year later. Data were collected using computer interviews and questionnaires. Sleep deprivation was defined as 6 h or less per night during the past 4 weeks. Weighted logistic regression procedures were employed to calculate prevalence, incidence, persistence/chronicity, and odds ratios. Prevalence rates and rates of persistence suggest sleep deprivation is highly prevalent and chronic. Multivariate analyses indicate that short sleep increases risk across multiple domains of dysfunction, suggesting pervasive deleterious effects. The broad impact of sleep deprivation and its pervasiveness suggests interventions will need to focus on multilevel changes to increase sleep time and reduce the negative impact of sleep deprivation among adolescents.
Effectiveness of a multimodal inpatient treatment for pediatric chronic pain: A comparison between children and adolescents
Authors: Hechler Tanja , Blankenburg Markus , Dobe Michael , Kosfelder Joachim , Hübner Bettina , Zernikow Boris
Published: April 2009

Objectives To evaluate short and long‐term treatment outcome of children (7–10 years) in comparison to adolescents (11–18 years) with disabling chronic pain following multimodal inpatient pain treatment.

Patients and methods: Thirty‐three children and 167 adolescents underwent multimodal inpatient pain treatment. Standardized assessment of pain‐related variables, disability, coping, and use of analgesics was performed at admission, 3‐ and 12‐month follow‐up.

Results: Children and adolescents displayed similar pain‐characteristics at admission. Adolescents demonstrated significantly higher disability and passive pain coping. Children relied more on others when in pain. All core variables (i.e., pain intensity, pain‐related disability, school absence and pain‐related coping) decreased significantly in both children and adolescents after 3 months. Both groups maintained this decline 12 months later. More than half of the children and adolescents demonstrated a 50%‐reduction in pain intensity after 3 months, and almost 60% after 12 months. Use of analgesics was significantly reduced at 3‐month follow‐up with no additional changes after 12 months. While age did not exert any impact on results, there were significant gender differences in pain intensity and school absence. Girls demonstrated higher pain intensity and higher school absence 1 year following treatment.

Conclusions: Children display similar pain‐characteristics to adolescents when entering inpatient treatment. A multimodal inpatient program appears to stop the the long‐term vicious cycle of disability and pain for both children and adolescents. The demonstrated gender differences raise issues for further research and the possiblity of additional pain management strategies for girls.
Doppler velocimetry of fetal pericardial fluid
Authors: Aoekkasit Orapun , Uerpairojkit Boonchai
Published: April 2009

Objective

To investigate the flow of normal fetal pericardial fluid (PF) with increasing gestational age using Doppler velocimetry.

Method

Ninety‐five fetuses between 18 and 37 weeks of gestation with PF within the normal range were studied. PF was measured in 4‐chamber view using M‐mode or real‐time ultrasound. Color Doppler was used to display and guide the pulse wave assessment of PF flow. PF waveforms as well as systolic and diastolic velocities were recorded and correlated with gestational age.

Results

PF was detected in all of the fetuses. The mean thickness of the PF rim was 0.95 ± 0.45 mm. PF flowed toward the cardiac apex during systole and toward the atrium during diastole. PF waveforms showed bidirectional flow in all fetuses. The flow velocity PF was positively correlated with gestational age in both systole and diastole.

Conclusion

Flow velocity of fetal PF increases linearly in both systole and diastole with gestational age. This might indirectly indicate a maturational change in myocardial performance as myocardial velocity is increased.
Low‐dose propofol to prevent nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Fujii Yoshitaka , Itakura Michiyo
Published: April 2009

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of administering a low dose of propofol at the end of surgery in preventing postoperative nausea/vomiting in women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Method

In a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 90 patients received intravenous injections of a placebo or propofol at 2 different low doses, 0.25 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg. All episodes of nausea, retching, or vomiting were then recorded for 24 hours.

Results

The percentages of patients experiencing nausea, retching, or vomiting were 67% in the placebo group, 60% in the propofol 0.25 mg/kg group (P = 0.39), and 33% in the propofol 0.5 mg/kg group (P = 0.009). A significant difference in the rates of nausea/vomiting was found between the 2 propofol groups (P = 0.03). No adverse events attributed to the study drug were observed.

Conclusion

Prophylactic therapy with 0.5 mg/kg of propofol was found to be effective in preventing nausea/vomiting in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.
Modified frontolateral partial laryngectomy without tracheotomy
Authors: Dong Pin , Li Xiaoyan , Xie Jin , Li Li , Xu Hongming
Published: April 2009

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of modified frontolateral partial laryngectomy without tracheotomy for patients with early‐stage laryngeal cancer or dysplasia of the true vocal cord.

Study Design

After frontolateral partial laryngectomy, the inner side of the sternohyoid muscle was drawn into the laryngeal lumen to suture it to the incisal margin of the uninjured side and to the false vocal cord on the side of the lesion to ensure the safety without tracheotomy. A reverted sternohyoid fascial flap was used to cover the anterior area to form a new laryngeal lumen in the shape of a ladder.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 65 patients with early glottic carcinomas or severe dysplasia of the true vocal cord were treated with modified frontolateral partial laryngectomy without tracheotomy. Ipsilateral false vocal cord flaps and cervical skin flaps were used in 63 patients and two patients respectively to reconstruct the defect.

Results

Deglutition and phonation were fully recovered after 7 to 10 days postsurgery. The only postoperative complication was subcutaneous emphysema noted in nine patients. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates were all 100 percent.

Conclusion

Modified frontolateral partial laryngectomy without tracheostomy is an effective surgical method for early glottic carcinomas and severe dysplasia of the true vocal cord.
Assessment of eustachian tube function in tympanoplasty
Authors: Prasad Kishore Chandra , Hegde Mahesh Chandra , Prasad Sampath Chandra , Meyappan Hari
Published: April 2009

Objective

A clinically useful test for eustachian tube function (ETF) is still lacking. Here we plan to evaluate the mucociliary function of the ET by saccharin and methylene blue test, and compare the outcome of surgery with normal and abnormal ET functions.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore (Manipal University), a tertiary care center in South India.

Subjects and Methods

This study comprised 86 patients diagnosed with mucosal chronic otitis media in quiescent/inactive stage. All were subjected to a detailed clinical examination and investigations. Preoperative evaluation of ETF was compared with postoperative outcome of surgery, and the results were analyzed.

Results

The saccharin test and methylene blue dye test had a good correlation in evaluating ETF. The mean value for saccharin perception time and the clearance time for methylene blue were 17.5 and 8.1 minutes, respectively. ETF was best in anterior, worst among posterior, and intermediate in subtotal perforations. Type 1 tympanoplasty was successful in 94 percent with normal ETF and in 68 percent with partial dysfunction.

Conclusion

The saccharin test is a simple, cost‐effective, and valuable diagnostic tool to assess the mucociliary function of the ET. The outcome of middle ear surgery would be a success in normal ETF, whereas in partial dysfunction the outcome need not necessarily be a failure.
The Effects of Epidural Betamethasone on Blood Glucose in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gonzalez Peter , Laker Scott R. , Sullivan William , Harwood Jeri E.F. , Akuthota Venu
Published: April 2009

Objective

To determine the effects of lumbosacral transforaminal and caudal epidural betamethasone injections on blood glucose levels in diabetic subjects. The hypothesis is that epidural steroid injections result in transient elevation of blood glucose levels in diabetic subjects.

Design

This is a prospective, observational cohort. Twelve diabetic subjects (6 non–insulin‐dependent and 6 insulin‐dependent) receiving lumbosacral or caudal epidural betamethasone injections for neurogenic claudication or radicular pain were studied. Spinal level and approach were decided based on symptoms, pathology, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Subjects recorded their finger stick blood glucose levels twice daily for 3 days before the injection, the day of the injection, and 3 days after the injection.

Setting

A tertiary, university‐based, spine center.

Participants

Inclusion criteria included diabetic subjects (age 18 years) with the ability and willingness to monitor and report their blood glucose. Exclusion criteria included epidural steroid injections (ESIs) within the previous 2 months or peripheral corticosteroid injections within the previous 2 weeks. Nineteen subjects initially enrolled, and 12 successfully completed the study.

Interventions

After informed consent was obtained, subjects underwent fluoroscopically guided lumbosacral transforaminal ESIs (TFESIs) or caudal ESIs, using contrast to confirm targeted needle placement and to rule out vascular uptake.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjects recorded morning and evening blood glucose (mg/dL) via glucometer.

Results

There was a 106 mg/dL average elevation in blood glucose level on the evening of the injection day. The blood glucose elevation remained statistically significant for 3 days after the injection (P < .002). Blood glucose remained elevated through postinjection day 2, though these elevations were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Lumbosacral transforaminal and caudal epidural betamethasone injections are associated with statistically significant elevations in blood glucose levels in diabetic subjects. This effect peaked on the day of the injection and lasted approximately 2 days.
Movement Accuracy Changes Muscle‐Activation Strategies in Female Subjects During a Novel Single‐Leg Weight‐Bearing Task
Authors: Madhavan Sangeetha , Shields Richard K.
Published: April 2009

Objective

Understanding of how female subjects learn to move accurately during a resisted weight‐bearing task is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the muscle activation patterns used by female subjects in learning a novel single‐leg squat (SLS) task under visual and nonvisual conditions.

Design

Prospective training study.

Setting

University research setting.

Participants

Ten healthy young female participants.

Intervention

Subjects tracked a sinusoidal target (knee displacement) during a resisted SLS exercise during the course of 4 days, under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions with the use of a custom‐designed weight‐bearing exercise device.

Main Outcome Measurement

The accuracy of performance in tracking the target and electromyographic activity (EMG) of 5 muscles around the knee were monitored.

Results

Subjects improved their accuracy of performance by day 2 (40% decrease in error) and retained the accuracy on day 4. Error during the EC condition was 3 times greater than EO condition. Quadriceps‐to‐hamstrings coactivation ratio increased with the improved accuracy from the learning. Absence of visual feedback was accompanied by a decrease in the quadriceps‐to‐hamstrings coactivation ratio for this task.

Conclusion

The muscle synergistic activity around the knee changes as the accuracy of the task improves during a resisted weight‐bearing task. This activation pattern represents a feed forward control plan that the central nervous system adopted to optimize accurate weight‐bearing knee displacement. Rehabilitation specialists should consider manipulating the visual feedback and accuracy of performance when developing weight‐bearing rehabilitation training protocols to improve neuromuscular control in female patients.
A real options approach for evaluating the implementation of a risk‐sensitive capital rule in banks
Authors: Nordal Kjell Bjørn
Published: April 2009

I evaluate a bank's incentives to implement a risk‐sensitive regulatory capital rule. The decision making is analyzed within a real options framework where optimal policies are derived in terms of threshold levels of credit risk. I provide a numerical example for the implementation of internal ratings based models for credit risk (the IRB approach) under the new Basel Accord (Basel II).
Fish consumption and the incidence of cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Montonen Jukka , Järvinen Ritva , Reunanen Antti , Knekt Paul
Published: April 2009

Studies of the beneficial role of fish consumption in the prevention of CVD are not consistent in their findings, particularly those studies that focus on the risk of stroke. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between the consumption of different types of fish and the subsequent incidence of cerebrovascular disease (CVA). We prospectively evaluated the association between consumption of different types of fish and CVA in 3958 men and women aged 40–79 years who were free of heart disease and had participated in a health examination survey from 1967 to 1972. A total of 659 incident cases of CVA occurred during a follow-up until the end of 1994. A dietary history interview method provided data on habitual consumption of fish and other foods over the preceding year at baseline. Total fish intake did not predict CVA, but consumption of salted fish suggested an increased risk of intracerebral haemorrhage. The relative risk of intracerebral haemorrhage between the highest tertile of salted fish consumption and non-consumers was 1·98 (95 % CI 1·02, 3·84;Pfor trend = 0·06) after adjustment for age, sex, energy intake, smoking, BMI, physical activity, geographic area, occupation, diabetes, use of post-menopausal hormones, serum cholesterol, hypertension, and consumptions of butter, vegetables, fruits and berries. The relationship between fish consumption and stroke risk is not straightforward. How the fish is prepared for consumption may play an important role, affecting the association.
Rumen phosphorus metabolism in sheep
Authors: DIAS R. S. , LOPEZ S. , SILVA T. , PARDO R. M. P. , SILVA FILHO J. C. , VITTI D. M. S. S. , KEBREAB E. , FRANCE J.
Published: April 2009

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of the level of phosphorus (P) intake on ruminal P kinetics in sheep. Twelve Santa Inês male sheep (average body weight 36 kg) were fed a basal diet consisting of roughage (coast cross hay), concentrate mixture (cassava meal, soya bean meal and urea) and a mineral premix. The treatments consisted of the basal diet supplemented with 0, 1·5, 3 or 4·5 g/kg dry matter (DM) of mono-ammonium phosphate to provide increasing P levels representing treatments T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The P content of experimental diets was 1·5; 2·0; 2·5 and 3·0 g P/kg DM, and considered highly deficient, deficient, adequate and in excess, respectively, compared with standard recommended allowances. Animals were injected with32P and thereafter samples of blood were collected over 7 days, while samples of rumen fluid and saliva were collected 4 and 6 days after injection. Phosphorus intake affected P concentration in ruminal fluid, whereas P concentration in saliva was not affected. The values for P turnover time in the rumen were 1·42, 1·23, 1·18 and 1·04 days, whereas values of endogenous P entry into the rumen were 1·05, 1·37, 1·53 and 1·91 g/day for T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively, both affected by P intake. The specific activity (SA) of P in saliva, rumen and plasma were also all affected by P intake. The relationship between saliva and rumen SA emphasizes that most endogenous P in the rumen came from saliva. The possibility of an extra P source besides saliva contributing to endogenous P in the rumen is discussed. It is concluded from the results that, regardless of P intake, the flow of endogenous P into the rumen contributes to ensure a minimum supply of this essential element, which may be important in matching the requirements of the rumen microbes.
Dialogue Amidst Multiformity: A Habermasian Breakthrough in the Development of Anglican Eucharistic Liturgies
Authors: Douglas Brian , Lovat Terence
Published: April 2009

This article argues that a breakthrough is possible in the development of Anglican eucharistic liturgies. A dialogue approach holds out the promise of distancing the process of liturgical development from party spirit and particular interest, and focusing it instead on the self-reflection and intersubjectivity of communicative action, while also recognizing the multiformity of philosophical assumptions underlying the Anglican eucharistic tradition. Such a process has potential to emancipate the Anglican eucharistic tradition from conflict and centre attention on a more critical self-reflection on the discourse of the tradition. Eucharistic liturgies in use in Australia are considered in terms of their underlying philosophical assumptions, and recommendations are made for the use of a dialogue approach based on Habermas’s theory of communicative action.
Musiktherapie für verhaltensauffällige Kinder
Authors: Lee Kyung-Ran
Published: April 2009

Zusammenfassung. Der innere Bewegungsfluss des Menschen kann durch Musik bzw. musikalische Handlung nach außen zum Ausdruck gebracht werden. Davon geht die musikpsychologische Theorie aus. Das Instrument RES-Profil (Rhythmisch-Energetische Strukturanalyse) kann die Musiktherapeutin dabei unterstützen, die Musikwahrnehmung in Bezug auf die Bewegungsgröße (Raum), Bewegungsintensität (Kraft) und Bewegungsdauer (Zeit) zu erfassen. Somit ist es ihr auch möglich, mithilfe des RES-Profils sowohl die psychophysische Reagibilität/Reaktion des Menschen, der gerade musiziert, als auch die Veränderung von Befindlichkeit und Verhaltensweisen hinsichtlich der Musik zu beobachten.
Latent Class Models for Marketing Strategies
Authors: Bassi Francesca
Published: April 2009

In this paper, an extension of the latent class (LC) approach is applied to analyse the Italian pharmaceutical market. This sector is characterised by a high level of competitiveness, more limited budgets than years ago and, at the same time, expensive sales and promotional activities; in this context, it is very important to understand which factors influence doctors in prescribing medicines, so as to design appropriate marketing strategies. A special adaptation of the multilevel LC model is estimated to identify market segments, that is, groups of doctors similar in their attitude towards the work of pharmaceutical representatives.
Formation of steep‐sided topography from compositionally distinct dense material at the base of the mantle
Authors: Youngs Bryony A. R. , Houseman Gregory A.
Published: April 2009

In this study we use 3‐D, two‐layer, thermochemical convection experiments to explore the development of a thin, compositionally distinct, dense layer at the base of the mantle. We investigate the conditions under which steep‐sided, flat‐topped topography will form on an initially ubiquitous layer as a result of the convecting mantle. Previous authors found that discrete, steep‐sided piles of material form when compressibility, temperature‐dependent viscosity, or a large viscosity increase in the lower layer is assumed. We observe, however, that this topographic style develops in calculations of incompressible convection with layers of constant viscosity. Experiments involving simple convection planforms are used to systematically investigate the factors which encourage or inhibit this topographic style. The shape of the topography that develops on the density interface can be linked to the convection coupling style between the two layers: viscous coupling leads to discrete, steep‐sided piles and thermal coupling to a ubiquitous layer with cusp‐like peaks. The dependence of the topographic style on the Rayleigh number, density ratio, and volume ratio can largely be explained by considering their effect on the convection coupling style. Consequently, we find that it is crucial for the lower layer to be thin compared with the overlying convection wavelength and have a density contrast of the order 1% in order for discrete, steep‐sided piles to develop.
Truncation effects in a semi‐infinite periodic array of thin strips: A discrete Wiener‐Hopf formulation
Authors: Capolino F. , Albani M.
Published: April 2009

A rigorous solution for the current induced on a semi‐infinite array of narrow metallic strips is obtained using the Wiener‐Hopf factorization method in the Z‐transformed domain. The method can be applied to arrays with fixed current shape on each element (e.g, single mode elements), and shows rigorously the physics of waves associated to truncated periodic structures. The solution is obtained via a rigorous factorization, that is improved by using a closed form result based on an approximated factorization. The current on the truncated array is rigorously represented as the sum of the current pertaining to the infinite array plus a contribution induced by the truncation of the array. Asymptotics shows that the truncation‐induced current contribution has a diffractive behavior decaying algebraically with the element number, away from the truncation. Uniform asymptotics shows that this diffractive current is effectively represented in terms of Fresnel functions, permitting also a closed form representation in proximity of and at transverse inward resonance, i.e., when a grazing grating lobe points toward the array. Illustrative examples and comparisons with a method of moment solution show the accuracy of our results.
Kinetic instabilities in Mercury's magnetosphere: Three‐dimensional simulation results
Authors: Trávníček Pavel M. , Hellinger Petr , Schriver David , Herčík David , Slavin James A. , Anderson Brian J.
Published: April 2009

A self‐consistent global three‐dimensional kinetic study of Mercury's magnetosphere is carried out examining waves and instabilities generated by ion temperature anisotropy and plasma flow. The overall structure of Mercury's upstream bow shock and magnetosheath are qualitatively very similar to those of Earth. Beam‐generated long‐wavelength oscillations are present upstream of Mercury's quasi‐parallel bow shock, whereas large‐amplitude mirror waves develop downstream of the quasi‐parallel bow shock in the magnetosheath. A train of mirror waves forms also downstream of the quasi‐perpendicular bow shock. A velocity shear near the magnetopause can lead to formation of vortex‐like structures. The magnetospheric cavity close to the planet's equatorial plane is filled with ions much hotter than the solar wind protons. A drift‐driven plasma belt close to the equator is present in the model and contains plasma with high‐temperature anisotropy, and the loss cone for charged particles in this region is large. The belt may cause diamagnetic effects superimposed on the planet's internal magnetic field and can interact with Mercury's magnetopause.
Planetary and gravity waves in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region over Tirunelveli (8.7°N, 77.8°E) during stratospheric warming events
Authors: Sathishkumar S. , Sridharan S.
Published: April 2009

An investigation of planetary wave (PW) activities in UKMO (UK Meteorological Office) winds during winter of the years 1998–99 and 2005–06, when major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events occurred, shows that the amplitude of PW of zonal wave number 1 is considerably reduced in zonal winds, when the warming event is onset and the reduced activity persists several days even after the end of the SSW event. Similar reduction of PW activity in zonal winds has been observed in the wavelet spectrum of MF radar zonal winds at altitudes 84–98 km over Tirunelveli (8.7°N, 77.8°E). During this period of reduced PW activity, enhancement in gravity wave activity is observed during 2005–06 and is not observed during 1998–99 and the mean meridional winds change to more equatorward during 2005–06 and remain poleward during 1998–99. In accordance with TIME‐GCM results, our observations show that the wind reversal occurred in the stratosphere during major warming events allows more eastward gravity waves to propagate into the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region, which causes changes in the meridional circulation from poleward to equatorward.