bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reorganization of Verbal and Nonverbal Memory in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Due to Unilateral Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Powell H. W. Robert , Richardson Mark P. , Symms Mark R. , Boulby Philip A. , Thompson Pam J. , Duncan John S. , Koepp Matthias J.
Published: March 2007

Summary:  Purpose: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis (HS) often suffer from material‐specific memory impairments. The purpose of this study was to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the organization of specific memory functions in these patients.

Methods
: We report 14 patients with unilateral TLE and HS, and 10 controls, performing an fMRI memory paradigm of word, picture, and face encoding.

Results: Compared with controls, patients with left TLE demonstrated less left MTL and greater right MTL activation and patients with right TLE demonstrated less right MTL and greater left MTL activation. Correlations between fMRI activation and memory performance revealed greater activation in the damaged left hippocampus to be correlated with better verbal memory performance in left TLE patients and greater right hippocampal activation to be correlated with better nonverbal memory in right TLE patients. Conversely, greater fMRI activation in the contralateral hippocampus correlated with worse memory performance.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that memory function in unilateral TLE is better when it is sustained by activation within the damaged hippocampus and that reorganization to the undamaged MTL is an inefficient process, incapable of preserving memory function.
METABOLIC AND ECOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS IMPOSED BY SIMILAR RATES OF AMMONIUM AND NITRATE UPTAKE PER UNIT SURFACE AREA AT LOW SUBSTRATE CONCENTRATIONS IN MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON AND MACROALGAE1
Authors: Alwyn T. , Rees V.
Published: March 2007

Marine phytoplankton and macroalgae acquire important resources, such as inorganic nitrogen, from the surrounding seawater by uptake across their entire surface area. Rates of ammonium and nitrate uptake per unit surface area were remarkably similar for both marine phytoplankton and macroalgae at low external concentrations. At an external concentration of 1 μM, the mean rate of nitrogen uptake was 10±2 nmol·cm−2·h−1 (n=36). There was a strong negative relationship between log surface area:volume (SA:V) quotient and log nitrogen content per cm2 of surface (slope=−0.77), but a positive relationship between log SA:V and log maximum specific growth rate (μmax; slope=0.46). There was a strong negative relationship between log SA:V and log measured rate of ammonium assimilation per cm2 of surface, but the slope (−0.49) was steeper than that required to sustain μmax (−0.31). Calculated rates of ammonium assimilation required to sustain growth rates measured in natural populations were similar for both marine phytoplankton and macroalgae with an overall mean of 6.2±1.4 nmol·cm−2·h−1 (n=15). These values were similar to maximum rates of ammonium assimilation in phytoplankton with high SA:V, but the values for algae with low SA:V were substantially less than the maximum rate of ammonium assimilation. This suggests that the growth rates of both marine phytoplankton and macroalgae in nature are often constrained by rates of uptake and assimilation of nutrients per cm2 surface area.
FIELD MEASUREMENTS OF INORGANIC NITROGEN UPTAKE BY EPIFLORA COMPONENTS OF THE SEAGRASSPOSIDONIA OCEANICA(MONOCOTYLEDONS, POSIDONIACEAE)1
Authors: Lepoint Gilles , Jacquemart Julien , Bouquegneau Jean‐Marie , Demoulin Vincent , Gobert Sylvie
Published: March 2007

Crustose corallines, crustose and erect brown algae, and sessile animals are major components of the epiphytic community of the Mediterranean seagrassPosidonia oceanica(L.) Delile. Production, biomass, and specific composition of this epiphyte–seagrass association are impacted by anthropogenic increase of nutrient load in this oligotrophic area. In this context, nitrogen uptake byP. oceanicaand its epiflora was measured using the isotope15N at a 10 m depth in the Revellata Bay (Corsica, Mediterranean Sea). Epiflora components showed various seasonal patterns of biomass and abundance. The epiphytic brown algae appeared at the end of spring, later than the crustose corallines, and after the nitrate peak in the bay. Because of their later development in the season, epiphytic brown algae mostly rely on ammonium for their N needs. We hypothesize that the temporal succession of epiphytic organisms plays a crucial role in the N dynamics of this community under natural conditions. The epiphytic brown algae, which have a growth rate one order of magnitude greater than that of crustose corallines, showed lower N‐uptake rates. The greater N‐uptake rates of crustose corallines probably reflect the greater N requirements (i.e., lower C/N ratios) of red algae. We determined that the epiflora incorporated ammonium and nitrate more rapidly than their host. Nevertheless, when biomass was taken into account,P. oceanicawas the most important contributor to N uptake from the water column by benthic macrophytes in this seagrass bed.
GROWTH AND TOXICITY OFPRYMNESIUM PARVUM(HAPTOPHYTA) AS A FUNCTION OF SALINITY, LIGHT, AND TEMPERATURE1
Authors: Baker Jason W. , Grover James P. , Brooks Bryan W. , Ureña‐Boeck Fabiola , Roelke Daniel L. , Errera Reagan , Kiesling Richard L.
Published: March 2007

The growth rate, stationary cell concentration, and toxicity ofPrymnesium parvumN. Carter were measured using a strain isolated from Texas inland waters. We used a multifactor experimental approach with multiple regression analysis to determine the importance of environmental factors, including temperature, light, and salinity to these algal measurements. Exponential growth rate was unimodal in relation to temperature, salinity, and irradiance, with an estimated maximal growth of 0.94 d−1occurring at 27°C, 22 practical salinity units (psu), and 275 μmol photons·m−2·s−1. Stationary cell concentrations also had unimodal responses to temperature and salinity but increased with irradiance. Maximal cell concentrations were estimated to occur at 26°C and 22 psu. Both maximum growth rate and highest stationary cell concentrations were measured at levels of each factor resembling warm, estuarine conditions that differ from the conditions under which blooms occur in inland waters in the southwestern United States. Acute toxicity to fish was highest at the lowest salinity and temperature levels, conditions not optimal for exponential growth but similar to those under which blooms occur in inland waters. Our results imply that summer blooms could occur in inland waters of the southwestern United States. Generally, they have not, suggesting that factors other than those investigated in this research influence bloom dynamics.
PHOTOPHYSIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MARINE PICOEUKARYOTE PICOCHLORUM RCC 237 (TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Dimier Céline , Corato Federico , Saviello Giovanni , Brunet Christophe
Published: March 2007

The photophysiological properties of strain RCC 237 belonging to the marine picoplanktonic genus Picochlorum, first described by Henley et al., were investigated under different photon flux densities (PFD), ranging from 40 to 400 μmol photons· m−2·s−1, mainly focusing on the development of the xanthophyll cycle and its relationship with the nonphotochemical quenching of fluorescence (NPQ). The functioning of the xanthophyll cycle and its photoprotective role was investigated by applying a progressive increase of PFD and using dithiotreitol and norflurazon to block specific enzymatic reactions in order to study in depth the relationship between xanthophyll cycle and NPQ. These two processes were significantly related only during the gradually increasing light periods and not during stable light periods, where NPQ and zeaxanthin were decoupled. This result reveals that NPQ is a photoprotective process developed by algae only when cells are experiencing increasing PFD or in response to stressful light variations, for instance after a sudden light shift. Results showed that the photobiological properties of Picochlorum strain RCC 237 seem to be well related to the surface water characteristics, as it is able to maintain its photosynthetic characteristics under different PFDs and to quickly activate the xanthophyll cycle under high light.
2 Discourse Ethics, Democracy, and International Law: Toward a Globalization of Practical Reason
Authors: Apel Karl‐Otto
Published: March 2007

Abstract.  This paper deals with the foundational “architectonics” (Kantian) at the ground of the internal relation between the three concepts raised in the title. First, I provide a short introduction into the ultimate foundation of practical philosophy by the transcendental‐pragmatic conception of discourse ethics. Then, I discuss the foundational relation between discourse ethics, positive law, and democracy as a constitutional state of law. Finally, I explore the foundational relation between human rights as part of universal law, the democratic state of law, and international law or jus gentium. By taking issue with Kant, Habermas, and Rawls, I try to show that a rational foundation of ethics, as well as a rational approach to the traditional problems of international law, is only possible through a critical transformation of Kant's approach via a transcendental‐pragmatic conception of discourse ethics.
9 Persons: Natural, Functional, or Ethical Kind?
Authors: Lizza John P.
Published: March 2007

Abstract.  In this paper, I examine alternative views of personhood and how they affect our understanding of life and death. Building on David Wiggins's insight that our concept of person tries to hold in a single focus our nature as a biological being, a subject of consciousness, and a locus of moral values, I argue against views that try to reduce persons to one of these aspects at the expense of the others. Thought experiments that have been prominent in the literature on personal identity are criticized on grounds that they sunder persons from the moral and cultural context in which they appear and ignore an essential relational aspect of persons. I argue for a substantive view of persons that understands persons as “constituted by” but not identical to human organisms, and that treats persons as having essential relational properties. Persons are thus beings whose nature is not determined entirely by their biology or psychology but is, in part, a matter of individual, moral, and cultural construction. I argue that such a view provides the best theoretical grounding to answer the more practical, bioethical questions concerning the beginning and end of life.
11 A Rediscovery of Heaven‐and‐Human Oneness
Authors: Wang Keping
Published: March 2007

Abstract.  The history of Chinese intellectual thought shows a constant and continuous probing into the chiasmatic encounters between tian (heaven or nature) and ren (humankind). This is conducive, in turn, to a core conception of tian ren heyi (heaven‐and‐human oneness) that largely embodies the general ethos or Geist of Chinese philosophy. Owing to its functional indication and dynamic character, the polysemy of the conception is apt to be extended along with the passage of time and according to the current situation or sociocultural context. At the present day, there is a tendency to rediscover the relevance of “heaven‐and‐human oneness” by reading new and even modern messages into the old conception. This has become an open‐ended activity, inviting and involving a second reflection, transcultural exposition, and even creative transformation due to its hidden universality for the common good. This chapter attempts to look into the essential bearings of this “heaven‐and‐human oneness” concept employed as a Dao (Tao or Way) to deal with the interaction between nature and humanity. It also explores the complex history of the concept, with a particular reference to Li Zehou's recent reinterpretation as well as my own personal understanding. Some contemporary pragmatic implications of the concept are also examined with particular reference to eco‐environmental concerns.
Prediction of the Efficacy of Pulmonary Vein Isolation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation by the Signal‐Averaged P‐Wave Duration
Authors: OKUMURA YASUO , WATANABE ICHIRO , OHKUBO KIMIE , ASHINO SONOKO , KOFUNE MASAYOSHI , HASHIMOTO KENICHI , SHINDO ATSUSHI , SUGIMURA HIDEZOU , NAKAI TOSHIKO , KASAMAKI YUJI , SAITO SATOSHI
Published: March 2007

Background: The noninvasive methods for predicting a successful pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) have not been well described. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the P‐wave signal‐averaged electrocardiogram (P‐SAECG) in predicting the chance of a successful PVI in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: A P‐SAECG was recorded before (pre), 1 day after, and 3–4 months after the PVI in 51 AF patients (41, paroxysmal AF; 10, persistent AF). Three‐dimensional electroanatomic mapping (3D‐EAM) of the right and left atria and left PVs was performed before PVI in 10 patients to analyze the biatrial conduction time (BAT).

Results: Fifteen patients suffered from AF recurrences 3 months or more after the PVI. The pre‐filtered P‐wave duration (FPD) was significantly longer in patients with recurrence than in those without (166.8 ± 14.8 ms vs 145.9 ± 12.6 ms, P < 0.0001). In both patient groups, PVI shortened the FPD, which continued for 3–4 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that a pre‐FPD >150 ms was a powerful predictor for recurrence, but persistent AF, the left atrial dimension, and structural heart disease were not predictors for recurrence. 3D‐EAM showed that the delayed activation point was located within the left PVs and the BAT was identical to the pre‐FPD.

Conclusions: The pre‐FPD may strongly reflect atrial dysfunction, and thus may be useful for predicting a successful PVI. Shortening of the FPD after the PVI and similar FPD and BAT values suggest that the last component of the FPD represents the activation of the left PVs.
Impact of Varying Ablation Patterns in a Simulation Model of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ROTTER MARTIN , DANG LAM , JACQUEMET VINCENT , VIRAG NATHALIE , KAPPENBERGER LUKAS , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL
Published: March 2007

Background: Several strategies of endovascular ablation with varying success rates and proarrhythmic effects have been proposed to treat persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Evaluation of ablation patterns by computer simulation provides a tool for examination of its effectiveness and side effects.

Methods and Results: A biophysical model of the human atria based on magnetic resonance imaging derived geometry and a membrane kinetics model was used. Uniform conduction properties were assigned to the monolayer surface representing the atria. After induction of AF by burst pacing, progressively broader ablation patterns were applied: (A) individual pulmonary vein isolation (PVI); (B) double ipsilateral PVI; (C) double PVI with a roofline; (D) double PVI with a lateral mitral isthmus line, and (E) double PVI with both linear lesions. In addition, the influence of incomplete linear lesions and dilated atria were simulated. The incidence of AF termination was found to increase from pattern (A) to (E). Atrial flutter rate increased with incomplete ablations and in dilated atria.

Conclusion: Computer simulation of various ablation patterns in persistent AF is feasible and can reproduce clinical results of catheter ablation. This model can be used to develop and simulate new ablation patterns and anticipate success rates and potential adverse effects.
Predicting Arrhythmia‐Free Survival Using Spectral and Modified‐Moving Average Analyses of T‐Wave Alternans
Authors: COX VERONICA , PATEL MITUL , KIM JASON , LIU TAYLOR , SIVARAMAN GOWRI , NARAYAN SANJIV M.
Published: March 2007

Background: T‐wave alternans (TWA) is a promising electrocardiogram (ECG) predictor of sudden cardiac arrest, yet needs specialized recordings for conventional spectral analysis. Modified moving average (MMA) analysis is a new approach that can measure TWA from routine ECGs, thus widening its applicability. However, MMA‐TWA has not been calibrated against spectral TWA nor outcome in high risk patients. We hypothesized that spectral and MMA‐TWA would both predict arrhythmia‐free survival on long‐term prospective follow‐up.

Methods and Results: In 41 patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 31 ± 13%), we studied TWA simultaneously using spectral and MMA during pacing (< 110 beats/min). MMA amplified TWA over spectral analyses (13.0 ± 8.28 μV vs 1.96 ± 5.15 μV, P < 0.001). On 542 ± 311 days' follow‐up, from clinic visits, telephonic interviews, and device interrogations, there were 11 deaths or sustained ventricular arrhythmias (‘events’). Positive spectral TWA (≥1.9 μV) identified patients with from those without events (P = 0.02). Receiver‐operating characteristics for MMA‐TWA showed that the cutpoint ≥ 10.75 μV was optimal for the combined endpoint. Kaplan‐Meier analysis using this MMA‐TWA cutpoint trended to predict events (P = 0.06), while MMA combined with spectral TWA identified events (P = 0.01).

Conclusions: MMA amplifies TWA compared to traditional spectral analyses, but both likely reflect similar pathophysiology. Validation in larger populations will enable MMA‐TWA to be widely applied to stratify risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
Selective Myocardial Isolation and Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: CHORRO FRANCISCO J. , BLASCO ESTRELLA , TRAPERO ISABEL , CÁNOVES JOAQUÍN , FERRERO ÁNGEL , MAINAR LUIS , SUCH‐MIQUEL LUIS , SANCHIS JUAN , BODÍ VICENTE , CERDÁ JOSÉ M. , ALBEROLA ANTONIO , SUCH LUIS
Published: March 2007

Background: Few experimental studies have analyzed the effects of selective radiofrequency (RF) lesions upon ventricular fibrillation (VF). The RF‐induced isolation of selected zones would make it possible to determine whether these zones are essential for existence of the arrhythmia.

Methods: In 31 Langendorff‐perfused rabbit hearts, the characteristics and inducibility of VF were analyzed before and after the induction of RF lesions comprising: (1) the posterior zone of the septum and of the walls of both ventricles (n = 10); (2) the anterior zone of the septum and of the walls of both ventricles (n = 11); and (3) the midseptal zone (n = 10).

Results: Complete isolation of the zone encompassed by the lesions was obtained in 5, 6, and 5 experiments of series 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In these experiments, the arrhythmia was only induced from within the zone encompassed by the lesions in one experiment belonging to series 2 (P < 0.05 with respect to baseline). In contrast, in all but one of the cases in series 2, VF could be induced from outside the isolated zone (ns vs baseline). Partial isolation was obtained in five experiments of each series. In these experiments, on pacing from within the partially isolated zone, sustained VF was not induced in any experiment (P < 0.05 with respect to baseline), while in all cases VF could be induced on pacing from the external zone (ns vs baseline).

Conclusion: In the experimental model used, the three zones studied were not essential for maintaining VF. In most cases, their partial or total isolation avoided inducibility of the arrhythmia in those zones, though not in the remaining myocardium.
Impact of Renal Function on Survival in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators
Authors: TURAKHIA MINTU P. , VAROSY PAUL D , LEE KEANE , TSENG ZIAN H. , LEE RANDALL , BADHWAR NITISH , SCHEINMAN MELVIN , LEE BYRON K. , OLGIN JEFFREY E.
Published: March 2007

Background:

Although chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is associated with increased cardiac and noncardiac mortality, there is limited data on the relationship between CRI and survival in patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs), particularly across a wide range of renal function.

Methods:

We studied 507 consecutive patients receiving first‐time ICDs from 1993–2003 at a single center. Preimplant serum creatinine measurements were used to determine glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The primary outcome was time to death.

Results:

During a mean follow‐up of 4 years, all‐cause mortality through completion of follow‐up increased stepwise by GFR stage (I: 16%, II: 20%, III: 35%; IV: 40%; V: 50%; P < 0.001 for trend). After multivariate adjustment, CRI was independently associated with death (HR = 1.7, P = 0.02), as were a serum creatinine ≥2.0 mg/dL (HR 2.5, P = 0.003) and the presence of end‐stage renal disease (HR 6.8; P < 0.001). For every 10‐unit decrease in GFR, the adjusted hazard of death increased 12% (P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

The presence of CRI prior to implant is independently associated with increased mortality in patients receiving ICDs. The risk is proportional to the degree of renal dysfunction and is apparent even when GFR is only mildly reduced. Differences in mortality are observed within the first year of implant, and patients on dialysis are at highest risk. Because randomized trials of ICDs have not included large numbers of patients with moderate or severe renal disease, our findings may have important implications in prognosis and case selection of patients who otherwise meet current indications for ICD implantation.
Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation in Pacemaker Recipients: Incidence, Progression, and Determinants Based on the Atrial High Rate Trial
Authors: ORLOV MICHAEL V. , GHALI JALAL K. , ARAGHI‐NIKNAM MOHSEN , SHERFESEE LOU , SAHR DIANE , HETTRICK DOUGLAS A. ,   for the Atrial High Rate Trial Investigators
Published: March 2007

Background: The epidemiology and clinical implications of asymptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) including both atrial fibrillation and flutter in pacemaker recipients with and without arrhythmia history are not well understood. The Atrial High Rate Episodes (A‐HIRATE) in Pacemaker Patients Trial was designed to identify and compare the incidence of AT in patients with and without previously diagnosed AT and a standard indication for dual chamber pacing, and to provide useful diagnostic information for clinical management.

Methods: Four hundred twenty‐seven patients were implanted with a pacemaker (Kappa 7‐900, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) capable of detecting and storing multiple atrial high rate episodes (AHRE) and followed for 2 years. Group I included 331 patients without prior history of AT and Group II included 96 patients with prior AT history.

Results: Pacemaker diagnostics appropriately detected 93% of reviewed AHRE. The rate of occurrence of first AHRE was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in Group II patients, as was average AHRE burden. The rate of first AHRE occurrence was 88.6% for patients in Group II and 53.8% in Group I at 24 months post‐implant. The rate of AHRE occurrence was similar in both groups after the first month post‐implant. The majority of stored AHRE were asymptomatic; symptoms did not correspond to an actual AHRE in most patients.

Conclusions: The incidence of AT in pacemaker recipients is high. Most device‐detected AHRE are asymptomatic. Prior history of AT is associated with higher arrhythmia burden. AHRE diagnostics have a high positive predictive value for identifying AT events.
Use of the Retained Guidewire Technique Facilitates Left Ventricular Epicardial Capture During Biventricular Defibrillator Implantation
Authors: SHERZER ALEX I. , FEIGENBLUM DAVID Y. , PINA JACQUELINE W. , SALKA KELLY A. , SIMONS GRANT R.
Published: March 2007

We report a case of biventricular implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) insertion in which standard lead placement techniques could not achieve left ventricular capture. Protrusion of the guidewire beyond a venous stenosis provided adequate left ventricular capture.
Aborted Sudden Cardiac Death Revealing Isolated Noncompaction of the Left Ventricle in a Patient with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome
Authors: FICHET JÉRÔME , LEGRAS ANNICK , BERNARD ANNE , BABUTY DOMINIQUE
Published: March 2007

Isolated noncompaction of the left ventricle (INLV) is a rare congenital disorder associated with multiple cardiac arrhythmias. We report a case of INLV revealed by ventricular fibrillation in a patient with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome. Because of the persistence of inducible ventricular arrhythmias after ablation of the accessory pathway, implantation of an ICD was decided.
Thirty‐five months experience of risperidone long‐acting injection in a UK psychiatric service including a mirror‐image analysis of in‐patient care
Authors: Niaz O. S. , Haddad P. M.
Published: March 2007

Objective:  To report the use of risperidone long‐acting injection (RLAI) in a UK psychiatric service.

Method:  Retrospective case note review of all patients prescribed RLAI over a 35‐month period. In the mirror‐image analysis patients initiated on RLAI as in‐patients had the index admission attributed to previous treatment.

Results:  Patients prescribed RLAI had significantly higher baseline rates of drug misuse, alcohol misuse, unemployment and forensic markers than control patients prescribed oral antipsychotics. Most patients started RLAI because of poor compliance with oral antipsychotics. Inefficacy accounted for more discontinuations than intolerability. Fifty‐eight percent (39/67) of patients were continuing RLAI 12 months after initiation. Mirror‐image analysis (n = 74) showed that RLAI was associated with a reduction in the number of admissions (65 vs. 33, P < 0.005) and in total in‐patient days (4550 vs. 2188 days, P < 0.005). The mean reduction in in‐patient care was 29 days per patient‐year of treatment, equivalent to a net financial saving over the acquisition and administration costs of RLAI of £1172.

Conclusion:  Risperidone long‐acting injection was associated with reduced in‐patient care and was cost‐effective.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney
Authors: BOZKURT SUHEYLA UYAR , AHISKALI RENGIN , KAYA HANDAN , DEMIR ASLAN , ILKER YALCIN
Published: March 2007

Solitary fibrous tumors are rare spindle cell neoplasms usually arising in the pleura. They have, however, also been reported at extrapleural locations. Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the kidney is rare. Despite its rarity, histological diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis with other more aggressive tumors arising in the kidney. We report a solitary fibrous tumor of the left kidney that presented as a malignant tumor in a 51‐year‐old woman, and include clinical and radiographic findings. The tumor was well circumscribed and composed of spindle cells in a collagenous stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed reactivity for vimentin, CD 34, BCL‐2 protein and CD99. Immunohistochemical stains for cytokeratin, S‐100, desmin, α‐smooth muscle actin and HMB‐45 were negative. A diagnosis of SFT was made based on light microscopy and immunohistochemistry.
Anti‐tumor and Anti‐ovarian Autoantibodies in Women with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Barua Animesh , Bradaric Michael J. , Kebede Tewabe , Espionosa Sara , Edassery Seby L. , Bitterman Pincas , Rotmensch Jacob , Luborsky Judith L.
Published: March 2007

Problem

There is a lack of validated marker(s) for the diagnosis of early‐stage ovarian cancer (OVCA). The objective was to determine if women with OVCA had antibodies, to assess their potential as markers of ovarian cancer. The secondary objective was to compare the prevalence of antibodies to proteins from normal ovary and ovarian tumors to determine if antibodies primarily recognize tumor antigens, as many antigens are common to tumor and normal ovary.

Method of Study

Serum samples from patients with OVCA, borderline or benign ovarian tumors, endometrial cancer and healthy women were examined for anti‐ovarian and anti‐tumor antibodies by immunoassay. Immunoreactive proteins were characterized by one‐ and two‐dimensional Western blot.

Results

Ovarian (81%, P  0.001) and anti‐tumor (69%, P  0.001) autoantibodies in OVCA were significantly different from those of control sera. A majority of OVCA serum samples reacted with proteins at about 50 kDa from normal ovary or ovarian tumors in one‐dimensional Western blot. While there were similar reactions in two‐dimensional Western blots, there are differences between reactions to normal and tumor antigens and between reactions to autologous and allogeneic tumors.

Conclusion

Serum autoantibodies are significantly associated with OVCA. Anti‐tumor antibodies may provide a useful marker for the detection of ovarian cancer.
Placental Thrombosis in Experimental Anticardiolipin Antibodies‐Mediated Intrauterine Fetal Death
Authors: Velayuthaprabhu Shanmugan , Archunan Govindaraju , Balakrishnan Kumbalingam
Published: March 2007

Problem

Anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies are associated with stillbirths, recurrent miscarriages and recurrent in vitro fertilization implantation failure in women. Previous animal studies have demonstrated that these antibodies can cause early fetal demise and implantation failure in mice, but most previous studies have not allowed the immunized mice to proceed to the full term of gestation.

Method of study

Mice were immunized with either cardiolipin alone or cardiolipin in combination with β2‐glycoprotein I (β2GPI) and have studied the effects of these antibodies on pregnancies which were allowed to progress to term.

Results

Immunization with cardiolipin alone induced significant levels of anticardiolipin antibodies in mice, but immunization with a combination of cardiolipin and β2GPI produced even higher levels of antibodies. Mice with elevated levels of anticardiolipin antibodies had poor pregnancy outcomes. This study confirms previous results that anticardiolipin antibodies cause early pregnancy losses and also demonstrates that these antibodies cause stillbirth‐like late fetal demise. This study further demonstrated that very high levels of anticardiolipin antibodies cause intrauterine death by facilitating the thrombotic episode in placenta.

Conclusions

The present study concludes that the possible mechanism involves in stillbirth of aCL is possibly because of the thrombotic events of placenta.
Early Detection of Decreased Soluble HLA‐G Levels in the Maternal Circulation Predicts the Occurrence of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Retardation During Further Course of Pregnancy
Authors: Steinborn Andrea , Varkonyi Tibor , Scharf Alexander , Bahlmann Franz , Klee Andreas , Sohn Christof
Published: March 2007

Problem

Soluble (s) HLA‐G1/G5 molecules may potentially affect immune homeostasis during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine changes of sHLA‐G1/G5 plasma levels throughout normal pregnancy and to assess its predictive value for the occurrence of characteristic gestation‐associated diseases during further course of pregnancy.

Method of study

sHLA‐G1/G5 levels were estimated in plasma samples of 40 non‐pregnant women, 291 women throughout normal pregnancy and 236 women affected by different complications.

Results

In comparison with non‐pregnant women sHLA‐G1/G5 levels strongly increased during the first trimenon and then decreased continuously toward term. Non‐parametric discriminant analysis showed that women with significantly decreased sHLA‐G1/G5 levels in the second trimenon had an increased risk of developing preeclampsia and/or intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) during further course of pregnancy. However, in the third trimenon, sHLA‐G1/G5 levels in affected women did not deviate significantly from those of non‐affected women. Surprisingly, significantly increased sHLA‐G1/G5 levels were detected in third trimenon women with uncontrollable preterm labor, but not in women with prolonged preterm rupture of fetal membranes.

Conclusion

For the identification of women with an increased risk of IUGR and/or preeclampsia, measurement of sHLA‐G1/G5 plasma levels may be a powerful new tool in prenatal diagnostics.
Development of ankylosis in permanent incisors following delayed replantation and severe intrusion
Authors: Campbell Karen M. , Casas Michael J. , Kenny David J.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  Ankylosis is a predictable outcome for replanted incisors and for most severely intruded incisors. There is no treatment to arrest or reverse this periodontal ligament complication. Ankylosis of the incisors of preadolescents alters local alveolar growth and eventually produces tooth loss subsequent to resorption. Currently, clinical methods used to diagnose ankylosis in the early postinjury period include subjective assessments of percussion sound and mobility and quantitative devices such as the Periotest®. This paper describes the progression of ankylosis in two preadolescent patients that sustained severe trauma to their maxillary central incisors. A number of clinical assessments for diagnosis of ankylosis were compared for their usefulness, reliability and suitability.
Traumatic dental injuries and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: is there a link?
Authors: Sabuncuoglu Osman
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) constitute a major cause of morbidity among children worldwide. Both TDIs and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prevalent conditions with similar male‐to‐female predominance and similar age of presentation. While the commonest causes of TDIs have been identified as playground or sports accidents, a well‐known feature of ADHD is accident proneness. Violence, another significant risk factor for TDIs, is more likely to be observed in conduct disorder, a common comorbidity of ADHD. Also, both TDIs and ADHD have been found to be associated with left‐handedness. The presence of multiple dental trauma episodes (MDTE), as well as increased risk for non‐dental injuries in children with TDIs indicates an underlying persistent condition, which resembles ADHD. Higher point prevalence of mental distress at age 30, found to be associated with increased lifetime prevalence of TDIs, may also be taken as an evidence of a background developmental disorder persisting into adulthood with various comorbidities. In conclusion, this review combines the results of several studies and explains the significance of ADHD as an underlying and predisposing factor for TDIs. Increased awareness and close collaboration between different disciplines involved are essential.
Topical Verapamil HCl, Topical Trifluoperazine, and Topical Magnesium Sulfate for the Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease— A Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Fitch, William P. , Easterling W. Jerry , Talbert Robert L. , Bordovsky Michael J. , Mosier Michael
Published: March 2007

Introduction

Transdermal and intralesional verapamil has been reported to be useful in the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease. This study evaluates a topically applied calcium channel blocker (verapamil hydrochloride 15% gel), a topically applied calmodulin blocker (trifluoperazine), and a topically applied weak calcium channel blocker (magnesium sulfate), each incorporated in a transdermal vehicle.

Aim

This pilot study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a 15% verapamil gel applied topically to the penile shaft twice daily for the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease.

Main Outcome Measure

To assess improvement in curvature, plaque size, resolution of painful erections, and improvement in erection quality.

Methods

Two simultaneous, three armed, double blinded, placebo-controlled studies were conducted. After randomization into one of four groups, patients were treated for 3 months. At the end of 3 months’ treatment using blinded drug, each patient was treated with open label topical verapamil for 6 months. The studies were completed after each patient had been treated and evaluated for 9 months after randomization.

Results

Fifty-seven patients were randomized. In total, 94.4% of patients treated for 9 months with topical verapamil experienced improvement in curvature with an average percent curvature change of 61.1% compared with 43.6% curvature improvement at 3 months. At 9 months the average percent plaque change was 84.7% compared with 55% at 3 months. Pain resolution at 9 months was 100% compared with 87.5% at 3 months. Patient perception of erection quality also increased at 9 months to 81.8% compared with 72.7% at 3 months.

Conclusion

Topical verapamil gel proved effective in eliminating pain on erection, decreasing the size of plaque, decreasing curvature, and improving erection quality in patients with Peyronie’s Disease. Treatment results improved significantly after 9 months’ treatment as compared with 3 months’ treatment.
Reviews: Modeling Response Rates in Surveys of Female Sexual Difficulty and Dysfunction
Authors: Hayes Richard D. , Bennett Catherine , Dennerstein Lorraine , Gurrin Lyle , Fairley Christopher
Published: March 2007

Introduction

Studies that address sensitive topics, such as female sexual difficulty and dysfunction, often achieve poor response rates that can bias results. Factors that affect response rates to studies in this area are not well characterized.

Aim

To model the response rate in studies investigating the prevalence of female sexual difficulty and dysfunction.

Methods

Databases were searched for English-language, prevalence studies using the search terms: sexual difficulties/dysfunction, woman/women/female, prevalence, and cross-sectional. Studies that did not report response rates or were clinic-based were excluded. A multiple linear regression model was constructed.

Main Outcome Measures

Published response rates.

Results

A total of 1,380 publications were identified, and 54 of these met our inclusion criteria. Our model explained 58% of the variance in response rates of studies investigating the prevalence of difficulty with desire, arousal, orgasm, or sexual pain (R2 = 0.581, P = 0.027). This model was based on study design variables, study year, location, and the reported prevalence of each type of sexual difficulty. More recent studies (β = −1.05, P = 0.037) and studies that only included women over 50 years of age (β = −31.11, P = 0.007) had lower response rates. The use of face-to-face interviews was associated with a higher response rate (β = 20.51, P = 0.036). Studies that did not include questions regarding desire difficulties achieved higher response rates than those that did include questions on desire difficulty (β = 23.70, P = 0.034).

Conclusion

Response rates in prevalence studies addressing female sexual difficulty and dysfunction are frequently low and have decreased by an average of just over 1% per anum since the late 60s. Participation may improve by conducting interviews in person. Studies that investigate a broad range of ages may be less representative of older women, due to a poorer response in older age groups. Lower response rates in studies that investigate desire difficulty suggest that sexual desire is a particularly sensitive topic.
Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Review of Prosthetic Devices and Associated Complications
Authors: Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein
Published: March 2007

Introduction

Although more invasive than some of the other currently available therapies, penile prosthesis surgery has the advantages of high patient satisfaction rates and avoidance of systemic adverse events in the vast majority of cases.

Aim

This article provides a review of the more widely used implants and some of the more frequently encountered complications of penile prosthesis surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review peer reviewed publications relevant to the field of penile prosthesis surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

Review of historical milestones and newer penile prostheses, as well as a review of prosthesis surgery complications.

Results

Improved designs and materials have resulted in decreased incidence of mechanical failures or infectious complications while simultaneously simplifying the operation of these devices.

Conclusion

Penile prosthesis surgery remains an excellent alternative for restoring erectile function to those in whom medical therapies such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors are contraindicated or who have failed more conservative measures.
Acute and Chronic Dosing ofLepidium Meyenii(Maca) on Male Rat Sexual Behavior
Authors: Lentz Aaron , Gravitt Karla , Carson Culley C. , Marson Lesley
Published: March 2007

Introduction

The use of natural remedies for the treatment of sexual disorders is under current investigation. For generations people of the rural community in Peru have used Lepidium meyenii Walpers (Maca), because of their belief that it improves fertility and sexual desire.

Aim

To determine the acute and chronic effects of Maca on male sexual behavior and to examine chronic administration of Maca on anxiety.

Main Outcome Measures

Ejaculatory and mounting behavior and postejaculatory interval. Anxiety tests using an elevated plus maze, locomotion, and social interaction with another male.

Methods

Maca (25 and 100 mg/kg) was orally administered to male rats for 30 days. Male sexual behavior was monitored after acute, 7 and 21 days of treatment. Anxiety behavior and locomotion were measured at 28–29 days using the elevated plus maze and social interaction tests.

Results

Maca treatment did not produce large changes in male sexual behavior. However, an increase in ejaculation latency and postejaculatory interval was observed after both acute and 7 days of treatment. After 21 days of treatment Maca had no effect on sexual behavior. Chronic administration of Maca did not increase locomotion or anxiety.

Conclusion

Acute and short-term administration of Maca produced a small effect of rat male sexual behavior and long-term administration did not increase anxiety.
Erectile Dysfunction: Monitoring Response to Treatment in Clinical Practice—Recommendations of an International Study Panel
Authors: Mulhall John , Althof Stanley E. , Brock Gerald B. , Goldstein Irwin , Jünemann Klaus-Peter , Kirby Michael
Published: March 2007

Introduction

Clinical practice guidelines for management of erectile dysfunction (ED) provide limited direction in defining appropriate treatment goals with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor therapy.

Aim

To establish an evidence-based position on treatment goals in ED, including the role of erection hardness, with the potential to improve self-esteem, confidence, and overall sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Main Outcome Measure

The target of ED therapy is optimization of a rigid erectile response, as assessed by the 4-point Erection Hardness Score (EHS).

Methods

An international panel of experts in urology, psychology, and primary care convened to evaluate retrospective data from worldwide phase 2, 3, and 4 clinical trials, involving over 10,000 men with ED, as well as data from recent prospective studies, concerning the role of erection hardness in defining the response to treatment with PDE5 therapy.

Results

Significant positive correlations were found between EHS and the Quality of Erection Questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) erectile function domain score and other IIEF measures. Significant positive correlations were also found between erection hardness and psychosocial measures such as self-esteem, confidence, and relationship satisfaction (assessed by the Self-Esteem And Relationship questionnaire), and satisfaction with medical treatment (assessed by the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction). A shift in most frequent erection from EHS 3 (hard enough for penetration but not fully hard) at baseline to EHS 4 (completely hard and fully rigid) at the end of treatment was accompanied by significant improvements in intercourse and relationship satisfaction, psychosocial benefits, and satisfaction with ED treatment.

Conclusion

Support is found for monitoring and treating patients with ED to their full erectile potential. Quantitative assessment of erection hardness in clinical practice will lead to improved outcomes in overall sexual experience and optimal treatment satisfaction.
Relationships of grain δ13C and δ18O with wheat phenology and yield under water‐limited conditions
Authors: Ferrio J.P. , Mateo M.A. , Bort J. , Abdalla O. , Voltas J. , Araus J.L.
Published: March 2007

Stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of dry matter has been widely investigated as a selection tool in cereal breeding programmes. However, reports on the possibilities of using stable oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) as a yield predictor are very scarce and only in the absence of water stress. Indeed, it remains to be tested whether changes in phenology and stomatal conductance in response to water stress overrule the use of either δ13C or δ18O when water is limited. To answer this question, a set of 24 genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) were assayed in two trials with different levels of deficit irrigation and a third trial under rainfed conditions in a Mediterranean climate (northwest Syria). Grain yield (GY) and phenology (duration from planting to anthesis and from anthesis to maturity) were recorded, and the δ13C and δ18O of grains were analysed to assess their suitability as GY predictors. Both δ13C and δ18O showed higher broad‐sense heritabilities (H2) than GY. Genotype means of GY across trials were negatively correlated with δ13C, as previously reported, but not with δ18O. Both isotopes were correlated with grain filling duration, whereas δ18O was also strongly affected by crop duration from planting to anthesis. We concluded that δ18O of grains is not a proper physiological trait to breed for suboptimal water conditions, as its variability is almost entirely determined by crop phenology. In contrast, δ13C of grains, despite being also affected by phenology, still provides complementary information associated with GY.
Nitrogen dynamics and fertilizer use efficiency in leaves of different ages of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) at variable water regimes
Authors: Barbanti L. , Monti A. , Venturi G.
Published: March 2007

The consequences of nitrogen and water stress on sugar beet yield and quality are well documented in literature, whereas their interaction has been, surprisingly, little investigated. In the present research, the influence of early and late water stress on the dynamics of N uptake in leaves of different ages and on fertilizer efficiency was studied. Sugar beet plants, grown with a 15N‐labelled fertilizer in 20 soil columns (300 L each) under a rain shelter, were subjected to three water regimes: well‐watered control (WW); early (S1) and late (S2) stress, in a completely randomized design. Periodical samplings on succeeding leaves showed a decline in nitrogen concentration with ageing, compensated for by a recovery at each new leaf. Fertilizer N was mostly taken up early in the season, as its falling contribution to total leaf nutrient shows (from 35% to 17% in 63 days). The early stress constrained the availability of fertilizer N, whose uptake was later compensated for by younger leaves, after restoration of soil moisture. At harvest, WW yielded about 20% more biomass and sugar than S1 and S2. Nitrogen concentration in stressed plants compensated for biomass losses, and the total amount of nutrient did not vary among treatments, as well as the recovery of fertilizer N (41%) and the share of plant nutrient deriving from fertilizer (16%). It is perceived that sugar beet possesses an ability to buffer the effects of water stress on nitrogen nutrition, thanks to a flexibility concerning timing and the leaves acting as sinks for either a fertilizer‐derived or soil‐derived nutrient.