bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between sirolimus‐ and paclitaxel‐eluting stents in complex patient and lesions subsets
Authors: Roy Probal , Torguson Rebecca , Okabe Teruo , Pinto Slottow Tina L. , Steinberg Daniel H. , Smith Kimberly , Xue Zhenyi , Gevorkian Natalie , Satler Lowell L. , Kent Kenneth M. , Suddath William O. , Pichard Augusto D. , Waksman Ron
Published: May 2007

Background: Sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) and paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) both significantly reduce the need for repeat intervention compared to bare metal stents. Studies comparing the clinical outcomes of these stents in noncomplex subsets of patients and lesions demonstrate a similar safety and efficacy profile. The data for more complex subsets of patients and lesions remains conflicting. This study aimed to compare SES with PES in a selected population with a broad range of complex features. Methods and Results: The patient population consisted of 1,591 consecutive patients with complex features undergoing drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation. In the SES group there were 1,095 patients (1,653 lesions) and in the PES group 496 patients (802 lesions). In‐hospital, 30‐day, and 12‐month clinical outcomes were compared between groups. No discernable difference in major adverse cardiac events (MACE) between SES and PES was detected at intermediate and longer‐term follow‐up (SES 22.4% vs. PES 20.5% at 12 months; P = 0.407). A trend toward increased angiographically documented stent thrombosis was observed in the SES group at both 3 and 12 months (SES 2.2% vs. PES 0.8% at 12 months; P = 0.051). When adopting the more inclusive definition of probable stent thrombosis, this trend was no longer seen. After adjusting for baseline differences between the two groups, there still remained no difference in MACE between SES and PES (HR 1.051 [CI 0.826–1.339] P = 0.685). The trend toward increased angiographically documented stent thrombosis in the SES group remained after adjustment for baseline differences (HR 2.836 [CI 0.968–8.311] P = 0.057). Conclusions: In a selected population with complex disease the rate of MACE was comparable between SES and PES, with higher overall rates of thrombosis and MACE compared to a noncomplex population. Thus, the focus should be directed to prevent late complications in this complex subset regardless of stent type selection. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of large pulmonary arteriovenous fistula including pulmonary artery to left atrial fistula with Amplatzer septal occluder
Authors: Uthaman Babu , Al‐Qbandi Mustafa , Abushaban Lulu , Rathinasamy Jebaraj
Published: May 2007

Objectives:

We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) to close very large pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF).

Background:

Transcatheter coil embolization, the standard treatment for PAVF, has potential complications particularly in patients with very large fistulas. Several recently available devices have been tried effectively, however, they too have limitations.

Methods:

During 2004, three patients (aged 17–56 years), diagnosed with large PAVF including one with pulmonary artery (PA) to left atrial (LA) fistula, had interventional closure prospectively using ASO. Following hemodynamic evaluation and angiographic localization of PAVF, the feeding artery (FA) was selectively cannulated with Amplatzer delivery sheath. ASO, with the right atrial (RA) disc diameter equal to or up to 4 mm larger than the maximum diameter of FA, was delivered through it in such a way that the left atrial disc assumed an oblong shape and the right atrial disc retained its designed flat configuration for better anchorage and thrombogenicity.

Results:

All patients had very large PAVF fed by a single FA (size 12–24 mm), which was closed completely, without complications, using ASO (size 7–16 mm; RA disc diameter 15–26 mm). Their arterial saturation rose from mean 72.3% to 97.3%. Follow up (1.5–3 years) showed disappearance of the radiological shadows and stable arterial saturations (mean 97.7%).

Conclusions:

We conclude that, using the new criteria for device size selection and modified technique of implantation, very large PAVFs including PA to LA fistula can be closed safely, effectively and nonsurgically with ASO. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution pattern of tachykinin NK2 receptors in human colon: Involvement in the regulation of intestinal motility
Authors: Jaafari Nadia , Khomitch‐Baud Alexandra , Christen Marie‐Odile , Julé Yvon
Published: May 2007

Although a number of pharmacological studies have shown the involvement of tachykinin type 2 receptors (NK2r) in the regulation of human colonic motility, few data are available so far on their pattern of expression. In this study this pattern was investigated in the myenteric plexuses, the longitudinal and circular muscle layers (external muscular layers), and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) using confocal microscopy immunofluorescence methods. NK2r immunoreactivity (NK2r‐IR) was detected in the soma of myenteric neurons and in nerve varicosities located in myenteric plexuses as well as in external muscular layers. Colocalization analysis of NK2r‐IR and synaptophysin‐IR, showed significant regional differences in the distribution of NK2r‐expressing nerve varicosities, the rate of occurrence was found to be 56.08% ± 3% (mean ± SE) in the external muscular layers and 30.22% ± 1% (mean ± SE) in the myenteric plexuses. NK2r‐IR was found in membranes of most muscle cells previously incubated with a selective NK2r agonist, [β‐Ala8] neurokinin A fragment 4‐10, at 4°C, and then mainly relocated in the cytoplasm when heated to 37°C. A number of NK2r‐IR nerve varicosities were close to NK2r‐expressing neurons and muscle cells. Some of NK2r‐expressing neurons and nerves were tachykinin‐IR. No NK2r‐IR was detected in ICCs. The present data indicate that presynaptic and postsynaptic neuroneuronal and neuromuscular regulatory processes mediated by tachykinins via NK2r may occur for modulating human colonic motility. J. Comp. Neurol. 503:381–391, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ethnic identity and preferences among Asian immigrant children in Glasgow: A replicated study
Authors: Jahoda Gustav , Thomson Susan S. , Bhatt Satindra
Published: May 2007

The aim of first study, carried out by an English investigator, was to assess the extent to which Asian immigrant children had moved away from the values of their culture of origin. For this purpose some novel techniques were employed, including an identikit task and one focusing on Scottish versus Asian names. The outcome suggested that the children had been very powerfully influenced by the values of the host community. Since it was suspected that these results might have been in part a function of the ethnic membership of the investigator and/or the specific methods employed, the study was repeated on a comparable sample with an Indian psychologist and using modified test materials. The results of the second study remained unchanged as far as factual aspects were concerned; however, preferences expressed changed significantly in the direction of Asian cultural values. The theoretical and methodological implications of these findings are discussed, and it is argued that studies of this type are likely to have an inherent element of uncertainty which calls for caution in making generalizations.
A study of management's view of the motivation of workpeople
Authors: Corlett E. N. , Hodgskin‐Brown J.
Published: May 2007

The analysis of the responses from certain questions in a series of guided interviews suggests that the views of workpeople's motivation held by executives relate more to the size and type of company in which they are employed than to their age, training, education or amount shop floor of contact arising from periods of apprenticeship or of line management experience. The ways in which their view of the motivation of workpeople differs from their own attitudes to work are indicated. In particular, the commonly held dictum that apprenticeship is valuable in creating an understanding of workpeople and their viewpoints does not appear to be supported. The limitations of the study are discussed and future work indicated.
Reduction of cognitive dissonance as a function of magnitude of dissonance, differentiation, and self‐esteem
Authors: Kumpf Martin , Götz‐Marchand Bettina
Published: May 2007

The purpose of the present experiment was to test several hypotheses concerning the interrelationship of dissonance reduction mechanisms in a situation where response possibilities are relatively unconstrained. Engaged female students were invited to take part in a bogus ‚Marriage Expectancy Test' that was supposed to allow predictions of marriage success. One week later, they received fictitious results differing negatively from their initial expectations of marriage success. The reactions measured were ‚conformity with the result' and ‚derogation of source' (confrontation mechanisms), and ‚devaluation of importance of the issue' and ‚under‐recall' (avoidance mechanisms). As predicted, avoidance responses increased steeply with discrepancy, while little increase was found for confrontation mechanisms. Psychological differentiation had no significant effect on dissonance reduction, whereas high vs. low self‐esteem influenced ‚derogation of source' and ‚devaluation of importance of the issue'.
Affiliative behaviour of approach‐ and avoidance‐motivated subjects in fear and anxiety situations
Authors: Paz Ruchama , Amir Yehuda
Published: May 2007

This study examined the effects of fear‐ and anxiety‐inducing situations on affiliative behaviour of approach‐oriented and avoidance‐oriented Ss. Two samples of high school and university students were utilized to examine the following hypotheses: a) In fear situations, affiliative behaviour will increase in both approach‐ and avoidance‐oriented subjects; b) in anxiety situations, affiliative behaviour will increase in approach‐oriented subjects and decrease in avoidance‐oriented ones. The results confirmed the hypotheses for a verbal criterion of affiliative behaviour, and partially for a behaviour criterion.
On the meaning of the notion of conflict and its study in social psychology
Authors: Plon Michel
Published: May 2007

This study is an attempt, based on historical materialism (the science of the history of social formations), to critically analyze the notion of conflict as social psychology has defined it and as social psychology has developed it with models of non‐zero sum games imported from game theory.

Whether it concerns the postulate of conflict resolution (which governs this domain of social psychology), or the ideological foundations of the notion of conflict, the structure of a game of the ‘PDG’ type and the imaginary trap it orms, or even the staging which the psycho‐sociologist produces in utilizing this model, it is shown that this whole proceeding is an ideological construction which functions principally as an obstacle to true scientific knowledge of the field it covers — which can be defined as constituted by the relationships between the subjective and the political — and secondly as the raw material for a theory of ideology, which is understood as having the double function of recognition and misappreciation.

Both tasks demand intensive theoretical study as part of the development of storical materialism and, from that point of view, this work should be considered only as a preliminary study.
Accentuation and attitude in social judgment
Authors: Upmeyer Arnold , Layer Hans
Published: May 2007

In two experiments four sets of both favorable and unfavorable verbal material were classified as belonging to four labels, two specific labels (politicians) and two less specific labels (classes of people). Ss' attitudes towards one of the politicians were more positive than towards the other. Ss stored these stimuli in their memory under casual, incidental instructions. Then Ss retrieved information by deciding which one of two labels was formerly connected to the given verbal items. Ss were expected to accentuate on two orthogonal dependent variables: (1) Discrimination performance between labels; (2) response preference for labels. Discrimination performance was improved for politician labels compared to classes‐of‐people labels but was not affected by the favorableness of the verbal material. However, response preference for one politician label occurred when two conditions were fulfilled: (a) Both the verbal material and Ss' attitudes towards the label were unfavorable, and (b) the content of verbal material was characteristic of the label. The accentuation theories of Bruner‐Goodman and Tajfel were reformulated and integrated into a two‐level model.
Expression of high‐abundance proteins in sera of patients with endometrial and cervical cancers: Analysis using 2‐DE with silver staining and lectin detection methods
Authors: Abdul‐Rahman Puteri S. , Lim Boon‐Kiong , Hashim Onn H.
Published: May 2007

The expression of high‐abundance serum proteins in newly diagnosed patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma (EACa), squamous cell cervical carcinoma (SCCa) and cervical adenocarcinoma (ACCa), relative to control female subjects, was analyzed by subjecting serum samples to 2‐DE followed by image analysis of the silver‐stained protein profiles. The three cohorts of cancer patients demonstrated different altered expression of serum high‐abundance proteins compared to negative control women. The expression of α1‐antitrypsin, α1‐B glycoprotein, cleaved high‐molecular‐weight kininogen (light chain) and antithrombin III were consistently altered in all the patients. However, clusterin was upregulated only in the patients with EACa, while those with SCCa and ACCa were typically characterized by the upregulated expression of zinc α‐2‐glycoprotein. The aberrant expression of selective serum proteins in the various cohorts of cancer patients was validated by competitive ELISA as well as by lectin detection. Analysis by using the champedak galactose binding lectin further highlighted an unidentified protein that may be differently glycosylated in the sera of the EACa patients that were studied.
Photo‐crosslinkable and biodegradable Pluronic/heparin hydrogels for local and sustained delivery of angiogenic growth factor
Authors: Yoon Jun Jin , Chung Hyun Jung , Park Tae Gwan
Published: May 2007

Photo‐crosslinkable and biodegradable Pluronic/heparin composite hydrogels were fabricated for local and sustained delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to induce angiogenesis. Terminally di‐acrylated Pluronic F127 and vinyl group conjugated heparin were used as a mixed macromer precursor solution to prepare a photo‐crosslinkable hydrogel. An aqueous solution containing the two macromers with different weight ratios was photo‐crosslinked in the presence of bFGF to produce in situ formed bFGF loaded Pluronic/heparin hydrogels. Swelling, mass erosion, bFGF release characteristics of Pluronic/heparin hydrogels were thoroughly examined by varying the weight ratio of the two macromers. The incorporation of heparin in the composite hydrogel enabled the controlled release of bFGF over a one month period in a near zero order manner. The prolonged release of bFGF could be attributed to the specific interaction between bFGF and heparin in the hydrogel matrices. The released bFGF fraction from the degradable hydrogels also showed sufficient proliferation activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). When the Pluronic/heparin hydrogels were implanted in vivo, a significant extent of neo‐vascularization was observed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007
Cytocompatible gel formation of chitosan‐glycerol phosphate solutions supplemented with hydroxyl ethyl cellulose is due to the presence of glyoxal
Authors: Hoemann C.D. , Chenite A. , Sun J. , Hurtig M. , Serreqi A. , Lu Z. , Rossomacha E. , Buschmann M.D.
Published: May 2007

To deliver and retain viable repair cells in a surgically prepared cartilage lesion, we previously developed an adhesive in situ‐gelling cell carrier by suspending cells in a solution of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), which was then mixed with chitosan‐glycerol phosphate to form a chitosan‐GP/HEC gel. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of gelation to maximally control gel time and viability of encapsulated cells. We analyzed the role of osmolality, pH, gelation temperature, gel shrinkage, and HEC. A chitosan‐GP solution at pH 6.8 with cytocompatible osmotic pressure (419 mOsm/kg) was achieved by lowering disodium GP concentration from 370 to 135 mM. This solution was still thermogelling but only at 73°C. We next discovered that glyoxal, a common additive in ether cellulose manufacturing, was responsible for chitosan gelation. Monolayer cells survived and proliferated in up to 1 mM of glyoxal, however only a very narrow range of glyoxal concentration in chitosan‐GP/HEC, 0.1–0.15 mM, permitted gel formation, cell survival, and cell proliferation. Chitosan gels containing HEC required slightly less glyoxal to solidify. Chitosan‐GP/HEC loaded with viable chondrocytes formed an adhesive seal with ex vivo mosaic arthroplasty defects from sheep knee joints. In mosaic arthroplasty defects of live sheep, bleeding occurred beneath part of the hydrogel carrier, and the gel was cleared after 1 month in vivo. These data indicate that chitosan‐GP/HEC is suitable as an adhesive and injectable delivery vehicle for clinical orthopedic applications involving single use treatments that guide acute cartilage repair processes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2007
An N‐terminal nucleotide‐binding site in VDAC1: Involvement in regulating mitochondrial function
Authors: Yehezkel Galit , Abu‐Hamad Salah , Shoshan‐Barmatz Varda
Published: May 2007

In a previous study, we presented evidence for the existence of a nucleotide‐binding site (NBS) in the N‐terminal region of the voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC1). In this study, further localization and possible roles of the proposed VDAC1‐NBS were investigated using site‐directed mutagenesis. The predicated NBS of murine VDAC1 (mVDAC1) was mutated by replacing two glycine residues with alanines or a conserved lysine residue with a serine. Expression of the G21A,G23A‐ and K20S‐mVDAC1s in human T‐REx‐293 cells in which endogenous VDAC1 expression had been silenced affected cell growth and cytosolic ATP levels. While G21A,G23A‐mVDAC1‐expressing cells displayed growth rates similar to native‐mVDAC1‐expressing cells, the K20S‐mVDAC1‐expressing cells displayed significantly retarded growth and increased resistance to cell death. Cells expressing either mVDAC1 mutant also displayed significantly reduced cellular ATP levels. When K20S‐mutant mVDAC1 was expressed in porin1‐less yeast, the transformed cells grew slower on non‐fermentable carbon sources, while isolated mitochondria expressing either mVDAC1 mutant showed significant reduction in ATP synthesis. Purified K20S‐mVDAC1 displayed a significant decrease in [α‐32P]BzATP‐binding and altered channel properties, that is, reduced ion selectivity, while the G21A,G23A‐mutant protein displayed only a mild reduction in channel selectivity. These results suggest that mutations in the proposed VDAC1‐NBS, particularly the K20S, altered channel activity, thereby interfering with VDAC function as the major pathway for the transport of metabolites and adenine nucleotides across the outer mitochondrial membrane. Finally, involvement of the VDAC1‐NBS in the control of mitochondrial ATP synthesis, cell growth and viability is discussed. J. Cell. Physiol. 212: 551–561, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tyrosine‐phosphorylated STAT5 accumulates on podosomes in Hck‐transformed fibroblasts and chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Poincloux Renaud , Cougoule Céline , Daubon Thomas , Maridonneau‐Parini Isabelle , Le Cabec Véronique
Published: May 2007

In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the transforming activity of Bcr/Abl involves constitutive activation of the phagocyte specific Src‐family tyrosine kinase Hck, which in turn directly activates the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). The effect of Hck on STAT5 was first explored independently of Bcr/Abl by expressing the constitutively active Hck mutant (Hckca) in MEF3T3‐TetOff fibroblasts. As previously reported, Hckca‐expressing cells form podosomes which are actin‐rich structures involved in trans‐tissular cell migration and found in the few cell types able to cross anatomic boundaries. We demonstrated that in these cells, the tyrosine‐phosphorylated form of STAT5 (PY‐STAT5) increased and preferentially localized on podosomes together with Hck, instead of translocating to the nucleus as observed with conventional stimuli such as IFNγ. To examine whether similar results were obtained in the presence of Bcr/Abl, the CML cell line K562 was used. We observed that (i) podosomal structures are present in these cells in contrast to Bcr/Abl‐negative leukemic cells, (ii) podosome formation was inhibited by Bcr/Abl‐ and Src‐kinase inhibitors, and (iii) PY‐STAT5 mainly colocalized with Hck on these structures. The presence of podosomes was not sufficient to trap STAT5 since in normal macrophages which spontaneously form podosomes and express regulated Hck, PY‐STAT5 is in the nucleus. In conclusion, this is the first report showing that PY‐STAT5 associates to podosomes in a process dependent on constitutive activation of Hck. We propose that STAT5, previously classified as a transcription factor, could play another role outside the nucleus, elicited by the Bcr/Abl‐Hck transforming pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 213: 212–220, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Raman spectroscopic study on the structure, phase transition and restoration of zirconium tungstate blocks synthesized with a CO2 laser
Authors: Liang E. J. , Wang S. H. , Wu T. A. , Chao M. J. , Yuan B. , Zhang W. F.
Published: May 2007

Densely packed zirconium tungstate blocks were synthesized by rapid solidification with a CO2 laser. The structure and phase transition properties of the samples were studied by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Raman spectroscopic study reveals that zirconium tungstate solidifies with an orthorhombic structure. This is attributed to the pressure encountered by the samples during rapid solidification. Several Raman bands change discontinuously at about 390 K, indicating a phase transition from the γ‐ to the α‐phase occurring at this temperature. In the β‐phase, most of the Raman modes give rise to negative Grüneisen parameters, suggesting contribution of the corresponding optical phonons to the negative thermal expansion coefficient of the material, at least for the β‐phase. A recovery of the γ‐phase was observed when the samples were cooled to room temperature. This suggests that the cubic structure is metastable only at temperatures above 390 K, and at room temperature the γ‐phase is preferred. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Precise measurement of the depolarization ratio from photoacoustic Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yu Yuanqin , Lin Ke , Zhou Xiaoguo , Wang Hua , Liu Shilin , Ma Xingxiao
Published: May 2007

A new method for the accurate determination of the Raman depolarization ratio is reported with an improved setup for photoacoustic Raman spectroscopy (PARS). The precise measurement is achieved by measuring the dependence of the acoustic signal intensity on the cross‐angle between the polarizations of two incident laser beams. We demonstrate this sensitive and simple method with several gaseous molecules, such as CH4 and H2. The measured results of depolarization ratios agree well with the theoretical values with an upper error limit of ± 0.005, which is comparable to that with polarization‐resolved CARS spectroscopy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectra, X‐ray and molecular structure of 1H‐ and 3H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine and their methyl derivatives: DFT quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Lorenc J. , Dymińska L. , Talik Z. , Hanuza J. , Mączka M. , Waśkowska A. , Macalik L.
Published: May 2007

Molecular structure, vibrational energy levels and potential energy distribution of 1H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine, 3H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine, 5‐methyl‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine, 6‐methyl‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine and 7‐methyl‐3H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine were determined using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level. The optimised bond lengths and bond angles are in good agreement with the X‐ray data of 5‐methyl‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine obtained in the present work (Pbca space group; a = 8.660(2), b = 11.078(2), c = 11.078(3) Å, Z = 8). The N+H group plays the role of a proton donor in a medium strong hydrogen bond of the type NH…N, linking the N‐atom of the pyridine with the adjacent molecule related by the symmetry operation: 1/2 − x, y − 1/2, z(N…N = 2.869(25) Å). The presence of hydrogen bond is confirmed by appearance in the IR spectra of a very broad and strong contour in the 2000–3100 cm−1 range. The place of substitution of the methyl group at the pyridine ring influences the proton position of the NH group at the imidazole unit. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating causal effects from observational data with a model for multiple bias
Authors: Höfler Michael , Lieb Roselind , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich
Published: May 2007

Conventional analyses of observational data may be biased due to confounding, sampling and measurement, and may yield interval estimates that are much too narrow because they do not take into account uncertainty about unknown bias parameters, such as misclassification probabilities. We used a simple, multiple bias adjustment method to estimate the causal effect of social anxiety disorder (SAD) on subsequent depression. A Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis was applied to data from the Early Developmental Stages of Psychiatry (EDSP) study, and bias due to confounding, sampling and measurement was modelled. With conventional logistic regression analysis, the risk for depression was elevated in the presence of SAD only in the older cohort (age 17–24 years at baseline assessment); odds ratio (OR) = 3.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64–5.70, adjusted for sex and age. The bias‐adjusted estimate was 2.01 with interval limits of 0.61 and 9.71. Thus, given the data and the bias model used, there was considerably more uncertainty about the real effect, but the probability that SAD increases the risk for subsequent depression (OR > 1) was 88.6% anyway. Multiple bias modelling, if properly used, reveals the necessity for a better understanding of bias, suggesting a need to conduct larger and more adequate validation studies on instruments that are used to diagnose mental disorders. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple and novel method to measure distal sensory nerve conduction of the medial plantar nerve
Authors: Hemmi Shoji , Inoue Ken , Murakami Tatsufumi , Sunada Yoshihide
Published: May 2007

A simple and reliable method for recording sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) of the medial plantar nerve is described. Medial plantar SNAPs were recorded by placing surface electrodes on the sole. Ring electrodes were used for orthodromic stimulation at the big toe. Sixty‐four healthy subjects ranging in age from 13 to 81 years were examined to establish normal values. Mean amplitude for the medial plantar SNAP was 4.7 ± 2.8 μV and mean maximum conduction velocity was 43.5 ± 6.4 m/s. The normal values for amplitude obtained for the medial plantar SNAPs were higher than those obtained by the method of Guiloff and Sherratt, and the sensitivity of our method for diagnosis of early sensory neuropathy was relatively higher. The method should therefore be useful in the diagnosis of early sensory neuropathy. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Effective state governments need modern constitutions
Authors: Sturm Albert L.
Published: May 2007

Summary of constitutional revision, 1968‐1970, by legislatures, commissions and conventions.
Governors: 1960‐1970
Authors: Solomon Samuel R.
Published: May 2007

Ten‐year profile of the education, training, experience and achievement of the 156 occupants of the 50 state‐houses and the 13 territorial governors during the past decade.
Citizen feedback system: The puerto rico model
Authors: Little John D. C. , Stevens Chandler H. , Tropp Peter
Published: May 2007

Analysis of design and testing stages of system in Puerto Rico governor's office to collect and introduce into government information from citizens on programs and services.
Apportionment and districting: Problems of compliance
Authors: Boyd
Published: May 2007

Are guidelines set forth by U. S. Supreme Court for congressional and state legislative redistricting identical? Possible vs. practicable and single vs. multi‐member districts may still cause trouble.
Constitutional revision in Illinois: The union league role
Authors: Henn Roger E.
Published: May 2007

Story of the Union League Club of Chicago's involvement, over an 80‐year period, in efforts to revise the Illinois constitution, ending with the successful adoption of the new 1970 document.
The states and urban areas: A comparative assessment
Authors: Lemay Michael C.
Published: May 2007

Survey of states on legislation in 15 policy areas dealing with urban problems suggests a trend toward greater state involvement, especially since 1965. Most activity is evident in programs for which the federal government has provided incentives.
French midwives' practice of termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality. At what psychological and ethical cost?
Authors: Garel M. , Etienne E. , Blondel B. , Dommergues M.
Published: May 2007

Objectives

To study the clinical, emotional and moral difficulties that French midwives encounter in the labor ward while performing termination of pregnancy (TOP) for fetal abnormality.

Setting

Six public maternity hospitals located in the Ile de France region, two of which were referral centers for prenatal diagnosis (PND) and TOP.

Method

Questionnaire survey

Results

Ninety‐two of 115 midwives responded. Sixty‐five percent of the midwives reported that their role in the labor ward during TOP was difficult. Aspects contributing substantially to the perceived difficulties were the midwives' responsibility to provide psychological support to patients and the emotional distress of the midwives themselves. Seventy‐five percent reported that they were concerned about the child being alive in cases of late TOP. Twenty‐five percent of the midwives reported moral conflicts due to personal, cultural or religious background, mainly for particular indications. There was a consensus about the clinical management of TOP. Overall, midwives with professional experience, training, and those who worked in a referral center reported fewer difficulties.

Conclusion

It is necessary to improve institutional support available within maternity units to alleviate the difficulties midwives face in their roles. The need for training/updating midwives about psychological and ethical aspects of TOP should also be considered. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal determination of the fetal RhD blood group by multiplex PCR: a 7‐year Portuguese experience
Authors: Pereira Janet Carvalho , Couceiro Ana Bela , Cunha Elizabete Maria , Machado Ana Isabel , Tamagnini Gabriel Pinto , Martins Natália Prata , Ribeiro Maria Letícia
Published: May 2007

Objectives

This is a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, for early detection of fetuses at risk for hemolytic disease, in the population living in Portugal, and to characterize the RhD‐negative individuals at serologic and molecular level.

Methods

2030 uncultured amniotic fluid samples and 2012 blood samples from the respective RhD‐negative pregnant women were studied by multiplex PCR of intron 3/intron 4, exon 7 and 3′UTR. Amniocentesis was performed for a variety of medical indications. For quality control, serologic RhD blood groups were determined in the cord blood, after birth.

Results

1361 fetal amniotic samples were RhD‐positive (67%), 669 were RhD‐negative. The average time for diagnosis was 2 days for uncultured amniocytes and the molecular versus serologic RhD typing (n = 809) had 99.5% concordance. Among the 2012 serologic RhD‐negative mothers, 26 had an RhD‐positive allele.

Conclusion

The multiplex PCR amplification used in this study was a rapid and accurate method to determine the RhD blood type in the population living in Portugal, being a great tool for management of pregnancies with fetuses at risk for alloimmune hemolytic disease. In this population, 1.3% of the serologic RhD‐negative women have an RHD‐positive allele. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale protein identification of human urine proteome by multi‐dimensional LC and MS/MS
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ting , Tsao Chao‐Yun , Li Jen‐Ming , Tsai Chih‐Yen , Chiu Su‐Feng , Tseng Tzu‐Ling
Published: May 2007

Urine is a human specimen that is easily obtained non‐invasively for clinical diagnosis. We attempted to enhance the resolution of current human urine proteomes and construct a comprehensive reference database for advanced studies, such as the discovery of biomarkers for renal diseases. Multi‐dimensional LC‐MS/MS was coupled withde novosequencing and database matching. The proposed approach improved the identification of not only the proteins, but also the post‐translational sites of urinary proteins. We identified 165, 200 and 259 unique gene products in the urine proteomes from males, females and pregnant women, respectively. When all of the results were combined and the redundancies removed, a total of 1095 distinct peptides were identified. Of these, 1016 peptides were associated with 334 unique gene products. In this study, over 100 gene products, including some disease‐related proteins, were detected in urine for the first time by proteomic approaches. Various proteins with novel post‐translational hydroxylation were identified using the MASCOT program andde novosequencing. All proteins with peptide information were summarized into a comprehensive urine protein database. We believe that this comprehensive urine proteome database will assist in the identification of urinary proteins/polypeptides whose spectra are difficult to interpret in the discovery of urinary biomarkers.
Androgen receptor or estrogen receptor‐β blockade alters DHEA‐, DHT‐, and E2‐induced proliferation and PSA production in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Arnold Julia T. , Liu Xunxian , Allen Jeffrey D. , Le Hanh , McFann Kimberly K. , Blackman Marc R.
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous steroid that is metabolized to androgens and/or estrogens in the human prostate. DHEA levels decline with age, and use of DHEA supplements to retard the aging process is of unproved effectiveness and safety. LNCaP and LAPC‐4 prostate cancer cells were used to determine whether DHEA‐modulated proliferation and prostate specific antigen (PSA) production were mediated via the androgen receptor (AR) and/or ERβ.

METHODS

Cells were treated with DHEA, DHT, or E2 and antagonists to AR (Casodex®‐bicalutamide) or ER (ICI 182,780) or siRNA to the respective receptors. Proliferation was assessed by MTT assay and PSA mRNA and protein secretion were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR and ELISA. Associations of AR and ERβ were analyzed by co‐immunoprecipitation studies and fluorescent confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

DHEA‐, T‐, and E2‐induced proliferation of LNCaP cells was blunted by Casodex but not by ICI treatment. In LNCaP cells, Casodex and ICI suppressed hormone‐induced PSA production. In LAPC‐4 cells, DHT‐stimulated PSA mRNA was inhibited by Casodex and ICI, and the minimal stimulation by DHEA was inhibited by ICI. Use of siRNAs confirmed involvement of AR and ERβ in hormone‐induced PSA production while AR‐ERβ co‐association was suggested by immunoprecipitation and nuclear co‐localization.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support involvement of both AR and ERβ in mediating DHEA‐, DHT‐, and E2‐induced PSA expression in prostate cancer cells. Prostate 67: 1152–1162, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activity of cyazofamid against Sclerospora graminicola, a downy mildew disease of pearl millet
Authors: Jogaiah Sudisha , Mitani Shigeru , Kestur Nagaraj Amruthesh , Huntrike Shekar Shetty
Published: May 2007

The efficacy of cyazofamid was tested against pearl millet downy mildew disease caused by Sclerospora graminicola Schroet. Significant inhibition of sporangial sporulation, zoospore release and motility was observed at 0.3 mg mL−1, and this concentration also provided good fungicidal activity under in vitro conditions. Under glasshouse conditions, none of the concentrations tested, either 0.01–2 mg mL−1 as seed treatment or 1–10 mg mL−1 by foliar application, was found to be phytotoxic. The effect of cyazofamid was tested by seed treatment alone, seed treatment followed by foliar application and foliar application alone. Seed treatment with cyazofamid offered only 19.7% disease control, but seed treatment followed by a single foliar application to diseased plants provided good control over disease, seed treatment with two foliar applications was significantly superior and foliar application alone showed a high level of activity, with 10 mg mL−1 giving 97.9% disease control. Lack of systemic activity of cyazofamid was evident, root treatment giving disease levels on a par with the untreated control. The fungicide exhibited strong curative activity, but only moderate translaminar activity, with only marginal (34.8%) disease control after treatment of the adaxial leaf surface at 10 mg mL−1. Loss of cyazofamid activity over time was very low, indicating stable residual and rainfastness activity. These results indicate that cyazofamid has a high potential to be an effective fungicide for the control of downy mildew disease of pearl millet. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Das Verhalten der Kennziffern von Holzluftschrauben bei Umfangsgeschwindigkeiten bis 280 m sec
Authors: Weinig F.
Published: May 2007

Aus den bisherigen Erfahrungen ergibt sich, daß der Wirkungsgrad von Luftschrauben mit zunehmender Umfangsgeschwindigkeit sehr nachläßt. Auf Grund der Auswertung von Prüfstandversuchen sind quantitative Grundlagen für die Abschätzung dieser Einflüsse zu gewinnen. Die Wirkungen, die dieses Verhalten auf die Entwicklung der Flugmotoren und Flugzeuge hatte, werden dargelegt.
Laryngotracheal augmentation using titanium mesh
Authors: Gaafar A A , El-Daly A A , Gaafar H A
Published: May 2007

Background:

The management of laryngotracheal stenosis is still a serious surgical challenge. The fact that there are currently numerous reconstruction procedures indicates that there is at present no standard treatment.

Study design:

Titanium mesh was used instead of traditional homografts in reconstruction of the anterior laryngotracheal wall in 12 tracheostomised patients with benign chronic laryngotracheal stenosis. The anterior laryngotracheal wall was split, followed by excision of scar tissue and fixation of the titanium plate at the split end. A Silastic®stent was inserted above the tracheostomy tube and fixed in place by running sutures fixed to the skin by buttons. The stent was removed endoscopically six weeks later and a trial of decannulation was undertaken.

Results:

Endoscopically, good epithelisation was seen on the inner surface of the mesh in 10 cases and decannulation was possible. Four of these patients required endoscopic debulking of granulation tissue. Decannulation was impossible in two cases, one due to excessive granulation tissue and the other due to prolapse of the titanium mesh into the tracheal lumen (the mesh was removed endoscopically and a Montgomery T-tube inserted).

Conclusion:

Titanium mesh was found to be a good alternative for augmentation of the anterior laryngotracheal wall. It offered rigid support, with fewer of the complications reported with other grafts.
Intracorporeal electrokinetic lithotripsy: an advancement in minimally invasive management of parotid duct calculus
Authors: Modayil P C , Jacob V , Manjaly G , Watson G
Published: May 2007

Background:

Symptomatic salivary stones in the middle or proximal parotid duct have previously been treated by gland excision, which is associated with a 3–7 per cent risk to the facial nerve. Minimally invasive approaches to the management of salivary duct calculi have been devised over the past decade. Fluoroscopically guided basket retrieval, lithotripsy and intra-oral stone removal under general anaesthesia have found favour with most surgeons. Endoscopically controlled intracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy using the pneumoblastic lithotripter has been replaced by electrohydraulic lithotripsy (used in sialolith treatment).

Method:

The electrokinetic lithotripter is normally used for the treatment of lower ureteric stones, and has the benefit of minimal concomitant tissue damage. We have extended its use to the treatment of parotid duct calculi. We present initial results for its use in the treatment of a proximal parotid duct stone.

Result:

Application of the shock wave to the stone under direct vision avoided injury to the duct or to any local structure. The patient made an uneventful recovery and was asymptomatic after 18 months' follow up.

Conclusion:

Continuous, endoscopically monitored electrokinetic lithotripsy with good irrigation gives a well illuminated field and absolute delivery of energy to the target. It avoids the side effects caused by impact of the shock wave on the parotid duct and adjacent anatomical structures, thereby making it a safer procedure.
Why One Basic Principle?
Authors: BRAND-BALLARD JEFFREY
Published: May 2007

Principle monists believe that our moral duties, such as fidelity and non-maleficence, can be justified in terms of one basic moral principle. Principle pluralists disagree, some suggesting that only an excessive taste for simplicity or a desire to mimic natural science could lead one to endorse monism. InIdeal Code, Real World(Oxford, 2000), Brad Hooker defends a monist theory, employing the method of reflective equilibrium to unify the moral duties under a version of rule consequentialism. Hooker's arguments have drawn powerful criticisms from pluralists such as Alan Thomas, Phillip Montague and Philip Stratton-Lake. Against these critics, I argue that Hooker's monism enjoys certain practical advantages associated with the simplicity of a single basic principle. These advantages are often overlooked because they appear primarily in cases of second-order deliberation, in which one must decide whether our basic moral duties support a certain derivative duty. I argue that these advantages of monism over pluralism are analogous to the advantages that generalists claim over moral particularism. Because pluralists are generalists, I conclude that they are in an awkward dialectical position to dismiss Hooker's monism for the reasons they usually offer.
Is initial success of thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA in patients with lower limb ischemia durable? A long-term follow-up series
Authors: Geier  , Mumme  , Köster  , Marpe  , Hummel  , Asciutto
Published: May 2007

Background: Catheter-directed intraarterial thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA has been established as an alternative to surgery in selected patients with lower limb ischemia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate its long-term results and to try to identify patient variables influencing outcome. Patients and methods: The results of thrombolytic treatment for acute or subacute lower limb ischemia in 82 patients (51 male, 31 female) were retrospectively analysed. Clinical data (time of symptoms onset, clinical stage, type of affected vessel, anatomical localisation) as well as comorbidities were recorded. The success rate of thrombolysis as well as the incidence of adverse events was evaluated. Patients with initial success were followed up after a median of 52,5 months. Results: Thrombolytic therapy was successful in 67 cases (82%). An additional endovascular or surgical procedure was necessary in 39 of these patients (48%). The overall bleeding rate was 18% and the mortality and major amputation rate was 1%. 42 patients with early clinical success were available for follow-up. 34 of them (81%) were free of ischemic symptoms and the overall limb salvage rate was 96%. We could not identify factors significantly influencing early or long-term results, although there was a trend towards better results in patients with acute ischemia and in patients with occluded native arteries. Conclusions: Intraarterial local thrombolytic therapy has a relatively high initial success rate in selected patients with lower limb ischemia, but is associated with a significant number of bleeding complications. Furthermore, additional procedures are required in almost half the patients. Initial success is durable at the long-term in the majority of cases. Better selection of patients and refinements of the thrombolytic therapy might help to further improve results and lower the bleeding complications.
Diagnosis of colo-rectal cancer revealed by haemorrhagic complication of intraarterial thrombolysis
Authors: Schellhammer  , Pourhassan  , Topp  , Fürst
Published: May 2007

Haemorrhage is a recognized complication of catheter-directed thrombolysis. We report one case of an afore unknown colo-rectal carcinoma, which was detected due to rectal bleeding following intraarterial thrombolysis. As reported with warfarin induced gastrointestinal bleeding complications, patients with unknown tumor, developing rectal bleeding after thrombolysis procedure, should receive full diagnostic work-up of the gastrointestinal tract in order to exclude serious but potentially curable disease.
Popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm after total knee replacement
Authors: Papas  , Maltezos  , Papanas  , Antoniou  , Lazarides
Published: May 2007

We report the case of a popliteal pseudoaneurysm following total knee replacement. A 70-year-old woman underwent total left knee replacement because of severe osteoarthritis. Eight days later, she presented with oedema and pain in her left calf. She had palpable foot pulses on the left leg and the ankle-brachial index was 0.98. The patient was treated for deep vein thrombosis. Two days later her calf pain and oedema deteriorated and her distal pulses were no longer palpable, while she developed limb coldness and paraesthesia, and the ankle-brachial index dropped to 0.4. Sonography was urgently performed indicating a large popliteal artery aneurysm (5.8 × 6.9 × 7.2 cm), confirmed by angiography. The patient was managed with removal of a 3.5 cm long segment of the popliteal artery and reconstruction with synthetic graft (PTFE 6 mm). Her condition soon improved and the patient is capable of walking approximately 1 km per day at 18-month follow-up.
Unklare Anämie: paraneoplastisch?
Authors: Lagger Biner  , Baumann  , Gebbers
Published: May 2007

Bei einer 88-jährigen Patientin blieben trotz klinischer Abklärung Anämie und AZ-Verschlechterung unklar; sie starb im hämorrhagischen Schock. Autoptisch wurde eine Polyarteriitis nodosa mit Befall aller viszeralen Organe und mit Duodenalulzera sowie ein metastasiertes Nierenzellkarzinom gefunden. Die Vaskulitis wird als paraneoplastisches Syndrom bei okkultem Neoplasma diskutiert.