bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial Pacing Leads: The Clinical Contribution of Steroid Elution
Authors: MOND HARRY G. , HUA WEI , WANG CHUN CHIEH
Published: October 2007

MOND, H.G., et al.: Atrial Pacing Leads: The Clinical Contribution of Steroid Elution. Although the original atrial pacing leads were passive fixation and J shaped for right atrial appendage placement, the subsequent development of the active fixation screw‐in lead found favor because of a perceived low incidence of lead dislodgment and a wider selection of atrial pacing sites. A bipolar atrial lead study was undertaken to compare the long‐term atrial implant data in 215 patients. Study leads comprised one passive fixation, steroid‐eluting lead (Medtronic CapSure® SP, 119 patients) and three nonsteroid‐eluting leads; two active fixation (Medtronic BISPING® model 4058, 30 patients; and Telectronics ACCUFIX® model 330–801, 44 patients) and one passive fixation (Telectronics ENCOR® model 330–854, 22 patients). Bipolar atrial voltage stimulation thresholds and electrograms were measured using the Telectronics META® DDDR immediately postimplantation, and at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐month follow‐up. There were 135 males and the mean age 68 years. The incidence of lead dislodgment was 4% for active fixation and 2% for passive fixation. All nonsteroid leads showed a typical rise in stimulation threshold with the highest being the ACCUFIX followed by the BISPING and ENCOR. The steroid‐eluting CapSure SP, however, demonstrated a flat response with 98% of leads at 18 months having a value ≤ 1.3 volts allowing voltage programming to 2.5 volts (2:1 safety ratio). Telemeted electrograms showed no differences for all leads at all visits. For low voltage atrial pacing with a low incidence of dislodgment and satisfactory atrial sensing, the steroid‐eluting passive fixation lead is superior to all nonsteroid‐eluting leads.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Dual Chamber Pacemaker with Bradycardia Diagnostic Functions
Authors: LASCAULT GILLES , BARNAY CLAUDE , CAZEAU SERGE , FRANK ROBERT , MEDVEDOWSKY JEAN LOUIS
Published: October 2007

LASCAULT, G., et al.: Preliminary Evaluation of a Dual Chamber Pacemaker with Bradycardia Diagnostic Functions. Unexplained syncope is the main indication for the implantation of a diagnostic pacemaker. Studies on those implanted have shown that in patients with unexplained syncope, the diagnosis of paroxysmal bradycardia was feasible and reliable. The present study was designed to evaluate a new bradycardia diagnosis algorithm, loaded in a dual chamber pacemaker, in 24 patients considered as candidates for diagnostic pacemakers. During a mean follow‐up of 153 days, at least one bradycardia episode was recorded in 13 patients. The mean number of detected bradycardias was 6 and the median was 3. The mean delay between the algorithm activation and the first bradycardia episode was 67 days. The mechanism of bradycardia was atrioventricular block in 6 patients, sinus node dysfunction in 6 patients, and consecutive blocked atrial premature beats in 1 patient, as indicated by the event markers. In 11 patients bradycardia was recorded during the daytime only or day and night. In two patients the episodes were recorded only at night. Overall, the algorithm was well‐tolerated; however, some mild symptoms were observed due to the method of bradycardia determination, allowing bradycardia. Three patients were symptomatic as a direct result of the algorithm operation, and four patients had symptoms related to the single chamber operation of the pacemaker while functioning in the diagnosis mode (VDI). These symptoms were relieved with DDD pacing.
Defibrillation Thresholds Are Lower with Smaller Storage Capacitors
Authors: LEONELLI FABIO M. , KROLL MARK W. , BREWER JAMES E.
Published: October 2007

LEONELLI, F.M., et al.: Defibrillation Thresholds Are Lower with Smaller Storage Capacitors. Present implantable cardioverter defibrillators use a wide range of capacitance values for the storage capacitor. However, the optimal capacitance value is unknown. We hypothesized that a smaller capacitor, by delivering its charge in a time closer to the heart chronaxie, should lower the defibrillation threshold (DFT). We compared the energy required to defibrillate 10 open‐chest dogs, after 15 seconds of ventricular fibrillation, with a monophasic, time‐truncated waveform delivered from either a 85‐µF or a 140‐µF capacitor. Shocks were delivered through a pair of 14‐cm2 epicardial patch electrodes. The two capacitors were randomly tested twice with each dog using a modified 3‐reversal method for each DFT determination. The average stored and delivered DFT energies for the 85‐µF capacitor were 6.0 ± 1.7 joules and 5.2 ± 1.5 joules, respectively, compared to 6.7 ± 1.7 joules and 6.0 ± 1.5 joules for the 140‐µF capacitor (P = 0.01 and P = 0.004, respectively). The mean leading edge voltages were higher, the pulse duration shorter, and the mean impedance lower for the 85‐µF capacitor. The impedance was inversely related to the pulse duration and the voltage decay suggesting that, at least in part, the mechanism of improved defibrillation could be accounted for by the waveform electrical characteristics. There was an equal number of episodes of postshock bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias following discharges from each capacitor. Moreover, there was no relationship between the likelihood of these arrhythmias and either the initial voltage or the delivered current nor there was a higher number of episodes of postshock hypotension following the smaller capacitor discharges. The value of the storage capacitor significantly affects the DFT by delivering a waveform with inherently superior defibrillation characteristics, which despite its higher initial voltage and current, does not show evidence of electrically mediated myocardial depression.
Basic Concepts in Cellular Cardiac Electrophysiology: Part II: Block of Ion Channels by Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Authors: WHALLEY DAVID W. , WENDT DAVID J. , GRANT AUGUSTUS O.
Published: October 2007

Antiarrhythmic drugs have relative specificity for blocking each of the major classes of ion channels that control the action potential. The kinetics of block is determined by the state of the channel. Those channel states occupied at depolarized potentials generally have greater affinity for the blocking drugs. The kinetics of the drug‐channel interaction is important in determining the blocking profile observed clinically. The increased mortality resulting from drug treatment in CAST and several atrial fibrillation trials has resulted in a shift in antiarrhythmic drug development from the Na+ channel blocking (Class I) drugs to the K+ channel blocking (Class III) drugs. While both Classes of drugs have a proarrhythmic potential, this may be less for the Class III agents. Their lack of negative inotropy also make them more attractive. It is important that the potential advantages of these agents be evaluated in controlled clinical trials. In several laboratories, the techniques of molecular biology and biophysics are being combined to determine the block site of available drugs. This information will aid in the future development of agents with greater specificity, and hopefully greater efficacy and safety than those currently in clinical use.
Preexcitation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Case of a Fasciculoventricular Mahaim Fiber
Authors: STELLBRINK CHRISTOPH , KUNZE KLAUS‐PETER , HANRATH PETER
Published: October 2007

STELLBRINK, C., et al.: Preexcitation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Case of a Fasciculoventricular Mahaim Fiber. A patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who presented with preexcitation pattern on the surface ECG suggestive of the Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome is described. Intracardiac electrophysiological study revealed a fixed anomalous QRS complex and a short fixed His‐ventricular interval indicating a fasciculoventricular Mahaim fiber. As this specific form of accessory connection does not cause reentrant tachycardias, no treatment was required. It is important to distinguish this entity from atriofascicular or nodoventricular Mahaim fibers or the WPW syndrome in patients with HCM showing a preexcitation pattern in the surface ECG, as these may cause life‐threatening arrhythmias in this patient population.
Cardiac Function Stratification Based on Echocardiographic or Clinical Markers of Left Ventricular Filling Pressures Predicts Death and Hospitalization Better Than Stratification by Ventricular Systolic Function Alone
Authors: Ogunyankin Kofo O. , Day Andrew G. , Lonn Eva
Published: October 2007

Background: A normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) often underestimates the poor prognosis associated with diastolic dysfunction. Methods: We compared overall and hospital‐free survival according to echocardiographic diastolic function classification (echo class), clinical probability of diastolic dysfunction (clinical class) and LV grades based on biplane LVEF, in 114 subjects followed‐up over a median of 47 months. Diastolic function was classified into normal, impaired relaxation, and severe dysfunction (SDD), using a previously validated 3‐staged classification. Results: There were 16 deaths and 42 combined end points of death and hospitalization. Although each classification method globally prognosticated survival (
P = 0.001, P =0.046, and P = 0.034 by the echo class, clinical class and LVEF grades, respectively), only echo class correctly distinguished three risk levels. Death was not hierarchically predicted by LVEF whereas severe diastolic dysfunction was associated with a hazard ratio by univariate or a multivariate model (that evaluated the effects of age, gender, and LVEF) of 4.31 (P =0.004) or 3.88 (P = 0.03), respectively. Also, a significant separation was found for the combined end points associated with SDD relative to nonsevere echo classes (P = 0.045). Neither clinical risk staging, nor LV grading showed significant separation of the Kaplan–Meier plots between “high risk” versus others combined, and Normal LV grade versus others combined, respectively. Severe diastolic dysfunction trended strongly as an independent predictor of combined end point with multivariate hazard of 2.29 (95% CI 0.99–5.26 P=0.05). Conclusion: Stratification of the severity of diastolic dysfunction using comprehensive echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic function is effective at predicting death and hospital‐free survival.
Infective endocarditis in a hemodialysis patient: A dreaded complication
Authors: SCHUBERT Claudia , MOOSA Mohammed R.
Published: October 2007

Infection is the most common cause of death in hemodialysis patients, after cardiovascular disease. Dialysis access infections, with secondary septicemia, contribute significantly to patient mortality. The most common source is temporary catheterization. Bacteremia occurs commonly in patients receiving hemodialysis, with infective endocarditis being a relatively uncommon, but potentially lethal complication. Valvular calcification is the most significant risk factor. The diagnosis of infective endocarditis is made clinically and confirmed with the echocardiographic modified Duke's criteria. The most common pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus and the mitral valve is the most common site. Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis is commonly associated with embolic phenomenon. A high index of suspicion is critical in the early recognition and management of infective endocarditis. However, prevention of bacteremia is undoubtedly the best strategy with the early placement of arteriovenous fistulae. In the case of temporary catheterization, the use of topical mupirocin or polysporin and gentamicin and/or citrate locking is beneficial. Although catheter salvage has not been studied in randomized trials, catheter removal remains standard therapy during bacteremia.
A rare complication of hemodialysis catheters: Superior vena cava syndrome
Authors: AKOGLU Hadim , YILMAZ Rahmi , PEYNIRCIOGLU Bora , ARICI Mustafa , KIRKPANTUR Alper , CIL Barbaros , ALTUN Bulent , TURGAN Cetin
Published: October 2007

Central venous catheters in hemodialysis patients may result in superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. With the increasing use of these catheters, the SVC syndrome will probably be more common among hemodialysis patients. This report describes 3 cases of SVC syndrome due to central venous catheters that developed in hemodialysis patients with previous multiple catheter placements.
A study of the extracorporeal rate of blood flow and blood pressure during hemodialysis
Authors: TRIVEDI Hariprasad S. , KUKLA Alexandria , PROWANT Barbara , LIM Hyun Ja
Published: October 2007

Hemodynamic instability is a common problem during hemodialysis (HD). The effect of blood flow rate (BFR) on blood pressure (BP) during HD has not been previously evaluated. Subjects receiving HD for the treatment of renal failure were enrolled (n=34). For each patient, during the last hour of 2 consecutive HD sessions the BFR was set at 200 mL/min for 30 min and at 400 mL/min for 30 min, during which period the fluid removal rate was kept constant. The order of the BFR alterations was randomized. The study procedure was repeated during the next HD session but with reversal of the order of the altered BFR. During each 30‐min period, BP was recorded at baseline and subsequently every 10 min. During the BFR of 400 mL/min, subjects had a higher systolic BP by an average of 4.1 mmHg compared with the BFR of 200 mL/min (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22–7.98; p=0.038). Similarly, during the BFR of 400 mL/min, subjects had a higher diastolic BP by an average of 3.04 mmHg compared with the BFR of 200 mL/min (95% CI 0.55–5.53; p=0.017). Likewise, during the BFR of 400 mL/min, subjects had a higher mean arterial pressure by an average of 3.44 mmHg (95% CI 0.77–6.11; p=0.012). The findings suggest that during HD, BPs are maintained higher at higher BFRs as compared with lower BFRs.
Perihospitalization hemoglobin‐epoetin associations in U.S. hemodialysis patients, 1998 to 2003
Authors: SOLID Craig A. , FOLEY Robert N. , GILBERTSON David T. , COLLINS Allan J.
Published: October 2007

While hospitalization is common for hemodialysis patients, perihospitalization associations between hemoglobin levels and epoetin doses are not well characterized. U.S. Medicare claims were used to identify 71,360 hemodialysis patients hospitalized from 1998 to 2003. Hemoglobin levels, epoetin doses, and epoetin responsiveness index (ERI) were compared by calendar year. In the prehospitalization month, the mean hemoglobin levels increased from 10.96 g/dL in 1998 to 11.76 in 2003 and the mean epoetin doses from 63,715 to 75,012 U; corresponding values in the hospitalization month were 10.53 and 11.19 g/dL, and 66,623 and 80,569 U. In each year, prehospitalization hemoglobin levels were achieved within 2 months, but ERI declined to prehospitalization levels within 12 months only in 2000. With mixed models, hemoglobin declines in the 3 prehospitalization months grew between 1998 (−0.1362 g/dL/month) and 2003 (−0.2003 g/dL/month). Epoetin responsiveness index slopes were J‐shaped, with values of 287.9, 221.1, and 356.5U/month per g/dL in 1998, 2000, and 2003. In the 3 postadmission months, a modest increase in the rapidity of hemoglobin recovery was seen (+0.2538 g/dL/month in 1998, +0.2743 in 2003), with increasing rates of ERI change (+8.7 U/month/g/dL in 1998, +146.8 in 2003). While time to recovery of prehospitalization hemoglobin levels remained constant year to year, epoetin doses and ERI did not, suggesting that optimum perihospitalization anemia management practices have yet to be determined.
Measuring Stigma Toward Mental Illness: Development and Application of the Mental Illness Stigma Scale1
Authors: Day Emer N. , Edgren Kara , Eshleman Amy
Published: October 2007

Guided by theory on stigma, a Likert‐type scale was developed to measure 7 factors of attitudes toward people with mental illness: interpersonal anxiety, relationship disruption, poor hygiene, visibility, treatability, professional efficacy, and recovery. The scale was validated among college students and community members, measuring attitudes toward people with mental illness, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In a second application, college students completed the scale from their own perspective, then from an imagined perspective of someone with mental illness, while psychiatric patients completed the scale from their own perspective, then from an imagined viewpoint of someone without mental illness. Psychiatric patients assumed that they were stigmatized to a greater extent than was admitted by the student sample.
Antecedents and Outcomes of Perceived Locus of Causality: An Application of Self‐Determination Theory
Authors: Turban Daniel B. , Tan Hwee Hoon , Brown Kenneth G. , Sheldon Kennon M.
Published: October 2007

We extended self‐determination theory by examining personality antecedents and self‐regulatory consequences of perceived locus of causality (PLOC), which is the extent to which individuals perceive their actions as caused by internal or external reasons. We theorized that personality would influence PLOC and that individuals with internal PLOC would engage in more self‐regulatory activities, which would in turn predict performance and enjoyment. We used structural equation modeling with data collected from 260 students at 4 time points to test our hypotheses. The model fit the data well. Although personality had direct effects on the self‐regulatory activities of effort and meta‐cognitive strategies, in addition to the indirect effects via PLOC, tests confirmed that including the indirect effects produced the best‐fitting model.
Me, My Mobile, and I: The Role of Self‐ and Prototypical Identity Influences in the Prediction of Mobile Phone Behavior
Authors: Walsh Shari P. , White Katherine M.
Published: October 2007

This study examined the effect of and relationship between self‐ and prototypical identity influences on high‐level mobile phone use from a theory of planned behavior (TPB) perspective. Participants were 252 university students who completed 2 questionnaires, 1 week apart. The first questionnaire assessed the standard TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control), as well as self‐ and prototypical identity influences. The second questionnaire assessed level of mobile phone use in the previous week. Support was found for the TPB in predicting high‐level mobile use intentions and behavior. Self‐identity and prototype similarity, but not prototype favorability, also significantly predicted intentions. The effects of prototype similarity on intentions were mediated via self‐identity processes.
Paternal alcoholism predicts the occurrence but not the remission of alcoholic drinking: a 40‐year follow‐up
Authors: Knop J. , Penick E. C. , Nickel E. J. , Mednick S. A. , Jensen P. , Manzardo A. M. , Gabrielli W. F.
Published: October 2007

Objective:  To test the effects of father's alcoholism on the development and remission from alcoholic drinking by age 40.

Method:  Subjects were selected from a Danish birth cohort that included 223 sons of alcoholic fathers (high risk; HR) and 106 matched controls (low risk; LR). Clinical examinations were performed at age 40 (n = 202) by a psychiatrist using structured interviews and DSM‐III‐R diagnostic criteria.

Results:  HR subjects were significantly more likely than LR subjects to develop alcohol dependence (31% vs. 16%), but not alcohol abuse (17% vs. 15%). More subjects with alcohol abuse were in remission at age 40 than subjects with alcohol dependence. Risk did not predict remission from either alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence.

Conclusion:  Familial influences may play a stronger role in the development of alcoholism than in the remission or recovery from alcoholism.
Antimelanogenesis effect of Tunisian herb Thymelaea hirsuta extract on B16 murine melanoma cells
Authors: Kawano Mitsuko , Matsuyama Kyoko , Miyamae Yusaku , Shinmoto Hiroshi , Kchouk Mohamed Elyes , Morio Takahiro , Shigemori Hideyuki , Isoda Hiroko
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Skin pigmentation is the result of melanogenesis that occurs in melanocytes and/or melanoma cells. Although melanogenesis is necessary for the prevention of DNA damage and cancer caused by UV irradiation, excessive accumulation of melanin can also cause melanoma. Thus, we focused on the antimelanogenesis effect of an extract from Thymelaea hirsuta, a Tunisian herb. Murine melanoma B16 cells were treated with T. hirsuta extract, and then cell viability and synthesized melanin content were measured. We found that the T. hirsuta extract decreased the synthesized melanin content in B16 cells without cytotoxicity. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme of melanogenesis and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)‐1/2 phosphorylation is known to be related to melanogenesis inhibition. To clarify its mechanism, we also determined ERK1/2 phosphorylation and tyrosinase expression level. ERK1/2 was immediately phosphorylated in cells just after treatment with the extract. The tyrosinase expression was inhibited after 24 h of stimulation with the extract. The T. hirsuta extract was fractionated, and we found that one fraction considerably decreased the melanin synthesis in B16 cells and that this fraction contains daphnanes as the main component. This indicates that our findings might be attributable to daphnanes.
Inhibitory effect of enamel matrix derivative on osteoblastic differentiation of rat calvaria cells in culture
Authors: Hama Hideki , Azuma Hideki , Seto Hiroyuki , Kido Jun‐ichi , Nagata Toshihiko
Published: October 2007

Background and Objective:  The effect of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on bone differentiation remains unclear. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) is reported to be contained in EMD. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of EMD on osteoblastic cell differentiation and the possible role of TGF‐β1.

Material and Methods:  Fetal rat carvarial cells were treated with 10, 50 or 100 µg/ml EMD for 5–17 days. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and bone nodule formation were measured, and mRNA expressions of bone matrix proteins and core binding factor were analysed.

Results:  Enamel matrix derivative inhibited ALP activity from the early stage of culture (29–44% inhibition) on days 5 and 10 and decreased bone nodule formation by 37–67% on day 17. These effects of EMD were concentration dependent. Enamel matrix derivative inhibited mRNA expression of osteocalcin and core binding factor. A high level of the active form of TGF‐β1 protein was detected in the conditioned medium treated with 100 µg/ml EMD. Treatment with TGF‐β1 antibody partly restored the inhibitory effect of EMD on ALP activity.

Conclusion:  Enamel matrix derivative inhibited the osteoblastic differentiation of rat carvarial cells and this was partly mediated by an increase in the activated form of TGF‐β1, suggesting that EMD may function initially to inhibit osteoblastic differentiation to allow a predominant formation of other periodontal tissues.
Hay‐Wells syndrome in a child with mutation in the TP73L gene
Authors: Garcia Bartels Natalie , Neumann Luitgard M. , Mleczko Anna , Rubach Katharina , Peters Hartmut , Rossi Rainer , Sterry Wolfram , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike
Published: October 2007

Hay‐Wells syndrome is a rare form of ectodermal dysplasia, also known as AEC syndrome (Ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum, Ectodermal effects, Cleft lip/palate). It is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with variable expression, featuring congenital abnormalities of skin, hair, teeth, nail, eccrine and mucous glands.

We present a three‐month‐old boy, born to unaffected parents, with typical clinical findings of AEC syndrome. In this boy, a mutation Ile537Thr (c.1610C>T) in the sterile alpha motive (SAM) domain of the TP73L (p63) gene was detected. Because of the broad spectrum of related syndromes such as Rapp‐Hodgkin syndrome, Bowen‐Armstrong syndrome, CHAND syndrome and epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria, the diagnosis of AEC should be base don both clinical findings and genetic analysis.
Successful treatment of perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens with combined isotretinoin and dapsone
Authors: Bolz Sven , Jappe Uta , Hartschuh Wolfgang
Published: October 2007

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS) is a rare scalp disease of unknown etiology which is hard to treat.It is often accompanied by scarring alopecia, acne conglobata, and recurrent fluctuant abscesses. PCAS belongs to the family of acne inversa (hidradenitis suppurativa). A 19‐year‐old man presented with PCAS for 2 years; multiple systemic antibiotic therapies and surgical approaches had shown no effect. Monotherapy with isotretinoin 80 mg daily for 4 weeks had not been successful. Combination therapy with dapsone 100 mg and isotretinoin 80 mg daily produced significant improvement. During 4 weeks of treatment significant clearing was achieved.Dapsone was reduced to 50 mg daily after 6 months, while isotretinoin was discontinued gradu‐ally.Now the patient is on dapsone 50 mg every other day and has remained free of recurrences for 6 months.
Tattoo removal – state of the art
Authors: Pfirrmann Gudrun , Karsai Syrus , Roos Susanne , Hammes Stefan , Raulin Christian
Published: October 2007

Tattooing has been around since the early beginnings of modern civilization. The discovery of selective photothermolysis at last has made it possible to remove tattoos without leaving a scar. Q‐switched neodymium: yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet, alexandrite, and ruby lasers with pulse durations in the nanosecond domain fulfill this need. Argon or cw‐CO2 lasers as well as intense pulsed light sources should not be used since they often produce significant scarring. This article provides an overview of current laser systems.Developments leading to new tattoo inks, feedback systems to detect the absorbance characteristics of tattoo inks, dermal clearing agents, and perhaps even lasers with shorter pulse‐durations might improve the results in the future.
Contact allergy and medicinal herbs
Authors: Aberer Werner
Published: October 2007

Herbal treatments are becoming increasingly popular, and are often used for internal as well as dermatological conditions, both externally as well as orally. The prevalence of contact sensitization against several plants especially of the Compositae family is quite high in Europe. Sensitization seems to occur relatively frequent with a few species such as arnica, elecampane and tea tree (oil), and occurs rarely with the majority. Testing for plant allergy is problematic because of the limited number of commercially available standardized patch test substances and the danger of active sensitization when testing with plants, parts thereof, or individual extracts. Knowledge about the allergic potential of plants is limited.Although plants are regarded as critical allergens by dermatologists, the number of reported cases of contact dermatitis is relatively small.Many widely used substances are not licensed as drugs or cosmet‐ics.While the positive effects are frequently questionable or limited, the side effects are often more evident. Adverse effects of herbal medicines are an important albeit neglected subject in dermatology, which deserves further systematic investigation.
Safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the daily practice: Results of a patient self‐observation study in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Luger Thomas A. , Gollnick Harald , Schwennesen Thomas , Bextermöller Raphael , Freytag Siegfried , Bräutigam Matthias
Published: October 2007

Background: Pimecrolimus cream 1% has proven to be well‐tolerated and effective in controlled clinical studies in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). In a 15‐week patient self‐observation study, safety and efficacy was investigated in the daily practice.

Patients and methods: 3502 patients with AD (mean age 26.2 ± 18 years, 62% female) received pimecrolimus cream 1% from 810 physicians in the German Federal Republic.The severity of the disease was assessed at baseline, two times during the 15‐week observation period and at the end of treatment.Patients recorded daily the degree of erythema and pruritus. At the end of treatment, safety and efficacy were assessed by the physician based on patient's daily records and by the patient.

Results: The percentage of patients with severe or massive AD decreased from 25% to 7%, whereas the percentage of patients without or with mild symptoms increased from 9% to 55%.The efficacy of treatment was rated by physicians as good or very good in 83.5% of cases and by 79% of patients.At baseline 35% of the patients were free of flares as compared to 75% at the end of therapy. Disease control was better in patients who followed the recommended treatment algorithm for pimecrolimus cream.Tolerability was mostly rated as good or very good.

Conclusion: Treatment with pimecrolimus cream 1% for patients with AD is well‐tolerated and effective in daily practice.
Resident Fathers’ Pregnancy Intentions, Prenatal Behaviors, and Links to Involvement With Infants
Authors: Bronte‐Tinkew Jacinta , Ryan Suzanne , Carrano Jennifer , Moore Kristin A.
Published: October 2007

Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study‐Birth Cohort, 9‐month resident father surveys (N= 6,816), this paper examines the association between male pregnancy intentions, prenatal behaviors, and postbirth father involvement. Findings indicate that prenatal behaviors are associated with five domains of father involvement. Men who did not want the pregnancy are less likely to exhibit paternal warmth following the birth, whereas men who wanted the pregnancy sooner than it occurred are more likely to exhibit nurturing behaviors. The influence of fathers’ pregnancy intentions and prenatal behaviors on postbirth involvement is for the most part not dependent on child gender. Findings suggest that prenatal programs that encourage fathers to actively participate in the pregnancy may be beneficial to later child well‐being.
Partnership Instability and Child Well‐Being
Authors: Osborne Cynthia , McLanahan Sara
Published: October 2007

We use data from three waves of the Fragile Families Study (N= 2,111) to examine the prevalence and effects of mothers’ partnership changes between birth and age 3 on children’s behavior. We find that children born to unmarried and minority parents experience significantly more partnership changes than children born to parents who are married or White. Each transition is associated with a modest increase in behavioral problems, but a significant number of children experience 3 or more transitions. The association between instability and behavior is mediated by maternal stress and lower quality mothering. The findings imply that policies aimed at reducing maternal stress and partnership instability may improve child well‐being.
Is the Current Practice Providing an Integrated Approach to the Management of LUTS and ED in Primary Care? An Audit and Literature Review
Authors: Chitale Sudhanshu , Collins Robert , Hull Sue , Smith Elizabeth , Irving Stuart
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are highly prevalent in aging men. A common pathophysiology is hypothesized to explain causal link. However, prevalence of ED in patients with LUTS remains underdiagnosed, as we believe general practitioners (GPs) do not inquire about ED in men presenting with LUTS.

Aim

Our goal to find out if LUTS and ED were dealt with in an integrated fashion in primary care.

Methods

One hundred consecutive patients with LUTS attending the prostate assessment clinic anonymously completed a locally developed, qualitatively validated questionnaire and sexual health inventory for men.

Main Outcome Measures

(i) Prevalence of concomitant ED in men presenting with LUTS; (ii) proportion of GPs enquiring about ED; (iii) patients with LUTS+ED who were offered treatment in primary care; and (iv) patients who sought treatment on review in secondary care.

Results

The age of patients was 39–86 years. Fifty-four percent admitted to ED: 66% ≥60 years, and 28% ≤60 years had ED.

Mean international prostate symptom score in both LUTS +/− ED groups was 16. There was a direct correlation between severity of LUTS and ED. Only 13/54 (24%) admitted ED to their GP. Of the patients, 15.4% received treatment, but 90.9% untreated patients were interested in therapy. Seventy-one percent stated definite reasons for inability to discuss their ED. GPs inquired about ED in only 9.2%. Overall, 66.6% wanted their ED addressed.

Conclusions

Fifty-four percent of the patients with LUTS also admitted to ED. Patients with more severe LUTS had more severe ED. More than 75% of patients did not report coexistent ED. GPs inquired about ED in only <10% of patients and offered no therapy to more than 80%. Sixty-seven percent of LUTS patients were interested in receiving treatment for ED when offered.

Chitale S, Collins R, Hull S, Smith E, and Irving S. Is the current practice providing an integrated approach to the management of LUTS and ED in primary care? An audit and literature review

A more integrated approach is desired to address the prevalence of ED in patients presenting with LUTS in order to offer them a comprehensive management in primary care.
Foraging behavior related to habitat characteristics in the invasive wasp Vespula germanica
Authors: D'ADAMO PAOLA , LOZADA MARIANA
Published: October 2007

When foraging on carrion resources, the wasp Vespula germanica usually makes repeated visits to the feeding site until depleting the resource. In the present study we analyzed how environmental cues affect wasps' behavior when re‐locating a protein food source. We studied this behavior in two different natural habitats: closed and open habitats. As closed habitats have more references to orient wasps to the feeding site than open habitats, we hypothesized that they would return to the foraging site more frequently in closed habitats than in open ones. We tested this hypothesis by studying wasp behavior in three different natural habitat conditions: (i) closed habitats, (ii) open habitats, and (iii) open habitats artificially modified by adding five sticks with flagging. Experiments consisted of training individual wasps to feed from a certain array, and at the testing phase we removed food and displaced the array by 60 cm. Therefore, we recorded wasps’choices when returning to the training area, by counting both the wasps’first approaches and the number of visits to the original feeding site and the displaced array. Wasps' behavior while re‐locating a protein food source was different if foraging at open or closed habitats. Wasps more frequently revisited a previous feeding location when foraging in closed habitats than when foraging in open ones. Furthermore, wasps more frequently visited the displaced array than the original feeding site in all three treatments. Nevertheless, when wasps were trained in closed habitats, they returned to the original feeding site more frequently than if trained in open ones. Interestingly, when five sticks with flagging were added in open habitats, wasps responded similarly as in closed habitats without these references. The results show that foraging behavior in V. germanica seems to be different in closed and open habitats, probably associated with the existence of references that guide foragers when re‐locating undepleted resources.
Identifying potential evolutionary relationships within a facultative lycaenid‐ant system: Ant association, oviposition, and butterfly‐ant conflict
Authors: COLLIER NEIL
Published: October 2007

Facultative associations are commonly encountered between ants and lycaenids, although the nature and patterns of associations are typically unclear. This study investigated a facultative symbiosis involving the lycaenid The clinesthes albocincta (Lycaenidae), its host plant Adriana quadripartita and Australian native ants. Ants in the genera Ochetellus and Iridomyrmex were most frequently found in association with T. albocincta larvae, although Iridomyrmex ants were found in much lower abundance than were ants in Ochetellus. The abundances of Ochetellus and Iridomyrmex were highly correlated with larval abundance, but not egg abundance. Observations and experiments recorded oviposition on male inflorescences on more than 95% of occasions, but oviposition was not greater on inflorescences with ants present. Behavioral assays showed that Iridomyrmex ants were aggressive towards female butterflies on significantly more occasions than were Ochetellus ants. These findings indicate potential evolutionary relationships between T. albocincta and two genera of ants that were abundant within the habitat.
The nest architecture of the ant, Pheidole oxyops Forel, 1908 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: FORTI LUIZ C. , CAMARGO ROBERTO S. , FUJIHARA RICARDO T. , LOPES JULIANE F. S.
Published: October 2007

Pheidole oxyops builds subterranean nests, with an external architecture that is distinctive and easily recognizable by its wide and specific entrance hole, measuring up to 12.2 cm in diameter, denoting a pitfall‐trap. In order to study the nests’internal architecture, seven nests were excavated; four were identified with neutral talc, while the others were cast in cement and then excavated. Measurements were made in order to gain a better understanding of their structures, and a photographic documentation was obtained as well. The excavations revealed that the nests are perpendicular relative to the ground, beginning with a cylindrical channel with a mean length of 13.5 cm, containing irregular formations, and whose diameter becomes progressively narrower until the first chamber is formed. As the channel continues, dish‐like chambers appear, interconnected by channels that become progressively narrower and longer, while the chambers are arranged at greater distances from each other as nest depth increases. Both channels and chambers are located on the vertical projection of the entrance hole. Nests may reach a depth of up to 5.09 m, with a number of chambers ranging between 4 and 14.
WET DISTILLERS GRAINS PLUS SOLUBLES DO NOT INCREASE LIVER‐LIKE OFF‐FLAVORS IN COOKED BEEF FROM YEARLING STEERS*
Authors: JENSCHKE B.E. , JAMES J.M. , VANDER POL K.J. , KLOPFENSTEIN T.J. , CALKINS C.R.
Published: October 2007

One hundred eighty crossbred steers were organized in a 2 × 6 factorial arrangement to test the incidence of liver‐like off‐flavors in cattle finished on wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). Cattle were finished with either 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50% WDGS. Cattle finished with WDGS had heavier carcass weights (except for 50%) and a higher United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) yield grade (P < 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively). USDA Choice steaks, when compared to Select, had significantly higher trained sensory muscle fiber tenderness scores (5.90 versus 5.39; P < 0.001), less detectable connective tissue (5.01 versus 4.51; P < 0.001), higher juiciness scores (5.24 versus 4.87; P < 0.001) and more intense off‐flavor ratings (5.51 versus 5.80; P = 0.002). USDA Choice steaks had a higher percentage of panelists denoted liver‐like (P = 0.03) and metallic off‐flavors (P < 0.001). Treatment did not significantly influence off‐flavor intensity. The frequency of liver‐like notes occurred in a quartic fashion; frequencies of liver‐like off‐flavor were always numerically lower in meat from distillers grain‐fed cattle than control cattle. Results from this study indicate that WDGS can be used to finish cattle without causing detrimental effects on the sensory profile.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Results from this research suggest it is possible to include up to 50% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) in the diet of yearling steers with minimal effects on carcass characteristics. Generally, cattle finished on WDGS had higher U.S. Department of Agriculture yield grades and heavier carcass weights. Additionally, there were minimal effects on sensory traits (notably the incidence of liver‐like off‐flavor) when the meat was aged for 7 days. Therefore, WDGS can be used to finish cattle without causing detrimental effects on carcass or sensory attributes.
EFFECTS OF SAGE EXTRACT (SALVIA OFFICINALIS L.) AND A MIXTURE OF SAGE EXTRACT AND SODIUM ISOASCORBATE ON THE QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF VACUUM‐PACKED TURKEY MEATBALLS
Authors: KARPIŃSKA‐TYMOSZCZYK M.
Published: October 2007

The effects of sage extract, applied alone or combined with sodium isoascorbate, on water activity (Aw), pH and microbiological and sensory qualities of turkey meatballs were studied. The samples were vacuum packed and stored at 3C for 15 days. It was found that the additives had a positive effect on the quality of turkey meatballs. Aw and pH values of samples with mixture extract of sage and sodium isoascorbate were lower than those of control samples. Sage extract combined with sodium isoascorbate reduced the counts of mesophilic bacteria and coliforms in raw meatballs more effectively than sage extract applied alone. During cold storage, both sage extract and sage extract with sodium isoascorbate mixture inhibited the growth of coliforms and sulfate‐reducing Clostridium sp. The products with additives were characterized by a better sensory quality than the control samples. Samples with mixture of sage extract and sodium isoascorbate showed a higher overall desirability because of lower intensity of taste and aroma of spices.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Microbiological and sensory changes are the main causes of quality decrease of cooked poultry products during cold storage. The addition of sage extract and mixture of sage extract and sodium isoascorbate inhibited the growth of coliforms and sulfate‐reducing Clostridium species in turkey meatballs. The samples with both additives had a better sensory quality compared to samples without additives. According to my results, sage extract alone or in combination with sodium isoascorbate could be used to extend the shelf life of turkey meat products during refrigerate storage.
Solute and Colloid Transport in Karst Conduits under Low‐ and High‐Flow Conditions
Authors: Göppert Nadine , Goldscheider Nico
Published: October 2007

Solute and colloid transport in karst aquifers under low and high flows was investigated by tracer tests using fluorescent dyes (uranine) and microspheres of the size of pathogenic bacteria (1 μm) and Cryptosporidium cysts (5 μm), which were injected into a cave stream and sampled at a spring 2.5 km away. The two types of microspheres were analyzed using an epifluorescence microscope or a novel fluorescence particle counter, respectively. Uranine breakthrough curves (BTCs) were regular shaped and recovery approached 100%. Microsphere recoveries ranged between 27% and 75%. During low flow, the 1‐μm spheres displayed an irregular BTC preceding the uranine peak. Only a very few 5‐μm spheres were recovered. During high flow, the 1‐μm‐sphere BTC was regular and more similar to the uranine curve. BTCs were modeled analytically with CXTFIT using a conventional advection dispersion model (ADM) and a two‐region nonequilibrium model (2RNE). The results show that (1) colloids travel at higher velocities than solutes during low flow; (2) colloids and solutes travel at similar velocities during high flow; (3) higher maximum concentrations occur during high flow; and (4) the 2RNE achieves a better fit, while the ADM is more robust, as it requires less parameters.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Dual Wavelength Fluorescent Benzo[b]thiophene Boronic Acid Derivatives for Sugar Sensing
Authors: Akay Senol , Yang Wenqian , Wang Junfeng , Lin Li , Wang Binghe
Published: October 2007

Cell surface glycoproteins have been known to play very important roles in various physiologic and pathologic processes. Small molecule compounds capable of carbohydrate recognition can be very useful for the development of sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents. Along this line, we are interested in developing water‐soluble fluorescent boronic acid compounds for carbohydrate recognition. As such, a series of benzo[b]thiophene boronic acid derivatives have been synthesized and their fluorescent properties analyzed at physiologic pH. Benzo[b]thiophene derivatives were found to be a new type of fluorescent reporter compounds capable of dual fluorescent emission under physiologic pH conditions. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 showed unusual emission wavelength shifts upon binding of sugars. These boronic acids will be useful tools for building glycoprotein biosensors for biologic applications.
Synthesis, QSAR and Calcium Channel Modulator Activity of New Hexahydroquinoline Derivatives Containing Nitroimidazole
Authors: Miri Ramin , Javidnia Katayoun , Mirkhani Hossein , Hemmateenejad Bahram , Sepeher Zahra , Zalpour Masomeh , Behzad Taherh , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi , Edraki Najmeh , Mehdipour Ahmad R.
Published: October 2007

The discovery that 1,4‐dihydropyridine class of calcium channel antagonists inhibit Ca2+ influx represented a major therapeutic advance in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In contrast to the effects of known calcium channel blockers of the Nifedipine‐type, the so‐called calcium channel agonists, such as Bay K8644 and CGP 28392, increase calcium influx by binding at the same receptor regions. Our goal was to discover a dual cardioselective Ca2+‐channel agonist/vascular selective smooth muscle Ca2+ channel antagonist third‐generation 1,4‐dihydropyridine drug which would have a suitable therapeutic profile for treating congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. A series of unsymmetrical alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl ester analogues of 2‐methyl‐4‐(1‐methyl)‐5‐nitro‐2‐imidazolyl‐5‐oxo‐1,4,5,6,7, 8‐hexahydroquinolin‐3‐arboxylate were synthesized using modified Hantzsch reaction. All compounds show calcium antagonist activity on guinea‐pig ileum longitudinal smooth muscle and some of them show agonist effect activity on guinea‐pig auricle. Effect of structural parameters on the Ca2+ channel agonist/antagonist was evaluated by quantitative structure‐activity relationship analysis. These compounds could be considered as a synthon for developing a suitable drug for treating CHF patients.
ICAM‐1 Peptide Inhibitors of T‐cell Adhesion bind to the allosteric site of LFA‐1. An NMR Characterization
Authors: Zimmerman Tahl , Oyarzabal Julen , Sebastián Eider San , Majumdar Sumit , Tejo Bimo A. , Siahaan Teruna J. , Blanco Francisco J.
Published: October 2007

We have used nuclear magnetic resonance to characterize the binding site of two intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 derived cyclic peptides, cIBC and cIBR, to the I‐domain of leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1. These peptides inhibit the leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1/intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 interaction known to play a key role in autoimmune diseases and cancer metastasis. Perturbation of the chemical shifts and intensities of the nuclear magnetic resonance signals corresponding to a number of residues of the I‐domain of leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 show that both peptides bind to the I‐domain allosteric site, the binding site of I‐domain allosteric inhibitors such as lovastatin, and therefore the peptides probably also act as allosteric inhibitors of leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1. Molecular models of the interaction of these two cyclic peptides with leukocyte function‐associated antigen‐1 I‐domain show that the binding mode of the three molecules are analogous: the hydrophobic residues of the peptides remain buried and occupy the same positions as the apolar groups of lovastatin, while the peptides regions containing the most polar residues are flexible and primarily exposed to the solvent. These results suggest an allosteric mechanism for the inhibitory effect on T‐cell adhesion displayed by both peptides, which exhibit potential as therapeutic agents.