bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of diabetes in police custody: a liaison initiative between a diabetes specialist service and the police force
Authors: Wright RJ , Barclay JIP , Frier BM , Plastow B
Published: March 2008

The management of people with diabetes in police custody has received little attention. Few guidelines are available for police officers to manage people with diabetes who are being detained in custody, despite the risk of metabolic derangement occurring in this situation. The use of drugs and alcohol by the detainee prior to arrest may confuse identification of the symptoms and signs of hyper‐ and hypoglycaemia, and emergency treatment in hospital may be required because of inadequate or inappropriate management while in custody.

To evaluate current practice, to identify problem areas and to help implement change, a liaison was established between a specialist diabetes service and the local police force. An experienced diabetes specialist nurse identified problem areas in collaboration with the police custodial team and the forensic nursing service. Input from specialist medical and dietetic staff was sought and issues pertaining to awareness, staff training, equipment and dietary provision were evaluated.

This liaison initiative led to the implementation of training for police staff to deal with people with diabetes who require insulin therapy, in blood glucose monitoring and in the management of diabetic emergencies. Equipment for diabetic management in the police station was upgraded, and training provided for its use. Police awareness of the potential problems associated with diabetes was heightened. Audit and further evaluation of these changes are being performed to ensure that these acquired skills and staff competence are maintained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons.
Medical treatment for diabetic retinopathy: do the FIELD microvascular study results support a role for lipid lowering?
Authors: Dodson PM
Published: March 2008

While laser treatment is regarded as the standard therapy, intensive medical management of glycaemia and hypertension is a priority to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Recent data have prompted a re‐evaluation of the role of lipid‐modifying therapy in reducing diabetic retinopathy. The role of statins has been investigated in the CARDS trial, which demonstrated a trend to reduction in retinal laser treatment with atorvastatin, but no effect on retinopathy progression. Investigation of fibrates in the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study has demonstrated a significant 30% relative reduction in the need for first retinal laser therapy in type 2 diabetes patients treated with a fibrate (fenofibrate). This was evident in both reduction of macula and pan‐retinal laser treatment. A reduction in progression of diabetic retinopathy was observed in those with retinopathy at baseline, but not in primary prevention. The retinal benefits reported in the FIELD study do argue for consideration of fenofibrate in the management of patients with established diabetic retinopathy, whilst we await further evaluation of the mechanism and role of fenofibrate in trials with primary study endpoints of diabetic retinopathy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons.
Elevated levels of HER‐2/neu and androgen receptor in clinically localized prostate cancer identifies metastatic potential
Authors: Ricciardelli Carmela , Jackson Michael W. , Choong Catherine S. , Stahl Jürgen , Marshall Villis R. , Horsfall David J. , Tilley Wayne D.
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND

In this study, we investigated the expression of HER‐2/neu and AR in clinically organ‐confined prostate cancer to determine whether alterations in these signaling pathways contribute to the development of metastatic disease.

METHODS

HER‐2/neu and AR immunoreactivity were evaluated in archived prostatic tissues obtained from 53 men with clinically organ‐confined disease who underwent radical prostatectomy. Associations between AR and HER‐2/neu immunostaining and disease outcome were determined.

RESULTS

Seventy percent (37/53) of tumors exhibited high levels of HER‐2/neu immunostaining and 68% (36/53) of tumors had elevated AR levels. Patients with high levels of both HER‐2/neu and AR had the highest rate of PSA failure (56%, 15/27) compared with no PSA failures amongst seven patients with low levels of both HER‐2/neu and AR (log rank statistic 7.69, P = 0.021). Concurrent high levels of HER‐2/neu and AR expression were significantly associated with high pathological stage (P = 0.027) and development of metastatic disease (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the notion that both the HER‐2/neu and AR signaling pathways may contribute to development of metastatic disease. The subset of prostate tumors with increased HER‐2/neu and AR levels may benefit from treatment strategies that target both signaling pathways. Prostate 68:830–838, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic azacitidine treatment results in differentiating effects, sensitizes against bicalutamide in androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells
Authors: Gravina Giovanni Luca , Festuccia Claudio , Millimaggi Danilo , Dolo Vincenza , Tombolini Vincenzo , de Vito Mariano , Vicentini Carlo , Bologna Mauro
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND

About 20–30% of hormone‐independent PCa are characterized by the extensive loss of AR expression that appears to occur at the transcriptional level. Treatment of AR‐negative PCa cells with demethylating agents (Aza‐CR) leads to expression of AR mRNA and protein. Here, we investigate the effect of Aza‐CR administered both acutely and chronically on AR expression, PSA expression, cell survival, and proliferation in androgen‐independent/AR‐negative PCa cells. We also studied whether epigenetically reactivated AR is a target for bicalutamide therapy.

METHODS

The in vitro effect of Aza‐CR as single agent and its ability to induce AR expression and to augment the efficacy to bicalutamide were assessed using two androgen‐independent and AR‐negative cell lines (PC3 and DU145).

RESULTS

Our results show that acute treatment (4 days) with Aza‐CR results in a relatively low decrease in cell proliferation with G2 cell cycle arrest and no significant evidence of apoptosis or AR expression. Interestingly, when Aza‐CR was chronically administered (20 days), this treatment resulted in marked decrease in tumor cell proliferation with significant increase in AR and PSA protein levels. Furthermore, following Aza‐CR chronic treatment the formerly androgen‐independent PC3 and DU145 cells increase their susceptibility to the apoptotic effects of bicalutamide.

CONCLUSIONS

Aza‐CR acute treatment has modest effects on androgen‐independent and AR‐negative PCa cell survival and proliferation, but chronic administration results in profound decrease in proliferation and in sensitization to antiandrogen agents. All these effects seem, in some measure, dependent on a partial restoration of androgen regulation. Prostate 68: 793–801, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo and in vitro studies of anticancer actions of α‐TEA for human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Jia Li , Yu Weiping , Wang Pei , Sanders Bob G. , Kline Kimberly
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND

Vitamin E analog, 2,5,7,8‐tetramethyl‐2R‐(4R,8R, 12‐trimethyltridecyl) chroman‐6‐yloxyacetic acid, referred to as α‐TEA induces apoptosis in a variety of human cancer cells in cell culture and reduces tumor burden and metastases in preclinical animal models of breast and ovarian cancer. The goal of this study was to determine in vivo anticancer efficacy of α‐TEA against human prostate cancer cells and identify mechanisms of action.

METHODS

A PC‐3‐GFP xenograft model was used to assess the effects of α‐TEA formulated in liposomes and administered orally on tumor burden and metastases. Tumor tissue was examined by immunohistochemical staining for percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis by TUNEL or cell proliferation by Ki‐67. In vitro analyses of mechanisms employed western immunoblotting to examine effects of α‐TEA‐treatments in LNCaP and PC‐3‐GFP cells on levels of pro‐survival and pro‐death factors. Functional significance was determined using ectopically expressed constitutively active forms, inhibitors, or siRNA.

RESULTS

α‐TEA significantly reduced tumor burden and metastases, increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation of tumor cells (P < 0.05). α‐TEA treatment of both LNCaP and PC‐3‐GFP cells in vitro reduced levels of pAkt1, pAkt2; FOXO1, c‐FLIP(L) and survivin. Constitutively active Akt1, Akt2, c‐FLIP or survivin reduced α‐TEA‐induced apoptosis. PI3K inhibitor enhanced apoptosis. Constitutively active FOXO1 enhanced α‐TEA induced Fas ligand expression; whereas, FOXO1 siRNA reduced α‐TEA induced Fas ligand expression.

CONCLUSIONS

α‐TEA is an effective anticancer agent for human prostate cancer cells. Downregulation of pro‐survival and upregulation of pro‐death factors play roles in α‐TEA‐induced apoptosis. Prostate 68:849–860, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Larvicidal activity ofKaempferia galangarhizome phenylpropanoids towards three mosquito species
Authors: Ahn Young‐Joon , Kim Nam‐Jin , Byun Sang‐Gi , Cho Jang‐Eun , Chung Keun
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND:This study was aimed at assessing the toxicity of ethyl cinnamate and ethylp‐methoxycinnamate (EMC) identified inKaempferia galangalL. (Zingiberaceae) rhizome and another 12 known compounds to third‐instar larvae from laboratory‐rearedCulex pipiens pallensForskal,Aedes aegyptiL. andOchlerotatus togoiTheobald and field‐collectedC. pipiens pallens(Jinhae colony). Results were compared with those for fenthion and temephos.

RESULTS:Ethylp‐methoxycinnamate was the most toxic of the test compounds to larvae of the three mosquito species (LC5012.3–20.7 mg L−1) but less toxic than either fenthion (0.0096–0.021 mg L−1) or temephos (0.0039–0.0079 mg L−1). Ethyl cinnamate and 3‐carene were highly active againstC. pipiens pallenslarvae (24.1 and 21.6 mg L−1) but less toxic toA. aegyptiandO. togoilarvae (ca 40 and 60 mg L−1respectively). The toxicity of these compounds to larvae from the Jinhae colony ofC. pipiens pallenswas almost the same as their toxicity to the laboratory‐reared larvae, although the larvae from the colony exhibited low levels of resistance to fenthion (resistance ratio 9.1) and temephos (5.8).

CONCLUSION:Kaempferia galangarhizome‐derived materials, particularly ethylp‐methoxycinnamate, merit further study as potential mosquito control agents for protection of humans and domestic animals from vector‐borne diseases and nuisance caused by mosquitoes. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and insecticidal activity of new 3‐benzylfuran‐2‐yl N,N,N′,N′‐tetraethyldiamidophosphate derivatives
Authors: Paula Vanderlúcia F , Barbosa Luiz Cláudio A , Teixeira Róbson R , Picanço Marcelo C , Silva Gerson A
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: A series of 3‐benzylfuran‐2‐yl N,N,N′,N′‐tetraethyldiamidophosphate derivatives were synthesized as potential new agents to control insects. Their structures were confirmed on the basis of IR, NMR and MS analyses.

RESULTS: Ten 3‐benzylfuran‐2‐ylN,N,N′,N′‐tetraethyl derivatives were prepared from the compound furan‐2‐yl N′ (N,N,N′,N′‐tetraethyldiamidophosphate). The contact toxicity of all derivatives, at a dose of 10 µg mg−1 insect, was evaluated against four insect species, Ascia monuste orseis Latr. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Diaphania hyalinata (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Sitophilus zeamais Mots. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) and Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The mortality range observed for some derivatives, such as 3‐(3‐methylbenzyl)furan‐2‐yl N,N,N′,N′‐tetraethyldiamidophosphate (82.5% mortality against D. hyalinata; 100% mortality against S. saevissima), was comparable with that of the commercial insecticide chlorpyrifos‐methyl. The biological activity of the derivatives depended on the substitution pattern of the benzylic ring. Furan‐2‐yl N,N,N′,N′‐tetraethyldiamidophosphate, furan‐2‐yl N,N‐diethylamidochlorophosphate and difuran‐2‐yl N,N‐diethylamidophosphate were also evaluated, displaying, in some cases, activity comparable with that of chlorpyrifos‐methyl (90%, 100% and 97.5% respectively against A. monuste orseis). Considerable activity was observed for some furan‐2(5H)‐ones evaluated.

CONCLUSION: Ten 3‐benzylfuran‐2‐yl N,N,N′,N′‐tetraethyldiamidophosphate derivatives were synthesized and fully characterized from a chemical point of view. The results obtained from the biological assays indicate that this class of compounds can be utilized for the design of new substances endowed with insecticidal activity. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
The impact of extratropical transition on the downstream flow: An idealized modelling study with a straight jet
Authors: Riemer Michael , Jones Sarah C. , Davis Christopher A.
Published: March 2008

The interaction of a tropical cyclone undergoing extratropical transition (ET) with the midlatitude synoptic‐scale flow is investigated using full‐physics numerical experiments with idealized initial conditions. The emphasis is on the impact on the midlatitude flow downstream of the ET event. The midlatitude flow is represented by a balanced straight jet stream. As the tropical cyclone approaches the jet, a ridge–trough couplet and a distinct jet streak form in the upper‐level flow. A midlatitude cyclone develops rapidly downstream of the ET system and the further evolution is characterized by downstream baroclinic development.

Based on Hovmöller diagrams, the upper‐level development is interpreted as the excitation and subsequent dispersion of a Rossby wave train on the potential vorticity gradient associated with the jet. The characteristics of this wave train are sensitive to the structure of the jet and to moist processes in the midlatitudes. The tropical cyclone undergoing ET acts as a sustained forcing for the wave train and the structure of the ET system impacts the development most significantly one to two wavelengths downstream of ET.

Piecewise inversion of potential vorticity, complemented by the partitioning of the flow into its rotational and divergent parts, is applied to assess the impact of the ET system quantitatively. Both the cyclonic circulation and the outflow of the tropical cyclone are important contributors to the formation and amplification of the ridge–trough couplet. The outflow anomaly reduces the eastward motion of the ridge–trough couplet significantly and thus promotes phase‐locking between the tropical cyclone and the upper‐level pattern. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Ozone loss in the 2002–2003 Arctic vortex deduced from the assimilation of Odin/SMR O3 and N2O measurements: N2O as a dynamical tracer
Authors: El Amraoui L. , Peuch V.‐H. , Ricaud P. , Massart S. , Semane N. , Teyssèdre H. , Cariolle D. , Karcher F.
Published: March 2008

In this paper we investigate the evolution of the northern polar vortex during the winter 2002–2003 in the lower stratosphere by using assimilated fields of ozone (O3) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Both O3 and N2O used in this study are obtained from the Sub‐Millimetre Radiometer (SMR) aboard the Odin satellite and are assimilated into the global three‐dimensional chemistry transport model of Météo‐France, MOCAGE. O3 is assimilated into the ‘full’ model including both advection and chemistry whereas N2O is only assimilated with advection since it is characterized by good chemical stability in the lower stratosphere. We show the ability of the assimilated N2O field to localize the edge of the polar vortex. The results are compared to the use of the maximum gradient of modified potential vorticity as a vortex edge criterion. The O3 assimilated field serves to evaluate the ozone evolution and to deduce the ozone depletion inside the vortex. The chemical ozone loss is estimated using the vortex‐average technique. The N2O assimilated field is also used to substract out the effect of subsidence in order to extract the actual chemical ozone loss. Results show that the chemical ozone loss is 1.1 ± 0.3 ppmv on the 25 ppbv N2O level between mid‐November and mid‐January, and 0.9 ± 0.2 ppmv on the 50 ppbv N2O level between mid‐November and the end of January. A linear fit over the same periods gives a chemical ozone loss rate of ∼18 ppbv day−1 and ∼9.3 ppbv day−1 on the 25 ppbv and 50 ppbv N2O levels, respectively. The vortex‐averaged ozone loss profile from the O3 assimilated field shows a maximum of 0.98 ppmv at 475 K. Comparisons to other results reported by different authors using different techniques and different observations give satisfactory results. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Influence of local and remote sea surface temperatures on precipitation as inferred from changes in boundary‐layer moisture convergence and moist thermodynamics over global oceans
Authors: Sud Y. C. , Walker G. K. , Zhou Y. P. , Lau W. K.‐M.
Published: March 2008

A comprehensive method of estimating the influences of local versus remote sea surface temperatures (SSTs) on precipitation is developed. The method was applied to two ten‐year simulations made with a general circulation model (GCM) and forced with prescribed SSTs. The simulation period spanned from 1 January 1982 to 31 December 1991. The first simulation (called Cs) was forced with naturally varying SSTs taken from the analysis of observations and the second simulation (called Cc) was forced with monthly mean climatology of SSTs used in Cs. Monthly data of evaporation, precipitation, mean vertical velocity and atmospheric moisture convergence were binned by 1 °C SST intervals and plotted as bin means and within‐bin standard deviations. The plots showed that (i) binning captured the averaged trend of SST influences on the monthly fields, but with large standard deviations; (ii) all bin‐averaged SST dependences were remarkably similar in the two simulations as well as in the single El Niño Southern Oscillation year of 1987; (iii) evaporation increased monotonically with SST up to about 27 °C after which it plateaued; and (iv) precipitation correlated much more with the vertical velocity than with the local SST.

Monthly precipitation fields were doubly binned with respect to SSTs and boundary‐layer moisture convergence (BLqC); data binned in this way were used to compute the partial derivatives of precipitation with respect to SST and BLqC. Together with the total rate of change of BLqC with local SSTs, the rate of change of precipitation with local SST was computed. The remaining precipitation differences were lumped together as all other remote effects. Simulation Cc was used to infer the natural variability of the precipitation required for the statistical significance of the local SST and/or remotely caused changes in precipitation. This analysis categorized all precipitation anomalies into four types: (i) where the local SST influences were significant, (ii) where the remote SSTs influences were significant, (iii) where both influences were significant, and (iv) where the natural variability was larger than both influences. Most of the precipitation responses to SSTs were as expected, while their seasonal behaviour revealed that local SSTs contribute to a number of features of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) including the double ITCZ in March–April–May. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymptotic gravity wave drag expressions for non‐hydrostatic rotating flow over a ridge
Authors: Teixeira M. A. C. , Miranda P. M. A. , Cardoso R. M.
Published: March 2008

Asymptotic expressions are derived for the mountain wave drag in flow with constant wind and static stability over a ridge when both rotation and non‐hydrostatic effects are important. These expressions, which are much more manageable than the corresponding exact drag expressions (when these do exist) are found to provide accurate approximations to the drag, even when non‐hydrostatic and rotation effects are strong, despite having been developed for cases where these effects are weak. The derived expressions are compared with approximations to the drag found previously, and their asymptotic behaviour in various limits is studied. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Design of fault‐tolerant control for MTTF
Authors: Li Hongbin , Zhao Qing
Published: March 2008

Mean time to failure (MTTF) is an important reliability index of fault‐tolerant control systems, which is chosen as a design objective in this paper. However, it is usually evaluated from stochastic reliability models, and no analytical expression is available to relate MTTF to controller parameters. To overcome this difficulty, a two‐stage design scheme is proposed in this paper: A gradient‐based search is firstly carried out on probabilistic H∞ performance characteristics for MTTF requirement; a sequential randomized algorithm with a weighted violation function is then developed for a controller design to satisfy the required H∞ performance, and its convergence is guaranteed with probability 1. Two iterative algorithms are carried out alternately to implement this scheme, and a controller can be designed for MTTF requirement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of metallic magnetic calorimeters for x‐ray metrology applications
Authors: Rodrigues M. , Loidl M. , Leblanc E. , Bouchard J. , Fleischmann A. , Enss C.
Published: March 2008

We are developing metallic magnetic calorimeters operating at very low temperatures for applications in the field of ionizing radiation metrology. The main aim of this development is to enhance the accuracy of atomic and nuclear data determination, in particular x‐ray and gamma ray emission probabilities. The energy resolution of metallic magnetic calorimeters is much better than that of the commonly used semiconductor detectors, enabling the separation of lines of very close energies. We have chosen gold, a high Z material, for the detector absorber. This favors photoelectric absorption, and the quantum efficiency can be made close to unity. We first describe the detection principle including the detector read‐out system. Following, we present the conception, first prototypes and experimental results of two x‐ray and gamma ray detectors for the energy ranges 1–20 keV and 20–200 keV. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural analysis of tungsten–zirconium oxide catalyst by W K‐edge and L1‐edge XAFS
Authors: Yamamoto Takashi , Orita Akihiro , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: March 2008

The local structure of tungsten species in tungsten–zirconium–oxide catalysts (WOxZrO2) was first investigated by W K‐edge x‐ray absorption spectroscopic techniques. A proportion of WO4to the total WOxspecies was quantitatively analyzed with W L1‐edge x‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). Tungsten species in 15 wt% WOxZrO2, which is the most active forn‐butane skeletal isomerization, consists of a mixture of WO3ZrO2solid solution, WO6aggregate and WO4species on the catalyst surface. The tungsten species does not possess long‐range ordering. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pasieka’s Parathyroid Symptoms Scores Correlate with SF‐36 Scores in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Mihai Radu , Sadler Gregory P.
Published: March 2008

Background

Parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is expected to trigger an improvement in the quality of life. This has been demonstrated previously by using the SF‐36 questionnaire, whose interpretation is difficult in routine clinical practice. As an alternative, the 13‐item questionnaire developed by Pasieka et al. can be used to assess the severity of symptoms on a visual analogue from which a parathyroid assessment of symptoms score (PAS) can be calculated. The purpose of this study was to correlate results of these two assessment tools.

Methods

Prospective case‐series study recruiting consecutive unselected patients who underwent successful parathyroidectomy for PHPT. SF‐36(v2) and Pasieka’s questionnaires were collected before parathyroidectomy and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Between November 2005 and December 2006, 101 patients were diagnosed with PHPT (30 men; aged 18–89 years). Preoperative PAS ranged 0–1040 and did not correlate with the severity of hypercalcemia (2.91 ± 0.25; range, 2.56–3.4 mmol/l). Scores from the SF‐36 questionnaire were under the 50th percentile for the normal population in three domains (vitality, emotional role, and physical role). Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy was performed in 69 patients and bilateral cervical exploration in 32 patients. All were found to have a single parathyroid adenoma and were normocalcemic at 3–12 months after parathyroidectomy.

At follow‐up, there was a significant reduction of PAS from 460 ± 257 preoperatively to 254 ± 234 at 3 months postoperatively (n = 72), to 245 ± 215 at 6 months (n = 50), and 249 ± 212 at 12 months (n = 63) (p < 0.05, Student’s t‐test). There was a significant and persistent improvement in five domains of SF‐36 questionnaire: bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health. Overall analysis of 244 assessments using both questionnaires demonstrated a negative correlation between increasing PAS and decreasing mental component scores and physical component scores of the SF‐36 assessment (r2 = 0.372 and 0.301, respectively).

Conclusions

Pasieka’s parathyroid assessment of symptom scores (PAS) correlate with SF‐36 questionnaire scores. Because PAS allows easier and faster analysis, we advocate that Pasieka’s questionnaire should be integrated into the assessment of patients with PHPT as a reliable tool to identify symptomatic changes that correlate with improved quality of life.
Candidate Diagnostic Markers and Tumor Suppressor Genes for Adrenocortical Carcinoma by Expression Profile of Genes on Chromosome 11q13
Authors: Fernandez‐Ranvier Gustavo G. , Weng Julie , Yeh Ru‐Fang , Shibru Daniel , Khafnashar Elham , Chung Ki‐Wook , Hwang Jimmy , Duh Quan Yang , Clark Orlo H. , Kebebew Electron
Published: March 2008

Background

The most common genetic change observed in adrenocortical carcinoma is loss of heterozygozity on chromosome 11q13. As genes on this chromosome may be important in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical carcinoma, we compared their expression profile between benign and malignant adrenocortical tissue.

Methods

We used the Affymetrix GeneChip (U133 plus 2.0) array in 54 adrenocortical tumors (11 carcinoma and 43 benign). Differential gene expression was defined as a twofold higher or lower gene expression level (p < 0.05). Differentially expressed genes on microarray analysis were validated by real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to determined the diagnostic accuracy of the differently expressed genes for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors.

Results

We found 25 of the 314 genes on chromosome 11q13 to be differentially expressed between adrenocortical carcinoma and benign adrenocortical tumor. All 25 were downregulated in adrenocortical carcinoma by 2‐fold to 4.8‐fold; 21 were validated to be differentially expressed by RT‐PCR (Pearson’s coefficient > 0.5). Six genes (SERPING1, MRPL48, TM7SF2, DDB1, NDUSF8, PRDX5) validated by RT‐PCR were significantly differentially expressed between benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors (p < 0.05) with an overall accuracy of 89% for SERPING1, 91% for MRPL48, 87% for TM7SF2, 88% for DDB1, 91% for NDUFS8, and 89% for PRDX5. The AUC was 0.89 for the combination of SERPING1, MRPL48, TM7SF2, DDB1, and NDUFS8.

Conclusions

We have identified 25 genes located on chromosome 11q13 that are downregulated in adrenocortical carcinoma and may be candidate tumor suppressor genes. Six of these genes were good diagnostic markers for distinguishing adrenocortical carcinoma from adenoma.
Can a Lightbulb Sestamibi SPECT Accurately Predict Single‐Gland Disease in Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism?
Authors: Yip Linwah , Pryma Daniel A. , Yim John H. , Virji Mohamed A. , Carty Sally E. , Ogilvie Jennifer B.
Published: March 2008

Background

Technetium‐99m sestamibi scintigraphy with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is widely used to guide minimally invasive exploration in patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (SPH), although its sensitivity in multiglandular disease is limited. We examined the incidence of missed multiglandular disease and associated anatomic findings when sestamibi SPECT was positive for a single intense focus of delayed tracer uptake, termed a lightbulb scan (LBS).

Methods

Prospectively entered data from 764 patients with SPH treated with initial parathyroid exploration from March 5, 2000, to December 31, 2006, were reviewed. A single radiologist performed blinded interpretation of 585 available sestamibi SPECT images, classifying 167 (28.5%) patients with a LBS. Clinical findings were compared among LBS patients with a single adenoma (true positive) and LBS patients with multiglandular disease (false negative).

Results

One hundred fifty of 167 (89.8%) LBS patients had a single adenoma and 3 (1.8%) had carcinoma. Multiglandular disease was anatomically present in 14 of 167 (8.4%) LBS patients compared with 60 of 418 (15.6%) non‐LBS patients (p = 0.05). Parathyroid hyperplasia occurred less frequently in LBS patients [5/167 (3%)] compared with non‐LBS patients [36/418 (8.6%)], (p = 0.02), while double adenomas occurred equally often in LBS patients [9/167 (5.4%)] compared with non‐LBS patients [24/418 (5.7%)], (p = 0.87). Double adenomas in LBS patients were more likely ipsilateral (7/9, p = 0.005) and left‐sided (7/7, p = 0.008). LBS patients with multiglandular disease were more likely to have a history of neck irradiation, prior neck exploration, and concomitant thyroid pathology.

Conclusions

In patients with SPH, sestamibi SPECT studies show a single bright focus of uptake in only 29% of patients. LBS findings do not exclude multiglandular disease. To avoid unacceptable rates of failure at initial parathyroid exploration, the expert surgeon should use validated adjuncts such as intraoperative PTH monitoring or four‐gland exploration.
Synthesis and Characterization of some Alkyl Polyglycosides Surfactants
Authors: El‐Sukkary M. M. A. , Syed Nagla A. , Aiad Ismail , El‐Azab W. I. M.
Published: March 2008

Alkyl polyglycosides (APGs) of different hydrocarbon chain lengths were prepared using an indirect method involving the condensation of fatty alcohol with dextrose. The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed using different spectroscopic techniques, primarily Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. The surface properties of the solutions containing different concentrations of the prepared APGs were determined at different temperatures. The results of the spectroscopic analysis demonstrate that these materials were prepared through the correct techniques, producing pure materials. The results of the critical micelle concentration (CMC) determination demonstrate that the surface properties of these compounds depend mainly on the nature of their hydrophobic component.
Influence of Polymorphic Transformations on Gelation of Tripalmitin Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Suspensions
Authors: Helgason T. , Awad T. S. , Kristbergsson K. , McClements D. J. , Weiss J.
Published: March 2008

Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) suspensions, which consist of submicron‐sized crystalline lipid particles dispersed within an aqueous medium, can be used to encapsulate, protect and deliver lipophilic functional components. Nevertheless, SLN suspensions are susceptible to particle aggregation and gelation during their preparation and storage, which potentially limits their industrial utilization. In this study, we examined the aggregation and gelation behavior of SLN suspensions composed of 10 wt% tripalmitin particles (r < 150 nm) stabilized by 1.5% Tween 20. The tripalmitin and aqueous surfactant solution were homogenized above the lipid melting temperature and cooled under controlled conditions to initiate SLN formation. The aggregation and gelation of SLN suspensions during storage was then examined by shear rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), light scattering and microscopy. Rheology measurements indicated that gelation times decreased with increasing storage temperature, e.g., samples formed weak gels after 62, 23, and 10 min at 1, 5, and 10 °C, respectively. DSC revealed increasingly rapid α‐ to β‐polymorphic transformations in SLN dispersions stored at 1, 5, and 10 °C, respectively. We propose that the observed aggregation and gelation of SLN suspensions are associated with a change in the shape of the nanoparticles from spherical (α‐form) to non‐spherical (β‐form) when they undergo the polymorphic transition. When they change shape there is no longer sufficient surfactant present to completely cover the lipid phase, which promotes particle aggregation through hydrophobic attraction. Our results have important implications for the design and fabrication of stable SLN suspensions.
Improving Nursing School Diversity Through Use of a Group Admission Interview
Authors: Trice Lucy B. , Foster Patricia H.
Published: March 2008

NURSING STUDENT DIVERSITY is a priority of the University of North Florida School of Nursing, but faculty members found that the prelicensure track admission process favored students with high grade point averages (GPAs) and eliminated many potentially good students, including minorities.

ADDING AN INTERVIEW to the admission process resulted in acceptance of highly qualified students while giving deserving students, including minority students with good but lower GPAs, the opportunity to enter the program.

THE CHANGE IN THE ADMISSION PROCESS in creased minority admissions from a low of 2% to as high as 25%. Neither the overall attrition rate nor the licensure examination pass rate has been adversely affected.
Complying With the 2008 National Patient Safety Goals
Authors: Catalano Kathleen , Fickenscher Kevin
Published: March 2008

IN 2003, THE JOINT COMMISSION began publishing National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) and requiring accredited health care organizations to comply with these goals in an effort to reduce the number of medical errors.

THE NPSGS ARE UPDATED yearly with new requirements to promote specific improvements in patient safety.

THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES A REVIEW of the 2008 NPSGs and suggests ways in which information technology systems can address health care organizations' compliance with some of these goals.
Special Needs of Older Adults Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Clayton Judith L.
Published: March 2008

DURING THE PAST CENTURY, life expectancy in the United States has increased as a result of improved sanitation, development of vaccines and treatments for childhood diseases, and vast improvements in health care and disease prevention.

OLDER ADULTS ARE AT HIGHER RISK than younger individuals for complications during and after surgery. Carefully planned, effective nursing care during the perioperative period will help reduce surgical morbidity in older adults.

AGE‐SPECIFIC NURSING CARE techniques that are provided during the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of a surgical experience are discussed in this article, with a particular focus on how to manage pain and prevent infection.
Improving Surgical Services Performance Through Changing Work Culture
Authors: Schubnell Tom , Meuer Laura , Bengtson Ryan
Published: March 2008

CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL HOSPITAL administrators knew that they needed to improve their surgical services infrastructure to accommodate growing patient volume, implement new technology, and address a major shift from inpatient to outpatient surgery.

THE HOSPITAL PARTNERED with an outside consultant to better understand the impact of the work environment and culture on performance and to identify opportunities for improvement. During a seven‐month period, new work processes, tools, and staff training helped significantly boost surgical services volume and revenue.

TODAY, THE HOSPITAL CONTINUES to sustain the performance gains achieved through the surgical care coordination initiative.
Spousal abuse during pregnancy in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Farid Mufiza , Saleem Sarah , Karim Mehtab S. , Hatcher Juanita
Published: March 2008

Objectives

To determine the magnitude of and factors associated with spousal abuse during pregnancy in women presenting to tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

Five hundred women who delivered a live singleton baby were interviewed. Physical and/or emotional abuse during pregnancy (PEAP) was the primary outcome measure as determined by the World Health Organization's domestic violence module. Frequencies of different forms of abuse were measured and the relationship between PEAP and the risk factors was determined using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Of the women interviewed, 44% reported abuse during the index pregnancy; and of these, 43% experienced emotional abuse and 12.6% reported physical abuse. Factors independently associated with PEAP were number of living children (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.34; CI, 1.08–1.65), interfamilial conflicts (AOR 3.03; CI, 1.85–4.96), husband's exposure to maternal abuse (AOR, 2.38; CI, 1.41–4.02), and husband's use of tobacco (AOR 1.59; CI, 1.05–2.42). Women who had adequate social support were less likely to be abused by their husbands (AOR 0.65; CI, 0.51–0.82).

Conclusions

Almost half of the pregnant women interviewed were either physically or emotionally abused. Strong social support helps protect against abuse.
Maternal healthcare needs assessment survey at Rabia Balkhi Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Khorrami Homa , Karzai Fatima , Macri Charles J. , Amir Azizullah , Laube Douglas
Published: March 2008

Objective

Since the Department of Health and Human Services chose Rabia Balkhi Hospital (RBH) in Kabul, Afghanistan, as a site for intervention in 2002, the status of women's health there has been of interest. This study created a tool to assess accessibility and quality of care of women admitted from May to July, 2005.

Methods

A 39‐item questionnaire was created in English and translated into Dari. Hospital staff administered the survey to 292 women admitted to RBH for obstetric and gynecological complaints.

Results

Approximately 40% of the women traveled between 1 and 5 hours to reach RBH. Only 54% (158/292) of women reported having their blood pressure monitored during their pregnancy. About one‐third of women reported that they had never received an immunization.

Conclusions

This survey tool ascertained that women who received care at RBH traveled great lengths to reach the facility. Preventative measures such as blood pressure checks and immunizations are areas that need improvement.
Neonatal outcome and two‐year follow‐up after expectant management of second trimester rupture of membranes
Authors: Pristauz Gunda , Bauer Margit , Maurer‐Fellbaum Ute , Rotky‐Fast Christa , Bader Arnim A. , Haas Josef , Lang Uwe
Published: March 2008

Objective: To assess neonatal outcome and 2‐year follow‐up of pregnancies complicated by second trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methods: A retrospective review of obstetric and neonatal records for 87 pregnancies (56 singletons, 6 twins, 1 triplet) with PPROM between 14 + 0 and 24 + 6 weeks of gestation. Patients received antibiotics and steroids for fetal lung maturity once they reached 24 weeks of gestation. Placentas were examined histopathologically. Surviving infants were followed‐up at 2 years of age. Results: Median latency from PPROM to delivery was 4 days. Survival rate of 56 singletons was 45% (25/56); and 13 died in hospital. Survival rate of infants discharged from hospital was 23% (12/56). Chorioamnionitis was seen histologically in 42% (5/12) of surviving infants compared with 92% (12/13) of those that died in hospital. Of the 12 surviving infants, 50% had a normal neurological and developmental outcome at 2 years of age. Conclusion: Gestational age, birth weight, and histologic chorioamnionitis have prognostic importance in pregnancies complicated by PPROM. Surviving infants have a 50% chance of achieving an adequate health status at 2 years of age.
The influence of medical abortion compared with surgical abortion on subsequent pregnancy outcome
Authors: Gan Changping , Zou Yan , Wu Shangchun , Li Youping , Liu Qing
Published: March 2008

Seven prospective cohort studies (12 484 cases) were included in this review of the respective effects on the next pregnancy of medical and surgical abortion in early pregnancy. The incidence of miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage was significantly lower in the pregnancy following a medical abortion. No other significant differences were found. With respect to the outcome of the next pregnancy, first‐trimester medical abortions may thus be safer than the surgical option.
Paleowetlands and regional climate change in the central Atacama Desert, northern chile
Authors: Quade Jay , Rech Jason A. , Betancourt Julio L. , Latorre Claudio , Quade Barbra , Rylander Kate Aasen , Fisher Timothy
Published: March 2008

Widespread, organic-rich diatomaceous deposits are evidence for formerly wetter times along the margins of the central Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth today. We mapped and dated these paleowetland deposits at three presently waterless locations near Salar de Punta Negra (24.5°S) on the western slope of the Andes. Elevated groundwater levels supported phreatic discharge into wetlands during two periods: 15,900 to ~ 13,800 and 12,700 to ~ 9700 cal yr BP. Dense concentrations of lithic artifacts testify to the presence of paleoindians around the wetlands late in the second wet phase (11,000?–9700 cal yr BP). Water tables dropped below the surface before 15,900 and since 8100 cal yr BP, and briefly between ~ 13,800 and 12,700 cal yr BP. This temporal pattern is repeated, with some slight differences, in rodent middens from the study area, in both paleowetland and rodent midden deposits north and south of the study area, and in lake level fluctuations on the adjacent Bolivian Altiplano. The regional synchroneity of these changes points to a strengthening of the South American Monsoon — which we term the "Central Andean Pluvial Event" — in two distinct intervals (15,900–13,800 and 12,700–9700 cal yr BP), probably induced by steepened SST gradients across the tropical Pacific (i.e., La Niña-like conditions).
The enlightened microscope: re-enactment and analysis of projections with eighteenth-century solar microscopes
Authors: HEERING PETER
Published: March 2008

Solar microscopes and their techniques attracted particular attention in the second half of the eighteenth century. This paper investigates the grounds for this interest. After a general introduction to the solar microscope, it discusses the use of original instruments to gain access to the visual culture of solar microscopes and the issues raised by these re-enactments. Experiences involved in this process serve as a basis for reassessing the original source materials. Thence emerges a different account of the meaning of the solar microscope in the eighteenth century and possible reasons for its popularity.
The return of Thomas Salusbury'sLife of Galileo(1664)
Authors: WILDING NICK
Published: March 2008

Thomas Salusbury'sLife of Galileo(1664) was the first substantial biography of Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) in any language. All copies but one were destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The surviving copy was lost in the library of the Earls of Macclesfield at Shirburn Castle in the mid-nineteenth century. With the auction of the library in 2004–7, it temporarily re-emerged. This essay presents a preliminary description of the copy and its contents. It argues that to understand the existence and nature of the book we need to explore the social relations governing the control of information in early modern Europe. It is shown that Salusbury's project was launched in the face of social and political information blockades and in direct competition with other similar ventures. In particular, rumours of the future publication of an official biography by Vincenzo Viviani (1622–1703) and continuing negotiations over the memory and reputation of Galileo in Italy presented insurmountable barriers to the successful completion of his project. Despite these problems Salusbury's biography, produced on the margins of the emerging Royal Society, presents a spirited portrait of Galileo. Moreover, nearly four hundred years after the event, it offers a new and provocative explanation of the famous trial.
AUDITORS' LIABILITY AND ITS IMPACT ON THE EUROPEAN FINANCIAL MARKETS
Authors: Doralt Walter , Hellgardt Alexander , Hopt Klaus J. , Leyens Patrick C. , Roth Markus , Zimmermann Reinhard
Published: March 2008

In 2007 the European Commission produced a Staff Working Paper seeking consultation on the development of auditors' liability in Europe. The present article represents the views of the Working Group on the subject set up by the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law in Hamburg.
FROM CONTRACT TO UMBRELLA AGREEMENT
Authors: Mouzas Stefanos , Furmston Michael
Published: March 2008

It is now widely accepted that English contract law does not deal equally well across the whole range of agreements that are made. The model which fits best to English contract law is one in which the parties move immediately from no contract to completed contract. There is great difficulty with situations where the parties spend a long time in an area where there are obligations and understandings but not yet a fully completed contract. This article considers an important development that attempts to deal with this difficulty. That is the increasing use by contracting parties of what may be called umbrella agreements.
Structural setting and U–Pb zircon geochronology of the Glen Scaddle Metagabbro: evidence for polyphase Scandian ductile deformation in the Caledonides of northern Scotland
Authors: STRACHAN R. A. , EVANS J. A.
Published: March 2008

Within the Scottish Caledonides, the Glen Scaddle Metagabbro was intruded into the Moine Supergroup of the Northern Highland Terrane after Grampian D2 folding and prior to regional D3 and D4 upright folding and amphibolite-facies metamorphism. A U–Pb zircon age of 426 ± 3 Ma obtained from the metagabbro is interpreted to date emplacement. D3–D4 folding is constrained to have occurred during the Scandian orogenic event. In contrast, polyphase folding and regional metamorphism of the Dalradian Supergroup southeast of the Great Glen Fault is entirely Grampian. These differences are consistent with published tectonic models that invoke a minimum of 700 km of post-Scandian sinistral displacements across the Great Glen Fault to juxtapose the Grampian and Northern Highland terranes.
Nonlinear evolution of the zigzag instability in stratified fluids: a shortcut on the route to dissipation
Authors: DELONCLE AXEL , BILLANT PAUL , CHOMAZ JEAN-MARC
Published: March 2008

We present high-resolution direct numerical simulations of the nonlinear evolution of a pair of counter-rotating vertical vortices in a stratified fluid for various high Reynolds numbers Re and low Froude numbers Fh. The vortices are bent by the zigzag instability producing high vertical shear. There is no nonlinear saturation so that the exponential growth is stopped only when the viscous dissipation by vertical shear is of the same order as the horizontal transport, i.e. when $Z^h_{\hbox{\it\scriptsize max}}$/Re=O(1) where $Z^h_{\hbox{\it\scriptsize max}}$ is the maximum horizontal enstrophy non-dimensionalized by the vortex turnover frequency. The zigzag instability therefore directly transfers the energy from large scales to the small dissipative vertical scales. However, for high Reynolds number, the vertical shear created by the zigzag instability is so intense that the minimum local Richardson number Ri decreases below a threshold of around 1/4 and small-scale Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities develop. We show that this can only occur when $ReF_h^2$ is above a threshold estimated as 340. Movies are available with the online version of the paper.