bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CCR5 Promoter Polymorphism Influences the Interferon Response of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C in Japan
Authors: Konishi Ichiro , Horiike Norio , Hiasa Yoichi , Michitaka Kojiro , Onji Morikazu
Published: June 2004

Objective: Chemokines and chemokine receptors play important roles in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. Here, we explore the influence of genetic polymorphisms of chemokine and chemokine receptors such as regulated upon activation and T cell secreted (RANTES), CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and CCR2 on the outcome of interferon (IFN) monotherapy. Methods: In a cohort of 105 patients with chronic hepatitis C as well as in 50 sustained responders and 55 nonresponders the presence of polymorphisms such as CCR5-Δ32, CCR5 59029G/A, CCR2 V64I and RANTES –403G/C was determined. Results: Gender, age, liver histological staging, pretreatment ALT levels, total dose of IFN and frequencies of polymorphisms (CCR2 V64I and RANTES –403G/C) did not significantly differ between the two groups. A low viral load, hepatitis C virus (HCV) serotype 2 and CCR5 59029G/G were significantly associated with a higher probability of a sustained response (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a low viral load, HCV serotype 2 and CCR5 59029G/G were independently associated with a sustained response [odds ratio 3.980 (1.647–9.621), p = 0.002; 3.584 (1.439–8.924), p = 0.006; 3.638 (1.163–11.379), p = 0.026, respectively]. Conclusion: These findings indicate that CCR5 59029 is a host genetic factor that is associated with responses to IFN therapy among Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C.
The Results of Cytogenetic Analysis with Regard to Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Males, Females and Fetuses
Authors: Basaran S. , Engur A. , Aytan M. , Karaman B. , Ghanbari A. , Toksoy G. , Yuksel A. , Cankat D. , Kervancıoglu E. , Wollnik B. , Bahceci M. , Yuksel-Apak M.
Published: June 2004

Objectives: To determine the incidence of chromosome abnormalities among couples for whom intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment was indicated and fetuses conceived through the ICSI procedure. Methods: All cytogenetic results were evaluated retrospectively. Patients undergoing ICSI (n = 508) were classified according to the referring indications as: (1) males with severe infertility (87 azoospermia and 34 oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, OAT), (2) prior to ICSI (56 males and 61 females), and (3) following an unsuccessful ICSI procedure (132 males and 138 females). Fetuses conceived through ICSI (n = 475) were also classified into 4 groups according to the additional risk factors for chromosome abnormalities: ICSI (n = 185), ICSI + advanced maternal age (AMA, n = 215), ICSI + positive triple test result (TT, n = 50), and ICSI + abnormal ultrasound findings (USG, n = 25). Results: An abnormal karyotype was found in 31.03% of males with azoospermia and 14.71% of males with OAT, in 3.57% of males and 1.64% of females in the group prior to ICSI, and in 5.30 and 5.07%, respectively, in the group following unsuccessful ICSI treatment. Gonosomal aneuploidies were predominant in males with azoospermia and autosomal rearrangements in males with OAT, while low-level sex chromosome mosaicism was found in females. The overall frequency of chromosome abnormalities in fetuses was 4.42% and varied in the different groups from 1.62% in ICSI, 2.79% in ICSI + AMA, 10.0% in ICSI + TT to 28.0% in ICSI + USG. The frequencies of the different types of chromosome abnormalities were as follows: balanced 1.05%, unbalanced 3.37%, familial 0.84%, de novo 3.37%, autosomal 3.58%, gonosomal 0.84%, numerical 1.89%, structural abnormalities 2.53%, and mosaicism 1.26%. Conclusion: Our results indicate that cytogenetic investigations of the ICSI parents and fetuses are essential for the families, genetic counselors and also reproductive centers. In fetal karyotyping, de novo structural chromosome abnormalities and mosaicism should be taken into consideration.
Obstetric Prognosis after Placental Abruption
Authors: Toivonen Sari , Heinonen Seppo , Anttila Maarit , Kosma Veli-Matti , Saarikoski Seppo
Published: June 2004

Objective: To assess obstetric outcome in women with a history of placental abruption. Methods: We utilised the population-based birth registry data of Kuopio University Hospital to investigate pregnancy outcome in 59 women with prior placental abruption. The general obstetric population was used as a reference group in logistic regression analysis. Results: Recurrent placental abruption and associated adverse neonatal outcome occurred in 11.9% (7:59) of the women. If the disease did not recur, a history of placental abruption had no significant effects on birth weight, fetal distress or prematurity rate, whereas the incidence of pre-eclampsia was found to be increased. Conclusions: Women in whom placental abruption does not recur have a good outcome in their subsequent delivery, almost comparable to that in the general obstetric population. However, the recurrence rate of 11.9% is high (OR: 16.9, 95% CI: 8.2–34.9) when compared with the background incidence of placental abruption (0.7%).
Preterm Deliveries among Women with MacDonald Cerclage Performed due to Cervical Incompetence
Authors: Sheiner Eyal , Bashiri Asher , Shoham-Vardi Ilana , Hershkovitz Reli , Mazor Moshe
Published: June 2004

Objective: The study was aimed to assess the impact of obstetric risk factors for preterm delivery among women with MacDonald cerclage performed due to cervical incompetence. Study Design: A cohort study was conducted including all patients with MacDonald cerclage performed at 12–14 weeks gestation due to cervical incompetence (n = 793). Deliveries occurred between the years 1988 and 2002 in a University Medical Center. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the impact of maternal characteristics as well as pregnancy complications on the length of pregnancy. Results: The following factors were found to be associated with preterm delivery among these patients, in the univariate analysis: nulliparity, fertility treatments, severe preeclampsia, second-trimester bleeding, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), chorioamnionitis and placental abruption. Using a multiple linear regression model, with backward elimination, the impact of these variables on the length of pregnancy was assessed (R2 = 0.33, p < 0.001). The mean gestational age at birth among patients without risk factors was 38.1. Second-trimester bleeding reduced gestational age by 6.4 weeks, chorioamnionitis by 5.6 weeks, placental abruption by 5.1 weeks, PROM by 3.2 weeks and severe preeclampsia by 2.4 weeks. Conclusions: Second-trimester bleeding, chorioamnionitis, placental abruption, PROM and severe preeclampsia are ominous signs for preterm delivery among patients with MacDonald cerclage performed due to cervical incompetence.
Gender Does Matter in Perinatal Medicine
Authors: Sheiner Eyal , Levy Amalia , Katz Miriam , Hershkovitz Reli , Leron Elad , Mazor Moshe
Published: June 2004

Objective: To investigate complications and outcome of pregnancies with male and female fetuses. Methods: A population-based study comparing all singleton deliveries between the years 1988 and 1999 was performed. We compared pregnancies with male vs. female fetuses. Patients with a previous cesarean section (CS) were excluded from the study. Statistical analyses with the Mantel-Haenszel technique and multiple logistic regression models were performed to control for confounders. Results: During the study period there were 55,891 deliveries of male and 53,104 deliveries of female neonates. Patients carrying male fetuses had higher rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.1; 95% CI 1.01–1.12; p = 0.012), fetal macrosomia (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.8–2.1; p < 0.001), failure to progress during the first and second stages of labor (OR = 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.3; p < 0.001 and OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.3–1.5; p < 0.001, respectively), cord prolapse (OR = 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.6; p = 0.014), nuchal cord (OR = 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.2; p < 0.001) and true umbilical cord knots (OR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.3–1.7; p < 0.001). Higher rates of CS were found among male compared with female neonates (8.7 vs. 7.9%; OR = 1.1; 95% CI 1.06–1.16; p < 0.001). Using three multivariate logistic regression models and controlling for birth weight and gestational age, male gender was significantly associated with non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns (OR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.4–1.6; p < 0.001), low Apgar scores at 5 min (OR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.3–1.8; p < 0.001) and CS (OR = 1.2; 95%CI 1.2–1.3; p < 0.001). Controlling for possible confounders like gestational diabetes, cord prolapse, failed induction, nonprogressive labor, fetal macrosomia, nuchal cord and true umbilical cord knots using the Mantel-Haenszel technique did not change the significant association between male gender and CS. Conclusion: Male gender is an independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome.
Non-Immune Hydrops and Superior Vena cava Syndrome due to Diaphragmatic Hernia in One Twin
Authors: Asmal Mohammed , Suri Mandhir , Ruzal-Shapiro Carrie B. , Baxi Laxmi V.
Published: June 2004

Background: In a monochorionic twin gestation, hydrops in one fetus often results from placental transfusion, accompanied by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) of the non-hydropic fetus. Case: A 35-year-old G11P9 presented with hydrops and IUGR of one of a monochorionic-diamniotic gestation. Extensive testing failed to reveal etiology for hydrops. The patient was delivered at 30 weeks gestation after non-reassuring fetal monitoring. The hydropic baby could not be adequately ventilated and expired in the early post-partum period. A diagnosis of superior vena cava syndrome and pulmonary hypoplasia secondary to right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was made neonatally. Conclusion: Right-sided CDH can be difficult to diagnose by sonography at times because of the echogenic similarity of liver and lung, and may be suspected from signs of pericardial effusion and ascites.
Pulmonary Consequences of a Deep Breath Revisited
Authors: Dietl Paul , Frick Manfred , Mair Norbert , Bertocchi Cristina , Haller Thomas
Published: June 2004

About two decades ago, a model was proposed for surfactant release by lung distension. This model implies rapid fusion of lamellar bodies (LBs) with the plasma membrane followed by quick release of surfactant into the alveolus, as reflected by immediate facilitation of lung inflation after a single deep breath. Recent experimental evidence indicates that this two-pool model (intracellular versus alveolar surfactant pool) has to be refined by introducing a third pool, which resides in fused but non-released LBs. Here we discuss the implication of this additional pool for strain-induced surfactant secretion and propose a revised model for the sequence of events following a single deep breath.
Channel Interaction in Cochlear Implant Users Evaluated Using the Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential
Authors: Abbas Paul J. , Hughes Michelle L. , Brown Carolyn J. , Miller Charles A. , South Heather
Published: June 2004

One likely determinant of performance with a cochlear implant is the degree of interaction that occurs when overlapping subsets of nerve fibers are stimulated by various electrodes of a multielectrode array. The electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) can be used to assess physiological channel interaction. This paper describes results from two different methods of analysis of ECAP channel interaction measures made by the Nucleus neural response telemetry system. Using a forward-masking stimulus paradigm, masker and probe pulses are delivered through different electrodes. The response to the probe is then dependent on the extent of overlap in the stimulated neural populations. The amplitude of response to the probe as a function of masker electrode position then reflects the degree of overlap between the population of neurons responding to the masker and those stimulated by the probe. Results demonstrate large variations across individual implant users as well as across electrodes within an individual. In general, the degree of interaction is shown to be dependent on stimulus level.
Development of Language and Speech Perception in Congenitally, Profoundly Deaf Children as a Function of Age at Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Svirsky Mario A. , Teoh Su-Wooi , Neuburger Heidi
Published: June 2004

Like any other surgery requiring anesthesia, cochlear implantation in the first few years of life carries potential risks, which makes it important to assess the potential benefits. This study introduces a new method to assess the effect of age at implantation on cochlear implant outcomes: developmental trajectory analysis (DTA). DTA compares curves representing change in an outcome measure over time (i.e. developmental trajectories) for two groups of children that differ along a potentially important independent variable (e.g. age at intervention). This method was used to compare language development and speech perception outcomes in children who received cochlear implants in the second, third or fourth year of life. Within this range of age at implantation, it was found that implantation before the age of 2 resulted in speech perception and language advantages that were significant both from a statistical and a practical point of view. Additionally, the present results are consistent with the existence of a ‘sensitive period’ for language development, a gradual decline in language acquisition skills as a function of age.
Exploring the Benefits of Bilateral Cochlear Implants
Authors: van Hoesel Richard J. M.
Published: June 2004

Several recent reports indicate that both localization and speech intelligibility in spatially separated noise are substantially improved by using cochlear implants (CIs) in both ears rather than in just one. Benefits appear to be largely derived from the effects of level variations at the two ears due to the head shadow whereas contributions from interaural time differences (ITDs) seem smaller than in normal hearing listeners. The effect of binaural unmasking estimated from speech studies to date varies from study to study and is possibly confounded by issues such as listening experience, bias or loudness effects when comparing the performance for the better ear with that using both ears. To improve the contribution from timing information at the two ears, it may be necessary to change present clinical sound-processing schemes that currently preserve only envelope cues so that they also preserve fine-timing information. However, recently published data show that basic psychophysical sensitivity to fine-timing ITDs in CI patients is very poor for rates beyond a few hundred hertz, suggesting that subjects do not actually hear ITD cues at those rates anyway. Data from a number of new studies are presented to discuss these and other issues related to the potential to benefit from bilateral implantation.
The effect of cold storage on recombination frequencies in human male testicular cells
Authors: Sun F. , Trpkov K. , Rademaker A. , Ko E. , Barclay L. , Mikhaail-Philips M. , Martin R.H.
Published: June 2004

Meiotic recombination is essential for the segregation of homologous chromosomes and formation of normal haploid gametes. Decreased recombination is associated with the production of aneuploid sperm in humans. MLH1, a DNA mismatch repair protein, was recently found to mark the sites of recombination in humans. Newly developed immunofluorescence techniques to identify MLH1 foci on synaptonemal complexes (SCs) in pachytene cells from testicular tissue have opened up a new avenue of research on meiotic recombination. Future studies on normal and abnormal recombination in early meiosis will further research in human reproduction and genetics. However, the availability of testicular material will always be a major limiting factor in this kind of study. In order to obtain an adequate number of samples and samples of particular research interest, it is often of benefit to obtain samples from distant regions. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether the quality of samples and accuracy of MLH1 frequencies change after transporting testicular samples from a distance. In the present study, we examined the recombination frequencies (numbers of MLH1 foci using immunofluorescence techniques) in 6 normal testicular samples. Each sample was split and analyzed in the fresh state and after storage on ice for two days, mimicking overnight courier air transport. The results showed no significant difference in the quality of the SC preparations or in the number of MLH1 foci between these two groups. These results demonstrate that testicular specimens may be shipped on ice without compromising data on chromosome pairing and recombination in early meiosis.
Prognostic Comparison of the Minute Ventilation/Carbon Dioxide Production Ratio and Slope in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Arena Ross , Myers Jonathan , Aslam Syed Salman , Varughese Elsa B. , Peberdy Mary Ann
Published: June 2004

Background: The relationship between minute ventilation (VE) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) consistently demonstrates prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF). This relationship has been expressed both as a VE/VCO2 slope during progressive exercise and a ratio at a given time point in previous investigations. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the prognostic value of the VE/VCO2 slope and ratio in a group of patients with HF. Methods: 235 subjects (204 male/31 female) diagnosed with HF underwent exercise testing. Mean age and ejection fraction were 57.5 years (±13.5) and 32.1% (±12.1). The VE/VCO2 slope was calculated using data from the onset of exercise to peak. The VE/VCO2 ratio was calculated using 10-second averaged data at peak exercise. The ability of the VE/VCO2 slope and ratio to predict 1-year cardiac-related mortality and hospitalization were compared. Results: There were 65 hospitalizations and 16 deaths during the 1-year tracking period. Both VE/VCO2 expressions were significant predictors of 1-year cardiac-related hospitalization (χ2: slope = 56.4; ratio = 47.6, p < 0.001) and mortality (χ2: slope = 36.6; ratio = 31.6, p < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the predictive power of VE/VCO2 slope and ratio classification schemes were not significantly different (hospitalization = 0.78 vs. 0.75; mortality = 0.87 vs. 0.85). Conclusion: These results indicate that, although not identical, VE/VCO2 slope and ratio provide similar prognostic information. Standardizing expression of the VE/VCO2 relationship may, however, enhance clinical application and should be considered.
Human Apo-Lactoferrin Enhances Angiogenesis Mediated by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A in vivo
Authors: Norrby Klas
Published: June 2004

Background: Lactoferrin, LF, a multifunctional iron- and heparin-binding protein, present in exocrine body secretions and leukocytes, is remarkably resistant to proteolysis. Ingested bovine iron-unsaturated LF, apo-bLF, suppresses VEGF-A-mediated angiogenesis in a previously described rat mesentery angiogenesis assay, possibly explaining, at least in part, its established anticancer effect in rats and mice. Methods: Using the same experimental system, we have now studied the effect of (i) ingested human apo-LF, apo-hLF, on angiogenesis mediated by VEGF-A and bFGF, (ii) ingested human iron-saturated LF, holo-hLF, on VEGF-A-mediated angiogenesis and (iii) subcutaneous continuously infused apo-hLF on VEGF-A-mediated angiogenesis. Results: Ingested holo-hLF did not affect VEGF-A-mediated angiogenesis. Ingested apo-hLF (from one and the same batch) significantly enhanced VEGF-A-mediated angiogenesis but did not affect bFGF-mediated angiogenesis. Moreover, subcutaneously infused apo-hLF also significantly stimulated VEGF-A-mediated angiogenesis. Conclusion: Taken together, the data suggest that apo-hLF exerts a specific proangiogenic effect in VEGF-A-mediated angiogenesis. Clearly, human and bovine apo-LF exert opposite effects on VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis. Differences in molecular features between human and bovine LFs of possible significance for the outcome are discussed. In hypoxia, compensatory collateral circulation is mediated primarily by VEGF-A. We hypothesize that systemically administered apo-hLF may promote collateral blood vessel formation at hypoxic sites in normal tissue, thus counteracting ischemia and infarction.
Development of the Lateral Line System in the Shovelnose Sturgeon
Authors: Gibbs Melissa A. , Northcutt R. Glenn
Published: June 2004

The lateral line systems of aquatic amphibians and all chondrichthyan and osteichthyan fish present a similar array of mechanoreceptors. However, electroreceptors, the second major component of the lateral line system, have clearly undergone more significant evolutionary change. Chondrichthyans and non-neopterygian fish possess primitive ampullary organ electroreceptors, whereas significantly different ‘new’ ampullary organs and tuberous electroreceptors are found in a few groups of teleosts (mormyrids, gymnotids and some catfish). The pairing of mechano- and electroreceptors in the lateral line system, as well as the morphologically and physiologically distinct electroreceptors of teleosts have inspired several recent studies on the origin and evolution of the lateral line receptors. We described the development of the lateral line system in sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) as part of an outgroup analysis of lateral line development in three taxa: vertebrates that have both mechanoreceptive neuromasts and primitive electroreceptors; neopterygian fish that only have mechanoreceptors; and teleosts that have re-evolved new electroreceptors. Development in Scaphirhynchus was consistent with previously studied taxa in that the lateral line system developed from a series of six dorsolateral placodes. Interestingly, we found that the octaval placode was bound rostrally and caudally by large placodal fields, out of which the six lateral line placodes arose. This finding supports recent suggestions for a common placodal primordium for all placodes. Each of the six placodes gave rise to the lateral line nerves before elongating into sensory ridges, which contained neuromast primordia. The ampullary organ fields of Scaphirhynchus arose from the lateral zones of the anterodorsal, anteroventral, otic and supratemporal sensory ridges, which is also consistent with recently studied taxa. Comparisons of the lateral line system of Scaphirhynchus and close relatives, Acipenser and Polyodon, indicate that variation in some aspects of lateral line receptor numbers and distribution are related to changes in head morphology and feeding strategy, whereas other changes, such as a reduction in receptor number without a change in placode field size, indicate changes in placode development.
The Efficacy of Colchicine in the Treatment of Recurrent Pericarditis Related to Postcardiac Injury (Postpericardiotomy and Postinfarcted) Syndrome: A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Tenenbaum Alexander , Koren-Morag Nira , Spodick David H. , Brucato Antonio , Bayes-de-Luna Antoni , Brambilla Giovanni , Fisman Enrique Z. , Artom Galit , Guindo Joseph , Bayes-Genis Antoni , Schwammenthal Ehud , Adler Yehuda
Published: June 2004

Background: Pericarditis related to the postcardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) following myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery is a troublesome and often recurrent clinical entity resistant to therapeutic interventions. The usefulness of colchicine in the prevention of recurrent PCIS has not been evaluated. Objective: We performed a cumulative analysis of available multicenter data with the aim of evaluating the efficacy of colchicine in the treatment of recurrent PCIS. Methods and Results: The study was designed as a multicenter all-cases analysis. Researchers who had published studies and case reports on colchicine treatment in recurrent pericarditis related to PCIS during the last 15 years were approached and asked to contribute all available cases to the database. There were 28 patients, 18 male (64%) and 10 female (36%), ranging in age from 21 to 82 years (mean 53 ± 15 years). PCIS pericarditis was secondary to pericardiotomy in 19 patients and infarction in 9. In 21 patients (75%), colchicine therapy was discontinued during follow-up and renewed only in the case of relapse. In these patients, the total period of treatment was summed up for analysis. 7 patients (25%) were taking colchicine as a permanent treatment, and no colchicine-free follow-up was documented. In total, 130 recurrences (mean 4.64 ± 3.7 per patient, range 2–16) were noted before colchicine therapy was initiated. During colchicine treatment (mean duration of treatment 16.6 ± 13.5 months), a significant reduction in the number of recurrences was observed. Only 5 of 28 patients (18%) presented with new recurrences (mean 0.25 ± 0.59 vs. 4.64 ± 3.7 per patient in the precolchicine period, p < 0.001). The mean follow-up period after colchicine discontinuation (data were available for 21 patients) was 31.9 ± 28 months; during follow-up, 13 patients (62%) remained recurrence free and 8 of them (38%) experienced relapses (mean 0.43 ± 0.6 per patient, p < 0.001 vs. precolchicine). Conclusions: It seems that colchicine may be effective in preventing new relapses in patients with recurrent pericarditis related to postcardiac injury both during active therapy and after its discontinuation.
Proteomics in Nephrology: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Thongboonkerd Visith
Published: June 2004

Proteomics is one among various ‘OMICS’ fields that have been growing rapidly in the postgenomic era. During the past few years, proteomics has been extensively applied to several fields of medicine to better understand normal physiology, to define the pathophysiology of diseases, and to identify novel biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. This review focuses on current status and future directions of proteomics in the nephrology field. Recent studies of renal proteome, proteomes of individual intrarenal structures (i.e., glomerular, vascular, tubular, brush border membrane, mesangial, and podocyte proteomes), urinary proteome, and protein profiles in dialysate or ultrafiltrate removed by renal replacement therapy are summarized.
Regional Distribution of White Matter Hyperintensities in Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging
Authors: Gootjes L. , Teipel S.J. , Zebuhr Y. , Schwarz R. , Leinsinger G. , Scheltens P. , Möller H.-J. , Hampel H.
Published: June 2004

Background: White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI scans indicate lesions of the subcortical fiber system. The regional distribution of WMH may be related to their pathophysiology and clinical effect in vascular dementia (VaD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and healthy aging. Methods: Regional WMH volumes were measured in MRI scans of 20 VaD patients, 25 AD patients and 22 healthy elderly subjects using FLAIR sequences and surface reconstructions from a three-dimensional MRI sequence. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient for interrater reliability of WMH volume measurements ranged between 0.99 in the frontal and 0.72 in the occipital lobe. For each cerebral lobe, the WMH index, i.e. WMH volume divided by lobar volume, was highest in VaD and lowest in healthy controls. Within each group, the WMH index was higher in frontal and parietal lobes than in occipital and temporal lobes. Total WMH index and WMH indices in the frontal lobe correlated significantly with the MMSE score in VaD. Category fluency correlated with the frontal lobe WMH index in AD, while drawing performance correlated with parietal and temporal lobe WMH indices in VaD. Conclusions: A similar regional distribution of WMH between the three groups suggests a common (vascular) pathogenic factor leading to WMH in patients and controls. Our findings underscore the potential of regional WMH volumetry to determine correlations between subcortical pathology and cognitive impairment.
Executive Function: The Core Feature of Dementia?
Authors: Voss Sarah E. , Bullock Roger A.
Published: June 2004

Links between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) have been examined, and this paper investigates the role of executive control function (ECF) within the dementia syndrome. 307 AD patients, 168 VaD patients and 208 controls were compared on tests of cognitive function. Results indicated that controls outperformed both patient groups (p < 0.001) on all tests. AD patients performed more poorly than VaD patients on 11 of the 18 cognitive tests (p < 0.05). Factor analysis of patient data indicated the existence of 3 factors generated from the battery of tests, relating to episodic memory, ECF and face recognition. It was primarily on tests of ECF that the AD and VaD groups did not differ significantly. It is concluded that ECF is a feature of cognition shared by the two pathologies, giving rise to an obligation to reconsider the current understanding of the core cognitive feature of dementia.
A New Class of Hydrophobic Ionic Liquids: Trialkyl(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium Perfluoroethyltrifluoroborate
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Bin , Matsumoto Hajime , Tatsumi Kuniaki
Published: June 2004

New hydrophobic ionic liquids consisting of trialkyl(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium ([R1R2R3NCH2CH2OCH3]+, R1, R2, R3 = CH3 or C2H5) cation and perfluoroethyltrifluoroborate ([C2F5BF3]−) anion were prepared by neutralization of aq. [R1R2R3NCH2CH2OCH3][OH] with aq. H[C2F5BF3]. The new [C2F5BF3]−-based ionic liquids show much lower melting points and viscosities (58–86 cP at 25 °C), hence higher ionic conductivities, than the [BF4]−-based ones.
Synthesis and Characterization of μ-Oxodiiron(III) Complexes of Porphycenes with Electron-withdrawing Substituents
Authors: Baba Tatsushi , Shimakoshi Hisashi , Aritome Isao , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: June 2004

μ-Oxodiiron(III) complexes of porphycenes with electron-withdrawing Br-substituents have been synthesized. The crystal structure of a tetrabrominated complex was elucidated by X-ray analysis. The Br-substituted effects for the electronic spectra and electrochemical properties have been reported.
Site-selective Scission of Double-stranded DNA by Combining Peptide Nucleic Acids and Ce(IV)/EDTA
Authors: Yamamoto Yoji , Komiyama Makoto
Published: June 2004

By using two pseudo-complementary peptide nucleic acids (pcPNAs), invasion-structures were formed in double-stranded DNA so that the nucleotides adjacent to the DNA/PNA duplexes were kept unpaired. When these DNA/PNA conjugates were treated with Ce(IV)/EDTA complex, these gap-like sites in both DNA strands were preferentially hydrolyzed.
Facilitating critically reflective learning: excavating the role of the design tutor in architectural education
Authors: Webster Helena
Published: June 2004

Architecture was one of the first professions to use project-based learning as the central pedagogic tool in the education of its trainees and the modern architectural curriculum continues to place project-based learning, as represented by the design project, at its core. Critical reflection,
understood as a key element of project-based learning, is normally built into the process of student learning in the design studio through requiring students to continually reflect on their work both alone and with others, most significantly with design tutors in the one-to-one tutorial.Yet,
given the theoretical importance placed on the one-to-one tutorial and the ‘Januslike’ nature of student experiences, i.e. extremely rewarding for some students and profoundly unsatisfactory for others, there has been surprisingly little research focused on the tutor-student relationship
in the design tutorial. This paper reports on the results of a small qualitative crosssectional study that attempted to excavate and understand student experiences of the tutor’s role in one-to-one design tutorials. The study employed ethnographic-type research tools and methods of analysis
in an attempt to reveal students’ ‘lived’ experiences. The research findings suggested that students experienced three principal types of tutor behaviour; ‘the entertainer’, ‘the hegemonic overlord’ and ‘the liminal servant’ and that they
believed that that only the ‘liminal servant’ increased their motivation and supported their learning. The implications of these findings for architectural educators are discussed.
Zen and the art of peer and selfassessment in interdisciplinary, multimedia, site-specific arts practice: a transcultural approach
Authors: Ajaykumar
Published: June 2004

If one accepts the premise that intelligences are ‘distributed across minds, persons and the symbolic and physical environment’ (Pea, 1993), what significance does this have for assessing an arts practice that exists in an intangible realm between disciplines, between minds,
and between relations of human beings to environments? How do tutors and students assess interdisciplinarity? How do they assess interactive artwork where the artwork is transmorphing through active co-participation of the spectator. The article reflects on these questions, drawing on pedagogic
experiences with undergraduate students undertaking a course in interdisciplinary, multimedia and site-specific arts practice. The creation of the course and its methodology of teaching have also endeavoured to address cultural plurality not only in terms of recognition of the demographic
make-up of a student body but also in terms of methodology and ethos. The article discusses the significance of this approach.
Critical absence versus critical engagement. Problematics of the crit in design learning and teaching
Authors: Percy Christine
Published: June 2004

This article describes a study which sets out to examine how changes in student patterns of learning, in particular the demise of the design ‘baseroom’ and the growth of online learning, might have on the crit. The study found that the crit constitutes a heightened moment
of exchange between staff and students in the new landscape of learning. The crit, in this context, becomes a powerful vehicle for the induction and inculturation of students into the dominant mores and beliefs of a programme and its discipline. Paradoxically the research found that the crit
was a poor vehicle for students to demonstrate their understanding of the context of their practice. The article argues for a reconsideration of the role and function of the crit in design pedagogy so that it might become a more effective vehicle for students to articulate their critical disposition
to their discipline.
Book Reviews
Authors: Sonnet Esther
Published: June 2004

Supporting Student Learning: Case Studies, Experience and Practice from Higher Education, Glenda Grosling and Graham Webb (eds.), (2002) London: Kogan Page, 195 pp., ISBN 07494 3535 6, Paperback, £19.99
Consumer Use of St. John's Wort: A Survey on Effectiveness, Safety, and Tolerability
Authors: Beckman Stephanie E. , Sommi Roger W. , Switzer Joy
Published: June 2004

Despite its poorly described pharmacology, effectiveness, and safety, use of St. John's wort (SJW) is largely unsupervised and unexplored, and can potentially lead to adverse outcomes. We conducted a telephone survey of 43 subjects who had taken SJW to assess demographics, psychiatric and medical conditions, dosage, duration of use, reason for use, side effects, concomitant drugs, professional consultation, effectiveness, relapse, and withdrawal effects. Most subjects reported taking SJW for depression, and 74% did not seek medical advice. Mean dosage was 475.6 ± 360 mg/day (range 300–1200 mg/day) and mean duration of therapy was 7.3 ± 10.1 weeks (range 1 day‐5 yrs). Among 36 (84%) reporting improvement, 18 (50%) had a psychiatric diagnosis. Twenty (47%) reported side effects, resulting in discontinuation in five (12%) and one emergency room visit. Two consumers experienced symptoms of serotonin syndrome and three reported food‐drug interactions. Thirteen consumers experienced withdrawal symptoms and two had a depressive relapse. These data suggest the need for greater consumer and provider awareness of the potential risks of SJW in self‐care of depression and related syndromes.
Inappropriate Drug Use Among Community‐Dwelling Elderly
Authors: Hanlon Joseph T. , Fillenbaum Gerda G. , Schmader Kenneth E. , Kuchibhatla Maggie , Horner Ronnie D.
Published: June 2004

This study examined inappropriate drug use defined by updated criteria among respondents in the second and third in‐person waves of the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly. Information about sociodemographics, health status, access to health care, and drug use was determined by in‐home interviews. Drug use was coded for therapeutic class and appropriateness by applying explicit criteria. Among participants, 27% of the second and 22.5% of the third in‐person wave took one or more inappropriate agents. Of these drugs, the most common therapeutic classes were central nervous system and cardiovascular. Longitudinal multivariate analyses found that persons taking several prescription drugs, those having continuity of care, those who previously took inappropriate drugs, and those with many health visits were most likely (p<0.05) to use inappropriate drugs. We conclude that inappropriate drug use is common among community‐dwelling elderly.
Response of Complicated Methicillin‐ResistantStaphylococcus aureusEndocarditis to the Addition of Trovafloxacin
Authors: Eckart Robert E. , Hospenthal Duane R. , Fishbain Joel T.
Published: June 2004

The newer fluoroquinolones have many properties such as safety, bioavailability, and tissue penetration that make them attractive in the therapy of complicated infections. Unfortunately, the rapid development of resistance byStaphylococcus aureusto ciprofloxacin has dampened interest in these agents for serious staphylococcal infections. A patient with right‐sided methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) endocarditis with a complicated clinical course received trovafloxacin in addition to vancomycin and rifampin. He was initially treated with vancomycin, gentamicin, and rifampin for serious MRSA infection, but because of complications, including septic central nervous system emboli, persistent fever, and leukocytosis, gentamicin was stopped and trovafloxacin begun. After this addition the patient improved and completely recovered. In vitro and animal model data show that many newer fluoroquinolones have excellent activity againstS. aureus, including MRSA, and are also less likely to induce resistance. Animal models of endocarditis support their efficacy in serious staphylococcal infections.
Reactions Between or Within Molecular Crystals
Authors: Braga Dario , Grepioni Fabrizia
Published: June 2004

Reactions that occur within or between molecular crystals, in particular those reactions that are activated by mechanical methods, are reviewed. The focus is on processes (whether intrasolid or intersolid) that are controlled primarily by supramolecular bonding, such as template cycloadditions, formation of inclusion compounds, reactions between molecular crystals by the reassembling of noncovalent bonds, and the formation of complexes and coordination compounds. It is proposed that solvent‐free mechanochemical methods, for example, cogrinding, milling, and kneading, represent viable “green” routes for the preparation of novel molecular and supramolecular solids.
Optical and infrared photometry of new very low‐mass stars and brown dwarfs in the σ Orionis cluster
Authors: Béjar V. J. S. , Zapatero Osorio M. R. , Rebolo R.
Published: June 2004

We present an RI photometric survey covering an area of 430 arcmin2 around the multiple star σ Orionis. The observations were conducted with the 0.8 m IAC‐80 Telescope at the Teide Observatory. The survey limiting R and I magnitudes are 22.5 and 21, and completeness magnitudes 21 and 20, respectively. We have selected 53 candidates from the I vs. R–I colour‐magnitude diagram (I = 14–20) that follow the previously known photometric sequence of the cluster. Adopting an age of 2–4 Myr for the cluster, we find that these objects span a mass range from 0.35 M⊙ to 0.015 M⊙. We have performed J‐band photometry of 52 candidates and Ks photometry for 12 of them, with the result that 50 follow the expected infrared sequence for the cluster, thus confirming with great confidence that the majority of the candidates are bona fide members. JHKs photometry from the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) is available for 50 of the candidates and are in good agreement with our data. Out of 48 candidates, which have photometric accuracies better than 0.1 mag in all bands, only three appear to show near‐infrared excesses. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Radial velocity and light curves analysis of the eclipsing binary NN Vir
Authors: Pazhouhesh R. , Melendo E. G.
Published: June 2004

The eclipsing binary NN Vir is a short period system showing an EW‐type light curve. Photometric observations of NN Vir were done by Gomez‐Ferrellad & Garcia‐Melendo (1997) at Esteve Duran Observatory. We used photometric data of NN Vir for light curve analysis. The available spectroscopic data of NN Vir is new and we also used the first radial velocity data of this system obtained by Rusinski & Lu (1999) for analysis. The radial velocity and light curves analysis was made with the latest version ofWilson program(1998) and the geometric and physical elements of the system are derived. By searching the simultaneous solutions of the system, we have determined the masses and radii of the components : 1.89(M⊙) and 1.65(R⊙) for the primary component; 0.93(M⊙) and 1.23(R⊙) for the secondary component. We estimated effective temperatures of 7030(K) for the primary and 6977(K) for the secondary component. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Astrometric confirmation of a wide low‐mass companion to the planet host star HD 89744
Authors: Mugrauer M. , Neuhäuser R. , Mazeh T. , Guenther E. , Fernández M.
Published: June 2004

In our ongoing deep infrared imaging search for faint wide secondaries of planet‐candidate host stars we have confirmed astrometrically the companionship of a low‐mass object to be co‐moving with HD 89744, a companion‐candidate suggested already by Wilson et al. (2000). The derivation of the common proper motion of HD 89744 and its companion, which are separated by 62.996±0.035 arcsec, is based on about 5 year epoch difference between 2MASS and our own UKIRT/UFTI images. The companion effective temperature is about 2200K and its mass is in the range between 0.072 and 0.081M⊙, depending on the evolutionary model. Therefore, HD 89744 B is either a very low mass stellar or a heavy brown dwarf companion. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The cytoskeleton and motor proteins of human schistosomes and their roles in surface maintenance and host–parasite interactions
Authors: Jones Malcolm K. , Gobert Geoffrey N. , Zhang Lihua , Sunderland Philip , McManus Donald P.
Published: June 2004

Schistosomes are parasitic blood flukes, responsible for significant human disease in tropical and developing nations. Here we review information on the organization of the cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins of schistosomes, with particular reference to the organization of the syncytial tegument, a unique cellular adaptation of these and other neodermatan flatworms. Extensive EST databases show that the molecular constituents of the cytoskeleton and associated molecular systems are likely to be similar to those of other eukaryotes, although there are potentially some molecules unique to schistosomes and platyhelminths. The biology of some components, particular those contributing to host–parasite interactions as well as chemotherapy and immunotherapy are discussed. Unresolved questions in relation to the structure and function of the tegument relate to dynamic organization of the syncytial layer. BioEssays 26:752–765, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroblast formation and patterning during early brain development in Drosophila
Authors: Urbach Rolf , Technau Gerhard M.
Published: June 2004

The Drosophila embryo provides a useful model system to study the mechanisms that lead to pattern and cell diversity in the central nervous system (CNS). The Drosophila CNS, which encompasses the brain and the ventral nerve cord, develops from a bilaterally symmetrical neuroectoderm, which gives rise to neural stem cells, called neuroblasts. The structure of the embryonic ventral nerve cord is relatively simple, consisting of a sequence of repeated segmental units (neuromeres), and the mechanisms controlling the formation and specification of the neuroblasts that form these neuromeres are quite well understood. Owing to the much higher complexity and hidden segmental organization of the brain, our understanding of its development is still rudimentary. Recent investigations on the expression and function of proneural genes, segmentation genes, dorsoventral‐patterning genes and a number of other genes have provided new insight into the principles of neuroblast formation and patterning during embryonic development of the fly brain. Comparisons with the same processes in the trunk help us to understand what makes the brain different from the ventral nerve cord. Several parallels in early brain patterning between the fly and the vertebrate systems have become evident. BioEssays 26:739–751, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Many ways to make a gradient
Authors: Smith J.C. , Gurdon J.B.
Published: June 2004

A recent publication1 describes a novel mechanism by which a morphogen gradient might be established. These results concern a gradient of FGF8 expression along the longitudinal axis of the chick embryo with a high level of transcripts at the tail, fading off in an anterior direction. Assaying for intron transcripts, it is shown that fgf8 is transcribed only in the tail cells and that the gradient of fgf8 transcripts is produced by growth and mRNA degradation. This possible mechanism of gradient formation can operate only when growth is involved, as is the case in many examples including the longitudinal axis formation of vertebrates, but is not in some other systems. BioEssays 26:705–706, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endogenous inhibitors of RNA interference in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Timmons Lisa
Published: June 2004

In eukaryotes, double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) or short, interfering dsRNAs (siRNAs) can reduce the accumulation of a sequence‐related mRNA, often resulting in a loss‐of‐function phenotype—a process termed RNA interference (RNAi). Unfortunately, some mRNAs are resistant to the effects of dsRNA. Experiments designed to unravel RNAi mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans have led to the identification of two worm proteins, RRF‐31,2 and, now, ERI‐1,3 that can inhibit RNAi responses. Animals defective in either protein can display enhanced RNAi phenotypes for mRNAs that were previously resistant to dsRNA. Since ERI‐1 is a conserved protein, development of procedures to enhance RNAi effectiveness in other systems may be possible. BioEssays 26:715–718, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Worm chromosomes call for recognition!
Authors: Rattner Barbara P. , Meller Victoria H.
Published: June 2004

Many organisms face a dilemma rooted in the unequal numbers of X chromosomes carried by the two sexes and the need to maintain equivalent expression of X‐linked genes. Several strategies have arisen to cope with this problem. All rely on accurately targeting epigenetic modifications to entire chromosomes. Targeting results from the action of recognition elements that attract modification and may rely on spreading of modification in cis along the affected chromosome. A recent report describing the first X chromosome recognition element from C. elegans opens the way to defining the relative contributions of these factors to the compensation of X‐linked gene expression in worms.1 Extrachromosomal arrays composed of a C. elegans recognition element attract proteins that modify the C. elegans X chromosomes and interact genetically with mutations disrupting compensation. Moreover, examination of X:A translocations provides the first evidence for spreading of modification along C. elegans X chromosomes. BioEssays 26:707–710, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.