bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Much Saliva Is Enough for Avoidance of Xerostomia?
Authors: Dawes C.
Published: May 2004

Xerostomia, the subjective sensation of dry mouth, occurs when the salivary flow rate is less than the rate of fluid loss from the mouth by evaporation and by absorption of water through the oral mucosa. Evaporation can only occur during mouth-breathing but could reach a maximum rate of about 0.21 ml/min at rest, although normally it would be much less. Water absorption through the mucosa can occur because saliva has one sixth the osmotic pressure of extracellular fluid, thus creating a water gradient across the mucosa. The maximum absorption rate is calculated to be about 0.19 ml/min, declining to zero as the saliva reaches isotonicity. A recent study found the residual saliva volume, the volume of saliva left in the mouth after swallowing, to be 71% of normal in patients with severe hyposalivation and whose mouths felt very dry. Saliva in the residual volume is present as a thin film which varies in thickness with site. The hard palate has the thinnest film and when this is <10 µm thick, evaporation during mouth-breathing and/or fluid absorption may rapidly decrease it to zero, resulting in xerostomia. This is also generally associated with reduced secretion from the soft palate minor glands, which may contribute to the film on the hard palate. Thus, xerostomia appears to be due, not to a complete absence of oral fluid, but to localized areas of mucosal dryness, notably in the palate. Unstimulated salivary flow rates >0.1–0.3 ml/min may be necessary for this condition to be avoided.
How to Improve the Effectiveness of Caries-Preventive Programs Based on Fluoride
Authors: Hausen H.
Published: May 2004

During recent years, an increasing number of reports have been published in which the observed caries-preventive effect of fluoride has been lower than could have been expected on the basis of the earlier literature. The current low levels of caries occurrence and the widespread use of fluoridated toothpastes as well as other fluoride products and methods have been suggested as reasons for the reduced relative effect of fluoride from any single source. Theoretically, one can improve the effectiveness of fluoride in caries-preventive programs by using measures that are more effective than the previous ones and still safe and feasible in everyday conditions. Another possibility is to direct fluoride-based prevention to high caries risk susceptible individuals who are most likely to benefit from it. Thirdly, one can enhance the intensity of existing fluoride prevention by increasing the frequency of applications, but this is of course worthwhile only if the recipients are lacking sufficient exposure to fluoride. In theory, people themselves could easily take care of their adequate fluoride supply by using fluoride toothpastes and/or other home use products frequently enough to maintain a sufficient salivary fluoride concentration at all times. Many people are unwilling to adopt healthy lifestyles, however, and therefore caries-preventive programs will remain necessary for the foreseeable future. Fluoride is the backbone of all such programs. Since conditions strongly determine the usefulness of caries prevention including different fluoride regimes, more research is still needed to monitor the effectiveness of caries-preventive programs and their components in variable conditions of today and tomorrow.
The Effect of Fluoride on the Developing Tooth
Authors: Robinson C. , Connell S. , Kirkham J. , Brookes S.J. , Shore R.C. , Smith A.M.
Published: May 2004

This review aims to outline the effects of fluoride on the biological processes involved in the formation of tooth tissues, particularly dental enamel. Attention has been focused on mechanisms which, if compromised, could give rise to dental fluorosis. The literature is extensive and often confusing but a much clearer picture is emerging based on recent more detailed knowledge of odontogenesis. Opacity, characteristic of fluorotic enamel, results from incomplete apatite crystal growth. How this occurs is suggested by other changes brought about by fluoride. Matrix proteins, associated with the mineral phase, normally degraded and removed to permit final crystal growth, are to some extent retained in fluorotic tissue. Fluoride and magnesium concentrations increase while carbonate is reduced. Crystal surface morphology at the nano-scale is altered and functional ameloblast morphology at the maturation stage also changes. Fluoride incorporation into enamel apatite produces more stable crystals. Local supersaturation levels with regard to the fluoridated mineral will also be elevated facilitating crystal growth. Such changes in crystal chemistry and morphology, involving stronger ionic and hydrogen bonds, also lead to greater binding of modulating matrix proteins and proteolytic enzymes. This results in reduced degradation and enhanced retention of protein components in mature tissue. This is most likely responsible for porous fluorotic tissue, since matrix protein removal is necessary for unimpaired crystal growth. To resolve the outstanding problems of the role of cell changes and the precise reasons for protein retention more detailed studies will be required of alterations to cell function, effect on specific protein species and the nano-chemistry of the apatite crystal surfaces.
Sugars – The Arch Criminal?
Authors: Zero D.T.
Published: May 2004

Numerous lines of evidence have conclusively established the role of sugars in caries etiology and the importance of sugars as the principal dietary substrate that drives the caries process has not been scientifically challenged. While sugars appear to differ little in acidogenic potential, sucrose has been given special importance, as the sole substrate for synthesis of extracellular glucans. Water-insoluble glucans might enhance accumulation of mutans streptococci on smooth tooth surfaces and appear to enhance virulence by increasing plaque porosity, resulting in greater acid production immediately adjacent to the tooth surface. Data indicating that the sugar consumption/caries relationship is now weaker have led to suggestions that recommendations to restrict sugar consumption are no longer necessary. Clearly, fluoride has raised the threshold of sugar intake at which caries will progress to cavitation, but fluoride has its limits, and caries remains a serious problem for disadvantaged individuals in many industrialized countries and is a rising problem in many developing countries. A weakening of the sugar/caries relationship may also be explained by many technical, biological, behavioral and genetic factors. Future research should aim to determine the biologic and behavioral factors that influence caries risk. Measures to educate the public on the dangers of frequent sugar consumption, combined with recommendations for proper oral hygiene and fluoride use, are still warranted. Individual dietary counseling is highly recommended for patients at high caries risk. As dental caries is a preventable disease, each country must decide: what level of disease is society willing and able to tolerate?
Leptin Stimulates Growth Hormone Secretion via a Direct Pituitary Effect Combined with a Decreased Somatostatin Tone in a Median Eminence-Pituitary Perifusion Study
Authors: Saleri Roberta , Giustina Andrea , Tamanini Carlo , Valle Domenico , Burattin Anna , Wehrenberg William B. , Baratta Mario
Published: May 2004

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of recombinant human leptin on growth hormone (GH) secretion in perifused anterior pituitary slices from adult pigs. Anterior pituitary slices from sows were perifused and treated with recombinant human leptin (10 nM) and GH-releasing hormone (GHRH; 1 nM). In some experiments, pituitary slices were coincubated with stalk median eminence (SME). In a subset of the coincubation experiments, immunoneutralization of endogenous GHRH and somatostatin (SRIH) release was performed with antisera to GHRH and SRIH. Leptin increased GH secretion in pituitary slices alone (up to 100% vs. control at 40 min) as well as in pituitary slices coincubated with SME (up to 122% vs. control at 40 min). A significant difference was observed in GH secretion from pituitary slices when the tissue was coincubated with leptin and GHRH at a low concentration (0.1 nM), but not when GHRH was used at 1 and 10 nM. Furthermore, anti-SRIH antiserum increased GH release from pituitary slices in coincubation experiments with SME. Finally, SRIH secretion was significantly reduced by leptin (down by 35% vs. control from 0 to 30 min of treatment) in cultured SME. These data show that leptin is effective in stimulating GH secretion by acting at two different levels: (1) it stimulates GH secretion directly from pituitary slices, and (2) it reduces SRIH tone from the median eminence and, indirectly, increases GH secretion from the pituitary. These results support the hypothesis that leptin may be an interesting hormonal mediator of growth and related metabolic effects by acting directly on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
Cardiac Surgery in Elderly Patients: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Matt Peter , Bernet Franziska , Grapow Martin , Zerkowski Hans-Reinhard
Published: May 2004

Coronary artery bypass surgery and aortic valve replacement can be performed with an acceptable operative risk in the elderly: the 30-day mortality ranges from 2 to 8%. However, the indication for surgery should be individualized based on the patient’s personal situation, physical condition, mental status, compliance and the comorbidities. The primary goal of open heart surgery in old patients should be the improvement in quality of life, and the secondary goal, the prognosis. Interestingly the mid- and long-term survival after cardiac surgery in the elderly corresponds to an age-adjusted population without heart disease.
Regulation of Hemostasis by the Sympathetic Nervous System: Any Contribution to Coronary Artery Disease?
Authors: Preckel Daniel , von Känel Roland
Published: May 2004

Within the last two decades, hemostasis factors have emerged as ‘new’ risk factors for coronary artery disease. Historical studies on the physiology of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) attributed accelerated blood clotting to the components of the fight-flight response. Although this has not been demonstrated, exaggerated clotting related to SNS hyperactivity might confer an increased arterial thrombotic risk. This review outlines the effects of sympathetic activation as mimicked by adrenergic infusions and as elicited by mental stress and physical exercise, and the molecular mechanisms involved. A selective review of the pertinent literature was undertaken. Sympathetic activation provokes a simultaneous increase in molecules of both the coagulation and fibrinolysis pathways within minutes, resulting in net hypercoagulability as a part of normal human physiology. Catecholamines and adrenergic receptors interact to mediate hemostatic changes. Exaggerated procoagulant changes in individuals with a preexistent atherosclerotic disease, in those experiencing ongoing stressful life circumstances and in the physically untrained might confer a thrombotic threat with sympathetic activation. Initial evidence suggests that nonselective β-adrenergic blockade may attenuate clotting acceleration upon SNS activation. Prospective studies are needed to demonstrate whether exaggerated clotting as elicited by the SNS is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. If confirmed, intervention studies targeted at reducing this risk, for example with drugs, psychotherapy (including stress management) and regular physical exercise, would be warranted.
Effect of Haluronan-Supplemented Dialysate on in vitro Function of Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Bręborowicz Andrzej , Pyda Malgorzata , Moberly James , Martis Leo , Oreopoulos Dimitrios
Published: May 2004

Background: Addition of hyaluronan (HA) to the dialysis solution has been suggested as a means to protect the peritoneum from injury during peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: Concentrations of inflammatory mediators were determined in dialysate samples obtained from PD patients after 6-hour dwells with glucose-based (13.6 g/l) solution containing 0.1 and 0.5 g/l of exogenous high-molecular-weight HA. We additionally evaluated the effect of HA-supplemented dialysate, drained after dwell in PD patients, on function of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (MC) in in vitro culture. Results: Concentration of nitrites was significantly higher in HA 0.5 g/l supplemented dialysate (+43%, p < 0.05) as compared to control. Levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), soluble intercellular adhesive molecule (s-ICAM), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibronectin were comparable in all the studied groups. However, when MC were exposed in in vitro conditions for 24 h to the studied dialysates, we observed that HA containing fluids inhibited the synthesis of MCP-1, s-ICAM, VEGF and fibronectin in these cells. HA-supplemented dialysate accelerated growth rate of in vitro proliferating MC. Conclusion: High-molecular-weight HA added to the dialysis fluid exerts anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic actions on the in vitro cultured MC and accelerates their growth rate what may be important for peritoneal healing during PD.
Normal Brain Activation in Hemiatrophy due to Multiple Sclerosis: A Functional MRI Case Study
Authors: Roelcke U. , Alkadhi H. , Tröger M. , Hungerbühler H. , Kollias S.S.
Published: May 2004

Evidence from recent functional magnetic resonance imaging studies suggests that adaptive cortical changes (‘plasticity’) could participate in the maintenance of function in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we addressed the impact of brain atrophy on the pattern of cerebral activation in an MS patient with a relapsing-remitting course. This patient showed mildly disabling hemiparesis of the left side (EDSS 2.0), and corresponding brain hemiatrophy (15% volume reduction) of the right hemisphere. The clinical syndrome was considered to result from a lesion in the corona radiata involving corticospinal fibers. Motor-evoked potential recordings confirmed substantial axonal damage to the pyramidal tract arising from that hemisphere. Irrespective of these asymmetries, normal brain activation was found for hand and foot movements for both brain sides. This demonstrates that brain atrophy itself does not necessarily induce cortical adaptive changes, even if mild disability is present. On the other hand, significantly disabling distinct clinical syndromes e.g. arising from spinal cord lesions may evoke cortical changes irrespective of brain atrophy. This issue has to be studied in longitudinal investigations.
Amniotic Fluid Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Is a Marker for the Prediction of Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis in Preterm Labor
Authors: Park Kyo Hoon , Yoon Bo Hyun , Shim Soon-Sup , Jun Jong Kwan , Syn Hee Chul
Published: May 2004

Background: Our purpose was to determine whether amniotic fluid concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α are of value in the prediction of early-onset neonatal sepsis (proven or suspected) in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes. Methods: The relationship between amniotic fluid tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations and early-onset neonatal sepsis was examined in 59 consecutive patients with preterm labor and intact membranes who delivered preterm neonates within 72 h after transabdominal amniocentesis. Early-onset neonatal sepsis was defined either as the presence of a positive blood culture or as suspected sepsis within 72 h of delivery. Tumor necrosis factor-α was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Patients delivering neonates with early-onset neonatal sepsis had significantly higher median amniotic fluid TNF-α concentrations than patients delivering neonates without early-onset neonatal sepsis (p < 0.0005). An amniotic fluid tumor necrosis factor-α concentration ≧41 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 82% (23/29) and specificity of 79% (38/48) in the prediction of early-onset neonatal sepsis. Multiple logistic regression indicated that elevated amniotic fluid tumor necrosis factor-α (≧41 pg/ml) was the only independent predictor of early-onset neonatal sepsis (odds ratio 12.9, 95% confidence interval 1.3–125.3, p = 0.01) after correction for known confounding variables. Conclusions: (1) Amniotic fluid tumor necrosis factor-α is a marker for the prediction of early-onset neonatal sepsis in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes. (2) Amniotic fluid tumor necrosis factor-α is a better independent predictor of early-onset neonatal sepsis than placental histologic finding or amniotic fluid culture.
Angiotensin II Type 1 and Type 2 Receptors Reciprocally Modulate Pro-inflammatory/ Pro-Fibrotic Reactions in Activated Splenic Lymphocytes
Authors: Okada Hirokazu , Watanabe Yusuke , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Kikuta Tomohiro , Kanno Yoshihiko , Suzuki Hiromichi
Published: May 2004

Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) has been confirmed to confer renoprotection in the progressive, immune-mediated nephritis in animal models as well as in humans. However, the relative contributions of direct AT1R blockade, indirect counteractivation of Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R), or both, to renoprotection through AT1R antagonism remains to be clarified. Immunohistochemical studies in the nephritic kidney revealed that tubular epithelial cells and infiltrating immune cells were positive for AT1R and AT2R. In the present study, we investigated the action of Ang II on both receptors on immune cells. A subpopulation of lipopolysaccharide-activated splenic lymphocytes (mixed lymphocyte populations) was positive for AT1R and AT2R. Ang II alone could not induce gene expression of a pro-inflammatory chemokine JE or a pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 in those cells. However, Ang II could significantly suppress the expression of both genes in those cells under AT1R blockade, and this action was mediated through AT2R. Conversely, the pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic gene expression could be enhanced by AT2R blockade, and this was mediated through AT1R. AT1R and AT2R expressed in activated immune cells can modulate pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic reactions reciprocally. In advanced immune-mediated nephritic kidneys, AT1R antagonism likely confers renoprotection via activation of AT2R.
Flavonoids such as Luteolin, Fisetin and Apigenin Are Inhibitors of Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13 Production by ActivatedHuman Basophils
Authors: Hirano Toru , Higa Shinji , Arimitsu Junsuke , Naka Tetsuji , Shima Yoshihito , Ohshima Shiro , Fujimoto Minoru , Yamadori Tomoki , Kawase Ichiro , Tanaka Toshio
Published: May 2004

Background: We have previously shown that fisetin, a flavonol, inhibits IL-4 and IL-13 synthesis by allergen- or anti-IgE-antibody-stimulated basophils. This time, we investigated the inhibition of IL-4 and IL-13 production by basophils by other flavonoids and attempted to determine the fundamental structure of flavonoids related to inhibition. We additionally investigated whether flavonoids suppress leukotriene C4 synthesis by basophils and IL-4 synthesis by T cells in response to anti-CD3 antibody. Methods: Highly purified peripheral basophils were stimulated for 12 h with anti-IgE antibody alone or anti-IgE antibody plus IL-3 in the presence of various concentrations of 18 different kinds of flavones and flavonols. IL-4 and IL-13 concentrations in the supernatants were then measured. Leukotriene C4 synthesis was also measured after basophils were stimulated for 1 h in the presence of flavonoids. Regarding the inhibitory activity of flavonoids on IL-4 synthesis by T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with flavonoids in anti-CD3-antibody-bound plates for 2 days. Results: Luteolin, fisetin and apigenin were found to be the strongest inhibitors of both IL-4 and IL-13 production by basophils but did not affect leukotriene C4 synthesis. At higher concentrations, these flavonoids suppressed IL-4 production by T cells. Based on a hierarchy of inhibitory activity, the basic structure for IL-4 inhibition by basophils was determined. Conclusions: Due to the inhibitory activity of flavonoids on IL-4 and IL-13 synthesis, it can be expected that the intake of flavonoids, depending on the quantity and quality, may ameliorate allergic symptoms or prevent the onset of allergic diseases.
Nasal Bone Measurement during the 1st Trimester: Is It Useful?
Authors: Kelekci Sefa , Yazıcıoğlu H. Fehmi , Oguz Serdar , Inan Ismet , Yilmaz Bülent , Sönmez Süha
Published: May 2004

The aim of this study was to present our preliminary data about nasal bone measurements at 11–14 weeks of pregnancy. This study was conducted in our prenatal unit between 2000 and 2003. A total of 642 pregnant women (single pregnancies) were enrolled into the study. During the first trimester of pregnancy, crown-rump length, nuchal translucency thickness, and fetal nasal bone length measurements and ductus venosus Doppler images were evaluated. The distribution of absent or small nasal bones in both normal fetuses and in those having some pathological conditions was compared by statistical analysis. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Nasal bone evaluation was successful in 600 of 642 (93.4%) ultrasound examinations. The linear regression line showed a significant positive slope with increasing crown-rump length (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). Absent or small nasal bones were more common in abnormal than in normal fetuses (p = 0.007). It is clear that the fetal nasal bone is becoming a powerful tool in prenatal screening for aneuploidy. Larger studies to be performed in a low-risk population are needed to assess whether the measurement of the nasal bone length provides additional benefits beyond the assessment of the presence or absence of the nasal bone.
Generalized Chorea Associated with Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Sung Yueh-Feng , Ma Hsin-I. , Hsu Yaw-Don
Published: May 2004

A variety of acquired disorders cause chorea, such as hypoxia-ischemia injury, drugs, toxins, infections, autoimmune disorders, and endocrine and electrolyte abnormalities, but rarely subdural hematoma. We report the case of a 76-year-old woman who presented with sudden onset of generalized choreiform movements 1 day prior to admission. Computed tomography revealed a bilateral lateral convexity subdural effusion, which was later confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging as a chronic subdural hematoma. After surgical evacuation of the subdural hematoma, the choreoathetoid movements ceased completely. We propose that transient ischemia in the bilateral subcortical regions was from compression and distortion of the brain by the bilateral hematomas and resulted in generalized chorea.
Endogenous, Reactive and Neurotic Depression – Diagnostic Stability and Long-Term Outcome
Authors: Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: May 2004

Background: No larger long-term study has been conducted of outcomes of patients diagnosed with endogenous, reactive or neurotic depression and using survival methods in the analyses. Sampling and Methods: All patients who had had their first-ever discharge in the period from 1970 to 1994 with a diagnosis of endogenous, reactive or neurotic depression according to ICD-8 were identified in a nationwide register of admissions to psychiatric wards. Patients were followed up to 1999 and the long-term diagnostic stability, the risk of relapse leading to readmission and the risk of suicide was analysed in the three groups. Results: The diagnostic stability over time of the diagnosis of reactive depression and neurotic depression was low. Patients with neurotic depression had a substantially greater risk of relapse leading to readmission compared to patients with endogenous depression, and patients with reactive depression had less risk of relapse. No differences were found in the risk of completed suicide between the three groups of patients during long-term follow-up. Conclusions: The study does not provide evidence for re-establishing prior diagnostic systems of depressive disorders based on the presence or absence of neurotic characteristics or on the presence or absence of a psychic trauma as in ICD-8.
Emergency Physician Directed Ultrasound
Authors: Sloan John
Published: May 2004

This paper outlines the background and justification of Emergency Physician-directed ultrasound. The main uses are described, namely Focussed Abdominal Sonography in Trauma (FAST), diagnosis of the abdominal aortic aneurysm, detection of the presence of foreign bodies and abscess cavities and central and peripheral venous access. Other growing applications referred to are early pregnancy and femoral vein assessment in intravenous drug users. Data from one large Emergency Department is presented, which shows a FAST sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 99%. A training and quality assurance approach is outlined.
The 'Reverse Decubitus' View: a Potential for Increasing the Sensitivity of Gallbladder Ultrasound
Authors: Kletzenbauer S P
Published: May 2004

The purpose is to determine whether a variation of the standard decubitus patient positioning is of additional diagnostic value. Traditionally, the gallbladder is examined with the patient in the supine, right side up decubitus, erect and prone positions. However, with the patient in the left side up position a medial/cranial/oblique angulation of the transducer allows an additional acoustic window to the gallbladder fossa. As well as potentially demonstrating exquisite views of the gall bladder, it is asserted that previously unseen pathology may occasionally be detected. Thirty patients were examined using the routine patient positions and, in addition, the gallbladder was examined with each patient in the left side up position. In all cases, a longer axis was measurable with the patient left side up. In one case, pathology that was not appreciated in the routine patient positions was seen with the patient left side up. This study suggests that additional anatomical and pathological may be demonstrated by using the technique described.
Physical fitness in persons with hemiparetic stroke: its structure and longitudinal changes during an inpatient rehabilitation programme
Authors: Tsuji Tetsuya , Liu Meigen , Hase Kimitaka , Masakado Yoshihisa , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Hara Yukihiro , Chino Naoichi
Published: May 2004

Objective: To test the hypothesis that the structure of fitness in patients with hemiparetic stroke can be categorized into impairment/disability, cardiopulmonary, muscular and metabolic domains, and to study longitudinal changes in their fitness during an inpatient rehabilitation programme.

Design: Structure analysis of multiple fitness parameters with principlal component analysis (PCA), and a before and after trial.

Setting: Tertiary rehabilitation centre in Japan.

Patients: One hundred and seven consecutive inpatients with hemiparetic stroke.

Intervention: A conventional stroke rehabilitation programme consisting of 80 minutes of physical therapy and occupational therapy sessions five days a week, and daily rehabilitation nursing for a median duration of 105.5 days.

Main outcome measures: Principal component scores extracted from measurement of paresis/daily living (the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM)); muscular (grip strength (GS), knee extensor torque, and cross-sectional areas of thigh muscles); metabolic (body mass index (BMI) and fat accumulation on CT); cardiopulmonary (heart rate oxygen coefficient (HR-O2-Coeff) obtained with a graded bridging activity and a 12-minute propulsion distance).

Results: PCA categorized the original 15 variables into four factors corresponding to paresis/activities of daily living, muscular, metabolic and cardiopulmonary domains, and explained 78.1% of the total variance at admission and 69.6% at discharge. Except the metabolic domain, PCA scores for the other three domains improved significantly at discharge (paired t-test, p B=0.05).

Conclusion: The hypothetical structure of fitness was confirmed, and the PCA scores were useful in following longitudinal changes of fitness during inpatient rehabilitation.
Characteristics of psychosexual functioning in adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Cho Sung-Rae , Park Eun Sook , Park Chang Il , Na Sang-il
Published: May 2004

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of psychosexual functioning in adults with cerebral palsy, as compared with able-bodied control subjects, matched by gender and marital status, and to identify the factors affecting psychosexual functioning.

Design: Interview and survey using the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI).

Setting: Inpatient and outpatient units in a rehabilitation hospital and welfare facilities.

Subjects: Sixty-two adults with cerebral palsy and 142 age-matched able-bodied controls participated in this study. The participants were grouped into four subgroups according to gender and marital status.

Main measures: General characteristics of the subjects, 10 domain scores of the DSFI and Sexual Functioning Index (SFI) as a global score were assessed. The scores for each cerebral palsy group according to gender and marital status were compared with those of their corresponding able-bodied control group.

Results: Unmarried men with cerebral palsy demonstrated lower SFI and weakness in sexual information, experience, drive, attitude, psychological symptoms, affect and satisfaction, compared with unmarried able-bodied men (p B=0.05). In contrast to unmarried men, unmarried women did not reveal any significant differences in all but body image domain score (p B=0.05) between the groups. Married adults with cerebral palsy showed higher levels of psychological distress in both men and women and lower sexual satisfaction in women (p B=0.05). Nonambulatory people with cerebral palsy had significantly a lower sexual information, experience and satisfaction, and a lower SFI than ambulatory (p B=0.05). Barthel Index was significantly related to body image (p B=0.05). Psychosexual functioning was not significantly different according to cerebral palsy type.

Conclusion: This study revealed the characteristics on psychosexual functioning in adults with cerebral palsy, depending on gender and marital status. The results suggested that nonambulatory unmarried men with cerebral palsy were at high risk in terms of psychosexual dysfunction.
Comparison of effects of exercise programme, pulsed ultrasound and transverse friction in the treatment of chronic patellar tendinopathy
Authors: Stasinopoulos Dimitrios , Stasinopoulos Ioannis
Published: May 2004

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of an exercise programme, pulsed ultrasound and transverse friction in the treatment of chronic patellar tendinopathy.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Centre.

Subjects: This study was carried out with 30 patients who had chronic patellar tendinopathy. They were randomized into three groups.

Interventions: Group A (n = 10) was treated with exercise programme. Pulsed ultrasound was given to group B (n = 10). Group C (n = 10) received transverse friction. All patients received three treatments per week for four weeks.

Outcomes: Patients' pain was evaluated at the end of the four-week course of treatment (week 4), one month (week 8) and three months (week 16) after the end of treatment.

Results: The exercise programme was statistically significantly better than the other two treatments at the end of treatment (x2 = 12.21, p < 0.01), one month (x2 = 23.2, p < 0.001) and three months (x2 = 23.2, p < 0.001) after the end of the treatment.

Conclusion: Although the results suggested that the exercise programme was more effective treatment than ultrasound and transverse friction at the end of the treatment as well as at the follow-ups, future controlled studies are needed to establish the relative and absolute effectiveness of each of the three treatment interventions.
Immunologic factors in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hohlfeld Reinhard
Published: May 2004

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is clinically character ized by progression without remission or relapse, in contrast to relapsing forms of MS. Pathologic and imaging findings also indicate that PPMS differs from relapsing forms. Recent studies examining potential immunologic differences among MS forms suggest that cytokine and adhesion molecule expression profiles, but not chemokine recepto r profiles, in PPMS patients resemble those in healthy controls more than those in patients with relapsing MS. However, the significance of these findings remains to be fully elucidated, and there is little additional evidence as yet of marked differences among MS forms based on immunologic characteristics. O f interest are the recent demonstrations that activated immune cells produce brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neuroprotective factor, in MS lesions, that BDNF receptors are located in MS tissue, and that glatiramer acetate (GA)-specific T cells produce BDNF irrespective of T helper cell Th1 or Th2 pheno type. These findings both support the concept of a protective inflammation in MS and suggest an additional mechanism of action for the clinical effects of G A therapy in MS. Whether and to what extent this mechanism is present in different MS forms remain to be clarified.
Review of maintainability design principles and their application to conceptual design
Authors: Tjiparuro Z , Thompson G
Published: May 2004

The life cycle cost of a system is, to a large extent, influenced by its maintainability. Besides being a statistical concept, maintainability is a design parameter whose achievement is influenced by known elements and attributes. However, these elements and attributes appear far and wide in literary sources. This paper consolidates these elements and attributes by reconciling and developing previous research efforts. It also shows how these attributes interact with each other to influence major maintainability indices such as mean time to repair (MTTR), maintenance policy, and others. It is also further argued that the conventional tendency of ‘handpicking’ certain attributes to assess maintainability is to a great extent ad hoc, and it is shown how it could be rationalized. Finally, it is observed that the number and diversity of these requirements makes their assessment during conceptual design impossible because of ‘cognitive overload'. Therefore, an approach to maintainability analysis during conceptual design, based on the concept of functional design and maintainability axioms, is proposed.
Thermal Signature Characteristics of Vehicle/Terrain Interaction Disturbances: Implications for Battlefield Vehicle Classification
Authors: Eastes John W. , Mason George L. , Kusinger Alan E.
Published: May 2004

Thermal emissivity spectra (8–14 μm) of track impressions/background were determined in conjunction with operation of six military vehicle types, T-72 and M1 Tanks, an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, a 5-ton truck, a D7 tractor, and a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), over diverse soil surfaces to determine if vehicle type could be related to track thermal signatures. Results suggest soil compaction and fragmentation/pulverization are primary parameters affecting track signatures and that soil and vehicle/terrain-contact type determine which parameter dominates. Steel-tracked vehicles exert relatively low ground-contact pressure but tend to fragment/pulverize soil more so than do rubber-tired vehicles, which tend mainly to compact. In quartz-rich, lean clay soil tracked vehicles produced impressions with spectral contrast of the quartz reststrahlen features decreased from that of the background. At the same time, 5-ton truck tracks exhibited increased contrast on the same surface, suggesting that steel tracks fragmented soil while rubber tires mainly produced compaction. The structure of materials such as sand and moist clay-rich river sediment makes them less subject to further fragmentation/pulverization; thus, compaction was the main factor affecting signatures in these media, and both tracked and wheeled vehicles created impressions with increased spectral contrast on these surfaces. These results suggest that remotely sensed thermal signatures could differentiate tracked and wheeled vehicles on terrain in many areas of the world of strategic interest. Significant applications include distinguishing visually/spectrally identical lightweight decoys from actual threat vehicles.
Water-Related Matrix Isolation Phenomena during NO2 Photolysis in Argon Matrix
Authors: Cocke David L. , Gomes Jewel A. G. , Gossage John L. , Li Kuyen , Lin Che-Jen , Tandel Satish
Published: May 2004

Photolysis (350–450 nm) of NO2 molecules trapped in argon matrices at 10 K has been studied using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to examine the mobility of the photolysis products, O(3P) and NO, and their subsequent reactions. The formation of N2O5 and N2O3 from reactions of these mobile species with immobilized NO2 and N2O4 is confirmed. Water molecules from the background gases in the vacuum have been found to be isolated in the argon matrix during deposition of diluted NO2 in Ar. The entrapped water molecules along with some of their NO2 adducts have been characterized. Exposure of the matrix to photons to photolyze NO2 resulted in not only internal matrix reactions, but also an enhanced deposition of ice over the surface of the argon matrix. This is caused by photodesorption of water molecules from the walls of the matrix isolation chamber and their subsequent condensation on the matrix surface. This ice overlayer has been found to give a very significant dangling OH band and a substantial librational band in the FT-IR spectra, indicating substantial surface area and internal porosity, respectively. The potential of using photodesorbed water to establish high surface area ice interfaces with dangling OH groups for heterogeneous photoreaction studies is discussed.
Fourier Transform Infrared Studies on Deblocking and Crosslinking Mechanisms of Some Fluorine Containing Monocomponent Polyurethanes
Authors: Radice S. , Turri S. , Scicchitano M.
Published: May 2004

The thermal reactivity of a set of different blocked perfluoropolyether (PFPE) containing polyisocyanates and one monocomponent polyurethane containing a PFPE diol was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. With the former series of products the deblocking kinetics at 90 °C and 120 °C were investigated with time-dependent spectral data, showing the highest thermal deblocking activity for 3,5 dimethylpyrazole blocking agent. The crosslinking reaction of the PFPE diol with ketoxime blocked isocyanurate at 150 °C was monitored by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and two-dimensional (2D) correlation analysis; the results suggested a prevailing direct condensation mechanism and the formation of urea byproducts in the later stages of reaction. Both synchronous and asynchronous spectra were considered and discussed, pointing out the time relation of the chemical functions during the crosslinking experiment.
Editorial
Authors: Jordan Barry
Published: May 2004

"In a house there is the top floor and there is the cellar. The underground film-makers live in the same house as Hollywood, but they work in the cellar. It’s up to them if they like to live in the dark. The Hollywood filmmakers are more intelligent, because they have that
sunny top floor." (Jean-Luc Godard)

Godard’s house might not be an altogether convincing spatial metaphor for the current condition of world film-making, but recent reports are filled with gloomy predictions of the commercial difficulties of non-Hollywood Second and Third Cinemas.
Is it the case that commercial film theatres are showing an ever-narrowing range of films, reinforcing the narrowness of audience tastes?
Shifting frames of reference, or what Maurizio Nichetti’s Ladri di saponette/The Icicle Thief can tell us about watching films on television
Authors: White Anne , Morena Davide
Published: May 2004

Maurizio Nichetti’s comedy, Ladri di saponette/The Icicle Thief (1989) has been read as a mordant satire on commercial television and the world of consumerism it represents in late-1980s Italy. The context in which Nichetti’s cinema was originally created and consumed
is examined here in some detail. This is followed by an analysis of how a new frame of reference (the television screening of the film on commercial UK television in the 1990s) impacted on this work and what this can tell us about spectatorship and the problematic intermedial relationship
between film, television and advertising.
Altered Sodium Channel Expression in Second-Order Spinal Sensory Neurons Contributes to Pain after Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Hains Bryan C. , Saab Carl Y. , Klein Joshua P. , Craner Matthew J. , Waxman Stephen G.
Published: May 2004

Peripheral nerve injury is known to upregulate the rapidly repriming Nav1.3 sodium channel within first-order spinal sensory neurons. In this study, we hypothesized that (1) after peripheral nerve injury, second-order dorsal horn neurons abnormally express Nav1.3, which (2) contributes to the responsiveness of these dorsal horn neurons and to pain-related behaviors. To test these hypotheses, adult rats underwent chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Ten days after CCI, allodynia and hyperalgesia were evident.In situhybridization, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and immunocytochemical analysis revealed upregulation of Nav1.3 in dorsal horn nociceptive neurons but not in astrocytes or microglia, and unit recordings demonstrated hyperresponsiveness of dorsal horn sensory neurons. Intrathecal antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeting Nav1.3 decreased the expression of Nav1.3 mRNA and protein, reduced the hyperresponsiveness of dorsal horn neurons, and attenuated pain-related behaviors after CCI, all of which returned after cessation of antisense delivery. These results demonstrate for the first time that sodium channel expression is altered within higher-order spinal sensory neurons after peripheral nerve injury and suggest a link between misexpression of the Nav1.3 sodium channel and central mechanisms that contribute to neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury.
Castration Restores Function and Neurofilament Alterations of Aged Symptomatic Males in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Chevalier-Larsen Erica S. , O'Brien Christopher J. , Wang Huiyi , Jenkins Shannon C. , Holder Latia , Lieberman Andrew P. , Merry Diane E.
Published: May 2004

Transgenic models of neurodegenerative disease have proved uniquely powerful for delineating pathways of neuronal dysfunction and cell death. We have developed a transgenic model of the polyglutamine disease spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), an adult-onset, slowly progressive motor neuron disease caused by polyglutamine expansion in the androgen receptor (AR). Mice bearing a human AR with 112 glutamines reproduce many aspects of SBMA, including slowly progressive, gender-specific motor deficits, and neuronal intranuclear inclusions. Despite substantial motor deficits in male AR112Q mice, no motor neuron loss was observed, indicating that neuronal dysfunction, rather than neuronal death, is central to disease. Moreover, reduced levels of unphosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (NF-H) were observed in motor neurons, suggesting a role for NF-H in SBMA neuronal dysfunction. The elimination of androgens by surgical castration of severely affected, aged 112Q male mice partially restored motor function as well as NF-H levels. These data suggest that hormone-based therapies designed to treat SBMA patients, even with advanced disease, are likely to be effective.
Burst Initiation and Termination in Phasic Vasopressin Cells of the Rat Supraoptic Nucleus: A Combined Mathematical, Electrical, and Calcium Fluorescence Study
Authors: Roper Peter , Callaway Joseph , Armstrong William
Published: May 2004

Vasopressin secreting neurons of the rat hypothalamus discharge lengthy, repeating bursts of action potentials in response to physiological stress. Although many electrical currents and calcium-dependent processes have been isolated and analyzed in these cells, their interactions are less well fathomed. In particular, the mechanism of how each burst is triggered, sustained, and terminated is poorly understood. We present a mathematical model for the bursting mechanism, and we support our model with new simultaneous electrical recording and calcium imaging data. We show that bursts can be initiated by spike-dependent calcium influx, and we propose that the resulting elevation of bulk calcium inhibits a persistent potassium current. This inhibition depolarizes the cell above threshold and so triggers regenerative spiking and further calcium influx. We present imaging data to show that bulk calcium reaches a plateau within the first few seconds of the burst, and our model indicates that this plateau occurs when calcium influx is balanced by efflux and uptake into stores. We conjecture that the burst is terminated by a slow, progressive desensitization to calcium of the potassium leak current. Finally, we propose that the opioid dynorphin, which is known to be secreted from the somatodendritic region and has been shown previously to regulate burst length and phasic activity in these cells, is the autocrine messenger for this desensitization.
Blue Luminescence of Facial Tris(quinolin‐8‐olato)aluminum(III) in Solution, Crystals, and Thin Films
Authors: Muccini M. , Loi M. A. , Kenevey K. , Zamboni R. , Masciocchi N. , Sironi A.
Published: May 2004

Isolation, mass production, and characterization in solution and in the solid state of the facial stereoisomer of tris(quinolin‐8‐olato)aluminum(III) (Alq3) is reported. A phase‐ transformation diagram shows how to selectively produce the two blue‐emitting polymorphs of the fac isomer (γ‐ and δ‐Alq3; see Figure) via a solid‐to‐solid reaction, opening the route to the development of blue‐light‐emitting Alq3‐based OLEDs.
Nanoseparated Polymeric Networks with Multiple Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Ho C. H. , Tobis J. , Sprich C. , Thomann R. , Tiller J. C.
Published: May 2004

A multiply active antimicrobial network coating has been synthesized that contains nanophase‐separated poly(ethylene imine) units and hydroxyl groups in the surrounding matrix. Silver nanoparticles can easily be loaded into the PEI phase and the hydroxyl groups of the matrix can be separately modified with polyethylene glycol. The resulting coating is an antimicrobial silver ion release system (Figure bottom—TEM image) with a contact‐killing and microbe‐repelling surface (Figure top—AFM image).
Magnetically Directed Self‐Assembly of Carbon Nanotube Devices
Authors: Long D. P. , Lazorcik J. L. , Shashidhar R.
Published: May 2004

A new method for the parallel fabrication of carbon nanotube (CNT) electronic devices is described. Self‐assembly via magnetic entrapment exploits magnetic fields generated within micrometer‐ or nanometer‐scale devices for the controlled deposition of susceptible species onto predefined contacts (see Figure). The fabrication of carbon nanotube field‐effect transistors (CNFETs) using this method are discussed.
Metallic Thin Films of TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2 by Electrodeposition on (001)‐Oriented Silicon Substrates
Authors: de Caro D. , Fraxedas J. , Faulmann C. , Malfant I. , Milon J. , Lamère J.‐F. , Collière V. , Valade L.
Published: May 2004

Thin films of organic metals generally exhibit activated conductivity caused by intergrain conduction barriers. One of the few examples of thin films showing truly metallic character is TTF[Ni(dmit)2]2. Films electrodeposited on silicon substrates remain metallic down to 12 K in spite of their polycrystalline morphology (see Figure).