bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
True versus Mild Hyperthermia during Isolated Hepatic Perfusion: Effects on Melphalan Pharmacokinetics and Liver Function
Authors: Pilati Pierluigi , Mocellin Simone , Rossi Carlo R. , Ori Carlo , Innocente Federico , Scalerta Romano , Ceccherini Mauro , Da Pian Pier Paolo , Nitti Donato , Lise Mario
Published: August 2004

Hyperthermic antiblastic isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) with melphalan has been recently proposed as an alternative therapeutic option for patients with unresectable liver tumors. Although melphalan–heat antiblastic synergism is at a maximum at temperatures higher than 41 °C, IHP has so far been performed in humans at lower temperatures. In this experimental work, we compared IHP under mild versus true hyperthermic conditions in terms of drug pharmacokinetics and liver function. Ten pigs were submitted to IHP with melphalan 1.5 mg/kg at a mean temperature of 40 °C (group A, n = 5) or 42 °C (group B, n = 5). After a 60‐minute perfusion, a 15‐minute washout was performed. Perfusate‐to‐plasma leakage was monitored using scintigraphy. Throughout perfusion, samples from the systemic blood, perfusate, and liver parenchyma were obtained to measure melphalan concentrations. Liver function was assessed using standard blood tests and the indocyanine green‐based test. No deaths related to the IHP procedure were recorded. All animals had transient liver function impairment, with all liver function test results returning to normal within the observation period. At histologic examination, liver damage was similar under both hyperthermic conditions. Melphalan levels in the perfusate were not significantly different in the two study groups (the mean perfusate/plasma area under the curve from 0 to 60 minutes ratios were 463 and 501, respectively). These results correlated well with those obtained using the scintigraphic method. Liver drug concentrations remained unchanged after true hyperthermia IHP. Under true hyperthermic conditions, neither an increase in liver parenchyma toxicity nor changes in melphalan pharmacokinetics were observed. These findings support the use of true hyperthermia in the clinical setting to exploit fully the antitumor synergism between melphalan and heat.
Surgical and Endovascular Procedures for Treating Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysms: Ten‐year Experience
Authors: Matsumoto Kenji , Matsubara Kentaro , Watada Susumu , Akiyoshi Takurin , Inoue Fumihiko , Kaneda Munehisa , Shintani Tsunehiro , Kitajima Masaki
Published: August 2004

Characteristics of atherosclerotic isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IAAs) and various strategies for their treatment were assessed retrospectively. The computerized medical records of 18 patients who underwent surgical or endovascular treatment of an IAA during the 10 years from April 1993 to March 2003 at our university hospital were reviewed to obtain information on patient demographics, risk factors, type of IAA treatment, and outcome. Additional data were obtained by mail and telephone. Patients with an IAA were compared with 168 patients treated for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) also at our institution. Early in the series of isolated IAA repairs, patients underwent prosthetic graft interposition (n = 7) or thromboexclusion (n = 4). Subsequently, patients had either endovascular thromboembolization (n = 4) or endovascular thromboembolization with femorofemoral crossover bypass (n = 3). No perioperative deaths occurred in the series. Deep venous thrombosis developed postoperatively in one patient; there were no other serious complications. The cumulative patency rate for the implanted interposition grafts during the mean observation time of 5.5 years was 100%. No endoleakage was observed after the endovascular procedures. In the long‐term, five patients died of causes unrelated to the IAA treatment. A statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the IAA group and the AAA group with respect to atherosclerotic risk factors. In conclusion, open surgical procedures to repair isolated IAAs generally have a good outcome, although the risk of injury to adjacent iliac veins remains. Endovascular treatments appear to have some advantages, but studies including long‐term follow‐up are needed to assess the efficacy and durability of prosthetic grafts used for these procedures.
Treatment of Hydatid Cyst of the Liver: Where Is the Evidence?
Authors: Dziri Chadli , Haouet Karim , Fingerhut Abe
Published: August 2004

Treatment of hydatid cyst of the liver ranges from surgical intervention (conventional or laparoscopic approach) to percutaneous drainage and to medical therapy. The aim of this systematic review was to provide “evidence‐based” answers to the following questions: Should chemotherapy be used alone or in association with surgery? What is the best surgical technique? When is the percutaneous aspiration injection and reaspiration technique (PAIR) indicated? An extensive electronic search of the relevant literature without limiting it to the English language was carried out using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Key words used for the final search were “hydatid cyst,” “liver,” “treatment,” “meta analysis,” “randomized controlled trial,” “prospective study,” “retrospective study.” All relevant studies reporting the assessment of one modality of treatment or a comparison of two or several therapeutic methods to treat hydatid cyst of the liver and published in a peer‐reviewed journal were considered for analysis. This systematic review allowed us to conclude that chemotherapy is not the ideal treatment for uncomplicated hydatid cysts of the liver when used alone (level II evidence, grade B recommendation). The level of evidence was too low to help decide between radical or conservative treatment (level IV evidence, grade C recommendation). Omentoplasty associated with radical or conservative treatment is efficient in preventing deep abscesses (level II evidence, grade A recommendation). The laparoscopic approach is safe (level IV evidence, grade C recommendation). Drug treatment associated with surgery (level II evidence, grade C recommendation) requires further studies. Percutaneous drainage associated with albendazole therapy is safe and efficient in selected patients (level II evidence, grade B recommendation). The level of evidence is low concerning treatment of complicated cysts.
Evidence of Oxidative Stress in the Brains of Fetuses with CNS Anomalies and Islet Cell Hyperplasia
Authors: Hockett Patricia K. , Emery Shawn Clark , Hansen Lawrence , Masliah Eliezer
Published: August 2004

Infants of diabetic mothers have an increased frequency of congenital anomalies, including CNS malformations. Fetal hyperglycemia may promote such damage via oxidative stress. Postmortem studies have shown that fetal hyperglycemia associated with maternal diabetes results in islet cell hyperplasia. Islet cell hyperplasia may correlate with the presence of oxidative stress injury in the CNS because of hyperglycemia and related metabolic derangement. This study examines 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity as a marker of oxidative stress in the brains of fetuses stratified by the presence or absence of islet cell hyperplasia and CNS developmental anomalies. Fetuses with both islet cell hyperplasia and CNS developmental anomalies showed a 1.8-fold increase in semiquantitatively scored 3-nitrotyrosine immunostaining compared to negative controls. Fetuses with islet cell hyperplasia but no CNS anomalies demonstrated a 1.6fold increase. Comparison between fetuses with islet cell hyperplasia which were stratified by presence or absence of CNS anomalies were not statistically different but did show more intense staining in those with CNS malformations. These results support the contention that hyperglycemia may contribute to CNS malformation via oxidative stress.
Total Parenteral Nutrition Induced Liver Pathology: An Autopsy Series of 24 Newborn Cases
Authors: Zambrano Eduardo , El-Hennawy Magdy , Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Zelterman Daniel , Reyes-Múgica Miguel
Published: August 2004

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)-induced liver injury is a common complication in neonates managed with newborn intensive care. In several of these cases, irreversible and even fatal liver damage may develop, with patients dying of liver failure. In spite of multiple studies over several years, the pathogenesis of TPN-induced liver damage remains poorly understood. Clinical data from 24 neonates with clinical history of receiving TPN who died at Yale—New Haven Children's Hospital and had autopsies performed, were collected by medical record review without knowledge of liver pathology findings. Liver histological sections from these patients were evaluated for multiple parameters without knowledge of the clinical course. Continuous data were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney test, and dichotomous data by Fisher's exact test; P < 0.05 was considered significant. Different histopathological abnormalities with varying degrees of severity were observed. A progression in the severity of histopathological changes in relation to duration of TPN administration (DTPN) was found. While patients with DTPN of < 2 wk had no fibrosis or only mild degrees of fibrosis, patients with more than 6 wk of DTPN developed moderate-to-severe fibrosis. Similar results were observed for cholestasis and bile duct proliferation. We did not find significant differences for birth weight, gestational age, occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, or enteral feedings between the group with normal-to-mild liver changes (n = 16), and the group with moderate-to-severe liver changes (n = 8). On the other hand, DTPN was significantly different between these two groups (P = 0.008). Also, patients small for gestational age (P = 0.003) and patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P = 0.001) were more commonly seen in the group with moderate-to-severe histopathological findings. Intracellular copper was detected in 12.5% of patients with moderate-to-severe liver changes, and was found in 50% of patients with normal-to-mild liver findings (P = 0.04). Detection of copper from tissue sections also decreased with DTPN, being observed in 57% of patients with < 2 wk DTPN and in none of the patients with > 12 wk DTPN. Our findings confirm the known significant relationship between the duration of TPN and liver injury. While previously described associations with birth weight, gestational age, enteral feedings, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were not noted, our study suggests that poor intrauterine growth may be a significant clinical risk factor for TPN-induced liver injury. In addition, our findings suggest that copper may have a protective effect against the development of TPN-induced liver damage.
MALT Lymphoma in Children: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mo Jun Q. , Dimashkieh Haytham , Mallery Susan R. , Swerdlow Steven H. , Bove Kevin E.
Published: August 2004

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma predominantly occurs in adults, and is rare in children. We report a case of MALT lymphoma involving minor salivary gland of the lip in an otherwise healthy 12-year-old boy. This is the second case report of MALT lymphoma of minor salivary gland in an immunocompetent child. Of 24 cases of MALT lymphomas in children reported in the English literature, parotid MALT lymphomas in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients and H. pylori infection-associated gastric MALT lymphomas are the most common. As in adult cases, most MALT lymphomas in the pediatric age group are localized and follow an indolent clinical course, respond well to therapy, and have an excellent outcome.
Lymphocytic Infiltration in Pediatric Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Savell Van H. , Hughes Stephen M. , Bower Charles , Parham David M.
Published: August 2004

Lymphocytic thyroiditis has been associated with an increase in the incidence of thyroid papillary carcinoma in some reports, mostly series of both adults and children. Relatively little is written about thyroiditis and follicular carcinomas. We have seen several cases of pediatric follicular thyroid carcinomas, that had an associated lymphocytic infiltrate, which led us to examine all primary malignant thyroid neoplasms in our surgical files from 1984 through 2000 to examine this relationship. We also investigated the nature of the lymphocytic infiltrate with routine immunohistochemistry. Ten patients (five male, five female, ages 4.5–21 years of age) had a thyroid carcinoma resection, six (three males and three females) with papillary carcinoma and four patients (two males and two females) with low-grade follicular carcinoma. Seven samples (one male had two cases with tumor) from patients who had a papillary carcinoma resection with tissue blocks available were identified (one patient had slides but no blocks), as were all four patients with a follicular carcinoma. The thyroid of all patients with a follicular carcinoma contained a lymphocytic infiltrate; only four of the seven papillary carcinoma samples had an associated lymphoid infiltrate. In all cases with a lymphoid infiltrate, the infiltrate was present in both lobes (both adjacent and separate from the tumor). B lymphocytes were present in the lymphoid infiltrate of three of four patients with follicular carcinomas and in 1 of 3 cases of papillary carcinomas. T cells were dispersed throughout all the tumors with lymphoid infiltrates. We conclude that pediatric follicular carcinomas have an associated lymphocytic infiltrate in the tumor and/or adjacent thyroid, more commonly than papillary carcinomas.
Nasal Chondromesenchymal Hamartoma: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Norman Elizabeth S. , Bergman Simon , Trupiano Jacqueline K.
Published: August 2004

The sinonasal region is the site of several hamartomatous lesions, the majority of which are mesenchymal, with vascular hamartomas predominating. The occurrence of hamartomas in the nasal cavity of infants and children is especially rare. Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) is a rare lesion of the intranasal sinuses generally diagnosed in the newborn period, with the eldest reported patient presenting at 16 years of age. This neoplasm is composed of mesenchymal-stromal and chondroid tissue in varying proportions. It is felt to be analogous to the mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall, a lesion of similar histology generally involving the ribs and chest wall of neonates. To the best of our knowledge, only 14 cases of NCMH have been reported to date. We report a case of NCMH in an 11-year-old boy.
Pathology of Human Metapneumovirus Infection: Insights into the Pathogenesis of a Newly Identified Respiratory Virus
Authors: Vargas Sara O. , Kozakewich Harry P.W. , Perez-Atayde Antonio R. , McAdam Alexander J.
Published: August 2004

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently discovered human virus that causes significant respiratory infections. Pathologic features of hMPV infection have not been described. A total of 1257 pediatric respiratory samples submitted for routine clinical virologic testing were additionally tested for hMPV by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Pathology specimens, available in 6 of 53 hMPV-positive patients, were examined by light and electron microscopy and included 6 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 3 lung biopsy specimens from 6 patients (3 girls and 3 boys) ranging in age from 1 to 16 years. BAL from three patients performed within 4 days of the positive hMPV assay showed epithelial degenerative changes and eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions within epithelial cells, multinucleate giant cells, and histiocytes. Inclusions were not seen in three patients with BAL performed ≥ 1 month from the time of their positive assay. Lung biopsy, performed in three patients, all ≥ 1 month from the time of their positive assay, showed chronic airway inflammation and intraalveolar foamy and hemosiderin-laden macrophages; all three patients had an underlying pulmonary/systemic disorder. Our findings delineate the clinico-pathologic features in hMPV-infected patients undergoing anatomic sampling, which may provide diagnostic guidance to a practicing pathologist. Further, they contribute toward understanding the pathogenesis of hMPV infection.
Acinic Cell Carcinoma: An Unusual Cause of Bronchial Obstruction in a Child
Authors: Sabaratnam Rathi M. , Reddi Anunathan , Govender Dhirendra
Published: August 2004

Primary acinic cell carcinomas of the lung are rare tumors, usually presenting in adulthood as parenchymal or endobronchial masses. These lesions are generally recognized by their morphological pattern and the presence of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive, diastase-resistant cytoplasmic granules. We describe a case of primary acinic cell carcinoma of the bronchus in a 4-year-old girl. The tumor has the typical acinar structures: weakly PAS-positive, diastase-resistant cytoplasmic granules and intra-acinar laminated calcific structures. A lobectomy was done with a clear bronchial resection margin. The child is well with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis 2 years postresection.
A Unique Case of Renal Carcinoma with Xp11.2 Translocations/TFE3 Gene Fusions in a 3-Year-old Child, with Coexistent von Hippel-Lindau Gene Mutation
Authors: Parast Mana M. , Eudy Grant , Gow Kenneth W. , Amin Mahul , Shehata Bahig
Published: August 2004

Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) are rare in the pediatric population; when they occur, a significant percentage are associated with specific cytogenetic abnormalities and germline mutations. These include mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene and translocations involving the TFE3 transcription factor gene on Xp11.2. Here we report a case of a 3-year-old child with a large renal mass. Histologic examination of the tumor showed a predominantly nested growth pattern with some papillary foci. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a karyotype of t(X;1)(p11.2; p34.3), consistent with a TFE3-associated RCC. Interestingly, sequencing of the patient's VHL gene revealed a single point mutation, previously seen in a subgroup of patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease. This is the first reported case, to our knowledge, of t(X;1)-associated RCC in a patient with concurrent VHL gene mutation.
c-kit Expression and Mutational Analysis in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Chilton-MacNeill Susan , Ho Michael , Hawkins Cynthia , Gassas Adam , Zielenska Maria , Baruchel Sylvain
Published: August 2004

The proto-oncogene c-kit is a receptor tyrosine kinase recognized to initiate essential signal transduction pathways that transmit biological signals for cellular proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. Aberrant expression or mutation of c-kit has been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of many cancers. Studies using imatinib mesylate (STI 571, Gleevec, Novartis, East Hanover, NJ, USA), an inhibitor of the tyrosine kinases brc-abl, c-kit, and PDGFR, have shown significant response in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. With the aim of identifying additional groups of tumors that may use the stem cell factor/c-kit pathway and, secondarily, may be responsive to imatinib mesylate treatment, we looked at the expression of c-kit in medulloblastoma. Medulloblastoma, a highly invasive primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the cerebellum, is the most common, malignant central nervous system tumor of childhood. Histologic features of medulloblastoma have failed to provide an accurate prediction of the clinical-biological behavior of these tumors. Characterizing the genetic events that play a role in the biology of these tumors may allow for molecular sub-typing and could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This study evaluated c-kit expression and mutational status in 10 medulloblastoma tumor samples. All 10 medulloblastoma tumors expressed c-kit by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and 9 by immunohistochemical analysis. All tumor samples were screened for mutations in exons 9, 11, and 13 of the c-kit gene by direct sequencing. No sequence abnormalities were detected in these exons. These experiments lead us to the conclusion that c-kit activation in medulloblastoma is independent of mutation.
Reference Values for Valve Circumferences and Ventricular Wall Thicknesses of Fetal and Neonatal Hearts
Authors: Oyer Calvin E. , Sung C. James , Friedman Rebecca , Hansen Katrine , De Paepe Monique , Pinar Halit , Singer Don B.
Published: August 2004

To evaluate valvular stenosis, cardiac dilation, and/or cardiac hypertrophy, measurements of valve circumference and ventricular wall thickness are of importance. To establish reference values in fetuses and neonates, we reviewed pathology reports at Women and Infants Hospital from 1978 through 2002 and found measurements in 776 cases that were suitable for analysis. Gestational ages (GA) ranged from 15 to 42 wk. The tabulated data include the mean, standard deviation, and 10th and 90th percentile values for foot length, body weight, body length, heart weight, valve measurements, and ventricular wall thicknesses for each week of GA. In cases in which clinical dating is not reliable, we estimated the GA by the mean value nearest that of the observed foot length. All linear measurements increased in a linear fashion throughout the second and third trimesters of development. The circumferences of cardiac valves at all ages, in descending order of magnitude, are: tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary, and aortic. Mean left ventricular (LV) wall thickness is greater than mean right ventricular (RV) wall thickness throughout gestation. The tables offer a means of determining valvular stenosis, or cardiac dilation and/or hypertrophy, based on various gestational ages.
Fetal Vascular Obstructive Lesions: Nosology and Reproducibility of Placental Reaction Patterns
Authors: Redline Raymond W. , Ariel Ilana , Baergen Rebecca N. , deSa Derek J. , Kraus Frederick T. , Roberts Drucilla J. , Sander C. Maureen ,   Committee and the Society for Pediatric Pathology, Perinatal Section, Fetal Vascular Obstruction Nosology
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this study was to assemble and test the reliability of a complete set of the placental reaction patterns seen with chronic fetal vascular obstruction in the hope that this might provide a standardized diagnostic framework useful for practicing pathologists. Study cases (14 with fetal vascular obstructive lesions, 6 controls) were reviewed blindly by seven pathologists after agreement on a standard set of diagnostic criteria. Majority vote served as the gold standard and 80% of the 180 diagnoses rendered (9 diagnoses each for 20 cases) were agreed upon by at least six of the seven scores. The sensitivity of individual diagnosis relative to the group consensus averaged 83% (range, 69–100%) and specificity averaged 91% (range, 86–100%). Reproducibility was measured by unweighted kappa-values and interpreted as follows: < 0.2, poor; 0.2–0.6, fair/moderate; > 0.6, substantial. Kappa values for lesions of distal villi were generally superior to those for lesions involving large fetal vessels: avascular villi (0.49), villous stromal-vascular karyorrhexis (0.58), and villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) with stem villitis and avascular villi (0.65) versus large vessel thrombi (any vessel, 0.34; chorionic plate vessel, 0.40) and intimal fibrin cushions (recent, 0.47; remote, 0.78). Reproducibility for a global impression of any villous change consistent with chronic fetal vascular obstruction was substantial (0.63), while that for a more severe subgroup was moderate (0.44). Three points are worthy of emphasis. Our system separately recognizes, but later combines, uniformly avascular villi and villous stromal-vascular karyorrhexis as manifestations of the same underlying process. We propose that this combined group of villous lesions be dichotomized with the terms fetal thrombotic vasculopathy or extensive avascular villi (and/or villous stromal-vascular karyorrhexis) being reserved for the group with 15 or more affected terminal villi per section. Scattered foci of avascular villi (and/or villous stromal-vascular karyorrhexis) could be used to describe less severe cases. Finally, we distinguish VUE with stem villitis and avascular villi (obliterative fetal vasculopathy) as a distinct process with substantial perinatal morbidity.
Characterization of Inflammation in Syphilitic Villitis and in Villitis of Unknown Etiology
Authors: Kapur Payal , Rakheja Dinesh , Gomez Ana M. , Sheffield Jeanne , Sanchez Pablo , Rogers Beverly Barton
Published: August 2004

Chronic villitis is a histologic diagnosis that may be either associated with infection, or termed villitis of undetermined etiology (VUE). The lymphocytic infiltrate in VUE has been reported to consist of maternal lymphocytes, but the origin of the lymphocytic infiltrate in infectious villitis has not been identified. The purpose of our study was to compare the maternal vs. fetal origin of the infiltrating lymphocytes in VUE and syphilitic villitis, and to expand the immunophenotypic data provided by previous studies. Paraffin-embedded placentas from four males with VUE and two males with syphilitic vil litis were subjected to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the X and Y chromosomes. Serial sections were stained with antibodies to CD3, CD4, CD8, CD68, HLA-DR, and CD20. Quantitation of the relative number of cells marking with each antibody was done for four villi in each slide. CD3 lymphocytes predominated in both VUE and syphilitic villitis, with slightly more CD8 cells compared to CD4 cells. CD68 and HLA-DR positive cells were as frequent as CD3 cells, and B-lymphocytes were rare. Maternal cells were the predominant intravillous population in both VUE and syphilitic villitis, and neutrophils in syphilitic villitis were also maternal. These data indicate that the immune response in both syphilitic villitis and VUE is similar, raising the possibility of a similar immunopathogenetic pathway.
Pediatric Hepatic Angiosarcoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dimashkieh Haytham H. , Mo Jun Q. , Wyatt-Ashmead Josephine , Collins Margaret H.
Published: August 2004

Pediatric hepatic angiosarcoma (PHAS) is a rare tumor, which usually presents as a rapid enlargement of the liver. To date, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have not improved the poor prognosis of PHAS with only three survivors reported. The histology of PHAS is distinct from adult angiosarcoma, because PHAS displays hypercellular whorls of sarcomatous cells, or “kaposiform” spindle cells, in addition to the general features of angiosarcoma. We report a case of PHAS that was treated with vascular ablation, chemotherapy, and liver transplantation. Lung metastases occurred 14 months posttransplant.
Separate Occurrence of Extra-adrenal Paraganglioma and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in Monozygotic Twins: Probable Familial Carney Syndrome
Authors: Boccon-Gibod Liliane , Boman Françoise , Boudjemaa Sabah , Fabre Monique , Leverger Guy , Carney Aidan J.
Published: August 2004

The nonfamilial Carney triad includes paraganglioma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and pulmonary chondroma. Some paraganglioma-GIST diads are familial and inherited in an apparent autosomal dominant manner. The familial paraganglioma-GIST syndrome differs from the Carney triad by the absence of female predilection and predominance of paragangliomas. We report the cases of a 12-year-old boy with a paraganglioma of the organ of Zuckerkandl, and his 13-year-old monozygotic twin with a gastric GIST. These two patients, to our knowledge, are the first to be reported as likely having the familial paraganglioma-GIST syndrome following its description by Carney and Stratakis (Am J Med Genet 2002;108:132–139) in 12 patients from five families. A lifetime follow-up and a periodic search for both tumors are indicated in these patients and their families.
Elevated circulating levels of thioredoxin and stress in chronic heart failure
Authors: Jekell Andreas , Hossain Akter , Alehagen Urban , Dahlström Ulf , Rosén Anders
Published: August 2004

Background:

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex syndrome, in which reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines are important stressors that contribute to the pathogenesis.

Aim:

We have studied physiological stress response parameters in CHF, in particular the redox‐active regulator thioredoxin.

Subject:

A case–control study was conducted including a consecutive sample of CHF patients (n=27) of NYHA class II and III; comparison control subjects (n=29) were recruited from an association for retired people.

Method:

Baseline levels of Trx, lipid peroxides (oxidative stress), TNF and IL‐6 cytokines, platelet‐activation marker P‐selectin, cortisol (as peripheral effector of HPA axis), and the potent antioxidant selenoprotein Trx‐reductase were assessed.

Results:

Mean (±S.E.M.) plasma levels of Trx were significantly higher in patients with CHF (32±3 ng/ml), than in the healthy subjects (12±3 ng/ml, P<0.0001). Trx levels increased in proportion to severity of disease (NYHA class III>NYHA class II) and degree of stress. Trx elevation correlated well with increased oxidative stress (lipid peroxides, P<0.0001), circulatory P‐selectin (P<0.0001), morning level of free salivary cortisol (P=0.0002), and serum creatinine (P=0.0417), but not with pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL‐6.

Conclusion:

Trx was strikingly elevated in heart failure cases compared with controls, signifying an adaptive stress response that is higher the more severe the disease.
Visual-spatial processing and dimensions of schizophrenia: a preliminary study on 62 schizophrenic subjects
Authors: Loas Gwenolé
Published: August 2004

The aim of the study was to explore the relationships between the performance in figure-ground segregation and the clinical dimensions in schizophrenia. Sixty-two schizophrenic subjects filled out the embedded figures test (EFT) and the schizophrenic symptomatology was rated using the brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS). The BPRS items were grouped into four categories: positive, negative, general and disorganization. The results showed in male schizophrenics negative and significant correlations between EFT scores and negative or disorganization subscales. Taken into account that in schizotypic subjects EFT scores was negatively correlated with negative dimension of schizotypy we suggested that those relationship could constitute a trait of the disease.
Do Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) and walleye pollock (Theregra chalcogramma) lack a herding response to the doors, bridles, and mudclouds of survey trawls?
Authors: Somerton David A.
Published: August 2004

Pacific cod and walleye pollock were subjected to herding experiments in which trawl hauls are conducted repeatedly in an area with the bridles varied among three distinct lengths. For the flatfishes in these studies, catch per unit of area swept (cpue) by the trawls increased greatly with increasing bridle length, indicating that flatfish are stimulated to herd into the path of the net by the action of the bridles. In contrast, the cpue of Pacific cod and walleye pollock did not increase significantly with increasing bridle length. This lack of significance indicates that these two species respond only weakly to any herding stimuli produced by the 83–112 Eastern and Poly Nor'eastern trawls used to conduct groundfish trawl surveys in the North Pacific Ocean.
Spatial and seasonal variation in reproductive characteristics and spawning of southern calamary (Sepioteuthis australis): spreading the mortality risk
Authors: Moltschaniwskyj Natalie A. , Steer Michael A.
Published: August 2004

Southern calamary (Sepioteuthis australis) in Tasmania form spawning aggregations in Great Oyster Bay on the central east coast of Tasmania during spring/summer; these are targeted by commercial fishers. However, it is not known if there are similar aggregations farther south in Tasmania or at other times of the year, mainly because the species lives for less than a year. Therefore, this study describes and identifies differences in reproductive ecology of southern calamary on the east and southeast coasts of Tasmania, by sampling adults and surveying egg masses at inshore sites in both regions. Inshore populations on both coasts showed a similar seasonal trend of large gonosomatic index, reproductive output, and body size, and of greatest abundance during spring, and lowest in autumn. The number of egg masses was higher on the east coast, where mature calamary formed large spawning aggregations during spring and summer. However, there were no such aggregations during winter or autumn. Along the southeast coast, spawning activity was sporadic, resulting in isolated, low density, egg patches deposited over broader areas during spring, summer, and winter. There was no evidence of areas of seagrass or macroalgae associated with large depositions of egg masses at any time on the southeast coast. It appears that, by adopting different spawning behaviour in different locations and seasons, southern calamary may spread the risk of mortality in both space and time. The biological significance of this is unclear, particularly with respect to understanding the mechanisms that drive the development of spawning aggregations. Both spatial and seasonal spawning patterns appear to result from specific use of inshore sites at certain times of the year.
Misoprostol vs. oxytocin for induction of labor at term
Authors: Nigam A. , Singh V.K. , Dubay P. , Pandey K. , Bhagoliwal A. , Prakash A.
Published: August 2004

Efficacy of misoprostol was studied for induction of labor at term. Seventy patients were randomized to Group A (n=36, oral misoprostol 50 μg four hourly to maximum of 5 doses) and B (n=34, continuous oxytocin infusion). Induction‐delivery interval was shorter with misoprostol (7.7±2.8 h against 14.3±4.8 h with oxytocin) but the rates of vaginal delivery, cesarean, neonatal outcome variables were similar. Hence, misoprostol is an effective agent for induction of labor at term.
Dental Rolls: A Suitable Model for Practising Tendon Repair Techniques
Authors: TARE MAKARAND
Published: August 2004

Surgical training has changed significantly in the United Kingdom in last decade. A simulator for practising various tendon repairing techniques is presented. It has been designed for the use of junior trainees in Hand surgery dealing with the routine hand trauma cases and can be assembled quickly and cheaply.
Effect of pamidronate on bone turnover and implant migration after total hip arthroplasty: A randomized trial
Authors: Wilkinson J. Mark , Eagleton Alison C. , Stockley Ian , Peel Nicola F. A. , Hamer Andrew J. , Eastell Richard
Published: August 2004

In this trial we studied the effect of pamidronate on periprosthetic bone turnover and pelvic implant migration over 2 years after hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA). Twenty‐two patients received 90 mg of pamidronate and 22 received placebo at randomization 5 days after surgery. Rapid periprosthetic bone loss occurred in the placebo group over the first 6 months and was accompanied by transient increases in biochemical markers of bone turnover. Partial recovery in bone mass occurred in most region after this period. No recovery of bone mass occurred at the femoral calcar or the medical wall of the acetabulum. Femoral calcar bone loss at 2 years was strongly predicted by acute biomarker changes at week 6. Pamidronate therapy reduced femoral bone loss in the region of the femoral calcar (P=0.01), but did not affect pelvic bone loss. Pamidronate therapy also inhibited the transient rise in biochemical markers of bone turnover during this period. Pamidronate therapy did not affect acetabular cup migration. Cup migration was inversely related to subject age, but unrelated to initial post‐operative bone mineral density, or subsequent bone loss.

In summary, early periprosthetic bone loss is associated with a transient expansion of the bone remodeling space. Bisphosphonate therapy reduces femoral calcar bone loss and bone turnover after THA, but did not influence cup migration in this study. Acute changes in biochemical markers predict femoral periprosthetic bone loss. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fokker–Planck simulations of hot electron transport in solid
density plasma
Authors: BIBI F. ALOUANI , MATTE J.-P. , KIEFFER J.-C.
Published: August 2004

The transport of hot electrons in solid density plasma created by a
high-intensity subpicosecond laser pulse and the resulting heating and
ionization of the bulk of plasma are simulated with the electron
kinetic code “FPI.” Both the hot and the thermal electrons
are treated kinetically. An analysis of the results in terms of a two
Maxwellians fit to the numerically obtained distribution function is
made.
Hybrid simulations of fast electron transport in conducting media
Authors: HONRUBIA J.J. , ANTONICCI A. , MORENO D.
Published: August 2004

Experiments of heating of solid targets by fast electrons have been
analyzed by means of simulations with a recently developed hybrid code.
Electron propagation, refluxing effects, relative importance of
self-generated fields, and heating of targets are presented. We found a
good agreement between simulations and experiments on the
Kα yield.
Effects of microstructure on shock propagation in foams
Authors: PHILIPPE F. , CANAUD B. , FORTIN X. , GARAUDE F. , JOURDREN H.
Published: August 2004

Foams are an important component of various inertial confinement
fusion target schemes. The propagation of shock waves in foams is also
an important issue for many other laser experiments (e.g., laboratory
astrophysics experiments). The usual approach is to assume that the
foam can be considered as a homogeneous mixture. Taking into account
the effects of foam heterogeneity leads to increased shock velocity and
reduced compressibility. Evidence of this effect is obtained using
two-dimensional adaptive mesh refinement Eulerian numerical
simulations. Nonetheless, for the very low density foams filled with DT
ice used in recent direct drive target designs, the homogeneous mixture
model provides adequate shock timing, density, and pressure
profiles.
One-dimensional model for a laser-ablated slab under acceleration
Authors: RAMÍREZ J. , RAMIS R. , SANZ J.
Published: August 2004

A one-dimensional model for a laser-ablated slab under acceleration
g is developed. A characteristic value
gc is found to separate two solutions:
Lower g values allow sonic or subsonic flow at the critical
surface; for higher g the sonic point approaches closer and
closer to the slab surface. A significant reduction in the ablation
pressure is found in comparison to the g = 0 case. A simple
dependence law between the ablation pressure and the slab acceleration,
from the initial value g0 to infinity, is
identified. Results compared well with fully hydrodynamic computer
simulations with Multi2D code. The model has also been found a key step
to produce indefinitely steady numerical solutions to study
Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities in heat ablation fronts, and
validate other theoretical analysis of the problem.
Eine deutschsprachige Version der Self-Monitoring-Skala
Authors: Graf Andrea
Published: August 2004

Zusammenfassung. Im Artikel wird eine deutschsprachige Übersetzung der Self-Monitoring-Skala ( Snyder, 1974 ; Snyder & Gangestad, 1986 ) vorgestellt. Der Selbstbeurteilungsfragebogen erfasst die soziale Fähigkeit, das eigene Verhalten auf situationale Gegebenheiten angemessen abzustimmen. Es wird eine Studie unter Verwendung des Originalfragebogens in den USA (N = 188) und unter Verwendung der Übersetzung in Deutschland (N = 179) durchgeführt. Für eine erste Analyse der konvergenten Validität werden weiterhin Daten mit dem Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire erhoben. Die deutschsprachige Version der Self-Monitoring-Skala weist eine hohe psychometrische Qualität und eine zufrieden stellende Messinvarianz zur Originalversion auf. Es werden die folgenden Subskalen extrahiert: Auf andere Personen gerichtete Aufmerksamkeit, Übernahme von Rollen und Extraversion. Die vorliegende Adaptation stellt bezüglich der psychometrischen Eigenschaften und der praktischen Einsetzbarkeit eine deutliche Verbesserung zur deutschsprachigen Fassung von Kammer und Nowack (1983) dar. Abschließend werden Empfehlungen für den Einsatz der Self-Monitoring-Skala in der Eignungsdiagnostik diskutiert.
Die Interraterreliabilität von Ergebnissen aus Mitarbeiterbefragungen
Authors: Trost Armin , Bungard Walter
Published: August 2004

Zusammenfassung. Mitarbeiterbefragungen gehören zum festen Bestandteil personalpolitischer Führungs- und Controllinginstrumente vieler Unternehmen. In dieser Studie wird die Interraterreliabilität von Ergebnissen aus Mitarbeiterbefragungen untersucht. Dies geschieht mithilfe der Generalisierbarkeitstheorie von Cronbach. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass individuelle Urteile von Mitarbeitern im Wesentlichen auf die Mitarbeiter selbst und auf zufällige Fehlereinflüsse zurückzuführen sind und nur zu einem geringen Anteil Bedingungen in Organisationseinheiten beschreiben. Durch Aggregation von Urteilen mehrerer Mitarbeiter auf der Grundlage mehrerer Items kann bei den meisten Befragungsthemen jedoch eine zufriedenstellende Interraterreliabilität insbesondere für Organisationseinheiten auf höherer Hierarchieebene erreicht werden. Bei einigen Themen zeigt sich jedoch, dass Mitarbeiterbefragungen zu keinen zuverlässigen Befunden führen.
Vergleich subjektiver und objektiver Messverfahren für die Bestimmung von Methodenkompetenz - am Beispiel der Kompetenzmessung bei technischem Fachpersonal
Authors: Muellerbuchhof Ralf , Zehrt Peter
Published: August 2004

Zusammenfassung. Die dargestellte Untersuchung befasst sich mit konzeptionellen und methodischen Problemen der Messung einer Teilfacette beruflicher Handlungskompetenz bei technischem Fachpersonal, der Störungsdiagnosekompetenz. Einem subjektiven Verfahren zum Selbstkonzept methodischer Kompetenz wird ein objektives Kompetenzmaß gegenübergestellt. Es wird der Frage nachgegangen, wie stark der Zusammenhang zwischen beiden Analyseverfahren ausfällt und ob es bei unterschiedlichen Einsatzbedingungen Präferenzen für den Verfahrenstyp gibt. Dazu wurde eine objektive Messmethodik nach rationalen Prinzipien entwickelt und empirisch erprobt. In einer korrelativen Studie wurde technisches Fachpersonal aus dem Instandhaltungsbereich der High-Tech-Branche mit den unterschiedlichen methodischen Zugängen zu Kompetenzmerkmalen untersucht. Im Ergebnis sind z. T. sehr signifikante Zusammenhänge zwischen den subjektiven Maßen Methodisches Vorgehen bzw. Selbstkonzept methodischer Kompetenz und dem objektiven Kompetenzmaß festzustellen. Eine Differenzierung zwischen den verschiedenen Expertisegraden wurde jedoch nur durch das objektive Verfahren erreicht.
Erhebung aufgabenbezogener psychischer Belastungen im Unterricht - ein Untersuchungskonzept
Authors: Krause Andreas
Published: August 2004

Zusammenfassung. Die Erhebung belastungsrelevanter Aspekte der Lehrertätigkeit erfolgt bislang vorwiegend über Fragebögen und Interviews, in denen das subjektive Erleben der arbeitenden Person im Vordergrund steht. Vorgestellt wird ein alternativer Ansatz zur Erhebung psychisch belastender Unterrichtssituationen auf der Grundlage eines handlungstheoretischen Belastungskonzepts. Die für die Übertragung dieses Konzepts auf die Unterrichtstätigkeit notwendigen Erweiterungen werden aufgezeigt. Das neu entwickelte Untersuchungskonzept führte zur Entwicklung eines Manuals, welches externe Beobachter anleitet, Regulationsbehinderungen zu bestimmen. Es werden die Ergebnisse einer auf 46 Unterrichtsstunden basierenden Pilotstudie vorgestellt, welche für die Reliabilität und Validität der Untersuchungsmethodik sprechen.
Rezension des Tätigkeits- und Arbeitsanalyseverfahrens für das Krankenhaus - Selbstbeobachtungsversion (TAA-KH-S) von André Büssing und Jürgen Glaser
Authors: Elke Gabriele
Published: August 2004

Zusammenfassung. Das TAA-KH ist ein theoretisch und empirisch gut fundiertes bedingungsbezogenes Arbeitsanalyseverfahren zur Untersuchung der Pflegetätigkeit im Krankenhaus. Es ermöglicht eine reliable und valide Erfassung von Anforderungen, Ressourcen und Belastungen in der stationären Pflegetätigkeit. Seine Ergebnisse sind vielfach nutzbar, u. a. als Grundlage für eine gesundheitsförderliche Arbeitsgestaltung oder die Evaluation von Reorganisationsmaßnahmen. Das Verfahren besteht aus zwei Versionen, einer Selbstbeobachtungsversion TAA-KH-S und einer Fremdbeobachtungsversion TAA-KH-O. Während das TAA-KH-O schwerpunktmäßig bei der Organisationsdiagnose ansetzt, stehen beim TAA-KH-S die Analyse der Tätigkeit und ihrer psychisch relevanten Merkmale im Mittelpunkt. Drei der fünf Verfahrensbereiche des TAA-KH-S erfassen gesundheits- und persönlichkeitsförderliche Anforderungen und Ressourcen der Pflegetätigkeit. Die beiden weiteren Verfahrensbereiche ermöglichen eine differenzierte Analyse der mit der Pflegetätigkeit verbundenen Belastungen. Neben der Vollversion des TAA-KH-S liegt mit dem Screening TAA-KH-S eine Kurzversion mit einer wesentlich kürzeren Bearbeitungszeit vor. Die inhaltliche Struktur beider Versionen ist identisch.
Katamnesen zur Gesprächspsychotherapie
Authors: Frohburg Inge
Published: August 2004

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Es besteht aus ethischen, gesundheitspolitischen und wissenschaftlichen Gründen die Verpflichtung, die Wirksamkeit von Psychotherapie(n) nachzuweisen und dabei auch Langzeiteffekte zu erfassen. Fragestellung: Überblick über den Forschungsstand zu katamnestischen Untersuchungen im Bereich der Gesprächspsychotherapie mit Erwachsenen. Methode: Analyse der vorliegenden empirischen Studien unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Untersuchungsmethodik und von Merkmalen der behandelten Patient(inn)en-Gruppen. Ergebnisse: Es konnten 40 Studien ermittelt werden, die katamnestische Angaben von ca. 2000 ehemaligen Patient(inn)en enthalten. Danach können positive Langzeiteffekte für Patient(inn)en aus unterschiedlichen heilkundlich relevanten Indikationsbereichen und unter unterschiedlichen Behandlungsbedingungen als mit unterschiedlichen Messinstrumenten belegt gelten. Teilweise zeigten sich in den Untersuchungen zusätzliche positive “Späteffekte“, die ein besonderes Charakteristikum von Gesprächspsychotherapien zu sein scheinen. Schlussfolgerungen: Gesprächspsychotherapie ist auch aus katamnestischer Perspektive ein effektives Psychotherapieverfahren mit einer breiten Indikationsbasis. Wünschenswert sind weiterführende Studien, die spezielle katamneserelevante Fragestellungen aufgreifen und dabei die Rekonstruktion und Interpretation der subjektiven Sichtweisen der Patient(inn)en angemessen berücksichtigen.
Metaphergeleitete Hypnotherapie im Vergleich zur Imaginationstherapie
Authors: Scholz O. Berndt , Meise Maria
Published: August 2004

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Juckreiz (Juckreizwahrnehmung, Kratzverhalten) und die daraus resultierenden Konsequenzen (negatives Wohlbefinden, negative Kognitionen) gehören zum Determinationskomplex des atopischen Ekzems. Mittels Imaginationstherapie und Hypnotherapie kann die Symptomatik positiv beeinflusst werden, weil sowohl diese als auch die Behandlungsmethoden in sensu fokussiert sind. Fragestellung: Unter Bezugnahme auf die Theorie der biologischen Informationsverarbeitung emotionaler Vorstellungen sensu Lang (1979) wird vermutet, dass metaphergeleitete Hypnotherapie und Imaginationstherapie unterschiedlich wirken. Methode: n = 30 Patn; unabhängige Variable: 2 Behandlungsbedingungen, 28 Tage Behandlungsdauer; davon 7 Tage Erstellung einer Baseline. Die Patn bekamen pro Woche eine Tonkassette zum täglichen Hören mit nach Hause. Abhängige Variable waren 5 Tagebuchparameter. Die Daten wurden einzelfallanalytisch und metaanalytisch ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Sowohl im Hinblick auf die Behandlungseffekte als auch auf die Geschwindigkeit der Zielerreichung zeigt sich eine leichte Überlegenheit der metaphergeleiteten Hypnotherapie. Schlussfolgerungen: Dies wird mit der größeren Verfügbarkeit von Reaktions-Propositionen der therapeutischen Scripte als auch mit der größeren Breite von Verfügbarkeits-Repräsentationen in Verbindung gebracht.