bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serial Attention Mechanisms in Visual Search: A Direct Behavioral Demonstration
Authors: Bricolo Emanuela , Gianesini Tiziana , Fanini Alessandra , Bundesen Claus , Chelazzi Leonardo
Published: October 2002

In visual search, inefficient performance of human observers is typically characterized by a steady increase in reaction time with the number of array elements—the so-called set-size effect. In general, set-size effects are taken to indicate that processing of the array elements depends on limited-capacity resources, that is, it involves attention. Contrasting theories have been proposed to account for this attentional involvement, however. While some theories have attributed set-size effects to the intervention of serial attention mechanisms, others have explained set-size effects in terms of parallel, competitive architectures. Conclusive evidence in favor of one or the other notion is still lacking. Especially in view of the wide use of visual search paradigms to explore the functional neuroanatomy of attentional mechanisms in the primate brain, it becomes essential that the nature of the attentional involvement in these paradigms be clearly defined at the behavioral level. Here we report a series of experiments showing that highly inefficient search indeed recruits serial attention deployment to the individual array elements. In addition, we describe a number of behavioral signatures of serial attention in visual search that can be used in future investigations to attest a similar involvement of serial attention in other search paradigms. We claim that only after having recognized these signatures can one be confident that truly serial mechanisms are engaged in a given visual search task, thus making it amenable for exploring the functional neuro-anatomy underlying its performance.
Stereoscopic Illusory Contours—Cortical Neuron Responses and Human Perception
Authors: Heider Barbara , Spillmann Lothar , Peterhans Esther
Published: October 2002

In human perception, figure-ground segregation suggests that stereoscopic cues are grouped over wide areas of the visual field. For example, two abutting rectangles of equal luminance and size are seen as a uniform surface when presented at the same depth, but appear as two surfaces separated by an illusory contour and a step in depth when presented with different retinal disparities. Here, we describe neurons in the monkey visual cortex that signal such illusory contours and can be selective for certain figure-ground directions that human observers perceive at these contours. The results suggest that these neurons group stereoscopic cues over distances up to 8°. In addition, we compare these results with human perception and show that the mean stimulus parameters required by these neurons also induce optimal percepts of illusory contours in human observers.
Models of Functional Organization of the Lateral Prefrontal Cortex in Verbal Working Memory: Evidence in Favor of the Process Model
Authors: Barde Laura H. F. , Thompson-Schill Sharon L.
Published: October 2002

Research on the functional organization of the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) in working memory continues to be fairly equivocal between two major frameworks: organization-by-process or organization-by-material. Although there is fairly strong evidence for organization-by-process models from event-related fMRI studies, some investigators argue that the nature of the stimulus material better defines the functional organization of the lateral PFC, particularly in more ventral regions (BA 47/45/44). Specifically, the anterior region of the ventrolateral PFC (BA 47/45) is hypothesized to subserve semantic processing while the posterior region (BA 44) may subserve phonological processing. In the current event-related fMRI study, we directly compared process-related versus material-related organizational principles in a verbal working memory task. Subjects performed a modified delayed response task in which they (1) retained a list of five words or five nonwords during the delay period (“maintenance”), or (2) performed a semantic (size reordering) or phonological (alphabetical reordering) task on the word or nonword lists, respectively (“manipulation”). We did not find evidence during the delay period of our task to support claims of anterior-posterior specializations in the ventrolateral PFC for semantic versus phonological processing. Subjects did, however, display greater neuronal activity during the delay period of manipulation trials than maintenance trials in both the dorsolateral PFC and posterior ventrolateral regions. These data are more consistent with the process model of the organization of lateral PFC in verbal working memory.
A Cross-Linguistic fMRI Study of Spectral and Temporal Cues Underlying Phonological Processing
Authors: Gandour Jack , Wong Donald , Lowe Mark , Dzemidzic Mario , Satthamnuwong Nakarin , Tong Yunxia , Li Xiaojian
Published: October 2002

It remains a matter of controversy precisely what kind of neural mechanisms underlie functional asymmetries in speech processing. Whereas some studies support speech-specific circuits, others suggest that lateralization is dictated by relative computational demands of complex auditory signals in the spectral or time domains. To examine how the brain processes linguistically relevant spectral and temporal information, a functional magnetic resonance imaging study was conducted using Thai speech, in which spectral processing associated with lexical tones and temporal processing associated with vowel length can be differentiated. Ten Thai and 10 Chinese subjects were asked to perform discrimination judgments of pitch and timing patterns presented in the same auditory stimuli under two different conditions: speech (Thai) and nonspeech (hums). In the speech condition, tasks required judging Thai tones (T) and vowel length (VL); in the nonspeech condition, homologous pitch contours (P) and duration patterns (D). A remaining task required listening passively to nonspeech hums (L). Only the Thai group showed activation in the left inferior prefrontal cortex in speech minus nonspeech contrasts for spectral (T vs. P) and temporal (VL vs. D) cues. Thai and Chinese groups, however, exhibited similar fronto-parietal activation patterns in nonspeech hums minus passive listening contrasts for spectral (P vs. L) and temporal (D vs. L) cues. It appears that lower level specialization for acoustic cues in the spectral and temporal domains cannot be generalized to abstract higher order levels of phonological processing. Regardless of the neural mechanisms underlying low-level auditory processing, our findings clearly indicate that hemispheric specialization is sensitive to language-specific factors.
JEREMIAH AT THE TURNING-POINT OF HISTORY: THE FUNCTION OF JER. XXV 1-14 IN THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH
Authors: Aejmelaeus Anneli
Published: October 2002

The present paper wishes to demonstrate the importance of two prerequisites of scholarly work on Jeremiah: (1) the proper consideration of the shorter text form of the Septuagint as an earlier edition of the book and (2) a flexible view concerning Deuteronomism in Jeremiah. In both respects, Jer. xxv 1-14 is a most illustrative text. The order of the text also plays a part: the oracles against the nations follow at this point in the Septuagint. My thesis is that the pericope at hand was formulated as an introduction to the oracles against the nations, as these were first introduced into the Book of Jeremiah. Being a purely literary creation, dependent on several other passages, it belongs to a later dtr orientated, redactional and compositional stratum in the Book of Jeremiah.
THE VALUE OF THE MOABITE STONE AS AN HISTORICAL SOURCE
Authors: Emerton
Published: October 2002

T.L. Thompson has recently claimed that the Moabite Stone is a fictitious text written after the time of King Mesha, and that it should not be treated as a source for the study of Moabite and Israelite history. Thompson's theory is examined and found to be unconvincing.
DIE SKLAVIN ALS EHEFRAU: ZUR STELLUNG DER 'ĀMĀH
Authors: Kessler Rainer
Published: October 2002

In einer Reihe westsemitischer Texte erscheint als Bezeichnung für eine Ehefrau das Wort 'āmāh. Handelt es sich dabei um die Frau eines Freien, dann wird in der exegetischen und lexikographischen Literatur übereinstimmend angenommen, dass die Frau dann nur eine Nebenfrau (Konkubine) sein kann. Doch sagt die Bezeichnung als 'āmāh nichts darüber, ob die betreffende Frau Haupt- oder Nebenfrau ist. Für diese Opposition gebraucht das Hebräische 'issāh vs. pîlaegaes. Wird eine Ehefrau dagegen als 'āmāh bezeichnet, dann sagt das nur, dass sie als Ehefrau in einem unfreien Status ist, unabhängig davon, ob sie Haupt- oder Nebenfrau ist. Als epigraphische Belege werden diskutiert: die Grabinschrift von Silwan, Frauensiegel mit der Aufschrift ,,NNfem 'amat von NNmasc" und die in Dokumenten aus dem Ananiah-Archiv von Elephantine bezeugte Ehe mit der 'āmāh Tamet. Von diesen Belegen fällt auch Licht auf den Fall der 'āmāh des biblischen Gesetzes von Ex. xxi 7-11.
TRAUERN ALS BEWÄLTIGUNG DER VERGANGENHEIT ZUR GESTALTUNG DER ZUKUNFT. BEMERKUNGEN ZUR ANTHROPOLOGISCHEN THEOLOGIE DER KLAGELIEDER
Authors: Labahn Antje
Published: October 2002

Die Klagelieder/Threni bieten poetische Texte, die ein persönliches Erleben der Exilskatastrophe schildern. Sie legen einen Weg vom erlebten Leid zur Hoffnung zurück. Dieser Weg lässt sich mit Elementen des Trauerprozesses verstehen, der zunächst den Blick in die Vergangenheit richtet, bevor die Zukunft wieder neu anvisiert werden kann. Die Threni zeichnen diesen Weg in Erfahrungen Einzelner auf und bieten damit einen anthropologischen Ansatz, der vom Individuum ausgeht. Gleichwohl schlagen sie einen Spannungsbogen zu theologischen Aussagen. In diesem Beitrag soll das Trauergeschehen, wie es in den Klageliedern zur Sprache kommt, näher in den Blick genommen werden, wobei sich zeigen wird, dass die Threni das Geschehen des Trauerns als Weg aus der Krise erfahren lassen. Der Weg wird als Bewältigung der Vergangenheit beschritten, um zu einer Zukunft in Hoffnung zu gelangen.
"ICH HATTE MEINE TORA IN IHRE MITTE GEGEBEN": DAS GEWICHT EINER NICHT BERÜCKSICHTIGTEN PERFEKTFORM IN JER. XXXI 33
Authors: Tita Hubert
Published: October 2002

Dieser Artikel argumentiert dafür, daß die Perfektform in Jer xxxi 33d vergangenheitlich übersetzt werden muß. Wie gezeigt wird, gibt es keinen stichhaltigen Grund, an dieser Stelle eine Textverderbnis anzunehmen.
LAYING DMSQ'RŚ TO REST (AMOS III 12)
Authors: Zalcman Lawrence
Published: October 2002

The crux at Amos iii 12 dissolves once the impossible wbdmsq 'rś is recognized to have arisen from an original reading wbd msy qr'.
Suicide in secure psychiatric facilities
Authors: Gordon Harvey
Published: October 2002

Suicide may be defined as intentional self-killing, although the definition has been the subject of critical review (Fairbairn, 1995). As the determination of whether intent was present at the time of death by suicide can be difficult, coroner's inquests tend to underestimate the number of suicides. At the time of suicide, the vast majority of people are suffering from some form of mental disorder, although there may, exceptionally, be a few rational suicides. Suicide is a relatively uncommon event, but the possibility of suicide by those with mental disorders is always a potential hazard faced by health and allied professionals responsible for their care. Detention of a patient in hospital under mental health legislation is often precipitated by concern regarding risk of self-harm and/or risk of harm to others and potential for absconding and, at times, admission to a locked or secure facility is necessary. Detained patients in secure facilities include both offender patients, admitted through the courts or transferred during sentence from prison, and patients on civil orders under sections 2 or 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983. The relationship between suicidal behaviour and that which is violent or homicidal is complex but relevant to an understanding of the phenomenon of suicide in secure conditions.
Overcoming reduced activity and avoidance: a Five Areas approach
Authors: Garland Anne , Fox Richard , Williams Chris
Published: October 2002

In the first three papers of this series (Williams & Garland, 2002a, b; Wright et al, 2002), we looked at the different areas of human experience that alter during times of mental illness. The Five Areas Assessment model (Williams, 2001; see Williams & Garland, 2002a, Fig. 1) provides a clear summary of the range of problems and difficulties faced by individuals in each of the following domains:

1

life situation, relationships, practical problems

2

altered thinking

3

altered emotions (moods or feelings)

4

altered physical feelings/symptoms

5

altered behaviour or activity levels.
Mental health of homeless children and their families
Authors: Vostanis Panos
Published: October 2002

Homeless families are defined as all adults with dependent children who are statutorily accepted by local authorities (housing departments) in the UK, and are usually accommodated for a brief period in voluntary agency, local authority or housing association hostels. This period varies from a few days to several months, although the target for rehousing is usually around 4 to 6 weeks. Some housing departments, particularly in London, also use bed and breakfast accommodation.
Psychosis and drug dependence: results from a national survey of prisoners
Authors: Farrell M. , Boys A. , Bebbington P. , Brugha T. , Coid J. , Jenkins R. , Lewis G. , Meltzer H. , Marsden J. , Singleton N. , Taylor C.
Published: October 2002

Background

The links between drug use and psychosis are of major aetiological and prognostic significance. Psychosis and drug dependence frequently co-occur within the prison population, providing the opportunity to study this link more closely.

Aims

To explore the relationship between psychosis and drug dependence in a sample of prisoners.

Method

A total of 3142 prisoners were surveyed nationally and structured clinical data were obtained from a subsample of 503 respondents. Psychiatric assessment was based on the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (version 1.0). Measures of amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and heroin use and dependence were obtained through self-report.

Results

Logistic regression analyses indicated that first use of amphetamines or cocaine before the age of 16 years and severe cannabis or cocaine dependence were related to an increased risk of psychosis. In contrast, severe dependence on heroin was associated with a reduced risk of this classification.

Conclusions

Severe dependence on cannabis and psychostimulants is associated with a higher risk of psychosis and is in contrast to severe dependence on heroin, which has a negative relationship with psychosis.
Mental disorder and perceived threat to the public: people who do not return to community living
Authors: Jamieson Liz , Taylor Pamela J.
Published: October 2002

Background

In the UK, people with mental disorder thought to pose a high risk of harm to others are usually put in a high-security (special) hospital. Little is known about what happens after that.

Aims

To test a hypothesis that, under current services and laws (from the mid-1980s), no one leaving high-security hospitals remains indefinitely institutionalised.

Method

The special hospitals' case register was used for case ascertainment and admission data; post-discharge data were collected from multiple sources on patients discharged in 1984 (census date 31.12.1995).

Results

In this discharge cohort (n=223), 36 (17%) did not return to the community: 17 died in special hospital and 19 continuously lived in other institutions until death or the census date. Over two-thirds of these had mental illness, were older on admission and had lived longer in special hospital than their better-rehabilitated peers. Offending history was irrelevant to this. Most post-discharge institution time was in open psychiatric hospital, or back in special hospital, not in medium secure units or prison.

Conclusions

The hypothesis was not sustained, but fewer people never reached the community than before the mid-1980s. Atypical antipsychotics might reduce this number. We found no justification for a new tier of long-term medium secure units.
Depressive symptoms and cognitive decline in elderly people
Authors: Paterniti Sabrina , Verdier-Taillefer Marie-Hélène , Dufouil Carole , Alpérovitch Annick
Published: October 2002

Background

Depressive symptoms are associated with cognitive decline in elderly people, but the nature of their temporal relationship remains equivocal.

Aims

To test whether depressive symptoms predict cognitive decline in elderly people with normal cognition.

Method

The Center for Epidemiologic Study depression scale (CES – D) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to evaluate depressive symptomatology and cognitive functioning, respectively. A sample of 1003 persons aged 59–71 years and with a MMSE score of 26 or over was selected. Cognitive decline was defined as a drop of at least 3 points on the MMSE at 4-year follow-up.

Results

Baseline high levels of depressive symptoms predicted a higher risk of cognitive decline at 4-year follow-up. The MMSE score of participants with depression was more likely to fall below 26 at 2-year follow-up and to remain below at 4-year follow-up than the MMSE score of those without depressive symptoms. Persistent but not episodic depressive episodes were associated with cognitive decline.

Conclusions

High levels of depressive symptoms, when persistent, are associated with cognitive decline in a sample of elderly people.
Conduct problems, gender and adult psychiatric outcome of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Dalsgaard Søren , Mortensen Preben Bo , Frydenberg Morten , Thomsen Per Hove
Published: October 2002

Background

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood condition, and is more prevalent in boys. The adult outcome of girls with ADHD has never been studied.

Aims

To identify predictors for adult psychiatric outcome of children with ADHD, including gender and comorbidity.

Method

Children aged 4–15 years, referred for hyperactivity/inattention and treated with stimulants were included (n=208). The Psychiatric Case Register provided follow-up data on psychiatric admissions in adulthood until a mean age of 31 years.

Results

A total of 47 cases (22.6%) had a psychiatric admission in adulthood. Conduct problems in childhood were predictive (hazard ratio HR=2.3; 95% CI 1.22–4.33). Girls had a higher risk compared with boys (HR=2.4; 95% CI 1.1–5.6).

Conclusions

Girls with ADHD had a higher risk of adult psychiatric admission than boys. Conduct problems were also associated with a higher risk. Girls with ADHD with conduct problems had a very high risk of a psychiatric admission in adulthood.
Nithsdale Schizophrenia Surveys 23: movement disorders
Authors: Halliday Jennifer , Farrington Susan , Macdonald Shiona , MacEwan Tom , Sharkey Val , McCreadie Robin
Published: October 2002

Background

In the past 10 years the new atypical antipsychotic drugs have stimulated further interest in the pharmacological management of schizophrenia. The risk of movement disorders has been reported to be less with these new agents.

Aims

To examine the current prevalence of movement disorders among all people with schizophrenia in a discrete geographical area, to compare the prevalence in patients receiving and not receiving atypical antipsychotic drugs; and to compare current prevalence with prevalence over the past 20 years.

Method

In Nithsdale, south-west Scotland, in 1999/2000, we replicated previous studies by using the Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale, Simpson-Angus scale and Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale to measure tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism and akathisia, respectively. Mental state was assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.

Results

In 136 patients the prevalence of probable tardive dyskinesia was 43%, of parkinsonism 35% and of akathisia 15%. Parkinsonism was present as often in those receiving atypicals as in those receiving standard oral antipsychotics. The prevalence of tardive dyskinesia has doubled over 20 years.

Conclusions

Movement disorders remain significant problems for patients despite the introduction of atypical antipsychotic drugs.
Long-term outcome of long-stay psychiatric in-patients considered unsuitable to live in the community
Authors: Trieman Noam , Leff Julian
Published: October 2002

Background

Whereas the majority of long-stay in-patients have been successfully resettled in the community there is a group of such patients who are too disturbed or disturbing to be managed in standard community homes.

Aims

To study the long-term outcome of a group of 72 long-stay psychiatric inpatients, regarded as unsuitable for community placement.

Method

A prospective cohort study with follow-ups at 1 year and 5 years.

Results

The patients' mental state remained unchanged after 1 year and 5 years. The level of functioning and social behaviour showed minimal change after 1 year, but then improved over the next 4 years. The profile of problematic behaviours changed significantly over 5 years, with a reduction of 50% in their frequency Physical aggression practically disappeared. The improvements in behaviour enabled 29 patients (40% of the study group) finally to be resettled in various care homes, gaining better access to community amenities and living more independently.

Conclusions

A high proportion of patients with severe disabilities, designated as difficult to place’ in the community, could benefit from slow-stream rehabilitation within specialised facilities, enabling them to move into ordinary community homes.
Creating the infrastructure for mental health research
Authors: Thornicroft Graham , Bindman Jonathan , Goldberg David , Gournay Kevin , Huxley Peter
Published: October 2002

The purpose of this paper is to identify the important gaps in research coverage, particularly in areas key to the National Service Framework for Mental Health (NSF-MH) (Department of Health, 1999) and the NHS Plan (Department of Health, 2000), and to translate these gaps into researchable questions, with a view to developing a potential research agenda for consideration by research funders.
Clinical governance in the asylum
Authors: Wolfson Paul , Paton Carol , Jarrett Peter
Published: October 2002

Clinical governance was introduced in 1998: ‘a framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for constantly improving the quality of services and safeguarding standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care can flourish’. (Department of Health, 1997)
The Generation of Low-Valence Tin Derivatives, RSn(I), in the Gas-Phase by Neutralization—reionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zagorevskii Dmitri , Yuan Yang , Greenlief C. Michael , Mommers Alexander A.
Published: October 2002

Neutralization-reionization mass spectrometry (NRMS) was applied to the generation and characterization of low-valence Sn(I) derivatives. The observation of recovery signals in the NR mass spectra of RSn+ ions (R=H, Cl, Br, CH3, C2H, C6H5) demonstrated that their neutral counterparts are stable species in the gas-phase with a lifetime of at least 5 μs. According to quantum chemical calculations, a favorable Franck–Condon factor may contribute to the stability of RSn neutrals generated in the NR event. The experimental results for tin acetylide and phenyltin are the first examples of the generation of these previously unknown molecular species.
Comparison of costs and safety of a suture‐mediated closure device with conventional manual compression after coronary artery interventions
Authors: Rickli Hans , Unterweger Martin , Sütsch Gabor , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans Peter , Sagmeister Markus , Ammann Peter , Amann Franz W.
Published: October 2002

The aim of this study was to assess costs and safety of immediate femoral sheath removal and closure with a suture‐mediated closure device (Perclose, Menlo Park, CA) in patients undergoing elective (PCI). A total of 193 patients was prospectively randomized to immediate arterial sheath removal and access site closure with a suture‐mediated closure device (SMC; n = 96) or sheath removal 4 hr after PCI followed by manual compression (MC; n = 97). In the SMC group, patients were ambulated 4 hr after elective PCI if hemostasis was achieved. In the MC group, patients were ambulated the day after the procedure. In addition to safety, total direct costs including physician and nursing time, infrastructure, and the device were assessed in both groups. Total direct costs were significantly (all P < 0.001) lower in the SMC group. Successful hemostasis without major complication was achieved in all patients. The time to achieve hemostasis was significantly shorter in the SMC group (7.1 ± 3.4 vs. 22.9 ± 14.0 min; P < 0.01) and 85% of SMC patients were ambulated on the day of intervention. Suture‐mediated closure allows a reduction in hospitalization time, leading to significant cost savings due to decreased personnel and infrastructural demands. In addition, the use of SMC is safe and convenient to the patients. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:297–302. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined cutting balloon angioplasty and intracoronary beta radiation for treatment of in‐stent restenosis: Clinical outcomes and effect of pullback radiation for long lesions
Authors: Moustapha Ali , Salloum Joseph , Saikia Sangeeta , Awadallah Hany , Ghani Mohammed , Sdringola Stefano , Schroth Georges , Assali Abid , Smalling Richard W. , Anderson H.V. , Rosales Oscar
Published: October 2002

Intracoronary beta (β) radiation decreases the incidence of target lesion revascularization after percutaneous intervention (PCI) for in‐stent restenosis (ISR). Cutting balloon (CB) angioplasty may also be superior to other percutaneous techniques for the treatment of ISR. We sought to study the outcomes of patients with ISR who underwent both CB angioplasty and intracoronay β radiation and compare them to patients with ISR who underwent other PCI techniques without concomitant radiation. We also sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pullback intracoronary β radiation for the treatment of long ISR lesions. Between January 2001 and November 2001, 102 patients (mean age = 55 ± 13 years) with ISR underwent both CB angioplasty and intracoronay β radiation. β radiation was delivered using the Beta Cath (Novoste) 30 mm system, and pullback radiation was performed in 41 patients. A comparison group included a total of 393 patients with ISR who underwent other PCI techniques without concomitant intracoronary radiation therapy. Follow‐up was obtained in 99 patients (97%) in the CB angioplasty with intracoronary radiation group and 377 patients (96%) in the comparison group. At follow‐up, both target vessel revascularization (TVR) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred significantly less in the CB angioplasty with intracoronary radiation group than in the comparison group (7% vs. 18% for TVR, and 14% vs. 24% for MACE; P < 0.05 for both). In the pullback radiation group, TVR was performed in five patients (12%), and MACE occurred in eight patients (20%). A combination of CB angioplasty and intracoronay β radiation for ISR seems to yield low rates of subsequent target vessel revascularization and adverse cardiac events. In addition, pullback β radiation using the Beta Cath (Novoste) 30 mm system is safe and can be used to treat long ISR lesions effectively. Further randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:325–329. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in situ (NPCIS)—pathologic and clinical perspectives
Authors: Pak Martin Wai , To Ka Fai , Lo Y. M. Dennis , Chan Lisa Y. S. , Tong J. H. M. , Lo Kwok Wai , van Hasselt Charles Andrew
Published: October 2002

Background

Dysplasia or carcinoma in situ lesions (NPCIS) of the nasopharynx have rarely been reported. The prevalence, biologic behavior, and the transformation period of the pure preinvasive lesions have not been fully explained.

Methods

All cases of NPCIS were retrospectively reviewed during the period between 1990 and 2000. The clinical features of all cases were studied. The biopsy samples were examined using light microscopy and in situ hybridization (ISH) for EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER). The sera taken before and after the transformation were analyzed for anti‐viral capsid antigen (VCA) EBV titers and circulating cell‐free EBV DNA concentration.

Results

Three cases of NPCIS were identified. Two of the three cases subsequently developed into invasive NPC after initial presentation. The interval of transformation varied from 40 to 48 months. In all three cases, the specimens showed abnormal findings on light microscopy and positive staining for EBER. Elevated anti‐VCA titers were present in two of the preinvasive lesions. No cell‐free EBV DNA was detected in the sera of these patients during the preinvasive phase of the disease.

Conclusions

Preinvasive NPC is a rare but distinct entity. Its transformation period can be as long as 4 to 5 years. Elevated anti‐VCA titers, in the presence of abnormal cells on light microscopy, should alert the pathologist to perform ISH EBER studies to diagnose this rare condition. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of side chain specifically deuterated (−)‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinols
Authors: Nikas Spyros P. , Thakur Ganesh A. , Makriyannis Alexandros
Published: October 2002

(−)‐Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinols specifically deuterated at the n‐pentyl side chain were prepared using the corresponding resorcinols as key intermediates. To obtain the deuterated resorcinols we developed conditions under which no deuterium scrambling or loss was observed. The methodology allows for the preparative scale synthesis of deuterated resorcinols and corresponding (−)‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinols. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ring‐opening copolymerization of racemic β‐butyrolactone with ϵ‐caprolactone and δ‐valerolactone by distannoxane derivative catalysts: study of the enzymatic degradation in aerobic media of obtained copolymers
Authors: Arcana M , Giani‐Beaune O , Schue R , Schue F , Amass W , Amass A
Published: October 2002

In this study, we have prepared predominantly syndiotactic poly([R,S]‐β‐hydroxybutyrate) using different distannoxane catalyst systems (1‐hydroxy‐3‐chlorotetrabutyldistannoxane, 1‐ethoxy‐3‐chlorotetrabutyldistannoxane, 1,3‐dichlorotetrabutyldistannoxane, and dibutyltin oxide). Copolymers poly([R,S]‐β‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone), P(BL‐co‐CL), and poly([R,S]‐β‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐δ‐valerolactone), P(BL‐co‐VL), have also been synthetized from the ring‐opening copolymerization of (R,S)‐β‐BL with ϵ‐caprolactone (CL) and δ‐valerolactone (VL) using hydroxy‐ and ethoxydistannoxanes catalysts. The enzymatic degradability of these polymers was studied in aerobic medium. The objective of this work was to determine the influence of the tacticity and crystallinity of the corresponding polymers on their degree of aerobic biodegradation and on their initial degradation rate. It was shown that the degradation rate value measured for bacterial PHB 100% (R) was the highest and the degree of aerobic biodegradation reached around 94% after 36 days. A percentage of final biodegradation of about 35% was obtained for predominantly syndiotactic PHB. This result is agreement with the calculated result obtained from triads sequences. The influence of crystallinity on the initial degradation rate was observed for the copolymers P(BL‐co‐CL) and P(BL‐co‐VL) of various feed ratios. All these, copolymers, synthetized from distannoxane catalysts, exhibit a high degree of biodegradation of around 75–88%.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of sodium dodecyl sulfate/poly(propylene oxide) methacrylate mixed micelles for the synthesis of thermo‐associative polymers by micellar polymerization
Authors: Bastiat Guillaume , Grassl Bruno , François Jeanne
Published: October 2002

Water soluble associative polymers based on polyacrylamide (PAM) grafted with short poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) chains as pendant groups were synthesized. Two different methods were used (1) homogeneous (water + acetonitrile) (2) micellar copolymerization, in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) to solubilize the hydrophobic comonomer, PPO methacrylate (PPOMA). As expected from the literature, random or blocky distribution of PPO along the PAM chain, respectively, is obtained by these two methods. This work focuses on the characterization of the micellar reactional medium in order to have a good estimate of the length of the PPO sequences along the main chain. An extensive study of the mixture SDS/PPOMA was performed, by using fluorimetry, light scattering and conductimetry, to characterize the initial mixed micelles (critical micellar concentration and aggregation number). It is shown that the total aggregation number of the micelles and that of SDS decrease when the concentration of PPOMA increases. In addition, preliminary turbidimetry and viscosimetry studies of the thermo‐associative properties of the two polymers are given.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Biosynthesis of biodegradable polyesters from renewable carbon sources by recombinant bacteria
Authors: Taguchi Seiichi , Matsusaki Hiromi , Matsumoto Ken'ichiro , Takase Kazuma , Taguchi Kazunori , Doi Yoshiharu
Published: October 2002

Based on the metabolic pathways for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis, we succeeded in establishing the recombinant Pseudomonas sp 61‐3 strains that synthesize random copolyesters consisting of (R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and (R)‐medium‐chain‐length 3‐hydroxyalkanoate (mcl‐3HA) units, P(3HB‐co‐3HA), with very high 3HB compositions (up to 94 mol%) from glucose. The mechanical properties of P(94% 3HB‐co‐3HA) copolyester were very similar to those of low‐density polyethylene. We carried out the molecular cloning and characterization of a PhaGPs encoding (R)‐3‐hydroxyacyl‐acyl carrier protein coenzyme A transferase of Pseudomonas sp 61‐3. It was concluded that the PhaGPs gene product is involved in providing mcl‐3HA‐CoA from glucose in the original strain. Heterologous expression of the PhaGPs gene with the PhaC1Ps gene encoding PHA synthase from Pseudomonas sp 61‐3 was performed in the PhbCRe negative mutant (PHB−4) of Ralstonia eutropha. The recombinant PHB−4 strain successfully produced PHA copolyesters consisting of 3HB and mcl‐3HA units of 6–12 carbon atoms from sugars. The 3HB fraction in copolyesters was very high (95–97 mol%). The PHA content in the recombinant strain could further be increased by the additional introduction of the PhbABRe genes from R eutropha encoding β‐ketothiolase and NADPH‐dependent acetoacetyl‐coenzyme A reductase. Moreover, we have established an in vivo assay system to analyze mutational effects of R eutropha synthase (PhbCRe) on the level of PHB accumulation in recombinant strains of Escherichia coli. The activity of the PhbCRe could be efficiently estimated using the in vivo system constructed here, and would be useful for in vitro evolution of PhbCRe.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of Silybin and its congeners on human liver microsomal cytochrome P450 activities
Authors: Zuber Roman , Modrianský Martin , Dvořák Zdeněk , Rohovský Petr , Ulrichová Jitka , Šimánek Vilím , Anzenbacher Pavel
Published: October 2002

Silybin and related flavonolignans form a major part of the Silybum marianum extract, silymarin, which has been used to treat liver diseases for hundreds of years. Although regarded as safe, many of the extract constituents remain thus far untested for their possible effects on liver biotransformation enzymes. Cytochromes P450 (CYP) are very important in this regard. We tested the effect of four flavonolignans: silybin, its hemisynthetic derivative dehydrosilybin, silydianin, and silycristin on three specific CYP activities: bufuralol 1′‐hydroxylation (CYP2D6), p‐nitrophenol hydroxylation (CYP2E1), and nifedipine oxidation (CYP3A4). All flavonolignans displayed dose‐dependent inhibition of these activities with IC50 values in the micromolar range. The inhibition was competitive or mixed as revealed by double reciprocal plots of kinetic experiments. However, the inhibition is not considered to be relevant for therapy because physiological concentrations of the individual flavonolignans do not exceed 0.5 μM. The data support the use of the extract as a dietary supplement. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for the repair of vesicovaginal fistulas
Authors: Miličić D , Šprem M , Bagović D
Published: October 2002

Objective: To determine the efficacy of the sliding layers method for repairing vesicovaginal fistulas caused by surgical trauma. Method: Twenty one women suffering from vesicovaginal fistulas after surgical trauma, operated on between 1990 and 1995 using the sliding layers method, were included in an uncontrolled prospective study and followed 24 months after the procedure. Patient outcome was assessed according to subjective estimation, gynecological examination and objectively by instillation of diluted methylene blue to the urinary bladder. Results: Sixteen out of 21 patients suffered vesicovaginal fistulas after being subjected to abdominal hysterectomy and five patients after vaginal surgery. Fourteen fistulas were located 5 to 10 mm over the interureteric edge, five fistulas were in the trigone and two fistulas were in the bladder neck region. Fistula size ranged from 5 to 35 mm in diameter but 72.1% of patient fistulas were less than 10 mm in diameter. Only one patient had a large bladder defect of 35 mm in diameter. According to subjective estimation and objective assessment the overall success rate of the procedure after 2 years was 95.2%. Only one patient had to be subjected to a second successful attempt for fistula closure. Conclusion: The sliding layers method is a safe and reliable vaginal surgical approach for the repair of vesicovaginal fistulas after surgical trauma.
An international survey of practice variation in the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in cesarean section
Authors: Huskins W.C. , Ba‐Thike K. , Festin M.R. , Limpongsanurak S. , Lumbiganon P. , Peedicayil A. , Purwar M. , Shenoy S. , Goldmann D.A. , Tolosa J.E.
Published: October 2002

Objective: To examine the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in cesarean section in different countries and in relation to a reference regimen. Method: Fifty consecutive cesarean sections performed in eight centers in five countries were surveyed. Data from each center were compared to a regimen recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration (one dose of ampicillin or cefazolin administered to all women shortly before the procedure or immediately after cord clamping) using logistic regression with adjustment for procedure type. Result: Prophylaxis was used widely, but only four centers administered prophylaxis to all women. Ampicillin and cefazolin were the principal antibiotics used, but broad‐spectrum agents and multidrug regimens were also used commonly. Only two centers reliably administered the antibiotic at the appropriate time. The majority of women received only one dose of antibiotic in only three centers. Conclusion: The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in cesarean section was variable and often at odds with published recommendations.
Course and outcome of hepatitis C
Authors: Hoofnagle Jay H.
Published: October 2002

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small enveloped RNA virus belonging to the family flaviviridae and genus hepacivirus. The HCV RNA genome is 9,600 nucleotides in length and encodes a single polyprotein that is post-translationally cleaved into 10 polypeptides including t3 structural (C, E1, and E2) and multiple nonstructural proteins ([NS] NS2 to NS5). The NS proteins include enzymes necessary for protein processing (proteases) and viral replication (RNA polymerase). The virus replicates at a high rate in the liver and has marked sequence heterogeneity. There are 6 genotypes and more than 90 subtypes of HCV, the most common in the United States being 1a and 1b (approximately 75%), 2a and 2b (approximately 15%), and 3 (approximately 7%). Acute hepatitis C is marked by appearance of HCV RNA in serum within 1 to 2 weeks of exposure followed by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations, and then symptoms and jaundice. Antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) tends to arise late. In acute resolving hepatitis, HCV RNA is cleared and serum ALT levels fall to normal. However, 55% to 85% of patients do not clear virus, but develop chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C is often asymptomatic, but is usually associated with persistent or fluctuating elevations in ALT levels. The chronic sequelae of hepatitis C include progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Extra-hepatic manifestations include sicca syndrome, cryoglobulinemia, glomerulonephritis, and porphyria cutanea tarda. Knowledge of the course and outcome of hepatitis C is important in developing approaches to management and therapy.
Sexual activity as a risk factor for hepatitis C
Authors: Terrault Norah A.
Published: October 2002

The accumulated evidence indicates that hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be transmitted by sexual contact but much less efficiently than other sexually transmitted viruses, including hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, because sex is such a common behavior and the reservoir of HCV-infected individuals is sizable, sexual transmission of HCV likely contributes to the total burden of infection in the United States. Risk of HCV transmission by sexual contact differs by the type of sexual relationship. Persons in long-term monogamous partnerships are at lower risk of HCV acquisition (0% to 0.6% per year) than persons with multiple partners or those at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (0.4% to 1.8% per year). This difference may reflect differences in sexual risk behaviors or differences in rates of exposure to nonsexual sources of HCV, such as injection drug use or shared razors and toothbrushes. In seroprevalence studies in monogamous, heterosexual partners of HCV-infected, HIV-negative persons, the frequency of antibody-positive and genotype-concordant couples is 2.8% to 11% in Southeast Asia, 0% to 6.3% in Northern Europe, and 2.7% in the United States. Among individuals at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the median seroprevalence of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) is 4% (range, 1.6% to 25.5%). HIV coinfection appears to increase the rate of HCV transmission by sexual contact. Current recommendations about sexual practices are different for persons with chronic HCV infection who are in steady monogamous partnerships versus those with multiple partners or who are in short-term sexual relationships.
Children with hepatitis C
Authors: Jonas Maureen M.
Published: October 2002

An estimated 240,000 children in the United States have antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 68,000 to 100,000 are chronically infected with HCV. Acute HCV infection is rarely recognized in children outside of special circumstances such as a known exposure from an HCV-infected mother or after blood transfusion. Most chronically infected children are asymptomatic and have normal or only mildly abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels. Although the natural history of HCV infection acquired in childhood seems benign in the majority of instances, the infection takes an aggressive course in a proportion of cases leading to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease during childhood; the factors responsible for a more aggressive course are unidentified. An optimal approach to management of hepatitis C in children would be prevention, particularly of perinatal transmission, which is now the major cause of new cases of hepatitis C in children. Obstetrical factors may be important determinants of transmission, which, if confirmed, should lead to changes in the care of infected women. Therapy of HCV infection in children is also not well defined. There have been no large randomized, controlled trials of therapy in children with chronic hepatitis C. Small heterogeneous studies of interferon monotherapy have reported sustained virological response rates of 35% to 40%. There are few data regarding the use of combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin in children and no information on the use of peginterferon. Clearly, there are important needs for future epidemiologic and clinical research on hepatitis C in childhood.
Prevention and treatment of hepatitis C in injection drug users
Authors: Edlin Brian R.
Published: October 2002

Injection drug users constitute the largest group of persons infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States, and most new infections occur in drug users. Controlling hepatitis C in the U.S. population, therefore, will require developing, testing, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies for persons who inject drugs. Fortunately, a substantial body of research and clinical experience exists on the prevention and management of chronic viral diseases among injection drug users. The need to implement interventions to stop the spread of HCV among drug users is critical. The capacity of substance-use treatment programs need to be expanded to accommodate all who want and need treatment. Physicians and pharmacists should be educated in how to provide access to sterile syringes and to teach safe injection techniques, both of which are lifesaving interventions. The treatment of hepatitis C in drug users requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together expertise in treating hepatitis and caring for drug users. Treatment decisions should be made individually by patients with their physicians, based on a balanced assessment of risks and benefits and the patient’s personal values. Physicians should carefully assess, monitor, and support adherence and mental health in all patients, regardless of whether drug use is known or suspected. Research is needed to better understand how best to prevent and treat hepatitis C in substance users. In the meantime, substantial progress can be made if existing knowledge and resources are brought to bear.
Use and interpretation of virological tests for hepatitis C
Authors: Pawlotsky Jean-Michel
Published: October 2002

Four virological markers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are used clinically for management of patients with hepatitis C, namely the HCV genotype, HCV RNA, HCV core antigen, and antibody to HCV (anti-HCV). The diagnosis of acute and chronic hepatitis C is based on both anti-HCV detection using enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and HCV RNA detection using a sensitive molecular biology-based technique. Other virological tools, including HCV genotype determination and HCV RNA quantification, are now used to tailor treatment to the individual patient and to determine its efficacy. This article reviews the kinetics of HCV markers during acute and chronic HCV infection, together with current assays and their practical use in the management of HCV-infected patients.