bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LABORATORY STUDIES OF A GREEN NOCTILUCA FROM NEW GUINEA1,2
Authors: Sweeney Beatrice M.
Published: August 2007

A strain of Noctiluca miliaris Suriray, containing in the vacuole a motile green flagellate, was collected off the north shore of New Guinea and maintained in culture in autoclaved seawater or an enriched seawater medium. In light, this green Noctiluca survived for at least a month and divided, without added food; while in darkness the symbiotic flagellate disappeared and the Noctiluca died within a few days, unless the food organism Dunaliella tertiolecta was present. Long‐continued growth in light required the presence of Dunaliella, since the symbiotic flagellate was gradually lost under all the culture conditions assayed.

All green Noctiluca assayed were luminescent. The light emitted per cell varied with the nutritional state of the host, and was as bright as a Japanese strain without symbionts when the Noctiluca was feeding on Dunaliella. In the absence of Dunaliella, the light emitted per Noctiluca depended on the light intensity in which cultures were maintained. The luminescent flash followed the same time course as that of other strains of Noctiluca without symbionts. No circadian rhythm of luminescence was present.

Observations on both the growth and luminescence show that the flagellate symbiont contributes to the nutrition of the green Noctiluca. The symbiosis, however, is unstable in culture.
A STUDY OF CALLITHAMNION LEJOLISEA FARL.1
Authors: Dixon Peter S.
Published: August 2007

The study of various aspects of the structure and development of Callithamnion lejolisea Farl. shows that this species is incorrectly referred to that genus. It is proposed that C. lejolisea should be, made the type species of a new genus, Ptilothamnionopsis. In addition, various other Pacific algae possibly referable to this genus are briefly considered.
IDENTIFICATION OF CHLORELLA STRAINS BY SEROLOGICAL TECHNIQUES1,2
Authors: Sanders Bob G. , Keller Edward C. , Wiley Kay L.
Published: August 2007

Three strains of Chlorella were examined, by serological procedures for cellular antigenic differences. Antibodies produced in rabbits against, the 3 different Chlorella strains demonstrated the presence of antigens common to all 3 strains. Adsorbed antisera identified antigens specific for each, strain.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF LICHENS. II.CLADONIA CRISTATELLA: THE LICHEN AND ITS ISOLATED SYMBIONTS1,2,3
Authors: Jacobs J. B. , Ahmadjian V.
Published: August 2007

A Comparative Study Was Made Of The Fine Structure ofCladonia Cristatellaand its algal SymbiontTrebouxia Ericiin their lichenized and cultured (nonlichenized) states. Pyrenoglobuli were produced by the alga in the symbiotic and free conditions. Starch was formed during hydrated conditions. Pyrenoglobbuli migrated to the outer parts of the pyrenoid only during dry periods. Dictyosomes and eyespots were observed for the first time inTrebouxia. The pyrenoid divided by fragmentation. Ellipsoidal bodies were common in the hyphae of the lichenized fungus and absent in cultured hyphae, except for 1 colony which had been induced to form pycnidia. The ellipsoidal bodies were associated closely with the internal membrane system of the mycobiont. Haustoria seemed to penetrate the algal cells by enzymatic digestion. Intrahyphal hyphae were common.
NUTRITION OF PANDORINA MORUM1,2
Authors: Palmer Esther G. , Starr Richard C.
Published: August 2007

A defined medium was developed for 3 strains of Pandorina morum. The strains tested required no vitamins or other organic compounds. The optimal initial pH was between 7.0 and 8.0. Various carbon sources were tested, and only glycolate and acetate appreciably stimulated growth. Mixotrophic growth in the light was stimulated by glycolate in all 3 strains, and by acetate in strains 880 and N76‐6. Only strain N76‐6 utilized acetate for heterotrophic growth in the dark. Thirty strains of P. morum of world‐wide distribution were surveyed for mixotrophic and heterotrophic growth with acetate. All were found to fit 1 of 3 classes with respect to acetate metabolism: (1) no effect in light or dark; (2) stimulation of growth in light only; (3) stimulation of growth in light and dark.
SIMILARITIES IN THE ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE OCEANIC DINOFLAGELLATES,PYROCYSTIS FUSIFORMIS, PYROCYSTIS LUNULA, ANDPYROCYSTIS NOCTILUCA1
Authors: Swift Elijah , Durbin Edward G.
Published: August 2007

Three cultured species ofPyrocystis(Dinoccoccales) reproduced asexually by forming 2 (or 1) aplanospores or zoospores inside the parent cell wall. In all 3 species these small reproductive cells, although they may not resemble the parent cells, swell up rapidly (∼ 10 min) to the approximate size and shape of the parent cell. These swollen cells become new vegetative cells. The above asexual process is the only way by which cells numbers increase in our cultures.Pyrocystis lunulawas propagated at the lunula stage of the life cycle. The nonmotile crescent‐shaped cells produced reproductive cells that wereGymnodinium‐shaped and had, in some cases, a trailing flagellum. WithP. fusiformisandP. noctiluca, the reproductive cells were not flagellated. WithP. fusiformis, these bodies had a pronounced equatorial constriction like a girdle, while inP. noctilucathe “girdle” was an inconspicuous feature if present. WithP. noctilucaandP. fusiformison a 12:12ldcycle, reproductive cells were formed early in the dark period and they swelled up at the beginning of the light period. Reproduction ofP. lunulawas not well phased in our experiments, with reproductive cells developing at the end of the light period and the end of the dark period.
THE UPTAKE AND OXIDATION OF GLYCOLIC ACID BY BLUE‐GREEN ALGAE1
Authors: Miller A. G. , Cheng K. H. , Colman Brian
Published: August 2007

Two species of blue‐green algae Anabaena flosaquae and Oscillatoria sp. were shown to assimilate glycolic acid. In the presence of DCMU in light, approximately 50% of it wax oxidized to carbon dioxide; 90% was oxidized in the dark. Glycolate assimilation was increased fivefold by lowering the pH of the medium from 9.0 to 5.0, and the rate of uptake increased with increasing concentration of exogenous glycolate up to a saturation concentration of 12–14 mM. α‐Hydroxysulfonates markedly inhibited glycolate uptake and oxidation but iso‐nicotinyl hydrazide had little effect. These results indicate that glycolate oxidation occurs in vivo, but that the glycolate pathway in these algae differs some‐what from that of higher plants.
THE FINE STRUCTURE OF SPOROGENESIS IN THE XANTHOPHYCEAN ALGA PSEUDOBUMILLERIOPSIS PYRENOIDOSA1,2
Authors: Deason Temd R.
Published: August 2007

The fine structure of vegetative cells, sporogenesis, and zoospores of the xanthophycean alga Pseudo‐bumilleriopsis pyrenoidosa is described. Cleavage in sporogenesis closely resembles that of certain aquatic fungi.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE FINE STRUCTURE OF DICTYOCHA FIBULA EHRENBERG. I. THE SKELETON1
Authors: Van Valkenburg Shirley D.
Published: August 2007

Carbon replicas of the skeletons of a cultured clone of Dictyocha fibula reveal a surface pattern of bands 4–5 nm wide. Reticular ornamentation previously reported for fossil skeletons is not present. Skeleton formation may proceed from an initial series of dichotomous outgrowths of an elongate, formative vacuole; which later fuse at junctures of the basal ring and supporting bars. The presence or absence of an apical ring may be a function of variation in the duration of the synthetic stage of predivision among individuals within the same clone.
LIGHT/DARK PERIODICITY IN NITROGEN ASSIMILATION OF THE MARINE PHYTOPLANKTERSSKELETONEMA COSTATUMANDCOCCOLITHUS HUXLEYIIN N‐LIMITED CHEMOSTAT CULTURE1,2
Authors: Eppley Richard W. , Rogers Jane N. , McCarthy James J. , Sournia Alain
Published: August 2007

Skeletonema costatumandCoccolithus huxleyiwere grown in nitrogen‐limited chemostat cultures with illumination provided in light/dark cycles.S. costatumassimilated nitrate and ammonium primarily during the day and less so at night. Conversely, the concentration of nitrate and ammonium in the culture medium varied periodically, increasing at night and decreasing in the light.C. huxleyiassimilated both N sources at a rate sufficient to keep them at very low levels both day and night. However, the activity of N‐assimilating enzymes, measured in cell‐free extracts, were higher in the light than in the dark periods, implying light/dark differences in the capacity to assimilate nitrogen. Such periodicity in the rate of uptake and enzymatic activity appears to complicate the mathematical expression of nutrient‐limited growth of phytoplankton exposed to natural light/dark cycles.

Three aspects of dial periodicity in N assimilation have been observed in natural phytoplankton communities in the sea: (1) in assimilation rate, (2) in activity of enzymes of N‐assimilation, and (3) in the ammonium concentration of the seawater. The cultures also showed periodicity in these parameters and appear to be useful model systems for study.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE TIDEPOOL ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF PERIDINIUM GREGARIUM1,2
Authors: Lombard Eugene H. , Capon Brian
Published: August 2007

Dense populations of a new species of dinoflagellate, Peridinium gregarium, have been found in a limited number of small rock tidepools on the coast of southern California. The organism is present throughout the year, but during periods of low temperatures and heavy tides it remains on the bottom of the pools in small aggregations. At other seasons P. gregarium leaves the aggregations during the morning hours and collects around the upper surface of small rocks in masses held together by a mucous matrix. Oxygen bubbles accumulated in the matrix eventually float the mass to the surface of the tidepool. During the afternoon or evening, the individuals return to the bottom aggregations leaving the matrix behind. Field and laboratory studies have attempted to define the nature of this organism's tidepool habitat and factors involved in the regulation of its diurnal movements.
MORPHOLOGY AND FINE STRUCTURE OF FISCHERELLA AMBIGUA1
Authors: Thurston E. Laurence , Ingram Lonnie O.
Published: August 2007

Fischerella ambigua is a branching blue‐green alga, the filamentous nature of which is maintained almost entirely by sheath material. Cell division in this organism most closely resembles the septal division found in most unicellular organisms. In all filamentous blue‐green algae previously examined with the electron microscope, cell division has resulted from the imagination of the plasma membrane and inner wall layer only; both the middle wall and the outer wall layers remain continuous throughout the length of the filament. In Fischerella, by contrast, the plasma membrane and the inner wall layer invaginate to produce initially 2 cells. However, the middle wall layer, outer wall layer, and sheath also invaginate to separate the daughter cells. The sheath alone remains continuous throughout the length of the filament.
SECRETION OF VITAMINS AND AMINO ACIDS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT BYOCHROMONAS DANICA1,2
Authors: Aaronson S. , DeAngelis B. , Frank O. , Baker H.
Published: August 2007

Ochromonas danicagrown on a chemically defined medium under controlled conditions in the light synthesized the following vitamins: ascorbate, B6,N5‐methyltetrahydrofolate, tetrahydrofolate polyglutamates, oxidized folate monoglutamates, nicotinate, pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamin A, β‐carotene, and vitamin E but no vitamin. B12. The cells also secreted molecules into their growth medium including the vitamins ascorbate, B6, the above folates, nicotinate, pantothenate, riboflavin, vitamin E, and the amino acids alanine, aspartic acid, leucine, and valine. The role of such secretions in nature is discussed.
DESMARESTIA SP. ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEA PEN PTILOSARCUS GURNEYI(GRAY)1,2
Authors: Dube Maurice A. , Ball Eldon
Published: August 2007

Living gametophyte filaments of Desmarestia were discovered embedded in the tissue of the sea pen Ptilosarcus gurneyi. This may be the first record of the collection of a gametophyte of Desmarestia from nature. Sporophyte plants were derived from the cultured gametophytes.
A RECONSIDERATION OF LIVING AND FOSSIL PYROPHACUS STEIN, 1883 (DINOPHYCEAE)1,2
Authors: Wall David , Dale Barrie
Published: August 2007

Three previously described dinoflagellates (2 “varieties” and a “form”) that comprise the marine genus Pyrophacus Stein, 1883, are allocated, to 3 separate species for the first time after demonstration of appropriate discontinuities in their respective theca and cyst morphologies. Formerly they were called P. horologium Stein var. horologium, P. horologium var. steinii Schiller and, Pyrophacus Form B1 of Steidinger and Davis; they become P. horologium Stein, P. steinii (Schiller) nov. comb., and P. vancampoae (Rossignol) nov. comb. The newly discovered cyst stage of the latter is identical with the fossil dinoflagellate Tuberculodinium vancampoae (Rossignol) Wall, whose unusual morphology is reinterpreted to include an oblate body, 4 rows of intratabular tubercules, and a uniquely located hypotractal (posterior antapical) archeopyle. The outer wall of the newly discovered benthic encysted stage of P. horologium Stein is gelatinous and agglutinating in behavior and comparable with the amorphous “Kalyptra” that constitutes the outer wall layer of several extinct Mesozoic and Danian fossil dinoflagellates.
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF THECAE OF THE DINOFLAGELLATE GENUS ORNITHOCERCUS1
Authors: Taylor F. J. R.
Published: August 2007

Members of the genus Ornithocercus are all tropical oceanic species in which the theca is extended in the form of elaborate wing‐like projections, the lists, supported by ribs. This paper illustrates the topography of 6 of the species. The theca is penetrated by numerous simple pores opening flush with the outer surface. On the inner side of the thecae the pores have a raised rim. The hypotheca of all species examined except O. splendidus have shallow depressions, the areolae, over most of the surface. Secondary thickening of mature cell walls deepens the appearance of the areolae, and increases their extent over the hypotheca in O. quadratus. The number of pores is not directly correlated with the areolae but seems rather to be a function of cell size.

A comparison of the surface features confirms views that O. splendidus occupies a relatively isolated phenetic position. It also confirms the close similarity of O. steinii with O. thumii. Unexpectedly it suggested a phenetic closeness between O. magnificus and O. quadratus on the basis of hypothecal structure and rib features of the left sulcal list. O. heteroporus could not be subjected to the same degree of study and its position cannot be commented on.

Some theoretical hydrodynamic and morphogenetic problems in Ornithocercus are discussed.
OCCURRENCE OF ENDOSYMBIOTIC BACTERIA IN MARINE DINOFLAGELLATES1,2
Authors: Gold Kenneth , Pollingher Utsa
Published: August 2007

The marine dinoflagellates Gymnodinium splendens (photosynthetic) and Cryptothecodinium cohnii (heterotrophic) harbor abundant endosymbiotic bacterial floras. Some general observations are made on their characteristics, and on this symbiotic relationship in other protists.
LIPID COMPOSITION OF THE BROWN ALGA FUCUS VESICULOSUS1,2
Authors: Alam Maktoob , Chakravarti Ashima , Ikawa Miyoshi
Published: August 2007

The lipids of the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus consist of approximately 3.6% hydrocarbons (including carotenes) and sterol esters, 11.8% triglycerides, 4.2% free fatty acids, 10.6% sterols, 15.1% chlorophylls and xanthophylls, 29.9% glycolipids, and 6.5% phospholipids. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylinositol appear to be present and phosphatidylcholine is absent.
Maintenance Treatment for Old‐Age Depression Preserves Health‐Related Quality of Life: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Paroxetine and Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Authors: Dombrovski Alexandre Y. , Lenze Eric J. , Dew Mary Amanda , Mulsant Benoit H. , Pollock Bruce G. , Houck Patricia R. , Reynolds Charles F.
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether maintenance antidepressant pharmacotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy sustain gains in health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL) achieved during short‐term treatment in older patients with depression.

DESIGN: After open combined treatment with paroxetine and interpersonal psychotherapy, responders were randomly assigned to a two (paroxetine vs placebo) by two (monthly interpersonal psychotherapy vs clinical management) double‐blind, placebo‐controlled maintenance trial. HR‐QOL outcomes were assessed over 1 year.

SETTING: University‐based clinic.

PATIENTS: Of the referred sample of 363 persons aged 70 and older with major depression, 210 gave consent, and 195 started acute treatment; 116 met criteria for recovery, entered maintenance treatment, and were included in this analysis.

INTERVENTIONS: Paroxetine; monthly manual‐based interpersonal psychotherapy.

MEASUREMENTS: Overall HR‐QOL as measured using the Quality of Well‐Being Scale (QWB) and six specific HR‐QOL domains derived from the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) subscales.

RESULTS: All domains of HR‐QOL except physical functioning improved with successful acute and continuation treatment. After controlling for any effects of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy was superior to placebo in preserving overall well‐being (P=.04, effect size (r)=0.23), social functioning (P=.02, r=0.27), and role limitations due to emotional problems (P=.007, r=0.30). Interpersonal psychotherapy (controlling for the effects of pharmacotherapy) did not preserve HR‐QOL better than supportive clinical management.

CONCLUSION: Maintenance antidepressant pharmacotherapy is superior to placebo in preserving improvements in overall well‐being achieved with treatment response in late‐life depression. No such benefit was seen with interpersonal psychotherapy.
Social Causes and Consequences of Rejection Sensitivity
Authors: London Bonita , Downey Geraldine , Bonica Cheryl , Paltin Iris
Published: August 2007

Predictions from the Rejection Sensitivity (RS) model concerning the social causes and consequences of RS were examined in a longitudinal study of 150 middle school students. Peer nominations of rejection, self‐report measures of anxious and angry rejection expectations, and social anxiety, social withdrawal, and loneliness were assessed at two time points. Results indicate that peer rejection at Time 1 predicted an increase in anxious and angry expectations of rejection at Time 2, but only for boys. Being liked by peers, irrespective of level of dislike, predicted a reduction in anxious rejection expectations in both boys and girls. Further, anxious expectations of rejection were uniquely predictive of increased social anxiety and withdrawal. Angry expectations of rejection, an established unique predictor of increased aggression, predicted decreased social anxiety. Both anxious and angry expectations predicted increased loneliness, but neither were unique predictors of loneliness. Implications of viewing anxious and angry expectations of rejection as distinct cognitive–affective vulnerabilities for adolescents are discussed.
Managing Threat: Do Social‐Cognitive Processes Mediate the Link Between Peer Victimization and Adjustment Problems in Early Adolescence?
Authors: Hoglund Wendy L. , Leadbeater Bonnie J.
Published: August 2007

Peer victimization has been linked concurrently and over time with multiple adjustment problems. However, the reasons for this multi‐finality in victimization are not well understood. The current study examines social‐cognitive processes (hostile attributions, social perspective awareness, and interpersonal skills) as mediators of the relations between subtypes of peer victimization (relational, physical) and depression and anxiety, social withdrawal, and physical aggression in early adolescence. The overall pattern of associations among subtypes of victimization, social‐cognitive processes, and adjustment converged with expectations that victimization biases adolescents' cognitions about peers in conflict situations and skills relating to peers. In turn, these cognitions and skills differentially compromised their ability to regulate diverse emotions or limit reticent behaviors in response to peer threats. Modest gender differences in these associations were found.
Influence of a Family‐Focused Substance Use Preventive Intervention on Growth in Adolescent Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Mason W. Alex , Kosterman Rick , Hawkins J. David , Haggerty Kevin P. , Spoth Richard L. , Redmond Cleve
Published: August 2007

Preparing for the Drug Free Years (PDFY) is a preventive intervention that targets parenting behaviors, family interaction patterns, and adolescent substance use, factors that have been shown to predict depression among teenagers. Effects of PDFY on trajectories of self‐reported adolescent depressive symptoms from 6th through 12th grade were examined. Latent growth curve modeling was used to analyze data from 429 rural adolescents from schools assigned randomly to an intervention or a control condition. PDFY reduced the rate of increase in depressive symptoms during adolescence. Mediation of the intervention effect on depressive symptoms through reduced polysubstance use was tested; the indirect effect was only marginally significant. Findings have implications for understanding the relationship between adolescent depressive symptoms and substance use, and for preventing these outcomes.
Clusters and Correlates of Experiences With Parents and Peers in Early Adolescence
Authors: Kan Marni L. , McHale Susan M.
Published: August 2007

This study used a person‐oriented approach to examine links between adolescents' experiences with parents and peers. Cluster analysis classified 361, White, working‐ and middle‐class youth (mean age=12.16 years) based on mothers' and fathers' reports of parental acceptance and adolescents' reports of perceived peer competence. Three patterns were identified: high mother and father acceptance and high peer competence; low mother and father acceptance and high peer competence; and high mother acceptance, moderate father acceptance, and low peer competence. The groups differed with respect to youth's and parents' individual characteristics, family and peer dynamics, and youth functioning over time. Discussion focuses on the utility of a person‐oriented approach for studying parent–peer linkages in early adolescence and their implications.
Peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell mobilization and collection efficacy is not an independent prognostic factor for autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wang Shirong , Nademanee Auayporn , Qian Dajun , Dagis Andrew , Park Hyun‐Soon , Fridey Joy , Smith Eileen , Snyder David , Somlo George , Stein Anthony , Rosenthal Joseph , Falk Peter , Kogut Neil , Palmer Joycelynne , Gaal Karl , Kim Young , Bhatia Ravi , Yuan Shan , Kay Candace , Weiss Lawrence , Forman Stephen
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: The successful mobilization and collection of hematopoietic stem cells are dependent on a number of clinical factors such as previous chemotherapy and disease stage. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether the effectiveness of mobilization and collection is an independent prognostic factor for autologous stem cell transplantation outcome.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 358 patients who received transplants from January 2003 to December 2004 (201 male and 157 female patients, ages from 2.7 to 77.3 years with median of 53 years of age) underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell collection after mobilization with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) or G‐CSF plus chemotherapy priming. This retrospective study included patients with diagnoses of acute myelogenous leukemia, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, and solid tumors. All patients underwent stem cell collection until a target or a minimum CD34+ cell dose was reached. Correlations were performed between stem cell mobilization and/or collection efficacy and transplantation outcomes.

RESULTS: In general, both larger reinfused CD34+ cell dose and shorter number of days for the stem cell count to reach the minimum of 2 × 106 per kg CD34+ cells do not foster quicker engraftment. Reinfused CD34+ cell dose of less than 12 × 106 and number of days stem cell collection to reach this minimum CD34+ cell dose did not independently affect the overall survival (OS) or disease‐free survival (DFS).

CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization and collection as defined as number of days to reach a CD34+ cell dose of 2 × 106 per kg should not be used independently to forecast posttransplantation prognosis, engraftment, DFS, and OS.
Dismantling applied tension: mechanisms of a treatment to reduce blood donation–related symptoms
Authors: Ditto Blaine , France Christopher R. , Albert Michael , Byrne Nelson
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: Blood donation–related symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and fainting are unpleasant for the donor and a significant disincentive for repeat donation. The muscle tensing technique of applied tension (AT) reduced symptoms in several studies.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial of different components of AT. A total of 1209 donors were randomly assigned to one of six conditions involving tension of different muscle groups or donation as usual. Dependent measures included a symptom questionnaire and whether or not the donor's chair was reclined to treat a reaction.

RESULTS: Replicating previous findings, donors who practiced the “full” AT procedure reported significantly fewer symptoms, were less likely to require chair reclining, and rated their chances of giving blood again as greater than those in the donation‐as‐usual group. Of the component groups, donors who tensed only their lower body were most similar to the full‐AT group. Upper‐body tension in and of itself did not reduce symptoms though another condition involving upper body tension, which directed attention away from the arm with the needle in it had several significant effects.

CONCLUSION: The positive effects of AT on blood donation outcome appear to be mediated primarily by lower‐body tension though distraction also probably contributes to its impact.
Chemical treatment of anti‐D results in improved efficacy for the inhibition of Fcγ receptor–mediated phagocytosis
Authors: Foo Alison H. , Ramkumar Stephanie , Helke Simone , Branch Donald R.
Published: August 2007

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether treatment of immunoglobulins anti‐D or intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) with chemicals previously shown to inhibit phagocytosis could result in an enhancement of Fcγ receptor (FcγR) blockade in vitro. If successful, this approach may provide the possibility of targeting these chemicals to monocyte‐macrophages for increased efficacy of immunoglobulin‐based therapies in vivo.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: For proof‐of‐concept, the chemical thimerosal, a prototype FcγR inhibitor, was combined with RhIG or IVIG. Residual chemical was removed by extensive dialysis. With a monocyte monolayer assay (MMA) and a concentration of immunoglobulin alone that results in 50 percent inhibition of MMA phagocytosis of antibody‐coated red blood cells, the effect of thimerosal treatment on the ability of the immunoglobulin to show a significant enhancement of efficacy was determined.

RESULTS: It is shown that combining thimerosal with anti‐D, either slide and rapid tube or commercially available (WinRho SDF, Cangene), results in a highly significant increase in efficacy over anti‐D alone to inhibit phagocytosis in vitro. This effect was not due to residual unbound compound or to cellular toxicity of the chemically treated immunoglobulins. Treatment of IVIG with thimerosal had no significant effect on its ability to inhibit in vitro phagocytosis.

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that it is possible to modify an immunoglobulin by chemical treatment such that the treated immunoglobulin demonstrates significantly enhanced ability to inhibit FcγR‐mediated phagocytosis. It is also demonstrated that IVIG and anti‐D appear to respond differently after chemical treatment. Further examination of this strategy is warranted and has the potential to reduce the dose, cost, and possibly, adverse effects of immunoglobulin‐based therapies.
Navigation by Parallax in Three‐Dimensional Space During Fluoroscopy: Application in Guide Wire‐Directed Axillary/Subclavian Vein Puncture
Authors: LAU ERNEST W.
Published: August 2007

Background:

Fluoroscopy is range ambiguous—the relative positions in three‐dimensional space of two structures with superimposed silhouettes cannot be ascertained. The parallax effect can be used to overcome this problem, and was used to develop a technique of axillary/subclavian vein puncture.

Method:

Patients requiring axillary/subclavian vein puncture were considered for the new technique. The vein was marked by a guide wire placed inside. In the postero‐anterior (P‐A) caudal projection, the needle was advanced dorsally from medial to the coracoid process at an arbitrary angle until its tip overlay the guide wire over the first intercostal space. Depending on whether the needle tip appeared caudad or cephalad of the guide wire in the P‐A projection, the needle was advanced farther into or withdrawn back from the body, with its tip maintained over the guide wire in the P‐A caudal projection at all times. Maneuvering of the needle stopped when the needle tip overlay the guide wire in both the P‐A caudal and P‐A projections or blood was aspirated.

Result:

Forty‐one separate successful punctures were performed in 20 patients. No complications were recorded. Each puncture took no more than 1 minute, and the image intensifier needed to swing between the P‐A caudal and the P‐A projections only twice.

Conclusions:

The new technique was effective, efficient, and safe when implemented in clinical practice, justifying the parallax principles on which it is based. The parallax principles may be applied to other invasive medical procedures with due modifications.
Effect of End‐Stage Renal Failure and Hemodialysis on Mortality Rates in Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Recipients
Authors: HREYBE HAITHAM , RAZAK EATHAR , SABA SAMIR
Published: August 2007

Background: Most defibrillator (ICD) trials have excluded patients on hemodialysis (HD). It is therefore not known whether the ICD, when indicated, confers the same mortality benefit to HD and non‐HD patients.

Method: HD patients implanted with an ICD from July 2001 to June 2004 were matched by age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and class of heart failure to non‐HD ICD recipients.

Results: Forty‐six (16 on HD) patients (age = 65 ± 15 yrs, LVEF = 30 ± 14%, 44% in class III‐IV HF) were followed for a mean of 30 ± 16 months (range, 4–61 months) after ICD implantation. During this period, 12/16 HD versus 9/30 non‐HD patients died (P = 0.006). The two‐year mortality rates were 54% and 29% in the HD and non‐HD groups, respectively (P = 0.01). After correcting for age, gender, race, LVEF, class of HF, and ICD indication (primary vs. secondary prevention) in a Cox regression model, HD remained a significant predictor of the time to death (HR = 2.9, adjusted P = 0.023).

Conclusion: Despite having an ICD, HD patients have approximately a three‐fold increase in total mortality and may therefore not extract the same survival benefits from the ICD as their non‐HD counterparts. If duplicated in larger randomized trials, these results may demonstrate the futility of implanting defibrillators in HD patients.
Relationship between Microvascular Resistance and Perfusion in Patients with Reperfused Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: SEZER MURAT , UMMAN BERRIN , OKCULAR IREM , NISANCI YILMAZ , UMMAN SABAHATTIN
Published: August 2007

Despite its prognostic importance, accurate assessment of microvascular perfusion in patients with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) is difficult. As a new tool, the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) measurement provides us a new opportunity for interrogating microvascular condition after STEMI. In this study, we measured IMR in infarct‐related artery (IRA) and explored its relation with other indices which have been suggested to evaluate microvascular perfusion in patients with reperfused STEMI.

Methods: Forty‐two patients with STEMI treated successfully with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were prospectively included. After 48 hours following pPCI, patients were recatheterized and IMR, coronary flow reserve (CFR), systolic and mean coronary wedge pressures (CWPs and CWPm) pressure‐derived collateral flow index (CFIp) were measured in IRA by using intracoronary pressure‐temperature sensor tipped guide wire. Myocardial blush grade was assessed from the second angiogram. Coronary flow velocity pattern (diastolic deceleration time: DDT) was examined with transthoracic echocardiography 48 hours after pPCI. Percentage of ST‐segment recovery was calculated from surface ECG (STR%).

Results: IMR well correlated with CWPs (r = 0.70, P < 0.001), CWPm (r = 0.59, P < 0.001), CFIp (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), CFR (r =−0.50, P = 0.001), and DDT (r =−0.59, P = 0.001). Correlations of IMR to non/semiinvasive indices like myocardial blush grades (MBG) (r =−0.42, P = 0.007) and STR (r =−0.37, P = 0.024) are somewhat weaker.

Conclusion: Given its simplicity of measurement, independence from the presence of an epicardial stenosis, and good correlation with all measures of microvascular obstruction used in this study, IMR may prove to be a valuable modality for evaluating the microcirculation.
CT Coronary Angiography Predicts the Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Chronic Total Occlusion
Authors: SOON KEAN H. , COX NICHOLAS , WONG AARON , CHAITOWITZ IVAN , MACGREGOR LACHLAN , SANTOS PETER T. , SELVANAYAGAM JOSEPH B. , FAROUQUE H.M. OMAR , RAMETTA SALVATORE , BELL KEVIN W. , LIM YEAN L.
Published: August 2007

Background: The success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTO) is relatively low. Further evaluation of CTO lesion with CT coronary angiography (CT‐CA) may help to better select patients that would benefit from percutaneous revascularization. We aimed to test the possible association between failed PCI and transluminal calcification of CTO as assessed by CT‐CA.

Methods: Patients with CTO awaiting PCI were scanned with a 16‐slice CT. A cardiologist and a radiologist assessed transluminal calcification of CTO lesions on CT images while an interventional cardiologist at a core laboratory assessed conventional variables of invasive fluoroscopic coronary angiography (FCA) associated with failed PCI of CTO. The significance of CT and FCA variables in association with failed PCI were analyzed.

Results: In a cohort of 39 patients with 43 CTO lesions, 24 lesions were successfully revascularized. Transluminal calcification ≥50% as assessed on CT‐CA was strongly associated with failed PCI (odds ratio [OR] of PCI success = 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02–0.47, P = 0.003). Blunt stump as seen on FCA was also associated with failed PCI (OR of PCI success = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.86, P = 0.029). There was no significant evidence to support that the duration of CTO, presence of side branch and bridging collaterals, and the absence of microchannels as assessed with FCA were associated with failed PCI. On multivariate analysis, transluminal calcification ≥50% on CT‐CA was the only significant predictor of failed PCI.

Conclusions: Heavy transluminal calcification as assessed with CT‐CA is an independent predictor of failed PCI of CTO. CT‐CA may have a role in the work‐up of CTO patients prior to PCI.
Does Carbofilm Coating Affect In‐Stent Intimal Proliferation? A Randomized Trial Comparing Rx Multi‐Link Penta and Tecnic Carbostent™ Stents: SIROCCO Trial
Authors: CARRIÉ DIDIER , LEFEVRE THIERRY , CHERRADI RHIZLAN , DUMAS PIERRE , ELBAZ MEYER , FINET GÉRARD , PUEL JACQUES , MORICE MARIE CLAUDE
Published: August 2007

Objectives:

To compare the volume of in‐stent neointimal proliferation, assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), at 6‐month follow‐up after implantation of a coronary Carbofilm™‐coated stent (Tecnic Carbostent™, Sorin Biomedica Cardio, Saluggia, Italy) versus a conventional 316 L stent (Rx Multi‐Link Penta, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL).

Background:

Many trials suggest that stent characteristics and coating could be important determinants of restenosis.

Methods:

From October 2004 to May 2005, 63 patients were randomized to Tecnic (T, n = 30) or Penta (P, n = 33). The primary end‐point was in‐stent volume of neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) measured by IVUS at 6 months. The secondary end‐points included binary restenosis, minimal luminal diameter (MLD), target lesion revascularization, and major adverse cardiac events.

Results:

There were no significant differences between T and P as to mean age, male gender, clinical status, complexity of the lesion, lesion length, reference vessel diameter before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), MLD pre‐PCI, and stent‐to‐artery ratio. However, MLD poststenting was greater in P group than T group (2.81 ± 0.45 mm vs. 2.49 ± 0.33 mm, P < 0.002). At 6 months, angiographic late lumen loss (0.61 ± 0.51 mm vs. 0.92 ± 0.61 mm, P < 0.043), in‐stent obstruction (25.86 ± 16.48% vs. 38.33 ± 19.56%, P = 0.021), and in‐stent late loss volume (31.62 ± 29.75 mm3 vs. 57.28 ± 37.16 mm3, P = 0.016) were significantly lower in T group than in P group.

Conclusion:

Penta stent appears to offer a better deployment and a larger MLD post‐PCI than Carbofilm‐coated stent. However, a thicker NIH was observed on Penta stent at 6‐month follow‐up, when compared to Tecnic.
Suicidal risks among 2826 Sardinian major affective disorder patients
Authors: Tondo L. , Lepri B. , Baldessarini R. J.
Published: August 2007

Objective:  We estimated risks of suicidal behaviors in 2826 mood‐disorder patients evaluated and followed in a Sardinian mood disorders research center over the past 30 years.

Method:  We determined rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and suicides, with associated risk factors, in men and women with DSM‐IV bipolar I (BP‐I; n = 529), BP‐II; (n = 314), or major depressive disorders (MDD; n = 1983), at risk for an average of 11 years of illness.

Results:  Observed rates (% of patients/year) of suicide ranked: BP‐II (0.16) ≥ BP‐I (0.14) > MDD (0.05); attempts: BP‐I (1.52) > BP‐II (0.82) > MDD (0.48); ideation: BP‐II (42.7) > MDD (33.8) > BP‐I (22.7). The ratio of attempts/suicides (lethality index) ranked: BP‐II (5.12) < MDD (9.60) ≤ BP‐I (10.8). Male/female risk‐ratios were greater for suicide than attempts or ideation. One‐third of all reported acts occurred within the first year of illness, and earliest among MDD patients. Factors associated independently with suicidal acts included BP diagnosis, hospitalizations/person, and early illness‐onset; factors associated with suicidal ideation were having an affective temperament, BP‐II diagnosis, and higher suicidality‐corrected depression score at intake.

Conclusion:  Suicidal behaviors were more prevalent among BPD than MDD out‐patients.
Anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: associations with social function, positive and negative symptoms, hope and trauma history
Authors: Lysaker P. H. , Salyers M. P.
Published: August 2007

Objective:  Anxiety is commonly observed in schizophrenia, but its relationship with other features of illness is unclear.

Method:  We examined correlations between measures of anxiety, positive and negative symptoms, hope, psychosocial function and trauma history among 128 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Cluster analyses were conducted to determine whether we could detect a subgroup with severe anxiety.

Results:  Higher levels of anxiety were associated with greater hallucinations, withdrawal, depression, hopelessness, better insight and poorer function. Cluster analyses produced three groups according to anxiety level: subclinical anxiety (n = 37), moderate anxiety (n = 55) and severe anxiety (n = 36). anova revealed that the severe anxiety group had more severe hallucinations, poorer psychosocial function and less hope than either of the other two groups. Self‐report of sexual trauma predicted higher levels of anxiety overall.

Conclusion:  A subgroup of persons with severe anxiety may be identifiable in schizophrenia with a unique clinical profile.
Twenty‐year trends in emotional and behavioral problems in Dutch children in a changing society
Authors: Tick N. T. , Van Der Ende J. , Verhulst F. C.
Published: August 2007

Objective: Research into changes in the prevalence of children’s psychiatric diagnoses has indicated an increase in recent decades. However, methodological problems may have influenced results. This study compared children’s emotional and behavioral problem levels across three population samples from different time points across 20 years, assessed with identical methodologies.

Method: We compared Child Behavior Checklists and Teacher’s Report Forms across three population samples of 6‐ to 16‐year olds, assessed in 1983, 1993, and 2003.

Results: We found evidence for small increases in the mean population levels of parent‐reported problems, and in the percentages of children with serious problems. These changes concerned mostly internalizing problems. Teacher reports showed less changes. Decreases in scores were found on several areas of competence. Changes were the strongest between 1993 and 2003.

Conclusion: We found evidence for small increases in Dutch children’s problems. Further developments must be monitored, as this trend may continue and have serious societal consequences.
Über die zweifache subjektive Bedingtheit des literarästhetischen Genusses
Authors: Horn Andrds
Published: August 2007

Es werden einleitend einige Gründe namhaft gemacht, die das neu envachte Interesse am Rezipjenten erklären könnten; exemplarisch wird sodann über W. hers und H. R. Jauß Beitrag zur Erhellung innerpsychischer Rezeptionsvorgange kritisch referiert. Was bei Jauß fehlt, wird hier versuchsweise nachgeholt: zum einen die Unterscheidung zwischen psychologischen und anthropologischen Griinden des (literar)ästhetischen Genusses, zum anderen die Ver‐vollständigung der von ihm aufgezählten Arten des Ästhetischen. Diese werden im weiteren als Arten von Freiheit interpretiert und anhand dieses spezifischen Freiheit‐Begriffes in ihrer Genuß‐haftigkeit anthropologisch begruUndet. Die These des Aufsatzes geht aber gerade dahin, daß der (literar)ästhetische Genuß auf der Subjektseite überdeterminiert, nicht nur anthropologisch, sondern auch psychologisch bedingt ist: für die bereits anthropologisch begruUndeten Arten des %AUsthetischen werden nunmehr auch psy‐chologische Gründe vorgeschlagen. Am Schluß wird der Titel des Aufsatzes insofern mit einem Fragezeichen versehen, als ja das faktische Gefallen oder Mißfallen im konkreten Fall letztlich durch einen dritten Faktor entschieden wird: durch den persönlichen Habitus des Urteilenden, seine Aufnahmef4aUhigkeit, seinen indivi‐duellen Geschmack und seine einmalige Biographic Doch die Geschichtlichkeit des Menschen macht es unmöglich, im Hinblick auf die Prinzipien solcher pers4oUnlichen Bedingungsprozesse mehr zu tun als schweigen.
In Sorrow Thou Shalt Bring Forth Children ‐On Childbirth in Literature
Authors: Korte Barbara
Published: August 2007

The article investigates the history of literary childbirths, with special emphasis on the mother's presentation. Examples from English and American writers since the 17th century are considered in the light of the attitudes towards and customs of childbirth in their respective periods. Particular attention is devoted to recent women's literature, where the subject of childbirth has received prominent and original treatment. Modern women writers openly explore the physical and psychological sides of an experience distinctive of their sex; they also employ childbirth as a metaphor for societal conditions or ways of (female) existence, and have developed their own view of the conventional comparison of birth and artistic creation.
Corneille's Trols Discours: A Reader's Guide
Authors: Carlin Claire
Published: August 2007

Unlike the majority of his contemporaries who wrote treatises on drama theory, Pierre Corneille claimed not to believe in the necessity of a moral message in the theatre. This study suggests that Corneille did indeed have a didactic goal, but a rather original one: he forces the spectator or reader to judge the heroes of his plays in terms of their service to society.

While Corneille obliges the audience to take on the responsibility of defining the hero, he also places himself and the audience in a similar relationship of performance and judgment in Les Trois Discours. The writer is a virtuoso performer who enumerates the ways in which a play might teach a moral lesson, only to undermine the didactic value of the reward of virtue and punishment of vice and of the moralistic conception of catharsis. Corneille dissects and then reconstructs such fundamental notions as vraisemblance and bienseance, showing how his colleagues’treatment of them is rigid and limiting. Corneille is the poet of flexibility: with supple arguments, he manipulates his audience into not simply reaction, but active analysis of the characters’behaviour, thereby engendering conflicting interpretations of his work, which continues to inspire controversy today.
Musical Analogies and Their Contexts in Bonaven‐tura's Nachtwachen
Authors: Davies Paul
Published: August 2007

Musical analogies in Bonaventura's Nachtwachen can be put into three separate categories. First of all, there are those which convey Man's disharmony by describing the dissonant temperament of the night‐watchman in musical terms. Then there are musical analogies that deal with street ballads, presenting love in a sceptical light and comparing the gypsy woman's story of Kreuzgang's birth with a ballad to cast doubt on the tale's truthfulness, and to unmask the popular fictional convention of the day that the key to human personality lies in his or her demonic make‐up. Finally, there are analogies between singers and poets. Such analogies aim to pillory the exaggerated behaviour of poets and singers, while one analogy, however, is meant to show the garret poet in a good light by comparing his voice to a higher art form, Mozart's music. Bonaventura's use of musical analogies resembles the way Jean Paul uses musical analogies. Their analogies encourage the reader to add musicality to his or her literary and sensory perceptions, but they differ in the way they indicate dissention and disunion in Bonaventura's case, and harmony in Jean Paul's. Bonaventura's analogies demonstrate his tendency to think in musical terms. They musicalize the novel's whole mood and language, and make the reader aware of music by describing the world within a musical frame of reference.