bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The embedded ion method: A new approach to the electrostatic description of crystal lattice effects in chemical shielding calculations
Authors: Stueber Dirk
Published: September 2006

The nuclear magnetic shielding anisotropy of NMR active nuclei is highly sensitive to the nuclear electronic environment. Hence, measurements of the nuclear magnetic shielding anisotropy represent a powerful tool in the elucidation of molecular structure for a wide variety of materials. Quantum mechanical ab initio nuclear magnetic shielding calculations effectively complement the experimental NMR data by revealing additional structural information. The accuracy and capacity of these calculations has been improved considerably in recent years. However, the inherent problem of the limitation in the size of the systems that may be studied due to the relatively demanding computational requirements largely remains. Accordingly, ab initio shielding calculations have been performed predominantly on isolated molecules, neglecting the molecular environment. This approach is sufficient for neutral nonpolar systems, but leads to serious errors in the shielding calculations on polar and ionic systems. Conducting ab initio shielding calculations on clusters of molecules (i.e., including the nearest neighbor interactions) has improved the accuracy of the calculations in many cases. Other methods of simulating crystal lattice effects in shielding calculations that have been developed include the electrostatic representation of the crystal lattice using point charge arrays, full ab initio methods, ab initio methods under periodic boundary conditions, and hybrid ab initio/molecular dynamics methods. The embedded ion method (EIM) discussed here follows the electrostatic approach. The method mimics the intermolecular and interionic interactions experienced by a subject molecule or cluster in a given crystal in quantum mechanical shielding calculations with a large finite, periodic, and self‐consistent array of point charges. The point charge arrays in the EIM are generated using the Ewald summation method and embed the molecule or ion of interest for which the ab initio shielding calculations are performed. The accuracy with which the EIM reproduces experimental nuclear magnetic shift tensor principal values, the sensitivity of the EIM to the parameters defining the point charge arrays, as well as the strengths and limitations of the EIM in comparison with other methods that include crystal lattice effects in chemical shielding calculations, are presented. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 28A: 347–368, 2006
NMR in photo‐induced chemical exchange systems. Double‐resonance inverse fractional population transfer application for investigation of 1,2‐(2,2′‐dipyridyl)ethene photoisomerization kinetics
Authors: Babailov Sergey P. , Kruppa Alexander I. , Glebov Evgeni M. , Plyusnin Victor F.
Published: September 2006

The analytical expression describing the dynamics of nuclear magnetization with the use of double‐resonance NMR by the procedure of inverse fractional population transfer in requirements of photo‐induced chemical exchange (PICE) is obtained in this article. Laser‐induced (λ = 308 nm) photoisomerization of 1,2‐(2,2′‐dipyridyl)ethene was studied by NMR and UV absorption spectroscopy under irreversible and photostationary conditions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 28A: 337–346, 2006
Performance analysis of parallel Krylov methods for solving boundary integral equations in electromagnetism
Authors: Carpentieri B.
Published: September 2006

With the advent of high‐performance parallel computers, boundary integral methods have received an increasing interest for the solution of electromagnetic scattering problems of electrically large objects. The Galerkin discretization of integral equations leads to dense and complex linear systems whose size increases linearly with the dimension of the scatterer and quadratically with the frequency of the illuminating radiation. For solving realistic high‐frequency problems, iterative Krylov methods can be a viable alternative to out‐of‐core direct methods provided they are used in combination with fast algorithms for the matrix–vector products and robust parallel preconditioners. In this paper, we present experiments with iterative Krylov solvers combined with an approximate inverse preconditioner and the fast multipole method for the matrix–vector products. Numerical results on a set of problems arising from realistics radar cross‐section calculations in industry illustrate the potential of the proposed strategy for solving large‐scale problems in electromagnetism. The research described in this paper has been developed in the framework of a joint collaboration between CERFACS (Toulouse), EADS‐CCR (Toulouse), INRIA‐CERMICS (Sophia Antipolis). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
M‐matrices and global convergence of discontinuous neural networks
Authors: Forti Mauro
Published: September 2006

The paper considers a general class of neural networks possessing discontinuous neuron activations and neuron interconnection matrices belonging to the class of M‐matrices or H‐matrices. A number of results are established on global exponential convergence of the state and output solutions towards a unique equilibrium point. Moreover, by exploiting the presence of sliding modes, conditions are given under which convergence in finite time is guaranteed. In all cases, the exponential convergence rate, or the finite convergence time, can be quantitatively estimated on the basis of the parameters defining the neural network. As a by‐product, it is proved that the considered neural networks, although they are described by a system of differential equations with discontinuous right‐hand side, enjoy the property of uniqueness of the solution starting at a given initial condition. The results are proved by a generalized Lyapunov‐like approach and by using tools from the theory of differential equations with discontinuous right‐hand side. At the core of the approach is a basic lemma, which holds under the assumption of M‐matrices or H‐matrices, and enables to study the limiting behaviour of a suitably defined distance between any pair of solutions to the neural network. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enterovirus meningitis in Greece from 2003–2005: diagnosis, CSF laboratory findings, and clinical manifestations
Authors: Dumaidi Kamal , Frantzidou Filanthi , Papa Anna , Diza Eudoxia , Antoniadis Antonis
Published: September 2006

Enteroviruses (EVs) are the most commonly identified cause of aseptic meningitis. Rapid detection and characterization of EV meningitis is essential in making decisions for patient management and treatment. A total of 52 cases of acute aseptic meningitis that occurred from March 2003 to April 2005 were investigated for EVs using viral culture and/or molecular methods directly in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). EVs were detected in 21 out of 52 (40.4%) patients using reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) and/or tissue culture. EVs were isolated from six out of 37 (16.2%) cultured specimens, while 20 out of 52 (38.4%) specimens yielded positive results when 5′non‐coding region (5′NCR) RT‐PCR assay was used. One specimen that was culture‐positive was RT‐PCR‐negative. Using the VP1‐2A RT‐PCR and sequence analysis, 14 of the 21 positive EVs were identified as: four strains of Coxsackie virus B5, five echovirus 11, two echovirus 9, one echovirus 5, one echovirus 14, and one Coxsackie virus A9. Fever, headache, vomiting, and stiff neck were the most pronounced symptoms. Pleocytosis with the predominance of lymphocytes and mild elevated protein levels characterized the CSF specimens. Coxsackie virus B5 and echovirus 11 were the predominant serotypes during the study period. Although there was seasonal enteroviral activity (April–November), cases also occurred in the cold months. The 5′NCR and VP1‐2A RT‐PCR with sequence analysis were found to be superior to conventional methods for direct diagnosis and the typing of EVs. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 20:177–183, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low specificity of anti‐tissue transglutaminase antibodies in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Bizzaro N. , Tampoia M. , Villalta D. , Platzgummer S. , Liguori M. , Tozzoli R. , Tonutti E.
Published: September 2006

The association between celiac disease (CD) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is well documented in medical literature; however, a high frequency of false positive results of the anti‐transglutaminase (anti‐tTG) test has been reported in patients with PBC. To verify if the positive results for anti‐tTG autoantibody are false positives due to cross reactivity with mitochondrial antigens, we studied 105 adult patients affected with PBC, positive for anti‐mitochondrial M2 antibodies. Anti‐tTG IgA antibodies were studied by using six different immunoenzymatic assays that employ the tTG antigen obtained from different sources (human recombinant, placenta, red blood cells, and guinea pig liver). On the whole, 28 out of 105 PBC subjects tested positive for anti‐tTG IgA antibodies, but only two were eventually found to be affected by CD; the other 26 were shown to be false positive. The specificity of the various antigenic substrates ranged from 88.5% of the human erythrocytes tTG to 97.1% of the human recombinant tTG. The results of this study showed that a true association between PBC and CD was present in only 2% of the patients and that, in most cases, the false positive results were attributable to the type of substrate utilized in the assay. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 20:184–189, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simplified technique for evaluating the adherence of yeasts to human vaginal epithelial cells
Authors: Taguti Irie Mary Mayumi , Lopes Consolaro Márcia Edilaine , Aparecida Guedes Terezinha , Donatti Lucélia , Valéria Patussi Eliana , Estivalet Svidzinski Terezinha Inez
Published: September 2006

Thousands of women all over the world annually suffer of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), an infection caused by yeasts, which mainly affect the mucosa of the vulva and vagina. The adherence of the yeasts to the mucosae is an essential step for colonization and predisposes the start of the infectious process. In this study, a technique capable of evaluating the adhesion of yeasts to human vaginal epithelial cells (HVEC) was employed. Twenty‐five vaginal yeast isolates (10 Candida albicans, nine C. glabrata, two C. parapsilosis, one C. tropicalis, two Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and one Trichosporon sp.) were evaluated. A suspension of each yeast was co‐incubated with HVEC obtained from a healthy donor in the ovulatory phase. After 1 hr, smears were made, stained with crystal violet and Papanicolaou, and the number of yeasts that adhered to 600 HVEC was evaluated. The adhesion of C. albicans was significantly greater than that of the other species and occurred mainly in the intermediate HVEC, rather than the superficial. In addition, the proposed technique, easy to execute and of low cost showed to be reproducible and enables the determination of the adherence capacity of different isolates, whose adhesion was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 20:195–203, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new enzyme‐linked chemiluminescent immunosorbent digoxin assay is virtually free from interference of spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, and their common metabolite canrenone
Authors: Dasgupta Amitava , Kang Edward , Datta Pradip
Published: September 2006

Spironolactone and potassium canrenoate (aldosterone antagonist diuretics) are sometimes used in conjunction with digoxin for patient management. Spironolactone, potassium canrenoate, and their common metabolite canrenone interfere with serum digoxin measurement using various immunoassays. Recently a new enzyme‐linked chemiluminescent immunosorbent digoxin assay (ECLIA‐Digoxin) became commercially available for application on the ADVIA IMS 800i modular system (Bayer HealthCare, Tarrytown, NY). We investigated the potential interference of spironolactone and related compounds in this assay by comparing the results with the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), which is known to have significant cross‐reactivity with these compounds as well as a turbidimetric assay for digoxin with no known cross‐reactivity with spironolactone and related compounds. Aliquots of drug free serum were supplemented with therapeutic and above therapeutic concentrations of spironolactone, canrenone, and potassium canrenoate, and apparent digoxin concentrations were measured. No apparent digoxin concentration was observed using the ECLIA‐Digoxin or turbidimetric assay. When serum pools prepared from patients receiving digoxin were further supplemented with these compounds, we observed no significant change in digoxin concentrations in the presence of these compounds with the ECLIA‐Digoxin. We conclude that this assay is virtually free from interferences from spironolactone, potassium canrenoate and their common metabolite canrenone. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 20:204–208, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reference distributions for apolipoproteins AI and B and the apolipoprotein B/AI ratios: a practical and clinically relevant approach in a large cohort
Authors: Ritchie Robert F. , Palomaki Glenn E. , Neveux Louis M. , Ledue Thomas B. , Craig Wendy Y. , Marcovina Santica , Navolotskaia Olga
Published: September 2006

The two serum apolipoproteins in the highest concentrations, apolipoprotein (apo) AI and apolipoprotein B, and the apolipoprotein B/AI ratio are measured to assess clinical risk for atherosclerotic heart and peripheral vascular diseases. The study is based on a cohort of over 37,000 Caucasian individuals from northern New England measured in one laboratory by immunonephelometry using standardized reference materials. All samples received for protein analyses were accepted provided adequate identifying information was available. Laboratory and demographic information was entered into a single database for subsequent study. Our results show that for males without evidence of inflammation, values of apo AI change little through life. For females, however, values gradually increase until about 60 years of age then fall somewhat thereafter. Among adults, females have higher apo AI values on average, than males. Apo B values change significantly through life, increasing after the end of the second decade to a peak during the sixth decade, then falling thereafter. In the past, concern has been expressed that apo AI is an acute phase reactant (APR), thus complicating cardiovascular risk assessment. The effects of an APR (C‐reactive protein ≥10 mg/L) on apo AI, but not on apo B, are measurable for both sexes, most noticeably beyond the age of 60 years in males and females. When values were expressed as age‐ and gender‐specific multiples of the median (MoMs), the resulting distributions fit a log‐Gaussian distribution well over a broad range. The size of the relatively homogenous cohort, by a standardized approach, provides a firm basis for comparison to preexisting reference intervals and for establishing a clinically useful and current reference interval for the three main apolipoprotein values. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 20:209–217, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reference distributions for apolipoproteins AI and B and B/AI ratios: comparison of a large cohort to the world's literature
Authors: Ritchie Robert F. , Palomaki Glenn E. , Neveux Louis M. , Ledue Thomas B. , Marcovina Santica , Navolotskaia Olga
Published: September 2006

Limiting the clinical utility of apolipoproteins AI (apo AI) and B (apo B) and the apo B/AI ratios until the last decade has been the lack of satisfactory methods for quantifying serum levels and credible reference materials. Great technological strides have been made in the last few years. The remaining barrier to more relevant and cost‐effective use of serum protein data for diagnosis and prognosis has been the availability of widely recognized reliable reference intervals from birth to old age for both males and females. A total of 82 publications reporting reference intervals have been identified that meet most of the same inclusion criteria used in our prior six studies. These have been analyzed statistically and compared to similar studies, i.e., sufficient number, listed subject criteria, method, and reference material, in general terms. Published smaller studies with constrained age ranges, agree on average with our large series of life‐long reference intervals that range from less than one year to over 80 years. This study was performed to assess the degree of agreement between smaller reference interval studies to our large population analysis. This meta‐analysis provides support and reassurance that many of the smaller reference intervals published previously fall within reasonable limits of out large population. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 20:218–226, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of Donor Age on Survival and Fibrosis Progression in Patients With Hepatitis C Undergoing Liver Transplantation Using Hcv+ Allografts
Authors: Khapra Asma Poonawala , Agarwal Kaushik , Fiel Maria Isabel , Kontorinis Nickolas , Hossain Sabera , Emre Sukru , Schiano Thomas D.
Published: September 2006

Studies have suggested that the use of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive (HCV+) donor allografts has no impact on survival. However, no studies have examined the effect that HCV+ donor histology has upon recipient and graft survival. We evaluated the clinical outcome and impact of histological features in HCV patients transplanted using HCV+ livers. We reviewed all patients transplanted for HCV at our institution from 1988 to 2004; 39 received HCV+ allografts and 580 received HCV-negative (HCV−) allografts. Survival curves compared graft and patient survival. Each HCV+ allograft was stringently matched to a control of HCV− graft recipients. No significant difference in survival was noted between recipients of HCV+ livers and controls. Patients receiving HCV+ allografts from older donors (age ≥50 yr) had higher rates of graft failure (hazard ratio, 2.74) and death rates (hazard ratio, 2.63) compared to HCV− allograft recipients receiving similarly-aged older donor livers. Matched case-control analysis revealed that recipients of HCV+ allografts had more severe fibrosis post-liver transplantation than recipients of HCV− livers (P = 0.008). More advanced fibrosis was observed in HCV+ grafts from older donors compared to HCV+ grafts from younger donors (P = 0.012). In conclusion, recipients of HCV+ grafts from older donors have higher rates of death and graft failure, and develop more extensive fibrosis than HCV− graft recipients from older donors. Recipients of HCV+ grafts, regardless of donor age, develop more advanced liver fibrosis than recipients of HCV− grafts.
Liver Transpl 12:1496-1503, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
the Role of 18F-Fdg-Pet Imaging for the Selection of Liver Transplantation Candidates Among Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Yang Sung Hoon , Suh Kyung-Suk , Lee Hae Won , Cho Eung-Ho , Cho Jai Young , Cho Yong Beom , Yi Nam-Joon , Lee Kuhn Uk
Published: September 2006

Positron emission tomography (PET) using F-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (18F-FDG) is now well established as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for the detection of a variety of malignant tumors. However, in the case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), several investigators have reported controversial conclusions and an inadequate sensitivity for PET (50-55%). Nevertheless, a high positive rate of 18F-FDG accumulation has been reported in patients with high-grade HCC and in those with markedly elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Here, we retrospectively reviewed 38 HCC cases that received liver transplantation (LT) at our center between November 2000 and July 2004 and underwent whole-body PET imaging. 18F-FDG uptake was assessed in the liver, and its prognostic significance was investigated. Of 38 patients enrolled, 13 patients had positive PET scans for a liver tumor. When we analyzed the association between tumor factors and PET+ (greater PET lesion uptake) in the liver, preoperative AFP level and vascular invasion were found to be significantly associated with PET+ (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). However, the association between histological grade and PET+ findings did not reach statistical significant difference (P = 0.074). Moreover, the 2-year recurrence-free survival rate of PET− patients was significantly higher than that of PET+ patients (85.1% vs. 46.1%) (P = 0.0005). Of 6 PET+ patients who met the Milan criteria, 4 patients (66.7%) had recurrence, but all 20 PET− patients who met the Milan criteria were recurrence free. Thus, PET imaging could be a good preoperative tool for estimating the post-LT risk of tumor recurrence, because histological grade and vascular invasion cannot be determined preoperatively. Importantly, our results indicate that tumor recurrence can be highly anticipated for PET-imaging-positive HCC patients who satisfy the Milan criteria. We advise that PET+ HCC patients be selected cautiously for LT.
Liver Transpl, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
High‐resolution continuously acquired peripheral MR angiography featuring partial parallel imaging GRAPPA
Authors: Zenge Michael O. , Vogt Florian M. , Brauck Katja , Jökel Michaela , Barkhausen Joerg , Kannengiesser Stephan , Ladd Mark E. , Quick Harald H.
Published: September 2006

Continuously‐moving‐table MRI, in contrast to traditional multistation techniques, potentially can improve the scan time efficiency of whole‐body applications and provide seamless images of an extended field of view (FOV). Contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (CE‐MRA) in particular requires high spatial resolution and at the same time has rigid scan time constraints due to the limited arterial contrast window. In this study a reconstruction method for continuously acquired 3D data sets during table movement was combined with a self‐calibrated partial parallel imaging algorithm (generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA)). The method was applied to peripheral CE‐MRA and compared with a standard continuously‐moving‐table MRA protocol. The gain in scan time was used to increase the data acquisition matrix and decrease the slice thickness. The method was evaluated in five healthy volunteers and applied to one patient with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). The protocols were intraindividually compared with respect to the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) in selected vessel segments, as well as overall vessel depiction. The combination of the continuously‐moving‐table technique with parallel imaging enabled the acquisition of seamless peripheral 3D MRA with increased resolution and an overall crisper appearance. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the enforcing energy conservation of time finite elements for discrete elasto‐dynamics problems
Authors: Bui Q. V.
Published: September 2006

In the context of the time‐finite element method, algorithmic stresses, which enable the conservation of energy, are designed for temporal integrators derived from the midpoint and trapezoidal schemes. This is achieved through an appropriate modification of the standard midpoint and trapezoidal quadrature rules used for the numerical integration of time integrals. Either scalar scaling or vectorial adjustments can be employed for the modification, and well‐designed simple tests allow to investigate the quality of these different strategies of energy‐conserving enforcements. Numerical examples with semi‐discrete elasto‐dynamics problems are presented to show the superior stability of energy‐conserving schemes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Load balance in total knee arthroplasty: an in vitro analysis
Authors: El‐Hawary Ron , Roth Sandra E. , King Graham J. W. , Chess David G. , Johnson James A.
Published: September 2006

Background

One of the goals of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is to balance the loads between the compartments of the knee. An instrumented load cell that measures compartment loads in real time is utilized to evaluate conventional, qualitative methods of achieving this balance.

Methods

TKA was performed on 10 cadaveric knees. Prior to and after load balancing, compartment forces were measured at flexion angles of 0–90°. Knees were randomly assigned into one of two groups, based upon whether or not the surgeons could visualize the load cell's output during balancing.

Results

Prior to attempting load balance, there were significant differences between the medial and lateral compartment loads for all knees (p < 0.05). After attempting balance with the aid of the load cell, there was equal load balance at all angles studied. Without the aid of the load cell, balance was not consistently achieved at every angle.

Conclusions

Conventional load balancing techniques in TKA are not perfect. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between psychopathic traits measured by the Youth Psychopathic trait Inventory and psychopathology in a UK sample of conduct disordered boys
Authors: Dolan Mairead C. , Rennie Charlotte E.
Published: September 2006

The Youth Psychopathy traits Inventory (YPI) is a newly developed self‐report measure of psychopathy. There are no studies looking at the validity of this measure in UK samples. We assessed 115 male adolescents (mean age 16.22 years) with DSM‐IV conduct disorder on a range of measures including the YPI, Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the Impulsivity‐Venturesomeness‐Empathy Questionnaire (IVE). The YPI had showed the expected positive correlations with aggression, delinquency and impulsivity. The YPI was able to identify a “psychopathic‐like” subgroup with higher impulsive/aggressive and delinquent scores and lower empathy. The YPI may be of value as a screening tool for cases that require further assessment and evaluation using interview based measures of psychopathic traits.
Effects of edaravone on N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐mediated cytochrome c release and apoptosis in neonatal rat cerebrocortical slices
Authors: Nakano‐Okuda Yumi , Hasegawa Koh , Hirai Kiyoshi , Kanai‐Ochiai Rika , Morimoto Masafumi , Sugimoto Toru
Published: September 2006

N‐Methyl‐d‐aspartate‐mediated neurotoxicity is known to involve nitric oxide production and to be augmented in an environment of reactive oxygen species. We used TUNEL staining and homogenous cytosolic immunoreactivity of cytochrome c in an acute brain slice preparation to investigate the influence of edaravone (3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one), a free radical scavenger, on N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐induced apoptosis. Cerebrocortical slices were obtained from parietal lobes of 7‐day‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats, superfused with well‐oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid, and metabolically recovered. Subsequent 30‐min exposures to 10 μM N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate in treated and untreated slices were followed by 4 h of recovery superfusion with oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Outcomes were compared for three groups of slices: “the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐only group”; “the edaravone treatment group”, which had 20 μM edaravone present throughout and subsequent to N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate exposure; the “control group”, in which slices were superfused only with oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid. At the conclusion of recovery (t = 4 h), the percentage of TUNEL‐positive cells in the edaravone treatment group (7.0 ± 3.3%) was significantly reduced from the percentage for the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐only group (21.9 ± 4.1%), and insignificantly greater than the percentage for the control group (3.4 ± 2.1%). Percentages of cytochrome c positive cells at t = 1 h were significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐only group (30.6 ± 1.9%) compared to percentages for both the control group (11.4 ± 2.6%) and the edaravone treatment group (15.2 ± 2.1%). Edaravone's reduction in TUNEL staining and cytochrome c release provides evidence of reactive oxygen species mechanisms and antioxidant benefits in cytochrome c‐mediated apoptosis during N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate excitotoxicity.
Multiple meningiomas: Clinical, radiological, surgical, and pathological findings with outcome in four cats
Authors: Forterre Franck , Tomek Aleš , Konar Martin , Vandevelde Marc , Howard Judith , Jaggy André
Published: September 2006

The present report describes the clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, surgical procedure, pathological findings and follow-up in four cats with multiple meningiomas; three castrated male and one spayed female domestic shorthair indoor cats, ranging in age from 11 to 14 years. In three of four cats, clinical signs at presentation were suggestive of a focal lesion. Three cats had two meningiomas and one had four meningiomas. Most of the tumours were supratentorial, one arose from the tentorium and one was infratentorial. The duration of presenting signs before surgery ranged from 10 days to 11 months. Postoperative MRI revealed complete gross tumour removal in three cases. In one cat with two cranial fossa meningiomas, subtotal excision with a small basal remnant (2×2 mm) of the ventral part of one meningioma lying on the floor of the skull, was observed. Based on histopathological architecture, six tumours revealed features of a transitional subtype meningioma, and four of a meningotheliomatous meningioma. In each cat, the multiple meningiomas were all assigned to the same histopathological group. The preoperative presenting signs had resolved by the follow-up examinations 4 weeks after surgery in two cats. Long-term follow-up evaluation revealed that surgically-induced or exacerbated neurological deficits in two cats had completely or almost completely resolved within 8 weeks of surgery. All patients are still alive 12 to 21 months after surgery and no clinical signs of recurrence could be detected at that time.
Ulcerative colitis treated with homœopathy
Authors: Maas H.P.J.A.
Published: September 2006

All 24 cases of ulcerative colitis treated by the author between 1973 and 1992 were retrospectively assessed. 16 patients were assessed as having a good outcome. Case histories of all patients with prescribing indications are presented.
Analysing homœopathic prescribing using the READ Classification and information technology
Authors: Fisher Peter , Van Haselen R.A.
Published: September 2006

Some practical results of computerized data collection are presented. Use was made of the ABIES relational database which supports a medical nomenclature called the READ classification. The Glasgow, Royal London and Bristol Homœopathic Hospitals have been working together on this project.

For practical purposes the main focus in this study has been rheumatoid arthritis. The broader objective, however, is to show the potential of systematic computerized data collection for homœopathy in general.
A study of antibody formation by Baptisia tinctoria Ø in experimental animals
Authors: Vakil A.E. , Engineer L.S. , Engineer S.J.
Published: September 2006

Injections of Baptisia tinctoria Ø (Wild Indigo) were administered i.m. to two healthy rabbits six times at weekly intervals. Blood samples were collected before, during and at the conclusion of the trial. Blood was analysed for antibodies against Salmonella typhosa, using the Widal reaction. A total leucocyte count was also carried out. A third rabbit was kept as control and was injected only with normal saline i.m. Its blood samples were also collected according to the above schedule. No formation of antibodies against Salmonella typhosa was observed in any experimental animal or control whereas marked leucopenia was observed in both experimental rabbits.
Thiosinaminum in the treatment of plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs
Authors: Pai P.N.
Published: September 2006

43 patients with plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spurs were studied. Rhus tox. has been recommended for this condition but gave disappointing results. Most patients with relatively recent symptoms responded to Thiosinaminum 3x. Patients with longer standing symptoms responded to Thiosinaminum 3x combined with Mercurius corrosivus 30c or Mercurius biniodatus 6c. After resolution of symptoms patients were treated with placebo and followed up for at least 8 months.
A pilot study of the attitudes and awareness of homœopathy shown by patients in three Manchester pharmacies
Authors: Alton Sarah , Kayne Steven
Published: September 2006

This pilot study was designed to determine public awareness of, and attitudes to, homœopathy by distributing a questionnaire to a random sample of patients attending three pharmacies in different areas of Greater Manchester.

It was found that 78% of the people had some degree of knowledge of homœopathy, but a significant number of these were adjudged as being from social classes A, B and C1. Attitudes did not appear to differ between those who had used homœopathy and those who had not, there being a positive view in general.

A need for a continuing homœopathic education programme for prescribers and the provision of more information for potential patients was identified.
Scientific support for electrodiagnosis
Authors: Royal Daniel F. , Royal F. Fuller
Published: September 2006

The use of acupuncture, homœopathy and electrodermal instruments is increasing among physicians. Federal and state regulatory agencies have recently stepped up their investigations into the use of electrodiagnostic devices. A review of the history of medicine, the advent of electrodiagnosis and how it relates to acupuncture and homœopathy, past and present research, scientific support and future possibilities is presented. Scientific concepts of holism and nonlinear physics provide a new medical paradigm, quantum morphodynamics.
Homœopathy in the treatment of haemophilia
Authors: Hunton Mollie
Published: September 2006

Six patients with haemophilia were treated with homœopathic medicines. A rational attempt has been made to improve their general health, cope with side effects of Factor VIII, cut down the bleeding episodes and reduce the amount of Factor VIII needed. This has necessitated a search of the homœopathic literature (British Homœopathic Journal) and a study of the repertories and materia medicas. Each patient treated has had aspects of his health improved, and the overall impression is that less Factor VIII was needed.
Hahnemann's legacy—the Q (LM) potencies
Authors: Barthel P.
Published: September 2006

The methods of pharmaceutical preparation evolved by Hahnemann between 1801 and 1842 are clearly defined and reproducible. The Q (50th millesimal) potencies offer the shortest, most reliable and ‘most harmless way’ to ‘rapid, gentle and permanent’ restoration to health. An unbiased look at the existing source documents enables us now—150 years later, and after innumerable misunderstandings—to produce and prescribe these highly effective potencies as originally intended. The empirical rule demands: ‘Follow it, but follow it exactly.’
Dose-dependent effect of Baryta carbonicum and Baryta muriaticum in homœopathic trituration on experimentally induced high serum lipid concentration in chickens
Authors: Raha D. , Nandi M.
Published: September 2006

Concentration of various serum lipids was experimentally increased in chickens. Feeding Baryta carbonicum and Baryta muriaticum resulted in reduction of serum total cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride, total lipids and total cholesterol and phospholipid ratio (c/p). Results obtained with various doses of Baryta carbonicum and Baryta muriaticum were compared with a standard hypocholesterolaemic drug, clofibrate.
Effects of homœopathic dilutions of China rubra on intradialytic symptomatology in patients treated with chronic haemodialysis
Authors: Corghi Enzo , Saruggia Massimo
Published: September 2006

The effect of the homœopathic medicine China rubra 9CH on symptoms reported by 35 patients with end stage renal failure on regular haemodialysis was investigated. The trial was double-blind, placebo-controlled with a run-in phase and crossover. Assessment was by a questionnaire of symptoms. Statistically significant improvements of asthenia, lethargy and headache were detected on active treatment compared to placebo. There was no significant change in nausea and vomiting.
Hahnemann's legacy
Authors: Barthel P.
Published: September 2006

When Hahnemann published the provings of Bryonia alba in the first edition of the Materia Medica Pura, he knew exactly which species of Bryonia he had been using. After his death, the plant gradually came to be replaced with another species of the same genus, with no distinction made and the second species practically unproven.

Today, Bryonia dioica, a practically unproven species, is widely sold as ‘Bryonia’, and customers are not informed about this inadmissible exchange. Hahnemann made it very clear that every plant species is unique and cannot be exchanged for any other.

At the same time his improvements to the manufacturing process, based on experience, have not been adopted by pharmaceutical firms, nor in the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (GHP). Instead, they have been adopting less labour intensive methods, though these have not been properly validated.
The effect of potentized histamine on serum cortisol
Authors: Ward Adam A.
Published: September 2006

The results of a pilot study to assess the effect of potentized histamine on serum cortisol levels in healthy volunteers suggest that there may be a subgroup of people who are particularly sensitive to potentized histamine. It is suggested that a larger double-blind study would provide a useful and easily reproducible way of evaluating the effect of potentized histamine on serum cortisol in vivo using standard laboratory investigations.
Provings of Alloxan
Authors: Templeton W. Lees
Published: September 2006

Alloxan in doses of the order of 300 to 400 mg. per kg. body-weight introduced subcutaneously or intra-muscularly in rats, unsually caused severe acute damage of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. In some cases, though not invariably, there was also necrosis in renal tubules.

In five rats which survived a series of doses, glycosuria developed. Two of these animals exhibited almost all the signs and symptoms of severe diabetes mellitus. A third had symptoms of moderate severity and appeared to be recovering after two months. The glycosuria could be abolished by injections of insulin. Pathological alterations of varying severity, but extreme in two cases, were found in the pancreatic islets in these diabetic rats.

We have much pleasure in acknowledging our indebtedness to Dr. E. Duffy for blood-sugar estimations, to Mr. J. Kirkpatrick for photomicrographs, and to the works department of the University of Glasgow for making metabolism cages at short notice. The work was supproted by a grant from the Rankin Medical Research Found of the University of Glasgow, and continuation of it has received generous assistance from the Medical Research Council.
The transformation of the immature
Authors: Grant Watson E.L.
Published: September 2006

“As form, the creative impulse reveals its essential nature.”Martin Buber“All things transitory are symbols.”Goethe
Traumatic leg ulcers in elderly persons
Authors: Ghosh A.
Published: September 2006

Successful homœopathic treatment of traumatic leg ulcers in three patients is discussed. Calendula ointment, Arnica montana, Fluoric acid and Hamamelis virginica were used.
Apparent aggravation due to Pulsatilla
Authors: Campbell Anthony
Published: September 2006

A case of apparent aggravation due to Pulsatilla is presented and discussed. Possible research implications are considered.
New toxicology: Carcinogenesis I
Authors: Fisher Peter
Published: September 2006

“Aude Sapere” “Dare to Know—Horace

The first part of this three-part series deals with the history of the recognition of the origins of cancer in specific, mainly chemical, environmental factors; and the rapid advances made this century in identifying carcinogens and elucidating their modes of action. I will then go on to review, briefly, the most important groups of carcinogenic chemicals, their in-vivo activation and common mode of action.

The second article will start with the cytotoxic drugs and demonstrate that the distinction between them and chemical carcinogens is arbitrary. I will also consider co-carcinogens and the carcinogenic action of UV light and the importance of these phenomena in understanding the genesis of cancer.

Finally, I will look at the linked processes of resistance to cytotoxic drugs, defences against carcinogens and DNA repair processes which it may be possible to turn to therapeutic advantage.
An experimental double-blind clinical trial method in homoeopathy
Authors: Fisher Peter
Published: September 2006

A small number of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of homœopathic treatment in rheumatological conditions have been carried out. These have used differing methodologies, leading to varying results. This paper describes a novel approach in the treatment of fibrositis, a syndrome which lacks a pathological definition, but is defined solely in terms of its symptomatology.

24 patients were prescribed for 3 months, according to indication, one of three homœopathic remedies (Arnica, Bryonia, Rhus tox.), each patient remaining on the same remedy throughout. They were followed monthly on the following parameters: pain, number of tender spots and sleep. An ‘indication score’ was allotted to each prescription. The results were analyzed by non-parametric statistical methods, showing that homœopathy produced a statistically significant improvement, but only when the prescribed remedy was well indicated.
Abrotanum 30x
Authors: Swoboda F.
Published: September 2006

The symptoms recorded in a drug test are listed in head-to-foot sequences as reported by the subjects. Comparison is made with earlier studies. Indications for Abrotanum deriving from the test results are discussed.
The bowel nosodes
Authors: Kennedy C. Oliver
Published: September 2006

Paterson demonstrated that drugs homœopathic to a patient can induce a mutation of E Coli to non lactose fermenters associated with clinical relief, after a latent period of 10 to 14 days. This change may last from a few days to many months.

He was the first to provide experimental evidence of the effectiveness of the homœopathic remedies. (An altered diet may change the flora, but this is only for the duration of the diet.) A definite relationship was demonstrated between homœopathic remedies, non-lactose fermenting organisms and clinical syndrome.

It is ironic that this clinico-pathological hypothesis, which is now being confirmed, has been so neglected by his homœopathic colleagues. I have attempted to show that so far it provides the only rational grounds for the management of our present-day difficult clinical problems.

It is time that homœopathic physicians and bacteriologists combined to review his work.

May I remind you that to date homœopathy provides the sole solution to the two pharmacological barriers to the cure of patients—toxic side effects and tolerance?
Differentiation of potencies of Agaricus muscarius by experimental catalepsy
Authors: Bhattacharyya Bhudev , Bala Sujan K. , Sukul Nirmal C.
Published: September 2006

Agaricus m., administered orally to rats subjected to restraint to induce catalepsy, enhanced the cataleptic state. The higher the potency the longer its duration of peak action and the longer did it take to reach the peak effect. The action of atropine sulphate which diminishes catalepsy, was suppressed by Agaricus m. The degree of suppresion increased with the increase in potency of Agaricus m. Since restraint-induced catalepsy is mediated by cholinergic-dopaminergic interactions in the brain, Agaricus m. is thought to produce its effect by influencing those systems. The work provides a scientific proof for the action of potentized homœopathic drugs and for the principle of the minimum dose. Further, it introduces an animal model for testing homœopathic drugs.
The effect of homœopathic medicines on yeast growth
Authors: Hagelberg E.
Published: September 2006

A reproducible method for testing the effect of homœopathic medicines on yeast cultures is described. Potencies of Sulphur, Arnica montana, Chamomilla, Bryonia alba, Euphrasia officinalis, and Pulsatilla were tested for their effect on the rate of growth of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. No significant differences were found between the growth rate of test and control samples.
Emotions and expressions
Authors: Risquez Fernando
Published: September 2006

The author presents a semantic study of the words Vexation, Mortification and Indignation and the psychiatric implications of these terms in the official nosology. The psychological significance of emotions is analyzed and the current psychosomatic significance of the concept considered. The clinical difficulties of emotional investigation are touched on, and the historical differences in the cultural approach to vexation, mortification and indignation between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries are explored, as are peculiarities of northern and southern style. Finally the expression of those emotions is considered and the thwarted manner of Staphisagria patients that accounts for so much in the shaping of the clinical picture.
Systemic contagious pustular dermatitis or orf
Authors: Shuttleworth V.S.
Published: September 2006

The infectivity of the CPD viral infection in humans and sheep is reviewed over the period 1837 to 1987. Attention is drawn to the prevalence of invasive, systemic, complicated orf in humans, and the consistent symptomatology is described. A simple system of treating humans, sheep and goats homœopathically is outlined. This system was successfully used on the first 100 patients in a continuing series, and also on several hundred sheep.
Psychiatry and homoeopathy
Authors: Davidson Jonathan
Published: September 2006

A comparison is made between psychiatry and homoeopathy, with reference to five homoeopathic principles. These are the law of similars, the self-healing principle, the microdose effect, Hering's Law and diagnosis through pattern recognition. There is evidence that all of these have been incorporated into contemporary psychiatry, and that recent neurobiological research provides a measure of validation to these age-old teachings. Some testable research questions are also proposed.
Control of subclinical bovine mastitis
Authors: Reyes O. , Guajardo G. , Searcy R.
Published: September 2006

A clinical trial was conducted on a dairy farm. 26 animals were divided into 2 groups of 13 each, pairing on clinical and subclinical mastitis status, milk production and number of lactations, assigning both animals and treatments by a systematic random method. One group received homoeopathic treatment, the other placebo. Monthly milk production was carefully recorded for each animal, as were the results of the California Mastitis Test (CMT) performed on each quarter of the udder. The proportion of affected quarters according to CMT was 32% in the treated group, and 68% in the control group. The odds ratio of the difference shows that animals receiving placebo presented 4.5 (1.78–11.73) times more subclinical mastitis than those under homoeopathic treatment (p<0.05). Average milk production in the treated group did not differ significantly from that of the control group (p>0.05). The study confirms previous observations of the benefit the homoeopathic method can provide in disease control in animal populations.
Effect of trituration on thermal degradation of lactose using thermogravimetric analysis
Authors: Shukla Richa , Jain G.L. , Gupta V.K. , Surana Vidhi
Published: September 2006

The effect of trituration on thermal degradation of lactose (sugar of milk) was studied using a thermogravimetric analyser. A correlation between the rate of degradation with increased potency observed up to 600°C suggests that the vehicle plays an important role in the bioavailability of the drug. Comparison was also made between machine and hand triturated lactose. For lower potencies (up to the 2x) machine triturated lactose was found to degrade faster than hand triturated lactose, whereas at higher potencies hand triturated lactose showed faster degradation as compared to machine triturated lactose.