bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scapular Position in Primates
Authors: Chan Lap Ki
Published: December 2006

Scapular position affects shoulder mobility, which plays an important role in the upper limb adaptations in primates. However, currently available data on scapular position are unsatisfactory because of the failure to simultaneously consider the relative dimensions of all the three skeletal elements of the shoulder girdle, i.e. the clavicle, the scapula and the thorax. In the present study, the clavicular length and the scapular spine length were measured on preserved cadavers, and the dorsoventral thoracic diameter was measured on scaled radiographs of a wide range of primates, permitting a quantitative comparison of scapular position among primates. It was found that arboreal monkeys have a more dorsally situated scapula than terrestrial ones, but the same difference was not found between terrestrial and arboreal prosimians. Hominoids were found to have the most dorsally situated scapula. Contrary to the slow climbing theory of hominoid evolution, which tries to explain most postcranial specializations of hominoids as adaptations for slow climbing, the scapulae of slow-climbing lorines and Alouatta are much less dorsal than those of the hominoids.
Diabetes: Changing the Fate of Diabetics in the Dialysis Unit
Authors: Broumand Behrooz
Published: December 2006

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is very high worldwide. According to the World Health Organization in 2000 the worldwide prevalence of DM was 171,000,000. Diabetic nephropathy is a major vascular complication of DM. If DM is not treated early and adequately, many diabetic patients may reach end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to advanced irreversible diabetic nephropathy. In many countries diabetic nephropathy has become the single most frequent cause of prevalent ESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). In the early era of renal replacement therapy (RRT) by means of intermittent hemodialysis the prognosis of diabetic patients undergoing MHD was extremely poor and disappointing. While the prognosis of patients suffering from diabetic ESRD and maintained by chronic intermittent dialysis has greatly improved, the rehabilitation rate and survival of these patients continue to be worse than those of non-diabetic patients. A preexisting severely compromised cardiovascular condition, vascular access problems, diabetic foot disease, interdialytic weight gain, and intradialytic hypotension explain most of the less favorable outcome. Despite improved techniques and more aggressive medical therapy in recent years, a review of the fate of diabetics in dialysis units since 1972 reveals that these patients have had significant morbidity and mortality. We still have a long way to go in order to achieve more ideal outcomes for our patients. Most of the diabetic ESRD patients are still maintained by MHD, but they can choose other modalities of RRT such as chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), kidney and kidney plus pancreas transplantation. The results of different studies and national registries on the mortality and morbidity of ESRD patients being maintained on different modalities of dialysis are conflicting. It can be concluded that the two modalities of dialysis (CAPD and MHD) are almost comparable in terms of survival. The recent suggestions for nocturnal daily hemodialysis, short daily hemodialysis, and an integrative care approach for the management of diabetics with ESRD provides better promise for these patients.
Inflammation and Subclinical Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Molecular Approach
Authors: Cazzavillan S. , Ratanarat R. , Segala C. , Corradi V. , de Cal M. , Cruz D. , Ocampo C. , Polanco N. , Rassu M. , Levin N. , Ronco C.
Published: December 2006

Inflammation and infection seem to be important causes of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients; subclinical infections have been proposed as an important cause of inflammatory syndrome, but to date this hypothesis remains speculative. We developed a method for the molecular detection of the presence of bacterial DNA in a population of CKD patients in order to correlate the molecular data with the degree and level of inflammation and to evaluate its usefulness in the diagnosis of subclinical infection. The study was divided into two phases: (1) a population of 81 CKD patients was screened for the prevalence and level of inflammation and the presence of possible infection, and (2) a subgroup of 38 patients, without evident clinical causes of inflammation, underwent complete molecular evaluation for subclinical infection using bacterial DNA primers for sequencing. Additionally, complete analysis was carried out in the blood and dialysate compartments of the hemodialyzers used. The general population showed a certain degree of subclinical inflammation and no difference was found between patients with and without evident causes of inflammation. Hemoculture-negative patients were positive for the presence of bacterial DNA when molecular methods were used. We found a correlation trend between the presence of bacterial DNA and the increase in hs-CRP, IL-6 and oxidative stress (advanced oxidation protein product) levels and a reduction in the mean fluorescence intensity for HLA-DR. Hemodialyzer membranes seem to have properties that stick to bacteria/bacterial DNA and work as concentrators. In fact, patients with negative bacterial DNA in the circulating blood displayed positivity in the blood compartment of the dialyzer. The dialysate was negative for bacterial DNA but the dialysate compartment of the hemodialyzers used was positive in a high percentage. Moreover our data suggest that bacterial DNA can traverse hemodialysis membranes. Molecular methods have been found to be far more sensitive than standard methods in detecting subclinical infection. The presence of bacterial DNA seems to influence the variation in some parameters of inflammation and immunity. Apart from the limitations and pitfalls, the molecular method could be useful to screen for subclinical infection and diagnose subclinical sepsis when the hemoculture is negative. However, the identification of the microorganism implicated must be done with species-specific primers.
Interferon-β Is a Potent Inducer of Interferon Regulatory Factor-1/2-Dependent IP-10/CXCL10 Expression in Primary Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Buttmann Mathias , Berberich-Siebelt Friederike , Serfling Edgar , Rieckmann Peter
Published: December 2006

Most virus-infected cells release interferon-β (IFN-β) as a powerful inducer of antiviral defense. Endothelial cells tightly regulate local immune cell recruitment by expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines. Here, we studied the transcriptional regulation of IFN-β-induced chemokine expression in primary human endothelial cells. IFN-β moderately increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCL2 and potently raised IFN-γ-inducible protein-10/CXCL10 mRNA steady-state levels and protein release, while no effect was detected on various other chemokines. As shown by transient transfections, induction of CXCL10 expression depends on an IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) within the CXCL10 promoter. A double point mutation of the putative IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-1/2 binding site within this ISRE motif abolished IFN-β-induced promoter activity. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, this ISRE motif showed a basal IRF-2 and an IFN-β-inducible IRF-1 and augmented IRF-2 binding. Furthermore, stimulation with IFN-β induced a rapid nuclear translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT2 and their transient binding to a γ-activated site within the CCL2 promoter. The kinetics of transient STAT1 binding to this γ-activated site element correlated with the amount of Y701-phosphorylated nuclear STAT1, while S727-phosphorylated nuclear STAT1 remained stable over 24 h after stimulation. Therefore, IFN-β potently induces endothelial chemokine expression at the transcriptional level.
Clinical and Genetic Features in a Chinese Pedigree with Autosomal Dominant Auditory Neuropathy
Authors: Xing Guangqian , Cao Xin , Tian Huiqin , Chen Zhibin , Li Xiaolu , Wei Qinjun , Bu Xingkuan
Published: December 2006

Background: A variety of processes and etiologies are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of auditory neuropathy (AN). However, little is known about the clinical and molecular characteristics of hereditary AN. Objective: To explore the clinical and genetic findings of a Chinese family with AN. Methods: Seven patientsin three consecutive generations of the pedigree were selected. Detailed history collection, physical examination, and audiological evaluations including pure-tone audiometry, acoustic immittance, auditory brainstem responses, cochlear microphonics, and evoked otoacoustic emissions, and mitochondrial DNA analysis were performed. Results: All subjects involved are offspring of a female ancestor in the pedigree. In 6 of them, the hearing impairment started before the age of 9. Audiograms showed bilateral, symmetric, and profound deafness. Other audiological examinations revealed absent acoustic reflexes and auditory brainstem responses, and preserved evoked otoacoustic emissions and cochlear microphonics. One subject was characterized by normal audiological findings except high-frequency hearing loss with later onset. Hearing deterioration was found in 2 subjects who were followed for 26 months. Physical examination and mitochondrial DNA analysis yielded normal results. Conclusions: Clinical features in the pedigree are consistent with type II AN. Pedigree analysis and molecular findings indicate an autosomal dominant inheritance.
Susceptibility to Pre-Eclampsia Is Associated with Multiple Genetic Polymorphisms in Maternal Biotransformation Enzymes
Authors: Zusterzeel Petra L.M. , Peters Wilbert H.M. , Burton Graham J. , Visser Willy , Roelofs Hennie M.J. , Steegers Eric A.P.
Published: December 2006

Background/Aims: Probably no single gene is responsible for pre-eclampsia, but the disease merely is the result of polymorphisms in several genes in association with environmental factors. We therefore studied the simultaneous occurrence of several genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes in women who had developed pre- eclampsia, either with or without the HELLP syndrome, in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: The results of two previous studies on genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferases P1, M1 and T1, epoxide hydrolase (EPHX) and cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) in 167 women with a history of pre-eclampsia and in 110 controls were combined. χ2 analyses were used for statistical evaluation of the number of polymorphisms between cases and controls. Results: There was a significant association with the number of genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes, pointing at an increased toxification or decreased detoxification, in women with a history of pre-eclampsia, as compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Women withthe simultaneous occurrence of two or more genetic polymorphisms in the above-mentioned biotransformation enzymes, most probably resulting in a disturbed detoxification capacity, may be at increased risk for pre-eclampsia.
The Diagnosis of Dementia: Diagnostic Accuracy of an Instrument Measuring Activities of Daily Living in a Clinic-Based Population
Authors: Hancock P. , Larner A.J.
Published: December 2006

Background/Aims: Since widely accepted definitions of dementia encompass impairments in social and occupational, as well as cognitive, function, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of Lawton and Brody’s Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale as an independent test for the diagnosis of dementia. Methods: The IADL Scale was administered to consecutive referrals to 2 memory clinics over a 2-year period, independent of other tests (interview, neuropsychology, imaging) which were used to establish diagnoses according to standard diagnostic criteria, and the results were compared. Results: In a cohort of 296 patients, 52% adjudged to have dementia, IADL Scale scores and subscores showed low sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of dementia. The likelihood ratios, a measure of diagnostic gain, were generally small to unimportant, and diagnostic accuracy as measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was no better than 0.75. Conclusion: IADL Scale scores are not very helpful in making a diagnosis of dementia. More sensitive scales may be required to detect dementia-related functional decline, although it is also possible that dementia syndromes may be present in the absence of functional decline, challenging accepted definitions of dementia.
A Novel Loss of Function Mutation of
PCSK9
Gene in White Subjects With Low-Plasma Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Authors: Fasano Tommaso , Cefalù Angelo B. , Di Leo Enza , Noto Davide , Pollaccia Daniela , Bocchi Letizia , Valenti Vincenza , Bonardi Renato , Guardamagna Ornella , Averna Maurizio , Tarugi Patrizia
Published: December 2006

Objectives—

The
PCSK9
gene, encoding a pro-protein convertase involved in posttranslational degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptor, has emerged as a key regulator of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In African-Americans two nonsense mutations resulting in loss of function of PCSK9 are associated with a 30% to 40% reduction of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The aim of this study was to assess whether loss of function mutations of PCSK9 were a cause of familial hypobetalipoproteinemia and a determinant of low-plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in whites.

Methods and Results—

We sequenced
PCSK9
gene in 18 familial hypobetalipoproteinemia subjects and in 102 hypocholesterolemic blood donors who were negative for
APOB
gene mutations known to cause familial hypobetalipoproteinemia. The
PCSK9
gene variants found in these 2 groups were screened in 42 subjects in the lowest (<5
th
) percentile, 44 in the highest (>95
th
) percentile, and 100 with the average plasma cholesterol derived from general population. In one familial hypobetalipoproteinemia kindred and in 2 hypocholesterolemic blood donors we found a novel
PCSK9
mutation in exon 1 (c.202delG) resulting in a truncated peptide (Ala68fsLeu82X). Two familial hypobetalipoproteinemia subjects and 4 hypocholesterolemic blood donors were carriers of the R46L substitution previously reported to be associated with reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as other rare amino acid changes (T77I, V114A, A522T and P616L) not found in the other groups examined.

Conclusions—

We discovered a novel inactivating mutation as well as some rare nonconservative amino acid substitutions of PCSK9 in white hypocholesterolemic individuals.
Depletion of Zebrafish Titin Reduces Cardiac Contractility by Disrupting the Assembly of Z-Discs and A-Bands
Authors: Seeley Michael , Huang Wei , Chen Zhenyue , Wolff William Oscar , Lin Xueying , Xu Xiaolei
Published: December 2006

The genetic study of titin has been notoriously difficult because of its size and complicated alternative splicing routes. Here, we have used zebrafish as an animal model to investigate the functions of individual titin isoforms. We identified 2 titin orthologs in zebrafish,
ttna
and
ttnb
, and annotated the full-length genomic sequences for both genes. We found that
ttna
, but not
ttnb
, is required for sarcomere assembly in the heart as well as the subsequent establishment of cardiac contractility. In fact,
ttna
is the earliest sarcomeric mRNA that is expressed in the heart, which makes it an early molecular marker for cardiomyocyte differentiation. Surprisingly,
ttna
is required for later steps of sarcomere assembly, including the assembly of Z-discs and A-bands, but not for early steps such as the assembly of Z-bodies and nonstriated myosin filaments. Reduction of individual titin isoforms in vivo using morpholino-modified antisense oligonucleotides indicated that (1) both N2B exon–containing and N2A exon–containing isoforms of
ttna
are required for sarcomere assembly in the heart; (2) N2A exon–containing isoforms of both
ttna
and
ttnb
are required for sarcomere assembly in the somites; and (3) the N2B exon–containing isoforms of
ttnb
are expressed later than other titin isoforms and are probably involved in modulating their expression; however, these isoforms of
ttnb
are not required for sarcomere assembly. Collectively, our results reveal distinct functions of different titin isoforms and suggest that various phenotypes in “titinopathies” may be attributable to the disruption of different titin isoforms.
Carotid Stenosis Index Revisited With Direct CT Angiography Measurement of Carotid Arteries to Quantify Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Bartlett Eric S. , Walters Thomas D. , Symons Sean P. , Fox Allan J.
Published: December 2006

Background and Purpose—

All carotid stenosis ratio methods are based on the inability of digital subtraction angiography to measure in millimeters. Each method has potential flaws. The Carotid Stenosis Index (CSI) was designed to reduce ambiguities of NASCET and ECST ratios. We test this method’s ability to correctly estimate carotid stenosis using direct computed tomography angiography millimeter measures of the carotid arteries.

Methods—

Two neuroradiologists reviewed computed tomography angiographies of 268 carotids with atherosclerotic disease. Millimeter measurements were obtained at the narrowest diameter of the residual stenotic lumen, actual carotid bulb diameter (at level of greatest stenosis), and common carotid artery. Pearson correlation compared the CSI estimate of the carotid bulb to the actual carotid bulb measurement. Ratio calculations of the stenosis were performed using (1) CSI carotid bulb estimate and (2) actual carotid bulb measurement as denominator data. A paired-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test compared the results of these 2 ratio measurements per carotid.

Results—

Interobserver variability was good to excellent (0.64 to 0.87). The CSI estimate of the carotid bulb size overestimated the measured carotid bulb by an average of 1.5 mm in a random distribution (correlation=0.39, N=151). Paired-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test demonstrated a significant difference between the 2 sets of ratios (z-value of −9.87,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Direct measurement of carotid stenosis, vessel wall soft tissues, and computed tomography plaque imaging is now possible with the high-resolution anatomic data present in high-speed computed tomography angiography, alleviating the need for ratios and inaccurate mathematic estimations of carotid anatomy for carotid stenosis quantification.
An investigation into the potential of embossed ‘dotted’ Moon as a production method for children using Moon as a route to literacy
Authors: McCall Steve , Douglas Graeme , McLinden Mike
Published: December 2006

Dotted Moon is a useful and important resource to complement the range of options available to those teaching and learning Moon. Observation of a variety of Moon readers (including those at early stages of literacy as well as more advanced readers) showed that all participants were able to decode dotted Moon characters and engage in educational activities using dotted Moon at their developmental level and no conclusive evidence was found of any of the participants finding the dotted Moon harder (or easier) to decode than lined Moon. While professionals involved in the teaching of Moon expressed some concern about the potential of dotted Moon, in particular about the quality of some of the characters, there was little evidence to support this from observations made of Moon readers. The technical system used in the project combines an Enabling Technology braille embosser and Duxbury braille translation software. This set-up could be improved further if the software incorporated a Moon font to enable users to more easily edit Moon documents. Other setups available allow the control of spacing and size of the embossed characters, and these are also worthy of further investigation.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Different Fixation Methods for Tibial Eminence Fractures
Authors: Eggers Anne Kathleen , Becker Christoph , Weimann Andre , Herbort Mirco , Zantop Thore , Raschke Michael J. , Petersen Wolf
Published: December 2006

Background

Tibial eminence fractures have become more common, but the best method of fixing these fractures arthroscopically has not been elucidated.

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the stability of different fixation methods for tibial eminence fractures.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

The authors evaluated the initial fixation strength of 4 different fixation techniques for tibial eminence fractures (2 screws, 1 screw, suture fixation with 1 mm Ethibond, and suture fixation with No. 5 FiberWire) using single cycle and cyclic loading tests. The tests were performed by loading the knee with an anterior tibial shear force.

Results

Suture cerclage with the FiberWire showed significantly higher maximum load (599.6 N) and stiffness (36.99 N/mm) than all other fixation methods tested. The lowest maximum load in the single cycle loading test was observed in the group with 2 screws (1 screw, 371.2 N; 2 screws, 249.8 N). The lowest stiffness was found in the Ethibond group (14.5 N/mm). After 1000 cycles of loading, the maximum load of the FiberWire fixation was significantly higher than the maximum load of the Ethibond fixation (399.4 N), the fixation with 1 screw (354.2 N), and the fixation with 2 screws (301.5 N).

Conclusion

These biomechanical data suggest that under cyclic loading conditions, suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures provides more fixation strength than screw fixation.

Clinical Relevance

A second screw has no positive effect on the biomechanical characteristics of screw fixation.
Antinociceptive Effects of the Aqueous Extract ofBrugmansia suaveolensFlowers in Mice
Authors: Parker Alexander Garcia , Peraza Gianni Goulart , Sena Janaina , Silva Eli Sinnott , Soares Maria Cristina Flores , Vaz Marta Regina Cezar , Furlong Eliana Badiale , Muccillo-Baisch Ana Luiza
Published: December 2006

The infusion of Brugmansia suaveolens, popularly known as trombeteira or cartucheira, has been used to treat pain in Brazil. The present study was conducted to test for its antinociceptive effects using the abdominal-writhing, formalin, tail-flick, and hot-plate tests in mice. The aqueous extract from B. suaveolens flowers administered intraperitoneally at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight significantly inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions. An increase in hot-plate latency was also observed in animals receiving both doses (100 and 300 mg/kg). In the formalin test, both doses from the aqueous extract inhibited the first (0-5 min) and second phase (20-25 min). Tail-flick assays demonstrated that treatment of animals with plant extract induced attenuation of the response. These results suggest that the aqueous extract from B. suaveolens flowers produced antinociceptive effects, as demonstrated in the experimental models of nociception in mice. This supports popular medicinal uses of this plant as an analgesic.
Subglottic Secretion Viscosity and Evacuation Efficiency
Authors: O’Neal Pamela V. , Munro Cindy L. , Grap Mary Jo , Rausch Sarah M.
Published: December 2006

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial pneumonia that occurs in critically ill patients and results in mortality rates as high as 71%. Subglottic secretions (SSs) are a known risk factor. Several clinical trials have shown that continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions (CASS) reduces the risk of VAP by nearly half. Optimal suction pressure levels needed to efficiently evacuate viscous SSs are unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe SSs and the effective suction pressure (20 mmHg, 30 mmHg, 40 mmHg, and 50 mmHg) needed to maximize evacuation efficiency based on SS volume (2 ml, 4 ml, and 6 ml) and viscosity (watery, thick, and gel-like). A laboratory model was designed to replicate a human trachea. Thick secretions had the highest percentage of mean recovery representative of evacuation efficiency of SSs (mean recovery of 86%). The suction pressure of 30 mmHg had the highest overall mean of secretion recovery (83%) across all viscosity types and amounts. This study demonstrated that higher viscosity secretions were easier to evacuate than lower viscosity secretions when 30-mmHg suction pressure was applied. Management of secretion viscosity may assist in secretion removal and delay VAP development. With increased understanding of the molecular structure of SSs, there is the potential that clinicians will be able to manipulate secretion viscoelastic properties to maximize evacuation efficiency of the secretions. Further research is needed to identify safe suction pressures for optimal evacuation of SSs in human subjects.
Evaluation of hearing in children with autism by using TEOAE and ABR
Authors: Tas Abdullah , Yagiz Recep , Tas Memduha , Esme Meral , Uzun Cem , Karasalihoglu Ahmet Rifat
Published: December 2006

Assessment of auditory abilities is important in the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism. The aim was to evaluate hearing objectively by using transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR). Tests were performed on 30 children with autism and 15 typically developing children, following otomicroscopy and tympanometry. The children with autism were sedated before the tests. Positive emissions and normal hearing level at ABR were obtained in both ears of all children in the control group and of 25 children with autism. TEOAE and ABR results varied in the remaining five children with autism. The mean III–V interpeak latencies (IPLs) in both ears of children with autism were longer than those in the control group. Hearing loss may be more common in children with autism than in typically developing children.
Referral trends in mental health services for adults with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Tsakanikos Elias , Sturmey Peter , Costello Helen , Holt Geraldine , Bouras Nick
Published: December 2006

Researchers have paid increasing attention to mental health issues in adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) over the last decades. However, little is known about how rates of clinical referrals, types of mental health diagnoses and treatment in adults with ASDs and intellectual disability have changed. We examined patterns of change in referral trends to specialist mental health services in south London from 1983 to 2000 ( N = 137). The majority of the cases (58.4%) did not have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Schizophrenia was the most frequent psychiatric diagnosis followed by depression, adjustment reaction and anxiety. There was a significant change in the rate of referrals, an increase in the diagnosable psychiatric disorders over time and a significant reduction of medication at time of referral. There were no significant changes in the use of other therapeutic interventions. The proportion of participants living independently increased. Implications for services and future research are discussed.
Disembedding performance in children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism
Authors: Kaland Nils , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Smith Lars
Published: December 2006

The aim of the present study was to assess the findings, reported in earlier studies, that individuals with autism spectrum disorders process visuo-spatial tasks faster than typically developing control persons. The participants in the present study were children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA) ( N = 13), and a matched group of typically developing children and adolescents ( N = 13). The results showed that the participants in the clinical group performed marginally less well than those in the control group on both the Block Design Test and the Embedded Figures Test, but the differences were not statistically significant. Thus, earlier findings suggesting that individuals with autism spectrum disorders solve non-social cognitive tasks faster than typically developing control persons were not replicated. The results are discussed with special reference to the hypothesis of weak central coherence.
Stroke Affects the Coordination of Gaze and Posture During Preplanned Turns While Walking
Authors: Lamontagne Anouk , Paquette Caroline , Fung Joyce
Published: December 2006

Background In healthy subjects, the act of walking and turning is accomplished by a sequential horizontal reorientation of gaze, head, and body toward the direction of the turn. Subjects with stroke, however, have difficulty altering their walking direction and present with loss of balance when performing a head turn or whole body rotation.

Objective. To study, in a pilot case study, the spatial and temporal coordination of gaze and posture during preplanned turns executed while walking in severely disabled and mildly disabled subjects with stroke as compared to a healthy control walking at slow speed.

Methods. Horizontal plane orientations of gaze, head, thorax, pelvis, and feet as well as the body’s center of mass (CoM) trajectory were analyzed as subjects were walking straight or executing a 90-deg turn.

Results. Subjects with stroke revealed altered orientation and sequencing of gaze body segments. These alterations were more pronounced in the most severely disabled subject with stroke, especially when turning to the nonparetic side as compared to the paretic side.

Conclusions. These findings suggest an altered coordination of gaze and posture during steering of locomotion in subjects with stroke. This altered coordination is likely due to a complex interaction of motor, sensory, and biomechanical factors that may explain the poor balance and poor control of heading direction during walking and turning in stroke.
Étude par spectroscopie infrarouge de l'eau adsorbée par la saponite-calcium
Authors: Suquet H. , Prost R. , Pezerat H.
Published: December 2006

Les hydrates à deux couches et à une couche d'une saponite calcique ont été étudiés par infrarouge. Les résultats expérimentaux indiquent que dans l'hydrate à deux couches les molécules d'eau directement coordinées à l'ion calcium sont liées par liaisons hydrogène fortes d'une part aux atomes d'oxygène de surface chargés négativement et d'autre part à d'autres molécules d'eau. En revanche, dans l'hydrate à une couche où chaque ion calcium est solvaté par un minimum de 2 molécules d'eau, il n'y a pas de liaison hydrogène intermoléculaire. La plupart des molécules d'eau donnent une seule liaison hydrogène forte. Chacune des molécules d'eau forme un pont hydrogène, l'une avec le feuillet supérieur et l'autre avec le feuillet inférieur.
Attribution of the OH stretching bands of kaolinite
Authors: Rouxhet P. G. , Samudacheata Ngo , Jacobs H. , Anton O.
Published: December 2006

Examination of the infrared spectra of synthetic kaolinites, with various degrees of substitution of hydroxyls by OD groups, allows a more detailed attribution of the stretching bands due to inner-surface hydroxyls of kaolinite. Among the three innersurface OH groups of the unit cell, two are nearly perpendicular to the sheet and give coupled vibrations which are responsible for the bands around 3695 and 3670 cm−1; the band near 3655 cm−1 is due to the other hydroxyl, which is lying close to the sheet.
Etude par microscope electronique des differents etats d'hydration de la sepiolite
Authors: Rautureau M. , Mifsud A.
Published: December 2006

La sépiolite chauffée à 300°C et 480°C sous vide a été étudiée avec un microscope électronique en haute-résolution. Les clichés donnent une photographie réelle des structures de la sépiolite naturelle et de la sépiolite anhydre, telles qu'elles ont été calculées par la cristallographie. Les résultats obtenus sont en accord avec ceux de la diffraction des rayons X et de la spectroscopie infrarouge.
New data on ktenasite
Authors: Raade G. , Elliott C. J. , Fejer E. E.
Published: December 2006

Ktenasite from Glomsrudkollen zinc mine, Modum, Norway, is menoclinic, space group P21/c. The cell dimensions are a 5·598, b 6·121, c 23·762Å, β 95·55° The chemical formula is (Cu3·5Zn1·5)(SO4)2 (OH)6·6H2O with Z = 2; ρcale 2·96 g/cm3, ρobs 2·94 g/cm3. The mineral is biaxial negative with α (colourless) 1·574, β (bluish green) 1·615, γ (light green) 1·628, 2Vα 59°.
Forsterite chondrites; the meteorites Kakangari, Mount Morris (Wisconsin), Pontlyfni, and Winona
Authors: Graham A. L. , Easton A. J. , Hutchison R.
Published: December 2006

Pontlyfni and Mount Morris (Wisconsin) are briefly described. Chondrule structure is absent from both, the latter is coarsely crystalline and both are sulphide-rich and contain forsterite and enstatite. Kakangari has well-defined chondrules; its silicate and sulphide minerals are unequilibrated, but similar to those of Pont-lyfni and Mount Morris (Wisconsin). New bulk chemical analyses are presented; Pontlyfni has 33·84 % total Fe and 7·04 % S; Mount Morris (Wisconsin) has 19·88 % total Fe and 4·72 % S; and Kakangari has 22·79 % total Fe and 5·30 % S. These three meteorites, together with Winona, have ordinary chondritic Mg/Si ratios, which result in their having abundant forsterite; this distinguishes them from E-chondrites. The four meteorites have Mg/Si ratios lower than those of C-chondrites, and they are more reduced than C or ordinary chondrites. These four unusual stones, therefore, have some chemical similarities, for example all have Mg/Si (atomic) of about 0·95, mean olivine composition ranging from Fa1 to Fa5, and significant Cr in the sulphide. Cumberland Fails chondritic xenoliths and other exotic fragments in polymict meteorites may be related to the four stones, which may ultimately prove to belong to a distinct chemical group of chondrites related to the irons of Group IAB.

These meteorites are described and discussed together because they have similarities in mineralogy, bulk composition, and oxidation state. All have more than 10 % forsterite (i.e. an olivine in the range Fa0·10). In our study we investigated the mineral chemistry of, first, Kakangari (Graham and Hutchison, 1974), and then Mount Morris (Wisconsin), with cursory examination of the previously described Winona (Mason and Jarosewich, 1967) and Cumberland Falls chondritic fraction (Binns, 1969; Jarosewich, 1967). By chance, the British Museum (Natural History) acquired the Pontlyfni stone during the course of this work. Pontlyfni fell in Wales in 1931, but is so far undescribed; it proved to be chemically and mineralogically similar to Kakangari. We thank Mr. J. R. Owen, the original owner, for its timely addition to the Museum's Collection.
Geochemical relationships between some pallasites and iron meteorites
Authors: Scott Edward R. D.
Published: December 2006

Published analyses for 14 trace and minor siderophilic elements have been interpreted to indicate a close relationship between the IIIAB iron meteorites and the main group of pallasites. These two groups respectively account for about 32 and 75 % of all irons and pallasites. The composition of the metal in the main group pallasites is very close to that calculated for the liquid after 80 % of a IIIAB iron melt has fractionally crystallized. The pallasites probably formed by the intrusion of residual molten metal from the core into a surrounding olivine mantle.
Transcription profile of a human breast cancer cell line expressing MMTV-like sequences
Authors: Fernandez-Cobo Mariana , Melana Stella M , Holland James F , Pogo Beatriz GT
Published: December 2006

Background

It has been postulated that inflammation caused by certain viruses might result in cancer. Recently, it was shown that childhood lymphoblastic leukemia, breast and ovarian cancers express an interferon-related signature, providing support for this notion. We have previously shown that 38% of the sporadic breast cancers contain MMTV-like env gene sequences. To find out if the presence and expression of MMTV-like sequences correlated with an inflammatory phenotype, we have compared the expression profile of two sublines of MCF-7 cells, one containing the MMTV-like sequences (env+), the other one lacking them (env-).

Results

The results indicated that there were 47 differentially expressed genes between the two sublines. Among 27 upregulated genes in the env+ cells there were 7 interferon-related genes, 5 TNF-connected genes and 2 TGFβ-related genes.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the env+ cells were most likely responding to an infectious agent, and support the hypothesis that a viral infection may play a role in breast cancer pathogenesis.
Utility of the Framingham risk score to predict the presence of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chung Cecilia P , Oeser Annette , Avalos Ingrid , Gebretsadik Tebeb , Shintani Ayumi , Raggi Paolo , Sokka Tuulikki , Pincus Theodore , Stein C Michael
Published: December 2006

The prevalence of ischemic heart disease and atherosclerosis is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the general population, but not in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, the Framingham risk score identifies patients at increased cardiovascular risk and helps determine the need for preventive interventions. We examined the hypothesis that the Framingham score is increased and associated with coronary-artery atherosclerosis in patients with RA. The Framingham score and the 10-year cardiovascular risk were compared among 155 patients with RA (89 with early disease, 66 with long-standing disease) and 85 control subjects. The presence of coronary-artery calcification was determined by electron-beam computed tomography. The Framingham score was compared in patients with RA and control subjects, and the association between the risk score and coronary-artery calcification was examined in patients. Patients with long-standing RA had a higher Framingham score (14 [11 to 18]) (median [interquartile range]) compared to patients with early RA (11 [8 to 14]) or control subjects (12 [7 to 14], P < 0.001). This remained significant after adjustment for age and gender (P = 0.015). Seventy-six patients with RA had coronary calcification; their Framingham risk score was higher (14 [12 to 17]) than that of 79 patients without calcification (10 [5 to 14]) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a higher Framingham score was associated with a higher calcium score (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.29, P < 0.001), and the association remained significant after adjustment for age and gender (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.29, P = 0.03). In conclusion, a higher Framingham risk score is independently associated with the presence of coronary calcification in patients with RA.
Fasting and nutrient-stimulated plasma peptide-YY levels are elevated in critical illness and associated with feed intolerance: an observational, controlled study
Authors: Nguyen Nam Q , Fraser Robert JL , Chapman Marianne , Bryant Laura K , Wishart Judith , Holloway Richard H , Horowitz Michael
Published: December 2006

Introduction

Delayed gastric emptying and feed intolerance occur frequently in the critically ill. In these patients, gastric motor responses to nutrients are disturbed. Peptide YY (PYY) slows gastric emptying. The aim of this study was to determine fasting and nutrient-stimulated plasma PYY concentrations and their relationship to cholecystokinin (CCK) in critically ill patients.

Methods

Studies were performed in 19 unselected mechanically ventilated critically ill patients (12 males; 48 ± 7 years old) in a randomised, single-blind fashion. Subjects received a 60-minute duodenal infusion of Ensure® at either 1 or 2 kcal/minute. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 20, 40, 60, and 180 minutes following commencement of the nutrient infusion for the measurement of plasma PYY and CCK concentrations (using radioimmunoassay). Patient data were compared to 24 healthy subjects (17 males; 43 ± 2 years old).

Results

Fasting PYY concentration was higher in patients (P < 0.05), particularly in those with feed intolerance (P < 0.05). Plasma PYY concentrations were higher in patients during nutrient infusion (area under the curve [AUC] at 1 kcal/minute: 2,265 ± 718 versus 1,125 ± 138 pmol/l.min, P < 0.05; at 2 kcal/minute: 2,276 ± 303 versus 1,378 ± 210 pmol/l.min, P = 0.01) compared to healthy subjects. The magnitude of PYY elevation was greater in patients during the 1 kcal/minute infusion (AUC: 441 ± 153 versus 186 ± 58 pmol/l.min, P < 0.05), but not the 2 kcal/minute infusion. Fasting and nutrient-stimulated plasma CCK concentrations were higher in patients (P < 0.05). There was a relationship between plasma PYY and CCK concentrations during fasting (r = 0.52, P < 0.05) and nutrient infusion (r = 0.98, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In critical illness, both fasting and nutrient-stimulated plasma PYY concentrations are elevated, particularly in patients with feed intolerance, in conjunction with increased CCK concentrations.
Microcirculatory alterations induced by sedation in intensive care patients. Effects of midazolam alone and in association with sufentanil
Authors: Lamblin Veronique , Favory Raphael , Boulo Marie , Mathieu Daniel
Published: December 2006

Introduction

Sedation is widely used in intensive care unit (ICU) patients to limit the risk of pulmonary barotrauma and to decrease oxygen needs. However, adverse effects of cc5128sedation have not been fully evaluated; in particular, effects of benzodiazepine and opiates on microcirculation have not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microcirculatory effects of a sedation protocol commonly prescribed in the ICU.

Methods

Ten non-septic patients under controlled ventilation requiring sedation for therapeutic purposes were enrolled in a prospective observational study conducted in an ICU of a university hospital. Sedation was conducted in two successive steps: first, each patient received midazolam (0.1 mg/kg per hour after a bolus of 0.05 mg/kg, then adapted to reach a Ramsay score of between 3 and 5). Second, after one hour, sufentanil was added (0.1 μg/kg per hour after a bolus of 0.1 μg/kg). Arterial pressure, heart rate, cardiac output determined by transthoracic impedance, transcutaneous oxygen (tcPO2) and carbon dioxide (tcPCO2) pressures, and microcirculatory blood flow determined by laser Doppler flowmetry at rest and during a reactive hyperaemia challenge were measured before sedation (NS period), one hour after midazolam infusion (H period), and one hour after midazolam-sufentanil infusion (HS period).

Results

Arterial pressure decreased in both sedation periods, but heart rate, cardiac output, tcPO2, and tcPCO2 remained unchanged. In both sedation periods, microcirculatory changes occurred with an increase in cutaneous blood flow at rest (H period: 207 ± 25 perfusion units [PU] and HS period: 205 ± 25 PU versus NS period: 150 ± 22 PU, p < 0.05), decreased response to ischaemia (variation of blood flow to peak: H period: 97 ± 16 PU and HS period: 73 ± 9 PU versus NS period: 141 ± 14 PU, p < 0.05), and attenuation of vasomotion.

Conclusion

Sedation with midazolam or a combination of midazolam and sufentanil induces a deterioration of vasomotion and microvascular response to ischaemia, raising the question of whether this effect may further alter tissue perfusion when already compromised, as in septic patients.
Reorganization of the human neutrophil plasma membrane is associated with functional priming: implications for neutrophil preparations
Authors: Stie Jamal , Jesaitis Algirdas J
Published: December 2006

Changes in the functional and plasma membrane organizational states of human neutrophils were examined using two isolation procedures, which may simulate altered physiological states in vivo. A gelatin-based method of blood-neutrophil isolation was used to model in vivo priming, and neutrophils isolated by this method were compared with control populations prepared by a pyrogen-free, dextran-based method. Gelatin-prepared neutrophils were functionally primed for adherence and agonist-stimulated superoxide generation relative to unprimed, control neutrophils. The organizational state of the membrane cortex was examined by mapping the subcellular distribution of select cortical and transmembrane proteins by several methods, including subcellular fractionation, indirect immunofluorescence, and compositional analysis of Triton X-100-insoluble membrane skeleton preparations. Filamentous actin, fodrin, and the fodrin anchor, CD45, were largely cytoplasmic in unprimed neutrophils but translocated to plasma membranes upon priming, whereas CD43 and ezrin were exclusively surface-associated in both populations. Isopycnic sucrose density gradient analysis of N2-cavitated neutrophils revealed a major shift in the distribution of surface-associated transmembrane and membrane cortical components relative to the plasma membrane marker alkaline phosphatase in primed but not unprimed neutrophils. Similar results were obtained after neutrophil stimulation with known priming agents, LPS, TNF-α, or GM-CSF. Together, these results may suggest that priming of suspended, circulating neutrophils is associated with a large-scale reorganization of the plasma membrane and associated membrane cortex in a process that is independent of cellular adhesion and gross morphologic polarization.
A recursive algorithm for generating homogeneous T-shape cutting patterns
Authors: Cui Yaodong , Ji Jun
Published: December 2006

Both the material utilization and the complexity of the cutting process should be considered when generating cutting patterns. This paper presents a recursive algorithm for constrained two-dimensional guillotine-cutting problems of rectangles. It uses homogeneous T-shape patterns to simplify the cutting process. Only homogeneous strips are allowed, each of which contains rectangular items of the same type. The plate is divided into two segments, each of which consists of strips with the same length and direction. The strip directions of the two segments are perpendicular to each other. Two recursion functions are established. The first generates optimal layouts of parallel strips on segments with specified sizes, and the second determines the optimal T-shape pattern on the plate. The optimal solution to the unconstrained version of the cutting problem is used to reduce the computation time. The computational results indicate that the algorithm is efficient both in computation time and in material utilization.
Cost impact analysis of requirement changes in the automotive industry: A case study
Authors: Oduguwa P A , Roy R , Sackett P J
Published: December 2006

Many complex products are now developed collaboratively across enterprises in a geographically extended and time-extended process. High-frequency changes to the initial design requirements are typically requested; this is due to service needs, legislative directives, and market feedback. Responding to these requirement changes requires a cost impact analysis.

This paper presents a methodology to determine costs rapidly and accurately when requirement changes are proposed during the design development phase of the life cycle development of a complex product. The methodology combines a system representation technique with rule-based cost estimation to determine the incurred cost of requirement changes. The approach is suited to managing requirement changes when the product definition is performed across an extended enterprise. The authors describe the results of research conducted in a collaborative development environment between an automotive original equipment manufacturer and a tier 1 supplier. A case study illustrates the application and the capability of the approach. The methodology aids the original equipment manufacturer and the tier 1 suppliers in their decision making throughout the product development phase. The research identifies relationships between requirements, design solutions, and cost drivers. The resultant methodology has widespread application in the context of complex product.