bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Narghile (Hookah, Shisha, Goza) Epidemic and the Need for Clearing up Confusion and Solving Problems Related with Model Building of Social Situations
Authors: Chaouachi Kamal T.
Published: August 2011

Many biomedical studies of the past seven years have failed in giving a sound picture of what hookah (shisha, narghile, goza) smoke and smoking are. The reasons are many: from the widespread use of a confusing neologism (“waterpipe”) instead of the few clear and natural words used for centuries by indigenous and non-indigenous people in their real life, to the use of artificial smoking (machines) instead of relying on quantitative and qualitative analysis of toxicants directly performed on real hookah smokers.
Human Development XI: The Structure of the Cerebral Cortex. Are There Really Modules in the Brain?
Authors: Hermansen Tyge Dahl , Ventegodt Søren , Kandel Isack
Published: August 2011

The structure of human consciousness is thought to be closely connected to the structure of cerebral cortex. One of the most appreciated concepts in this regard is the Szanthagothei model of a modular building of neo-cortex. The modules are believed to organize brain activity pretty much like a computer. We looked at examples in the literature and argue that there is no significant evidence that supports Szanthagothei's model. We discuss the use of the limited genetic information, the corticocortical afferents termination and the columns in primary sensory cortex as arguments for the existence of the cortex-module. Further, we discuss the results of experiments with Luminization Microscopy (LM) colouration of myalinized fibres, in which vertical bundles of afferent/efferent fibres that could support the cortex module are identified. We conclude that sensory maps seem not to be an expression for simple specific connectivity, but rather to be functional defined. We also conclude that evidence for the existence of the postulated module or column does not exist in the discussed material. This opens up for an important discussion of the brain as functionally directed by biological information (information-directed self-organisation), and for consciousness being closely linked to the structure of the universe at large. Consciousness is thus not a local phenomena limited to the brain, but a much more global phenomena connected to the wholeness of the world.
Quality of Life and Philosophy of Life Determines Physical and Mental Health: Status Over Research Findings From The Quality of Life Research Center, Copenhagen, 1991-2007
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: August 2011

Quality of life (QOL) has over the past decade become an important part of health science and also increased public awareness. It has become increasingly apparent that illness is closely related to the individual perception of a good life, and therefore the exploration of indicators related to quality of life appears to be of broad importance for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Identifying, which factors constitute a good life may reveal an understanding about what areas in life should be encouraged, in order to enhance the global quality of life, health, and ability. In this paper we present results from studies initiated in 1989 to examine quality of life in relation to disease. The purpose of this presentation was to assemble the results from the study carried out in the years between 1993 and 1997, examining a total of 11.500 Danes, to show the association between quality of life and a wide series of social indicators.
Polysomnographic Sleep Dysregulation in Cocaine Dependence
Authors: Valladares Edwin M. , Irwin Michael R.
Published: August 2011

Insomnia and sleep disturbance are associated with declines in health functioning, alongwith increases in mortality risk. Given the prominence of reported sleep disturbance incocaine-dependent subjects and persistence into recovery, understanding the natureand severity of these disturbances in this population may help to identify relevantpathways that contribute to the increased mortality in cocaine dependence. Polysomnography provides a means of objectively characterizing sleep and, in turn, sleep disturbances. Few studies have used polysomnography to evaluate sleep incocaine-dependent persons, yet these studies have the potential to advance treatmentsthat will ultimately reduce morbidity in cocaine-dependent subjects.
The Role of Accumbal Hypoactivity in Cocaine Addiction.
Authors: Peoples L. L. , Kravitz A. V. , Guillem K.
Published: August 2011

Cocaine-induced hypoactivity of the nucleus accumbens (NAC) is hypothesized to contribute to cocaine addiction. There are two important questions related to this hypothesis. First, cocaine addiction is characterized by an increase in drug-directed behavior and a simultaneous weakening of other motivated behaviors. However, the NAC contributes to both drug- and nondrug-directed behavior. Moreover, the nature of the contributions is similar and associated predominantly with excitatory phasic firing patterns. Given these observations it is not clear how hypoactivity of NAC neurons might contribute to the behaviors that characterize cocaine addiction. Second, various types of investigations have documented neurochemical and molecular adaptations that could underlie NAC hypoactivity. However, there is also evidence of other adaptations in the NAC, and in NAC afferents, which are expected to have an excitatory influence on NAC neural activity. In the present review we will briefly overview these issues. We will also describe a hypothesis, and related empirical evidence, that may contribute to answering these questions. Further investigation of the issues and the hypothesis may contribute to a better understanding of the neuroadaptations that contribute to cocaine addiction.
First Do No Harm: An Analysis of the Risk Aspects and Side Effects of Clinical Holistic Medicine Compared With Standard Psychiatric Biomedical Treatment
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: August 2011

Clinical holistic medicine (CHM) is short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) complemented with bodywork and philosophical exercises, to be more efficient in treating patients with severe mental and physical illness. STPP has already been found superior to psychiatric treatment as usual (TAU) and thus able to compete with psychiatric standard treatment as the treatment of choice for all non-organic mental illnesses; we have found the addition of bodywork and philosophy of life to STPP to accelerate the process of existential healing and recovery (salutogenesis). In this paper we compare the side effects, suicidal risk, problems from implanted memory and implanted philosophy of CHM with psychopharmacological treatment. Method: Qualitative and quantitative comparative review. Results: In all aspects of risks, harmfulness, and side effects, we have been considering, CHM was superior to the standard psychiatric treatment. The old principle of “first do no harm“ is well respected by CHM, but not always by standard psychiatry. CHM seems to be able to heal the patient, while psychopharmacological drugs can turn the patient into a chronic, mentally ill patient for life. Based on the available data CHM seems another alternative to patients with mental illness. There seem to be no documentation at all for CHM being dangerous, harmful, having side effects of putting patients at risk for suicide. As CHM uses spontaneous regression there is no danger for the patient developing psychosis as, according to some experts, has been seen with earlier intensive psychodynamic methods. CHM is an efficient, safe and affordable cure for a broad range of mental illnesses.
The Effectiveness of Intravesical Oxybutynin, Propantheline, and Capsaicin in the Management of Neuropathic Bladder following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: George Jacob , Tharion George , Richar J. , Macaden Ashish S. , Thomas Raji , Bhattacharji Suranjan
Published: August 2011

The objective of this study was to compare the therapeutic response of intravesical oxybutynin, propantheline, and capsaicin in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Carried out in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at a university teaching hospital in India, patients acted as their own controls. Oxybutynin 5 mg in solution or propantheline 15 mg in solution and capsaicin were instilled intravesically in each patient. Urodynamic studies were done before and after the intravesical instillation of each drug. The nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis. The efficacy of intravesical capsaicin in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity was statistically significant for reflex volume (RV) (p = 0.018), cystometric capacity (CC) (p = 0.0440), leak volume (LV) (p = 0.000), and leak frequency (LF) (p = 0.009). The Kruskal-Wallis test for paired sample comparing pre- and post-LV and LF for intravesical capsaicin was significant at 2ndweek (p = 0.002 and 0.054, respectively). There was a significant difference in therapeutic response between intravesical oxybutynin, propantheline, and capsaicin in the treatment of detrusor overactivity for LV and LF at 2ndweek (p = 0.017 and 0.003, respectively). When comparing responses of oxybutynin and propantheline, more subjects demonstrated improvement with intravesical propantheline than oxybutynin for RV, detrusor leak point pressure (LPP), clean intermittent catheterization volume (CICV), and LV. This study suggests that intravesical agents may be used as effective adjuvants in the management of incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity following spinal cord injury.
A Review and Integrative Analysis of Ancient Holistic Character Medicine Systems
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Thegler Suzette , Andreasen Tove , Struve Flemming , Jacobsen Susan , Torp Margrethe , Ægedius Hans , Enevoldsen Lars , Merrick Joav
Published: August 2011

The ancient holistic medical systems help the patient by balancing the “elements” of the human character. This work aims to understand the nature of these elements and the process of the physician balancing them. Using the concept of poly-ray cosmology we see that the medical systems from ancient India, China and Greek basically share the same inner structure and also the same logic of the treatment processes. We analyze the double concept of yin-yang, the Ayurvedic triadic concepts of Pitta, Kapha and Vata, the four elements of Hippocratic humoral medicine, and the five elements of Chinese medicine, and find that each of these conceptual frameworks make up a “theory” or model of the world that is a perfect wholeness, allowing the physician to interpret the world and his patient in order to identify the imbalances of his or her character that need to be treated. Independently of the system this can be a palliative treatment, if energies are only balanced in present time, or a causal cure if the physician is using the similarity principle to take his patient into regression back to the events in the personal history that originally created the imbalances (the traumas). To help the patient back to the traumas he is exposed to a small dose of the original harming stimulus; this can be an internal process like visualization supported by the therapist words, or an external process provoked by his actions. If the physician is balancing the elements without such a healing of the patient's existential core this can still momentarily help the patient by alleviating the symptoms, but it will not have a permanent effect.
Increased Apoptosis and Proliferative Capacity are Early Events in Cyst Formation in Autosomal-Dominant, Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ibrahim Salwa
Published: August 2011

Previous studies have highlighted epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in the cyst lining as common features in animal models of cystic disease. In this study, we sought to evaluate the timing and extent of these changes in renal tissue obtained from patients with autosomal-dominant, polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) subjected for nephrectomy for a variety of clinical indications. Cell proliferation was assessed using an antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and apoptosis was evaluated by the use of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) digoxigenin-deoxyuridine (dUTP) nick end-labeling technique (ApopTag®). The origin of cystic structures was evaluated using antibodies to epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). The lineage of interstitial mononuclear cells was assessed by anti CD 45 and CD 68 monoclonal antibodies. We found an increased rate of proliferation within the epithelium, not only of cystic, but also of noncystic, tubules that was significantly higher than the corresponding values from normal kidney (p≤ 0.0001). Apoptotic index values were significantly increased within the epithelium lining noncystic and cystic structures (p< 0.001). In the interstitium, increased proliferation and apoptosis rates were also noted. Interstitial infiltrates were dense and consisted mainly of CD 68–positive macrophages and CD 45–positive lymphocytes. The present study demonstrated that changes in cell turnover are early events in cyst formation. The observation of mild proportionate elevation of both proliferation and apoptosis values of the epithelium lining cysts explains the lack of increase risk of renal cell carcinoma in ADPKD. The development of heavy interstitial inflammation could contribute to progressive tubulointerstitial scarring, leading to progressive renal failure.
Biological Functions of Interleukin-21 and Its Role in Inflammation
Authors: Pelletier Martin , Girard Denis
Published: August 2011

Interleukin-21 (IL-21), the most recently discovered CD132-dependent cytokine, is mainly produced by activated T lymphocytes, particularly the inflammatory Th17subset, and is believed to be a key factor in the transition between innate and acquired immunity. In the last few years, this cytokine has been shown to modulate the functions of T, B, and NK cells, as well as cells of myeloid origin. In addition, it was demonstrated that IL-21 is a potent antitumor agent, making it a promising candidate for the development of therapeutic tools. IL-21 has also been associated with different autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. This review will summarize the biological functions of IL-21 and its potential role in inflammation.
Nonsexual Transmission of Anogenital Warts in Children: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Jones Valerie , Smith Shawn J. , Omar Hatim A.
Published: August 2011

The purpose was to evaluate the prevalence of sexual abuse in patients who were referred to a pediatric gynecologist for evaluation based on the clinical findings of anogenital warts. A retrospective analysis was performed on 131 patients between the ages 6 month and 9 years referred to a pediatric gynecologist after the finding of anogenital warts by a clinical provider, parent or caregiver. A complete physical examination under colposcopy by a the same, trained pediatric gynecologist was completed, and a complete medical and family history including maternal and sibling history for evidence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and anogenital warts. The legal system completed a full investigation to examine the sexual abuse allegations. In 131 patients with anogenital warts, a maternal history of warts, cervical dysplasia or both was present in 66 (50%). The remaining patients had either a negative maternal history for HPV clinical findings (54 patients or 41.2%), or maternal history was unknown (11 patients, or 8.3%). Of 131 patients, 81 (61%) patients had a sibling. Of those with siblings 40 (49.4%) had warts and 41 (50.6%) did not. Forty-five (34%) of the cases had a positive maternal history for warts, dysplasia or both but also had a sibling. In that cohort, 32 (71%) of the siblings also had anogenital warts. Three of 131 patients were ruled suspicious for sexual abuse by the legal authorities but not confirmed. Of those three patients two were female and one was male. Two had no maternal history for HPV and both of these patients had a sibling without anogenital warts. Most cases of anogenital warts in children are likely to be the result of non-sexual transmission, namely prenatal mode. Thus, these patients should be handled differently by the legal system unless other reasons for suspicion exist. This study also showed the importance of maternal gynecologic history.
Five-Year, Disease-Free Survival after Repeat Palliative Multimodality Therapy in a Patient with Recurrent Metastastic Bladder Cancer
Authors: Fetscher Sebastian , Schmielau Jan , Schulze-Seemann Wolfgang
Published: August 2011

In appropriately selected cases, palliative therapeutic strategies can be adapted to those special features of cancer biographies that indicate an atypical course of disease. Elucidating these features, and adapting multimodal treatment strategies to them, can lead to significantly superior effects when compared to the routine application of conventional treatment algorhythms. A case of regionally metastactic bladder cancer is presented that documents the value of repeat debulking-surgery and repeat radiotherapy leading to unexpected short-term and long-term treatment results.
Changes in Allergy Symptoms and Depression Scores Are Positively Correlated In Patients With Recurrent Mood Disorders Exposed to Seasonal Peaks in Aeroallergens
Authors: Postolache Teodor T. , Lapidus Manana , Sander Evan R. , Langenberg Patricia , Hamilton Robert G. , Soriano Joseph J. , McDonald Jessica S. , Furst Nancy , Bai Jie , Scrandis Debra A. , Cabassa Johanna A. , Stiller John W. , Balis Theodora , Guzman Alvaro , Togias Alkis , Tonelli Leonardo H.
Published: August 2011

Although growing evidence supports an association between allergy, allergens and depression, it remains unknown if this relationship is between “states” (possible triggers) or “traits” (possible vulnerabilities). We hypothesized that patients with recurrent mood disorders who are sensitized to tree pollen (as determined by allergen specific IgE antibodies), in comparison to those who are not sensitized, would report larger negative changes in mood during exposure to tree pollen in spring. We also hypothesized that differences between high and low tree pollen periods in self reported allergy symptoms would correlate positively with differences in self reported depression scores. We present 1-year preliminary data on the first 51 patients with unipolar or bipolar disorder (age: 19-63 years, 65% female, twelve patients were tree-pollen IgE positive). Ratings of mood and allergic disease status were performed once during the peak airborne pollen counts and once during the period of low airborne pollen counts, as reported by two local pollen counting stations. Linear regression models were developed to examine associations of changes in depression scores (dependent variable) with tree pollen sensitization, changes in the allergy symptom severity score, adjusted for gender and order of testing. We did not confirm the hypothesized relationship between a specific tree pollen sensitization and changes in mood during tree pollen exposure. We did confirm the hypothesized positive relationship between the changes in allergy symptoms and changes in subjects' depression scores (adjusted p<0.05). This result is consistent with previous epidemiological evidence connecting allergy with depression, as well as our recent reports of increased expression of cytokines in the prefrontal cortex in victims of suicide and in experimental animals sensitized and exposed to tree pollen. A relationship betweenchangesin allergy symptom scores andchangesin depression scores supports a state-level rather than only trait-level relationship, and thus lends optimism to future causality-testing interventional studies, which might then lead to novel preventative environmental interventions in mood disorders.
Biomedicine or Holistic Medicine for Treating Mentally Ill Patients? A Philosophical and Economical Analysis
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: August 2011

Today we have two scientific medical traditions, two schools or treatment systems: holistic medicine and biomedicine. The two traditions are based on two very different philosophical positions: subjectivistic and objectivistic. The philosopher Buber taught us that you can say I-Thou or I-It, holding the other person as a subject or an object. These two fundamentally different attitudes seem to characterize the difference in world view and patient approach in the two schools, one coming from psychoanalysis and the old, holistic tradition of Hippocratic medicine. Holistic medicine during the last decade has developed its philosophical positions and is today an independent, medical system seemingly capable of curing mentally ill patients at the cost of a few thousand Euros with no side effects and with lasting value for the patient. The problem is that very few studies have tested the effect of holistic medicine on mentally ill patients. Another problem is that the effect of holistic medicine must be documented in a way that respects this school's philosophical integrity, allowing for subjective assessment of patient benefit and using the patient as his/her own control, as placebo control cannot be used in placebo-only treatment. As the existing data are strongly in favor of using holistic medicine, which seems to be safer, more efficient, and cheaper, it is recommended that clinical holistic medicine also be used as treatment for mental illness. More research and funding is needed to develop scientific holistic medicine.
Reproductive Health Care for Women with Spina Bifida
Authors: Jackson Amie B. , Mott Pamela K.
Published: August 2011

Women with spina bifida have unique health care concerns and as the life expectancy of this population increases, they are transitioning from adolescence to womanhood and entering their reproductive years with little information about what to expect. Likewise, their health care providers do not have the benefit of evidence-based research that comprehensively addresses the issues these women may face related to reproduction or aging. Few studies have focused on the effects that spina bifida may have on these women's reproductive systems, nor has attention been paid to the effects that possible reproductive endocrine changes may have on their disability. Needless to say, concerns about sexuality, sexual function, and pregnancy are just as important to these women as they are to their able-bodied counterparts.
Fluorescence and Spectral Imaging
Authors: DaCosta Ralph S. , Wilson Brian C. , Marcon Norman E.
Published: August 2011

Early identification of dysplasia remains a critical goal for diagnostic endoscopy since early discovery directly improves patient survival because it allows endoscopic or surgical intervention with disease localized without lymph node involvement. Clinical studies have successfully used tissue autofluorescence with conventional white light endoscopy and biopsy for detecting adenomatous colonic polyps, differentiating benign hyperplastic from adenomas with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. In Barrett's esophagus, the detection of dysplasia remains problematic because of background inflammation, whereas in the squamous esophagus, autofluorescence imaging appears to be more dependable. Point fluorescence spectroscopy, although playing a crucial role in the pioneering mechanistic development of fluorescence endoscopic imaging, does not seem to have a current function in endoscopy because of its nontargeted sampling and suboptimal sensitivity and specificity. Other point spectroscopic modalities, such as Raman spectroscopy and elastic light scattering, continue to be evaluated in clinical studies, but still suffer the significant disadvantages of being random and nonimaging. A recent addition to the fluorescence endoscopic imaging arsenal is the use of confocal fluorescence endomicroscopy, which provides real-time optical biopsy for the first time. To improve detection of dysplasia in the gastrointestinal tract, a new and exciting development has been the use of exogenous fluorescence contrast probes that specifically target a variety of disease-related cellular biomarkers using conventional fluorescent dyes and novel potent fluorescent nanocrystals (i.e., quantum dots). This is an area of great promise, but still in its infancy, and preclinical studies are currently under way.
Development of Hematopoietic and Endothelial Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells: Lessons from the Studies using Mouse as a Model
Authors: Jezierski Anna , Swedani Albert , Wang Lisheng
Published: August 2011

The current progress using the human embryonic stem cell (hESC) model system has provided much insight into the early origins of the hematopoietic and endothelial lineages, particularly the elusive hemangioblast. Recently, the cellular hierarchy and molecular regulation controlling hematopoietic commitment have been further elucidated. These findings not only provide new insights into early human development, but also advance the knowledge required to develop techniques capable of generating a given cell type for potential clinical applications. This review will focus on the latest advances using the hESC model system, capitalizing on the well-established mouse embryonic stem cell model system, as a means to investigate the lineage commitment events underlying the early embryonic development of human hematopoietic and endothelial cells.
Tackling Adolescent Substance Abuse in Hong Kong: Where We Should and Should Not Go
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: August 2011

In the 2007 Policy Address, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, P.R.C. expressed the Administration’s concern about adolescent substance abuse and proposed to form a high-level interdepartmental task force to tackle the problem in a holistic manner. In this paper, the author presents his observations about adolescent substance abuse in Hong Kong, and outlines the risk factors and related strategies based on the ecological perspective that the Government should consider in order to tackle the problem of adolescent substance abuse in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the directions where the Government should and should not go are discussed.
Tissue Distribution and Depuration of the Extracted Hepatotoxic Cyanotoxin Microcystins in Crucian Carp (Carassius carassius) Intraperitoneally Injected at a Sublethal Dose
Authors: Lei Hehua , Xie Ping , Chen Jun , Liang Gaodao , Yu Ting , Jiang Yan
Published: August 2011

An acute toxicity experiment was conducted by intraperitoneal injection with a sublethal dose of extracted microcystins (MCs), 50 μg MC-LR (where L = leucine and R = arginine) equivalent/kg body weight (BW), to examine tissue distribution and depuration of MCs in crucian carp (Carassius carassius). Liver to body weight ratio increased at 3, 12, 24, and 48 h postinjection compared with that at 0 h (p< 0.05). MC concentrations in various tissues and aquaria water were analyzed at 1, 3, 12, 24, 48, and 168 h postinjection using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The highest concentration of MCs (MC-RR + MC-LR) was found in blood, 2–270 ng/g dry weight (DW), followed by heart (3–100 ng/g DW) and kidney (13–88 ng/g DW). MC levels were relatively low in liver, gonad, intestine, spleen, and brain. MC contents in gills, gallbladder, and muscle were below the limit of detection. Significant negative correlation was present between MC-RR concentration in blood and that in kidney, confirming that blood was important in the transportation of MC-RR to kidney for excretion. Rapid accumulation and slow degradation of MCs were observed in gonad, liver, intestine, spleen, and brain. Only 0.07% of injected MCs were detected in liver. The recovery of MCs in liver of crucian carp seemed to be dose dependent.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia with Pulmonary Localization: A New Protocol of Approach
Authors: Divisi Duilio , Di Tommaso Sergio , Imbriglio Giovanna , Crisci Roberto
Published: August 2011

We present three patients with bronchial carcinoids, in which a more probed study emphasized the presence of three multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN). Assessment included a total-body computerized tomography, a total-body single-photon emission computerized tomography by111In-DTPA-D-Phe1octreotide, and genetic map. Two patients presented an atypical MEN 1 and one patient showed an atypical MEN 1 with a familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. All patients were operated upon: two are still alive and one died 50 months after the first intervention. Precocious diagnosis of MEN permits a good long-term outcome.
Focal Treatment of Prostate Cancer with Vascular-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Eggener Scott E. , Coleman Jonathan A.
Published: August 2011

Epidemiologic and pathologic features of prostate cancer have given rise to an interest in focal treatment for carefully selected patients. Prostate cancer remains highly prevalent, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. As screening programs have become more aggressive and widespread, a substantial proportion of men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer have disease characteristics associated with a low risk of progression. Treatments such as radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy can lead to durable recurrence-free survival in most patients, but carry variable risks of bowel, urinary, and sexual side effects. Few men and few urologists are comfortable leaving a potentially curable prostate cancer untreated. Focal therapy offers an attractive alternative for the patient faced with a choice between aggressive local intervention (radiation or surgery) and watchful waiting. Contemporary diagnostic biopsy strategies and imaging tools, and the development of predictive statistical models (nomograms), have led to improvements in tumor characterization and risk stratification, making focal therapy a viable treatment option for specific men. This article reviews the rationale and indications for focal therapy and highlights vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) as one of many promising focal therapy techniques.
Heavy Metal Contamination of Foods by Refuse Dump Sites in Awka, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Nduka J. K. C. , Orisakwe O. E. , Ezenweke L. O. , Chendo M. N. , Ezenwa T. E.
Published: August 2011

The impact of heavy metals from refuse dumps on soil, food, and water qualities in Awka, Nigeria was studied. Soil samples (top and 1.35 m deep) were collected from five refuse dumps digested with conc. HNO3and HClO4. The heavy metals (lead, manganese, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and nickel) in vegetables (spinach, fluted pumpkin), root crop (cocoyam), and surface and ground water were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Chemical properties of the soil and bacteria were determined. Heavy metals were found to be more concentrated at a depth of 1.35 m. Manganese was high in shallow wells and borehole water samples with the highest levels as 0.538 and 0.325 mg/l, respectively. Nickel levels in the borehole sample ranged from 0.001 to 0.227 mg/l, whereas the highest level of lead was 0.01 mg/l. The Obibia stream had the highest levels of manganese and lead. Linear regression analyses showed that the relationship between soil heavy metals and farm produce heavy metals was strong. Taken together, we may conclude that the consumption of leafy vegetables and crops produced on contaminated soils may pose a health risk to those that reside around the refuse dumps.
The Multistream Self: Biophysical, Mental, Social, and Existential
Authors: Deshmukh Vinod D.
Published: August 2011

Self is difficult to define because of its multiple, constitutive streams of functional existence. A more comprehensive and expanded definition of self is proposed. The standard bio-psycho-social model of psyche is expanded to biophysical-mental-social and existential self. The total human experience is better understood and explained by adding the existential component. Existential refers to lived human experience, which is firmly rooted in reality. Existential living is the capacity to live fully in the present, and respond freely and flexibly to new experience without fear. Four common fears of isolation, insecurity, insignificance, and death can be overcome by developing a lifestyle of whole-hearted engagement in the present reality, creative problem solving, self-actualization, and altruism. Such integrative living creates a sense of presence with self-awareness, understanding, and existential well-being. Well-being is defined as a life of happiness, contentment, low distress, and good health with positive outlook. Self is a complex, integrative process of living organisms. It organizes, coordinates, and integrates energy-information within and around itself, spontaneously, unconsciously, and consciously. Self-process is understood in terms of synergetics, coordination dynamics, and energy-information–directed self-organization. It is dynamic, composite, ever renewing, and enduring. It can be convergent or divergent, and can function as the source or target of its own behavior-mentation. The experience of self is continuously generated by spontaneous activation of neural networks in the cerebral neocortex by the brainstem-diencephalic arousal system. The multiple constitutive behavioral-mental streams develop concurrently into a unique experience of self, specific for a person at his/her developmental stage. The chronological neuro-behavioral-mental development of self is described in detail from embryonic stage to old age. Self can be behaviorally-mentally oriented and realized in three complimentary modes of being: egocentric, allocentric, and ecosystemic or existential. The existential mode is both immanent and transcendent, and can be self-actualized, resulting in a healthy, creative, conflict-free, and meaningful life.
Process Evaluation of the Implementation of the Secondary 2 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S. in the Experimental Implementation Phase
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Lee Tak Yan , Sun Rachel C. F.
Published: August 2011

This study aimed to understand the implementation quality of the Tier 1 Program (Secondary 2 Curriculum) delivered in the Experimental Implementation Phase of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes). Observers carried out process evaluation in the form of systematic observations of curriculum units in four randomly selected schools. Results showed that the overall level of program adherence was generally high, ranging from 70 to 95%, with an average of 83.6%. The mean ratings of the program implementation quality were high, and the inter-rater reliability on these ratings across the observers was highly reliable. Despite limitations, the findings of this study suggest that the implementation quality of the Secondary 2 Program (Tier 1 Program) of the Experimental Implementation Phase was favorable, and provide supporting evidence to account for the successful and encouraging outcomes of a major positive youth development program in Hong Kong.
Delayed Local Recurrence Following Radiation Therapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Emphasizing the Need for Lifelong Surveillance: a Case Report
Authors: Sunkara Rajitha , Ayyathurai Rajinikanth , Nieder Alan , Manoharan Murugesan
Published: August 2011

We report a case of 68-years-old gentleman who developed a delayed local recurrence, 30 years following curative radiation treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. This case emphasizes the importance of lifelong post-treatment surveillance for bladder cancer.
Use of Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Diagnosis and Decision Making of Post-Traumatic, High-Flow Priapism
Authors: El-Assmy Ahmed , Hekal Ihab A. , Abou-El-Ghar Mohamed E.
Published: August 2011

The ideal imaging modality should demonstrate the presence or absence of a clinically significant, causative vascular lesion that, in high-flow arterial priapism, may need intervention. We report a 22-year-old male with post-traumatic arterial priapism. Color Doppler ultrasound could not reliably identify a significant vascular lesion. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) demonstrated the presence of a cavernous artery pseudoaneurysm. Based on this finding, embolization was decided, with a successful outcome. Contrast-enhanced MRA appears to be a useful, noninvasive diagnostic tool for decision making in cases of high-flow priapism.
Phenotypic Plasticity in Gut Length in the Planktivorous Filter-Feeding Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)
Authors: Ke Zhixin , Ping Xie , Guo Longgen
Published: August 2011

Phenotypic plasticity widely exists in the external morphology of animals as well as the internal traits of organs. In the present study, we studied the gut length plasticity of planktivorous filter-feeding silver carp under different food resources in large-net cage experiments in Meiliang Bay of Lake Taihu in 2004 and 2005. There was a significant difference in stocking density between these 2 years. Under a low stocking density and abundant food resources, silver carp increased their energy intake by feeding on more zooplankton. Meanwhile, silver carp adjusted their gut length to match the digestive requirements of food when exposed to different food resources. In the main growth seasons (from April to October), silver carp significantly increased their relative gut length when feeding on more phytoplankton in 2005 (p< 0.01, 9.23 ± 1.80 in 2004 and 10.77 ± 2.05 in 2005, respectively). There was a nearly significant negative correlation between zooplankton proportion in the diet and the relative gut length when silver carp were stocked in a high density (p= 0.112). It appears that silver carp might have evolved plasticity to change their gut length rapidly to facilitate efficient utilization of food resources. Such resource polymorphisms in the gut may be a good indication of temporal adaptation to resource conditions. Our work provided field evidence for understanding the functional basis of resource polymorphisms and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in planktivorous filter-feeding fish.
Process Evaluation of the Tier 1 Program (Secondary 1 Curriculum) of the Project P.A.T.H.S.: Findings Based on the Full Implementation Phase
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Ma Hing Keung , Sun Rachel C. F. , Lung Daniel W. M.
Published: August 2011

To understand the implementation quality of the Tier 1 Program (Secondary 1 Curriculum) of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes), observers carried out process evaluation in the form of systematic observations of 22 units in 14 randomly selected schools. Results showed that the overall level of program adherence was generally high (range: 45–100%, with an average of 86.3%). High implementation quality of the program in the areas of student interest, student participation and involvement, classroom control, use of interactive delivery method, use of strategies to enhance student motivation, use of positive and supportive feedbacks, instructors’ familiarity with the students, degree of achievement of the objectives, time management, lesson preparation, overall implementation quality, and success of implementation was also found. The present findings are consistent with those observations based on the experimental implementation phase, suggesting that the implementation quality of the Tier 1 Program (Secondary 1 Curriculum) was generally high.
Development of the Cardiac Conduction System and the Possible Relation to Predilection Sites of Arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Jongbloed M. R. M. , Mahtab E. A. F. , Blom N. A. , Schalij M. J. , Gittenberger-de Groot A. C.
Published: August 2011

The cardiac conduction system (CCS) encompasses a complex system responsible for the coordinated contraction of the heart. In the developing heart, as well as in the adult heart, tissues of the (putative) CCS are characterized by different properties than the surrounding working myocardium, which can be observed on a histological level, as well as by the expression patterns of several immunohistological and molecular markers. In recent years, many markers have been studied that have helped to elucidate the processes involved in CCS development. It has become clear that multiple genes, cells and their interactions are involved in this complex process. In this article, an overview of the current knowledge of CCS development is supplied. Furthermore, several controversies regarding conduction system development are discussed, as well as the possible significance of embryologic development of the CCS for the development of arrhythmias later in life.
Suicide Research and Adolescent Suicide Trends in New Zealand
Authors: Shahtahmasebi Said
Published: August 2011

In recent years, there have been a number of claims and counterclaims from suicide research using time series and longitudinal data; in particular, the linkage of increased antidepressant prescriptions to a decrease in suicide rates. Suicide time series appear to have a memory compounded with seasonal and cyclic effects. Failure to take into account these properties may lead to misleading conclusions, e.g., a downward blip is interpreted as the result of current knowledge and public health policies, while an upward blip is explained as suicide being complex depending on many variables requiring further research. In previous publications, I argued that this misuse of time series data is the result of an uncritical acceptance of a medical model that links mental ill-health to suicide. The consequences of such research behaviour are further increases in antidepressant prescriptions and medications to those who should not be prescribed them, with adverse effects showing across the population, e.g., the prescription of antidepressants to very young children (some under 1 year of age) in New Zealand. Moreover, the New Zealand Evidence-based Health Care Bulletin recommends an authoritarian approach for every interaction with a young person to check their psychosocial well-being. When viewed holistically, this kind of human behaviour makes researchers, policy makers (politicians), treatment, and practitioners, and society in general part of the problem rather than the solution. This paper explores some dynamic aspects of suicide, using only official data with particular reference to youth suicide, and suggests that the medical model of suicide is only an attempt to treat depression without addressing suicide, and recommends the creation of a unified database through understanding the society that individuals live in. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate debate and the collaboration of international experts regardless of their school of thought.
Prognostic Significance of Lymphovascular Invasion in Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Baydar Dilek Ertoy , Baseskioglu Barbaros , Ozen Haluk , Geyik Pinar Ozdemir
Published: August 2011

Whether lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is an independent prognostic factor in prostate cancer is still controversial. We retrospectively investigated its predictive role in disease progression following radical prostatectomy. The histological sections of radical prostatectomies from 71 clinically localized, prostatic adenocarcinoma patients were reviewed for LVI. Pre- and postoperative follow-up data were collected. LVI was identified in 15.5% of cases. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between LVI and advanced pathological stage, higher Gleason score, positive surgical margins, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and lymph node metastasis (eachp< 0.05). Multivariate analyses pointed to vascular involvement as a strong and independent predictor for PSA failure (p= 0.023), and reduced biochemical progression-free survival (p= 0.019). LVI in radical prostatectomy is an adverse prognostic finding that must be recorded in the pathology report.
Getting Better or Worse? General Health Status of 9thGrade Students in Orhangazi, Bursa, Turkey
Authors: Alper Zuleyha , Ozdemir Hakan , Uncu Yesim , Ozcakir Alis , Sadikoglu Ganime , Bayram Nuran
Published: August 2011

Adolescence is a transition phase from childhood to adulthood. In this period, rapid changes and development in their physical, biological, psychological, and social lives take place. While adolescents have to acquire many qualifications, they are faced with many problems, especially those that risk their health. In Turkey, one of the most important issues contributing to risky behaviors is the 1stPhase Nationwide High School Exam. Students must pass this phase in order to be in good high schools and to then pass the 2ndPhase University Exam. Most of their time is spent studying in school or in private teaching institutions, and less time is spent with their families or participating in social activities. In order to examine the effects on 9thgrade students after the 1stPhase exams, we conducted this study with 1192 students in Bursa, Orhangazi. Data to evaluate students by socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI), dietary, smoking, and physical activity behaviors and psychological status were collected via classroom questionnaires. We aimed to determine and evaluate the general characteristics and physical examination findings, to some extent, in a nationally representative sample of 9thgrade students a year following the Nationwide High School Exam.
Evaluation of the Tier 1 Program of Project P.A.T.H.S.: Secondary Data Analyses of Conclusions Drawn by the Program Implementers
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: August 2011

The Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) is a curricula-based positive youth development program. In the experimental implementation phase, 52 schools participated in the program. Based on subjective outcome evaluation data collected from the program participants (Form A) and program implementers (Form B) in each school, the program implementers were invited to write down five conclusions based on an integration of the evaluation findings (N = 52). The conclusions stated in the 52 evaluation reports were further analyzed via secondary data analyses in this paper. Results showed that most of the conclusions concerning perceptions of the Tier 1 Program, instructors, and effectiveness of the programs were positive in nature. There were also conclusions reflecting the respondents’ appreciation of the program. Finally, responses on the difficulties encountered and suggestions for improvements were observed. In conjunction with the previous evaluation findings, the present study suggests that the Tier 1 Program was well received by the stakeholders and the program was beneficial to the development of the program participants.