bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Legal History of the Ottoman Empire
Authors: Miller Ruth
Published: May 2008

Ottoman legal history has traditionally been a marginal field – and Ottoman law an ambiguous study hovering at the edges of a number of methodological voids. It is like any other field in that it has seen its share of conventions established, challenged, and re‐imagined. But it is also relatively unique in that it has never assumed its own centrality. Indeed, if there has been a running theme in most legal histories of the Ottoman Empire, it is that the best way to define Ottoman law is by explaining what it is not. This article will address some of the comparative frameworks that have shaped Ottoman legal history, and discuss the ways in which these frameworks are now being re‐evaluated.
The Economic Development of Southeast Asia in the Colonial Era:c.1870–1942
Authors: Booth Anne
Published: May 2008

The article attempts a survey of economic development in the main colonies of Southeast Asia, and the independent country of Thailand, in the decades from 1870 to 1940. These decades witnessed a rapid growth of exports and in several cases quite fast growth of national income. The article examines the links between expanded export trade, economic growth, the role of government and living standards. The article stresses the very considerable differences which had emerged in a number of economic and social indicators by the late 1930s.
A new potential AED, carisbamate, substantially reduces spontaneous motor seizures in rats with kainate‐induced epilepsy
Authors: Grabenstatter Heidi L. , Dudek F. Edward
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  Animal models with spontaneous epileptic seizures may be useful in the discovery of new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of carisbamate on spontaneous motor seizures in rats with kainate‐induced epilepsy.

Methods:  Repeated, low‐dose (5 mg/kg), intraperitoneal injections of kainate were administered every hour until each male Sprague‐Dawley rat had experienced convulsive status epilepticus for at least 3 h. Five 1‐month trials (n = 8–10 rats) assessed the effects of 0.3, 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg carisbamate on spontaneous seizures. Each trial involved six AED‐versus‐vehicle tests comprised of carisbamate or 10% solutol‐HS‐15 treatments administered as intraperitoneal injections on alternate days with a recovery day between each treatment day.

Results:  Carisbamate significantly reduced motor seizure frequency at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg, and caused complete seizure cessation during the 6‐h postdrug epoch in seven of the eight animals at 30 mg/kg. The effects of carisbamate (0.3–30 mg/kg) on spontaneous motor seizures appeared dose dependent.

Conclusions:  These data support the hypothesis that a repeated‐measures, crossover protocol in animal models with spontaneous seizures is an effective method for testing AEDs. Carisbamate reduced the frequency of spontaneous motor seizures in a dose‐dependent manner, and was more effective than topiramate at reducing seizures in rats with kainate‐induced epilepsy.
Association of ABCB1 genetic variants 3435C>T and 2677G>T to ABCB1 mRNA and protein expression in brain tissue from refractory epilepsy patients
Authors: Mosyagin Igor , Runge Uwe , Schroeder Henry W. , Dazert Eike , Vogelgesang Silke , Siegmund Werner , Warzok Rolf W. , Cascorbi Ingolf
Published: May 2008

Summary

Purpose: There is evidence from studies in rodents that P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) overexpression is implicated in the causation of refractory epilepsy. Genetic variants in the human ABCB1 (MDR1) gene were shown to affect the expression levels of the transporter in various tissues and to be associated with refractory epilepsy. However, the effect of the genetic variants on the P‐gp level in epileptogenic brain tissue is poorly investigated. In the present study, we examined the impact of putatively functional polymorphisms 3435C>T and 2677G>T in the ABCB1 gene on the ABCB1 mRNA expression and P‐gp content in human brain tissue from epileptogenic foci of the patients with refractory epilepsy.

Methods: Fresh brain tissue specimens were obtained from therapy‐refractory epilepsy patients during neurosurgery of the epileptogenic focus. We determined the ABCB1 mRNA expression in 23 samples using 5′ exonuclease‐based real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as the P‐gp content in 32 samples determined by immunohistochemistry, genotyping was performed by PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

Results: There was lack of association of 3435C>T and 2677G>T as well as diplotype configurations on ABCB1 mRNA expression and P‐gp content in epileptogenic brain tissues.

Conclusions: We cannot exclude an association of ABCB1 variants on P‐gp function, but our results suggest that brain ABCB1 mRNA and protein expression is not substantially influenced by major ABCB1 genetic variants thus explaining in part results from case‐control studies obtaining lack of association of ABCB1 polymorphisms to the risk of refractory epilepsy.
The prevalence of epilepsy in a rural district of Vietnam: A population‐based study from the EPIBAVI project
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Anh , Cuong Le Quang , Allebeck Peter , Chuc Nguyen Thi Kim , Persson Hans E. , Tomson Torbjörn
Published: May 2008

Summary

A field survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of active epilepsy in northern Vietnam between January and December 2005, when members of approximately 13,000 households were screened for seizure disorders. A clinical examination of all screened positive was performed by a neurologist to verify the epilepsy diagnosis, and all epilepsy cases were offered an EEG. Out of 47,269 screened, 1,338 (2.8%) had a positive response to the questionnaire. Of these, 206 fulfilled the criteria for active epilepsy, yielding a prevalence of 4.4 per 1,000 (95% CI 3.8–5.0), higher among males (5.1) than females (3.7), among those with lower compared with higher education and among single compared with those married. Only 20.6% were seizure‐free the year before the examination. The prevalence of active epilepsy in Vietnam is similar to some other Asian countries but lower than in developing countries from Africa and South America.
Low‐Income Latina Mothers' Expectations for Their Pregnant Daughters' Autonomy and Interdependence
Authors: Nadeem Erum , Romo Laura F.
Published: May 2008

Forty‐five pregnant Latina adolescents and their mothers (23 English‐speaking, 22 Spanish‐speaking) were videotaped conversing about feelings and plans related to the adolescent's pregnancy. The prevalence of the mothers' messages about the daughter's reliance on the family unit (interdependence) and the daughter's self‐sufficiency (autonomy) were related to adolescents' reported and observed feelings about their pregnancies, pending motherhood challenges, and their relationships with their mothers. Increased interdependence messages appeared to denote positive family relations among Spanish‐speaking dyads, in that these adolescents reported more positive feelings about their pregnancy, perceived that their mothers felt more positive, and perceived more maternal social support and open communication. The role of interdependence messages was less clear for adolescents from English‐speaking families. Higher levels of maternal autonomy messages had positive associations for both groups, in that it was related to higher disclosure about concerns about childcare needs among adolescents from English‐speaking families, and about educational goals for adolescents from Spanish‐speaking families.
When Is a Disruptive Innovation Disruptive?*
Authors: Schmidt Glen M. , Druehl Cheryl T.
Published: May 2008

A disruptive innovation (i.e., one that dramatically disrupts the current market) is not necessarily a disruptive innovation (as Clayton Christensen defines this term). To aid in understanding why some innovations are more (or less) disruptive to the long‐term health of incumbents, this article offers terminology and a framework complementary to Christensen's work, focusing on the diffusion pattern of the new product. The framework and model presented herein suggest that when an innovation diffuses from the low end upward toward the high end, a pattern called low‐end encroachment, the incumbent may be tempted to overlook its potential impact. Three possible types of low‐end encroachment are illustrated: the fringe‐market, detached‐market, and immediate scenarios. Conversely, when the pattern is one of high‐end encroachment, the impact on the current market is immediate and striking. A three‐step framework is identified to assess the potential diffusion pattern and impact of an innovation, thereby helping a firm determine the threat or opportunity that an innovation represents.
How Elephants Learn the New Dance When Headquarters Changes the Music: Three Case Studies on Innovation Strategy Change
Authors: Durmuşoğlu Serdar S. , McNally Regina C. , Calantone Roger J. , Harmancioglu Nukhet
Published: May 2008

Does a product innovation strategy change at company headquarters resonate the same way at different strategic business units (SBUs)? What factors play a role in differing implementation of new innovation strategies? A collective case study was conducted at three SBUs of an international conglomerate to investigate why the SBUs implement the same corporate innovation charter in vastly different manners, both in strategic processes and in organizing for new product development (NPD). This study's contribution to the literature is twofold. First, it develops initial insights into how three SBUs implement diverse SBU‐level innovation strategies in response to the same product innovation charter. Second, it extends the findings of previous studies on NPD strategy by presenting how three SBUs reshape their structure and resource allocation, changing various dimensions of their innovation strategy while also fitting the competitive structure in their individual, non‐high‐tech, traditional manufacturing industries as they respond to the corporate mandate. In this study, several factors were observed to influence a firm when formulating a new product innovation strategy. First, past performance and strategic typology constrain the innovation paths available. Poor past performance limits available resources whereas the strategic typology managers use limits their ability to recognize other opportunities. Next, capacity constraints provide a catalyst in moving toward process improvements. Third, management involvement in the day‐to‐day implementation of change is necessary to ensure that the new processes are implemented. Finally, corporate performance metrics are quite influential in how SBUs adapt to change. This study identifies that even with the immense power corporate has over these SBUs, some still dance to their own tune, ignorant of their deviation from the corporate mandate because the metric is not sufficient to detect these deviations. This study suggests the use of multiple types of metrics to minimize the likelihood of nearsighted responses to innovation charter changes.
Vulvar Pain: A Phenomenological Study of Couples in Search of Effective Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: CONNOR JENNIFER J. , ROBINSON BEAN , WIELING ELIZABETH
Published: May 2008

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS), a vulvar pain disorder, continues to puzzle medical and mental health professionals due to its unknown etiology and lack of effective treatment. This study used transcendental phenomenology methodology to explore the experiences of couples in which the woman has a diagnosis of VVS. Sixteen in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 heterosexual couples and 3 women. Four essences emerged: (1) In search of… the medical journey required extensive searching for knowledgeable and respectful practitioners to provide treatment. (2) The process of developing a personal understanding of this disorder led many couples to question their role in causing and maintaining VVS. (3) Developing strategies for coping with painful intercourse led to three strategies: becoming non‐sexual, using alternatives to vaginal sex, and altering or enduring painful intercourse. (4) Feelings of isolation were experienced as adapting to this chronic pain syndrome was often a lonely process. Clinical suggestions included: treating the couple, not just the woman with VVS; encouraging couples to broaden definitions about the importance and primacy of vaginal intercourse and suggest alternative sexual activities less likely to cause vulvar pain; developing shared meaning as a couple, and assisting couples in locating physicians and resources. Suggestions are relevant for couples with VVS and those with chronic health problems affecting sexual relationships.
Treating Family Relational Trauma: A Recursive Process Using a Decision Dialogue
Authors: SHEINBERG MARCIA , TRUE FIONA
Published: May 2008

This article describes a therapeutic process that combines individual and family sessions to maximize therapeutic opportunities to bring forward, understand, validate, and empower children's experience as equal participants in family therapy. The aim is to strengthen relational bonds within the family. Drawing from earlier work with families where incest had occurred, the authors present a recursive process that utilizes a “decision dialogue” to link individual and family sessions. Clinical examples are provided.
How do I Analyze Thee? Let Me Count the Ways: Considering Empathy in Couple Relationships using Self and Partner Ratings
Authors: BUSBY DEAN M. , GARDNER BRANDT C.
Published: May 2008

In this article we describe some of the benefits and challenges of using self ratings and ratings of the partner to measure empathy and similar terms in couple research. If both members of the dyad are assessed, there will be four measures of the same variable. How to use these 4 measures in research and clinical work is a central question in this paper. We demonstrate 3 different latent models that can be used to analyze these ratings based on different theoretical premises. Using empathy as the independent variable with a longitudinal sample of 275 couples, structural equation models are used to evaluate the strength of these models in predicting relationship satisfaction. The findings indicate that the model that is consistent with the social constructionist perspective that focuses on the perceptions within the same person is a good fit to the data. Other models that compare ratings between members of the dyad do not fit the data well. The results demonstrate that perceptions of empathy do have a significant influence on relationship satisfaction across time, especially for females. However, it is largely males' perceptions of empathy of the self and the partner that influence relationship satisfaction for females.
The Contribution of Loneliness and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to Marital Adjustment Following War Captivity: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: SOLOMON ZAHAVA , DEKEL RACHEL
Published: May 2008

This prospective study examined the relative contribution of loneliness and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to marital adjustment among Israeli veterans of the 1973 Yom Kippur war. Specifically, we examined the mediating role of loneliness as measured in 1991 in the association between PTSD as measured in 1991 and marital adjustment as measured in 2003. Our sample consisted of 225 participants divided into 2 groups: ex‐prisoners of war (ex‐POWs) (N=122) and a comparison group comprised of veterans who fought in the same war but who had not experienced captivity (N=103). The findings demonstrate that ex‐POWs display lower levels of marital adjustment and higher levels of PTSD than controls. Loneliness was found to mediate the relationship between PTSD as measured in 1991 and marital adjustment as measured in 2003 for both ex‐POWs and controls. Further, for ex‐POWs, loneliness contributes to marital adjustment above and beyond the contribution of PTSD as measured in 2003. The theoretical implications of loneliness for the marital relationships of traumatized ex‐POWs are discussed.
Substrate‐ and Ubiquitin‐Dependent Trafficking of the Yeast Siderophore Transporter Sit1
Authors: Erpapazoglou Zoi , Froissard Marine , Nondier Isabelle , Lesuisse Emmanuel , Haguenauer‐Tsapis Rosine , Belgareh‐Touzé Naïma
Published: May 2008

Eukaryotic plasma membrane transporters are subjected to a tightly regulated intracellular trafficking. The yeast siderophore iron transporter1 (Sit1) displays substrate‐regulated trafficking. It is targeted to the plasma membrane or to a vacuolar degradative pathway when synthesized in the presence or absence of external substrate, respectively. Sorting of Sit1 to the vacuolar pathway is dependent on the clathrin adaptor Gga2, and more specifically on its C‐GAT subdomain. Plasma membrane undergoes substrate‐induced ubiquitylation dependent on the Rsp5 ubiquitin protein ligase. Sit1 is also ubiquitylated in an Rsp5‐dependent manner in internal compartments when expressed in the absence of substrate. In several rsp5 mutants including cells deleted for RSP5, Sit1 expressed in the absence of substrate is correctly targeted to the endosomal pathway but its sorting to multivesicular bodies (MVBs) is impaired. Consequently, it displays endosome to plasma membrane targeting, with kinetics similar to those observed in vps mutants defective for MVB sorting. Plasma membrane Sit1 is modified by Lys63‐linked ubiquitin chains. We also show for the first time in yeast that modification by this latter type of ubiquitin chains is required directly or indirectly for efficient MVB sorting, as it is for efficient internalization at the plasma membrane.
Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein Induces Lipid Droplet Redistribution in a Microtubule‐ and Dynein‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Boulant Steeve , Douglas Mark W. , Moody Laura , Budkowska Agata , Targett‐Adams Paul , McLauchlan John
Published: May 2008

Attachment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein to lipid droplets (LDs) is linked to release of infectious progeny from infected cells. Core progressively coats the entire LD surface from a unique site on the organelle, and this process coincides with LD aggregation around the nucleus. We demonstrate that LD redistribution requires only core protein and is accompanied by reduced abundance of adipocyte differentiation‐related protein (ADRP) on LD surfaces. Using small hairpin RNA technology, we show that knock down of ADRP has a similar phenotypic effect on LD redistribution. Hence, ADRP is crucial to maintain a disperse intracellular distribution of LDs. From additional experimental evidence, LDs are associated with microtubules and aggregate principally around the microtubule‐organizing centre in HCV‐infected cells. Disrupting the microtubule network or microinjecting anti‐dynein antibody prevented core‐mediated LD redistribution. Moreover, microtubule disruption reduced virus titres, implicating transport networks in virus assembly and release. We propose that the presence of core on LDs favours their movement towards the nucleus, possibly to increase the probability of interaction between sites of HCV RNA replication and virion assembly.
Wegener's granulomatosis presenting as pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Boudny Clara , Nievergelt Helga , Braathen Lasse R. , Simon Dagmar
Published: May 2008

Half of the patients with Wegener's granulomatosis develop skin lesions due to the systemic vasculitis. Wegener's granulomatosis should be included in the differential diagnostic considerations for necrotic ulcers, including leg ulcers. We present a case which demonstrates the importance of histological evaluation of a skin biopsy from the margin of the ulcer for establishing the diagnosis. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies with antigen specificity for proteinase 3 (PR3‐ANCA) were detected supporting the diagnosis of Wegener granulomatosis. Further evaluation showed involvement of the eyes and kidneys. The ulcer rapidly healed under treatment with cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids.
Skin cancer: Follow‐Up, rehabilitation, palliative and supportive care
Authors: Ugurel Selma , Enk Alexander
Published: May 2008

Follow‐up, rehabilitation and palliative/supportive care are essential parts of the care and treatment of skin cancer patients. This review provides an overview on the state of knowledge and recent developments in these three disciplines, hereby providing standard operating procedures for the dermatologist in the care of skin cancer patients. Especially in follow‐up and supportive care, the results of recent clinical trials have led to significant changes in the standard of care. These new insights and their consequences are the special focus of this article.
Intimate Partner Violence and Interference with Women's Efforts to Avoid Pregnancy in Jordan
Authors: Clark Cari Jo , Silverman Jay , Khalaf Inaam A. , Abu Ra'ad Basem , Abu Al Sha'ar Zeinab , Abu Al Ata Abdullah , Batieha Anwar
Published: May 2008

This study examines the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and women's experience of interference with their attempts to avoid pregnancy among 353 women surveyed at reproductive health clinics throughout Jordan. Approximately 20 percent of respondents indicated that their husbands or someone else had interfered. Among those others than husbands who were identified, mothers‐in‐law were the most frequently mentioned, followed by the respondents' mothers and sisters‐in‐law. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for potential confounders in determining whether each of the three measures of intimate partner violence (physical violence, sexual violence, and controlling behaviors) was significantly associated with having an increased risk of experiencing interference, as were several sociodemographic variables: nonconsanguineous marriage, residence with in‐laws, and rural residence. Physicians, nurses, and family planning counselors must be made aware of the challenges that women may face from their families when they attempt to regulate their fertility.
Introduction to the Second Donne Cluster: Three Papers from The Texas A&M John Donne Collection: A Symposium and Exhibition
Authors: Stringer Gary A.
Published: May 2008

This paper introduces the second Literature Compass panel cluster arising from The Texas A&M John Donne Collection: A Symposium and Exhibition. Comprising an introduction by Gary Stringer and three of the papers presented at the symposium, this cluster seeks to examine the current state of Donne Studies and aims to provide a snapshot of the field. The symposium was held April 6–7, 2006.

The cluster is made up of the following articles:

‘Introduction to the Second Donne Cluster: Three Papers from The Texas A&M John Donne Collection: A Symposium and Exhibition’, Gary A. Stringer, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00551.x.

‘Donne into Print: The Seventeenth‐Century Collected Editions of Donne's Poetry’, Ted‐Larry Pebworth, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00552.x.

‘“a mixed Parenthesis”: John Donne's Letters to Severall Persons of Honour’, M. Thomas Hester, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00553.x.

‘What We Think About Donne: A History of Donne Criticism in Twenty Minutes’, Paul A. Parrish, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00554.x.
Betaine protects urea‐induced denaturation of myosin subfragment‐1
Authors: Ortiz‐Costa Susana , Sorenson Martha M. , Sola‐Penna Mauro
Published: May 2008

We have demonstrated previously that urea inhibits the activity and alters the tertiary structure of skeletal muscle myosin in a biphasic manner. This was attributed to differential effects on its globular and filamentous portion. The inhibition of catalytic activity was counteracted by methylamines. With the aim of comprehending the effects of urea on the catalytic (globular) portion of myosin, this study examines the effects of urea and the countereffects of betaine on the catalytic activity and structure of myosin subfragment‐1. It is shown that urea inactivates subfragment‐1 in parallel with its ability to induce exposure of the enzyme hydrophobic domains, as assessed using intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence. Both effects are counteracted by betaine, which alone does not significantly affect subfragment‐1. Urea also enhances the accessibility of thiol groups, promotes aggregation and decreases the α‐helix content of S1, effects that are also counteracted by betaine. We conclude that urea‐induced inactivation of the enzyme is caused by partial unfolding of the myosin catalytic domain.
Effect of oxidised regenerated cellulose/collagen matrix on proteases in wound exudate of patients with chronic venous ulceration
Authors: Smeets Ralf , Ulrich Dietmar , Unglaub Frank , Wöltje Michael , Pallua Norbert
Published: May 2008

Oxidised regenerated cellulose/collagen matrix (ORC/collagen matrix) modifies wound microenvironments by binding and inactivating excess levels of proteases such as elastase, plasmin and gelatinases in wound exudates. To compare levels of the gelatinases matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2), elastase and plasmin in wound exudates collected from chronic venous insufficiency patients with venous leg ulcers treated with either an ORC/collagen matrix or a standard control therapy. During a 12‐week treatment period, wound exudate samples were obtained from a control group of 10 patients treated with a hydrocolloid dressing and a treatment group of 17 patients treated with a combination of ORC/collagen matrix and hydrocolloid dressing. On admission and days 5, 14 and every subsequent 14th day, ulcers were photographed to determine healing rate and changes in ulcer appearance, and MMP‐2 concentration and the gelatinase, elastase and plasmin activities were analysed from wound exudates. The patients treated with ORC/collagen matrix showed a significant decrease in elastase, plasmin and gelastinase activity as compared with the control group, with no significant difference in the MMP‐2 concentrations between the two groups. The results show a significant and immediate reduction in protease activity in wound exudates from venous leg ulcers treated with ORC/collagen.
Wounds in advanced illness: a prevalence and incidence study based on a prospective case series
Authors: Maida Vincent , Corbo Mario , Dolzhykov Michael , Ennis Marguerite , Irani Shiraz , Trozzolo Linda
Published: May 2008

A prospective observational sequential case series was studied in order to ascertain an accurate inventory of the various wound types, their point prevalence and incidence rates and their anatomic locations in patients with advanced illness. Five hundred and ninety‐three patients were serially assessed until their deaths. Forty‐three individual wound types were identified and grouped into nine distinct classes. Data were stratified between patients suffering from malignant and non malignant disorders. One thousand and thirty‐six individual wounds (average 1·8 wounds per patient) were identified at baseline. Eight hundred and ninety‐one individual wounds (average 1·5 wounds per patient) were identified between baseline and their date of death. Pressure ulcers constituted the most commonly occurring wound class affecting more than 50% of all patients. Malignant wounds were observed only in cancer patients. Baseline point prevalence for pressure ulcers, traumatic wounds, venous ulcers and arterial ulcers in non cancer patients exceeded that in cancer patients. At baseline, iatrogenic wounds were more prevalent in cancer patients than in non cancer patients. Incidence rates for pressure ulcers, traumatic wounds, diabetic ulcers, arterial ulcers and ostomies in non cancer patients exceeded those in cancer patients. The broad range of wounds along with high rates of prevalence and incidence, identified in this study, reflects that wounds represent a significant management issue for patients with advanced illness. Therefore, there exists a need for advancement in modalities and measures aimed at risk assessment, prevention and appropriate goal‐oriented management.
Topical antimicrobial therapy of chronic wounds healing by secondary intention using iodine products
Authors: Leaper David J. , Durani Piyush
Published: May 2008

All open wounds healing by secondary intention are contaminated by bacteria and in chronic wounds this can progress through colonisation to invasive infection. Iodine products reduce bacterial load and are active against most species of micro‐organisms, and certainly those encountered in chronic wound care. This review evaluates the use of iodine products in chronic wound care including povidone‐iodine solutions and cadexomer iodine. Antiseptics containing iodine are relatively cheap, resistance is unknown and concerns about systemic toxicity are probably overstated. More widespread use of these agents as topical anti‐microbials in chronic wound care should be considered to reduce the need for systemic antibiotics when colonisation has progressed to invasive infection with systemic signs.
A prospective randomised controlled clinical trial comparing hydrosurgery debridement with conventional surgical debridement in lower extremity ulcers
Authors: Caputo Wayne J , Beggs Donald J , DeFede Jessica L , Simm Lisa , Dharma Hussein
Published: May 2008

Debridement of devitalised tissue is an essential component of the effective treatment of chronic wounds. The Versajet™ Hydrosurgery System is a new technology that simultaneously cuts and aspirates soft tissue. In this study we compared Versajet with conventional surgical techniques in the debridement of lower extremity ulcers to assess impact on time and resources for debridement. Forty‐one patients with a mean age of 68 years (range 33 to 95 years) underwent surgical debridement of a lower extremity ulcer. Operating room (OR) sessions were randomised to Versajet (n= 22) or conventional debridement (n= 19) with scalpel plus pulsed lavage. Procedure time and utilisation of consumables were recorded. Wound areas were monitored for 12 weeks. There was significant evidence (P < 0·008) of a shorter debridement time (10·8 min) using Versajet over conventional debridement (17·7 min); a mean saving of 6·9 minutes (39%). In addition, a significant reduction in use of pulsed lavage and saline (P < 0·001) was observed with Versajet. Overall, clinical efficacy of the shorter debridement procedure was similar: median time to wound closure 71 days (Versajet) vs. 74 days (conventional) (P= 0·733). We found Versajet to be quicker than conventional debridement in the debridement of lower extremity ulcers without compromising wound healing. Potential cost savings were identified from the use of VERSAJET through the shorter debridement time allowing more patients to be treated in the same operating schedule.
Evaluation of the nano‐oligosaccharide factor lipido‐colloid matrix in the local management of venous leg ulcers: results of a randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Schmutz Jean‐Luc , Meaume Sylvie , Fays Ségolène , Ourabah Zohva , Guillot Bernard , Thirion Valéne , Collier Mark , Barrett Simon , Smith J , Bohbot Serge , Dompmartin Anne
Published: May 2008

The nano‐oligosaccharide factor (NOSF) is a new compound aiming to promote wound closure mainly through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. This factor is incorporated within a lipido‐colloid matrix (Techonology Lipido‐Colloid‐NOSF matrix) and locally released in the wound. The objective of this study was to document the performance (non inferiority or superiority) of the NOSF relative to the Promogran® matrix (oxidised regenerated cellulose, ORC) effect in the local management of venous leg ulcers (VLUs). This was a 12‐week, open, two‐arm, multicentre, randomised study. Patients were selected if the area of their VLU [ankle brachial pressure index ≥0·80] ranged from 5 to 25 cm2 with a duration ≥3 months. Ulcers had to be free from necrotic tissue. In addition to receiving compression bandage therapy, patients were randomly allocated to either NOSF matrix or ORC treatment for 12 weeks. The VLUs were assessed on a weekly basis and wound tracings were recorded. Percentage wound relative reduction (%RR) was the primary efficacy criterion. Secondary objectives were wound absolute reduction (AR), healing rate (HR) and % of wounds with ≥40% reduction compared with baseline. A total of 117 patients were included (57 NOSF matrix and 60 ORC). Mean population age was 71·3 ± 13·5 years, body mass index was ≥30 kg/m2 in 39·3% and 15·4% were diabetics. Fifty‐six per cent of the VLUs were present for >6 months, 61% were recurrent and 68% were stagnating despite appropriate care. Mean wound area at baseline was 11·2 ± 7·4 cm2. At the last evaluation, mean difference between the groups for %RR was 33·6 ± 15·0% in favour of NOSF matrix with a unilateral 95% confidence interval (CI) lower limit of 8·6% not including the null value. Therefore, a superiority of NOSF matrix effect compared with ORC was concluded (P = 0·0059 for superiority test). The median of the wound area reduction was 61·1% and 7·7% in the NOSF matrix and control groups, respectively (per‐protocol analysis), or 54·4% versus 12·9% in intent‐to‐treat analysis (p = 0·0286). Median AR was 4·2 cm2 in the NOSF group and 1·0 cm2 with ORC (P = 0·01). Median HR was −0·056 and −0·015 cm2/day in NOSF and ORC groups, respectively (P = 0·029). By logistic regression, the NOSF versus control odds ratio to reach 40% area reduction was 2·4 (95% CI: 1·1–5·3; P = 0·026). In the oldest and largest VLUs, a strong promotion of healing effect was particularly observed in the NOSF matrix group compared with the control group. NOSF matrix is a very promising option for the local management of chronic wounds, especially for VLUs with poor healing prognosis.
Retrospective clinical evaluation of gauze‐based negative pressure wound therapy*
Authors: Campbell Penny E , Smith Gary S , Smith Jennifer M
Published: May 2008

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an established modality in the treatment of challenging wounds. However, most existing clinical evidence is derived from the use of open‐cell polyurethane foam at −125 mmHg. Alternative negative pressure systems are becoming available, which use gauze at a pressure of −80 mmHg. This study describes clinical results from a retrospective non comparative analysis of 30 patients treated with Chariker‐Jeter gauze‐based negative pressure systems (V1STA™, Versatile‐1™ and EZ‐Care™; Smith & Nephew, Inc.) in a long‐term care setting. The mean age of the patients was 72 years. The wounds consisted of chronic (n = 11), surgical dehiscence (n = 11) and surgical incision (n = 8). Wound volume and area were recorded at commencement and at the cessation of therapy. Discontinuation of therapy was instigated upon closure through secondary intention or when size and exudate were sufficiently reduced that the wounds could be managed by conventional wound dressing (median 41 days). An overall median reduction in wound volume of 88·0% (P < 0·001) and a 68·0% reduction in area (P < 0·001) compared with baseline were observed over the course of NPWT. The overall rate of volume reduction (15·1% per week) compares favourably with published data from foam‐based systems.
Indicators of Premature Ejaculation and Their Associations with Sexual Distress in a Population-Based Sample of Young Twins and Their Siblings
Authors: Jern Patrick , Santtila Pekka , Johansson Ada , Varjonen Markus , Witting Katarina , Ålgars Monica , Alanko Katarina , Von Der Pahlen Bettina , Sandnabba Kenneth
Published: May 2008

Introduction

Recently, in anticipation of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V, much consideration has been given to the diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation (PE). The scientific community is yet to agree not only on the etiology of PE, but also on the most suitable diagnosis and forms of treatment. It has been suggested that the diagnostic criteria of PE should be strictly empirical and rely on intravaginal latency time alone, whereas others stress the need to also include psychological and personal factors.

Aim

To examine different indicators of PE and their relationship with and ability to predict sexual distress.

Main Outcome Measures

Statistical analyses of data on sexual distress and different measures of ejaculatory function on a population-based sample of 3,332 Finnish men.

Methods

The present study involved a population-based sample of 3,332 males, of which 2,328 were twins aged 18–33, and 1,004 were over 18-year-old siblings to the aforementioned (M = 26.17 years of age). The individual contributions of different PE-indicator variables to experienced sexual distress were investigated by calculating correlations and performing a regression analysis.

Results

All included indicators of PE were significantly associated with sexual distress, and significant and logical differences in sexual distress were found between intravariable levels for several of the indicator variables. Only variables relating to subjective experience (e.g., worrying about PE) were uniquely related to sexual distress when other indicators were controlled for.

Conclusions

The results suggest that variables measuring subjective experience may be useful when considering diagnostic criteria if indicators that are related to sexual distress are considered useful. However, overall, the association between PE and sexual distress is not especially strong, emphasizing the fact that more objective indicators of PE may not necessarily be associated with significant distress.
Annexin II, a Novel HSP27‐interacted Protein, is Involved in Resistance to UVC‐induced Cell Death in Human APr‐1 Cells
Authors: Tong Xiao‐Bo , Kita Kazuko , Karata Kiyonobu , Zhu Chang‐Lin , Sugaya Shigeru , Ichimura Yoshinobu , Satoh Mamoru , Tomonaga Takeshi , Nomura Fumio , Jin Yuan‐Hu , Suzuki Nobuo
Published: May 2008

Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is implicated in diverse biologic functions as a molecular chaperone. We found that HSP27 is involved in the protection of human cells against UVC lethality. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying UVC resistance, we searched for HSP27‐interacted proteins related to resistance in UVC‐resistant human cells, APr‐1. Three candidates for HSP27‐interacted proteins were found from cell lysates using an affinity column coupled with GST‐fused HSP27 protein. Interaction between HSP27 and two candidates, annexin II and HSP70, was confirmed by immunoprecipitation analysis. After UVC irradiation, the amount of the complex of HSP27 and annexin II decreased in the postnuclear fraction, while it increased in the nuclear fraction. Cells transfected with annexin II–siRNA were more susceptible to UVC lethality. These results suggest that annexin II is a novel HSP27‐interacted protein which is involved in UVC resistance in human cells, at least those tested here.
Daytime levels of melatonin in patients with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Schmid‐Kubista Katharina E. , Glittenberg Carl G. , Cezanne Melanie , Holzmann Klaus , Neumaier‐Ammerer Beatrix , Binder Susanne
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) (MT) is a hormone that acts as an antioxidant. It is produced by the pineal gland and within the retina; its release is blocked by light entering the eye. We examined whether MT daytime levels differ between pseudophakic patients with age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD) and pseudophakic subjects without any ocular pathology of the same age.

Methods:  A prospective, cross‐sectional, observational study was performed. Pseudophakic patients of the same age group were included. Patients underwent complete ophthalmic examinations and blood sampling between 08:00 and 10:00 hr. MT daytime value in the serum was the main outcome measure.

Results:  Sixty‐nine pseudophakic patients were included. Fifty patients with exudative and non‐exudative ARMD were in the study group while 19 patients were controls. Patients with ARMD had significantly higher daytime levels of MT (P = 0.003). There were significant differences in MT daytime levels between the exudative and non‐exudative forms (P = 0.009). MT values also correlated with the best‐corrected visual acuity (r = −0.285, P = 0.019).

Conclusion:  These data indicate that pseudophakic patients with ARMD produce more MT during the day compared to pseudophakic subjects without ARMD. This may be caused by the reduced visual acuity in patients with ARMD, whereby less light reaches the photoreceptors, allowing MT secretion to continue during the day. Because MT also acts as an antioxidant and daytime levels are higher in patients with ARMD, these results might be interpreted as a rescue factor.
Breathing rhythms and emotions
Authors: Homma Ikuo , Masaoka Yuri
Published: May 2008

Respiration is primarily regulated for metabolic and homeostatic purposes in the brainstem. However, breathing can also change in response to changes in emotions, such as sadness, happiness, anxiety or fear. Final respiratory output is influenced by a complex interaction between the brainstem and higher centres, including the limbic system and cortical structures. Respiration is important in maintaining physiological homeostasis and co‐exists with emotions. In this review, we focus on the relationship between respiration and emotions by discussing previous animal and human studies, including studies of olfactory function in relation to respiration and the piriform–amygdala in relation to respiration. In particular, we discuss oscillations of piriform–amygdala complex activity and respiratory rhythm.
Development of a Virtual Environment for Surface Topomorphy and Roughness Determination in Milling Operations
Authors: Nikolaos Bilalis , Markos Petousis
Published: May 2008

Surface roughness is a key parameter for determining the quality of machined parts. A graphical model for the calculation of quantitative data affecting surface roughness of machined surfaces was developed. The model allows the determination of the accurate machined surface in cloud of points form retrieved from the visualization system Z buffer in a three dimensional graphics environment developed in OPENGL. Critical quantitative parameters for surface roughness, such as RaRyRtiRz, and mean line, are determined from this topomorphy. The results together with the operations are visualized in a virtual machine shop environment developed in a commercial development toolkit.
Flattenable Mesh Surface Fitting on Boundary Curves
Authors: Wang Charlie C. L.
Published: May 2008

This paper addresses the problem of fitting flattenable mesh surfaces in R3onto piecewise linear boundary curves, where a flattenable mesh surface inherits the isometric mapping to a planar region in R2. The developable surface in differential geometry shows the nice property. However, it is difficult to fit developable surfaces to a boundary with complex shape. The technique presented in this paper can model a piecewise linear flattenable surface that interpolates the given boundary curve and approximates the cross-tangent normal vectors on the boundary. At first, an optimal planar polygonal region is computed from the given boundary curve B∊R3, triangulated into a planar mesh surface, and warped into a mesh surface in R3, satisfying the continuities defined on B. Then, the fitted mesh surface is further optimized into a flattenable Laplacian (FL) mesh, which preserves the positional continuity and minimizes the variation of cross-tangential normals. Assembled set of such FL mesh patches can be employed to model complex products fabricated from sheets without stretching.
Geometric Modeling of Fluted Cutters
Authors: Tandon Puneet , Gupta Phalguni , Dhande Sanjay G.
Published: May 2008

Geometries of cutting tools are usually represented by two-dimensional models. This paper outlines the construction of detailed computer aided design models for a variety of fluted cutters that includes slab mills, end mills, and drills; and establishes a new three-dimensional definition for the geometry of fluted cutters in terms of biparametric surface patches. This work presents unified models of both plain and helical slab mills, end mills (with different end geometries), and drills (with a variety of point styles). The surfaces meant for cutting operations, known as flutes, are modeled as helicoidal surfaces. To model the flutes, sectional geometry of tip-to-tip profile is developed and then it is swept according to a sweeping rule, determined by the type of the cutter under consideration. The slab mill consists of flutes and two planar end surfaces, while the end mills and drills have shanks and end geometries also (in addition to the flutes). The geometric models of shank and end geometries are separately developed. The transitional surfaces of these cutters are modeled as bicubic Bézier surfaces or biparametric sweep surfaces. The proposed models employ a novel nomenclature that defines the form of cutting tools in terms of three-dimensional rotational angles. The relations required to map the proposed three-dimensional angles to conventional angles (forward mapping) and their reverse relations (inverse mapping) are also developed for all three types of fluted cutters. The new paradigm offers immense technological advantages in terms of numerous downstream applications.
Metallo-β-Lactamase Gene
bla
IMP-15
in a Class 1 Integron, In
95
, from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Clinical Isolates from a Hospital in Mexico
Authors: Garza-Ramos U. , Morfin-Otero R. , Sader H. S. , Jones R. N. , Hernández E. , Rodriguez-Noriega E. , Sanchez A. , Carrillo B. , Esparza-Ahumada S. , Silva-Sanchez J.
Published: May 2008

During 2003, 40 carbapenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates collected in a Mexican tertiary-care hospital were screened for metallo-β-lactamase production. Thirteen isolates produced IMP-15, and 12 had a single pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern. The
bla
IMP-15
gene cassette was inserted in a plasmid-borne integron with a unique array of gene cassettes and was named In
95
.
Cyclic-di-GMP Regulates Extracellular Polysaccharide Production, Biofilm Formation, and Rugose Colony Development by
Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Nakhamchik Alina , Wilde Caroline , Rowe-Magnus Dean A.
Published: May 2008

Vibrio vulnificus
is a human and animal pathogen that carries the highest death rate of any food-borne disease agent. It colonizes shellfish and forms biofilms on the surfaces of plankton, algae, fish, and eels. Greater understanding of biofilm formation by the organism could provide insight into approaches to decrease its load in filter feeders and on biotic surfaces and control the occurrence of invasive disease. The capsular polysaccharide (CPS), although essential for virulence, is not required for biofilm formation under the conditions used here. In other bacteria, increased biofilm formation often correlates with increased exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. We exploited the translucent phenotype of acapsular mutants to screen a
V. vulnificus
genomic library and identify genes that imparted an opaque phenotype to both CPS biosynthesis and transport mutants. One of these encoded a diguanylate cyclase (DGC), an enzyme that synthesizes bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP). This prompted us to use this DGC, DcpA, to examine the effect of elevated c-di-GMP levels on several developmental pathways in
V. vulnificus
. Increased c-di-GMP levels induced the production of an EPS that was distinct from the CPS and dramatically enhanced biofilm formation and rugosity in a CPS-independent manner. However, the EPS could not compensate for the loss of CPS production that is required for virulence. In contrast to
V. cholerae
, motility and virulence appeared unaffected by elevated levels of c-di-GMP.