bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Fixation of Comminuted Fractures of the Humerus: Initial Experience at Al Razi Hospital, Kuwait
Authors: Pospula Wieslaw , Abu Noor Tarek
Published: October 2006

Objective: To present initial experience of 12 cases of percutaneous plating of the comminuted fractures of the humerus using minimal access surgery and standard low-contact dynamic compression plate. Patients and Methods: Twelve patients (11 males and 1 female) with an average age of 29.8 years (range 17–46 years) with comminuted diaphyseal fractures of the humerus were treated by minimal access surgery using standard AO/ASIF implants. Fracture was reduced indirectly either by manipulation or by a femoral distractor. Image intensifier was used to monitor the reduction and fixation. The plate was fixed on the anterior surface of the humerus using proximal and distal minimal incision on the anterior aspect of the upper arm. Results: All fractures were united, and all patients had a good range of motion in the adjacent joints. In 1 patient, there was a transient neurological deficit. Conclusion: Percutaneous fixation of comminuted fractures of the humeral shaft is an alternative to standard open surgery, reducing the surgical impact and giving an excellent functional result.
Obesity: A Risk Factor for Acute Myocardial Infarction with Angiographically Patent Epicardial Coronary Vessels in an Adolescent
Authors: El-Menyar Ayman A. , Gomaa Mohammed M. , Arafa Salah E.O.
Published: October 2006

Objective: Toreport a causal relationship between myocardial infarction (MI) and obesity in an adolescent in the absence of the well-known risk factors for MI. Case Presentation and Intervention: A morbidly obese 17-year-old male, a nonsmoker, nondiabetic and normotensive patient, who sustained acute inferior MI with no family history of coronary artery disease, presented with central chest pain. ECG showed low voltage, normal sinus rhythm and ST segment elevation in the inferior leads; cardiac enzymes were elevated. Screening for ethanol and cocaine were negative. He was admitted to the coronary-care unit as a case of inferior MI with late presentation. Cardiac catheterization revealed patent epicardial coronary arteries; short- and long-term plans for weight reduction and family counseling were started. The hospital stay was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home on the fourth day. Conclusion: Based on clinical and laboratory findings, we assume that the MI might partly be secondary to coronary artery spasm or invisible premature atherosclerotic plaques. Public education and awareness for this complication in a young obese patient are warranted.
Infant Botulism due to Consumption of Contaminated Commercially Prepared Honey
Authors: van der Vorst Maria M.J. , Jamal Wafaa , Rotimi Vincent O. , Moosa Alie
Published: October 2006

Objective: To report the first case of infant botulism in Arabian Gulf States. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 6-week-old infant, presenting with signs of sepsis, was intubated and ventilated due to progressive weakness. Infant botulism was suspected with acute flaccid paralysis and a history of honey consumption. An electromyogram showed decreased amplitude of compound muscle action potential in all motor nerves, preserved sensory responses; the motor terminal latencies and motor conduction velocities were normal. Blood, stool and honey samples were sent for culture. Stool and honey cultures showed two identical strains of Clostridium botulinum.Conclusion: This case shows that the infant botulism occurred from the ingested contaminated honey. Hence vigilance should be maintained when a baby is fed honey and shows signs of progressive weakness because the disease can quickly progress to respiratory failure.
Socio-Demographic Variation of Dementia Subtypes in China: Methodology and Results of a Prevalence Study in Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xian
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Xin , Zahner Gwendolyn E.P. , Román Gustavo C. , Liu Xie-He , Wu Cheng-Bing , Hong Zhen , Hong Xia , Tang Mao-Ni , Zhou Bing , Qu Qiu-Ming , Zhang Xiao-Jun , Li Hui
Published: October 2006

Objective: To characterize sociodemographic variations in the prevalence of AD and VaD in China. Methods: Data were collected in a 1997–1998, cross-sectional, door-to-door prevalence survey of 34,807 community residents ages ≧55 years in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xian. Initial diagnoses of AD and VaD were assessed by clinicians using standardized protocols, according to the NINCDS-ADRDA and NINDS-AIREN criteria; diagnoses were confirmed after 6 months by repeating neuropsychological evaluations. Prevalence odds ratios were estimated in logistic models adjusting for survey design, age, and other sociodemographic factors. Results: We identified 732 prevalent cases of AD and 295 cases of VaD. Adjusting for all sociodemographic factors concurrently, prevalence odds of AD and VaD were higher in northern versus southern China. Age trends for AD appeared different in western and eastern China. AD also showed an age-adjusted elevation among women and, in the fully adjusted model, a gender education interaction indicating a female preponderance in the highest education group. North-south variation for VaD was age-dependent. In the fully adjusted model, for AD, widowed had significantly higher prevalence odds; for VaD, widowed persons and minorities had significantly lower prevalence odds; professionals had statistically significant and borderline lower prevalence odds for both VaD and AD; sales-service occupations had significantly lower odds for AD only. Conclusion: We observed variations in prevalence for AD and VaD in different regions and demographic groups in China that persisted after controlling for potential confounding factors. Sociodemographic factors are probable surrogates for conditions such as lifestyle, environment, comorbidities, and life expectancy.
Surgical Shunt Closure via the Lumen of an Intrahepatic Portal Aneurysm
Authors: Ariizumi S. , Takasaki K. , Yamamoto M. , Katsuragawa H. , Katagiri S. , Yoshitoshi K. , Kotera Y.
Published: October 2006

Background/Aims: A surgical shunt closure via the lumen of an intrahepatic portal aneurysm was successfully performed in a 70-year-old Japanese woman with hepatic encephalopathy due to hyperammonemia. She had a 4-month history of repeated hepatic encephalopathy which persisted after treatment with oral medicine. Color Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a cystic peripheral portal aneurysm, 4 cm in diameter, connecting the posterior branch of the portal vein to the short hepatic vein in the right lobe. Methods: While performing the Pringle maneuver and clamping the inferior vena cava below the liver, the wall of the portal aneurysm was opened, and the site of inflow from the portal vein and the site of outflow to the hepatic vein via the lumen of the portal aneurysm were closed with interrupted sutures. Results: The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged 12 days after surgery. 12 months after surgery, she had no recurrence of hyperammonemia or hepatic encephalopathy. Conclusion: Surgical shunt closure via the lumen of a portal aneurysm can be performed safely, easily, and completely with good vision.
Real-TimeReflectance Confocal Microscopy, a Noninvasive Tool for in vivo Quantitative Evaluation of Comedolysis in the Rhino Mouse Model
Authors: Nakano K. , Kiyokane K. , Benvenuto-Andrade C. , González S.
Published: October 2006

Background: Near-infrared reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive tool that provides real-time images of thin virtual horizontal tissue sections. Aims/Methods: We have used a rhino mouse model in combination with topical application of all-trans-retinoic acid and all-trans-retinol to investigate the usefulness of RCM as a noninvasive imaging tool to evaluate comedolysis in vivo and over time. Optical images were correlated with routine histology. Results: Our results demonstrate that RCM in vivo can visualize the process of transformation of utriculi (pseudocomedones) towards a normal-appearing follicular structure during retinoid treatment. The retinoic acid intervention group showed a dose-related response, while the vehicle-treated group did not show utricular changes. Conclusions: RCM represents a useful tool for in vivo morphological and quantitative evaluation of skin utriculi over time and could be used as an adjunct tool to histopathological techniques for comedolysis studies.
Anti-Inflammatory and Skin-Hydrating Properties of a Dietary Supplement and Topical Formulations Containing Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins
Authors: Hughes-Formella B. , Wunderlich O. , Williams R.
Published: October 2006

Background: Anti-inflammatory and skin hydration properties of a dietary supplement and 2 topical formulations (Anthogenol®) with oligomeric proanthocyanidins were investigated. Methods: Forty-two subjects were randomized into 2 groups: one taking the dietary supplement (100 mg/day) and the other without supplement. After 4 weeks, erythema was induced using UV radiation followed by treatment with topical cream or lotion. Erythema was measured for up to 72 h after irradiation. Skin hydration after 1 and 2 weeks of application of the cream and lotion was also measured in separate test fields. Results: Both topical formulations led to a significant suppression of erythema formation and the dietary supplement led to an additional slightly stronger suppression. Thus 72 h after UV exposure and compared to the control fields of patients that had not taken a dietary supplement, erythema was slightly (13.2%) lower in the subjects that had taken a dietary supplement. The cream resulted in a maximal reduction of erythema of 45.9% (p = 0.0015), while the lotion resulted in a maximal reduction of 53.1% (p = 0.0002). Both topical formulations also increased skin hydration (by nearly 20%; p < 0.002 for all combinations of dietary supplementation and topical treatment) and the hydration was higher in the group taking the dietary supplement. Conclusion: The regular use of Anthogenol® products may help to protect from free-radical-mediated skin inflammation and to increase skin hydration.
Rate of Decline of GFR and Progression of Vascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Diabetic or Vascular Nephropathy during the Last Three Years before Starting Dialysis Therapy
Authors: Biesenbach Georg , Schmekal Bernhard , Pieringer Herwig , Janko O.
Published: October 2006

Background: The progression of chronic renal insufficiency depends on the type of primary renal disease and blood pressure (BP) levels. We investigated the rate of decline of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during 3 years prior to the start of dialysis therapy in type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy (dNP) or vascular nephropathy (vNP). The aim of the study was to determine differences in the progression of renal insufficiency and the prevalence of vascular diseases in the two patient groups. Methods: In a retrospective study, we investigated type 2 diabetic patients with chronic renal insufficiency who were undergoing regular controls in our outpatient care unit for at least 3 years prior to the start of dialysis. We evaluated only patients who had already died under chronic dialysis therapy, and whose diagnosis of primary renal disease was histologically conformed at autopsy. A total of 40 type 2 diabetic patients were included in the study. Of these, 28 patients had dNP (age 62 ± 8 years) and 12 had vNP (age 70 ± 7 years). The following parameters were determined at 3- to 6-month intervals: body weight, BP, HbA1c, serum creatinine (Cr), Cr clearance (Cockroft formula), cholesterol and triglycerides. The prevalence of vascular disease in the two groups was also assessed. Results: The average decrease in Cr clearance was 7.7 ± 2.4 ml/min/year in patients with dNP and 7.7 ± 2.1 ml/min/year in those with vNP (NS). During the entire observation period, mean HbA1c values (7.0 ± 0.8 vs. 6.8 ± 0.6%), systolic BP (137 ± 8 vs. 138 ± 11 mm Hg) and diastolic BP (86 ± 4 vs. 87 ± 7 mm Hg), cholesterol and triglycerides did not differ significantly in the two groups. The prevalence of vascular disease 3 years prior to and at the start of dialysis therapy was similar in patients with dNP and vNP. Conclusion: The progression of dNP and vNP is similar at least during 3 years before the start of dialysis therapy. Vascular risk factors and the prevalence of vascular diseases were not significantly different in the two patient groups. However, diabetic patients with ESRD secondary to dNP were significantly younger than those with vNP.
Is 44-Hour Better than 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Hemodialysis?
Authors: Martin L.C. , Franco R.J.S. , Gavras I. , Matsubara B.B. , Okoshi K. , Zanati S.G. , Caramori J.T. , Barretti P. , Balbi A.L. , Gavras H.
Published: October 2006

The aim of this study is to evaluate if hemodialysis (HD) patients with similar blood pressure (BP) in the whole inter-HD period could have different target organ lesions and survival if the behavior of BP differs from the first to the second day of the inter-HD period. The present study compares 44-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) patterns in 45 HD patients. Three BP patterns emerged: group A (n = 15) had similar BPs throughout (138 ± 11/88 ± 12 in the first 22 h vs. 140 ± 11/87 ± 12 mm Hg in the second 22-hour period); group B (n = 15) had a significant systolic BP rise from the first to the second period (132 ± 15/80 ± 12 vs. 147 ± 12/86 ± 13 mm Hg, p < 0.05); group C (n = 15) had significantly higher BPs (p < 0.05) than the other 2 groups throughout the whole inter-HD period, with no significant change between the 2 halves (172 ± 14/108 ± 12 vs. 173 ± 18/109 ± 14 mm Hg). Ventricular mass and survival during the 30-month follow-up period were statistically significantly better in group A, intermediate in group B and worse in group C. The data suggest that a 44-hour ABPM is more accurate than a 24-hour one in evaluating organ lesion and prognosis in HD patients.
Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Rijbroek A. , Wisselink W. , Vriens E.M. , Barkhof F. , Lammertsma A.A. , Rauwerda J.A.
Published: October 2006

Background: The role of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (aCAS) remains a matter of debate. It seems that not only the degree of stenosis, but also other factors have to be taken in account to improve patient selection and increase the benefit of CEA for aCAS. Methods and Results: The literature pertaining aCAS was reviewed in order to describe the natural history, risk of stroke and benefit of CEA for patients with aCAS in regard to several factors. Conclusion: The benefit of CEA for aCAS is low. Current factors influencing the indication for CEA are severity of stenosis, age, contralateral disease, stenosis progression to >80%, gender, concomitant operations and life expectancy. To improve patient selection investigations will concentrate on plaque characteristics and instability and cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism.
Anesthesia Dolorosa Caused by Penetrating Cranial Injury
Authors: Tatli Mehmet , Keklikci Ugur , Aluclu Ufuk , Akdeniz Sedat
Published: October 2006

Anesthesia dolorosa (AD) is an uncommon complication of surgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. Its incidence is around 0.8%. To our best knowledge, AD caused by a penetrating cranial injury has not been reported previously. We report the case of a 31-year-old male patient with left-sided neuropathic keratitis and AD that began 18 years earlier, following a penetrating cranial injury with a knife to the left postauricular area. The patient was successfully treated by a carbamazepine and gabapentin combination. In conclusion, penetrating cranial injury is uncommon but may cause a serious neurologic disturbance. In the differential diagnosis of AD, a penetrating injury should be kept in mind. In these cases, treatments should be effective and immediate; otherwise, this may result in catastrophic consequences such as neurotrophic keratitis and blindness. Ophthalmologists should be aware of these potential problems.
Early Pathological Changes in the Cerebellum of Patients with Pure Cerebellar Syndrome Demonstrated by Diffusion-Tensor Imaging
Authors: Yoon Bora , Kim Joong-Seok , Lee Kwang-Soo , Kim Bum-Soo , Chung So-Ryoung , Kim Yeong-In
Published: October 2006

We evaluated the early pathological changes in patients with sporadic cerebellar ataxia by measuring fractional anisotropy (FA) values in diffusion tensor MRIs (DTI). FA and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared in the brain stem and cerebellum of 5 patients with idiopathic cerebellar ataxia-C and 7 age-matched controls. Patients with sporadic cerebellar ataxia had decreased FA values in the bilateral cerebellar peduncle and cerebellar hemisphere, but normal FA values in the basis pontes. Assuming that the loss in FA parallels neuronal changes, our results suggest that the derangement and altered fiber integrity of the cerebellum are present regardless of the presence of morphological alterations on conventional MRI. Therefore, DTI may be superior to conventional MRI in the evaluation of early pathological changes in patients with sporadic cerebellar ataxia.
Social Values, Democracy, and the Problem of African American Identity
Authors: Iheduru Obioma
Published: October 2006

Aristotle in The Politics argued that an effective government must allow a good man to become a good and decent citizen. Democratic processes, institutions, and practices must strive to provide assurances that public policy are of high quality and in the public interest, which means they are a manifestation of, and embody the values of, a society in a simultaneously reinforcing mutual relationship. This article attempts to demonstrate that assuming a similar line of reasoning, American political practices would make public policies that reflect its core democratic social values. Yet the negativity in the political location of the African American challenges and deflates those democratic credentials of the United States. Much worse is that this creates an inexorable duality that shapes the political identity of the African American and sidelines him or her from the American political mainstream.
“To Plead Our Own Cause”
Authors: Vercellotti Timothy , Brewer Paul R.
Published: October 2006

Studies have looked at the rise of alternative media in light of widespread cynicism about mainstream media. This article extends this research by examining African Americans' use of, and opinions toward, mainstream and alternative Black media. The article explores whether African Americans use Black media in place of mainstream media or consume both in a complementary fashion. It examines potential correlates of opinion toward mainstream and Black media, including trust in government. Analyzing results of a survey of 386 African Americans, the article finds a positive relationship between consumption of mainstream and Black media among African Americans, and a positive relationship between evaluations of the two sorts of media. Favorable evaluations of mainstream media are positively associated with preferring its version of a story, whereas favorable evaluations of Black media have no effect on media preferences. Distrust of government predicts preferring the Black media's version, suggesting that faith in the Black media is particularly strong among politically alienated African Americans.
Strain, Social Support, and Retreatism Among African Americans
Authors: Jang Sung Joon , Lyons Jason A.
Published: October 2006

This study tests Agnew's general strain theory (GST) for African Americans, a population neglected in GST research. Specifically, we examined (a) the differential effects of inner-and outer-directed negative emotions on withdrawing behavior and (b) the conditioning effects of social support on the understudied, deviant coping behavior. OLS regression analyses of data from a national survey of African American adults provide empirical evidence that depression and anxiety have larger effects on withdrawing behavior than anger. Findings also provide some support for the hypothesis that social support tends to weaken or buffer the effects of nonangry emotions on withdrawing behavior.
Enhancing Cultural Competence Among Hospice Staff
Authors: Schim Stephanie Myers , Doorenbos Ardith Zwyghuizen , Borse Nagesh N.
Published: October 2006

A critical component in making hospice and palliative care services accessible and acceptable to diverse communities is preparation of all providers to enhance cultural competence. This article reports a study designed to test an educational intervention aimed at expanding cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competence with a multi-disciplinary and multilevel team of hospice workers. The purpose of this quasi-experimental, longitudinal, crossover design was to test the effects of an educational intervention for multidisciplinary hospice providers. Findings demonstrated that even with a modest face-to-face intervention, cultural competence scores were significantly greater after the educational intervention for participants in both groups. Although the intervention proved successful at enhancing cultural competence scores among diverse types of hospice workers, limitations and logistic insights gained from this pilot suggest the need for examination of alternative methods of program delivery.
Project Management for Systematic Training
Authors: Fabac John N.
Published: October 2006

The problem and the solution. With the dramatic changes brought about by the technological advances affecting training along with demands of producing high-quality training quickly, some have suggested the analysis, design, develop, implement, evaluate (ADDIE) model of instructional development is no longer adequate.This article explores some of the process control and leadership techniques that might better equip training managers to succeed in their responsibilities.
Persuasive Encounters: Ethnography in the Corporation
Authors: Jordan Brigitte , Dalal Brinda
Published: October 2006

In corporate settings, ethnographic methods are challenged routinely by managers who confront ethnographers with a set of typical objections that question the validity and effectiveness of ethnographic methods, findings, and recommendations. This article offers a series of steps toward overcoming this impasse by laying out a set of arguments for legitimizing ethnographic work. We discuss ways of responding to a variety of problematic encounters, involving some relatively quick answers to challenges of that sort but also acknowledging that the different worldviews of managers and ethnographers can be reconciled only in a long-term educational effort. In the last analysis, embedding ethnography in corporations is an exercise in culture change that almost always relies on rephrasing questions and reformulating metaphors to resituate our practice.
New insight into the role of phosphodiesterase 3A in porcine oocyte maturation
Authors: Sasseville Maxime , Côté Nancy , Guillemette Christine , Richard François J
Published: October 2006

Background

The ovulatory surge of gonadotropins triggers oocyte maturation and rupture of the ovarian follicle. The resumption of nuclear maturation in the oocyte from the prophase stage is characterized by germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). It has previously been shown that specific inhibition of cAMP degradation by PDE3 prevents the resumption of oocyte meiosis. However, no report has characterized the activity of PDE3 in the porcine oocyte, or the implication of the cAMP-PDE3 pathway in the entire nuclear maturation process. In this study, PDE3 activity in the oocyte was assessed during in vitro maturation (IVM) and the possible roles of the cAMP-PDE3 pathway in the resumption and progression of meiosis were investigated in terms of different models of oocyte maturation.

Results

Cyclic AMP-degrading PDE activity was detected in the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) and was partially inhibited by a specific PDE3 inhibitor, cilostamide. When measured only in the denuded oocyte, PDE activity was almost completely inhibited by cilostamide, suggesting that cAMP-PDE3 activity is the major cAMP-PDE in porcine oocytes. PDE3A mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. PDE3 activity did not vary significantly during the early hours of IVM, but a maximum was observed at 13 hours. In cumulus-oocyte complexes, meiosis resumed after 20.81 hours of culture. PDE3 inhibition no longer maintained meiotic arrest if sustained beyond 17.65 hours of IVM, 3 hours prior to resumption of meiosis. Thereafter, PDE3 inhibition progressively lost its efficacy in GVBD. When the protein phosphatase 1 and 2A inhibitor okadaic acid was continuously or transiently (3 hours) present during IVM, meiosis resumed prematurely; PDE3 inhibition was unable to prevent GVBD. However, PDE3 inhibition in COC treated with OA for 3 hours significantly delayed meiosis at the intermediate stage.

Conclusion

The present investigation has demonstrated that PDE3A is the major cAMP-degrading PDE in the oocyte. It regulates the resumption of meiosis until 3 hours prior to GVBD and transiently affects meiotic progression.
An educational campaign to increase chiropractic intern advising roles on patient smoking cessation
Authors: Evans Jr Marion W , Hawk Cheryl , Strasser Sheryl M
Published: October 2006

Background

Tobacco use, particularly smoking, is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. More than 400,000 premature deaths are associated with its use and the health care costs are in the billions. All health care provider groups should be concerned with patients who continue to smoke and use tobacco. The US Preventive Services Taskforce and Health People 2010 guidelines encourage providers to counsel smokers on cessation. Current studies, though limited regarding chiropractic advising practices indicate a low engagement rate when it comes to providing cessation information.

Objective

To test a campaign regarding initial impact aimed at increasing chiropractic interns advising on cessation and delivery of information to smokers on cessation.

Discussion

Chiropractic interns do engage patients on smoking status and can be encouraged to provide more cessation messages and information to patients. The initial impact assessment of this campaign increased the provision of information to patients by about 25%. The prevalence of smoking among chiropractic patients, particularly at teaching clinics may be lower than the national averages.

Conclusion

Chiropractic interns can and should be encouraged to advise smokers about cessation. A systematic method of intake information on smoking status is needed and a standardized education protocol for chiropractic colleges is needed. Chiropractic colleges should assess the adequacy of their advising roles and implement changes to increase cessation messages to their patients as soon as possible.
Factors associated with breastfeeding at six months postpartum in a group of Australian women
Authors: Forster Della A , McLachlan Helen L , Lumley Judith
Published: October 2006

Background

Despite high levels of breastfeeding initiation in Australia, only 47 percent of women are breastfeeding (exclusively or partially) six months later, with marked differences between social groups. It is important to identify women who are at increased risk of early cessation of breastfeeding.

Methods

Data from the three arms of a randomised controlled trial were pooled and analysed as a cohort using logistic regression to identify which factors predicted women continuing to feed any breast milk at six months postpartum. The original trial included 981 primiparous women attending a public, tertiary, women's hospital in Melbourne, Australia in 1999–2001. The trial evaluated the effect of two mid-pregnancy educational interventions on breastfeeding initiation and duration. In the 889 women with six month outcomes available, neither intervention increased breastfeeding initiation nor duration compared to standard care. Independent variables were included in the predictive model based on the literature and discussion with peers and were each tested individually against the dependent variable (any breastfeeding at six months).

Results

Thirty-three independent variables of interest were identified, of which 25 qualified for inclusion in the preliminary regression model; 764 observations had complete data available. Factors remaining in the final model that were positively associated with breastfeeding any breast milk at six months were: a very strong desire to breastfeed; having been breastfed oneself as a baby; being born in an Asian country; and older maternal age. There was an increasing association with increasing age. Factors negatively associated with feeding any breast milk at six months were: a woman having no intention to breastfeed six months or more; smoking 20 or more cigarettes per day pre-pregnancy; not attending childbirth education; maternal obesity; having self-reported depression in the six months after birth; and the baby receiving infant formula while in hospital.

Conclusion

In addition to the factors commonly reported as being associated with breastfeeding in previous work, this study found a negative association between breastfeeding outcomes and giving babies infant formula in hospital, a high maternal body mass index, and self-reported maternal depression or anxiety in the six months after the baby was born. Interventions that seek to increase breastfeeding should consider focusing on women who wish to breastfeed but are at high risk of early discontinuation.
Repression of mesodermal fate byfoxa, a key endoderm regulator of the sea urchin embryo
Authors: Oliveri Paola , Walton Katherine D. , Davidson Eric H. , McClay David R.
Published: October 2006

The foxa gene is an integral component of the endoderm specification subcircuit of the endomesoderm gene regulatory network in the Strongylocentrotus purpuratus embryo. Its transcripts become confined to veg2, then veg1 endodermal territories, and, following gastrulation,throughout the gut. It is also expressed in the stomodeal ectoderm. gatae and otx genes provide input into the pregastrular regulatory system of foxa, and Foxa represses its own transcription,resulting in an oscillatory temporal expression profile. Here, we report three separate essential functions of the foxa gene: it represses mesodermal fate in the veg2 endomesoderm; it is required in postgastrular development for the expression of gut-specific genes; and it is necessary for stomodaeum formation. If its expression is reduced by a morpholino, more endomesoderm cells become pigment and other mesenchymal cell types, less gut is specified, and the larva has no mouth. Experiments in which blastomere transplantation is combined with foxa MASO treatment demonstrate that, in the normal endoderm, a crucial role of Foxa is to repress gcm expression in response to a Notch signal, and hence to repress mesodermal fate. Chimeric recombination experiments in which veg2, veg1 or ectoderm cells contained foxa MASO show which region of foxaexpression controls each of the three functions. These experiments show that the foxa gene is a component of three distinct embryonic gene regulatory networks.
LONGIFOLIA1andLONGIFOLIA2, two homologous genes,regulate longitudinal cell elongation inArabidopsis
Authors: Lee Young Koung , Kim Gyung-Tae , Kim In-Jung , Park Jeongmoo , Kwak Sang-Soo , Choi Giltsu , Chung Won-Il
Published: October 2006

Plants have diversified their leaf morphologies to adapt to diverse ecological niches. The molecular components responsible for regulating leaf morphology, however, have not been fully elucidated. By screening Arabidopsis activation-tagging lines, we identified a dominant mutant, which we designated longifolia1-1D (lng1-1D). lng1-1D plants were characterized by long petioles, narrow but extremely long leaf blades with serrated margins, elongated floral organs, and elongated siliques. The elongated leaves of the mutant were due to increased polar cell elongation rather than increased cell proliferation. Molecular characterization revealed that this phenotype was caused by overexpression of the novel gene LNG1, which was found to have a homolog, LNG2,in Arabidopsis. To further examine the role of the LNG genes, we characterized lng1 and lng2 loss-of-function mutant lines. In contrast to the elongated leaves of lng1-1D plants,the lng1 and lng2 mutants showed slightly decreased leaf length. Furthermore, the lng1-3 lng2-1 double mutant showed further decreased leaf length associated with less longitudinal polar cell elongation. The leaf widths in lng1-3 lng2-1 mutant plants were similar to those in wild type, implying that the role of LNG1 and LNG2 on polar cell elongation is similar to that of ROTUNDIFOLIA3(ROT3). However, analysis of a lng1-3 lng2-1 rot3-1 triple mutant and of a lng1-1D rot3-1 double mutant indicated that LNG1 and LNG2 promote longitudinal cell elongation independently of ROT3. Taken together, these findings indicate that LNG1 and LNG2 are new components that regulate leaf morphology by positively promoting longitudinal polar cell elongation independently of ROT3 in Arabidopsis.
The columnar genevndis required for tritocerebral neuromere formation during embryonic brain development ofDrosophila
Authors: Sprecher Simon G. , Urbach Rolf , Technau Gerhard M. , Rijli Filippo M. , Reichert Heinrich , Hirth Frank
Published: October 2006

In Drosophila, evolutionarily conserved transcription factors are required for the specification of neural lineages along the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes, such as Hox genes for anteroposterior and columnar genes for dorsoventral patterning. In this report, we analyse the role of the columnar patterning gene ventral nervous system defective(vnd) in embryonic brain development. Expression of vnd is observed in specific subsets of cells in all brain neuromeres. Loss-of-function analysis focussed on the tritocerebrum shows that inactivation of vnd results in regionalized axonal patterning defects, which are comparable with the brain phenotype caused by mutation of the Hox gene labial (lab). However, in contrast to lab activity in specifying tritocerebral neuronal identity,vnd is required for the formation and specification of tritocerebral neural lineages. Thus, in early vnd mutant embryos, the Tv1-Tv5 neuroblasts, which normally express lab, do not form. Later in embryogenesis, vnd mutants show an extensive loss of lab-expressing cells because of increased apoptotic activity,resulting in a gap-like brain phenotype that is characterized by an almost complete absence of the tritocerebral neuromere. Correspondingly, genetic block of apoptosis in vnd mutant embryos partially restores tritocerebral cells as well as axon tracts. Taken together, our results indicate that vnd is required for the genesis and proper identity specification of tritocerebral neural lineages during embryonic brain development of Drosophila.
Uncoupling Dorsal-mediated activation from Dorsal-mediated repression in theDrosophilaembryo
Authors: Ratnaparkhi Girish S. , Jia Songtao , Courey Albert J.
Published: October 2006

The Rel family transcription factor Dorsal patterns the dorsoventral axis of the Drosophila embryo by activating genes such as twistand snail and repressing genes such as decapentaplegic and zerknüllt. Dorsal represses transcription by recruiting the co-repressor Groucho. However, repression occurs only when Dorsal-binding sites are close to binding sites for other factors that also bind Groucho. The need for additional factors to assist Dorsal in repression may result from the intrinsically weak interaction between Dorsal and Groucho. To test this idea,we generated a Dorsal variant containing a high-affinity Groucho recruitment motif at its C terminus. As predicted, this variant functions as a dedicated repressor, silencing decapentaplegic and zerknülltwhile failing to activate twist and snail. We also converted Dorsal into a dedicated activator by replacing its weak Groucho-recruitment motif with heterologous activation domains. Although the dedicated activator alleles fail to repress decapentaplegic and zerknülltin the syncytial blastoderm embryo, they are able to pattern the dorsoventral axis. This indicates that dorsoventral patterning is not dependent upon Dorsal-mediated repression, reflecting the existence of redundant mechanisms to block Decapentaplegic signaling.
Essential pro-Bmp roles of crossveinless 2 in mouse organogenesis
Authors: Ikeya Makoto , Kawada Masako , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Sasai Noriaki , Nakao Kazuki , Furuta Yasuhide , Sasai Yoshiki
Published: October 2006

We here report essential roles of the Bmp-binding protein crossveinless 2(Cv2; Bmper) in mouse organogenesis. In the null Cv2 mutant mouse,gastrulation occurs normally, but a number of defects are found in Cv2-expressing tissues such as the skeleton. Cartilage differentiation by Bmp4 treatment is reduced in cultured Cv2-/- fibroblasts. Moreover, the defects in the vertebral column and eyes of the Cv2-/- mouse are substantially enhanced by deleting one copy of the Bmp4 gene, suggesting a pro-Bmp role of Cv2 in the development of these organs. In addition, the Cv2-/- mutant exhibits substantial defects in Bmp-dependent processes of internal organ formation, such as nephron generation in the kidney. This kidney hypoplasia is synergistically enhanced by the additional deletion of Kcp (Crim2) which encodes a pro-Bmp protein structurally related to Cv2. This study demonstrates essential pro-Bmp functions of Cv2 for locally restricted signal enhancement in multiple aspects of mammalian organogenesis.
Scavenging of 14-3-3 proteins reveals their involvement in the cell-surface transport of ATP-sensitive K+ channels
Authors: Heusser Katja , Yuan Hebao , Neagoe Ioana , Tarasov Andrei I. , Ashcroft Frances M. , Schwappach Blanche
Published: October 2006

Arginine (Arg)-based endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localization signals are involved in the quality control of different heteromultimeric membrane protein complexes. ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are unique because each subunit in the heterooctamer contains an Arg-based ER-localization signal. We have dissected the inactivation events that override the ER-localization activity of the eight peptide-sorting motifs. Employing a 14-3-3-scavenger construct to lower the availability of 14-3-3 proteins, we found that 14-3-3 proteins promote the cell-surface expression of heterologously expressed and native KATP channels. 14-3-3 proteins were detected in physical association with KATP channels in a pancreatic β-cell line. Our results suggest that the Arg-based signal present in Kir6.2 is sterically masked by the SUR1 subunit. By contrast, 14-3-3 proteins functionally antagonized the Arg-based signal present in SUR1. The last ten amino acids were required for efficient 14-3-3 recruitment to multimeric forms of the Kir6.2 C-terminus. Channels containing a pore-forming subunit lacking these residues reached the cell surface inefficiently but were functionally indistinguishable from channels formed by the full-length subunits. In conclusion, 14-3-3 proteins promote the cell-surface transport of correctly assembled complexes but do not regulate the activity of KATP channels at the cell surface.
Targeted homozygous deletion of M-band titin in cardiomyocytes prevents sarcomere formation
Authors: Musa Hanny , Meek Stephen , Gautel Mathias , Peddie Dianna , Smith Andrew J. H. , Peckham Michelle
Published: October 2006

Titin, a multifunctional protein that stretches from the Z-disk to the M-band in heart and skeletal muscle, contains a kinase domain, phosphorylation sites and multiple binding sites for structural and signalling proteins in the M-band. To determine whether this region is crucial for normal sarcomere development, we created mouse embryonic stem cell (ES) lines in which either one or both alleles contained a targeted deletion of the entire M-band-coding region, leaving Z-disk-binding and myosin-filament-binding sites intact. ES cells were differentiated into cardiomyocytes, and myofibrillogenesis investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Surprisingly, deletion of one allele did not markedly affect differentiation into cardiomyocytes, suggesting that a single intact copy of the titin gene is sufficient for normal myofibrillogenesis. By contrast, deletion of both alleles resulted in a failure of differentiation beyond an early stage of myofibrillogenesis. Sarcomeric myosin remained in non-striated structures, Z-disk proteins, such as α-actinin, were mainly found in primitive dot-like structures on actin stress fibres, M-band-associated proteins (myomesin, obscurin, Nbr1, p62 and MURF2) remained punctate. These results show that integration of the M-band region of titin is required for myosin filament assembly, M-band formation and maturation of the Z-disk.
Generation of noncentrosomal microtubule arrays
Authors: Bartolini Francesca , Gundersen Gregg G.
Published: October 2006

In most proliferating and migrating animal cells, the centrosome is the main site for microtubule (MT) nucleation and anchoring, leading to the formation of radial MT arrays in which MT minus ends are anchored at the centrosomes and plus ends extend to the cell periphery. By contrast, in most differentiated animal cell types, including muscle, epithelial and neuronal cells, as well as most fungi and vascular plant cells, MTs are arranged in noncentrosomal arrays that are non-radial. Recent studies suggest that these noncentrosomal MT arrays are generated by a three step process. The initial step involves formation of noncentrosomal MTs by distinct mechanisms depending on cell type: release from the centrosome, catalyzed nucleation at noncentrosomal sites or breakage of pre-existing MTs. The second step involves transport by MT motor proteins or treadmilling to sites of assembly. In the final step, the noncentrosomal MTs are rearranged into cell-type-specific arrays by bundling and/or capture at cortical sites, during which MTs acquire stability. Despite their relative stability, the final noncentrosomal MT arrays may still exhibit dynamic properties and in many cases can be remodeled.
Fatigue design principles for sintered steel components
Authors: Sonsino C. M
Published: October 2006

Through its alloying and processing options, powder metallurgy (PM) delivers materials with good fatigue properties and allows the production of high-duty components. However, for the fatigue design of sintered parts, not only is the understanding of material and manufacturing parameters required but also the knowledge of their interaction with design features, e.g. notches. This is displayed through the example of a sintered connecting rod.
Novel control strategy of torque pulsations on a hybrid vehicle
Authors: Tnani S , Coirault P , Champenois G
Published: October 2006

In conventional internal combustion engines the periodic fuel combustion in cylinders and oscillating masses results in a pulsating engine torque. In hybrid power trains the electrical motor can be used to control such pulsations. In the paper, the authors propose a novel control strategy of torque pulsations on a hybrid vehicle. Using an active filter and an a.c. machine, which is mounted on the crankshaft to generate an inverse torque sequence, reduces the combustion engine pulsations. The control strategy is based on a multiobjective state feedback synthesis. A complete modelling of the hybrid propulsion of the vehicle is achieved. Simulation results highlight the interest of the control scheme.
Eye movement and driving behaviour in curved section passages of an urban motorway
Authors: Hong I , Iwasaki M , Furuichi T , Kadoma T
Published: October 2006

This study focuses on driver eye movements and vehicle control behaviour, factors implicated in the human errors that are considered to be important factors that may cause traffic accidents. Some curved sections of urban motorways have a comparatively high frequency of accident occurrence. The authors attempted to link three factors, namely eye movement, roadway alignment, and driver speed and steering control. In order to analyse the factors that lead to human error, an in-car experiment was carried out on some routes with curved sections of the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway. This study focuses on single-car collisions occurring primarily in free-flow regions. Using the results of the experiment, the authors were able to analyse the factors that produce human error in relation to motorway alignment, eye movement, and centrifugal acceleration in the curved sections. As a result, the authors proposed a model that evaluates the risk of curved sections in relation to the driver's eye movement and driving behaviour.
A microscopic model of urban traffic for implementation in driving simulators
Authors: Maroto J , Delso E , Cabanellas M , Félez J
Published: October 2006

This paper describes a model for the traffic simulation of an urban environment. Its main application is for implementation in driving simulators. Since it is focused on real-time applications, a compromise must be achieved between model realism and the computation speed obtained. In order to attain real-time simulation, the simulation environment has been partitioned, the city being considered as divided into segments of road, junctions, and sectors that minimize the interaction between the cars involved in the traffic simulation, with the traffic simulation being considered only in a control zone centred on the driven vehicle. Simplified vehicle models have also been used, allowing for a sufficiently realistic behaviour. A traffic light regulation only in the area next to the driven vehicle is also included. The developed model is immediately applicable to large-scale driving simulators, but it is also applicable to traffic control studies using traffic light control adjustments or when assessing the impact of new traffic layouts in a city.
The effect of angle on wall shear stresses in a LIMA to LAD anastomosis: Numerical modelling of pulsatile flow
Authors: Freshwater I J , Morsi Y S , Lai T
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of anastomotic angle on the flow patterns and wall shear distributions at the distal anastomosis of a left interior mammary artery (LIMA) graft to the left anterior descending artery (LDA). It is now well recognized that abnormal wall shear stress distributions along the anastomotic bed, around the toe, and around the heel can contribute to the focal development of intimal hyperplasia. However, the exact nature of the interaction between the dominant pulsing flow and the anastomotic angle on wall shear stresses has not been fully investigated numerically. In this study a commercial CFD package was used for three-dimensional flow analysis where the pulsatile waveforms and flowrates used as the boundary conditions are representative of an anastomosed left internal mammary artery and a stenosed left anterior descending coronary artery (intermediate, <70 per cent diameter narrowing). The flow patterns and distributions of time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and the oscillatory shear index (OSI) for three anastomotic angles of 20, 40, and 60° were evaluated and compared with other published data. The findings indicated that transient, highly disturbed flow patterns occurred in localized regions of the proximal and distal native segments and in the anastomotic domain including recirculation zones, moving points of stagnation, and oscillating wall shear stresses mainly on the bed, at the toe, and at the heel. Moreover, higher anastomotic angles resulted in more extreme variations in TAWSS and OSI values, particularly around the toe and along the bed. In addition, the effect of anastomotic angle on OSI values at the heel followed the same pattern whereas the TAWSS values along the graft at the heel showed a significant increase at the lowest anastomotic angle of 20°.