bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal tubular function in children with tyrosinaemia type I treated with nitisinone
Authors: Santra S. , Preece M. A. , Hulton S.‐A. , McKiernan P. J.
Published: May 2008

Background:

Tyrosinaemia type I (TTI) is an inherited deficiency in the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase and is frequently complicated by renal tubular dysfunction which may persist in some patients after hepatic transplantation. Nitisinone has revolutionized the management of TTI but its effect on renal tubular dysfunction has not been described in a large cohort of patients.

Aims:

To document the incidence and progression of renal tubular dysfunction in children with TTI treated with nitisinone at a single centre.

Subjects:

Twenty‐one patients with TTI from a single centre were treated with nitisinone for at least 12 months. Median age at first treatment was 17 weeks (range 1 week to 27 months). Nine patients (43%) presented in acute liver failure, seven (33%) had a chronic presentation and five (24%) were detected pre‐clinically.

Methods:

A retrospective case analysis of plasma phosphate, urinary protein/creatinine ratio and tubular reabsorption of phosphate was performed for all patients as markers of tubular function. Renal ultrasounds were examined for evidence of nephrocalcinosis and where available, skeletal radiographs for rickets.

Results:

All patients had biochemical evidence of renal tubular dysfunction at presentation. After nitisinone and dietary treatment were started, all three markers normalized within one year. Four children had clinical rickets at presentation (which improved), of whom one had nephrocalcinosis, which did not reverse on nitisinone. No child redeveloped tubular dysfunction after commencing nitisinone.

All patients with TTI had evidence of tubular dysfunction at presentation and in all cases this resolved with nitisinone and dietary control.

Conclusion:

The tubulopathy associated with TTI is reversible.
Twenty‐four‐month α‐galactosidase A replacement therapy in Fabry disease has only minimal effects on symptoms and cardiovascular parameters
Authors: Koskenvuo J. W. , Hartiala J. J. , Nuutila P. , Kalliokoski R. , Viikari J. S. , Engblom E. , Penttinen M. , Knuuti J. , Mononen I. , Kantola I. M.
Published: May 2008

Fabry disease is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of α‐galactosidase A enzyme activity. Decreased enzyme activity leads to accumulation of glycosphingolipids in different tissues including endothelial cells and smooth‐muscle cells and cardiomyocytes, and cardiovascular complications are common in the disease. Since 2001, specific enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with α‐galactosidase A has been available. It has been reported to improve clinical symptoms and quality of life. However, limited and controversial data on its efficacy to cardiac involvement have been published. Nine patients (5 male) with Fabry disease were included in an open‐label prospective follow‐up study of 24‐month ERT. Comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation was performed by MRI, stress echocardiography and quality of life assessment. Plasma globotriaosylceramide decreased from 6.2 to 1.4 μg/ml during ERT (p<0.05). The only other measured parameters that changed significantly were resting heart rate that decreased from 79 to 67 bpm (p<0.01) and end‐systolic volume that decreased by 12.4 ml (p<0.05). The other parameters consisting of quality of life, self‐estimated cardiovascular condition, diastolic function, exercise capacity, ECG parameters, ejection fraction and ventricular mass did not change. ERT has only minimal effect on symptoms and cardiovascular morphology and function in Fabry disease. Therefore, effective conventional medical therapy is still of major importance in Fabry disease. Larger ERT studies are warranted, especially in women, to solve current open questions, such as the age at which ERT should be started, optimal dosage and intervals between infusions. Furthermore, longer follow‐up studies are needed to assess the effects of ERT on prognosis.
The Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Carter Erin M. , Montuori Lorraine , Davis Jessica G. , Raggio Cathleen L.
Published: May 2008

Skeletal dysplasias are a group of over 300 genetic conditions often marked by short stature and a range of orthopedic problems. To meet the diverse medical, orthopedic, and psychosocial needs of individuals with skeletal dysplasias, the Kathryn O. and Alan C. Greenberg Center for Skeletal Dysplasias was organized at Hospital for Special Surgery in 2003. The center is the only one of its kind in the New York City metropolitan area and is dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care for individuals with skeletal dysplasias. The center is staffed by an interdisciplinary core team of health professionals consisting of an orthopedic surgeon, a medical geneticist, a genetic counselor/clinical coordinator, and a social worker. This interdisciplinary team of health professionals is committed to improving the quality of life for people with skeletal dysplasias through clinical care, research, education, and patient advocacy. Goals are achieved through a collaborative process that utilizes the expertise of the different professionals.
Vitamin E Transfer from Lipid Emulsions to Plasma Lipoproteins: Mediation by Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Hacquebard M. , Vandenbranden M. , Malaisse W. J. , Ruysschaert J. M. , Deckelbaum R. J. , Carpentier Y. A.
Published: May 2008

The present study determined alpha‐tocopherol mass transfer from an alpha‐tocopherol‐rich emulsion to LDL and HDL, and assessed the potential of different mechanisms to modulate alpha‐tocopherol transfers. Emulsion particles rich in alpha‐tocopherol were incubated in vitro with physiological concentrations of LDL or HDL. The influence of plasma proteins was assessed by adding human lipoprotein poor plasma (LPP) fraction with intact vs heat inactivated PLTP, or with a specific cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, or by adding purified PLTP or pig LPP which lacks CETP activity. After 4 h incubation in absence of LPP, alpha‐tocopherol content was increased by ~80% in LDL and ~160% in HDL. Addition of LPP markedly enhanced alpha‐tocopherol transfer leading to 350–400% enrichment in LDL or HDL at 4 h. Higher (~10 fold) enrichment was achieved after 20 h incubation with LPP. Facilitation of alpha‐tocopherol transfer was (i) more than 50% higher with human vs pig LPP (despite similar PLTP phospholipid transfer activity), (ii) reduced by specific CETP activity inhibition, (iii) not fully suppressed by heat inactivation, and (iv) not restored by purified PLTP. In conclusion, alpha‐tocopherol content in LDL and HDL can be markedly raised by rapid transfer from an alpha‐tocopherol‐rich emulsion. Our results indicate that alpha‐tocopherol mass transfer between emulsion particles and lipoproteins is mediated by more than one single mechanism and that this transfer may be facilitated not only by PLTP but likely also by other plasma proteins such as CETP.
Farnesol Decreases Serum Triglycerides in Rats: Identification of Mechanisms Including Up‐Regulation of PPARα and Down‐Regulation of Fatty Acid Synthase in Hepatocytes
Authors: Duncan Robin E. , Archer Michael C.
Published: May 2008

Obesity is associated with impaired fatty acid (FA) oxidation and increased de novo hepatic lipogenesis that may contribute to the development of hypertriglyceridemia, an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Strategies to improve hepatocyte FA metabolism, including dietary interventions, are therefore important for the prevention of obesity‐associated co‐morbidities. Farnesol is consumed in the diet as a component of plant products. In the present study, we administered farnesol orally to rats for seven days and found significantly reduced serum triglyceride concentrations compared with controls. Potential mechanisms underlying the hypotriglyceridemic effect of farnesol were investigated using clone‐9 cultured rat hepatocytes. Farnesol significantly upregulated expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and the PPARα‐regulated genes fatty acyl‐CoA oxidase and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1a, suggesting that increased hepatic FA oxidation may contribute to serum triglyceride lowering in rats. Farnesol did not change SREBP‐1c mRNA levels, but significantly down‐regulated fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA and protein levels and activity, indicating that attenuated lipogenesis may also contribute to hypotriglyceridemic effects of farnesol in vivo. Rescue experiments revealed that down‐regulation of FAS by farnesol was not related to activation of PPARα, but rather was caused by a 9‐cisretinoic acid mediated mechanism that involved down‐regulation of retinoid X receptor β. Diets rich in plant products are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Our findings suggest that farnesol may contribute to this protective effect by lowering serum TG levels.
Empathic accuracy and adolescent romantic relationships
Authors: Haugen Peter T. , Welsh Deborah P. , McNulty James K.
Published: May 2008

Although theoretical insights suggest that empathic accuracy should emerge to play a role in adolescents’ romantic relationships, the nature of any such role remains unknown. The current study examined whether empathic accuracy: (1) was developmentally based, (2) differed across gender, and (3) was associated with adolescents’ satisfaction with their romantic relationships. Participants were 204 male–female couples who ranged between 14 and 21 years of age and had been dating between 4 weeks and 5 years. On average, both male and female adolescents showed high levels of empathic accuracy that were positively associated with their own and their partners’ relationship satisfaction. However, the direction of the associations that emerged, and gender differences in them, depended in part on the type of information being perceived. For instance, while both males’ and females’ accuracy for discomfort and conflict were positively associated with partners’ satisfaction, males’—but not females’—accuracy for connection was negatively associated with their satisfaction, and females’—but not males’—accuracy for persuasion was positively associated with partners’ satisfaction. Empathic accuracy was not significantly associated with age or relationship length. Taken together, these results reveal that a complete picture of empathic accuracy requires research on perceptions of various types of information.
Clinical trials update from the American College of Cardiology 2008: Carisma, Trends, meta‐analysis of Cox‐2 studies, Hat, on‐Target, Hyvet, Accomplish, Momentum, Protect, Horizon‐hf and Reverse
Authors: Cleland John G.F. , Coletta Alison P. , Yassin Ashraf , Hado Hussien , Cullington Damien , Abdellah Ahmed Tageldien , Clark Andrew L.
Published: May 2008

This article provides information and a commentary on trials relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of heart failure, presented at the American College of Cardiology. Unpublished reports should be considered as preliminary data, as analyses may change in the final publication.

CARISMA investigated the use of implantable loop recorders for detecting life‐threatening arrhythmias in patients with LVSD after MI and found that brady‐ and ventricular tachy‐arrhythmias predicted an adverse prognosis. The TRENDS study showed that the burden of atrial fibrillation detected by pacemakers or defibrillators predicted the risk of embolic events but not with sufficient precision to justify changes in anti‐thrombotic management. A meta‐analysis of six trials reported an increased cardiovascular risk associated with celecoxib, particularly for heart failure, which was related to dose and baseline cardiovascular risk. The HAT study failed to show a benefit of providing post‐MI patients with a home defibrillator. MOMENTUM, a study of a device designed to augment aortic blood flow, was stopped early due to increased bleeding risk. Results from PROTECT support the use of rolofylline 30 mg/day in acute heart failure, a definitive study is now underway. Istaroxime, an agent that appears to have both inotropic and lusitropic effects, improved haemodynamics when added to standard therapy in patients stabilised after admission with heart failure in HORIZON‐HF. The REVERSE study suggested that CRT improves ventricular function and reduces morbidity even in patients with few or no symptoms of heart failure and may delay or prevent worsening heart failure.
Identification of the fnx1+ and fnx2+ genes for vacuolar amino acid transporters in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Chardwiriyapreecha Soracom , Shimazu Masamitsu , Morita Tomotake , Sekito Takayuki , Akiyama Koichi , Takegawa Kaoru , Kakinuma Yoshimi
Published: May 2008

We have identified the Schizosaccharomyces pombe SPBC3E7.06c gene (fnx2
+) from a homology search with the fnx1
+ gene involving in G0 arrest upon nitrogen starvation. Green fluorescent protein‐fused Fnx1p and Fnx2p localized exclusively to the vacuolar membrane. Uptake of histidine or isoleucine by S. pombe cells was inhibited by concanamycin A, a specific inhibitor of the vacuolar H+‐ATPase. Amino acid uptake was also defective in the vacuolar ATPase mutant, suggesting that vacuolar compartmentalization is critical for amino acid uptake by whole cells. In both Δfnx1 and Δfnx2 mutant cells, uptake of lysine, isoleucine or asparagine was impaired. These results suggest that fnx1
+ and fnx2
+ are involved in vacuolar amino acid uptake in S. pombe.
TRPV1‐null mice are protected from diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Motter Arianne L. , Ahern Gerard P.
Published: May 2008

We explored a role for the capsaicin receptor, transient receptor potential channel vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), in the regulation of feeding and body mass. On a 4.5% fat diet, wild‐type and TRPV1‐null mice gained equivalent body mass. On an 11% fat diet, however, TRPV1‐null mice gained significantly less mass and adiposity; at 44 weeks the mean body weights of wild‐type and TRPV1‐null mice were ∼51 and 34 g, respectively. Both groups of mice consumed equivalent energy and absorbed similar amounts of lipids. TRPV1‐null mice, however, exhibited a significantly greater thermogenic capacity. Interestingly, we found that 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes expressed functional calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptors. Thus, these data support a potential neurogenic mechanism by which TRPV1‐sensitive sensory nerves may regulate energy and fat metabolism.
A short helix in the C‐terminal region of LolA is important for the specific membrane localization of lipoproteins
Authors: Okuda Suguru , Watanabe Shoji , Tokuda Hajime
Published: May 2008

The structures of a lipoprotein carrier, LolA, and a lipoprotein receptor, LolB, are similar except for an extra C‐terminal loop containing a 310 helix and β‐strand 12 in LolA. Lipoprotein release was significantly reduced when β‐12 was deleted. Deletion of the 310 helix also inhibited the lipoprotein release. Furthermore, lipoproteins were non‐specifically localized to membranes when LolA lacked the 310 helix. Thus, the membrane localization of lipoproteins with the LolA derivative lacking the 310 helix was independent of LolB whereas LolB was essential for the outer membrane localization of lipoproteins with the wild‐type LolA.
Inhibition of the glucosyltransferase activity of clostridial Rho/Ras‐glucosylating toxins by castanospermine
Authors: Jank Thomas , Ziegler Mathias O.P. , Schulz Georg E. , Aktories Klaus
Published: May 2008

Castanospermine was identified as an inhibitor of the Rho/Ras‐glucosylating Clostridium sordellii lethal toxin and Clostridium difficile toxin B. Microinjection of castanospermine into embryonic bovine lung cells prevented the cytotoxic effects of toxins. The crystal structure of the glucosyltransferase domain of C. sordellii lethal toxin in complex with castanospermine, UDP and a calcium ion was solved at a resolution of 2.3 Å. The inhibitor binds in a conformation that brings its four hydroxyl groups and its N‐atom almost exactly in the positions of the four hydroxyls and of the ring oxygen of the glucosyl moiety of UDP–glucose, respectively.
Involvement of nitric oxide in the promotion of cell survival by ceramide 1‐phosphate
Authors: Gangoiti Patricia , Granado Maria H. , Arana Lide , Ouro Alberto , Gómez-Muñoz Antonio
Published: May 2008

Macrophages play vital roles in inflammatory responses, and their number at sites of inflammation is strictly regulated by cell death and division. Here, we demonstrate that production of nitric oxide (NO) is a major mechanism whereby ceramide‐1‐phosphate (C1P) blocks apoptosis in macrophages. However, NO failed to stimulate macrophage proliferation. The prosurvival effect of C1P was blocked by inhibitors of inducible NO synthase. The antiapoptotic effect of C1P was also blocked by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase or nuclear factor‐kappa B inhibitors. Moreover, NO reversed the inhibitory effect of C1P on acid sphingomyelinase, but the prosurvival effect of C1P was independent of this action.
On the Lie enveloping algebra of a pre-Lie algebra
Authors: Oudom J.-M. , Guin D.
Published: May 2008

We construct an associative product on the symmetric module S(L) of any pre-Lie algebra L. It turns S(L) into a Hopf algebra which is isomorphic to the enveloping algebra of LLie. Then we prove that in the case of rooted trees our construction gives the Grossman-Larson Hopf algebra, which is known to be the dual of the Connes-Kreimer Hopf algebra. We also show that symmetric brace algebras and pre-Lie algebras are the same. Finally, we give a similar interpretation of the Hopf algebra of planar rooted trees.
Lefschetz Decompositions for Quotient Varieties
Authors: Akhtar Reza , Joshua Roy
Published: May 2008

In an earlier paper, the authors constructed an explicit Chow-Künneth decomposition for the quotient of an abelian variety by the action of a finite group. In the present paper, the authors extend the techniques used there to obtain an explicit Lefschetz decomposition for such quotient varieties.
The K-theory of the C*-algebra of foliations by slope components
Authors: Oikonomides Catherine
Published: May 2008

We compute the K-theory of the C*-algebra for a large class of foliations of the 3-torus, which contains in particular all smooth foliated circle bundles over the 2-torus. This generalizes a well-known result of Torpe. We show that the rank of the K-theory groups reflect part of the geometrical aspect of the foliation. To illustrate these results, we compute some concrete examples, including a case where both K-theory groups have infinite rank.
Fiberwise KK-equivalence of continuous fields of C*-algebras
Authors: Dadarlat Marius
Published: May 2008

Let A and B be separable nuclear continuous C(X)-algebras over a finite dimensional compact metrizable space X. It is shown that an element σ of the parametrized Kasparov group KKX(A,B) is invertible if and only all its fiberwise components σx ∈ KK(A(x),B(x)) are invertible. This criterion does not extend to infinite dimensional spaces since there exist nontrivial unital separable continuous fields over the Hilbert cube with all fibers isomorphic to the Cuntz algebra . Several applications to continuous fields of Kirchberg algebras are given. It is also shown that if each fiber of a separable nuclear continuous C(X)-algebra A over a finite dimensional locally compact space X satisfies the UCT, then A satisfies the UCT.
Motivic decomposition of anisotropic varieties of type F4into generalized Rost motives
Authors: Nikolenko S. , Semenov N. , Zainoulline K.
Published: May 2008

We prove that the Chow motive of an anisotropic projective homogeneous variety of type F4is isomorphic to the direct sum of twisted copies of a generalized Rost motive. In particular, we provide an explicit construction of a generalized Rost motive for a generically splitting variety for a symbol in. We also establish a motivic isomorphism between two anisotropic non-isomorphic projective homogeneous varieties of type F4. All our results hold for Chow motives with integral coefficients.
The equivariant index theorem in entire cyclic cohomology
Authors: Perrot Denis
Published: May 2008

Let G be a locally compact group acting smoothly and properly by isometries on a complete Riemannian manifold M, with compact quotient G\M. There is an assembly map which associates to any G-equivariant K-homology class on M, an element of the topological K-theory of a suitable Banach completion of the convolution algebra of continuous compactly supported functions on G. The aim of this paper is to calculate the composition of the assembly map with the Chern character in entire cyclic homology . We prove an index theorem reducing this computation to a cup-product in bivariant entire cyclic cohomology. As a consequence we obtain an explicit localization formula which includes, as particular cases, the equivariant Atiyah-Segal-Singer index theorem when G is compact, and the Connes-Moscovici index theorem for G-coverings when G is discrete. The proof is based on the bivariant Chern character introduced in previous papers.
Control effects and economic evaluation of pumpkin leaf extract on caterpillars of the small cabbage butterfly
Authors: XU R. , YANG S. , WU D. , KUANFG R.-P.
Published: May 2008

The control effect of Cucurbita ficifolia (pumpkin) leaf acetone extract on caterpillars of the small cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) was observed in laboratory and field experiments from 1 March 2006 to 30 May 2007. The mechanism of the action by which pumpkin leaf extract (PLE) controls small cabbage caterpillars was examined for feeding restraint, and the values for 0·50 feeding restraint concentration (FC50) and 0·95 feeding restraint concentration (FC95) after 12 and 24 h were estimated. The results showed that the absolute anti-feeding activity for fourth instar caterpillars after 12 h was 0·65 and after 24 h was 0·56, while relative anti-feeding activity was 0·57 after 12 h and 0·59 after 24 h. Field experimental results indicated that the leaf protection effects increased up to day 7, while the feeding control effects remained constant. Comparison of the profits from pest management using indigenous pesticides, biological pesticides and chemical pesticides and without pest management suggested that there are currently economic benefits associated with the use of indigenous pesticides, such as PLE.
Pre-operative assessment of patients undergoing endoscopic, transnasal, transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
Authors: Lubbe D , Semple P
Published: May 2008

Objective:

To demonstrate the importance of pre-operative ear, nose and throat assessment in patients undergoing endoscopic, transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumours.

Case reports:

Literature pertaining to the pre-operative otorhinolaryngological assessment and management of patients undergoing endoscopic anterior skull base surgery is sparse. We describe two cases from our series of 59 patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery. The first case involved a young male patient with a large pituitary macroadenoma. His main complaint was visual impairment. He had no previous history of sinonasal pathology and did not complain of any nasal symptoms during the pre-operative neurosurgical assessment. At the time of surgery, a purulent nasal discharge was seen emanating from both middle meati. Surgery was abandoned due to the risk of post-operative meningitis, and postponed until the patient's chronic rhinosinusitis was optimally managed. The second patient was a 47-year-old woman with a large pituitary macroadenoma, who presented to the neurosurgical department with a main complaint of diplopia. She too gave no history of previous nasal problems, and she underwent uneventful surgery using the endoscopic, transnasal approach. Two weeks after surgery, she presented to the emergency unit with severe epistaxis. A previous diagnosis of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia was discovered, and further surgical and medical intervention was required before the epistaxis was finally controlled.

Conclusions:

Pre-operative otorhinolaryngological assessment is essential prior to endoscopic pituitary or anterior skull base surgery. A thorough otorhinolaryngological history will determine whether any co-morbid diseases exist which could affect the surgical field. Nasal anatomy can be assessed via nasal endoscopy and sinusitis excluded. Computed tomography imaging is a valuable aid to decisions regarding additional procedures needed to optimise access to the pituitary fossa.
Laser output and multiple pinches of plasma in capillary discharge
Authors: YONGPENG ZHAO , QI WANG , YAO XIE , YUANLI CHENG , BOHAN LUAN
Published: May 2008

The pinch process of plasma columns generated by capillary discharge is studied theoretically with a snow-plow model. The multiple pinch evolution of plasma is obtained from the theoretical results. The effects of pressure and current amplitude on multiple pinches are calculated, and the results show that the pinch time decreases nonlinearly with decreasing pressure or increasing current. In the experiment, the laser spike of Ne-like Ar at 46.9 nm is obtained with an X-ray diode (XRD). The pressure filling in the capillary is changed to observe the variation of lasing onset time. According to real current waveforms, the pinch process is simulated. The results show that the laser spike occurs around the third pinching time. In addition, the experimental results indicate that there is an optimum pressure for the laser output.
Psychological treatment of social anxiety disorder: a meta-analysis
Authors: Acarturk C. , Cuijpers P. , van Straten A. , de Graaf R.
Published: May 2008

Background

Older meta-analyses of the effects of psychological treatments of social anxiety disorder have found that these treatments have moderate to large effects. However, these earlier meta-analyses also included non-randomized studies, and there are many featured studies in this area which were published after the recent meta-analysis.

Method

We conducted a systematic literature search and identified 29 randomized studies examining the effects of psychological treatments, with a total of 1628 subjects. The quality of studies varied. For the analyses, we used the computer program comprehensive meta-analysis (version 2.2.021; Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA).

Results

The mean effect size on social anxiety measures (47 contrast groups) was 0.70, 0.80 on cognitive measures (26 contrast groups) and 0.70 both on depression (19 contrast groups) and general anxiety measures (16 contrast groups). We found some heterogeneity, so we conducted a series of subgroup analyses for different variables of the studies. Studies with waiting-list control groups had significantly larger effect sizes than studies with placebo and treatment-as-usual control groups. Studies aimed at subjects who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for social anxiety disorder had smaller effect sizes than studies in which other inclusion criteria were used.

Conclusions

This study once more makes it clear that psychological treatments of social anxiety disorder are effective in adults, but that they may be less effective in more severe disorders and in studies in which care-as-usual and placebo control groups are used.
The heritability of hedonic capacity and perceived stress: a twin study evaluation of candidate depressive phenotypes
Authors: Bogdan R. , Pizzagalli D. A.
Published: May 2008

Background

Anhedonia and stress sensitivity have been identified as promising depressive phenotypes. Research suggests that stress-induced anhedonia is a possible mechanism underlying the association between stress and depression. The present proof-of-concept study assessed whether hedonic capacity and stress perception are heritable and whether their genetic and environmental contributions are shared.

Method

Twenty monozygotic (MZ) and 15 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs completed a probabilistic reward task that provides an objective behavioral measure of hedonic capacity (reward responsiveness) and completed several questionnaires including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Bivariate Cholesky models were used to investigate whether covariation between (1) depressive symptoms and hedonic capacity, (2) depressive symptoms and perceived stress, and (3) perceived stress and hedonic capacity resulted from shared or residual genetic and environmental factors.

Results

Additive genetic (A) and individual-specific environment (E) factors contributed to 46% and 54% of the variance in hedonic capacity, respectively. For perceived stress, 44% and 56% of the variance was accounted for by A and E factors, respectively. The genetic correlation between depression and hedonic capacity was moderate (ra=0.29), whereas the correlation between depression and stress perception was large (ra=0.67). Genetic and environmental correlations between hedonic capacity and stress perception were large (ra=0.72 and re=−0.43).

Conclusions

The present study provides initial feasibility for using a twin approach to investigate genetic contributions of a laboratory-based anhedonic phenotype. Although these preliminary findings indicate that hedonic capacity and perceived stress are heritable, with substantial shared additive genetic contributions, replications in larger samples will be needed.
Pattern equivariant functions, deformations and equivalence of tiling spaces
Authors: KELLENDONK JOHANNES
Published: May 2008

We re-investigate the theory of deformations of tilings using P-equivariant cohomology. In particular, we relate the notion of asymptotically negligible shape functions introduced by Clark and Sadun to weakly P-equivariant forms. We then investigate more closely the relation between deformations of patterns and homeomorphism or topological conjugacy of pattern spaces.
Sugar in Spain
Authors: Abulafia David
Published: May 2008

Sugar has attracted attention from economic historians, particularly because of its significance in the organisation of labour – notably the role of sugar in the development of slavery in the New World. In a Mediterranean setting, the links to slavery are less obvious, but the gradual westward transfer of sugar technology from the Levant to Sicily (under Muslim rule, and later under Aragonese rule) and to Spain reflects seismic changes in the Mediterranean economy. This was a luxury product and, as demand in western Europe grew, European merchants sought sources of supply closer to home than the eastern Mediterranean. Their reluctance to trade in the Levant reflected political uncertainties in the period when Turkish power was rising in the region. In southern Spain, Valencia (under Christian rule) and Granada (under Muslim rule) became major suppliers to northern Europe by the 15th century. Paradoxically, the survival of the last Muslim state in Spain, Granada, was made possible through the injection of capital by Italian and other merchants trading in sugar. However, the discovery of the Atlantic islands, especially Madeira, gave the Portuguese an opportunity to develop sugar production on a massive scale, again targeting Flanders and northern Europe. The article concludes with the arrival of sugar in the Caribbean, in the wake of Columbus.
The Contribution of the Jews of Spain to the Transmission of Science in the Middle Ages
Authors: Gomez-Aranda Mariano
Published: May 2008

The Jews of Spain in the Middle Ages played an important role in the transmission of Graeco-Arabic learning by translating, or participating in translations, of scientific texts. They also composed original works on mathematics, astronomy, astrology and medicine in which they adapted the theories of the ancients for their own time. Science was used by the ruling powers as an element of prestige, and by the Jewish scientists as a way to obtain a high social status. The policy of cultural sponsorship of Muslim caliphs, as well as of Christian kings, was fundamental in the process of transmission of the Greek sciences to the Western world. The School of Translators of Toledo is an example of this process. The astronomical theories developed by Jewish scientists at the end of the 15th century played an important role in the Spanish and Portuguese discoveries of the 16th century. Their knowledge of astronomy, astrology, mathematics, and medicine was also used by the Jewish intellectuals to provide a rational and scientific support for the Jewish religion and tradition, as is reflected in the interpretations of the Bible by medieval Spanish Jewish authors.
Ibn Tufayl (Abentofail) and the Origins of Scientific Method
Authors: Cerdá-Olmedo Enrique
Published: May 2008

A novel written by a Muslim Andalusian of the 12th century brilliantly argues
that all knowledge can be obtained by applying reason to experience.
Medicine and Pharmacy for Women. The Encounter of Jewish Thinking and Practices with the Arabic and Christian Medical Traditions
Authors: Caballero-Navas Carmen
Published: May 2008

This article presents a brief analysis of the ways in which women’s healthcare was understood by medieval Jews, as well as how this sphere of medical activity was learned, practised and disseminated among western Jewish communities during the Middle Ages. It examines the paths of transmission and reception of theories and notions of female physiology, health and disease within the Hebrew medical corpus, and it analyses the influence of the Arabic and Latin traditions in this process. In connection with the understanding of women’s healthcare, it pays some attention to adornment and decoration of the body, as part of the technology that focused on intervening in the functioning of the body. It also discusses succinctly the process through which medical ideas and concepts, as well as healing practices, were received, and integrated or refused, by Jews.
The Picture of the World in al-Bīrūnī’s ‘Pharmacognosy’
Authors: Strohmaier Gotthard
Published: May 2008

In his huge ‘Pharmacognosy’ the universal scholar al-Bīrūnī (973–1048) equates, in 1116 paragraphs, about 4500 names of medicinal plants, and also foodstuffs, in 27 languages. Before the introduction of an internationally recognised botanical nomenclature this kind of literature served a practical need. Al-Bīrūnī’s work is now a mine of information for the linguist and also for world history. It testifies, for example, to the fact that the spoken Greek vernacular of the time had become already quite different from the classical language. Thus, the Byzantine emperors in their efforts to defend their state helped to conserve a cultivation of the humanities, which would have disappeared under Muslim rule. In the article on ‘capers’, al-Bīrūnī also offers a rare insight into a seemingly relaxed bit of small talk between Constantinus VII and an Arab ambassador.
Sharing risk: the Netherlands' new approach to pensions
Authors: PONDS EDUARD H. M. , RIEL BART VAN
Published: May 2008

The solvency crisis in 2001–2004 urged Dutch pension funds to reconsider their final-pay plans with de facto unconditional indexation. Most pension funds switched to an average-wage plan with solvency-contingent indexation. This pension plan redesign was the outcome of a new compromise between the major stakeholders of Dutch pension funds. The redesign is of interest as it results in a hybrid combination of DB and DC. This new setting indeed greatly improves solvency risk management. Moreover, the new plan structure appears to be welfare-dominant compared to other collective plan settings and individual alternatives, as it improves the conditions for intergenerational risk sharing. However, drawbacks of the new plans are the lack of transparency and potential welfare loss for individuals because of the inherent contingent claim structure of the new plan. Moreover, the plan redesign has led to value redistribution from older to younger plan participants.
Tumornachsorge beim Bronchuskarzinom – wie, wann, bei wem, durch wen?
Authors: Weder Walter , Hillinger Sven
Published: May 2008

Die initiale Nachsorge bei Lungenkrebspatienten, die in kurativer Absicht behandelt wurden, sollte durch die entsprechenden Fachspezialisten (Thoraxchirurgen, Onkologen, Radiotherapeuten) erfolgen. Die Dauer dieser auf die Nebenwirkungen der Therapie bezogenen Kontrollen ist 3–6 Monate. In dieser Phase werden adjuvante Therapien festgelegt, wie auch das entsprechende Nachsorgeprogramm definiert. Dieses soll bei Patienten, die in kurativer Absicht behandelt wurden und in einem adäquaten Allgemeinzustand sind, halbjährlich in den ersten zwei Jahren und anschließend jährlich erfolgen durch Anamnese, klinische Untersuchung und bildgebende Verfahren (entweder Thorax-Röntgen oder CT). Die Patienten sollten instruiert werden, Symptome zu erkennen und entsprechend zu reagieren. PET, Sputumzytologie, Tumormarker, Laboruntersuchungen wie auch die Fluoreszenz Bronchoskopie sind nicht für die Nachsorgeuntersuchung außerhalb von Studienprotokollen empfohlen. Die Patienten sollten unterstützt werden den Nikotinkonsum zu stoppen.
Nachsorge-Empfehlungen für Patientinnen mit kurativ therapiertem, invasivem Mammakarzinom
Authors: Zuber Markus , Viehl Carsten T. , Güller Ueli , Langer Igor
Published: May 2008

Die onkologische Nachsorge nach kurativ behandeltem, invasivem Mammakarzinom dient der Kontrolle des Behandlungserfolges, der frühzeitigen Diagnose und Therapieeinleitung im Falle eines Rezidivs, der Erkennung und Behandlung von therapiebedingten Nebenwirkungen und Spätfolgen sowie der Begleitung der tumorfreien Patientinnen auf dem rezidivträchtigen Weg über mehrere Jahrzehnte.
Tumornachsorge kolorektaler Karzinome
Authors: Vorburger Stephan A. , Gloor Beat , Candinas Daniel
Published: May 2008

Das kolorektale Karzinom nimmt hinsichtlich Nachsorge eine Sonderstellung ein, indem auch bei systemischem Befall mit Fernmetastasen Therapie-Optionen bestehen, die eine ansprechende 5-Jahres-Überlebensrate ermöglichen. Durch diese Möglichkeit der effektiven Behandlung von Rezidiven ergibt sich die Wichtigkeit der frühen Erkennung und somit der Nachsorge. Im 2007 hat eine interdisziplinäre Gruppe erneut ein Schema für empfohlene Nachkontrollen ausgearbeitet. Im wesentlichen dient der dreimonatliche Titer des Carcino-embryonalen Antigens (CEA) als Basiskontrolle, die halbjährlich von der Rectosigmoidoskopie mit Endosonographie beim Rektumkarzinom ergänzt wird. Die jährliche Computertomographie des Thorax und Abdomens ersetzt neu die Lebersonographie. Der Wert der Kolonoskopie im ersten Jahr liegt in der Darstellung initial übersehener Zweitkarzinome und muss danach erst nach drei Jahren wiederholt werden. Patienten bei denen ein kolorektales Karzinom im Frühstadium komplett entfernt wurde, werden keine schematischen Nachkontrollen empfohlen.
Therapie und Nachsorge des kutanen Melanoms
Authors: Kettelhack Christoph
Published: May 2008

Die chirurgische Therapie des kutanen Melanoms hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten erheblich gewandelt. Die Resektion des Primärtumors erfolgt mittlerweile mit an die Infiltrationstiefe angepassten Sicherheitsabständen (1–2 cm) und eine primäre plastische Defektdeckung ist nur noch in Ausnahmefällen erforderlich. Durch die Einführung der Sentinel-Lymphknotenbiopsie ist es möglich geworden, die radikale chirurgische Dissektion der regionären Lymphknotenstationen auf die Patienten zu beschränken, bei denen tatsächlich ein Befall dieser Lymphknoten vorliegt. Bei etwa 80% der Patienten kann somit ein unnötiger Eingriff vermieden werden. Die Nachsorge des kutanen Melanoms erfolgt heute risikoadaptiert. Daher wird in frühen Tumorstadien mit einem äußerst geringen Rezidivrisiko neben der ausführlichen Anamnese lediglich eine klinische Untersuchung empfohlen. Die wichtigste weiterführende Untersuchung ist die Sonographie der regionären Lymphknotenstation welche bei fortgeschrittenen Tumoren und insbesondere im metastasierten Stadium empfohlen wird. CT- Untersuchungen des Thorax, Schädel-MRI und auch ein PET-CT werden erst für Patienten im Stadium III (Lymphknotenmetastasen) mit einem entsprechenden Risikoprofil eingesetzt, wobei immer der evtl. nur begrenzte Nutzen dieser Untersuchungen in Hinsicht auf die Prognose des Patienten zu berücksichtigen ist. Im Stadium IV ist die Intensität der Nachsorge an die individuelle Situation des Patienten anzupassen.
Rational diagnostic and treatment of diseases of the cerebrocervical circulation
Authors: Langhoff
Published: May 2008

This is an update of current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for treatment of cerebrovascular, predominantly atherosclerotic diseases.
Morphological features of vasa vasorum in pathologically changed human great saphenous vein and its tributaries
Authors: Kachlík  , Stingl  , Sosna  , Straka  , Lametschwandtner  , Minnich  , Fára
Published: May 2008

Background: The question whether the primary increase of vasa vasorum (VV) of venous wall (i) plays an initial role in varicogenesis or (ii) is an expression of impairment of the nutritional conditions in superficial veins of lower extremities is not unambiguously solved yet. The aim of the study was to describe the arrangement of the VV within the wall of the human great saphenous vein (GSV) qualitatively, and of its tributaries at different stages of varicosis and in other pathological states like thrombophlebitis or phlebosclerosis. Material and methods: 22 patients deserving an aorto-coronary bypass surgery or GSV surgery were subdivided into three groups according to the staging of their varices and other pathology. The harvested GSV were prepared for light and scanning electron microscopy. One cadaverous specimen of GSV was injected with India ink. Results: In specimens from reticular and primary large varices local intimal hyperplasia was regularly found, partially accompanied with a mild increase of VV. Tortuosities and irregular dilations of adventitial veins were also found. In patients with recurrent primary varices or thrombophlebitis severe intimal and medial hyperplasia, thrombosis and a striking increase of VV were found. The intima remained avascular in all cases. Conclusions: Remarkable increase of VV accompanies the most severe forms of varices as well as all cases of the extreme grades of phlebosclerosis, medial hyperplasia and thrombosis. We hypothesize that this increase in VV is rather a secondary vascular reaction to the impaired metabolic conditions within the venous wall than a primary varicogenic factor.
Generalized dilating diathesis in patients with popliteal arterial aneurysm
Authors: Widmer  , Blatter  , Schmidli  , Baumgartner  , Gahl  , Carrel  , Savolainen  , Diehm
Published: May 2008

Background: Aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) and generalized arteriomegaly. Patients and methods: In this consecutive serie, thirty-three patients (1 woman, mean age 69.7 ± 9.6 years) undergoing PAA repair between 1996 and 2000 agreed to participate in a duplex screening program to assess the diameters of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, common and external iliac, common and superficial femoral and contralateral popliteal arteries as well as common carotid and brachial arteries. Results: The prevalence of arteriomegaly and aneurysmal disease, respectively, was as follows: abdominal aorta 15/33 (45.5%) and 8/33 (24.2%), common iliac artery 34/66 (51.5%) and 23/66 (34.8%), common femoral artery 55/66 (83.3%) and 7/66 (10.6%) as well as contralateral popliteal artery 7/33 (21.2%) 15/33 (45.5%). Significantly larger carotid artery diameters were found comparing PAA patients with age- and body surface adjusted healthy controls (p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with multiple peripheral arterial aneurysms had significantly larger diameters of the brachial (p < 0.02) and external iliac (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Our findings support the hypothesis of a diathesis for a generalized arteriomegaly with a predilection for further aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries, femoral and contralateral popliteal arteries in patients with PAA.
Balloon sclerotherapy: A new method for the treatment of truncal varicose veins
Authors: Leu  , Inderbitzi
Published: May 2008

Background: Truncal varicose veins may be treated by conventional surgery or endovenous therapy. Endovenous ablation, such as laser or radiofrequency treatment, is less invasive but technically demanding, not cheap and has still the possibility of important side-effects. Moreover the treatment requires in the best case tumescent anesthesia. Catheter based endovenous sclerotherapy has the potential of systemic effects of sclerosing agent and air. We therefore aimed to develop a simple, minimal-invasive and cheap method for the treatment of truncal varicose veins reducing the potential risk of systemic effects of the sclerosing agent to a minimum. Methods: A double lumen double balloon catheter was developed. Thereby a treatment site within a vein can be isolated from blood for localized administration of a sclerotherapeutic agent. Later, a substantial portion of the therapeutic agent can be removed from the isolated segment thus minimizing the amount necessary. Occlusion of longer varicose segments is achieved by pointwise repetition of the manoeuvre or careful retraction of the expanded balloons with the "catched" sclerotherapeutic agent in between. Results: The application was filed as United States Patent No. 6,726,67 B2. 18 balloon prototypes successfully passed an extensive test series (leak tests, dimension tests, mandrel –, guide wire – and introducer compatibility tests, destructive tests). Three patients with varicosity of the greater saphenous vein and the vena saphena accessoria lateralis, respectively, were successfully treated with complete occlusion of the vessels 10, 6 and 2 months after the intervention. Conclusions: Balloonsclerotherapy combines two well-established procedures (balloon catheter therapy and sclerotherapy, namely) and promises to be a minimal-invasive and cheap endovenous therapy of truncal varicose veins, requiring local anesthesia at the puncture site only and reducing possible systemic side effects of the sclerosing agent.
Long term outcome after balloon angioplasty and stenting of subclavian artery obstruction: A single centre experience
Authors: Sixt  , Rastan  , Schwarzwälder  , Schwarz  , Norry  , Frank  , Müller  , Beschorner  , Bürgelin  , Nazary  , Hauswald  , Hauk  , Neumann  , Zeller
Published: May 2008

Introduction: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an accepted and successful treatment strategy in obstructive disease of the subclavian artery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical and clinical long-term outcome following endovascular therapy. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 99 patients (mean age of 65 ± 10 years) with 100 interventions of the subclavian arteries and the brachiocephalic trunk with different aetiologies [atherosclerosis (90%); Takayasu’s arteritis (5%); thromboembolism (2%); external compression (1%); iatrogenic dissection (1%) and occlusion after graft implantation in type B dissection (1%)]. Results: Primary success rate was 97% (100% for stenoses and 90% for total occlusions). Treatment modalities included balloon angioplasty (PTA) alone (16%), stent implantation (78%), rotational thrombectomy (2%) and atherectomy (1%). The primary 1-year patency rate of the whole study cohort was 87% being not significantly lower after PTA (75%) compared to stent assisted angioplasty (89%). After thrombectomy and atherectomy no relevant restenosis were found. Multivariable analysis of 1-year restenosis-free survival revealed younger age (p = 0.03) and stenting (p = 0.04) as independent predictor. The blood pressure difference between both limbs at baseline was 42 ± 24 mmHg and dropped to 10 ± 14 mmHg after the intervention and 15 ± 20 mmHg after 12 months, respectively (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Endovascular therapy of subclavian artery obstructions of various aetiologies offers good acute success rates even in total occlusions. Long-term patency rate is in favour of stent placement.