bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial variation in species diversity and composition of flea assemblages in small mammalian hosts: geographical distance or faunal similarity?
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Shenbrot Georgy I. , Mouillot David , Khokhlova Irina S. , Poulin Robert
Published: March 2005

Aim  Spatial variation in the diversity of fleas parasitic on small mammals was examined to answer three questions. (1) Is the diversity of flea assemblages repeatable among populations of the same host species? (2) Does similarity in the composition of flea assemblages among populations of the same host species decay with geographical distance, with decreasing similarity in the composition of local host faunas, or with both? (3) Does the diversity of flea assemblages correlate with climatic variables?

Location  The study used previously published data on 69 species of small mammals and their fleas from 24 different regions of the Holarctic.

Methods The diversity of flea assemblages was measured as both species richness and the average taxonomic distinctness of their component species. Similarity between flea assemblages was measured using both the Jaccard and Morisita–Horn indices, whereas similarity in the composition of host faunas between regions (host ‘faunal’ distance) was quantified using the Jaccard index. Where appropriate, a correction was made for the potentially confounding influence of phylogeny using the independent contrasts method.

Results  Flea species richness varied less within than among host species, and is thus a repeatable host species character; the same was not true of the taxonomic distinctness of flea assemblages. In almost all host species found in at least five regions, similarity in flea assemblages decreased with increases in either or both geographical and faunal distance. In most host species, the diversity of flea assemblages correlated with one or more climatic variable, in particular mean winter temperature.

Main conclusions  Spatial variation in flea diversity among populations of the same mammal species is constrained by the fact that it appears to be a species character, but is also driven by local climatic conditions. The results highlight how ecological processes interact with co‐evolutionary history to determine local parasite biodiversity.
Historical transoceanic dispersal of a freshwater shrimp: the colonization of the South Pacific by the genus Paratya (Atyidae)
Authors: Page Timothy J. , Baker Andrew M. , Cook Benjamin D. , Hughes Jane M.
Published: March 2005

Aim  To infer the phylogenetic relationships within the freshwater shrimp genus Paratya Miers, 1882 (Atyidae) and to use these data to answer biogeographical questions about the location, timing and form of evolution of this genus in the South Pacific.

Location  Paratya are spread throughout various freshwater habitats in the western Pacific, with a disjunct northern range in the North Pacific (Japan, Korea, Ryukyu Islands, Siberia) and South Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Lord Howe, Norfolk Island).

Methods  Specimens were obtained from throughout its range. Mitochondrial sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal DNA were analysed using phylogenetic techniques to identify whether landmasses are monophyletic and what the relationships are between landmasses. Molecular clock dating methods were used to date divergences between taxa.

Results  Each landmass was recovered as monophyletic. Japan/Ryukyu Islands is the most basal group, followed by New Zealand. Australian specimens form a sister group to a clade made up of two groups (New Caledonia and Lord Howe/Norfolk Island). The oldest divergence within the genus (between North and South Pacific) took place 12–19 Ma.

Main conclusions  The geographical origin of the genus (either Gondwana or Laurasia) is unclear. Dispersal occurred between the North and South Pacific long after the split up of Gondwana. Dispersal likely explains the presence of Paratya on each landmass in the South Pacific, from continent to isolated oceanic island. This dispersal is conjectured to have taken place through oceanic currents because of the amphidromous life cycle of some taxa of Paratya, given that amphyidromy is plesiomorphic in atyid shrimp.
A modern pollen rain study from the central Andes region of South America
Authors: Reese Carl A. , Liu Kam‐biu
Published: March 2005

Aim To provide a greater understanding of the modern pollen rain for the central Andes region of South America, thus laying the groundwork for future pollen studies and the derivation of pollen‐climate transfer functions and response surfaces.

Location Peru, Bolivia and Chile.

Methods Standard palynological techniques for surface soil sampling and discriminant analysis.

Results Statistical analysis of the 40 surface samples revealed four palynologically distinct assemblages: (1) the Yungas on the eastern slopes of the Andes; (2) the puna grasslands of the Altiplano; (3) the Coastal Deserts to the west of the Andes; and (4) the Southern Bolivian Highlands.

Main conclusions The Yungas group is characterized by high percentages of Urticaceae/Moraceae pollen and fern spores along with trace amounts of pollen from common zoophilous lowland taxa such as Piperaceae, Bignoniaceae and Malpighiaceae. The puna assemblage of the Altiplano is characterized by the dominance of grass (Poaceae) in combination with moderate frequencies of Asteraceae pollen, which tend to increase slightly towards the southern (drier) locations of the Altiplano. Lower percentages of grass pollen and the greater prevalence of Asteraceae, Solanaceae, and the Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae families define the coastal deserts to the west of the Andes. Samples taken from the Southern Bolivian Highlands are characterized by the dominance of Solanaceae in the area, in combination with the pollen of other xerophytic taxa.
Efficience de différentes stratégies de détection de la Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine àT. b. gambiense
Authors: Lutumba Pascal , Robays Jo , Miaka Constantin , Kande Victor , Simarro Pere P. , Shaw Alexandra P. M. , Dujardin Bruno , Boelaert Marleen
Published: March 2005

Resume

Introduction  La détection active de la Trypanosomiase Humaine Africaine (THA) se base souvent sur l'utilisation de deux tests de dépistage: la palpation ganglionnaire (PG) et le card agglutination test for trypanosomiasis (CATT). Cette analyse de décision compare l'efficience de trois stratégies alternatives pour ce dépistage: PG seul, CATT seul ou leur combinaison en parallèle (PG and CATT).

Methode  Une stratégie de détection de THA a été définie comme la séquence de l’étape de dépistage suivi par la confirmation parasitologique. L'efficacité de chaque stratégie a étéévaluée en nombre de vies sauvées. Le coût des tests de dépistage et de confirmation a été estimé en US$. Les estimations des différents paramètres proviennent de la littérature et des observations faites par le programme de contrôle de la THA en RD Congo entre 1996 et 2002. Une analyse de sensibilité a été effectuée pour les paramètres sujets à incertitude.

Resultats  La stratégie basée sur le CATT revient à US$125 par vie sauvée pour la séquence complète des tests, la PG revient à US$517 et la combinée à US$452. Le coût marginal de l'ajout du PG au CATT est entre 1225 à US$5000 par vie sauvée. L'analyse de sensibilité montre que les résultats sont robustes aux variations plausibles des paramètres.

Discussion  La stratégie CATT est la plus efficiente des trois. L'efficacité en terme de vies sauvées d'aucune des stratégies de détection ne dépasse 60% des décès évitables. Cette faiblesse est due à la basse sensibilité des examens parasitologiques de confirmation. Un gain d'efficience dans le contrôle peut être obtenu en recourant à la stratégie CATT et en réinvestissant soit dans de meilleurs examens de confirmation, soit dans une plus grande couverture.
Rural poverty and delayed presentation to tuberculosis services in Ethiopia
Authors: Cambanis Alexis , Yassin Mohammed A. , Ramsay Andy , Bertel Squire S. , Arbide Isabel , Cuevas Luis E.
Published: March 2005

To measure time to initial presentation and assess factors influencing the decision to seek medical attention, we interviewed 243 patients undergoing sputum examination for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) at a rural health centre near Awassa, Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used. Median (mean + SD) patient delay was 4.3 (9.8 + 12.4) weeks. Delays over 4 weeks were significantly associated with rural residence, transport time over 2 h, overnight travel, transport cost exceeding US$1.40, having sold personal assets prior to the visit, and use of traditional medicine. The majority of patients cited economic or logistical barriers to health care when asked directly about causes of delay. Case‐finding strategies for TB must be sensitive to patient delay and health systems must become more accessible in rural areas.
Trypanosomose Humaine Africaine: transmission urbaine dans le foyer de Bonon (Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Courtin F. , Dupont S. , Zeze D. G. , Jamonneau V. , Sané B. , Coulibaly B. , Cuny G. , Solano P.
Published: March 2005

Résumé  La Trypanosomose Humaine Africaine (THA) est une maladie parasitaire à transmission vectorielle, qui a souvent été décrite comme une maladie rurale. L'augmentation de la population accompagnée par un exode rural massif dans les pays africains a conduit à l'extension des centres urbains, créant des conditions favorables à l'apparition de nouveaux faciès épidémiologiques. En Côte d'Ivoire, une transmission de la THA a été décrite à la périphérie des villes comme Daloa ou Sinfra. Dans le foyer de Bonon, situé en zone de forêt mésophile ivoirienne, une prospection médicale a permis de dépister 96 malades. Les lieux de vie quotidienne des malades ont été géoréférencés et les trajets entre ces lieux ont été tracés. Parallèlement, une prospection entomologique effectuée dans la ville de Bonon sur les lieux de vie des malades a permis d'obtenir des données sur le vecteur. La présence dans la ville de malades, de tsé‐tsé, de leur trophisme humain, et du trypanosome T. brucei gambiense identifié chez l'homme et chez le vecteur, réunit les conditions nécessaires à une transmission urbaine de la THA. Elle pose le problème de diffusion et de propagation de la maladie aux espaces environnants.
The molecular basis of variation in human color vision
Authors: Deeb SS
Published: March 2005

Common variation in red‐green color vision exists among both normal and color‐deficient subjects. Differences at amino acids involved in tuning the spectra of the red and green cone pigments account for the majority of this variation. One source of variation is the very common Ser180Ala polymorphism that accounts for two spectrally different red pigments and that plays an important role in variation in normal color vision as well as in determining the severity of defective color vision. This polymorphism most likely resulted from gene conversion by the green‐pigment gene. Another common source of variation is the existence of several types of red/green pigment chimeras with different spectral properties. The red and green‐pigment genes are arranged in a head‐to‐tail tandem array on the X‐chromosome with one red‐pigment gene followed by one or more green‐pigment genes. The high homology between these genes has predisposed the locus to relatively common unequal recombination events that give rise to red/green hybrid genes and to deletion of the green‐pigment genes. Such events constitute the most common cause of red‐green color vision defects. Only the first two pigment genes of the red/green array are expressed in the retina and therefore contribute to the color vision phenotype. The severity of red‐green color vision defects is inversely proportional to the difference between the wavelengths of maximal absorption of the photopigments encoded by the first two genes of the array. Women who are heterozygous for red and green pigment genes that encode three spectrally distinct photopigments have the potential for enhanced color vision.
Is osseous dysplasia a primary feature of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)?
Authors: Alwan S , Tredwell SJ , Friedman JM
Published: March 2005

Characteristic skeletal lesions are a cardinal feature of the autosomal dominant condition, neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). The most frequently involved skeletal sites are the sphenoid wing, vertebrae, and tibia. Osseous lesions may range in severity in NF1 but are often progressive. They may lead to serious clinical consequences and be resistant to treatment. The skeletal lesions of NF1 are usually considered to be ‘dysplasias’, i.e. primary defects of bone, although there is no direct evidence supporting this interpretation. Moreover, it is difficult to understand why a generalized dysplasia of bone would produce focal lesions that show such a striking predisposition to only a few bones. We review the clinical and pathological features of NF1 skeletal lesions and propose that they result from an abnormal response of NF1 halpoinsufficient bone to abnormal mechanical forces rather than from a primary osseous dysplasia.
X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy in Spain. Identification of 26 novel mutations in the ABCD1 gene in 80 patients. Improvement of genetic counseling in 162 relative females
Authors: Coll MJ , Palau N , Camps C , Ruiz M , Pàmpols T , Girós M
Published: March 2005

In this study, we analyzed the ABCD1 gene in 80 X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) patients from 62 unrelated families. We identified 53 different mutations, of which 26 are novel and two are non‐pathogenic sequence variants (L516L and 3′UTR, 2246C/G) that have been previously described. The Spanish population had significant allelic heterogeneity, in which most of the mutations were exclusive to a single family 47/53 (88.7%). Only six mutations (Y174S, G277R, FsE471, R518Q, P543L, and R554H) were found in more than one family. Mutations G277R, P543L, and R554H were the most frequent, each of them being found in three patients (5%). Intra‐familiar phenotype variability was observed in most of the families, but in one, with the novel mutation R120P, only the adult mild phenotype was present (five hemizygous family members). We detected 80 heterozygous women by mutation analysis, but only 78 of them showed increased very‐long‐chain fatty acid levels. In conclusion, this study extends the spectrum of mutations in X‐ALD and facilitates the identification of heterozygous females. Our results are also consistent with previous studies reporting the difficulty of predicting genotype–phenotype correlation.
CD109 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix
Authors: Zhang Jing‐min , Hashimoto Mizuo , Kawai Kumi , Murakumo Yoshiki , Sato Tomoko , Ichihara Masatoshi , Nakamura Shigeo , Takahashi Masahide
Published: March 2005

CD109 is a cell surface protein, a member of the α2 macroglobulin/C3,C4,C5 family of thioester‐containing proteins. The authors have recently reported that high expression of the CD109 gene was detected in approximately half of the examined lung and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas as well as in the testis, and that CD109 has the characteristics of a cancer–testis antigen. In the present study CD109 expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma was compared with that in endometrial adenocarcinoma by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The result demonstrated that CD109 expression is significantly higher in cervical squamous cell carcinomas than in endometrial adenocarcinomas and normal cervix and endometrium. In contrast, when expression of RET finger protein (RFP) and bromodomain testis‐specific (BRDT) genes, which are also known to be highly expressed in the testis, was examined, no significant difference in their expression levels was observed between squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. These findings suggest that CD109 may become a molecular target for the development of new therapeutics for squamous cell carcinoma of various tissue origins.
Post‐inflammatory glomerular remodeling is influenced by transformed mesangial cells*
Authors: Zhang Lian‐shan , Aoyagi Daiju , Nakazawa Koh , Otani Masako
Published: March 2005

To identify the role of transformed mesangial cells (MC) during glomerular remodeling, anti‐thymocyte‐1 (Thy1) nephritis; modified Thy1 nephritis (injections of anti‐Thy1 antibody four times, weekly); and Thy1 nephritis treated with signal transduction inhibitor 571 (Thy1 + STI); were analyzed. At week 1 the index of MC proliferation in modified Thy1 nephritis and in mesangiolysis in Thy1 + STI nephritis was highest among the three models. From week 4, the index of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) was significantly higher in modified Thy1 nephritis than the other two models. Production of the mesangial matrix including type IV collagen was increased in modified Thy1 but inhibited in Thy1 + STI nephritis. In contrast to modified Thy1 nephritis, the capillary numbers in glomeruli recovered to normal at week 4 in Thy1, and at week 8 in Thy1 + STI nephritis. At week 12, both the adhesive and sclerotic index was significantly higher in modified Thy1 than in the other two models. Data suggest that a moderate amount of mesangial matrix results in a complete repair of capillary loops. Overproduction of the mesangial matrix retards capillary remodeling and finally induces glomerulosclerosis. Insufficient mesangial matrix delays the repair of capillary loops. In conclusion, transformed MC may influence glomerular remodeling by changing the amount of mesangial matrix.
Proposal of histological criteria for intraepithelial atypical/proliferative biliary epithelial lesions of the bile duct in hepatolithiasis with respect to cholangiocarcinoma: Preliminary report based on interobserver agreement
Authors: Zen Yoh , Aishima Shinichi , Ajioka Yoichi , Haratake Joji , Kage Masayoshi , Kondo Fukuo , Nimura Yuji , Sakamoto Michiie , Sasaki Motoko , Shimamatsu Kazuhide , Wakasa Kenichi , Park Young Nyun , Chen Ming F , Atomi Yutaka , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: March 2005

Biliary lining epithelia of the bile ducts in biliary diseases are known to have intraepithelial atypical/proliferative lesions related to the development of cholangiocarcinoma. The purpose of the present study was to determine the histological criteria for these lesions based on interobserver agreement. Digital images of 30 intraepithelial atypical/proliferative lesions in the stone‐containing intrahepatic bile ducts of hepatolithiasis (30 cases) were sent to 10 pathologists. At first, 10 pathologists made a diagnosis (either of reactive/regenerative change, low‐grade or high‐grade biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN‐1 and BilIN‐2), or in situ carcinoma (BilIN‐3)) based on their own criteria. The histological criteria for these four lesions were then determined, and the digital images of the same lesions with proposed criteria were re‐distributed. Interobserver agreement on these four lesions was slightly improved (κ = 0.44, first diagnosis; 0.49, second diagnosis) and intraobserver agreement was ‘almost perfect’ (κ = 0.82 at both first and second diagnosis). Interobserver agreement between BilIN‐1 and BilIN‐2 and that between BilIN‐2 and BilIN‐3 were ‘moderate’, although the agreement between regenerative/reactive change and BilIN‐1 was ‘fair’. In this report, we propose histological criteria for reactive/regenerative change, BilIN‐1, BilIN‐2 and BilIN‐3. Improvement of interobserver agreement suggests their applicability in diagnostic and research fields.
An interesting cause of recurrent haemoptysis: Haemoptysis 7 years after a foreign body penetrated the lung parenchyma and aorta
Authors: YURDAKUL Ahmet S. , HOCA Nevin T. , GÖKCEK Atila , ÇIMEN Filiz , ÇAKALOǦLU Aslıhan , ATIKCAN Şükran
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  A 43‐year‐old man presented with a 12‐month history of recurrent haemoptysis. Postero‐anterior chest X‐ray of a patient with a history of a penetrating thoracic trauma 8 years previously showed a long wedge‐shaped opacity just above the left hemidiaphragm, representing the ‘tip of the knife’ appearance, and penetrating from the lateral chest wall deep to the thoracic aorta. After consultation with the cardiovascular surgeons, it was decided that the patient should have an operation to remove the foreign body penetrating the aorta. During the operation, a piece of glass was located in the posterior segment of the left lower lobe, and it had also penetrated the aorta through to the posterior wall. The glass had a pointed end, was wedge‐shaped and measured 8 cm × 3 cm × 0.5 cm. It was removed, and a 5‐cm segment of aorta was replaced with dacron graft. Patients with penetrating chest trauma require routine chest X‐rays as many will have a haemothorax, pneumothorax or a penetrating foreign body in the chest in the absence of clinical findings. Postero‐anterior chest X‐rays as well as lateral X‐rays must be carefully and systematically examined for foreign bodies.
Importance of atopic cough, cough variant asthma and sinobronchial syndrome as causes of chronic cough in the Hokuriku area of Japan
Authors: FUJIMURA Masaki , ABO Miki , OGAWA Haruhiko , NISHI Kouichi , KIBE Yoshinori , HIROSE Tatsuki , NAKATSUMI Yasuto , IWASA Keiichi
Published: March 2005

Objective:  A prospective multicentre study was conducted to elucidate the causes of chronic cough in Japan.

Methodology:  All consecutive and unselected patients complaining of cough lasting 8 weeks or more, who visited our clinics from 1 June to 31 December 2001, were registered. The causes of chronic cough were diagnosed based on the criteria for definite and probable causes of cough as recommended by the Japanese Cough Research Society.

Results:  Of the 248 patients enrolled, 72 patients (29.0%) were unavailable for follow up before their diagnostic assessment had been finalized. Among the 176 patients who were adequately assessed, a diagnosis was made in 165 patients (93.7%) either as single cause or as one of two casuses: atopic cough in 48 (29.1%) and 11 patients (6.7%); cough variant asthma in 46 (27.9%) and nine patients (5.5%); cough predominant asthma in 14 (8.5%) and three patients (1.8%); and sinobronchial syndrome (SBS) in 28 (17.7%) and 14 patients (8.5%), respectively. A diagnosis of gastro‐oesophageal reflux‐associated cough was made in a total of four patients (2.4%).

Conclusion:  Atopic cough, asthmatic cough consisting of cough variant asthma and cough predominant asthma, and SBS are major causes of chronic cough in Japan.
α1‐Antitrypsin genotypes in Korean patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: KIM Cheol Hyeon , YIM Jae‐Joon , YOO Chul‐Gyu , LEE Choon‐Taek , KIM Young Whan , HAN Sung Koo , SHIM Young‐Soo
Published: March 2005

Objective:  α1‐Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a recognized susceptible factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Western countries, but its importance in Korea is unclear. To date, no definitive case of α1‐antitrypsin deficiency has been reported in Korea. This study aimed to clarify whether α1‐antitrypsin deficiency exists and to determine the distribution of α1‐antitrypsin alleles in the Korean population.

Methodology:  The serum concentrations of α1‐antitrypsin were determined and polymorphisms of the α1‐antitrypsin gene in 114 COPD patients and in 196 healthy controls were examined. Phenotyping by isoelectric focusing and the genotyping of α1‐antitrypsin gene by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism were performed.

Results:  No α1‐antitrypsin level abnormality was found in the patients. M1(Val)/M1(Val) was found to be the most frequent genotype in both groups (69.2% and 66.8%, respectively), and M1(Val) the most frequent allele. The distributions of α1‐antitrypsin alleles were similar in the patient and control groups, and no S or Z allele was found.

Conclusion:  α1‐Antitrypsin deficiency is unlikely to be an important cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Korean population.
Thoracic embolotherapy for life‐threatening haemoptysis: A pulmonologist's perspective
Authors: HSU Anne A. L.
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  Haemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract and is life‐threatening when blood obstructs the major airway causing asphyxiation. This may occur in the presence or absence of pre‐existing compromised pulmonary reserve and medical comorbidities. Life‐threatening haemoptysis is a relatively common clinical situation encountered by pulmonologists and thoracic embolotherapy is a key therapeutic option. Although thoracic embolotherapy primarily involves bronchial arterial embolization, it also encompasses embolization of non‐bronchial systemic arteries and the pulmonary arterial supply. A pulmonologist's perspective on this topic is presented. Pertinent areas related to this theme, namely surgery and the role of bronchoscopy in life‐threatening haemoptysis are discussed briefly.
A New Interpolatory Subdivision for Quadrilateral Meshes
Authors: Li G. , Ma W. , Bao H.
Published: March 2005

This paper presents a new interpolatory subdivision scheme for quadrilateral meshes based on a 1–4 splitting operator. The scheme generates surfaces coincident with those of the Kobbelt interpolatory subdivision scheme for regular meshes. A new group of rules are designed for computing newly inserted vertices around extraordinary vertices. As an extension of the regular masks,the new rules are derived based on a reinterpretation of the regular masks. Eigen‐structure analysis demonstrates that subdivision surfaces generated using the new scheme are C1continuous and, in addition, have bounded curvature.
Efficient Rendering of Local Subsurface Scattering
Authors: Mertens Tom , Kautz Jan , Bekaert Philippe , Van Reeth Frank , Seidel Hans‐Peter
Published: March 2005

A novel approach is presented to efficiently render local subsurface scattering effects. We introduce an importance sampling scheme for a practical subsurface scattering model. It leads to a simple and efficient rendering algorithm, which operates in image space, and which is even amenable for implementation on graphics hardware. We demonstrate the applicability of our technique to the problem of skin rendering, for which the subsurface transport of light typically remains local. Our implementation shows that plausible images can be rendered interactively using hardware acceleration.
Collision Detection for Deformable Objects
Authors: Teschner M. , Kimmerle S. , Heidelberger B. , Zachmann G. , Raghupathi L. , Fuhrmann A. , Cani M.‐P. , Faure F. , Magnenat‐Thalmann N. , Strasser W. , Volino P.
Published: March 2005

Interactive environments for dynamically deforming objects play an important role in surgery simulation and entertainment technology. These environments require fast deformable models and very efficient collision handling techniques. While collision detection for rigid bodies is well investigated, collision detection for deformable objects introduces additional challenging problems. This paper focuses on these aspects and summarizes recent research in the area of deformable collision detection. Various approaches based on bounding volume hierarchies, distance fields and spatial partitioning are discussed. In addition, image‐space techniques and stochastic methods are considered. Applications in cloth modeling and surgical simulation are presented.
Virtual Endoscopy in Research and Clinical Practice
Authors: Bartz Dirk
Published: March 2005

Virtual endoscopy is among the most active topics in virtual medicine and medical imaging. It focuses on the virtual representation of minimally invasive procedures for training, planning and diagnosis without an actual invasive intervention. In the past few years, virtual endoscopy modes have been transferred from research systems in virtually every commercial medical imaging software, but with varying quality and flexibility. This report covers concepts used in current systems in research and products, and how they might be applied to daily practice in health care. Specifically, I will start with an introduction into virtual endoscopy and the related medical field. This will also include typical scenarios of virtual endoscopy applications as they appear in clinical practice. This part will be followed by a discussion of the technical issues of virtual endoscopy and how they are addressed in currently available systems. Among these issues are navigation through the respective body organ and the orientation aids for the users. In addition, I will highlight the different rendering techniques used and its impact on rendering speed and quality.
Rethinking relational economic geography
Authors: Yeung Henry Wai‐chung
Published: March 2005

Recent theoretical and empirical work in economic geography has experienced what might be termed a ‘relational turn’ that focuses primarily on the ways in which socio‐spatial relations of economic actors are intertwined with processes of economic change at various geographical scales. This phenomenon begs the questions of whether the ‘relational turn’ is simply an explicit reworking of what might be an undercurrent in economic geography during the late 1970s and the 1980s, and whether this ‘turn’ offers substantial advancement in our theory and practice. In this paper, I aim to evaluate critically the nature and emergence of this relational economic geography by revisiting its antecedents and conceptual frameworks. This evaluation opens up some significant conceptual issues that are further reworked in this paper. In particular, I argue that much of the work in this ‘relational turn’ is relational only in a thematic sense, focusing on various themes of socio‐spatial relations without theorizing sufficiently the nature of relationality and its manifestation through power relations and actor‐specific practice. This paper thus illuminates the nature of relationality and the multiple ways through which power works itself out in ‘relational geometries’, defined as the spatial configurations of heterogeneous power relations. As a preliminary attempt, I first conceptualize different forms of power in such relational geometries and their causal effects in producing concrete/spatial outcomes. I then show how this relational view can offer an alternative understanding of a major research concern in contemporary economic geography – regional development.
Social and political trust in Istanbul and Moscow: a comparative analysis of individual and neighbourhood effects
Authors: Secor Anna J , O'Loughlin John
Published: March 2005

Aiming to bring local context into studies of social capital, our study uses samples of 4006 individuals in Istanbul and 3476 in Moscow using a comparable questionnaire. The stratification of each city's neighbourhoods on the basis of socio‐economic characteristics provided the basis for the sampling. Using a multilevel modelling procedure, we show both that locality matters (neighbourhood effect proved significant) and that social capital may indeed be constituted in very particular ways in illiberal democracies such as Russia and Turkey. Social and political trust are frequently thought to contribute to social capital – that is, to provide social resources upon which individuals or groups may draw for their political efficacy. Trust in fellow citizens in Istanbul exhibits a positive relationship to associational activities (joining clubs etc.), while in Moscow social trust can be explained predominantly in terms of (lower) socio‐economic status. At the same time, important similarities emerged between the two cases. For social trust, in both cities the ‘cosmopolitanization thesis’, which holds that those who associate more widely are also more trusting of fellow citizens, generally applied. Further, in both cities, residents withlowersocio‐economic status (though in Moscow this is complicated by education) andlowerlikelihoods of engagement in direct political action weremore trustful of parliament. While this is the opposite of what we have been led to expect based on Western democratic polities, it is a reasonable outcome of illiberal democratic governance operating in these two cities.
Estimation of the relative stratum corneum amount removed by tape stripping
Authors: Jacobi U. , Weigmann H.‐J. , Ulrich J. , Sterry W. , Lademann J.
Published: March 2005

Background/purpose: The tape stripping procedure is a suitable minimal invasive tool to study, e.g. the penetration and dermatopharmacokinetics of topically applied substances. In the present study, this procedure was used to remove the stratum corneum (SC) completely and to study the penetration of the UVA filter substance butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane after application in two different vehicles.

Methods: The amount of corneocytes removed by each tape strip from the flexor forearm of human volunteers was determined via their pseudo‐absorption. In a second part, the penetration profiles of a UVA filter substance applied in two different vehicles were determined following the developed standard protocol using the tape stripping procedure in combination with UV/VIS spectroscopy.

Results: The amount of corneocytes removed by each tape strip was related to the number of tape strips used for removal. Mean values with a deviation of less than 20% concerning the relative amount of SC removed by a constant number of tape strips were obtained. For instance, a relative amount of 66±12% was removed with the first 20 tape strips, while nearly the complete SC (95±3%) was removed using 50 tape strips. In addition, these results were used to estimate the relative SC amounts removed, studying the penetration of the UVA filter substance after application in two different vehicles. No significant differences between the distributions of the UV filter substance applied in both emulsions were obtained (P>0.05).

Conclusions: The reported procedure for the estimation of the removed SC amount provides the possibility to avoid the complete removal of the SC and to compare the penetration characteristics obtained for different volunteers and different products in relation to the relative horny layer profile.
Quantification of stratum corneum removal by adhesive tape stripping by total protein assay in 96‐well microplates
Authors: Dreher F. , Modjtahedi B. S. , Modjtahedi S. P. , Maibach H. I.
Published: March 2005

Background/aims: Examination of stratum corneum (SC) content with tape stripping and a colorimetric method is increasingly used. We examined the possible use of microplates in tandem with a colorimetric method to examine SC removed with tape stripping. As a corollary to this examination, the homogeneity of tape strips was examined.

Method: The commonly used Lowry assay was adapted for 96‐well plates. Tapes were divided into four regions and sample disks of 5 mm diameter were taken from each and analyzed for SC mass using the adapted Lowry assay.

Results: Homogeneity of SC removal over different areas across a tape strip is limited.

Conclusion: Quantification of SC by means of a 96‐well microplate‐based colorimetric method is feasible and shortens the time of analysis. However, when using D‐Squame® tape disks, SC removal on a limited area of the tape is not predictive for SC removal on the entire tape as removal is inhomogenous. Therefore, SC protein extraction should be performed on a large enough area, eventually on the entire tape when quantifying SC mass removed by tape stripping.
Visible and subclinical skin changes in male and female dispatch department workers of newspaper printing plants
Authors: Korinth Gintautas , Göen Thomas , Koch Holger M. , Merz Thomas , Uter Wolfgang
Published: March 2005

Background and problem: Wet work and skin exposure to detergents or solvents are well‐established causes of irritant hand dermatitis. In contrast, physical irritation of the skin as another potential cause of occupational hand dermatitis has been investigated less.

Material and methods: Our study included 71 individuals exposed to physical irritation during work in the dispatch department of two newspaper printing plants. Clinical examination and measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance and skin surface pH of the skin of hands and forearms was performed.

Results: Erythema and/or scaliness of the hands were unexpectedly common: 26 of the 38 female inlay workers, 11 of the 13 male inlay workers and 15 of the 20 male machine operators were affected, compared to 18 of 28 printers exposed to solvents who had been investigated in a previous study. A significantly higher skin surface pH on the hands (P<0.05) and, less pronounced, on the forearms (P>0.05) was found in females. There was no association between domestic skin exposure, according to questionnaire data, and the bioengineering results. Skin cleansing and skin care differed between male and female workers, but were again not associated with the outcomes.

Conclusions: The point prevalence of skin changes in dispatch department workers in the present study is unexpectedly high, which points to the importance of physical irritation by paper dust. Significant differences in bioengineering parameters between male and female inlay workers were found only for skin surface pH at the exposed back of hands. Future studies should (i) try to elucidate the role of skin surface pH changes and (ii) pay more attention to physical trauma to the skin.
Clinical microneedle injection of methyl nicotinate: stratum corneum penetration
Authors: Sivamani Raja K. , Stoeber Boris , Wu Gabriel C. , Zhai Hongbo , Liepmann Dorian , Maibach Howard
Published: March 2005

Background/purpose:In recent years, microneedles were proposed as a method to painlessly deliver drugs past thestratum corneum. Microneedles have been fabricated in several designs, but limited studies have tested microneedle injections in humans. In this work, we compare microneedle injections with topical application (TA) to investigate if microneedles enhancein vivodrug delivery past the stratum corneum.

Method:In vitrotests were used to measure microneedle pressures and injection volumes.In vivomicroneedle injections were performed on the volar forearm of 11 healthy volunteers. Two sets of microneedles, pointed and symmetric, were used to develop microneedle/syringe apparatuses that were used to inject approximately 1 μL of 0.1 M methyl nicotinate, and were compared against TA. A Laser Doppler Perfusion Monitor was used to record maximum blood flow and the time to maximum blood flow at the treatment sites.

Results:Pointed and symmetric microneedle‐injected sites showed a significantly faster time to maximum blood flow than TA. The pointed microneedle injections also resulted in a higher maximum blood flux. Volunteers reported feeling pressure but no pain from the microneedles during the injections.

Conclusion:The microneedles aid in bypassing the stratum corneum and enhance drug delivery through it. The design of the microneedle influences its delivery capabilities, because the pointed microneedles seem to be less susceptible to clogging during the injection.
Health‐related quality of life with lymphoedema: a review of the literature
Authors: Morgan Philip A , Franks Peter J , Moffatt Christine J
Published: March 2005

This article reviews qualitative and quantitative studies that evaluate health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in lymphoedema. Qualitative studies reveal a number of factors that can affect HRQoL. These include a lack of understanding of lymphoedema by health professionals and poor information provided to patients. Emotional responses include shock, fear, annoyance, frustration and negative body image. Treatment can be costly in terms of time and disruption to lifestyle. Quantitative studies show that patients with lymphoedema experience greater levels of functional impairment, poorer psychological adjustment, anxiety and depression than the general population. Increased limb volume is poorly related to the impact of lymphoedema on the patient. Factors leading to deficits in quality of life include the frequency of acute inflammatory episodes, the presence of pain, skin quality, lymphoedema in the dominant hand and reduced limb mobility. There is some evidence that the adoption of patient‐centred guidelines can improve quality of life in patients with breast‐cancer‐related lymphoedema. HRQoL is an important outcome in the management of patients with lymphoedema. Further studies must examine how lymphoedema impacts on patients other than those with breast‐cancer‐related lymphoedema and the consequences to patients of different approaches to care.
Pressure sores with associated spasticity: a clinical challenge
Authors: Atiyeh Bishara S , Hayek Shady N
Published: March 2005

Paraplegic and quadriplegic patients particularly those suffering from spinal cord injuries are at a high risk of developing pressure ulcerations. Unlike pressure ulcers in geriatric patients, which usually can be controlled with pressure relieving devices and local wound care, pressure ulceration complicating spinal cord injuries should be viewed from another perspective. Clinical management is also more complex because of the associated spasticity. Although it is now recognised that spasticity control is critical for management of patients with cerebral or spinal cord diseases or injuries, published risk assessment studies and risk assessment pressure sore scales fail to recognise spacticity as a major risk factor. Identification of spasticity should heighten the awareness of medical and paramedical personnel and have a positive impact on prevention as well as on treatment of pressure sores in this particularly difficult group of patients. We present our experience with a young quadriplegic patient with severe spasticity presenting with a large infected ischial pressure sore. All surgical as well as conservative attempts to achieve healing failed because of our failure to recognise the importance of spasticity control in the overall treatment scheme. Spasticity control should be included as a prerequisite for any treatment protocol of such patients.
Evaluation of Tielle hydropolymer dressings in the management of chronic exuding wounds in primary care
Authors: Diehm Curt , Lawall Holger
Published: March 2005

The concept of moist wound healing is not fully implemented in daily practice in Germany. Thus, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the use of Tielle hydropolymer dressings in chronic exuding wounds in primary care. A total of 6993 patients with pressure sores (26·6%), venous leg ulcers (59·8%), diabetic foot disease (9·5%) and other wounds (5·1%) were enrolled into three multicentre, open‐label, single‐arm, prospective phase‐IV studies for an observational period of either 4 or 12 weeks. Within the 4 (12)‐week study using Tielle, 43·3% (59·1%) of the wounds healed and 51·6% (36·9%) improved. Wound area was reduced by 78·2% (85·1%). Medium or strong levels of exudates were reduced from 57·4% to 6·7% (4·0%). Cosmetic results were excellent or good in 96·3%. Compared with patients' previous treatment, efficacy and tolerability were assessed as better or much better in 92·5% and 70·4%, respectively. 97·1% of the patients remained free of adverse events. The frequency of dressing changes was reduced from 5 to 3 per week (−43%). Tielle provides an effective and safe dressing in the management of chronic exuding wounds in primary care improving patient's comfort. Due to longer wearing times, Tielle may also be cost saving.
The silver‐releasing foam dressing, Contreet Foam, promotes faster healing of critically colonised venous leg ulcers: a randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Jørgensen Bo , Price Patricia , Andersen Klaus E , Gottrup Finn , Bech‐Thomsen Niels , Scanlon Elizabeth , Kirsner Robert , Rheinen Henriette , Roed‐Petersen Jytte , Romanelli Marco , Jemec Gregor , Leaper David J , Neumann Martino Ha , Veraart Joep , Coerper Stefan , Agerslev Rikke H , Bendz Susanne H , Larsen Jan R , Sibbald R Gary
Published: March 2005

The study compared the effect of a sustained silver‐release foam dressing (Contreet Foam) with a foam dressing (Allevyn Hydrocellular) without added silver in critically colonised venous leg ulcers with delayed healing. The study was a multicentre, open, randomised, controlled study lasting for 4 weeks. Ulcer area and healing were assessed weekly. Odour, maceration, absorption capacity and leakage were evaluated at dressing changes. All adverse events were recorded. One hundred and twenty‐nine patients were included (Contreet Foam: 65, Allevyn Hydrocellular: 64). The two groups were comparable in all respects. After 4 weeks, there was a significantly greater reduction in ulcer area in the Contreet Foam group (45%) than in the Allevyn Hydrocellular group (25%). After 1 and 4 weeks, odour was present in significantly less of the ulcers in the Contreet Foam group (17% and 19%, respectively) compared with the Allevyn Hydrocellular group (47% and 39%, respectively) and at the final visit there were significantly fewer leakages in the Contreet Foam group (19%) compared with the Allevyn Hydrocellular group (49%). Also, less maceration was observed after 1 and 4 weeks in the Contreet Foam group (34% and 37%, respectively) compared with the Allevyn Hydrocellular group (55% and 48%, respectively). The occurrence and cause of adverse events were equally distributed between the study groups. The present study provides evidence of the superior performance of the silver‐releasing dressing, Contreet Foam, compared with a traditional moist foam wound healing dressing in the treatment of critically colonised, chronic venous leg ulcers. The results of this randomised, controlled study suggest an important role of sustained silver‐releasing dressings in the treatment of critically colonised chronic wounds.
Testing student interpretation of kinematics graphs
Authors: Beichner Robert J.
Published: March 2005

Recent work has uncovered a consistent set of student difficulties with graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration versus time. These include misinterpreting graphs as pictures, slope/height confusion, problems finding the slopes of lines not passing through the origin, and the inability to interpret the meaning of the area under various graph curves. For this particular study, data from 895 students at the high school and college level was collected and analyzed. The test used to collect the data is included at the end of the article and should prove useful for other researchers studying kinematics learning as well as instructors teaching the material. The process of developing and analyzing the test is fully documented and is suggested as a model for similar assessment projects.
A model to illustrate forces in nuclear fusion
Authors: Kashy E. , Johnson D. A.
Published: March 2005

A model consisting of magnets and iron which makes a good analogy of the behavior of the electrostatic and nuclear force involved in the fusion of two protons has been constructed and used as a lecture demonstration. Detailed calculations of the magnetic field and of the forces that explain the unusual behavior of the model are presented. The model can also be useful in electricity and magnetism, where students can be challenged to explain the unusual behavior of this ‘‘science puzzle.’’
Fields from multipole moment distributions with spherical symmetry: The Fermi contact interaction
Authors: Harrison Michael J. , Spence Robert D.
Published: March 2005

We first prove an elementary generalization of Gauss’ law for spherically symmetric distributions of multipole moment density, and then apply our result to derive the Fermi contact hyperfine interaction between the electron spin magnetism of s state electrons and nuclear magnetic moments.
Student evaluation of computer-based instruction in a large university mechanics course
Authors: Jones Lorella M. , Kane Dennis J.
Published: March 2005

Students in a large freshman mechanics course for engineers use computer-based tutorials, homework exercises, and quizzes as an important part of the course. For 27 consecutive semesters, students were asked to rate various course components on their usefulness in learning the material. In every one of these semesters, the computer-based materials outranked the lecturer, text, and lab section—despite the fact that lecturers and texts varied.
Measurement of liquid crystal refractive indices
Authors: Shenoy Devanand K.
Published: March 2005

It is shown that a student spectrometer may be modified easily to measure the anisotropic refractive indices of liquid crystals.