bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of post‐operative pain by an electrical pain stimulus
Authors: Nielsen P. R. , Nørgaard L. , Rasmussen L. S. , Kehlet H.
Published: April 2007

Background:  Treatment of post‐operative pain is still a significant problem. Recently, interest has focused on pre‐operative identification of patients who may experience severe post‐operative pain in order to offer a more aggressive analgesic treatment. The nociceptive stimulation methods have included heat injury and pressure algometry. A simple method, Pain Matcher® (PM), using electrical stimulation, is validated for pain assessment, but has not been evaluated as a tool for prediction of post‐operative pain. Our aim was to assess the predictive value of pre‐caesarean section pain threshold on intensity of post‐caesarean section pain using the PM.

Patients and methods:  Thirty‐nine healthy women scheduled for elective caesarean section were studied. The anaesthetic/analgesic procedures included spinal anaesthesia, paracetamol, diclofenac, controlled‐release (CR) oxycodone and morphine on request. Pre‐operatively, the sensory and pain thresholds were measured using the PM. Post‐operatively, a midwife, blinded for pre‐caesarean pain threshold assessments, assessed the pain at rest and during mobilization every 12 h for 2 days. Consumption of analgesics was also recorded.

Results:  Pre‐operative pain threshold correlated significantly with post‐caesarean pain score (VAS) at rest and mobilization: [Spearman’s rho =–0.65 (–0.30 to –0.75), P < 0.01] and [Spearman’s rho =–0.52 (–0.23 to –0.72), P < 0.01], respectively. There was no significant correlation between pre‐operative PM assessment of sensory threshold and post‐operative pain.

Conclusion:  Electrical pain threshold before caesarean section seems to predict the intensity of post‐operative pain. This method may be used as a screening tool to identify patients at high risk of post‐operative pain.
Compound A, formaldehyde and methanol concentrations during low‐flow sevoflurane anaesthesia: comparison of three carbon dioxide absorbers
Authors: Marini F. , Bellugi I. , Gambi D. , Pacenti M. , Dugheri S. , Focardi L. , Tulli G.
Published: April 2007

Aim:  To determine compound A, formaldehyde and methanol concentrations in low‐flow anaesthesia using different carbon dioxide absorbers.

Methods:  Fifteen patients scheduled for general or urological surgery were exposed to low‐flow (500 ml/min) anaesthesia with sevoflurane. The patients were randomly allocated to three groups: soda lime, DrägerSorb Free® or Amsorb Plus®. The concentrations of compound A, formaldehyde and methanol were sampled and analysed from the limbs of the anaesthesia circuit at T30 (30 min after the start of low‐flow sevoflurane anaesthesia), T90 (90 min) and T150 (150 min). The temperatures of the absorbers were measured at the same time.

Results:  Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in the production of compound A from soda lime (with the highest values), DrägerSorb Free® and Amsorb Plus® at each measurement time. Only traces of methanol (ranging from < 0.131 to 3.799 mg/m3) were measured, higher with Amsorb Plus® (statistically significant differences were found only at T90). The formaldehyde values (ranging from < 0.1227 to 17.79 mcg/m3 p.p.b.) were higher with soda lime, and the difference was statistically significant at T150 and, in the inspiratory limb only, at T90. The temperatures of the absorbers were higher for soda lime and lower for Amsorb Plus®; the difference was statistically significant at T0 in the upper canister and at T30 in both canisters.

Conclusion:  The concentrations of harmful products in the circuit were negligible and were lower using the new‐generation absorbers. Using Amsorb Plus®, the temperatures in the canisters were lower than with the other two absorbers.
Effect of thoracic epidural analgesia on gastric blood flow after oesophagectomy
Authors: Michelet P. , Roch A. , D’Journo X.‐B. , Blayac D. , Barrau K. , Papazian L. , Thomas P. , Auffray J.‐P.
Published: April 2007

Background:  The oesophagectomy procedure includes the formation of a gastric tube to re‐establish the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract. The effect of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) remains unknown in clinical practice. The aim of this prospective observational study was to assess the microcirculatory changes induced by TEA in the early post‐operative course.

Methods:  Eighteen consecutive patients who underwent radical oesophagectomy with en‐bloc resection and two‐field lymphadenectomy for oesophageal cancer, and benefited from TEA during the post‐operative course, were studied prospectively, and compared with nine patients who declined the use of TEA in the same period (control group). GMBF was measured using a laser Doppler flowmeter in three consecutive time periods (before and after 1 and 18 h of TEA infusion). Post‐operative monitoring also included the measurement of arterial pressure, cardiac output, gas exchange and intrathoracic blood volume index.

Results:  After the first and 18th hour of infusion, TEA induced an increase in GMBF compared with baseline and the control group. The mean arterial pressure and intrathoracic blood volume index decreased after the first hour of TEA infusion with no influence on the cardiac index.

Conclusions:  This clinical study demonstrates that TEA improves the microcirculation of the gastric tube in the early post‐oesophagectomy period. The clinical relevance of TEA in this setting should be validated in larger studies focusing on the clinical outcome following oesophagectomy.
Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of deep‐sea mesozooplankton in the eastern Mediterranean – indications of a climatically induced shift?
Authors: Koppelmann Rolf , Weikert Horst
Published: April 2007

Zooplankton samples from the eastern Mediterranean were collected in April/May 1999 with a multiple opening and closing net (mesh size 333 μm) to examine the distribution and taxonomic composition of mesozooplankton, mainly Calanoida (Copepoda), some years after the onset of the Eastern Mediterranean Transient (EMT), a climatically induced shift in hydrography. The samples from seven stations on a transect from the Ionian Sea to the eastern part of the Levantine Basin were collected at closely spaced vertical intervals from the surface to water depths of 4250 m. Data from January 1987, June 1993, January 1998 and October 2001 from the main site of investigation, south of Crete, were used to describe the temporal evolution before (1987), during (1993) and after (1998–2001) the EMT. The eastern Mediterranean mesozooplankton fauna is dominated by three Calanoida species along the west–east transect, with varying abundances in different depth‐zones: Haloptilus longicornis in the epipelagic zone, Eucalanus monachus in the mesopelagic zone, and Lucicutia longiserrata in the bathypelagic zone. A drastic change in mesozooplankton composition and abundance occurred at the main site during the EMT, whereupon increased abundances of Candacia elongata and L. longiserrata were observed in the bathypelagic zone in the following years; L. longiserrata accounted for 43% of the total mesozooplankton in this zone. The hypothesis is posed that the Mediterranean deep‐sea ecosystem is able to respond quickly to changes in the environment and memorizes these changes over time. We claim that the biological effects of climatically induced changes can be easily monitored in the deep eastern Mediterranean Sea using calanoid copepod key species due to the hydrographically extreme, but ‘simply structured’ ecosystem.
Phenotypic variation in local populations and cultivars of meadow fescue – potential for improving cultivars by utilizing wild germplasm
Authors: Fjellheim S. , Blomlie Å. B. , Marum P. , Rognli O. A.
Published: April 2007

The utilization of gene bank accessions for breeding purposes is generally hampered by a lack of sufficient genetic and phenotypic characterization. Results are given here of a phenotypic analysis of 30 Norwegian local populations and 10 Nordic cultivars of meadow fescue, and a combined analysis of phenotypic data with previously published molecular data based on 95 amplified fragment length polymorphic markers. Seventeen phenological and morphological, and two derived characters, were assessed on 2264 individual plants. Previous molecular diversity analyses have shown that the Norwegian local populations can be divided into three groups based on a likely history of the introduction of the species into Norway. A similar pattern was evident from relationships between the mean phenotypic values of populations and cultivars. Such a combined phenotypic and genetic characterization of germplasm can facilitate the use of gene bank material in breeding, as breeders can use these data to select populations with extreme values of a field trait, along with markers which represent potential predictors of phenotypic value.
Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphism and Determination of Effects on Reproductive Trait in Pigs
Authors: Yen N‐T , Lin C‐S , Ju C‐C , Wang S‐C , Huang M‐C
Published: April 2007

Contents

The purposes of this study were to investigate single strand conformation polymorphisms (SSCP) in the D‐loop region of pig mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and to determinate their association with the reproductive traits of meishan pigs. A total of four types of band patterns, designed SSCP band pattern A, B, C and D, were identified. A type of SSCP band pattern was present in all European–American breeds, but not in East Asian breeds. This result showed the diversified sequence in the D‐loop region between European–American and East Asian populations. Two types of band patterns, B and C, were found in Meishan pigs. The average body weight at day 21 of piglets from B type dams was significantly heavier than the body weight of C type (p < 0.05). We also tested whether the SSCP patterns would be suitable for paternity testing in a family group and found that bands of all the offspring were derived from their maternal parent. Therefore, we conclude that SSCP may be a marker for identification of maternal ancestors.
How accurate is the Light index for estimating pneumothorax size?
Authors: Hoi K , Turchin B , Kelly A‐M
Published: April 2007

In Europe, the Light index is used for estimating the size of pneumothorax. It is based on the proportional relationship between the collapsed lung and the hemithorax. Other methods rely on absolute measurements on radiographs. The aim of this study was to compare the estimated size of pneumothoraces using Light index with that estimated using the CT volumetrics‐derived Collins method. This was a secondary analysis of radiographs from a database of pneumothoraces treated conservatively. Radiographs were measured independently by two researchers according to the methods described by Light and Collins. Estimates of size derived by the two methods were compared using bias plot analysis techniques. The primary outcome of interest was agreement between pneumothorax size (as per cent) between the two methods. Sixty‐one radiographs (27 patients) were analysed. The median age was 21 years and 76% were men. There was poor agreement between the methods. The average difference was 7.3% with the Light index underestimating the size compared with the Collins method. The 95% limits of agreement were wide (24% underestimation to 17% overestimation of size). The Light index as described does not accurately estimate the size of pneumothorax. New methods if accurate quantification of pneumothoraces is required clinically.
Radiation‐induced apoptosis in retinal progenitor cells is p53‐dependent with caspase‐independent DNA fragmentation
Authors: Herzog Karl‐Heinz , Schulz Adriana , Buerkle Corina , Gromoll Christian , Braun Johann S.
Published: April 2007

Caspases are important executioners of the endogenous cell death program. However, their function is not restricted to the induction of cell death. Caspases may process cytokines and contribute to cell differentiation or lymphocyte proliferation. In addition to their pleiotropic functions we show evidence that, under certain conditions, caspases are activated during apoptosis without executing the cell death program. Following whole body irradiation, p53 and caspases were activated in both the cerebellum and eye of postnatal day 5 mice. Although p53 activation and cell death kinetics were similar in both the cerebellum and eye, the processing of caspases was protracted and reduced in the eye. In particular, retinal caspase activation appeared not to be the executioner of cell death; incubation of retinal and cerebellar explants in the presence of the pan‐caspase inhibitor N‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp fluoromethylketone prevented DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis, only in cerebellar granule cells. In contrast, in retinal cells no impairment of DNA fragmentation was observed in the presence of N‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp fluoromethylketone, indicating p53‐dependent but caspase‐independent cell death pathways despite caspase activation.
Neural pathways associated with loss of consciousness caused by intracerebral microinjection of GABAA‐active anesthetics
Authors: Sukhotinsky I. , Zalkind V. , Lu J. , Hopkins D. A. , Saper C. B. , Devor M.
Published: April 2007

Anesthesia, slow‐wave sleep, syncope, concussion and reversible coma are behavioral states characterized by loss of consciousness, slow‐wave cortical electroencephalogram, and motor and sensory suppression. We identified a focal area in the rat brainstem, the mesopontine tegmental anesthesia area (MPTA), at which microinjection of pentobarbital and other GABAA receptor (GABAA‐R) agonists reversibly induced an anesthesia‐like state. This effect was attenuated by local pre‐treatment with the GABAA‐R antagonist bicuculline. Using neuroanatomical tracing we identified four pathways ascending from the MPTA that are positioned to mediate electroencephalographic synchronization and loss of consciousness: (i) projections to the intralaminar thalamic nuclei that, in turn, project to the cortex; (ii) projections to several pontomesencephalic, diencephalic and basal forebrain nuclei that project cortically and are considered parts of an ascending ‘arousal system’; (iii) a projection to other parts of the subcortical forebrain, including the septal area, hypothalamus, zona incerta and striato‐pallidal system, that may indirectly affect cortical arousal and hippocampal theta rhythm; and (iv) modest projections directly to the frontal cortex. Several of these areas have prominent reciprocal projections back to the MPTA, notably the zona incerta, lateral hypothalamus and frontal cortex. We hypothesize that barbiturate anesthetics and related agents microinjected into the MPTA enhance the inhibitory response of local GABAA‐R‐bearing neurons to endogenous GABA released at baseline during wakefulness. This modulates activity in one or more of the identified ascending neural pathways, ultimately leading to loss of consciousness.
Physiological effects of auditory nerve myelinopathy in chinchillas
Authors: El‐Badry Mohamed M. , Ding Da‐lian , McFadden Sandra L. , Eddins Ann C.
Published: April 2007

The goals were to study the physiological effects of auditory nerve myelinopathy in chinchillas and to test the hypothesis that myelin abnormalities could account for auditory neuropathy, a hearing disorder characterized by absent auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) with preserved outer hair cell function. Doxorubicin, a cytotoxic drug used as an experimental demyelinating agent, was injected into the auditory nerve bundle of 18 chinchillas; six other chinchillas were injected with vehicle alone. Cochlear microphonics, compound action potentials (CAPs), inferior colliculus evoked potentials (IC‐EVPs), cubic distortion product otoacoustic emissions and ABRs were recorded before and up to 2 months after injection. Cochleograms showed no hair cell loss in any of the animals and measures of outer hair cell function were normal (cubic distortion product otoacoustic emissions) or enhanced (cochlear microphonics) after injection. ABR was present in animals with mild myelin damage (n = 10) and absent in animals with severe myelin damage that included the myelin surrounding spiral ganglion cell bodies and fibers in Rosenthal's canal (n = 8). Animals with mild damage had reduced response amplitudes at 1 day, followed by recovery of CAP and enhancement of the IC‐EVP. In animals with severe damage, CAP and IC‐EVP thresholds were elevated, amplitudes were reduced, and latencies were prolonged at 1 day and thereafter. CAPs deteriorated over time, whereas IC‐EVPs partially recovered; latencies remained consistently prolonged despite changes in amplitudes. The results support auditory nerve myelinopathy as a possible pathomechanism of auditory neuropathy but indicate that myelinopathy must be severe before physiological measures are affected.
Sleep‐disordered breathing is related to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes in middle‐aged men, but not in women – the FIN‐D2D survey
Authors: Tuomilehto H. , Peltonen M. , Partinen M. , Seppä J. , Saaristo T. , Korpi‐Hyövälti E. , Oksa H. , Saltevo J. , Puolijoki H. , Vanhala M. , Tuomilehto J.
Published: April 2007

Aim:  To determine the association between sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) and obesity, diabetes and glucose intolerance among middle‐aged men and women in Finland.

Methods:  A multicentre, population‐based, cross‐sectional survey in Finland. A total of 1396 men and 1500 women aged 45–74 years participated in the survey between 2004 and 2005. The study subjects underwent a health examination including an oral glucose tolerance test and filled a questionnaire describing their sleep habits.

Results:  Middle‐aged men with SDB had an increased prevalence of diabetes and abnormal glucose tolerance. These associations were not found among middle‐aged women. After adjustments for age, body mass index, smoking and central nervous system–affecting medication, SDB was independently associated with diabetes and glucose intolerance in men, but not in women.

Conclusion:  Middle‐aged men with SDB have an independent risk of type 2 diabetes. However, both diabetes and SDB exhibit a strong association with obesity and especially with central obesity, reflecting increased visceral fat. In clinical practice especially male patients with diabetes should always be asked about habitual snoring and about possible sleep apnoea.
Brain distribution of myosin Va in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Rancura Kátia Gisele Oliveira , Montaño Michelli Rivero , Carvalho Robson Francisco , Martins Cesar , Wasko Adriane Pinto , Casaletti Luciana , Azevedo Alexandre
Published: April 2007

This study presents data on myosin Va localization in the central nervous system of rainbow trout. We demonstrate, via immunoblots and immunocytochemistry, the expression of myosin Va in several neuronal populations of forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain and spinal cord. The neuronal populations that express myosin Va in trout constitute a very diverse group that do not seem to have many specific similarities such as neurotransmitters used, cellular size or length of their processes. The intensity of the immunoreactivity and the number of immunoreactive cells differ from region to region. Although there is a broad distribution of myosin Va, it is not present in all neuronal populations. This result is in agreement with a previous report, which indicated that myosin Va is approximately as abundant as conventional myosin II and kinesin, and it is broadly involved in neuronal motility events such as axoplasmatic transport. Furthermore, this distribution pattern is in accordance with what was shown in rats and mice; it indicates phylogenetic maintenance of the myosin Va main functions.
Interstitial laser coagulation in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia: long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Dæhlin Lars , Frugård Jannicke
Published: April 2007

The first two papers in this section are on the topic of laser therapy for BPH. This is obviously a much‐visited topic, but these papers help to throw further light on the subject. Is the laser the best way of treating this condition? We need more evidence to answer this question, and hopefully we will be able to give our patients the correct response when they ask us, based on papers such as these.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long‐term effects, including durability, of interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 49 men (median age 68 years, range 52–80) were treated with ILC; 22 men were assessed for a median (range) of 54 (46–61) months. Information on the timing and type of re‐treatment were collected for the remaining patients.

RESULTS

The median (quartiles) International Prostate Symptom Score decreased from 22 (19–28) at baseline to 13 (5–21), a decrease of 41%. The peak urinary flow increased by 20% to 10.2 (8.7–12.9) mL/s. Twenty‐two patients were re‐treated (by any type) after ILC, giving a re‐treatment rate of 50%.

CONCLUSION

There were moderate effects on voiding variables and a high re‐treatment rate during the long‐term follow‐up after ILC. It seems reasonable that the use of ILC is restricted to selected, high‐risk patients.
Dorsal and Ventral Processing Under Dual-Task Conditions
Authors: Kunde Wilfried , Landgraf Franziska , Paelecke Marko , Kiesel Andrea
Published: April 2007

It is widely acknowledged that visual input is processed along two anatomically and functionally distinct pathways—a ventral pathway for conscious perception and a dorsal pathway for action control. The present study investigated whether the apparent direct and unmediated processing in the dorsal stream is subject to capacity limitations. Specifically, we tested whether a simple dorsal task of grasping an object is affected by the psychological refractory period (PRP), a well-known indication of capacity limitations. Subjects performed an auditory choice reaction task and then, following varying delays, had to judge an object's width (ventral task) or grasp an object across its width (dorsal task). Although these tasks were differentially affected by irrelevant variation of the objects' length, they were subject to comparable dual-task interference. These results show that despite important differences between ventral and dorsal information processing, both modes of processing are constrained by limited capacities.
Constructivist Coding
Authors: Elwin Ebba , Juslin Peter , Olsson Henrik , Enkvist Tommy
Published: April 2007

Although much learning in real-life environments relies on highly selective feedback about outcomes, virtually all cognitive models of learning, judgment, and categorization assume complete and representative feedback. We investigated empirically the effect of selective feedback on decision making and how people code experience with selective feedback. The results showed that, in contrast to a commonly raised concern, performance was not impaired following learning with selective and biased feedback. Furthermore, even in a simple decision task, the experience that people acquired was not a mere recording of the observed outcomes, but rather a reconstruction from general task knowledge.
Animals and Androids
Authors: Loughnan Stephen , Haslam Nick
Published: April 2007

People commonly ascribe lesser humanness to others than to themselves. Two senses of humanness appear to be involved: attributes that are unique to humans and those that constitute essential “human nature.” Denying uniquely human and human-nature attributes to other people may implicitly liken them to animals and automata, respectively. In the present study, the go/no-go association task was used to assess implicit associations among social categories exemplifying the two senses of humanness, traits representing these senses, and the two types of nonhumans. Congruent associations (among artists, human-nature traits, and animals; among businesspeople, uniquely human traits, and automata) were consistently stronger than incongruent associations. Explicit ratings supported these differential associations. Social perception may involve two subtle ways of dehumanizing others.
Syntactic Priming in Comprehension
Authors: Ledoux Kerry , Traxler Matthew J. , Swaab Tamara Y.
Published: April 2007

Syntactic priming is the facilitation of processing that occurs when a sentence has the same syntactic form as a preceding sentence. Such priming effects have been less consistently demonstrated in comprehension than in production, and those that have been reported have depended on the repetition of verbs across sentences. In an event-related potential experiment, subjects read target sentences containing reduced-relative clauses. Each was preceded by a sentence that contained the same verb and either a reduced-relative or a main-clause construction. Reduced-relative primes elicited a larger positivity than did main-clause primes. Reduced-relative targets that were preceded by a main-clause prime elicited a greater positivity than the same target sentences following a reduced-relative prime. In addition, syntactic priming effects were dissociated from effects of lexical repetition at the verb.
Psychometric properties of the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory‐Revised among Icelandic college students
Authors: SMÁRI JAKOB , ÓLASON DANÍEL T. , EYÞÓRSDÓTTIR ÁSDÍS , FRÖLUNDE MAJ‐BRITT
Published: April 2007

In the present study, the psychometric properties of the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory‐Revised (OCI‐R) (Foa, et al., 2002) were investigated. The OCI‐R was administered to a total of 816 Icelandic college students. The Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) were administered to a subsample of 304 students, and the PI‐WSUR (Padua Inventory Washington State University Revision), the PSWQ and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) to another subsample of 212 students. Also, 89 students filled in the OCI‐R twice with two weeks in between. The factor structure of the instrument was replicated in a confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha and test‐retest reliabilities of the OCI‐R total scale and all subscales were satisfactory. Further, the OCI‐R total score showed a significantly higher correlation with the PI‐WSUR and the MOCI than with the PSWQ or the MPS. Finally, conceptually similar scales of the OCI‐R and the MOCI as well as the PI‐WSUR showed higher inter‐correlations than the correlations that were observed between conceptually more distinct scales. It is concluded that the Icelandic version of the OCI‐R has strong psychometric properties in a student population.
Parental Emotion Socialization in Adolescence: Differences in Sex, Age and Problem Status
Authors: Klimes‐Dougan Bonnie , Brand Ann E. , Zahn‐Waxler Carolyn , Usher Barbara , Hastings Paul D. , Kendziora Kimberly , Garside Rula B.
Published: April 2007

There is a paucity of research on how mothers and fathers socialize emotion in their adolescent sons and daughters. This study was based on 220 adolescents (range 11‐ to 16‐years‐old) who exhibit a range of emotional and behavioral problems and their parents. Parental responses to their children's displays of sadness, anger and fear were assessed. Mothers were found to be more engaged in their children's emotional lives than were fathers. With a few important exceptions (e.g., boys were punished for expressions of anger more than girls), adolescent girls and boys were socialized in much the same way. Parents of older adolescents were generally less supportive and more punitive toward emotional displays. Systematic links between adolescent problem status and parent approaches to emotion socialization were found. These findings on how parents socialize emotions in their adolescents have important implications for theory as well as practice.
A Speechless Grace: Karl Rahner on Religious Language
Authors: CAPONI FRANCIS J.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The theological and pastoral goals of Karl Rahner's work require an accounting of the capacity of human language to speak meaningfully about God. This article argues that in his reflections on dogma, poetry, mysticism and ‘anonymous faith’, Rahner presents two conflicting perspectives on religious language: an ‘incarnational’ approach in which language is a necessary and constitutive dimension of revelation; and an ‘optional’ approach in which language is the subsequent and ultimately unnecessary embodiment of the ‘transcendental revelation’ of God. A way forward for Rahner's theology is proposed through a rejection of his identification of grace and revelation.
The history of anatomy in Persia
Authors: Shoja Mohammadali M. , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: April 2007

The study of human anatomy can be found throughout the rich history of Persia. For thousands of years, morphological descriptions derived from this part of the world have contributed to and have helped form our current anatomical knowledge base. In this article we review the major influential Persian periods and the individuals who have contributed to the development of anatomy. We have divided the history of Persia into five eras: (1) the period of the Elamites, Medes, early Persians and Babylonians (10th millennium to 6th century BC); (2) following the establishment of the Persian Empire (6th century BC) to the 7th century AD; (3) after the Islamic conquest of Persia to the ascendency of Baghdad (7th to 13th century AD); (4) from the Mongol invasion of Persia to the foundations of modern anatomy (13th to 18th century AD); and (5) modern Persia/Iran (18th century AD to present). Evidence indicates that human dissection was commonplace in the first era, which led to a disciplined practice of surgery in the centuries leading to the foundation of the Persian Empire. By the emergence of Zoroastrianism in the Persian Empire, the microcosm theory was widely used to understand internal anatomy in relation to the external universe. The world's first cosmopolitan university and hospital were built in Gondishapur, south‐western Persia, in the third century AD. Greek and Syriac knowledge influenced the second era. With the gradual ruin of Gondishapur and the foundation of Baghdad following the Islamic conquest of Persia (637–651 AD), a great movement took place, which led to the flourishing of the so‐called Middle Age or Islamic Golden Age. Of the influential anatomists of this period, Mesue (777–857 AD), Tabbari (838–870 AD), Rhazes (865–925 AD), Joveini (?−983 AD), Ali ibn Abbas (930–994 AD), Avicenna (980–1037 AD) and Jorjani (1042–1137 AD) all hailed from Persia. There is evidence in the Persian literature as to the direct involvement of these scholars in human dissection. Syro‐Indian, Byzantine, Greek, Chinese and Arabic knowledge all influenced the third era. In the fourth period, the first colour illustrated anatomical text (by Mansur, 14th century AD) was compiled. Chinese and Indian anatomical styles were embraced, though there was a strong religious siege of anatomy late in this era. By the 19th century, Persia had entered a new era of modernizing movements and academic contact with the West through the reforms of Mirza Tagi Khan Amir Kabir. Knowledge of anatomy for this region in the 20th century was greatly influenced by Europe and America.
Stress in women's daily life before and after a myocardial infarction: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Sjöström‐Strand Annica , Fridlund Bengt
Published: April 2007

Background:  Little is known about women's perceptions of their daily life before and after a myocardial infarction (MI), especially with regard to stress, which is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).

Aim:  To describe and explore women's perceptions of stress before and after an MI.

Method:  Two interviews with women who suffered an MI, the first at the hospital (n = 20) and the second 4–10 months after the MI (n = 14), were analysed using a phenomenographic approach.

Findings:  The stress emanated either from within themselves (personal traits) or as an effect of their immediate surroundings. The period before the MI was stressful due to the different roles they had to maintain in their private and professional lives. They lost control over their daily life. After hospital discharge they both wanted and needed support, as they were terrified when they returned home. They did not know how much they could do and neither did their relatives, while little or no support was provided by the healthcare professionals.

Conclusions:  To prevent CHD in daily life and avoid reinforcing stress, it is important to place greater emphasis on stress as an important risk factor. An understanding of this phenomenon can assist primary healthcare, coronary care unit (CCU) and rehabilitation nurses in supporting these women as well as their partners to adapt their daily lives both before and after an MI. It is essential to formulate and implement individualised treatment plans and to provide support groups for women.
Nursing gaze as framework for nursing practice: a study from acute care settings in Korea, Norway and the USA
Authors: Ellefsen Bodil , Kim Hesook Suzie , Ja Han Kyung
Published: April 2007

The aim of the study was to investigate the nature of nurses’ clinical practice in terms of what frames their clinical engagement, and to examine how clinical constructions were made. The study is based on a descriptive design using a clinical field approach in acute care settings in Korea, the USA and Norway. A theoretical sample consisted of between four and six Registered Nurses in each country: up to three from medical wards and three from surgical wards. Data were collected through participant observation of and in‐depth interviews with the nurses, as well as from nursing documentation about the patients. The result showed an overall model of a theory of nursing practice consisting of three processes: nursing gaze, clinical construction and clinical engagement. This first article outlines the overall descriptive theory of nursing practice and provides a detailed description of the first aspect: the nursing gaze. The model of the structuring of nursing gaze is set within the philosophy of nursing, consisting of the ontology of client and the ontology of practice. The dimensions of normality and needs constitute the ontology of client, and the dimension of clinical expectations constituted the ontology of practice.
Stress in children: how fifth‐year pupils experience stress in everyday life
Authors: Brobeck Elisabeth , Marklund Bertil , Haraldsson Katarina , Berntsson Leeni
Published: April 2007

In many cases, stress in children takes the form of psychosomatic symptoms. The prevalence of headache in children has increased, as has stomach pain and self‐reported psychological problems. Many children also experience stress without exhibiting any symptoms, as children perceive, understand and evaluate stress in a variety of different ways. The aim of this study was to describe how fifth‐year pupils experience stress in everyday life. An explorative and descriptive design based on phenomenology was chosen to investigate children's lifeworld and lived experience of the phenomenon of stress. The data analysis was based on Giorgi's method. The study comprised 29 children, who were interviewed regarding their experience of stress in everyday life. The results revealed five key constituents: ‘fear of being late’, ‘not having sufficient time’, ‘physical and mental consequences’, ‘both a negative and a positive feeling’ and ‘experiencing significant others’ stress’. Together, these key constituents form the overall result. This study demonstrates that stress is a part of children's everyday life. The children described stress that was often acute and linked to situations that occur in everyday life. The results can assist in identifying the factors behind the stress experienced by children. This in turn will facilitate observation and intervention when a child exhibits stress symptoms.
Caring and uncaring experiences as narrated by persons with long‐term pain after a stroke
Authors: Widar Marita , Ek Anna‐Christina , Ahlström Gerd
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study was to describe how persons with long‐term pain after a stroke experience their care. The study is part of a larger research project concerning a group persons suffering from long‐term pain after a stroke. Qualitative interviews were performed with 43 persons suffering from central poststroke pain, nociceptive pain or tension‐type headache after their stroke incident. Content congruence emerged among the narratives (n = 43), and therefore the most information‐rich ones (n = 23) were selected for deeper investigation by means of qualitative content analysis. The results reveal the patients’ need for being respected, understood and supported, also for being given adequate time and information. Accessibility and continuity in the professional contacts and with regard to medical and physical treatment was emphasized. The participants’ narratives highlight the importance of the professionals having knowledge of pain and pain management.
Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci for the trematode Gymnophallus sp.
Authors: LEUNG TOMMY L. F. , POULIN ROBERT , KEENEY DEVON B.
Published: April 2007

Ten polymorphic loci were isolated and characterized from the intertidal New Zealand trematode Gymnophallus sp., a common parasite of the abundant local bivalve Austrovenus stutchburyi. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.17 to 0.96, and three to 23 alleles were detected in 24 trematode metacercariae. These loci are currently being used to investigate the molecular ecology of this species within the bivalve host.
Chromosome‐specific microsatellites from the tammar wallaby X chromosome and chromosome 2
Authors: MACDONALD ANNA J. , SARRE STEPHEN D. , FITZSIMMONS NANCY N. , GRAVES JENNIFER A. MARSHALL
Published: April 2007

Microsatellites were identified from fully sequenced bacterial artificial chromosome clones from the X chromosome and chromosome 2 of the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii. A total of 20 microsatellites were genotyped. Seven X chromosome loci and eight loci from chromosome 2 were polymorphic, with between two and 11 alleles per locus. These markers will facilitate genetic mapping in the tammar wallaby and will have wider applications in macropod population genetics. In particular, X chromosome microsatellites will provide a novel evolutionary perspective from which to view macropod mating systems and gene flow.
Whole‐body mechanics and kinematics of terrestrial locomotion in the Elegant‐crested TinamouEudromia elegans
Authors: HANCOCK JENNIFER A. , STEVENS NANCY J. , BIKNEVICIUS AUDRONE R.
Published: April 2007

Whereas humans and certain birds experience an abrupt change in locomotor dynamics when shifting from walks to runs, a smooth walk–run transition characterizes many ground‐dwelling birds. This study defines the biomechanical distinction between walks and runs in the Elegant‐crested TinamouEudromia elegansusing ground reaction forces. Three birds were filmed at 250 Hz from a lateral view as they moved over a force plate built into a trackway. Centre of mass mechanics and kinematic variables were analysed in 81 steady‐speed trials that represented a speed range from 0.66 to 2.78 m/s.E. elegansundergoes two speed‐related changes in locomotor mechanics. The first is a shift from walking strides that utilize vaulting mechanics to low‐speed runs that exhibit bouncing mechanics; this transition occurs at Froude numbers between 0.4 and 0.6. Such low‐speed runs exhibit duty factors exceeding 0.5 and, hence, lack an aerial phase between steps. The second transition, from grounded running to aerial running, occurs when duty factors decrease below 0.5. Grounded running in birds may enhance vision by stabilizing visual stimuli over the retina. The eventual incorporation of an aerial phase during running enables increased locomotor speeds primarily through longer stride lengths.
The conditional party mandate: A model for the study of mass and elite opinion patterns
Authors: VALEN HENRY , NARUD HANNE MARTHE
Published: April 2007

Abstract. This article explores the pattern of opinions within political parties. What is the level of issue congruence between voters and elected leaders? The article introduces two ideas for the analysis of mass and elite opinion patterns. First, the authors challenge the unidimensional conception of mass‐elite linkages, and argue that the opinion structure of political parties may best be understood in the context of a multidimensional policy space. Second, they contest the proximity logic of the traditional party mandate model. In so doing, they propose the ‘conditional party mandate model’, arguing that ‘direction’ rather than ‘proximity’ attracts voters' interest and attention. The authors contend that in issues of principle significance for a particular party (so‐called ‘core issues’), the party's voters and representatives will proceed in the same direction, but the representatives will stress their position more strongly than the voters. In issues that are less significant to the parties, the relationship between the two levels will be fortuitous and less clear. The analyses, which are based on elite and mass survey data from the Norwegian political system, support the authors' hypotheses concerning positional issues. When the direction of an issue is given, representatives are more extreme than voters.
Bone changes in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia: a histomorphometric and microcomputed tomographic study
Authors: Schmidt Aline , Blanchet Odile , Dib Mamoun , Baslé Michel F. , Ifrah Norbert , Chappard Daniel
Published: April 2007

Myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) is a clonal disorder of the haematopoietic stem cell which can be associated with marrow fibrosis and/or osteosclerosis. Because bone progenitors and mature bone cells are influenced by the marrow microenvironment, cellular and tissular changes were assessed by histomorphometry in MMM. Thirteen patients, with a clinical proven MMM, had a bone biopsy of the iliac crest with double tetracycline labelling and osteoclast count. Histomorphometry was done at the 2D level (bone volume, osteoid parameters, bone histodynamic parameters and osteoclast count) and 3D level by microcomputed tomography. All patients had clusters of abnormal megakaryocytes in bone marrow. Newly apposed bone packets were observed in 12 patients and corresponded to an increased thickness of some bone units with new lamellae or focal areas of woven bone anchored on the pre‐existing trabeculae. Osteoid parameters were unchanged, only bone formation rate appeared considerably increased in seven patients. There was a net tendency for decrease in osteoclast number and conversion of trabecular pillars into plates. An uncoupling of bone remodelling was evidenced with an increased life‐span of osteoblasts associated with a normal/reduced osteoclast activity. A very complex network of factors is candidate to explain bone changes observed in MMM.
Predictive value of discrimination indices in differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia and beta‐thalassemia trait
Authors: Beyan Cengiz , Kaptan Kürşat , Ifran Ahmet
Published: April 2007

Objectives:  Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta‐thalassemia trait (B‐TT) are the most common causes of hypochromic microcytic anemias. Many indices have been defined to quickly discriminate these similar entities via parameters obtained from automated blood count analyzers. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of these indices in differential diagnosis of IDA and B‐TT in adult cases.

Methods:  This study consists of 45 IDA cases, 36 women and nine men, whose mean age is 33.87 ± 11.59 (mean ± SD) (range 17–57 yr) and 66 B‐TT cases, 41 women and 25 men, whose mean age is 33.26 ± 13.36 (mean ± SD) (range 14–74 yr). IDA cases with Hb value <8.7 g/dL have been excluded because these cases are not confused with B‐TT cases in practice. Patient groups have been evaluated according to red blood cell (RBC), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), Mentzer index, Shine and Lal indices, England and Fraser indices, Srivastava index, Green and King indices, RDW index and Ricerca index. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and Youden’s index have been calculated.

Results:  Finally, none of these different formulations are superior to RBC value obtained from automated analyzers in adult cases with IDA and B‐TT.

Conclusions:  Total body iron status and hemoglobin A2 level should be obtained for accurate differential diagnosis of IDA and B‐TT until more efficient tools develop.
Acute neuropathogenicity with experimental infection of equine herpesvirus 9 in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Kodama A. , Yanai T. , Yomemaru K. , Sakai H. , Masegi T. , Yamada S. , Fukushi H. , Kuraishi T. , Hattori S. , Kai C.
Published: April 2007

Background  Equine herpesvirus 9 (EHV‐9) is a new neurotropic equine herpesvirus which induced encephalitis in a variety of animals. However, there was no information on the susceptibility of EHV‐9 in primates.

Methods  To assess the infectivity of EHV‐9, four common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were inoculated by the nasal route with 106 plaque‐forming units of EHV‐9.

Results and conclusions  All of the inoculated animals exhibited various neurological signs progressing to collapse. Histologically, the affected animals had severe encephalitis characterized by neuronal degeneration and necrosis with intranuclear inclusion bodies, which extended from the olfactory bulb to the rhinencephalon and piriform lobe. Immunohistochemistry revealed EHV‐9 antigens in degenerating neuronal cells. The nasal cavity had severe necrotizing rhinitis with prominent intra‐nuclear inclusion bodies in the olfactory mucosa. These findings indicate that the marmosets are susceptible to EHV‐9.
The human‐ABO blood groups of free‐ranging long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and parapatric rhesus macaques (M. mulatta) in Thailand
Authors: Malaivijitnond Suchinda , Sae‐Low Wattana , Hamada Yuzuru
Published: April 2007

Background  Long‐tailed and rhesus macaques are widely used in biomedical research; therefore, the known blood group is important.

Methods  The human‐type ABO blood group was determined in wild or semi‐wild long‐tailed and rhesus macaques in Thailand. A total of 729 long‐tailed and 160 rhesus macaques from 20 localities were temporarily caught.

Results  The frequency profiles of blood groups, calculated by averaging the frequency of each troop in long‐tailed and rhesus macaques, were AB > O > B > A at 29.6%, 27.4%, 27.2%, and 15.8%, and B > AB > A > O at 39.6%, 33.4%, 18.2%, and 8.8%, respectively. Irrespective of locality, the frequencies were AB > O > B > A of 29.6%, 28.0%, 24.4%, and 18.0%, and AB > B > A > O of 37.5%, 28.7%, 26.9%, and 6.9%, respectively, for all long‐tailed and rhesus macaques. The frequency profile of blood groups in Thai rhesus macaques was somewhat similar to that in the parapatric long‐tailed macaques; however, it was different from other rhesus populations where only group B was detected.

Conclusions  Our data support the hypothesis that Indochinese rhesus macaques are hybrids between rhesus and long‐tailed macaques in the past.