bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life and Events in the First Year of Life. Results from the Prospective Copenhagen Birth Cohort 1959?61
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Flensborg-Madsen Trine , Andersen Niels Jørgen , Morad Mohammed , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

The objective of this paper was to explore the association between diverse factors occurring during the first year of a child?s life and the quality of life later as an adult. The design was a prospective cohort study based on material from the Copenhagen Birth Cohort 1959–61 with 7,222 participants and two sets of questionnaires used: one by a physician during the child's first year and one by the ?adult child? 31–33 years later. The results showed that a mother's attitude towards her pregnancy, unsuccessful abortions, and/or institutionalization left a permanent trace on the child, since these children, as adults, have a quality of life 3% below the average. Meningitis during the first year of life resulted in a quality of life 11.7% below the average, while other illnesses or accidents did not have an effect. The largest associations were found with psychomotor development, where “walking with support” showed a difference of 14.2% in overall quality of life between the fastest and slowest group. Generally, diet is not correlated with quality of life, however, we find a small, but essential, correlation between the quality of life of the adult and the early cessation of suckling (4%). Full-time institutionalization during the first year of life showed a connection with the quality of life of the adult (7.1%). It is concluded that our quality of life, health and ability as adults are primarily determined by what we ourselves choose to do with our lives as young people and as adults - and only to a marginal degree determined by factors related to our background. This suggests that we as adults have a great freedom to achieve a good life despite our experiences in the beginning of life.
Nutcracker Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Hematuria
Authors: Gorospe Emmanuel C. , Aigbe Michael O.
Published: May 2007

Nutcracker syndrome is the compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and superior mesenteric artery. It is a rare cause of hematuria which results from the rupture of congested renal veins into the collecting system.
Management of Rett Syndrome in the Controlled Multisensory (Snoezelen) Environment. A Review with Three Case Stories
Authors: Lotan Meir
Published: May 2007

Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disorder resulting from an X-linked dominant mutation. It is characterized by a variety of physical and perceptual disabilities, resulting in a need for continuous intervention programs to be administered on a regular basis throughout life. Many of these individuals with RS show fear of movement and, therefore, find it hard to accept external facilitation (so common in physical therapy intervention). In a search for novel intervention techniques that might improve their ability to cope with difficulties in daily situations, while also reducing their difficulty in handling motion inflicted by an external physical facilitator, we examined the use of the Snoezelen room. The Snoezelen, also known as the controlled multisensory environment, can provide a soothing atmosphere that appeals to the individual with RS, while at the same time it can improve physical, sensorial, and functional abilities. This article suggests various intervention goals that are appropriate for individuals with RS at different stages of the disorder. Since the management of young children with RS in the multisensory environment has been discussed at length in the past, this article will mainly describe intervention with adults with RS, focusing on three case stories. The present article reviews the available scientific materials on the topic of Snoezelen, incorporating clinical knowledge in the field of RS and suggesting this approach as an appropriate intervention method for this population.
The Perception of South African Adolescents Regarding Primary Health Care Services
Authors: Richter Magdalena S. , Mfolo Vivian
Published: May 2007

Most of the South African public health facilities fail to provide adolescent-friendly health services. A quantitative, descriptive research study was conducted at Stinkwater, a rural area in Hammanskraal, South Africa. The objective of the study was to describe the adolescent's preferences regarding primary health care services. A survey was conducted among 119 adolescents. It was found that adolescents wished to be involved in the planning of the activities of the adolescent health service, and that friendliness and respect for adolescents were seen as desirable characteristics of an adolescent-friendly health care service. Adolescents preferred services to be available throughout the week and to be located at the school, youth center, community center, hospital, or clinic. Health education was indicated as a priority and the health care team should include different members of a multidisciplinary team. Adolescents preferred that their health services be separated from adult services and that a male nurse be employed in the adolescent service in order to create a less feminine image. It was also recommended that all adolescents be educated about the types of services available. Understanding health care service preferences of adolescents is needed in order to deliver optimal health care to this group.
Dissociating Sensory and Motor Components of Inhibition of Return
Authors: Sereno Anne B. , Jeter Cameron B. , Pariyadath Vani , Briand Kevin A.
Published: May 2007

Two explanations for inhibition of return (IOR) have been proposed. The first is that IOR reflects inhibition of attentional processing at previously cued locations, resulting in altered sensory analysis. The second is that IOR reflects the inhibition of responses directed towards those previously cued locations. We used a variant of a double-saccade paradigm to dissociate these two proposed effects of IOR and attempted to reveal both effects within the context of a single experimental task. Subjects viewed a series of exogenous cues and then made a localization response to subsequent targets with either a target-directed saccade or a pointing response. Results were similar for both response modes. An important finding was that the pattern of IOR depended critically on how subjects reacted to the exogenous cues. Subjects either oriented to the cued locations (via saccades or pointing) prior to responding to the target (Respond), or passively viewed the cues before responding (Ignore). In the Respond condition, IOR was observed at the most recently cued position. Although this could be consistent with an altered sensory interpretation, it would also be consistent with a spatiotopic representation. In the Ignore condition, the sole inhibited location was not the most recently cued position, but the first cued position. This finding is surprising and in conflict with previous work with multiple exogenous cues. The data are discussed in relation to a number of prominent issues in the area of IOR and suggest important new constraints and boundary conditions.
Marine Natural Products Against Tuberculosis
Authors: Nora De Souza Marcus Vinícius
Published: May 2007

Natural products represent an outstanding source of compounds that play an important role in the treatment of human diseases. Due to the importance of nature as a source of new drug candidates, the aim of this review is to highlight the marine natural products, which exhibit antituberculosis activity, discovered between 2000 and 2005.
Plankton Food Web Responses to Experimental Nutrient Additions in a Subtropical Lake
Authors: Havens Karl E. , East Therese L.
Published: May 2007

During two controlled enclosure experiments using water from a subtropical lake, the plankton food web displayed a highly variable response to combined addition of nitrogen and phosphorus. In July, the nutrients stimulated growth ofCylindrospermopsis raciborskii, and the biomass of macrozooplankton and microbial food web components did not increase. In October, the same addition of nutrients stimulated growth of small edibleLyngbyaspp., and there were coincident increases in biomass of macrozooplankton and components of the microbial web. Past generalizations that cyanobacteria blooms inhibit growth of other food web components may not always hold true.
Rehabilitation exercise for treatment of vestibular disorder: A case study
Authors: Feazadeh Avraham , Carmeli Eli
Published: May 2007

Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms in the general population. While the clinical picture is well known and widely described, there are different interpretations of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. The purpose of this case report was to describe the treatment of a 56 year old woman with complains of positional vertigo for 35 consecutive years. She suffered from a sudden onset of rotatory, unilateral horizontal canal type benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The symtoms started a day after falling from a bus, where she injured her head. Otherwise her medical history was unremarkable. She was treated with an individualized home exercise program of eye movement exercises, Brandt/Daroff exercises, and general conditioning exercises (i.e., laying on the left side from sitting on the bed, while the head rotated 45 degrees to the right, waiting for about one minue; twice a day on gradual basis, not laying on the side all the way, but to use enough pillows to lay about at 60 degrees). Four weeks from the start of physical therapy, the patient was free of symptoms, even when her neck was in the extended position.
Inflammation of the Gonad in Prepubertal Healthy Children. Epidemiology, Etiology, and Management
Authors: Halachmi Sarel
Published: May 2007

The prevalence, etiology, and proper management of acute gonadal inflammation in prepubertal children are still controversial, with some reports defining it as rare, while others have found it more prevalent. So far, there is no consensus on imaging studies or standard follow-up procedures. In the minority of the children, the inflammation is related to congenital genitourinary malformation and bacterial infection. The majority of children with gonadal inflammation are healthy and do not have any underlying malformations; in this group, the etiology is related to viral infection or torsion of the gonad appendix. Management is directed towards the etiology. Hence, when bacterial inflammation is suspected, antibiotics should be given and full evaluation of the urinary tract system should be performed. For patients with negative medical history, absence of fever, and normal urinalysis, the diagnosis of bacterial inflammation is very unlikely, and there is neither justification for antimicrobial antibiotic therapy nor for any further urinary tract imaging. Caution should be taken with nonverbal children and infants, or patients with any abnormal parameter. For these patients, we recommend initial management as for bacterial urinary tract infection, until urine cultures results are obtained. This paper provides a comprehensive review with the related medical literature.
An Intensified Esterification Process of Palm Oil Fatty Acid Distillate Catalyzed by Delipidated Rice Bran Lipase
Authors: Chong Fui Chin , Tey Beng Ti , Dom Zanariah Mohd. , Ibrahim Nordin , Rahman Russly Abd. , Ling Tau Chuan
Published: May 2007

An intensified esterification process was operated by circulating 10 l of reaction mixtures, consisting of palm oil fatty acid distillate (PFAD) and glycerol in hexane, through a packed-bed reactor (PBR) filled with 10 kg of delipidated rice bran lipase (RBL). The influence of the process parameters, such as reaction temperature and type of water-removal agent, on the performance of this intensified esterification process were investigated. The highest degree of esterification (61%) was achieved at a reaction temperature of 65°C, using silica gels as the water-removal agent. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis showed that the major composition of the esterified product was diacylglycerol.
Human Empathy Through the Lens of Social Neuroscience
Authors: Decety Jean , Lamm Claus
Published: May 2007

Empathy is the ability to experience and understand what others feel without confusion between oneself and others. Knowing what someone else is feeling plays a fundamental role in interpersonal interactions. In this paper, we articulate evidence from social psychology and cognitive neuroscience, and argue that empathy involves both emotion sharing (bottom-up information processing) and executive control to regulate and modulate this experience (top-down information processing), underpinned by specific and interacting neural systems. Furthermore, awareness of a distinction between the experiences of the self and others constitutes a crucial aspect of empathy. We discuss data from recent behavioral and functional neuroimaging studies with an emphasis on the perception of pain in others, and highlight the role of different neural mechanisms that underpin the experience of empathy, including emotion sharing, perspective taking, and emotion regulation.
Antiflammin-2 Activates the Human Formyl-Peptide Receptor Like 1
Authors: Kamal Ahmad M. , Hayhoe Richard P.G. , Paramasivam Anbalakan , Cooper Dianne , Flower Roderick J. , Solito Egle , Perretti Mauro
Published: May 2007

The anti-inflammatory actions of the nonapeptide antiflammin-2, identified by homology with uteroglobin and annexin-A1 sequences, have been described in some detail, yet its mechanisms of action remain elusive. Since recent data indicate an involvement of the formyl peptide receptor (FPR)-like 1 (or FPRL-1) in the effects of annexin-A1, we have tested here the effect of antiflammin-2 with respect to this receptor family. Using HEK-293 cells expressing either human FPR and FPRL-1, and an annexin-A1 peptide as tracer ([125I-Tyr]-Ac2-26), we found that antiflammin-2 competed for binding only at FPRL-1, and not FPR, with an approximate EC50of 1 μM. In line with data produced for the full-length protein, genuine receptor activation by antiflammin-2 was confirmed by rapid phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase 1 and 2. Finally, study of the neutrophil interaction with activated endothelium under flow demonstrated an inhibitory effect of antiflammin-2, thus providing functional support to a role for the antiflammin-2/FPRL-1 anti-inflammatory axis.
Evaluation and Measurement of Health-Related Quality of Life for Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus by Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) System
Authors: Mo Frank , Morrison Howard , Choi Bernard C.K. , Vardy Lianne
Published: May 2007

The Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) is an important indicator when measuring the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and assessing the burden of disease, especially for chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the scores of HRQOL for respondents with DM to examine associations between overall HUI3 scores and eight component attributes, and various sociodemographic and lifestyle attributes, and by doing so, provide information to improve the HRQOL of individuals with diabetes. The study was based on the Canadian National Population Survey (NPHS) longitudinal data, from 1994—1995 to 2002—2003. We evaluated overall HUI3 scores and eight attributes (vision, hearing, speech, ambulation, dexterity, emotion, cognition, and pain) between respondents with and without diabetes in relation to demographic characteristics (age, sex, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status using ANCOVA[analysis of covariance]). Awareness of diabetes appeared to affect the HRQOL of older age groups more so than younger age groups (p< 0.01). Diabetes also appeared to have a greater impact on males’ quality of life compared to females', and among individuals with single marital status and low socioeconomic status (p< 0.01). These findings add to what is known about cognitive representations and the self-regulation of diabetes as well as the relationships between cognitive representations of diabetes, HRQOL, and behavioral factors. In particular, results from this study suggest the need to address ways of reducing the burden of diabetes associated with health behaviours, and increasing the quality of life for the individuals with diabetes in Canada.
Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide in Patients with Alcoholism
Authors: Sher Leo
Published: May 2007

Alcoholism is associated with a high risk for suicidal behavior. Up to 40% of persons with alcoholism attempt suicide at some time and 7% end their lives by committing suicide. Risk factors include being male, older than 50 years of age, living alone, being unemployed, poor social support, interpersonal losses, continued drinking, consumption of a greater amount of alcohol when drinking, a recent alcohol binge, previous alcohol treatment, a family history of alcoholism, a history of comorbid substance abuse (especially cocaine), a major depressive episode, serious medical illness, suicidal communication, and prior suicidal behavior. Suicidal behavior is especially frequent in patients with comorbid alcoholism and major depression. However, all patients with alcoholism should be evaluated for suicide risk. Understanding of risk and vulnerability to suicidal behavior in alcoholism still outweighs our knowledge of protective factors and resilience. Knowledge of protective factors for suicide may help to prevent and/or predict suicidal behavior. Protective factors for suicide in alcoholism are quite varied and include an individual's biological and behavioral characteristics, as well as attributes of the environment and culture. Protective factors include effective clinical care for psychiatric (including alcoholism and drug abuse) and physical disorders, easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for seeking help, restricted access to highly lethal means of suicide, strong connections to family and community support, skills in problem solving and conflict resolution, cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation. Future studies are necessary to determine which interventions may reduce suicidal behavior in alcoholism.
Human Development VII: A Spiral Fractal Model of Fine Structure of Physical Energy Could Explain Central Aspects of Biological Information, Biological Organization and Biological Creativity
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Hermansen Tyge Dahl , Flensborg-Madsen Trine , Rald Erik , Nielsen Maj Lyck , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

In this paper we have made a draft of a physical fractal essence of the universe, a sketch of a new cosmology, which we believe to lay at the root of our new holistic biological paradigm. We present the fractal roomy spiraled structures and the energy-rich dancing infinite strings or lines of the universe that our hypothesis is based upon. The geometric language of this cosmology is symbolic and both pre-mathematical and pre-philosophical. The symbols are both text and figures, and using these we step by step explain the new model that at least to some extent is able to explain the complex informational system behind morphogenesis, ontogenesis, regeneration and healing. We suggest that it is from this highly dynamic spiraled structure that organization of cells, organs, and the wholeness of the human being including consciousness emerge. The model of “dancing fractal spirals” carries many similarities to premodern cultures descriptions of the energy of the life and universe. Examples are the Native American shamanistic descriptions of their perception of energy and the old Indian Yogis descriptions of the life-energy within the body and outside. Similar ideas of energy and matter are found in the modern superstring theories. The model of the informational system of the organism gives new meaning to Batesons definition of information: A difference that makes a difference, and indicates how information-directed self-organization can exist on high structural levels in living organisms, giving birth to their subjectivity and consciousness.
Cues of High and Low Body Weight Negatively Influence Adults' Perceptions and Ratings in the Hypothetical Adoption Paradigm
Authors: Volk Anthony A. , Quinsey Vernon l.
Published: May 2007

Infant and child facial cues influence perceptions and ratings in the Hypothetical Adoption Paradigm as well as actual parental care. A previous study demonstrated that infant and child facial cues of low body weight negatively influenced adults' ratings. The current study sought to replicate and expand on those results by presenting adults with normal faces as well as faces that were digitally altered to display high or low body weight. Cues of abnormal body weight significantly, and negatively, influenced adults ratings of adoption preference, health, and cuteness. Effect sizes were larger for cues of high body weight. Thus, infant and child facial cues of abnormal body weight may represent a relative risk factor to the quality of adult care obtained by children with abnormal body weight.
Health Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets in the Control of Malaria in Endemic Regions, Revised
Authors: Anyanwu Ebere C. , Ehiri John E. , Kanu Ijeoma , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

The endemicity of malaria in tropical areas of the world persists, especially in countries south of Saharan Africa. The efforts and concerns invested by the World Health Organization and other health agencies to eradicate malaria are commendable. However, in spite of all these efforts, the loss in economic and human resources continues. In a previous report, the long-term health effects of insecticide-impregnated bednet (IIBN) use were highlighted with the expectation of attracting serious thoughts and further research on the issue. This present paper is an update on that expectation. Results from a comprehensive literature search show that not much work has been done on the effects of long-term exposure to IIBNs in combating malarial infection. The efficacy of IIBNs is not in question. What is in question is whether long-term exposure to IIBNs have any health effects. The aims and outcomes of the research found in the literature on the subject to date seem to support only the efficacy of the temporal use of plain bednets, but not the use of IIBNs, and do not tell much about the long-term effects of IIBN exposure. All pesticides are toxic by nature and present risks of adverse effects. While there is agreement that IIBNs can be effective in reducing malarial morbidity and mortality under field trials, a number of factors relating to their long-term-exposure health effects have yet to be determined. Further reliable research projects are recommended urgently. However, some of the anticipated behavioral effects caused by insecticidal use will be avoided by the use of untreated nets instead.
Smoking Patterns among Primary School Students in Turkey
Authors: Uncu Yesim , Irgil Emel , Karadag Mehmet
Published: May 2007

Cigarette smoking continues to be a threat to global health. The number of cigarettes smoked per person tends to increase each year, and the age of starting seems to be dropping. The research related to cigarette smoking conducted among young people generally studied high school or university students. However, studies have shown that students usually start smoking during the primary school period out of curiosity or imitation. The purpose of the present study was to find the prevalence of cigarette smoking among primary school students and the reasons for starting smoking, and to determine the characteristics of cigarette smoking of their parents. This study was conducted among 17 primary schools chosen according to their socioeconomic situations in different municipality districts in Turkey, with 9,408 students participating. Data were obtained by questionnaire. The mean age to start smoking was 11.7 ± 1.6; 82.9% of the students who took part in this study had never smoked before, 13.4% had tried smoking at least once, and 3.7% had been smoking regularly. The biggest reason for smoking was just curiosity or imitation. It was determined that a risk factor for students to start smoking was parents who smoke. The 17% smoking rate among primary school students was high in our opinion and prevention studies initiated. In addition, the effects of cigarette-smoking parents on students who start smoking should also be considered.
Interlimb Transfer of Grasp Orientation is Asymmetrical
Authors: Frak Victor , Bourbonnais D. , Croteau I. , Cohen H.
Published: May 2007

One the most fundamental aspects of the human motor system is the hemispheric asymmetry seen in behavioral specialization. Hemispheric dominance can be inferred by a contralateral hand preference in grasping. Few studies have considered grasp orientation in the context of manual lateralization and none has looked at grasp orientation with natural prehension. Thirty right-handed adults performed precision grasps of a cylinder using the thumb and index fingers, and the opposition axis (OA) was defined as the line connecting these two contact points on the cylinder. Subjects made ten consecutive grasps with one hand (primary hand movements) followed by ten grasps with the other hand (trailing movements). Differences between primary and trailing grasps revealed that each hemisphere is capable of programming the orientation of the OA and that primary movements with the right hand significantly influenced OA orientation of the trailing left hand. These results extend the hemispheric dominance of the left hemisphere to the final positions of fingers during prehension.
MicroRNAs in Development
Authors: Maatouk Danielle , Harfe Brian D.
Published: May 2007

Over 10 years ago, the lab of Victor Ambros cloned an unusual gene,lin-4, which encodes two small RNA transcripts[1]. In the past few years, hundreds more of these tiny transcripts, termed microRNAs (miRNAs), have been uncovered in over a dozen species. The functions of the first two miRNAs,lin-4andlet-7, were relatively easy to identify since they were found in forward genetic screens in Caenorhabditis elegans[1,2,3]. However, uncovering the functions of the growing list of miRNAs presents a challenge to developmental biologists. This review will describe our current understanding of how miRNAs regulate gene expression and will focus on the roles these noncoding RNAs play during the development of both invertebrate and vertebrate species.
Formation of the Ventricles
Authors: Risebro Catherine A. , Riley Paul R.
Published: May 2007

The formation of the ventricles of the heart involves numerous carefully regulated temporal events, including the initial specification and deployment of ventricular progenitors, subsequent growth and maturation of the ventricles through “ballooning” of chamber myocardium, the emergence of trabeculations, the generation of the compact myocardium, and the formation of the interventricular septum. Several genes have been identified through studies on mouse knockout and transgenic models, which have contributed to our understanding of the molecular events governing these developmental processes. Interpretation of these studies highlights the fact that even the smallest perturbation at any stage of ventricular development may lead to cardiac malformations that result in either early embryonic mortality or a manifestation of congenital heart disease.
Genomic Imprinting and Cancer: From Primordial Germ Cells to Somatic Cells
Authors: Murrell Adele
Published: May 2007

Imprinted genes are a subset of genes that are expressed from only one of the parental alleles. The majority of imprinted genes have roles in growth regulation and are, therefore, potential oncogenes or tumour suppressors. Cancer is a disease of aberrant cell growth and is characterised by genetic mutations and epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation. The mechanisms whereby imprinting is maintained in somatic cells and then erased and reset in the germline parallels epigenetic changes that cancer cells undergo. This review summarises what we know about imprinting in stem cells and how loss of imprinting may contribute to neoplasia.
Apparent Bicarbonate Space in Children
Authors: Repetto Horacio A. , Penna Roberto
Published: May 2007

The amount needed to change the concentration of a solute requires the knowledge of its volume of distribution in the solution. Electrolytes that do not participate in active metabolic reactions have a fixed volume of distribution that corresponds to the volume of water in which they solubilize. Bicarbonate infusion is used to correct hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Its volume of distribution (bicarbonate space) changes with its participation in the blood buffer systems. In other words, it is not a fixed physical volume, like that of other solutes. In this paper, we shall review experimental studies that supported evidence for this knowledge and analyze the basic hypothesis to explain the phenomena. Since we have not found clinical studies in children, we shall report our experience in a group of patients with metabolic acidosis treated with bicarbonate infusion in whom apparent bicarbonate space was measured and compared with data in adults from the literature. Guidelines for amount of bicarbonate needed to increase its concentration according to baseline bicarbonate concentration will be suggested.
Developmental Defects in Trisomy 21 and Mouse Models
Authors: Delabar Jean Maurice , Aflalo-Rattenbac Revital , Créau Nicole
Published: May 2007

Aneuploidies have diverse phenotypic consequences, ranging from mental retardation and developmental abnormalities to susceptibility to common phenotypes and various neoplasms. This review focuses on the developmental defects of murine models of a prototype human aneuploidy: trisomy 21 (Down syndrome, DS, T21). Murine models are clearly the best tool for dissecting the phenotypic consequences of imbalances that affect single genes or chromosome segments. Embryos can be studied freely in mice, making murine models particularly useful for the characterization of developmental abnormalities. This review describes the main phenotypic alterations occurring during the development of patients with T21 and the developmental abnormalities observed in mouse models, and investigates phenotypes common to both species.
Transcriptional Profiling of Caudal Fin Regeneration in Zebrafish
Authors: Schebesta Michael , Lien Ching-Ling , Engel Felix B. , Keating Mark T.
Published: May 2007

Regeneration of severed limbs in adult animals is restricted to urodele amphibians. Mammals, including humans, have very limited regenerative capabilities and even with proper treatment, only the tips of our digits can grow back. Teleost fish can regenerate amputated fins, the evolutionary ancestors of limbs. To elucidate the principles of limb-fin regeneration, we performed an Affymetrix microarray screen on regenerating caudal fins 12, 24, 48, and 72 h post amputation. Approximately 15,000 zebrafish transcripts were analyzed, identifying 829 transcripts as differentially expressed during regeneration. Of those, 563 were up-regulated and 266 were down-regulated. We constructed a comprehensive database containing expression data, functional assignment, and background information from the literature for each differentially expressed transcript. In order to validate our findings, we employed three approaches: (1) microarray expression analysis of genes previously implicated in fin regeneration, (2) RT-PCR analysis of genes newly identified as differentially expressed during regeneration, and (3)in situ hybridizationof the up-regulated genes bambi,dlx5A, and her6. Moreover, we show that Smad 1/5/8 proteins, effector molecules of Bmp signaling, are phosphorylated during fin regeneration. Taken together, we provide a comprehensive database of fin regeneration that will serve as an important tool for understanding the molecular mechanisms of regeneration.
Influence of Natural Honey on Biochemical and Hematological Variables in AIDS: A case study
Authors: Al-Waili Noori S. , Al-Waili Thia N. , Al-Waili Ali N. , Saloom Khelod S.
Published: May 2007

Honey lowers prostaglandins and elevates nitric oxide (NO) in various biological fluids in normal persons. NO and prostaglandin play a role in pathogenesis of AIDS. The study was designed to assess the effect of natural honey on prostaglandins and NO levels, blood indices and biochemical tests in a 40 year-old woman with AIDS. This presentation is a case story of a 40 year-old women with a long history of AIDS treated with 80g of natural honey. Plasma and urinary prostaglandin F2 alpha and thromboxane B2 levels, plasma, urine and saliva content of NO-end product (total nitrite) and hematological tests were estimated before and 3 hours after oral consumption of 80g of natural honey. These variables, in addition to biochemical tests, were re-estimated after 21 days of daily consumption of 80g of natural honey. Results showed that prostaglandins level compared with normal subjects were elevated in patient with AIDS. Natural honey decreased prostaglandins levels, and elevated NO-end product, percentage of lymphocytes, platelet count, and serum protein, albumin and copper levels. It might be concluded that natural honey decreased prostaglandins level, elevated NO production and improved hematological and biochemical tests in a patient with a long history of AIDS.
The Safety and Efficacy of a Mixture of Honey, Olive Oil, and Beeswax for the Management of Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Al-Waili Noori S. , Saloom Khelod S. , Al-Waili Thia N. , Al-Waili Ali N.
Published: May 2007

We have found that a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax was effective for treatment of diaper dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and skin fungal infection. The mixture has antibacterial properties. A prospective pilot study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of topical application of the mixture on patients with anal fissure or hemorrhoids.Fifteen consecutive patients, 13 males and 2 females, median age 45 years (range: 2870), who presented with anal fissure (5 patients) or first- to third-degree hemorrhoids (4 with first degree, 4 with second degree, and 2 with third degree), were treated with a 12-h application of a natural mixture containing honey, olive oil, and beeswax in ratio of 1:1:1(v/v/v). Bleeding, itching, edema, and erythema were measured using a scoring method: 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe, and 4 = very severe. The pain score was checked using a visual analog scale (minimum = 0, maximum = 10). Efficacy of treatment was assessed by comparing the symptoms' score before and after treatment; at weekly intervals for a maximum of 4 weeks. The patients were observed for evidence of any adverse effect such as appearance of new signs and symptoms, or worsening of the existing symptoms. The honey mixture significantly reduced bleeding and relieved itching in patients with hemorrhoids. Patients with anal fissure showed significant reduction in pain, bleeding, and itching after the treatment. No side effect was reported with use of the mixture. We conclude that a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax is safe and clinically effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissure, which paves the way for further randomized double blind studies.
Changes in Chinese Discharged Chronic Mental Patients Attending a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program with Holistic Care Elements: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Luk Andrew L. , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: May 2007

This study attempted to examine the changes and related factors in discharged chronic mental patients attending a psychiatric rehabilitation program in Hong Kong adopting a self-help group (SHG) approach with holistic care emphases on the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual functioning of the program participants. A quasi-experimental design involving an experimental group (109 participants attending the program) and a control group (154 patients from a psychiatric outpatient clinic who had never attended any SHG before) was adopted with the participants responding to measures assessing their functioning in the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains. Results showed that those who joined the SHG with holistic care elements had more friends and more social satisfaction than the control subjects. Duration of attendance, religious involvement, and group involvement were three key factors related to the outcomes of the program participants. This pioneering study provides support for the effective use of the SHG approach with holistic care elements to help discharged chronic mental patients in the Chinese culture.
Sense of Coherence and Physical Health. The Emotional Sense of Coherence (SOC-E) was Found to be the Best-Known Predictor of Physical Health
Authors: Flensborg-Madsen Trine , Ventegodt Søren , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

In this study, we created a measure for emotionality named the emotional sense of coherence (SOC-E). We found that SOC-E was significantly associated with physical health (r = 0.266;p< 0.05), while it was not significantly associated with psychological health (r = 0.006; NS). Based on a correlation matrix, we constructed a new scale, the SOC-E II, which was even better associated with physical health (r = 0.362) and also associated with psychological health (r = 0.259;p< 0.01). Our results showed that SOC-E and SOC-E II were better predictors of physical health than the SOC scales developed by Aaron Antonovsky (1923–1994) (SOC-29 and SOC-13). We conclude that emotional coherence is important for physical health, but it is not important in the same way for psychological health. In a previous study, we found that a mental operationalization of Antonovsky's sense of coherence was highly associated with psychological health and not associated with physical health. Based on these two studies, we conclude that physical health is primarily associated with emotions, while psychological health is primarily associated with mentality.
Sense of Coherence and Physical Health. A Cross-Sectional Study Using a New Scale (SOC II)
Authors: Flensborg-Madsen Trine , Ventegodt Søren , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

In this study, we constructed a new sense of coherence scale (SOC II), where we eliminated the notion of predictability (that life is meant to be predictable), which was present in the original SOC scale developed by Aaron Antonovsky (19231994) (SOC-29 and SOC-13). Our hypothesis was that SOC II would show a higher degree of association with physical health than the original SOC scale. In order to test this idea, we used a cross-sectional study including 4,648 Danes and used the three different health measures: self-evaluated physical health, physical symptoms, and self-evaluated psychological health. We found that SOC II was positively associated with all three health measures with the correlation coefficients 0.338, 0.282, and 0.578, respectively. Furthermore, we found dose response tendencies for all three health measures across groups of SOC, since health improved with a higher SOC. By means of regression analysis, we found that SOC was significantly associated with all three health measures after stratifying for demographic variables, life style variables, life form variables, and attitude variables, respectively. We conclude from this study that the SOC II scale we developed seems better associated with physical health than found with the original SOC scale. We also postulate that the concept of predictability was irrelevant, or even disturbing, and should not be included in the SOC scale.
Clinical Holistic Medicine: Psychodynamic Short-Time Therapy Complemented with Bodywork. A Clinical Follow-Up Study of 109 Patients
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Thegler Suzette , Andreasen Tove , Struve Flemming , Enevoldsen Lars , Bassaine Laila , Torp Margrethe , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2007

This is a study of 109 patients who attended the Research Clinic for Holistic Medicine in Copenhagen during the 2004–2006 period, grouped according to the symptoms they presented with. Every new patient was asked to answer a 10-question composite questionnaire containing QOL1, QOL5, and four questions on ability to function socially, ability to function sexually, ability to love, and ability to work, rated on a 5-point Likert scale, on initial contact and after 1–3 months, when the patient had received about five treatments, the patient was asked to complete the questionnaire again, and finally again after 1 year. All had been to their general practitioner first with their problems and 30% had been in psychological/psychiatric treatment before. The patients were treated with short-time psychodynamic therapy (less than 40 sessions) including bodywork when necessary. More than half the patients had a bad or very bad self-assessed mental health before treatment, but after treatment only 15% reported a bad or very bad mental health (p < 0.001). Most had a complex of mental, somatic, existential, and sexual problems. Of the patients, 69.72% did the retest after treatment. We conclude that clinical holistic medicine was able to help the majority of these patients, even when patients had not been sufficiently helped by drugs, psychiatry, or psychology before. We found that outcome of therapy was not connected with severity of initial condition, but probably with the former experience of treatment. If psychiatric or psychological treatment had already failed, the patients were more difficult to help. The Square Curve Paradigm was used to document a large, immediate and lasting effect of the therapy.
E. coliMultiresistant Meningitis after Transrectal Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Alecsandru Diana , Gestoso Israel , Romero Ana , Martinez Alfonso , García Ana , Lobo Julio , Yagüe M. Ruiz
Published: May 2007

Escherichia colimeningitis is a frequent pathology in children younger than 3 years old, but is an uncommon disease in adults.E. coliinfection is the main cause of intrahospital bacteremia as a consequence of the employment of different medical procedures. Our patient, male, 69 years old, presented with fever, progressive difficulty in breathing, and shivers 24 h after transrectal prostate biopsy, with an absence of any other symptoms. He received prophylactic treatment with ciprofloxacin and later empirical treatment with ampicillin and tobramicin. After that, the patient presented with fever, headache, behavioral changes, somnolence, disorientation, a fluctuating level of conscience, cutaneous widespread pallor, and acute urinary retention. On physical exploration, we observed generalized hypoventilation, Glasgow 10, stiffness of the neck, inconclusive Kernig; the remaining neurological exploration was normal. Systematic of blood: leukocytes = 8,510/mm3(94.5% polymorphonuclear), platelet = 87,000/mm3, pH = 7.51, pCO2= 28.8 mmHg, pO2= 61 mmHg, O2saturation = 93.8%, and remaining values were normal. Chest X- ray, cranial CT scan, urine cultures were normal. Blood culture:E. coli.CSF: glucose <0.4 g/l, total proteins = 3.05 g/l, PMN = 7 cells. Microscopic examination of the CSF: Gram-negative bacilli; CSF's culture: abundantE. coli.The case of acute meningitis by multiresistantE. coliafter transrectal prostate biopsy presented demonstrates that antibiotic prevention with ciprofloxacin is not absolutely risk free. Besides the use of antibiotic prevention for multiresistant microorganisms, the urologist and other physicians involved in the procedure must not forget that the rate of major complications of transrectal prostate biopsy is 1%, especially when it is performed in patients who will not benefit from that biopsy.
Papillary and Nonpapillary Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate Renal Calculi: Comparative Study of Etiologic Factors
Authors: Pieras Enrique , Costa-Bauz Antonia , Ramis Margarita , Grases Felix
Published: May 2007

Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) renal calculi can be classified into two groups: papillary and nonpapillary. In this paper, a comparative study between etiologic factors of COM papillary and nonpapillary calculi is performed. The study included 40 patients with COM renal calculi. The urine of these individuals was analyzed. Case history, lifestyle, and dietetic habits were obtained.No significant differences between urinary biochemical data of both groups were observed; 50% of COM papillary stone formers and 40% of COM nonpapillary stone formers had urolithiasis family history. A low consumption of phytate-rich products was observed for both groups. A relationship between profession with occupational exposure to cytotoxic products and COM papillary renal lithiasis was detected.The results suggest that COM papillary calculi would be associated to papillary epithelium alterations together with a crystallization inhibitors deficit, whereas COM nonpapillary calculi would be associated to the presence of heterogeneous nucleants and a crystallization inhibitors deficit.
Hydatid Cyst of the Adrenal Gland: A Clinical Study of Six Cases
Authors: Horchani Ali , Nouira Yassine , Nouira Kais , Bedioui Haikel , Menif Emna , Safta Zoubeir Ben
Published: May 2007

Hydatid cyst of the adrenal gland (HCAG) is an exceptional occurrence. We report our experience of six cases of HCAG and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this hydatid localization. We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical files of six patients admitted to our institution from January 1990 to December 2000 for HCAG. Patients varied in age from 24—59 years. They were five males and one female. One patient had a history of pulmonary hydatidosis treated surgically 10 years previously. Five patients presented with lumbar pain and one patient had bouts of hypertension, headache, and palpitation. Physical examination was normal except in one patient who was hypertensive. Preoperative diagnosis was highly suggested by ultrasonography. CT scan performed in all cases clearly showed the relationship of the cyst with adjacent organs. Serology tests were positive in two cases. One patient had elevated urine VMA and was operated on with the diagnosis of cystic phaeochromocytoma. All six patients were operated on and had either an adrenalectomy (two cases) or partial pericystectomy (four cases). In one case, partial pericystectomy was conducted through a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach. The hydatid nature of the cyst was confirmed pathologically. All patients had a smooth postoperative course with no cystic recurrence on follow-up. The diagnosis of HCAG is based mainly on ultrasonography and CT scan. Surgery with either partial or total excision of the cyst, with or without preservation of the adrenal gland, is the treatment of choice.