bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical Lateral Body‐Wall Resection for Fibrosarcoma With Reconstruction Using Polypropylene Mesh and a Caudal Superficial Epigastric Axial Pattern Flap: A Prospective Clinical Study of the Technique and Results in 6 Cats
Authors: Lidbetter David A. , Williams Fred A. , Krahwinkel D. J. , Adams William H.
Published: August 2002

Objective—To describe and evaluate a technique for radical resection of the lateral body wall for treatment of fibrosarcoma with reconstruction using polypropylene mesh and a caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flap in cats.

Study Design—Prospective, clinical study.

Animals or Sample Population—Six client‐owned cats with fibrosarcoma.

Methods—Six cats with histologically confirmed fibrosarcoma of the lateral body wall were staged using radiography and/or computer tomography scanning. Preoperative radiotherapy was used in 3 cats. All cats had the lateral abdominal wall resected and reconstructed with polypropylene mesh. A caudal superficial epigastric flap was mobilized and rotated to close the skin deficit. The animals were evaluated after surgery for wound complications, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. Outcome was assessed by patient examination and client consultation.

Results—Minor dehiscence of the skin flaps occurred in 2 cats, and 1 other cat was successfully resuscitated from respiratory and cardiac arrest after surgery. All tissue specimens were tumor‐free at the surgical margins. Follow‐up times ranged from 12 to 21 months, with a mean time of 17.2 months. None of the cats had evidence of local tumor recurrence or metastasis; outcome was judged good to excellent in all cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Radical lateral body‐wall resection and reconstruction is an effective technique for achieving local tumor control with acceptable patient morbidity. Further studies are needed to assess whether the technique will result in improved tumor‐free intervals and survival times.
Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle in Dogs
Authors: Calfee Earl F. , Lanz Otto I. , Degner Daniel A. , Peterson Steven L. , Duncan Robert B. , Broadstone Richard V. , Martin Robert A. , Austin Brenda
Published: August 2002

Objective—To assess donor‐site morbidity and survival of the rectus abdominis muscle with an overlying skin graft after free tissue transfer to a medial femorotibial defect in dogs.

Study Design—Experimental study.

Sample Population—Phase 1:6 canine cadavers; phase 2:7 adult mixed‐breed dogs.

Methods—Phase 1: The rectus abdominis muscle was removed from canine cadavers, muscular and vascular dimensions were recorded, and angiography was performed. Phase 2: Muscular transfer was performed through anastomosis of the caudal epigastric artery and vein to the saphenous artery and medial saphenous vein. Transferred tissues were evaluated on postoperative days 3, 6, 10, and 13. Animals were examined daily until euthanasia between postoperative days 31 and 42. Postmortem angiograms were performed and tissues collected for histopathologic evaluation.

Results—Phase 1: Appropriate vascular dimensions for microvascular anastomosis were confirmed and surgical technique perfected. Phase 2: Muscular excision produced minimal donor‐site morbidity. All muscles survived after microvascular transfer and angiography confirmed vascular patency. All of the skin grafts survived, with one graft undergoing partial necrosis.

Conclusions—The rectus abdominis muscle can be successfully transferred to a medial femorotibial defect and can serve as a bed for acute skin grafting. No significant donor‐site morbidity is associated with its removal.

Clinical Relevance—Microvascular free tissue transfer of the canine rectus abdominis muscle has not been previously described. This technique provides a new alternative for repair of appropriate wounds. Additional studies are needed to define its utility in clinical patients.
Limb Sparing Using a Double Bone‐Transport Technique for Treatment of a Distal Tibial Osteosarcoma in a Dog
Authors: Rovesti Gian Luca , Bascucci Marco , Schmidt Karin , Marcellin‐Little Denis J.
Published: August 2002

Objective—To evaluate the treatment of a spontaneously occurring osteosarcoma in a dog by means of tumor resection and bone regeneration of a 12‐cm defect using double bone transport.

Study Design—Case report.

Animals or Sample Population—An 11 year‐old client‐owned German shepherd.

Methods—After tumor resection, a preassambled Ilizarov frame was secured to the proximal tibia and to the tarso‐metatarsal region. Two osteotomies were performed in the proximal metaphysis. The two bone segments were transfixed with 1.5‐mm‐diameter wires, each secured to a ring, and bone transport was performed until the distal segment reached the talar surface. Cisplatin was administered 14, 35, and 59 days after surgery.

Results—Bone regenerate was first visible radiographically 4 weeks after surgery. The frame was removed 162 days after surgery. The hock was protected with a plaster cast because the tarsal arthrodesis was not complete. The dog underwent tibiotarsal arthrodesis 201 days after osteosarcoma resection. The dog died of metastatic disease 239 days after the initial surgery.

Conclusions—Even though this dog died of systemic metastases, local recurrence did not develop. Cisplatin chemotherapy did not appear to negatively affect bone regeneration.

Clinical Relevance—To our knowledge, the double transport technique has not been previously described in the veterinary literature. In this dog, this technique decreased the duration of treatment compared with a conventional single‐segment transport technique.
The Effects of Acetabular Cup Temperature and Duration of Cement Pressurization on Cement Porosity in a Canine Total Hip Replacement Model
Authors: Shields S. L. , Schulz K. S. , Hagan C. E. , Kass P.
Published: August 2002

Objective—To determine the effect of acetabular cup temperature and duration of cement pressurization on porosity of the acetabular cement mantel.

Study design—In vitro study.

Methods—Twenty‐four polyurethane foam blocks prepared for acetabular prosthetic implantation were implanted with polyethylene acetabular cups using four combinations and variations of temperature and pressure: (1) high temperature/short‐term pressurization; (2) high temperature/long‐term pressurization; (3) low temperature/long‐term pressurization; and (4) low temperature short‐term pressurization. Five 1‐mm‐thick slices were taken from the center of each block using a tissue processing system. The slices were scanned into a personal computer using a photo slide scanner. Imaging software was used to determine cement surface area and size, number, and distribution of pores. The quality of the cement‐implant interface was subjectively evaluated. Statistical analysis of relative cement porosity was performed by a Kruskal‐Wallis analysis of variance comparing the four groups individually and combining the short‐term pressurization groups versus the long‐term pressurization groups.

Results—There were no significant differences in cement porosity between the four test groups (P= .11). There were no significant differences in porosity between the combined groups (P= .48).

Conclusions—There is no benefit in prewarming acetabular cups before implantation. There are no deleterious effects of short‐term pressurization of the cement during implantation.
Postoperative Rupture of an Aortic Aneurysmal Dilation Associated with a Patent Ductus Arteriosus in a Dog
Authors: Olsen Dennis , Harkin Kenneth R. , Banwell Max N. , Andrews Gordon A.
Published: August 2002

Objective—To describe an unusual case of fatal aortic aneurysm rupture after standard ligation of a left‐to‐right shunting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and review the literature concerning the causes of aneurysm and applicable medical physics of blood flow that may contribute to mural failure.

Study design—Clinical case report.

Sample population—An 11‐month‐old female Brittany spaniel.

Results—A PDA was diagnosed in the dog after referral for a grade IV/IV cardiac murmur. Diagnostic tests performed included a minimum database, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography. Conventional surgical ligation of the PDA was performed. The postoperative recovery from anesthesia was uneventful. Approximately 5 hours after surgery, the dog vocalized once and collapsed. All resuscitative efforts failed. Necropsy showed a large, spiral rupture of the cranial and dorsal wall of the aorta that extended from the left subclavian artery to 2 cm distal to the PDA‐aorta junction. No evidence of intramural, perianeurysmal hemorrhage or inflammation was noted. Histopathologic examination of the ruptured aneurysm showed that the wall lacked a defined tunica intima and endothelial cell layer. A distinct separation of the thinned tunica media parallel to the elastic fibers was noted.

Conclusions and clinical relevance—Dilatation of the aorta near the area of a PDA is one of the recognized abnormalities associated with the condition. Aneurysmal dilatation results from and contributes to abnormal blood flow dynamics and increased aortic wall tension, which promotes expansion. Although an unusual and previously unreported sequela, rupture of the aneurysm should be considered a possible complication when ligation of a PDA with a conspicuous aortic aneurysmal dilation is performed.
Identification problem for stochastic models with application to carcinogenesis, cancer detection and radiation biology
Authors: Hanin L. G.
Published: August 2002

A general framework for solving identification problem for a broad class of deterministic and stochastic models is discussed. This methodology allows for a unified approach to studying identifiability of various stochastic models arising in biology and medicine including models of spontaneous and induced Carcinogenesis, tumor progression and detection, and randomized hit and target models of irradiated cell survival. A variety of known results on parameter identification for stochastic models is reviewed and several new results are presented with an emphasis on rigorous mathematical development.
VDAC Channels
Authors: Blachly‐Dyson Elizabeth , Forte Michael
Published: August 2002

Trafficking of metabolites across the outer mitochondrial membrane is believed to be mediated primarily by the pore‐forming voltage‐dependent anion channel, VDAC (also known as mitochondrial porin). An expanding body of in vitro studies have strongly suggest that the pore formed by VDAC can be regulated in a number of ways that implicate it as a site for the regulation of mitochondrial function, yet technical limitations have prevented the extension these studies to a relevant cellular context. The goal of this brief review is to summarize recent data that examine the role of VDAC and its regulation in the context not of the isolated protein or organelles but in cells, focusing on the application of genetic strategies in a number of experimental systems.
BCL‐2 Proteins: Regulators of the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Program
Authors: Gross Atan
Published: August 2002

BCL‐2 family members are pivotal regulators of the apoptotic process. Mitochondria seem to be a major site‐of‐action for these proteins. Several prominent alterations occur to mitochondria during apoptosis that include the release of intermembrane space molecules, changes in the membrane potential, ionic changes, and more. All these changes seem to be part of the mitochondrial apoptotic process. The BCL‐2 family members are believed to be the major regulators of this program; however, their exact mechanism of action still remains a mystery. In addition, the exact contribution of mitochondria to the apoptotic process is still unclear. This review summarizes and examines the current knowledge regarding these two issues.
Accretion theory of `spontaneous' rotation in toroidal plasmas
Authors: B. Coppi
Published: August 2002

The accretion theory of `spontaneous' toroidal rotation connects this phenomenon to the energy and particle transport properties of the plasma column and to the relevant collective modes. The consequent prediction that an inversion of the velocity direction in the transition from the H to the L regime should occur has been verified by the experiments. The theory is consistent also with the observation that the velocity is depressed when a peaked density profile appears as a result of a transport barrier. The fact that the rotation velocity increases with the total energy content is explained by the fact that the inflow of angular momentum, whose source is at the edge of the plasma column, results from the excitation of modes driven by the plasma pressure gradient. A quasi-linear derivation of the angular momentum transport produced by these modes, whose novel feature is the inflow, is given. A model of the relevant (transport) equation that can be easily solved is discussed. Fluctuations at the edge of the plasma column are considered responsible for the scattering out of confinement of particles that transfer to the surrounding material wall angular momentum in the same direction as that of the phase velocity of the prevalent modes. Thus the fact that the plasma rotates in the direction of the ion diamagnetic velocity in the H regime, when the prevalent modes are expected to have phase velocity in the direction of the electron diamagnetic velocity, can be explained. The rate of rotation decrease observed when the plasma current is increased is also justified.
Vacuum energy for the supersymmetric twisted
D-brane in constant electromagnetic field
Authors: Andrei A Bytsenko  , Antonio E Gonçalves  , Shin'ichi Nojiri  , Sergei D Odintsov
Published: August 2002

Owing to a mistake in [1], equation (14) is incorrect and should be

Therefore the obtained effective potentials (24) and (28) in the magnetic background
become respectively,

The above potentials are stable and have a non-trivial minimum. On the other hand,
the effective potential (32) in the electric background becomes

Reference [1] Kadoyoshi T, Nojiri S, Odintsov S D and Sugamoto A 1997
Preprint hep-th/9710010
Sources of information and knowledge about health and nutrition: can viewing one television programme make a difference?
Authors: Chew Fiona , Palmer Sushma , Kim Soohong
Published: August 2002

This three-stage national longitudinal survey of 300 respondents evaluated the impact on levels of nutrition knowledge of a specially designed television programme. These levels were assessed among subgroups using different sources of health information. The study was fielded before programme viewing, within three days of programme viewing and about six months after programme viewing. Up to five sources per respondent were obtained. Health information sources analysed included magazines, television, newspapers and doctor/clinic/hospital. Results showed that knowledge levels consistently increased among all groups after programme viewing and also across time ( p<0.001). In general, media users showed higher levels of knowledge than their non-user counterparts; however, only magazine users showed higher and significant differences in knowledge. Programme viewing led to an increased selection of television and newspapers as sources of health information. Magazine use and the use of doctors as health information sources remained the same after programme viewing.
Science content and social context
Authors: Evans William , Priest Susanna Hornig
Published: August 2002

Content analysts have made substantial progress in moving beyond the framework in which science news is assessed primarily in terms of accuracy and adequacy, but content-analytic studies of science news remain under-theorized and too narrowly focused. We recommend that content analysts (1) broaden their scope of inquiry to accommodate the great diversity of outlets and audiences for science news, and (2) offer more explicit and rigorous theoretical accounts of content-analytic data. To facilitate this latter recommendation, we suggest that content analysts borrow as needed from recent work in linguistics and rhetoric and reaffirm and rearticulate the connection between content analytic research and social theory. In addition, we discuss the need for content analysts to develop theories capable of documenting and understanding science news in the emerging era of electronic media.
Large-amplitude
ferrofluid surface waves and jets
Authors: Potts H E , Diver D A
Published: August 2002

A non-mechanical technique for investigating fluid surface waves and jets is
presented. The method uses a ferrofluid driven by electromagnets, eliminating
complicated mechanical wave generating systems. The waves are imaged by a fast
digital camera, and associated diagnostics. Experimental results, with
accompanying modelling, are presented for cylindrical standing waves, with the
maximum amplitude wave being investigated. Exceeding the maximum amplitude
results in a dramatic jet, with a maximum acceleration exceeding 70g.
Insights into the Structural and Functional Evolution of Plant Genomes Afforded by the Nucleotide Sequences of Chromosomes 2 and 4 ofArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bancroft Ian
Published: August 2002

The rapidly accumulating genome sequence data from the plantArabidopsis thalianaallows more detailed analysis of genome content and organisation than ever bafore possible in plants. The genome shows a surprisingly high level of genetic redundancy, with as many as 75% of gene products showing signficant homology to another protien ofA. thaliana.Many duplicated genes occur in arrays of conserved order and indicate thatA. thalianais likely to have had a tetraploid ancestor. Analysis of the divergence of duplicated genome segments leads to the prediction of two major modes of plant genome evolution: macro-scale duplication and rearrangement of chromosomes and micro-scale translocation, duplication and loss of individual genes or small groups of genes.
Functionalized diphenylchlorins and bacteriochlorins: their synthesis and bioconjugation for targeted photodynamic therapy and tumour cell imaging
Authors: SUTTON JONATHAN M. , FERNANDEZ NELSON , BOYLE ROSS W.
Published: August 2002

A range of 5,15-diphenylporphyrins with symmetric and unsymmetric substitution patterns were subjected to osmium tetroxide-mediated dihydroxylations. The resulting chlorins and bacteriochlorins present an important group of compounds for studying structure-activity relationships of photodynamic sensitizers. The regioselectivity of the dihydroxylation of various 5,15-diphenylporphyrins with unsymmetrical substitution patterns was also examined. Both diphenylchlorin diol (DPC) and diphenylbacteriochlorin tetrol (DPBC) examples were converted into reactive isothiocyanates and conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA).
Children's memory for emergency medical treatment after one year: the impact of individual difference variables on recall and suggestibility
Authors: Burgwyn‐Bailes Elaine , Baker‐Ward Lynne , Gordon Betty N. , Ornstein Peter A.
Published: August 2002

This study explores the impact of individual difference variables on children's recall and suggestibility when they discuss a stressful personal experience. It was hypothesized that some differences in social factors, including child self concept and parenting style, would be associated with variations in the way children related their experiences. Participants were 24 3‐ to 7‐year‐old children who sustained facial lacerations requiring minor medical emergency treatment by a plastic surgeon. The children were interviewed about their surgeries on three occasions: a few days, 6 weeks and 1 year after the experience. A number of individual difference measures were administered to the children and their parents at the time of the first two interviews. The results support the hypothesis that there are individual difference variables that may help to explain some of the variability in children's recall and suggestibility. Younger children with poorer receptive language skills and children of more traditional parents recalled less total information about their surgeries after one year. Child traditionalism, achievement‐motivation and social avoidance, as assessed by use of the Eder Self‐View Questionnaire, made a difference in suggestibility at the initial interview, but not at subsequent memory assessments. The results are interpreted as suggesting that both the demand characteristics of the interview and the strength of the memory trace are important in understanding the effects of individual difference variables in memory performance. Implications for child testimony are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber/reclaimed rubber—nylon fiber composite
Authors: Sreeja T. D. , Kutty S. K. N.
Published: August 2002

The effect of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)–polyethyleneglycol (PEG) resin on the cure characteristics and mechanical properties of nitrile rubber/whole tyre reclaim—short nylon fiber composite—was studied. At a constant loading of 5 phr, the resin composition was varied. The minimum torque and (maximum − minimum) torque increased with isocyanate concentration. Scorch time and cure time showed a reduction on introduction of bonding agent. Properties like tensile strength, tear strength, and abrasion resistance increased with increase in MDI/PEG ratio, and these properties are higher in the longitudinal direction of fiber orientation. Compression set increased with isocyanate concentration and the resilience remain unchanged. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 20: 281–288, 2001
Role of the microenvironment in promoting angiogenesis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Litwin Craig , Leong Kevin G. , Zapf Richard , Sutherland Heather , Naiman Sheldon C. , Karsan Aly
Published: August 2002

Angiogenesis is a crucial event in the survival and progression of solid tumors. To determine whether angiogenesis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an intrinsic property of leukemic cells, the vascularity of bone marrow biopsies was determined. Bone marrow vascularity in newly diagnosed or post‐chemotherapy AML patients was increased 4‐fold (P < 0.01) and 8.7‐fold (P < 0.01), respectively, relative to controls. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by AML blast cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and bone marrow cell supernatants were assayed for secretion of VEGF, fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2), and endostatin by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Diffuse cytoplasmic and strong extracellular VEGF immunoreactivity was seen in bone marrow aspirates from AML patients, but not controls. In contrast, there was no difference in the levels of VEGF, FGF‐2, and endostatin secreted by mononuclear cells cultured from bone marrows of AML patients compared to normal controls following two days of culture in vitro. Total angiogenic potential of bone marrow cell supernatants was assessed by endothelial sprouting in vitro and by a chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. No differences were found between 2‐day conditioned medium from normal and AML bone marrow mononuclear cells in either assay. Our data show a discrepancy between bone marrow vascularity and VEGF expression in vivo and VEGF expression and angiogenesis from 2‐day conditioned medium ex vivo. This suggests that angiogenesis in AML likely represents a response to microenvironmental factors in vivo, rather than being an intrinsic property of leukemic cells. Am. J. Hematol. 70:22–30, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Results of an outpatient‐based stem cell allotransplant program using nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens
Authors: Ruiz‐Argüelles Guillermo J. , Gómez‐Almaguer David , Ruiz‐Argüelles Alejandro , González‐Llano Oscar , Cantú Olga G. , Jaime‐Pérez José C.
Published: August 2002

Using non‐myeloablative, immunosuppressive, fludarabine (FLU)‐based conditioning regimens, we have performed allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplants in 26 patients (8 with chronic myelogenous leukemia, 6 with acute myelogenous leukemia, 10 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 1 with myelodysplasia, and 1 with thalassemia major). Conditioning consisted of FLU/busulphan/cyclophosphamide/cyclosporin‐A (CyA)/methotrexate, or FLU/melphalan/CyA/methotrexate. The median granulocyte recovery time to 0.5 × 109/l was 11 days, whereas the median platelet recovery time to 20 × 109/l was 12 days. Twelve patients did not need red blood cell transfusions, and 8 did not need platelet transfusions. In 21 individuals (81%), the procedure could be completed fully on an outpatient basis. Follow‐up times range between 30 and 600 days: one patient failed to engraft and recovered endogenous hemopoiesis; six out of 26 patients developed acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) whereas 7/22 developed chronic GVHD. Twelve patients (46%) have died, nine of them with a relapsing disease and three with GVHD; median post‐transplant survival (SV) was 300 days, whereas the 12‐month SV was 42%. The 100‐day mortality was 3.8% and the transplant‐related mortality was 11.5%. This procedure is substantially less costly than its counterpart, using in‐hospital myeloablative conditioning regimens, and it may represent another approach in the management of patients requiring an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Am. J. Hematol. 66:241–244, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retrospective review of the management of elective surgery with desmopressin and clotting factor concentrates in patients with von Willebrand disease
Authors: Nitu‐Whalley Ioana C. , Griffioen Anja , Harrington Chris , Lee Christine A.
Published: August 2002

Limited data are available regarding optimal treatment with desmopressin (DDAVP) or intermediate‐purity FVIII concentrates rich in VWF (CFCs) in patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) who undergo planned surgery. We undertook a retrospective review over 10 years (1988–1997) and identified 27 patients treated with DDAVP for 35 surgical events and 38 patients who received CFCs for 68 elective surgical events. Tranexamic acid was usually added for mucosal surgery. The FVIII:C levels and the severity of surgery were used to determine the frequency and the doses of postoperative treatment. For major surgery the median pre‐ and post‐operative doses of CFCs were 54 and 43 IU/kg, respectively, and for minor surgery the median doses varied between 34 and 52 IU/kg preoperatively and between 23 and 37 IU/kg postoperatively. The effectiveness of haemostasis was excellent in 32 events (91%) treated with DDAVP and in 56 events (82%) treated with CFCs. It is concluded that patients with VWD do not carry an increased operative risk if appropriate therapy is given. Am. J. Hematol. 66:280–284, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p53, Mdm2, and c‐Myc overexpression is associated with a poor prognosis in aggressive non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas
Authors: Pagnano Katia B.B. , Vassallo Jose , Lorand‐Metze Irene , Costa Fernando F. , Saad Sara T.O.
Published: August 2002

The expression of p53, p21/WAF‐1, Mdm2, c‐Myc, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) proteins was examined by the immunohistochemistry of paraffin‐embedded tissues of 62 patients with aggressive non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) and correlated to clinical data. Expression of p53, p21/WAF‐1, Mdm2, and c‐Myc protein was observed in 17 out of 62 cases (30%), 25 out of 60 (42%), 13 out of 44 (30%), and 39 out of 51 (76.5%), respectively. The p53+/p21WAF‐1 phenotype, which is more frequently found in p53 mutations, was associated with a worse overall survival (P = 0.04) and with a lower rate of complete response (CR) (PF = 0.01). p53 and c‐Myc negative expression was related to a better response to chemotherapy (PF = 0.005 and 0.035, respectively). The expression of p53, c‐Myc, and Mdm2 was related to a shortened overall survival (P < 0.001, 0.05, and 0.037, respectively), suggesting that the expression of these proteins could be associated with a poor outcome in these patients. Am. J. Hematol. 67:84–92, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serratus anterior paralysis as an occupational injury in scaffolders: Two case reports
Authors: Elders L.A.M. , Van der Meché F.G.A. , Burdorf Alex
Published: August 2002

Background

Shoulder complaints in scaffolders are very common and may result in permanent disability.

Methods

We present two case reports of patients who developed acute shoulder complaints. After lifting weights up to 50 kg both patients suffered an isolated lesion of the long thoracic nerve resulting in serratus anterior paralysis.

Results

Physical signs are unilateral winging of the scapula and loss of strength in the arm. A combined effect of pressure and stretching of the nerve resulted in an occupational injury with a different prognosis of reversibility in both patients.

Conclusion

Shoulder pads in the overall and limiting the weight to carry may prevent future injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:710–713, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
Daytime trapezius muscle activity and shoulder‐neck pain of service workers with work stress and low biomechanical exposure
Authors: Holte Kari Anne , Westgaard Rolf H.
Published: August 2002

Aim

The study aims to look for an association between trapezius muscle activity and shoulder–neck pain in work situations characterized by work stress and low biomechanical exposure.

Methods

Female subjects (n = 93) were recruited from four occupational groups: health care, shop assistants, banking, and university secretaries. Thirty‐eight workers were interviewed and classified as pain‐afflicted by their shoulder–neck pain score in the last 6 months; 55 were pain‐free. Shoulder–neck pain, bodily state of tension and fatigue, and subjective exposure assessments were monitored by repeated hourly measurements over 24 hr. Trapezius muscle activity was recorded bilaterally by surface EMG.

Results

Shoulder–neck pain, perceived tension, work stress (“stressful environment”), and mental fatigue was augmented over the workday and reduced leisure time. Physical fatigue was low and stable. Thus, work stress appeared to be the dominant exposure associated with shoulder‐neck pain. Muscle activity was low and similar for pain‐afflicted and pain‐free subjects during working hours. It was unchanged from work to leisure for the pain‐afflicted workers and was significantly reduced for the pain‐free group.

Conclusions

Stress‐induced shoulder and neck pain is not necessarily associated with elevated trapezius muscle activity, but pain‐free workers may benefit from better muscle relaxation in leisure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:393–405, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No association between the WNT2 gene and autistic disorder
Authors: McCoy Pinky A. , Shao Yujun , Wolpert Chantelle M. , Donnelly Shannon L. , Ashley‐Koch Allison , Abel Heidi L. , Ravan Sarah A. , Abramson Ruth K. , Wright Harry H. , DeLong G. Robert , Cuccaro Michael L. , Gilbert John R. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A.
Published: August 2002

Autistic disorder is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in language and social communication, as well as stereotyped patterns of behavior. Peak LOD scores from several genomic screening efforts indicate the presence of an autistic disorder susceptibility locus within the distal long arm of human chromosome 7 (7q31‐q35). Wassink et al. [2001: Am J Med Genet 105:406–413] reported that WNT2, located at 7q31, influences genetic risk in autistic disorder. These findings were enhanced when examined in a subset of families with severe language impairment. WNT genes encode secreted growth factor–like proteins that participate in growth regulation, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. We tested for genetic association of two WNT2 variants in an independent data set of 135 singleton and 82 multiplex families. No significant association was found between autistic disorder and the WNT2 genotypes in either the overall data set or in the language‐impaired subset of families. However, differences in allele frequencies of the 3′ UTR single nucleotide polymorphism between the present population and that of Wassink et al. may account for the inability to detect association between WNT2 and autistic disorder in the present data set. We also screened the two reported autistic disorder mutations previously detected by Wassink et al. We did not identify any activating mutation in the coding region of the WNT2 gene. Thus, we conclude that activating mutations of the WNT2 gene are not a major contributor to the development of autistic disorder in these data. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of dysmorphic features in schizophrenia
Authors: Scutt L.E. , Chow E.W.C. , Weksberg R. , Honer W.G. , Bassett Anne S.
Published: August 2002

Congenital dysmorphic features are prevalent in schizophrenia and may reflect underlying neurodevelopmental abnormalities. A cluster analysis approach delineating patterns of dysmorphic features has been used in genetics to classify individuals into more etiologically homogeneous subgroups. In the present study, this approach was applied to schizophrenia, using a sample with a suspected genetic syndrome as a testable model. Subjects (n = 159) with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were ascertained from chronic patient populations (random, n = 123) or referred with possible 22q11 deletion syndrome (referred, n = 36). All subjects were evaluated for presence or absence of 70 reliably assessed dysmorphic features, which were used in a three‐step cluster analysis. The analysis produced four major clusters with different patterns of dysmorphic features. Significant between–cluster differences were found for rates of 37 dysmorphic features (P < 0.05), median number of dysmorphic features (P = 0.0001), and validating features not used in the cluster analysis: mild mental retardation (P = 0.001) and congenital heart defects (P = 0.002). Two clusters (1 and 4) appeared to represent more developmental subgroups of schizophrenia with elevated rates of dysmorphic features and validating features. Cluster 1 (n = 27) comprised mostly referred subjects. Cluster 4 (n = 18) had a different pattern of dysmorphic features; one subject had a mosaic Turner syndrome variant. Two other clusters had lower rates and patterns of features consistent with those found in previous studies of schizophrenia. Delineating patterns of dysmorphic features may help identify subgroups that could represent neurodevelopmental forms of schizophrenia with more homogeneous origins. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association studies of the HOPA dodecamer duplication variant in different subtypes of autism
Authors: Beyer Kim S. , Klauck Sabine M. , Benner Axel , Poustka Fritz , Poustka Annemarie
Published: August 2002

The HOPA gene in Xq13 is coding for a protein involved in a nuclear thyroid receptor complex. Previous studies suggested association of the dodecamer duplication in the OPA‐repeat region in exon 43 (according to the genomic database sequence) with autism, mental retardation, and schizophrenia/hypothyroidism. We determined the frequency of this 12 bp duplication variant in a sample of 155 patients divided in different subtypes of autism, 278 parents of those patients, and 157 control individuals. The allele frequency of the duplication variant was not significantly different between autistic patients, their parents, and the control group. Therefore, it is unlikely that this 12 bp duplication variant of the HOPA gene has major relevance to the susceptibility to different subtypes of autism at least in this German patient sample. In addition, we identified a third variant with a 15 bp deletion in the OPA‐repeat region, recently described by another group, in one autistic patient. This third allele was also present in the patient's nonautistic mother and sister, who are heterozygous for this variant, but could not be detected in any other individual genotyped in this study. Expression analysis revealed transcription of all three allelic variants in lymphoblastoid cell lines. Furthermore, we identified a new splice variant that utilizes an additional 9 bp of the 3′ intron subsequent to exon 39. Both alternative transcripts are coexpressed in all fetal and adult tissues examined. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diet and health changes at the end of the Chinese neolithic: The Yangshao/Longshan transition in Shaanxi province
Authors: Pechenkina Ekaterina A. , Benfer Robert A. , Zhijun Wang
Published: August 2002

In this paper we discuss diet and health changes of millet agriculturists in Northern China, Shaanxi province, during the period 7,000–4,000 BP. An episode of intensive climatic oscillations that preceded the onset of colder climate circa the fifth millennium BP divides the period (Shi et al. [1993] Global Planet. Change 7:219–233). The onset of the cooler climate marks the decline of the egalitarian society of Yangshao and the rise of the chiefdom‐like society of Longshan.

Skeletal materials from the two sites of Beiliu and Jiangzhai are from the earlier phases of Yangshao culture (7,000–6,000 BP), while remains from the Shijia site were excavated from the terminal phase of Yangshao culture (6,000–5,000 BP), a phase that would be expected to show adjustments to strong climatic fluctuations. Human remains from the Longshan culture (5,000–4,000, BP) were found at the Kangjia site. In order to investigate whether the trajectory of diet and health changes persisted beyond the Longshan, a skeletal sample from the Xicun site of the Western Zhao Dynastic period (3,800–2,200 BP) is included in our analyses.

All Yangshao sites in our study are characterized by low frequencies of anemia and carious lesions. Some subsistence changes probably occurred during the later phase of Yangshao culture that resulted in elevated masticatory stress and occlusal macrowear among the Shijia people. However, deterioration of community health did not begin until the Longshan, when increased occurrence of porotic hyperostosis and caries is accompanied by decreased adult stature. The transition to softer, more extensively processed food during Longshan is evident in decreased rates of occlusal wear. Increased population density and diminished food values were most likely responsible for these changes. Poor health persisted into the subsequent Dynastic period of Western Zhao. Am J Phys Anthropol 117:15–36, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A picture of tuberculosis in young Portuguese people in the early 20th century: A multidisciplinary study of the skeletal and historical evidence
Authors: Santos Ana Luísa , Roberts Charlotte A.
Published: August 2002

The aim of this study was to examine the evidence, and consider the differential diagnosis, for tuberculosis (TB) in juvenile individuals from early 20th century documented skeletons. There are 66 male and female juvenile individuals in the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection (CISC) with an age at death ranging from 7–21 years. The individuals died between 1904–1936 in different areas of Coimbra, Portugal. Eighteen of these individuals died from TB affecting different parts of the body. Thirteen (72.2%) showed skeletal lesions that may be related to this infection. Of the 48 individuals with a non‐tuberculous cause of death, only 2 (4.2%) had skeletal changes that could be attributed to TB. The distribution of skeletal manifestations caused by the types of TB under study, based on macroscopic and radiological findings, is described and discussed. In addition, the medical records from 6 tuberculous individuals who died in Coimbra University Hospital (CUH) were analysed, and the information, including their diet and access to treatment, is presented. This work, based on data arising before antibiotics became available for treatment, can contribute to the future diagnosis of TB in non‐documented skeletal material, and will facilitate a more reliable diagnosis of TB in juvenile individuals. Am J Phys Anthropol 115:38–49, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiological approach to the paleopathological diagnosis of leprosy
Authors: Boldsen Jesper L.
Published: August 2002

In paleopathology it is usually assumed that modern diagnostic criteria can be applied to infectious diseases in the past. However, as both the human species and populations of pathogenic microorganisms undergo evolutionary changes, this assumption is not always well‐founded. To get valid estimates of the frequency (the point prevalence at death) of leprosy in skeletal samples, sensitivity, specificity, and sample frequency must be estimated simultaneously. It is shown that more than three symptoms must be evaluated in at least three samples in order to reach estimates with well‐described properties. The method is applied to three skeletal samples from Medieval Denmark; the samples were scored for the presence of seven osteological conditions indicating leprosy. For the osteological conditions, sensitivity varied from 0.36–0.80, and specificity from 0.58–0.98. The frequency of leprosy in the three samples was: Odense (a lepers' institution), 0.98, 95% CI 0.64–1.00; Malmö (urban cemetery), 0.02, 95% CI 0.00–0.07; and Tirup (rural cemetery), 0.36, 95% CI 0.23–0.46. It is concluded that it is indeed possible to estimate disease frequencies without reference to modern standards, and that leprosy occurred with widely differing frequencies in different segments of the Medieval population in southern Scandinavia. Am J Phys Anthropol 115:380–387, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phenobarbital and MK‐801, but not phenytoin, improve the long‐term outcome of status epilepticus
Authors: Prasad Avinash , Williamson John M. , Bertram Edward H.
Published: August 2002

To examine the effect of therapy on status epilepticus (SE) acutely and on long‐term outcome, we compared three drugs with three different mechanisms. Phenobarbital, MK‐801, and phenytoin were administered at 1, 2, and 4 hours after initiation of limbic status epilepticus by “continuous” hippocampal stimulation in rats. We evaluated the effects of these drugs on the course of SE and the subsequent development of chronic epilepsy. Phenobarbital and MK‐801 were superior to phenytoin in suppressing SE and in preventing chronic epilepsy. There was no benefit if treatment was given 2 hours after the initiation of SE. Phenobarbital was most effective in suppressing electrographic seizure activity, but MK‐801 had a slightly wider window for the prevention of chronic epilepsy. Early treatment, rather than electrographic suppression of SE, correlated with prevention of chronic epilepsy. This study shows that the drugs administered, which have different mechanisms of action, have clear differences in altering the outcomes. The findings suggest that studies of SE treatment should examine the effect of therapy on SE itself, as well as the long‐term benefits of each treatment. The use of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonists should be considered early in the treatment of SE.
Nemaline myopathy: A clinical study of 143 cases
Authors: Ryan Monique M. , Schnell Christina , Strickland Corinne D. , Shield Lloyd K. , Morgan Graeme , Iannaccone Susan T. , Laing Nigel G. , Beggs Alan H. , North Kathryn N.
Published: August 2002

We report 143 Australian and North American cases of primary nemaline myopathy. As classified by the European Neuromuscular Centre guidelines, 23 patients had severe congenital, 29 intermediate congenital, 66 typical congenital, 19 childhood‐onset, and 6 adult‐onset nemaline myopathy. Inheritance was autosomal recessive in 29 patients, autosomal dominant in 41, sporadic in 72, and indeterminate in 1. Twenty‐two patients had skeletal muscle actin mutations and 4 had mutations in the α‐tropomyosinSLOW gene. Obstetric complications occurred in 49 cases. Seventy‐five patients had significant respiratory disease during the first year of life, and 79 had feeding difficulties. Atypical features in a minority of cases included arthrogryposis, central nervous system involvement, and congenital fractures. Progressive distal weakness developed in a minority of patients. Thirty patients died, the majority during the first 12 months of life. All deaths were due to respiratory insufficiency, which was frequently underrecognized in older patients. Arthrogryposis, neonatal respiratory failure, and failure to achieve early motor milestones were associated with early mortality. Morbidity from respiratory tract infections and feeding difficulties frequently diminished with increasing age. Aggressive early management is warranted in most cases of congenital nemaline myopathy.
Synthesis and characterization of soluble polypyrrole with improved electrical conductivity
Authors: Lee G. J. , Lee S. H. , Ahn K. S. , Kim K. H.
Published: August 2002

Polypyrroles doped with two dopants were prepared by chemical polymerization in aqueous solutions of pyrrole monomer. The solutions contained dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) as a dopant, tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF4) as a codopant, and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an oxidant. The PPy composites [polypyrrole‐dodecylbenzenesulfonates (PPy‐DBS) codoped with tetrafluoroborate (BF)—PPy‐DBS‐BF] were soluble in m‐cresol, NMP, and conditionally soluble in chloroform. Cyclic voltammetry was measured to know the electrochemical property of PPy‐DBS‐BF. The maximum electrical conductivity of room temperature for PPy‐DBS‐BF is 1.18 s/cm, which is greatly higher than that of polypyrrole doped with DBS− (0.04 s/cm). The composition and structural characterization of PPy‐DBS‐BF were inferred from elemental analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to know the morphology of PPy‐DBS‐BF. The results of UV‐Vis spectra and electron spin resonance measurements showed that polaron and bipolaron existed as charge carrier of soluble PPy‐DBS‐BF. From the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity, it was suggested that possible conduction mechanism for soluble PPy‐DBS‐BF should be hopping conduction. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 2583–2590, 2002
Study on synthesis and thermal properties of polyurethane–imide copolymers with multiple hard segments
Authors: Liu Jin , Ma Dezhu
Published: August 2002

Different multiple hard segment polyurethane–imide copolymers (MHPUI) were synthesized and characterized. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the characteristic absorption of the MHPUI copolymer. The difference in the imide group FTIR absorption bands in different MH segment PUI copolymers was found in this study and was explained by the different MH segment types, hard segment contents, and hard segment rigidity with different interactions of the molecular chains. The hard segment interaction in MHPUI with an increase of the structure rigidity of the short hard segments is strengthening. The DSC analysis revealed that the glass‐transition temperature of the soft segment of PUI rose in value from −42 to −3.4°C with the introduction of MH and different MH segments. The DSC results suggest that the soft segment is more compatible with the hard segment rigidity increase. The TGA results showed the hard segment structure symmetry has a more important role in the MHPUI thermal stability. Every sample containing symmetrical structure short hard groups (4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate or 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane) is more thermally stable than that with worse symmetry structure groups (2,4‐toluene diisocyanate or 3,3′‐dichloro‐4,4′‐diamino‐diphenylmethane). The three‐step mechanism of PUI thermal degradation was further verified by the TGA study. The thermally unstable group was confirmed as urethane or a urea–urethane segment. The TGA results showed that MHPUI copolymers with higher separation of the soft–hard phase have higher thermal stability. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 2206–2215, 2002