bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocompatibility of uncoated and diamond-like carbon coated Ti–20%Hf alloy
Authors: Kuhn S. D. , Sridharan K. , Hao Z. , Muir P. , Suresh M. , Singh A. , Raj S. V.
Published: April 2008

Biocompatibilities of uncoated and diamond like carbon (DLC) coated Ti–20%Hf alloy have been investigated by means of 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell viability quantification using flow cytometry. For comparison, similar tests were performed for pure Ti, Hf, and V as well as a commercial orthopaedic alloy, Ti–6Al–4V. Under the test conditions used, the biocompatibilities of uncoated and DLC coated Ti–20%Hf alloy, pure Hf, and Ti–6Al–4V alloy were comparable to that of pure Ti, a metal known for its superior biocompatibility, while pure V clearly exhibited the lowest biocompatibility of all the materials that were evaluated. The addition of Hf to Ti resulted in significant solid solution strengthening and at 20%Hf concentration the hardness of this alloy was comparable to that of the Ti–6Al–4V alloy. Ti–Hf alloys and wear resistant, low friction DLC coatings may either be used in conjunction with or may independently hold promise for orthopaedic implants and possibly other biomedical applications.
Effects of phthalate and sulphonic acid ester plasticisers on TiO2 catalysed photodegradation of PVC
Authors: Martin G. , Robinson A. J. , Worsley D.
Published: April 2008

The effects of two plasticisers, one phthalate and one sulphonic acid ester, on the photodegradation of TiO2 pigmented polyvinylchloride films are reported. The loading of each plasticiser was altered in the range 0–70% relative to the polyvinylchloride and the effects on the rates of photomineralisation were determined using a closed loop flow system to detect the carbon dioxide evolution. All plasticiser additions lead to an initial acceleration in CO2 evolution over the non-plasticised cases. Non-plasticised films show a marked acid catalysis due to HCl evolution which leads to an acceleration in the rate of oxidation with time. Following initial rapid oxidation of preadsorbed plasticiser, the phthalate systems demonstrated a reduced rate of CO2 production and no acid catalysis. The sulphonic acid ester plasticiser is broken down to produce sulphonic acid and sulphuric acid fragments which are sufficiently acidic to catalyse the TiO2 when plasticiser loadings are >50%. The carboxylic acid fragments from the phthalates seem incapable of catalysis even at the highest levels used in the present work.
Experimental technique for observation of three-dimensional metallography in brass and carbon steel
Authors: Okayasu M. , Ishikawa T. , Mizuno M. , Ono T.
Published: April 2008

In the present study, an experimental technique is proposed by which the three-dimensional (3D) metallography (or crystals) can be observed on a fracture surface. The observation of the 3D metallography in brass and carbon steel has enabled their microstructural characteristics to be clarified. In brass, unique 3D lead crystal shapes were detected on the fracture surface with ‘butterfly’ and ‘grass-like’ shapes. On the other hand, grain boundaries and laminar shaped cementite were revealed in 3D for medium carbon steel. To obtain such 3D metallography, the samples were cooled to −196°C during the fracture process, produced by a compressive load. The essence of this approach was to embrittle the material, especially grain and crystal boundaries, during the fracture process. This helped to reveal the true shape of a variety of phases. Details of the mechanism for revealing the 3D metallography are discussed.
Effect of vanadium on microstructures and properties of Fe–Cr–C self-shielded metal cored hardfacing alloys
Authors: Jiang M. , Li Z. X. , Wang Y. J. , Shi Y. W. , Jiang J. M. , Li X. B.
Published: April 2008

The effect of vanadium on microstructures and properties of Fe–Cr–C self-shielded metal cored hardfacing alloys was investigated with four hardfacing alloys that contain 0˙73, 2˙3, 3˙1 and 4˙1% vanadium respectively. The effects of vanadium element on microstructures and mechanical properties were analysed. Results indicate that the metal matrix of hardfacing alloys transforms the properties from austenite to austenite and martensite with increasing vanadium content. The metal matrix turns completely into martensite when the vanadium content is up to 4˙1%. Primary carbide is changed from long bulk faceted morphology to spherical and irregular shapes, and a large number of secondary carbides are precipitated and dispersed in the metal matrix of hardfacing alloys with increasing vanadium content. The hardness and wear resistance are also enhanced with increasing vanadium content.
A Naked-eye Colorimetric Indicator to Discriminate Aromatic Compounds by Solid-state Charge-transfer Complexation
Authors: Trivedi Darshak R , Fujiki Yuzo , Goto Yuta , Fujita Norifumi , Shinkai Seiji , Sada Kazuki
Published: April 2008

A colorimetric indicating system has been developed using solid-state charge-transfer complexation to demonstrate color changes in response to various aromatic compounds and their isomers that provide no color changes under diluted solution conditions.
Kinetic Studies on Complexation Reactions of Lithium Ion with Cryptand C211 in Ionic Liquids by Using 7Li NMR
Authors: Shirai Atsushi , Ikeda Yasuhisa
Published: April 2008

Kinetic studies on complexation reactions of LiI with cryptand C211 in N,N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (DEMETFSI) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMITFSI) have been carried out using 7Li NMR. It was found that the reaction rates in both solutions depend on concentrations of free LiI and that their kinetic parameters are almost same. From these results, it is proposed that the LiI complexation reactions in DEMETFSI and EMITFSI solutions proceed though bimolecular mechanism.
The OR/MS Ecosystem: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
Authors: Sodhi ManMohan S. , Tang Christopher S.
Published: April 2008

This paper is dedicated to Arthur Geoffrion, who serves as role model of a great researcher, educator, and practitioner.

We believe that research, teaching, and practice are becoming increasingly disengaged from one another in the OR/MS ecosystem. This ecosystem comprises researchers, educators, and practitioners in its core along with end users, universities, and funding agencies. Continuing disengagement will result in OR/MS occupying only niche areas and disappearing as a distinct field even though its tools would live on. To understand the reasons for this disengagement better and to engender discussion among academics and practitioners on how to counter it, we present the ecosystem's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Incorporated in this paper are insights from a cluster of sessions at the 2006 INFORMS meeting in Pittsburgh (“Where Do We Want to Go in OR/MS?”) and from the literature.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. You are free to copy, distribute, transmit and adapt this work, but you must attribute this work as “Operations Research. Copyright © 2017 INFORMS. https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.1080.0519 , used under a Creative Commons Attribution License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .”
Zeitgeschichte zwischen Erinnerung und Politik. Die wissenschaftliche Kommission für deutsche Kriegsgefangenengeschichte, der Verband der Heimkehrer und die Bundesregierung 1957 bis 1975
Authors: Schwelling Birgit
Published: April 2008

Vorspann

Im Frühjahr 1957 setzte die Bundesregierung eine „Wissenschaftliche Kommission für die Dokumentation des Schicksals der deutschen Kriegsgefangenen des 2. Weltkriegs“ ein. Ging es dem federführenden Vertriebenenministerium darum, Dokumentenmaterial für etwaige Friedensverhandlungen zusammenzustellen, wollte der mitgliederstarke Verband der Heimkehrer, Kriegsgefangenen und Vermisstenangehörigen das Thema der Kriegsgefangenschaft in der bundesdeutschen Erinnerungskultur prominent platzieren. Birgit Schwelling untersucht, wie das von der Kommission vertretene Postulat strenger Wissenschaftlichkeit zunächst mit den „Überlieferungsbedürfnissen“ der Zeitzeugen, dann auch mit den entspannungspolitischen Rücksichten wechselnder Bundesregierungen in Konflikt geriet, die für eine Sekretierung der Dokumentation in ausgewählten Bibliotheken sorgten.
Elszabadult Amplatzer-occluder az aortábanr
Authors: Imre Jenő , Hejjel László , Miklán Dóra , Ajtay Zénó , Papp Lajos
Published: April 2008

Absztrakt

A pitvari sövényhiány (ASD) percutan eszközös zárása mint alternatíva lépett elő a nyitott szívműtéti megoldás helyett. A szerzők egy 55 éves nő esetét mutatják be, akinél veleszületett secundum típusú ASD miatt Amplatzer-occluder beültetést végeztek. Mellkasi panaszai három nappal az eszköz beültetése után kezdődtek, emiatt kardiológusa echocardiographiát végzett, mely a korábban beültetett eszköz hiányát és a korábbi ASD fennállását látta, majd klinikánkra utalta, ahol mellkasröntgen és mellkas-CT-felvétel készült, melyek az occluder aorta-tuncus brachiocephalicus szögletbe ékelődését igazolták. Extracorporalis szívműtétet indikáltunk az eszköz eltávolítására és a meglévő ASD direkt varrattal történő zárására. Eseménytelen posztoperatív időszak után távozott a beteg otthonába, jó általános állapotban.
Az optimális rekonstrukciós típus keresése totális gastrectomia utánr
Authors: Kalmár Katalin
Published: April 2008

Absztrakt

A szerző három prospektív randomizált tanulmányban és egy klinikai kísérletben vizsgálja totális gastrectomia után a különféle rekonstrukciós típusok hatását a testsúly, testtömegindex, tápláltsági és immunológiai laboratóriumi paraméterek, motilitas, zsír- és szénhidrát-felszívódás, életminőség, valamint a gastrointestinalis hormonok termelődésének alakulására. Az első tanulmányban egy új típusú pótgyomor, az aboralis pótgyomor kerül összehasonlításra a Roux-Y rekonstrukcióval. A második tanulmányban ugyanezek, valamint az aboralis pótgyomor duodenumbekötéssel végzett verziója szerepelnek. Jobb zsírfelszívódás és életminőség mutatkozik aboralis pótgyomor esetén, és ezen előnyöket a duodenumbekötés fokozza, valamint előnyösebb vasháztartási paraméterekkel egészíti ki. A harmadik tanulmányban az aboralis pótgyomor kerül összehasonlításra a hagyományos oralis pótgyomorral, mindkét rekonstrukció duodenumbekötéssel végzett verziójával. Ezen két csoport között lényeges különbség nem igazolódott. A negyedik tanulmányban az első két tanulmány betegeinél végeztek a szerzők klinikai kísérletet a prae- és postprandialis glükóz-, inzulin-, cholecystokinin- és somatostatintermelés vizsgálatára, egészséges kontrollcsoporttal összehasonlítva. Szignifikáns különbségek igazolódtak a rekonstrukció típusától függően: a duodenumbekötéses rekonstrukciónál a fiziológiáshoz hasonló cholecystokinin- és somatostatingörbék mutatkoztak, míg a duodenumkizárásos rekonstrukcióknál kórosan magas értékeket mértek.
The first case of human alveolar echinococcosis in Hungary
Authors: Horváth Andrea , Patonay Attila , Bánhegyi Dénes , Szlávik János , Balázs György , Görög Dénes , Werling Klára
Published: April 2008

Infection caused by Echinococcus multilocularis is a rare helminthiasis, human cases have not been diagnosed in Hungary until now. The endemic region is Central Europe; the occurrence of this infection has been reported from most of the neighbouring countries; however, E. multilocularis has been found in the red fox population in Hungary. Summarizing the recent knowledge concerning epidemiological, clinical patterns and therapeutic options, the authors describe the first Hungarian case of alveolar echinococcosis. In the presence of appropriate clinical findings, the possibility of this rare infection has to be considered in the differencial diagnosis of infiltrative hepatic lesions.
Impact of disease progression on health status, quality of life and costs in rheumatoid arthritis in Hungary
Authors: Péntek Márta , Szekanecz Zoltán , Czirják László , Poór Gyula , Rojkovich Bernadette , Polgár Anna , Genti György , Kiss Csaba György , Sándor Zsuzsa , Májer István , Brodszky Valentin , Gulácsi László
Published: April 2008

A rheumatoid arthritis (RA) krónikus, progresszív, szimmetrikus sokízületi gyulladás. A betegek hosszú távú gondozásához és a költséghatékonysági modellekhez alapvető ismerni és standardizáltan mérni a betegség lefolyását és annak következményeit.
Célkitűzés:
A betegségprogresszió és az egészségi állapot, életminőség és költségek kapcsolatainak vizsgálata magyarországi RA-s betegeken.
Módszer:
2004. április–augusztus között keresztmetszeti kérdőíves vizsgálatot végeztek RA-s betegek bevonásával hat fekvőbeteg-osztályos háttérrel rendelkező járóbeteg-szakambulancián. Standardizált kérdőívekkel vizsgálták a betegség progresszióját kifejező funkcionális állapotot (HAQ), az egészségi állapotot (EQ-5D), a betegségspecifikus életminőséget (RAQoL), felmérték a betegségaktivitást (DAS) és a betegséggel összefüggő költségeket, elemezték e paraméterek kapcsolatát.
Eredmények:
255 beteg adatait elemezték [átlagos életkor: 55,5 ± 12,3 év; a betegség fennállása: 9,0 ± 9,3 év; HAQ: 1,38 ± 0,76; EQ-5D: 0,46 ± 0,33; RAQoL: 16,2 ± 8,1; DAS: 5,09 ± 1,42; költség: 1 043 163 (± 844 750) Ft/beteg/év]. Szignifikáns korrelációt találtak az összes esetben (
p
< 0,01), függvénykapcsolat volt kimutatható: EQ-5D index = 1,014–0,25 × HAQ–0,041 × DAS és HAQ = 0,314 + 0,065 × RAQoL. Betegségsúlyossági csoportonként (0,5 HAQ-léptékkel) vizsgálva, az egészségi állapot átlaga rosszabbodott (EQ-5D: 0,784; 0,576; 0,504; 0,367; 0,211; 0,022), és az átlagos költség emelkedett (628 280; 888 187; 953 759; 1 291 218; 1 346 112; 1 371 674 Ft/beteg/év) a betegség előrehaladásával. Minimális klinikailag szignifikáns funkciócsökkenés (0,25 HAQ-változás) 0,0705 EQ-5D-csökkenésnek és 1,884 RAQoL-emelkedésnek felelt meg, nem súlyosan aktív (DAS < 5,1) esetekben kisebb a változás (EQ-5D: 0,05725).
Következtetések:
A betegségprogresszió és az általános egészségi állapot, életminőség és a költségek kapcsolata nem tér el jelentősen a nemzetközi eredményektől. A betegségköltségek nagysága azonban jelentősen kisebb Magyarországon, mint a fejlett országokban. A vizsgálat adatokkal szolgál a hazai egészség-gazdaságtani elemzésekhez.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy
Authors: Gáti Tamás , Pajor Attila , Géher Pál , Nagy György
Published: April 2008

A szisztémás lupus erythematosus (SLE) főleg a fogamzóképes nőket érintő betegség. Az SLE-s terheseknél a spontán abortusz, a praeeclampsia, az intrauterin retardáció, valamint a magzati halál és a koraszülés kockázata magasabb. A spontán abortuszok előfordulása szorosan kapcsolódik az antifoszfolipid-antitestek jelenlétéhez. A betegség önmagában nem kontraindikációja a terhességnek, legalább féléves remisszió után célszerű azonban terhességet vállalni. A terhesség alatt végbemenő élettani változások hasonlóak lehetnek a lupus tüneteihez, így ezeket a változásokat el kell különíteni a lupus okozta tünetektől. Az SLE-ben szenvedő várandós anyáknak javasolt a rendszeres találkozás nemcsak nőgyógyászukkal, hanem reumatológussal is annak érdekében, hogy időben megtörténjen az esetleges szövődmények felismerése és azok kezelése. Fontos továbbá az anyai betegség alapos ellenőrzése nemcsak a terhesség alatt, hanem az azt megelőző, valamint az azt követő időszakokban is. A szerzők áttekintik az újabb diagnosztikus és terápiás lehetőségeket, mind a biológiai terápiákat, mind az őssejtkezelést. Az antifoszfolipid-szindrómában szenvedő nők terhessége esetén az antithromboticus kezelés javítja a túlélés és az egészséges gyermek születésének az esélyeit. A neonatalis SLE – bár ritkán fordul elő – morbiditása és mortalitása szignifikánsan nagyobb, mint egészséges újszülöttek esetén. Újabb tanulmányok biztató eredményekkel szolgálnak a neonatalis lupus profilaktikus terápiával való kezelése terén. A terhes gondozása olyan centrumintézetben javasolt ahol a szülész jártas a lupus várható és kezelhető szövődményeiben, lehetőség van reumatológiai konzultációra, valamint ahol az igen kis súlyú koraszülöttek ellátása is biztosítható.
Gaucher disease: The importance of early diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Simon Gábor , Erdős Melinda , Maródi László , Tóth Judit
Published: April 2008

A Gaucher-kór a leggyakoribb lizoszomális tárolási betegség, amelyet a glukocerebrozidáz nevű lizoszomális enzim elégtelen működése okoz. A nemzetközi Gaucher-regiszterben 2006 végén 4584 beteget tartottak nyilván, közülük 34 volt magyar. A betegségnek három típusa van: nem neuropathiás (1. típus), akut neuropathiás (2. típus) és krónikus neuropathiás (3. típus). Ezek közül a nem neuropathiás típus a leggyakoribb, amelynek klinikai megjelenési formái nagy változatosságot mutatnak, és a tünetek a betegek több mint felében tízéves kor előtt jelentkeznek. A gyermekkori manifesztáció rendszerint súlyosabb fenotípusra utal, az irreverzíbilis komplikációk kialakulásának a veszélye nagy. A biztonságos és hatékony enzimszubsztitúciós kezelést 1991 óta alkalmazzák, Magyarországon 1992 óta elérhető. Az optimális dózisban történő korai kezelés megállítja a betegség progresszióját, a korábban kialakult visceralis és hematológiai eltérésekben regressziót idéz elő, megelőzi az irreverzíbilis csontelváltozások kialakulását, és biztosítja a betegek jó életminőségét. A szerzők három, korai gyermekkorban diagnosztizált Gaucher-kóros betegük kórtörténetét mutatják be. Felhívják a figyelmet a korai diagnózis és az irreverzíbilis komplikációk kialakulása előtt elkezdett kezelés fontosságára. A kórkép időben történő felismerése nagy kihívást jelent a gyermekgyógyászok számára.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplification of Repetitive Intergenic Consensus and Repetitive Extragenic Palindromic Sequences for Molecular Typing of Pseudomonas anguilliseptica and Aeromonas salmonicida
Authors: Beaz-Hidalgo Roxana , López-Romalde Sonia , Toranzo Alicia E. , Romalde Jesús L.
Published: April 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of two molecular techniques, repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction (REP-PCR) and repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR), as epidemiological tools with which to discriminate among genetically distinct strains within two bacterial fish pathogens, Pseudomonas anguilliseptica and Aeromonas salmonicida. A total of 30 A. salmonicida and 52 P. anguilliseptica were analyzed. For P. anguilliseptica, three different major fingerprints were obtained with both techniques, which defined three genomic groups: one was composed of strains isolated from eels Anguilla spp., the second of strains from turbot Scophthalmus maximus and blackspot seabream (also known as red seabream) Pagellus bogaraveo, and the third of strains from other fish species, such as gilthead seabream (also known as gilthead bream) Sparus auratus, sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (also known as European bass Morone labrax), and salmonids. In the case of A. salmonicida, promising results were obtained with both techniques for subspecies differentiation. Thus, two genomic profiles were obtained by ERIC-PCR. The first profile consisted of A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida strains isolated from the different hosts. The second profile was composed of two A. salmonicida subsp. masoucida and one A. salmonicida subsp. achromogenes. Using REP-PCR, three genotypes were obtained within this pathogen that were related to the diverse subspecies analyzed. In summary, both methodologies are useful for typing distinct strains associated with different host species and therefore are helpful in epidemiological studies of P. anguilliseptica. In contrast, in the case of A. salmonicida, more studies are needed to determine their utility in discriminating the subspecies salmonicida from the other two subspecies.
Revised Phylogenetic Relationships among Herpesviruses Isolated from Sturgeons
Authors: Kurobe Tomofumi , Kelley Garry O. , Waltzek Thomas B. , Hedrick Ronald P.
Published: April 2008

Initial phylogenetic comparisons based on a region of the DNA polymerase of seven herpes-like viruses found in sturgeons in North America and Europe indicated the presence of three distinct clades. A revised phylogenetic analysis of the same viruses, based on corrected DNA polymerase sequences and newly obtained sequence data from the putative ATP subunit of the terminase gene, indicate only two clades. These two clades correspond to the historical designations given to these herpes-like viruses from white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus: white sturgeon herpesvirus type 1 (WSHV-1) and type 2 (WSHV-2). The identification of putative terminase gene sequences for all seven herpes-like viruses from sturgeons confirms their affinity with the family Herpesviridae (because this gene is unique to herpesviruses) and more distantly with T4-like bacteriophages. The two clades of sturgeon herpesviruses are therefore appropriately designated as Acipenserid herpesviruses 1 and 2, which correspond to the previous common names of white sturgeon herpesvirus types 1 and 2.
Release of the lipid peroxidation marker 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α from isolated gill pavement cells
Authors: Spokas Eric G , Harshman Scott , Cohen Glenn M , Jiang Chen , Levine Jaime M , Rodriguez Ana R , Foglein Jon , Spur Bernd W
Published: April 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate oxidative injury in gill pavement cells (GPCs) from fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) using F2-isoprostane (F2-iP) release as an index of lipid peroxidation. Cells were isolated from pooled gill tissue by collagenase treatment, mechanical sieving, and Percoll® density gradient centrifugation. Baseline levels of 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epi-PGF2α) were measured by incubating GPCs in physiological buffer (106 cells/ml) and enzyme immunoassay. After 60 min, the amount of immunoreactive 8-epi-PGF2α (ir8-epi-PGF2α) in control medium ranged from 1,374 to 5,515 pg/ml. Lead nitrate, 0.6 to 120 μM, did not influence ir8-epi-PGF2α release, whereas FeCl3 stimulated release at 500 μM but not at 5 μM. Incubation medium was extracted for acidic lipids and analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/electrosprayionization. A compound in the medium exhibited a retention time on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography nearly identical to that of synthetic 8-epi-PGF2α The mass spectrum taken from the total ion chromatogram from 14.8 to 15.1 min contained a prominent ion at m/z 353, as expected for the molecular ion of 8-epi-PGF2α. Similar results were obtained with tissue subjected to base hydrolysis. Mass spectra of extracted ion chromatograms obtained with gill extracts and authentic standard showed a close correspondence of fragment ions, providing definitive evidence for production and storage of F2-iPs by fish gills. In summary, F2-iP release occurs during lipid peroxidation injury to fish gill epithelium, and its measurement may facilitate aquatic toxicology studies of metallic and nonmetallic contaminants.
Instructor Modeling and Online Question Prompts for Supporting Peer-Questioning during Online Discussion
Authors: Choi Ikseon , Land Susan M. , Turgeon Alfred
Published: April 2008

This study investigates how the combination of instructor modeling and question prompts for peer-questioning influences students' online questioning and answering activities. Fourteen students in a turfgrass management online class at a large land-grant university participated in two three-week sessions of online discussion. Two randomly selected small groups ( n = 6) received question prompts and instructor modeling while the other two discussion groups ( n = 8) did not. Their online interactions (frequency, length, and type of questions) and selected follow-up telephone interviews were analyzed. The results of the descriptive statistics of students' online activities and the interview reveal that the instructor's participation in online discussion played a critical role in modeling students' questioning activities and in facilitating students' continuous use of the given online peer questioning guidance. Thus, the combination of instructor modeling and question prompts is more effective than providing either strategy alone. The results are discussed from the viewpoint of distributed scaffolding.
Equity in Math and Science: A Technology-Supported Teaching and Learning Model
Authors: Li Qing
Published: April 2008

In this article, I propose a technology-supported teaching and learning model that aims to bridge the gender gap identified in areas such as mathematics and science. Further, this model promotes collaboration between teacher educators and K-12 teachers. The focus of technology is on the use of video conferencing. This model is further tested by a government funded 3-year project using design-based research paradigm.
Perinatal Autopsy Findings in Three Cases of Jugular Lymphatic Obstruction Sequence and Cardiac Polyvalvular Dysplasia
Authors: Bendon Robert , Asamoah Alexander
Published: April 2008

Three infants with a prenatal diagnosis of Noonan's syndrome suffered fetal hydrops and immediate neonatal death. The infants all had the external appearance of jugular lymphatic obstruction sequence with wide-spaced nipples, redundant posterior nuchal skin, and edema of the dorsa of the feet and hands. All 3 demonstrated thick, redundant leaflets of all 4 cardiac valves, and 2 had a membranous ventricular septal defect. One female infant had a mutation of the PTPN11 gene. Two males had no common mutation of PTPN11. The males demonstrated other abnormalities in common, including small penis, testicular malformation, rosette-like appearance of the pituicytes, and an eosinophil infiltration of the pancreatic islets with islet cell hypertrophy. Detailed anatomy of cases of lymphatic obstruction sequence fetuses can be correlated with an increasing number of genetic mutations associated with Noonan's syndrome and related syndromes in mice and humans.
Adenoviral Appendicitis Presenting Clinically as Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Grynspan David , Rabah Raja
Published: April 2008

The vermiform appendix may react as part of a generalized viral infection, but histological documentation of appendiceal viral infection is rare. Adenovirus has been described in association with mesenteric adenitis and ileocecal intussusception, but to our knowledge there are no well-documented cases of adenoviral appendiceal infection presenting clinically as acute appendicitis without intussusception. We reviewed the pathology records of all appendectomies performed at our institution from 2001 through 2005. All incidental appendectomies and appendices with acute appendicitis or other pathological findings were excluded. We selected all negative appendices with lymphoid hyperplasia and reviewed hematoxylin and eosin–stained slides. Representative sections of each of these cases were immunostained with adenovirus antibody. Eight hundred seventy-seven appendectomies were performed during the study period. Of these, there were 94 cases that had a clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis and that were pathologically negative. Sixty-three of the 94 cases had lymphoid hyperplasia and were stained for adenovirus. We identified 2 positive cases, which also showed epithelial proliferation and viral inclusions. One involved a 6-year-old male and the other involved a 5-year-old female, without intussusception. Adenovirus can infect the appendix and clinically mimic acute appendicitis without intussusception. We recommend that all negative appendices be evaluated for lymphoid hyperplasia and epithelial viral changes and possibly be stained with immunoperoxidase staining if indicated. We speculate that adenovirus may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute appendicitis.
A Study of Volunteers in Community-Based Restorative Justice Programs
Authors: Souza Karen A. , Dhami Mandeep K.
Published: April 2008

Community-based restorative justice (RJ) programs rely heavily on volunteers to perform a range of duties, including facilitating case conferences. We surveyed 76 volunteers from 12 RJ programs throughout British Columbia, Canada, in order to (1) identify the characteristics of volunteers, (2) document their involvement in RJ, (3) measure their motivations to volunteer, (4) explore the skills they perceive to be useful, (5) document the training they receive, and (6) determine the factors that influence satisfaction with their roles. This study was guided by a conceptual model of the RJ volunteer process. We found that RJ volunteers comprise primarily older Caucasian women. Volunteers were mostly recruited by word of mouth and were motivated by their commitment to RJ ideals. Although they brought a wealth of skills and qualifications, volunteers were trained in order to provide a range of services to programs. Finally, volunteers were generally satisfied with their roles in RJ programs. These findings have implications for volunteer recruitment, training, and retention.
Topotactic Transformation of Single‐Crystalline Precursor Discs into Disc‐Like Bi2S3 Nanorod Networks
Authors: Li Lianshan , Sun Nijuan , Huang Youyuan , Qin Yao , Zhao Nana , Gao Jining , Li Meixian , Zhou Henghui , Qi Limin
Published: April 2008

Hierarchical, two‐dimensional (2D), disc‐like networks consisting of crossed single‐crystalline Bi2S3 nanorods have been synthesized via a novel 2D‐template‐engaged topotactic transformation process, which involves the formation of intermediate BiOCl single‐crystalline discs and their subsequent chemical transformation into disc‐like Bi2S3 nanofabrics. The transformation process from (001)‐oriented BiOCl discs to disc‐like Bi2S3 nanorod networks has been followed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction (ED) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed that the close matching between the lattice constants of the c‐axis for orthorhombic Bi2S3 and the a‐ or b‐axis for tetragonal BiOCl could be responsible for the preferential growth of [001]‐oriented Bi2S3 nanorods on the top faces of (001)‐oriented BiOCl discs along the two perpendicular [100] and [010] directions of BiOCl. The diameter of the Bi2S3 nanorods involved in the networks can be adjusted by changing the bismuth ion concentration in the reaction solution; moreover, an increase of the HCl concentration would prevent the formation of precursor BiOCl discs, leading to the formation of Bi2S3 nanostructures with varied morphologies. Charge–discharge curves and cyclic voltammograms of the obtained Bi2S3 nanostructures were measured to investigate their electrochemical hydrogen storage behaviors. It was found that the disc‐like Bi2S3 nanorod networks could electrochemically charge and discharge with a capacity of 162 mA h g−1 at room temperature, indicating their potential applications in hydrogen storage, high‐energy batteries, and catalytic fields.
Two peculiar conditions following a coma: A clinical case of heterotopic ossification concomitant with keloid formation
Authors: Palumbo Carla , Ferretti Marzia , Bonucci Pierluigi , Sena Paola , Bertoni Laura , Cavani Francesco , Celli Andrea , Rovesta Claudio
Published: April 2008

The etiology and formation pattern of heterotopic ossifications (HO) are still unknown. They occur in soft tissues in which bone does not normally form, near one or more proximal joints. In this article, the authors report a peculiar case of a 31‐year‐old patient affected by scapulo‐humeral ankylosis that occurred about 6 months after a coma, in which two unusual concomitant conditions were observed: HO formation in the scapulo‐humeral region and the development of keloids during wound repair. The scapulo‐humeral ankylosis was resolved surgically with the removal of the HO, which was then studied morphologically to understand its formation pattern. By light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, it was observed that heterotopic bone displays the normal microscopic structure of primary bone, in which two types of bone tissue were recognized, i.e., woven‐fibered bone, deeply located and produced first, and lamellar bone. This suggests that the pattern of HO formation retraces the ontogenetic steps that normally occur during intramembranous ossification. The authors also discuss the peculiar concomitance of HO formation and keloid development, speculating that, although they are different conditions localized in dissimilar regions, they might be hypothetically triggered by a common event, such as the release of factors likely issued during the coma status. Clin. Anat. 21:348–354, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological study of sinus flow in the confluence of sinuses
Authors: Park Hyung Ki , Bae Hack Gun , Choi Soon Kwan , Chang Jae Chil , Cho Sung Jin , Byun Bark Jang , Sim Ki Bum
Published: April 2008

The confluence of sinuses (CS; torcular herophili) is represented by the junction of the superior sagittal (SSS), straight (SS), occipital (OS), and two transverse sinuses (TS). The objective of this study was to interpret sinus flow around the CS by morphological investigation of the sinuses. This study is based on visual examination of dural venous sinuses in the region of the CS in 31 adult cadavers. In the inflow zone, we examined the direction of SSS and SS flow. In the communication zone, we examined the extent to which outflow sinuses communicate with other sinuses. In the outflow zone, we used the diameters of outflow sinuses to determine anatomical dominance. The SSS entered the CS via the right TS in 16 cases (51.6%) and via the center of the CS in 14 cases (45.2%). The SS entered via the center of the CS in 18 cases (58.1%) and via the left TS in 11 cases (35.5%). Outflow sinuses communicated freely in 26 cases (83.8%) and communicated partially in five cases (16.2%). Partial communication was the result of a septate CS. In terms of outflow, the right TS was dominant in 11 cases (35.5%), and in 18 cases (58.1%), outflow was symmetrical. The direction of SSS inflow was different from that of SS inflow, and partial communication was observed in five cases (16.1%). Therefore, the presence of a septum may be considered an anatomical factor, with implications in diagnosis or in the sacrifice of the outflow sinus of the CS. Clin. Anat. 21:294–300, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An innovative approach to supplement the teaching of the spatial gross anatomy relationships of muscles to undergraduates in health sciences
Authors: Gangata Hope
Published: April 2008

Satisfactory assessment of the musculoskeletal disorders in patients by health professionals, followed by diagnosis, treatment, and referral require a good understanding of spatial and three‐dimensional (S&3D) anatomy of musculature. Meanwhile, the importance and impact of S&3D learning has been underscored. A novel method to promote S&3D skills in the learning of the musculature of the upper and lower limb was developed, and subsequently evaluated among 120 first‐year Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy undergraduate students at the University of Cape Town. Outlines of human muscles were mapped onto A4 papers, digitalized into a 22‐paged electronic document, labeled with anatomical details, and printed out. Each student was given a copy to cut out the diagrams and paste them correctly onto adult skeletons using Prestik®, in what was called the muscle cut‐out exercise (MCOE), just prior to each dissection practical. A questionnaire evaluating the MCOE was developed and 56 students responded. The students “strongly agreed” that the MCOE was useful in teaching them the spatial perspective of the human musculature. Forty‐nine percent of the students felt that the size of the diagrams did not always match the skeletons due to variable sizes of the skeletons and 27% suggested the use of color as a means of enhancing the diagrams. The MCOE is a low‐cost, enjoyable, time‐efficient, easily reproducible, and hands‐on practical learning experience. Clin. Anat. 21:339–347, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absence of the celiac trunk: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yi Shuang‐Qin , Terayama Hayato , Naito Munekazu , Hirai Shuichi , Alimujang Sawuti , Yi Nozomi , Tanaka Shigenori , Itoh Masahiro
Published: April 2008

The authors report a rare variation of the absence of the celiac trunk in a Japanese cadaver, with the left gastric, splenic, common hepatic, and superior mesenteric arteries arising independently from the abdominal aorta in the routine dissection of a 95‐year‐old Japanese male cadaver. The incidence and developmental and clinical significance of this variation is discussed with a detailed review of the literature. Knowledge of such case has important clinical significance in an abdominal operation or invasive arterial procedure, that is, Appleby procedure and liver transplantation, laparoscopic surgery, and radiological procedures in the upper abdomen. Clin. Anat. 21:283–286, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Junior doctors' knowledge of applied clinical anatomy
Authors: Gupta Yuri , Morgan Mia , Singh Annika , Ellis Harold
Published: April 2008

This study examines the level of knowledge of applied clinical anatomy among junior doctors. A multiple‐choice questionnaire was designed, which covered 15 areas of anatomical knowledge essential to clinical practice, for example, important surface landmarks and interpretation of radiographs. The questionnaire was completed by 128 individuals. They comprised anatomy demonstrators, preregistration house officers (PRHOs), senior house officers (SHOs) and specialist registrars (SpRs) across the range of medical and surgical specialities. Answers were scored and analyzed by group, allowing comparison not only between newly qualified PRHOs and more senior doctors, but also with anatomy demonstrators who had undergone more traditional anatomical training. The results reveal a wide variation of knowledge among junior doctors, with PRHOs scoring an average of 72.1%, SHOs 77.1%, SpRs 82.4%, and demonstrators 82.9%. This progression in knowledge up the clinical hierarchy may reflect clinical experience building upon the foundations laid in medical school, although with demonstrators topping the league table, it seems that intensive academic training is the most beneficial. With junior doctors' training in the UK currently in flux, these results highlight the need for training in clinical anatomy to hold an important place in the development of tomorrow's clinicians. Clin. Anat. 21:334–338, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of percutaneous coronary intervention on inflammatory response and endothelial progenitor cell recruitment
Authors: Garg Rajeev , Tellez Armando , Alviar Carlos , Granada Juan , Kleiman Neal S. , Lev Eli I.
Published: April 2008

Background: Vascular interventions, such as percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), lead to endothelial damage and cause an inflammatory response. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) have been shown to have a prominent role in re‐endothelialization and repair following vascular injury. Studies have implicated a role for the chemokine, stromal‐cell‐derived factor‐1 alpha (SDF1‐alpha) in the recruitment of circulating EPCs to sites of vascular injury. However, the relationship between the inflammatory response, SDF1‐alpha, and EPC levels after PCI is unclear. Methods: We enrolled one hundred patients (mean age 65.5 ± 10.9 years, 32% females)—20 patients with NSTEMI, 27 patients with unstable angina, and 53 patients with stable angina who underwent PCI with stenting. EPC levels were measured by quantifying colony forming units in the 20 NSTEMI patients, whereas SDF1‐alpha levels and hs‐CRP levels were measured in all 100 patients by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. All three markers were measured in blood samples drawn before and 24 hr after PCI. Results: EPC colonies increased from 9.6 colonies per million cells before PCI to 13.2 colonies per million cells after PCI (37% increase, P = 0.03). Circulating SDF1‐alpha levels increased mildly from 1707.1 ± 480 pg/mL at baseline to 1758.6 ± 501 pg/mL after PCI (3% increase, P = 0.0425). There was a 95% increase in the levels of hs‐CRP (pre‐PCI: 4.5 ± 5.3 mg/L vs. post‐PCI: 8.8 ± 9.5 mg/L; P = 0.0004). Conclusions: A robust rise in hs‐CRP levels in our study suggests that PCI induced a potent inflammatory response. This combined with a proportional increase in the levels of EPCs and mild elevation in SDF1‐alpha after PCI suggests the possibility that the potent inflammatory response induced by PCI may be associated with EPC recruitment. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Usage patterns and 2‐year outcomes with the TAXUS express stent: Results of the US ARRIVE 1 registry
Authors: Lasala John M. , Cox David A. , Dobies David , Muhlestein Joseph B. , Katopodis John N. , Revtyak George , Baim Donald S.
Published: April 2008

Background:

It is unclear how well the long‐term safety and effectiveness of drug‐eluting stents observed in tightly defined randomized controlled trials (RCT) translates to expanded use in routine practice.

Methods:

The FDA‐mandated TAXUS® Express2™ ARRIVE 1 postmarket registry was designed to consecutively enroll patients receiving ≥1 TAXUS stent in low‐, medium‐, and high‐volume US sites (n = 50). All cardiac events plus an additional 20% sample of records were monitored and all endpoints were independently adjudicated.

Results:

Detailed follow‐up data through 2 years were compiled for 2,487 patients (95%). Simple‐use (on‐label) ARRIVE 1 patients (35%) had outcomes similar to 4 pooled TAXUS RCTs for death (3.5% vs. 3.4%, respectively, P = 0.78), Q‐wave myocardial infarction (QWMI, 0.7% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.72), and stent thrombosis (ST, 2.2% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.12), but lower target vessel revascularization (7.8% vs. 13.4%, P < 0.0001). Compared with simple‐use, cases representing expanded use to treat broader patient/lesion characteristics showed higher 2‐year rates for death (7.4% vs. 3.5%, respectively, P = 0.0003), target lesion revascularization (9.4% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.0031), and ST (3.4% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.061, concentrated early in the first year).

Conclusions:

By including methods usually found in RCT, ARRIVE 1 captured a broad spectrum of disease treated in standard practice with high levels of ascertainment of clinical outcomes. In the more complicated cases, expectedly higher adverse event rates were seen compared to that found in the simple‐use cases or pivotal RCT. These results have now been included in the Directions for Use, to aid in physician and patient decision‐making. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative assessment enables the early diagnosis and successful treatment of lymphedema
Authors: Stout Gergich Nicole L. , Pfalzer Lucinda A. , McGarvey Charles , Springer Barbara , Gerber Lynn H. , Soballe Peter
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND

The incidence of breast cancer (BC)‐related lymphedema (LE) ranges from 7% to 47%. Successful management of LE relies on early diagnosis using sensitive measurement techniques. In the current study, the authors demonstrated the effectiveness of a surveillance program that included preoperative limb volume measurement and interval postoperative follow‐up to detect and treat subclinical LE.

METHODS

LE was identified in 43 of 196 women who participated in a prospective BC morbidity trial. Limb volume was measured preoperatively and at 3‐month intervals after surgery. If an increase >3% in upper limb (UL) volume developed compared with the preoperative volume, then a diagnosis of LE was made, and a compression garment intervention was prescribed for 4 weeks. Upon reduction of LE, garment wear was continued only during strenuous activity, with symptoms of heaviness, or with visible swelling. Women returned to the 3‐month interval surveillance pathway. Statistical analysis was a repeated‐measures analysis of variance by time and limb (P ≤ .001) comparing the LE cohort with an age‐matched control group.

RESULTS

The time to onset of LE averaged 6.9 months postoperatively. The mean (±standard deviation) affected limb volume increase was 83 mL (±119 mL; 6.5% ± 9.9%) at LE onset (P = .005) compared with baseline. After the intervention, a statistically significant mean 48 mL (±103 mL; 4.1% ± 8.8%) volume decrease was realized (P < .0001). The mean duration of the intervention was 4.4 weeks (±2.9 weeks). Volume reduction was maintained at an average follow‐up of 4.8 months (±4.1 months) after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

A short trial of compression garments effectively treated subclinical LE. Cancer 2008. Published 2008 by the American Cancer Society.
Reversible features of cervical cancer in human immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Little Richard F. , Denicoff Andrea M. , Trimble Edward L.
Published: April 2008

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected women with cervical cancer appear to have a greater degree of immunosuppression compared with HIV‐infected women without cervical cancer. In addition, important issues relevant to health disparities appear to be associated with the risk of cervical cancer.
Beta‐carotene in multivitamins and the possible risk of lung cancer among smokers versus former smokers
Authors: Tanvetyanon Tawee , Bepler Gerold
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND

Some studies have suggested that beta‐carotene supplementation may increase the risk of lung cancer, particularly among smokers or former smokers. Beta‐carotene, a provitamin A, is available in multivitamins. In the current study, the authors investigated the risk of lung cancer associated with beta‐carotene in smokers or former smokers and surveyed the beta‐carotene content in national brand multivitamins.

METHODS

The authors systemically reviewed the published literature using a search of the MEDLINE database and performed a meta‐analysis of large randomized trials that reported on the effect of beta‐carotene supplementation on the incidence of lung cancer among smokers or former smokers. A sample of multivitamins was evaluated for their beta‐carotene content and the suggested daily dosage.

RESULTS

Four studies contributing 109,394 subjects were available for analysis. The average daily beta‐carotene dosage in these trials ranged from 20 to 30 mg daily. Among current smokers, beta‐carotene supplementation was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.10–1.39). Among former smokers, there was no significant increase noted (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.84–1.45). In a sample of 47 common multivitamins, beta‐carotene was present in 70% of the identified formulas. The median dosage of beta‐carotene was 0.3 mg (range, 0–17.2 mg) daily. The beta‐carotene content was found to be significantly higher among multivitamins sold to improve visual health than among other multivitamins, with a median daily dosage of 3 mg (range, 0–24 mg).

CONCLUSIONS

High‐dose beta‐carotene supplementation appears to increase the risk of lung cancer among current smokers. Although beta‐carotene was prevalent in multivitamins, high‐dose beta‐carotene was observed among multivitamin formulas sold to promote visual health. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
An empirical investigation of the impact of communication timing on customer equity
Authors: Drèze Xavier , Bonfrer André
Published: April 2008

This research examines the impact of communication frequency on customer retention and spending and thus, ultimately, on a firm's Customer Equity (CE). We conduct an empirical study in the context of permission-based e-mail marketing in the entertainment industry and find that intercommunication timing has a dramatic impact on customer behavior. Message scheduling affects both attrition and the customer response and thus has a critical impact on the value of one's customer base. The impact of intercontact duration is asymmetric in that too long intercommunication time is less problematic than too short intercommunication time.