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Kinds of Described Terms modified by Described Selected AbstractsClassical conditioning in the rat fetus: Temporal characteristics and behavioral correlates of the conditioned responseDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002William P. Smotherman Abstract This study examined the temporal characteristics and behavioral correlates of the conditioned response (CR) following classical conditioning of the embryonic Day 20 (E20 rat fetus). The conditioning procedure involved pairing of an artificial nipple (the CS) with an infusion of milk (the US) to establish classical conditioning. The test for classical conditioning involved measurement of a stimulus-evoked facial wiping response in a classical conditioning test. Experiment 1 compared the effectiveness of one- and three-trial procedures to establish classical conditioning. Experiment 2, 3, and 4 described the time course for the CR following one- and three-trial conditioning procedures. Experiments 3b and 4b describe the behavioral responses to (a) presentation of the CS at the time of conditioning, (b) infusion of the milk US at the time of conditioning, and (c) reexposure to the CS before the test for classical conditioning. Experiments 5 and 6 exposed the fetus to manipulations that either increased or decreased stretching (a behavior found to be associated with the CR). The results are discussed in terms of the temporal characteristics and behavioral correlates of conditioned and unconditioned responses and their mediation by activity in endogenous mu and kappa opioid systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 40: 116,130, 2002. DOI 10.1002/dev.10017 [source] Perception of, and anxiety levels induced by, laser treatment in patients with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 10 2006A multicentre study Abstract Aims To investigate how laser treatment is perceived, in terms of anxiety and awareness, by diabetic patients attending four centres in Northern Italy with specific interest and expertise in diabetic retinopathy, where work settings and flow are organized differently. Methods The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Family Apgar-List of Threatening Experiences (FA-LTE), State-Trait Anxiety Inventories 1 and 2 (STAI-1 and STAI-2) questionnaires were completed by 259 patients, 131 waiting for laser treatment and 128 control subejcts awaiting non-intervention visits. Open questions were also asked on whether patients had ever heard the word ,laser' and whether they could describe laser treatment. Results High scores were detected by HADS, STAI-1 and STAI-2 among patients waiting for photocoagulation. Anxiety was greater in women and people with poor schooling. After controlling for centres, gender, previous laser treatment and schooling, HADS and STAI-1 remained significantly lower among persons waiting for non-intervention visits. Having received photocoagulation previously did not modify anxiety. Anxiety was lower in those centres where facilities and resources were more patient-oriented. Most patients could neither describe photocoagulation nor explain why they were about to receive it, but had a negative perception and some described it with words evoking cruelty and pain. Conclusions These data suggest that laser treatment is experienced as an event that causes anxiety. Preoperative education and counselling may help to reduce fear and patients' avoidance of treatment. [source] Three-dimensional reconstruction of the mucosa from sequential sections of biopsy specimens of patients with ulcerative colitis: Relationship between crypt structure and vascular architectureDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2 2004Hiroo Furukawa Background:, In a previous paper, the stereographic reconstruction of the crypt structure of ulcerative colitis using the RATOCK System was described. The relationship between the blood vessels and the crypt structure is the focus of the current paper, using two kinds of tissue staining color in which the color differs. Stereographic images make the relationship between the crypt structure and blood vessel distribution understandable at a glance. Methods:, The methods used here are identical to those described in a previous paper. In the present paper, five cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) are examined. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the diseased, normal, and transitional zones (the area between the normal and diseased zones) from each patient. Three-dimensional reconstruction was created using TRI for Windows (RATOC System Tokyo, Japan) software. In the present paper, two kinds of dyeing method between H&E and monoclonal antibody staining of the tissue was used. It was proven that the distribution of gland and blood vessel is very clear in the 3-D reconstruction shown. Results:, (i) The blood vessels in the normal zones run parallel to the crypt in a regular manner and are almost identical to one another in diameter. (ii) In the transitional and diseased zones, the blood vessels show no clear direction and produce many branches without any apparent order. The blood vessels are, moreover, irregular in diameter. (iii) In short, clear parallelism is lost in both the transitional and diseased zones. Conclusion:, Stereographic reconstruction of endoscopically obtained biopsy specimens of UC-affected tissues makes it possible to understand at a glance the distribution of blood vessels and their relationship to crypts. The relationship of these was clarified by the combined use of two kinds of dyeing method with three-dimensional reconstruction. [source] Developmental effects of bioaccumulated selenium in eggs and larvae of two salmonid speciesENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 9 2005Jodi Holm Abstract Elevated concentrations of Se have been detected in cold, flowing water habitats near uranium and coal mines in Canada. Fish from these systems have concentrations of Se in their tissues that exceed toxic effect thresholds that have been established for warm-water fishes. However, the applicability of toxic effect thresholds and guidelines to cold water, lotic habitats is a matter of contention in the literature since most cases of Se toxicosis have been documented in standing, warm-water systems. To examine the possibility of impaired reproduction in wild rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) near coal mining activity in the northeastern slopes region of Alberta, Canada, spawn from both species were collected from exposure and reference sites. Gametes were fertilized in the laboratory, reared to the swim-up stage, and examined for deformities. A significant relationship was observed for rainbow trout between the amount of Se in eggs and the incidence of developmental abnormalities, specifically craniofacial defects, skeletal deformities, and edema. These associations approximate exponential functions with probabilities that 15% of the population would be affected occurring between 8.8 and 10.5 ,g Se per gram of wet egg weight, based on probit analysis. These relationships are similar to those described for centrarchids inhabiting a seleniferous warm-water lake. No such relationships were established for brook trout. [source] Severe hypertriglyceridaemia in clinically ill horses: diagnosis, treatment and outcomeEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2003B. DUNKEL Summary Reasons for performing study: Sporadic measurement of serum triglycerides in depressed and inappetant clinically ill horses revealed severe hypertriglyceridaemia without visible evidence of lipaemia on several occasions, leading to the inclusion of serum triglyceride concentrations in the routine serum biochemistry evaluation of our hospital. Since then, more cases have been identified and treated for hypertriglyceridaemia, raising questions about the prevalence, predisposing factors and significance of these findings. Hypotheses: 1) Severe hypertriglyceridaemia without visible opacity of the serum occurs more commonly in clinically ill and inappetant horses than previously described and 2) appropriate treatment using i.v. dextrose and/or partial parenteral nutrition would decrease serum triglycerides to normal limits and might result in improved appetite and attitude of the patient. Methods: The laboratory computer database from 2000 and 2001 was searched for increased serum triglycerides (>5.65 mmol/l) in any horse breed, ponies and miniature breeds excluded. Data analysed included subject details, diagnosis, clinical and laboratory parameters, treatment, response to treatment and outcome. Results: Severe hypertriglyceridaemia was identified in 13 horses, with serum triglyceride concentrations 6.17,18.29 mmol/l, while none showed visible lipaemia. All horses had clinical and laboratory findings consistent with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and all but one had an increased serum creatinine concentration. Treatment with i.v. dextrose and/or partial parenteral nutrition resulted in decrease of the serum triglycerides to normal limits. Conclusions: Severe hypertriglyceridaemia occurs in inappetant and clinically ill horses without evidence of serum opacity more commonly than previously described. The presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome might predispose horses to hypertriglyceridaemia, while the increased creatinine concentration might be a predisposing factor or result of the condition. Horses identified in our study readily responded to treatment and appetite and attitude improved coincident with decrease of the serum triglycerides to normal limits. Potential relevance: Hypertriglyceridaemia could perpetuate inappetance and depression in clinically ill horses and potentially predispose to fatty infiltration of the liver and other organ systems. [source] Lysosomal storage disease in Sida carpinifolia toxicosis: an induced mannosidosis in horsesEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2003A. P. LORETTI Summary Reasons for performing study: This study reports a neurological disease unrecognised until now in ponies in southern Brazil. Hypothesis: Epidemiological data strongly suggests that the ingestion of Sida carpinifolia is involved in the aetiology. We tested the hypothesis that it is an acquired lyosomal storage disease. Methods: Following the death of 3 ponies, all ponies from the premises were closely monitored; epidemiological data and clinical findings carefully recorded. Fragments of several organs, including CNS, were fixed in neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin-wax. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Representative sections of the cerebellum and trigeminal ganglia were submitted to lectin histochemical procedures. Results: The neurological disorder, characterised by stiff gait, muscle tremors, abdominal pain and death, was observed on a farm with 3 hectares of pasture. Three of 11 ponies died 15,20 days after they had been introduced into a new paddock heavily infested by the plant Sida carpinifolia. No significant gross lesions were observed. The main histological findings included multiple cytoplasmatic vacuoles in swollen neurones in the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, autonomic ganglia (trigeminal and celiac ganglia), and submucosal and myenteric plexus of the intestines. In the kidneys, there was marked vacuolation of the proximal convoluted tubular cells. Sections of cerebellum and trigeminal ganglion were submitted to lectin histochemistry. The vacuoles in different cerebellar and ganglion cells reacted strongly to the following lectins: Concanavalia ensiformis, Triticum vulgaris and succinylated- Triticum vulgaris. Conclusions: The pattern of staining coincides with that of both swainsonine toxicosis and inherited mannosidosis reports. The histopathological changes were similar to those described in S. carpinifolia spontaneous and experimental poisoning in goats. This disease seems to be similar to Swainsona, Oxytropis and Astragalus toxicosis. Potential relevance: S. carpinifolia should be evaluated as a possible cause in the diagnosis of equine neuropathies. [source] Interventions to improve adherence to medication in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the role of nursesEUROPEAN DIABETES NURSING, Issue 2 2006Deputy Director, H Hearnshaw BSc, PhD Reader in Primary Care Abstract Summary Nurses now provide the majority of education and support for people with diabetes both in community and hospital settings. However, there are very few studies on nurse-led interventions to improve adherence to medication, a crucial element of the self-management of diabetes. The four studies reviewed formed a subgroup of a Cochrane review on interventions to improve adherence to medication in people with type 2 diabetes. Search terms were ,type 2 diabetes mellitus' and ,compliance' or ,adherence'. Studies were included if they assessed adherence to medical treatment specifically, rather than other aspects of self-management. Out of the 21 studies selected for review, four described an intervention delivered by a nurse. All four studies were from the USA and used an intervention delivered by telephone. Different interventions (two educational programmes, one automated telephone management system, one tracking system for health service and medication use) were backed up by a scripted nurse call. While patients in two studies reported improvements in self-care behaviour, only one measured a significant improvement in blood glucose control. Although some studies asked patients to report on their adherence to medication taking, responses from patients were not explicitly presented. The studies reviewed show the potential for generating evidence for the effectiveness of nurse-led diabetes management programmes. Further high-quality studies into this area are desperately needed, and they should consider new ways of evaluating complex interventions to generate more evidence. Copyright © 2006 FEND. [source] Reversal of cardiac complications in thalassemia major by long-term intermittent daily intensive iron chelationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2003H. Miskin Abstract: Objectives: In patients with thalassemia major (TM) who are non-compliant with long-term deferoxamine (DFO) chelation, survival is limited mainly because of cardiac complications of transfusional siderosis. It was recently shown in a small group of TM patients with established cardiac damage that continuous 24-h DFO infusion via an indwelling intravenous (i.v.) catheter is effective in reversing cardiac toxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the results with intermittent daily (8,10 h) i.v. DFO. Patients: Eight TM patients with cardiac complications treated with intensive intermittent DFO were retrospectively evaluated by the mean annual serum ferritin, radionucleated ventriculography and 24-h electrocardiography recordings. Results: The median age at diagnosis of cardiac disease was 17.5 yr (range 14,21), and the median follow-up time was 84 months (range, 36,120). In the majority of patients (seven of eight) high-dose DFO (mean 95 ± 18.3 mg/kg/d) was administered via a central venous line. During follow-up, there was a significant decrease in the mean ferritin levels (5828 ± 2016 ng/mL to 1585 ± 1849 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Both cardiac failure (mean ejection fraction 32 ± 5) and cardiac arrhythmias were resolved in four of five patients. One non-compliant patient died during the follow-up. Following discontinuation of the i.v. therapy, compliance with conventional DFO therapy improved. The complications of this regimen, mainly catheter-related infections and catheter-related thrombosis, were similar to those described earlier. Conclusions: These results with the longest follow-up period in the literature suggest that i.v. high-dose DFO for 8,10 h daily may be as effective as continuous 24-h infusion for the reversal of established cardiac disease in TM. [source] Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in inflammation: Uncovering cell subsets with enhanced immunosuppressive functionsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 10 2009Vincenzo Bronte Abstract Although originally described in tumor-bearing hosts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) have been detected under numerous pathological situations that cause enhanced demand of myeloid cells. Thus, MDSC might be part of a conserved response to different endogenous and exogenous stress signals, including inflammation. Two processes are fundamental for MDSC biology: differentiation from myeloid progenitors and full activation of their immune regulatory program by factors released from activated T cells or present in the microenvironment conditioned by either tumor growth or inflammation. How these two processes are controlled and linked is still an open question. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, a paper demonstrates that a combination of the known inflammatory molecules, IFN-, and LPS, sustains MDSC expansion and activation while suppressing differentiation of DC from bone marrow precursors. Moreover, this paper contributes to defining the cell subsets that possess immunoregulatory properties within the broad population of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells, often altogether referred to as MDSC. [source] THE EVOLUTION OF THE VERTEBRATE ,-GLOBIN GENE PROMOTEREVOLUTION, Issue 2 2002Nadia A. Chuzhanova Abstract Complexity analysis is capable of highlighting those gross evolutionary changes in gene promoter regions (loosely termed "promoter shuffling") that are undetectable by conventional DNA sequence alignment. Complexity analysis was therefore used here to identify the modular components (blocks) of the orthologous ,-globin gene promoter sequences of 22 vertebrate species, from zebrafish to humans. Considerable variation between the ,-globin gene promoters was apparent in terms of block presence/absence, copy number, and relative location. Some sequence blocks appear to be ubiquitous, whereas others are restricted to a specific taxon. Block similarities were also evident between the promoters of the paralogous human ,-like globin genes. It may be inferred that a wide variety of different mutational mechanisms have operated upon the ,-globin gene promoter over evolutionary time. Because these include gross changes such as deletion, duplication, amplification, elongation, contraction, and fusion, as well as the steady accumulation of single base-pair substitutions, it is clear that some redefinition of the term "promoter shuffling" is required. This notwithstanding, and as previously described for the vertebrate growth hormone gene promoter, the modular structure of the ,-globin promoter region and those of its paralogous counterparts have continually been rearranged into new combinations through the alteration, or shuffling, of preexisting blocks. Some of these changes may have had no influence on promoter function, but others could have altered either the level of gene expression or the responsiveness of the promoter to external stimuli. The comparative study of vertebrate ,-globin gene promoter regions described here confirms the generality of the phenomenon of sequence block shuffling and thus supports the view that it could have played an important role in the evolution of differential gene expression. [source] A CRITICAL REVIEW OF CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATION REPORTSFAMILY COURT REVIEW, Issue 2 2002James N. Bow This study examined 52 child custody reports drafted by doctoral-level psychologists from across the United States to determine (a) the nature, scope, and quality of the evaluation process as reflected in report content; (b) the degree to which practice as documented in reports is congruent with practice as described by survey data; and (c) the manner in which evaluation results are communicated to the court. In general, the findings suggest that evaluation procedures identified in reports are consistent with those described in past survey research and with custody guidelines. Evaluations tend to be court ordered, comprehensive, and well written. Ways in which reports can be improved were identified. [source] Assessing the variability of hydrographic processes influencing the life cycle of the Sicilian Channel anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, by satellite imageryFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2005JESÚS GARCÍA LAFUENTE Abstract Three oceanographic surveys carried out in the Sicilian Channel during the spawning season (June to July) of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) showed a close relationship between anchovy reproductive strategy and important hydrographic structures. A time series of satellite-derived sea surface temperature images of the Sicilian Channel were analysed by means of empirical orthogonal functions and the dominant empirical modes were studied in detail. The first empirical mode captured much of the original variance and reproduced the trajectory of the Atlantic Ionian Stream (AIS), the principal hydrodynamic feature of the area. The time coefficients of modes 1 and 2 had seasonal signals which, when combined, accounted for the enhancement of the thermal front, clearly visible off Cape Passero (southernmost coast of Sicily) during summer. As the area constituted the principal nursery ground of the Sicilian Channel anchovy, the combination of the time coefficients of these modes was considered a potential indicator of the food particle concentration usually associated with oceanic fronts, which provided the energy requirements for larval growth. Mode 3 described the north/south displacements of the mean AIS trajectory, which modified the surface temperature regime of the anchovy spawning habitat. Therefore, the time coefficients of this mode were used as a potential indicator of anchovy spawning habitat variability. The capability of time coefficients of modes 2 and 3 to modify the main pattern depicted by mode 1 were tested successfully against in situ oceanographic observations. [source] Studies of Mediterranean oregano populations.FLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2006Chemical composition of essential oils of oreganos of various origins Abstract The essential oils of nine species of oregano (Oreganum calcaratum Jussieu, Oreganum lævigatum Boissier, Oreganum majorana var. majorana Linné, Oreganum majorana var. tenuifolium L., Oreganum microphyllum Vogel, Oreganum ramonense Danin, Oreganum rotondifolium Boissier, Oreganum vulgare ssp. virens L., Oreganum vulgare ssp. vulgare L.) were studied by GC and GC,MS; 134 constituents were identified. Essential oils compositions are generally close to those described in the literature. This study reveals new compositions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Determination of ABCB1 polymorphisms and haplotypes frequencies in a French populationFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Elise Jeannesson Abstract The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCB1, or P-glycoprotein, is a transmembrane efflux pump well known for its implication in drug transport and chemoresistance. ABCB1 substrates include either drugs, such as antiretrovirals and immunomodulators, or physiological molecules like phospholipids. Pharmacogenetic analysis of ABCB1 polymorphisms, in addition to other xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, might help to personalize and optimize drug therapy. Indeed, some polymorphisms of ABCB1 have been implicated in susceptibility to diseases, changes in drug pharmacokinetics, and in variation of the biological response to drug treatment. In addition, variant and haplotype distributions differ depending on ethnicity. Thus, some ethnies may be at higher risk for adverse events, inefficacy of treatment or prevalence of pathologies. This study aimed to determine frequencies of ABCB1 polymorphisms and haplotypes in a sample of French healthy individuals. DNA was isolated from blood-EDTA. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays were used to genotype 227 individuals for T-129C, G-1A, A61G, G1199A, C1236T, T-76A, G2677T/A and C3435T polymorphisms. The observed frequencies of the variant allele for these eight polymorphisms are 0.04, 0.08, 0.09, 0.06, 0.42, 0.46, 0.45 and 0.46 respectively. These polymorphisms are in linkage disequilibrium and haplotype frequencies were determined, the most frequent haplotype being the one with variants at position 1236, 2677 and 3435 and wild-type alleles at the other positions. Finally, the frequencies of these eight ABCB1 polymorphisms in our French individuals supposed to be healthy population are quite similar to those described in other Caucasian populations except for the C3435T polymorphism. [source] Non-muscle myosin heavy chain (MYH9): A new partner fused to ALK in anaplastic large cell lymphomaGENES, CHROMOSOMES AND CANCER, Issue 4 2003Laurence Lamant In anaplastic large cell lymphoma, the ALK gene at 2p23 is known to be fused to NPM, TPM3, TPM4, TFG, ATIC, CLTC, MSN, and ALO17. All of these translocations result in the expression of chimeric ALK transcripts that are translated into fusion proteins with tyrosine kinase activity and oncogenic properties. We report a case showing a restricted cytoplasmic staining pattern of ALK and a novel chromosomal abnormality, t(2;22)(p23;q11.2), demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. The result of 5, RACE analysis showed that the ALK gene was fused in-frame to a portion of the non-muscle myosin heavy chain gene, MYH9. Nucleotide sequence of the MYH9-ALK chimeric cDNA revealed that the ALK breakpoint was different from all those previously reported. It is localized in the same exonic sequence as MSN-ALK, but 6 bp downstream, resulting in an in-frame fusion of the two partner proteins. In contrast to the previously reported ALK fusion proteins, MYH9-ALK may lack a functional oligomerization domain. However, biochemical analysis showed that the new fusion protein is tyrosine phosphorylated in vivo but seems to lack tyrosine kinase activity in vitro. If further investigations confirm this latter result, the in vivo tyrosine phosphorylation of MYH9-ALK protein could involve mechanisms different from those described in the other ALK hybrid proteins. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] ALK probe rearrangement in a t(2;11;2)(p23;p15;q31) translocation found in a prenatal myofibroblastic fibrous lesion: Toward a molecular definition of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor family?GENES, CHROMOSOMES AND CANCER, Issue 1 2001Nicolas Sirvent A prenatal tumor located in the lumbar paravertebral area was discovered during a routine ultrasound examination at 32 weeks of pregnancy and surgically removed at 4 months of life. The histopathological diagnosis was first suggested to be an infantile desmoid fibromatosis. The tumor karyotype showed a three-way translocation involving both chromosomes 2 and a chromosome 11, t(2;11;2)(p23;p15;q31). Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a probe flanking the ALK gene at 2p23 demonstrated a rearrangement, as previously described in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs). In light of the genetic analysis, the histopathological diagnosis was revised to IMT, although inflammatory cells were scarce. IMTs are pseudosarcomatous inflammatory lesions that primarily occur in the soft tissue and viscera of children and young adults. Our report describes for the first time the occurrence of IMT during prenatal life. The ALK rearrangement may represent the molecular definition of a subgroup of mesenchymal tumors, not always with complete morphological features of IMT, similar to the model of EWS rearrangement in the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Inside the black box of shared decision making: distinguishing between the process of involvement and who makes the decisionHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 4 2006Adrian Edwards MRCGP MRCP PhD Abstract Background, Shared decision making has practical implications for everyday health care. However, it stems from largely theoretical frameworks and is not widely implemented in routine practice. Aims, We undertook an empirical study to inform understanding of shared decision making and how it can be operationalized more widely. Method, The study involved patients visiting UK general practitioners already well experienced in shared decision making. After these consultations, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted and analysed using the constant comparative method of content analysis. Results, All patients described at least some components of shared decision making but half appeared to perceive the decision as shared and half as ,patient-led'. However, patients exhibited some uncertainty about who had made the decision, reflecting different meanings of decision making from those described in the literature. A distinction is indicated between the process of involvement (option portrayal, exchange of information and exploring preferences for who makes the decision) and the actual decisional responsibility (who makes the decision). The process of involvement appeared to deliver benefits for patients, not the action of making the decision. Preferences for decisional responsibility varied during some consultations, generating unsatisfactory interactions when actual decisional responsibility did not align with patient preferences at that stage of a consultation. However, when conducted well, shared decision making enhanced reported satisfaction, understanding and confidence in the decisions. Conclusions, Practitioners can focus more on the process of involving patients in decision making rather than attaching importance to who actually makes the decision. They also need to be aware of the potential for changing patient preferences for decisional responsibility during a consultation and address non-alignment of patient preferences with the actual model of decision making if this occurs. [source] The Relationship Between Helicobacter pylori Infection, the Virulence Genotypes of the Infecting Strain and Gastric Cancer in the African SettingHELICOBACTER, Issue 4 2001J. A. Louw Abstract Background. The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric carcinoma remains controversial, especially in the African setting where infection is common, while gastric cancer is perceived to be uncommon, the basis of the so called ,African enigma'. This discrepancy between infection and the development of disease is commonly attributed to differences in host, environment and bacterial factors. Interest in the bacterial factors has focused on heterogeneity in the so-called ,virulence genes'. Aim. The aim of this prospective, case-controlled study was to establish whether H. pylori infection is significantly associated with gastric cancer and to investigate whether gastric cancer is associated with genotypically distinct (as it relates to the candidate virulence genes) organisms in this population. Methods. Patients with histologically confirmed gastric cancer were matched with nonulcer dyspeptic controls for age (within 5 years), gender and ethnicity. Helicobacter pylori status was determined by RUT, histology, culture and serology (locally validated and used as default determinant of H. pylori status). Tumors were classified according to the Lauren classification. The ,virulence genotype' of 17 paired culture samples was determined by previously described and validated molecular techniques (cagA presence, vacA alleles, structure of the cag pathogenicity island and analysis of the iceA alleles). Categorical variables were analysed by the ,2 test. Results. Forty-eight patients (median age 59 years) could be adequately matched to controls. 39/48 (81%) cases and 43/48 (90%) controls were H. pylori positive (NS). Significant differences in the virulence genotypes of infecting strains were noted: vacAs2-controls 24%, cases 0%, p < .00001; vacAs1 present , cases 100%, controls 76%, p < .05; cagA -3,-length > 650 bp , cases 47%, controls 0%, p < .002; cag pathogenicity island intact , cases 82%, controls 43%, p < .04; iceA1 , cases 53%, controls 6%, p < .005. cagA was found in all subjects. Conclusion. This study indicates that, in this African population at least, there is no difference in the prevalence of H. pylori infection when comparing gastric cancer cases with matched controls. However, the findings suggest that gastric cancer may be associated with infection by organisms that are genotypically different from those not associated with disease. [source] A missense mutation in FIC1 is associated with greenland familial cholestasisHEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2000Leo W. J. Klomp Greenland familial cholestasis is a severe form of intrahepatic cholestasis described among indigenous Inuit families in Greenland. Patients present with jaundice, pruritus, bleeding episodes, and steatorrhea, and die in childhood due to end-stage liver disease. We investigated the possibility that Greenland familial cholestasis is caused by a mutation in FIC1, the gene defective in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 and many cases of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis. Using single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and sequencing of the FIC1 exons, a missense mutation, 1660 G,A (D554N), was detected and was shown to segregate with the disease in Inuit patients from Greenland and Canada. Examination of liver specimens from 3 Inuit patients homozygous for this mutation revealed bland canalicular cholestasis and, on transmission electron microscopy, coarsely granular Byler bile, as previously described in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1. These data establish Greenland familial cholestasis as a form of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 and further underscore the importance of unimpeded FIC1 activity for normal bile formation. [source] Effect of halothane on type 2 immobility-related hippocampal theta field activity and theta-on/theta-off cell dischargesHIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 1 2003Brian H. Bland Abstract Rats were studied in acute and chronic (freely moving) recording conditions during exposure to different levels of the volatile anesthetic halothane, in order to assess effects on hippocampal theta field activity in the chronic condition and on theta-related cellular discharges in the acute condition. Previous work has shown that the generation of hippocampal type 2 theta depends on the coactivation of cholinergic and GABAergic inputs from the medial septum. Based on these data and recent findings that halothane acts on interneuron GABAA receptors, we predicted that exposure of rats to subanesthetic levels would result in the induction of type 2 theta field activity. In the chronic condition, exposure to subanesthetic levels of halothane (0.5,1.0 vol %) was found to induce theta field activity during periods of immobility (type 2 theta) with a mean increase of 39% in amplitude (mV) compared to control levels during movement. The total percentage of signal power (V2) associated with peak theta frequencies (80% compared to control levels of 47%) was also increased by halothane. Over the whole range of administered halothane concentrations, theta field frequency progressively declined from a mean peak frequency of 6.5 ± 0.8 Hz at 0.5 vol % halothane to a mean peak frequency of 4.0 ± 1.8 Hz at 2.0 vol % halothane. Subsequent administration of a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist, atropine sulfate, selectively abolished all type 2 immobility-related theta field activity, while type 1 movement-related theta was still intact. At anesthetic levels (1.5,2.0 vol %) in acute experiments, hippocampal field activity spontaneously cycled between theta and large-amplitude irregular activity. Analysis of depth profiles in four experiments revealed they were identical to those previously described for rats under urethane anesthesia conditions. In addition, the discharge properties of 31 theta-related cells, classified as tonic and phasic theta-on and tonic and phasic theta-off cells, did not differ significantly from those described previously in rats anesthetized with urethane. These data provide further support for an involvement of GABAA receptors in the generation of hippocampal theta. Hippocampus 2003;13:38,47. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Change processes and ergonomic improvements in small and medium enterprisesHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 2 2004Johan Karltun This article deals with the question of how change processes can create ergonomic improvements in small- and medium-sized industrial enterprises. Drawing on experiences from two described and analyzed case studies in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and from ISO 9000 implementation processes previously studied, a hypothetical change framework is suggested through a theory generating approach. It separates change into action-driven change, which is an active experiential improvement process, and into vision-driven change, which is of a visionary design character. The ability to bring about problem solving into action was important for the success of the change processes. Furthermore, the nature of different hampering mechanisms concerning ergonomic improvements is discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 14: 135,155, 2004. [source] A panel of ancestry informative markers for estimating individual biogeographical ancestry and admixture from four continents: utility and applications,HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 5 2008Indrani Halder Abstract Autosomal ancestry informative markers (AIMs) are useful for inferring individual biogeographical ancestry (I-BGA) and admixture. Ancestry estimates obtained from Y and mtDNA are useful for reconstructing population expansions and migrations in our recent past but individual genomic admixture estimates are useful to test for association of admixture with phenotypes, as covariate in association studies to control for stratification and, in forensics, to estimate certain overt phenotypes from ancestry. We have developed a panel of 176 autosomal AIMs that can effectively distinguish I-BGA and admixture proportions from four continental ancestral populations: Europeans, West Africans, Indigenous Americans, and East Asians. We present allele frequencies for these AIMs in all four ancestral populations and use them to assess the global apportionment of I-BGA and admixture diversity among some extant populations. We observed patterns of apportionment similar to those described previously using sex and autosomal markers, such as European admixture for African Americans (14.3%) and Mexicans (43.2%), European (65.5%) and East Asian affiliation (27%) for South Asians, and low levels of African admixture (2.8,10.8%) mirroring the distribution of Y E3b haplogroups among various Eurasian populations. Using simulation studies and pedigree analysis we show that I-BGA estimates obtained using this panel and a four-population model has a high degree of precision (average root mean square error [RMSE]=0.026). Using ancestry,phenotype associations we demonstrate that a large and informative AIM panel such as this can help reduce false-positive and false-negative associations between phenotypes and admixture proportions, which may result when using a smaller panel of less informative AIMs. Hum Mutat 29(5), 648,658, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Understanding hydrological processes in a highly stressed granitic aquifer in southern IndiaHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 9 2009D. V. Reddy Abstract The results of a study evaluating the recharge/discharge conditions of an unconfined stressed granitic aquifer situated in a semi-arid region of Andhra Pradesh, Southern India are presented. Over the last three decades, excessive withdrawal of groundwater has drastically lowered the water table to the bedrock. The watershed studied was divided into four zones based on geomorphology and hydrogeological conditions. Using environmental chloride data pertaining to groundwater, soil depth profiles, and some hydrogeologic and hydrochemical observations, a recharge model for the watershed was developed. The model revealed that the bulk of the vertical recharge in the western elevated land occurs through preferred pathways and that a small fraction occurs through the soil matrix. In addition, the watershed has a poor hydrogeologic fabric, as indicated by the small range of matrix flow recharge (1 to 1·5% of rainfall) among the four zones. The dominating preferential flow was high (,16% of the annual average rainfall) in the valley fills, but decreased to 5,5·5% in the plains. Furthermore, although the bulk of the recharge occurs vertically, considerable lateral movement of groundwater down the slope indicates that sequential hydrochemical changes occur. Distinct geomorphological features that exist in the watershed support the proposed model. Situations similar to those described above may exist in numerous watersheds in the granitic hard rock region; therefore, information obtained from investigations conducted in this watershed can aid in the development of plans enabling the sustainable exploitation of watersheds that have not yet been developed, as well as implementation of appropriate rainwater conservation measures in over-exploited watersheds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effects of maternal depression and panic disorder on mother,infant interactive behavior in the Face-to-Face Still-Face paradigm,INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 5 2008M. Katherine Weinberg The present study evaluated the interactive behavior of three groups of mothers and their 3-month-old infants in the Face-to-Face Still-Face paradigm. The mothers had either a clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 33) with no comorbidity, a clinical diagnosis of panic disorder (PD, n = 13) with no comorbidity, or no clinical diagnosis (n = 48). The sample was selected to be at otherwise low social and medical risk, and all mothers with PD or MDD were in treatment. The findings indicated that (a) infants of mothers with PD or MDD displayed the traditional still-face and reunion effects described in previous research with nonclinical samples; (b) the 3-month-old infants in this study showed similar, but not identical, gender effects to those described for older infants; and (c) there were no patterns of maternal or infant interactive behavior that were unique to the PD, MDD, or control groups. These results are discussed in light of mothers' risk status, receipt of treatment, severity of illness, and comorbidity of PD and MDD. [source] Ulcerative colitis and clinical course: Results of a 5-year population-based follow-up study (the IBSEN study)INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 7 2006Magne Henriksen MD Abstract Background: The majority of studies concerning the clinical course and prognosis in ulcerative colitis (UC) are old, retrospective in design, or hospital based. We aimed to identify clinical course and prognosis in a prospective, population-based follow-up study Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or possible IBD in southeastern Norway during the period 1990,1994 were followed prospectively for 5 years. The evaluation at 5 years included an interview, clinical examination, laboratory tests, and colonoscopy. Results: Of 843 patients diagnosed with IBD, 454 patients who had definite UC and for whom there were sufficient data for analysis were alive 5 years after inclusion in the study. The frequency of colectomy in this population was 7.5%. Forty-one percent of the patients were not taking any kind of medication for IBD at 5 years. Of the patients initially diagnosed with proctitis, 28% had progressed during the observation period, 10% to extensive colitis. The majority of the patients (57%) had no intestinal symptoms at 5 years, and only a minority (7%) had symptoms that interfered with everyday activities. Among the patients who underwent colonoscopy at the 5-year visit, symptoms were frequently reported in patients without macroscopic inflammation (44%). A relapse-free course was observed in 22% of the patients. A decrease in symptoms during the follow-up period was the most frequent course taken by the disease and was observed in 59% of the cases. The extent of disease was unrelated to symptoms at 5 years and also to relapse rate and course of disease during the 5-year period. Conclusions: The disease course and prognosis of UC appears better than previously described in the literature. The frequency of surgery was low, and only a minority of the patients had symptoms that interfered with their everyday activities 5 years after diagnosis. [source] Polymorphism of LMP2, TAP1, LMP7 and TAP2 in Brazilian Amerindians and Caucasoids: implications for the evolution of allelic and haplotypic diversityINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOGENETICS, Issue 1 2000F. Rueda Faucz In the class II region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), four genes implicated in processing of MHC class I-presented antigens have been described. Two of these (TAP1 and TAP2) code for endoplasmic reticulum membrane transporter proteins and the other two (LMP2 and LMP7) for proteasome subunits. These genes are polymorphic, although much less so than classical MHC class I and II genes. There is controversy concerning the possible functional implications of this variation. Population genetics is one of the means of investigating the evolutionary and functional significance of genetic polymorphisms; however, few populations have been analysed with respect to TAP and LMP diversity. We present here the polymorphism of TAP1, TAP2, LMP2 and LMP7 genes in the Kaingang and Guarani Amerindian tribes, and in the Caucasoid population of the Brazilian State of Paraná. Allele frequencies found in the Caucasoids were close to those described for similar populations. Amerindians had a somewhat more restricted polymorphism, and allele and haplotype frequencies differed greatly between the two tribes. Overall linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the four genes was low in the Caucasoids, but high in the Amerindians, for which significant LD was seen for all informative pairs of loci. Comparing results of this and previous studies we observed that, whenever significant LD occurs in non-Amerindians, it tends to be similar in the different ethnic groups. While this might be interpreted as evidence of co-evolution of genes in the TAP-LMP region, the high haplotypic diversity in all populations and low LD in non-Amerindians indicate absence of co-evolution of the different genes. Distributions of allele and genotype frequencies are consistent with the hypothesis of selective neutrality. We conclude that genetic polymorphism of the human TAP and LMP genes and haplotypes is of little, if any, functional significance. [source] Unusual presentation of large B cell lymphoma: a case report and review of literatureINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2006L. AIRAGHI Summary Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the largest subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) and is characterized by relatively frequent extranodal presentation. In these cases, the most common extranodal localizations are stomach, CNS, bone, testis and liver. Simultaneous detection of multiple extranodal involvement at presentation is quite uncommon, with the majority of these cases characterized by gastric or intestinal disease localization. Retrospective analysis concerning multifocal extranodal NHLs never pointed out disease features such as those described here. We report a patient with an unusual presentation of DLBCL, characterized by adrenal and renal involvement, associated with symptoms and signs of the cold agglutinin disease and a hypercoagulable state. Subsequently, computed tomography (CT) and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scanning disclosed a rapidly extensive spread to nodes and bones. Cytofluorimetric analysis of a renal specimen showed medium-to-large lympho-monocytoid elements positive for CD20 with monoclonal expression of immunoglobulin kappa light chain. Histopathological examination confirmed a renal CD20 positive DLBCL localization. [source] The Pepper Wreck, an early 17th-century Portuguese Indiaman at the mouth of the Tagus River, PortugalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NAUTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Filipe Castro Found in 1993 of the rocks of the fortress São Julião da Barra, at the mouth of the Tagus River, the SJB2 shipwreck,or Pepper Wreck,was tentatively identified as the Portuguese Indiaman Nossa Senhora dos Mártires, lost at this location on its return voyage from Cochin, in India, on 14 September 1606. Its archaeological excavation disclosed a collection of artefacts from the late 16th and the early 17th centuries and allowed the study of the surviving hull structure. The evidence suggests that the Pepper Wreck was a typical Portuguese Indiaman, similar to those described in Portuguese 16th century ship treatises, with a keel of around 27.7 m and an overall length of nearly 40 m. [source] Promoting breast health: older women's perceptions of an innovative intervention to enhance screeningINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OLDER PEOPLE NURSING, Issue 2 2006Robin Y. Wood EdD Aims and objectives., This study is a continuation of prior funded research in which we tested the use of age and ethnically sensitive video breast health kits to increase knowledge about breast cancer and enhance the screening practices of breast self-examination and mammography among older Caucasian and African-American women. Background., Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women worldwide and accounts for 23% of all cancers. Mammography is currently the best procedure available for mass screening of breast cancer. However, underutilization of mammography is a problem among older women in the United States. Elders are at the greatest risk for developing and dying from breast cancer but they are the least likely group to be screened routinely with mammograms or to practice breast self-examination, particularly if they are African-American. Design., Participatory qualitative evaluation focus groups were used to assess the overall impact of the video kit intervention programme and to elucidate the quantitative findings of the original study. Methods., Four focus groups were conducted in two diverse settings with a purposive sample of 23 participants (N = 23). The overall sample was predominantly African-American (87%) with mean age of 71 ± 7.9 years and mean education completed of 12 ± 3.4 years. Results., Five major themes emerged from group discussions: usability and appeal of the intervention, fear and empowerment, personal relevance and intergenerational sharing, impact on screening behaviours, and story telling. Conclusions., Analyses suggest that customized media materials constructed especially for older African-American women empowered participants in this sample to action regarding their own breast health. Relevance to clinical practice., These findings may translate to global populations where risk is increasing but screening programmes are not widely available. Given that older women are historically difficult to access and impact, further design and evaluation of innovative and sensitive educational programmes such as the one described here are recommended. [source] Disc structure function and its potential for repairINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 1 2002J. Melrose The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the largest predominantly avascular, aneural, alymphatic structure of the human body. It provides articulation between adjoining vertebral bodies and also acts as a weight-bearing cushion dissipating axially applied spinal loads. The IVD is composed of an outer collagen-rich annulus fibrosus (AF) and a central proteoglycan (PG)-rich nucleus pulposus (NP). Superior and inferior cartilaginous endplates (CEPs), thin layers of hyaline-like cartilage, cover the ends of the vertebral bodies. The AF is composed of concentric layers (lamellae) which contain variable proportions of type I and II collagen, this tissue has high tensile strength. The NP in contrast is a gelatinous PG-rich tissue which provides weight-bearing properties to the composite disc structure. With the onset of age, cells in the NP progressively die as this tissue becomes depleted of PGs, less hydrated and more fibrous as the disc undergoes an age-dependent fibrocartilaginous transformation. Such age-dependent cellular and matrix changes can decrease the discs' biomechanical competence and trauma can further lead to failure of structural components of the disc. Annular defects are fairly common and include vertebral rim-lesions, concentric (circumferential) annular tears (separation of adjacent annular lamellae) and radial annular tears (clefts which initiate within the NP). While vascular in-growth around annular tears has been noted, evidence from human post-mortem studies indicate they have a limited ability to undergo repair. Several experimental approaches are currently under evaluation for their ability to promote the repair of such annular lesions. These include growth of AF fibrochondrocytes on a resorbable polycaprolactone (PCL) bio-membrane.1 Sheets of fibrochondrocytes lay down type-I collagen and actin stress fibres on PCL. These matrix components are important for the spatial assembly of the collagenous lamella during annular development and correct phenotypic expression of cells in biomatrices.1 An alternative approach employs preparation of tissue engineered IVDs where AF and NP cells are separately cultured in polyglycolic acid and sodium alginate biomatrices, either separately or within a manifold designed to reproduce the required IVD dimensions for its use as a prospective implant device.2 AF and NP cells have also been grown on tissue culture inserts after their recovery from alginate bead culture to form plugs of tissue engineered cartilage.3 A key component in this latter strategy was the stimulation of the high density disc cell cultures with osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) 200 ng/mL.3 This resulted in the production of tissue engineered AF and NP plugs with compositions, histochemical characteristics and biomechanical properties approaching those of the native disc tissues.2,3 Such materials hold reat promise in future applications as disc or annular implants. The introduction of appropriate genes into disc cells by gene transduction methodology using adenoviral vectors or ,gene-gun' delivery systems also holds considerable promise for the promotion of disc repair processes.4 Such an approach with the OP-1 gene is particularly appealing.5 The anchoring of discal implants to vertebral bodies has also been evaluated by several approaches. A 3D fabric based polyethylene biocomposite holds much promise as one such anchorage device6 while biological glues used to seal fibrocartilaginous structures such as the AF and meniscus8 following surgical intervention, also hold promise in this area. Several very promising new experimental approaches and strategies are therefore currently under evaluation for the improvement of discal repair. The aforementioned IVD defects are a common cause of disc failure and sites of increased nerve in-growth in symptomatic IVDs in man and are thus often sources of sciatic-type pain. Annular defects such as those described above have formerly been considered incapable of undergoing spontaneous repair thus a clear need exists for interventions which might improve on their repair. Based on the rapid rate of progress and the examples outlined above one may optimistically suggest that a successful remedy to this troublesome clinical entity will be developed in the not so distant future. References 1JohnsonWEBet al. (2001) Directed cytoskeletal orientation and intervertebral disc cell growth: towards the development of annular repair techniques. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 894. 2MizunoHet al. (2001) Tissue engineering of a composite intervertebral disc. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 78. 3MatsumotoTet al. (2001) Formation of transplantable disc shaped tissues by nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells: biochemical and biomechanical properties. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 897. 4NishidaKet al. (2000) Potential applications of gene therapy to the treatment of intervertebral disc disorders. Clin Orthop Rel Res379 (Suppl), S234,S241. 5MatsumotoTet al. (2001) Transfer of osteogenic protein-1 gene by gene gun system promotes matrix synthesis in bovine intervertebral disc and articular cartilage cells. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 30. 6ShikinamiY , Kawarada (1998) Potential application of a triaxial three-dimensional fabric (3-DF) as an implant. Biomaterials19, 617,35. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||