bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence and clearance of HPV from the penis of men infected and non‐infected with HIV
Authors: Silva R.J.C. , Casseb J. , Andreoli M.A. , Villa L.L.
Published: November 2010

Due to high rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the incidence of intraepithelial neoplasia and anal cancer, most studies concerning HPV in men seropositive for HIV have focused on the anal canal. Few studies have targeted the penile region in HIV‐infected men. A total of 72 men seropositive for HIV and 72 men seronegative for HIV were followed‐up for 6 months, and their penile exfoliated cells were tested for HPV DNA. There were no significant differences between the HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative men in persistence (respectively, 69.5% vs. 66.9%), clearance (respectively, 15.3% vs. 23.1%), and those men never infected with HPV during the four follow‐up visits (15.2% for HIV‐positive vs. 20%for HIV‐negative). High‐risk HPV types were detected more frequently in penile smears from men infected with HIV, while, in HIV‐seronegative men, the low‐risk HPV types were more abundant (P = 0.001). Multiple infections with both high‐ and low‐risk HPV types were significantly more frequent in HIV‐seropositive compared to those who were HIV‐seronegative (P = 0.0004). The attendance rates at follow‐up visits were 86%, 78%, and 58% in months 1, 2, and 6, respectively, for men infected with HIV and 93%, 72%, and 60% for the HIV‐negative group. It is concluded that HIV infection can be considered a risk factor for clearance and persistence of HPV. Multiple infections with different types of HPV including high‐risk HPVs are frequent in men who are infected with HIV. J. Med. Virol. 83:127–131, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of analytes in medical herbs extracts by SPE coupled with two‐dimensional planar chromatography in combination with diode array scanning densitometry and HPLC‐diode array detector
Authors: Tuzimski Tomasz
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate an application of 2‐D high‐performance planar chromatography‐diode array detector (DAD) and HPLC‐DAD after solid‐phase extraction (SPE) for identification and quantitative analysis of pesticides (isoproturon, aziprotryne, hexazinone, flufenoxuron, methabenzthiazuron, procymidone, and α‐cypermethrin) in Melissa officinalis L. (Labiatae) samples. The procedure described for the determination of compounds is inexpensive and can be applied to routine analysis of analytes in medical herbs' samples after preliminary cleanup and concentration by SPE. Average recoveries on C18 SPE cartridges of pesticides eluted with 5 mL tetrahydrofuran by the proposed HPLC‐DAD method, before and after 2‐D‐high‐performance planar chromatography separation of analytes from M. officinalis L. samples spiked with pesticide at a concentration level of 10 μg/g in plant material are presented. Method validation parameters for the quantification of pesticides by the proposed HPLC‐DAD after SPE method are also presented.
The increasing incidence of small thyroid cancers: Where are the cases coming from?
Authors: Davies Louise , Ouellette Michelle , Hunter Mark , Welch H. Gilbert
Published: November 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To identify the trigger events that lead to the detection of otherwise asymptomatic thyroid cancers.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Methods:

Chart abstraction of patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Iterative development of a classification algorithm to categorize trigger events.

Results:

A total of 279 thyroidectomies were performed, which resulted in 95 new diagnoses of thyroid cancer. Just less than half of identified cancers (44 cancers, 46%) were in the 127 thyroidectomies performed after identification of a thyroid abnormality by either screening or chance. A screening trigger event occurs when a physician performs a routine thyroid examination when there is no specific neck complaint. A chance trigger event can occur either by serendipity (a radiologic test done for a different reason) or by diagnostic cascade (identification of a thyroid abnormality on any test that does not plausibly explain the patient's presenting complaint). Physician screening examination was the trigger event for 49 thyroidectomies (18%). Serendipity was the trigger event for 41 thyroidectomies (15%). Diagnostic cascade was the trigger event for 33 thyroidectomies (12%). Only 75 thyroidectomies (27%) were performed because of symptoms directly referable to a neck mass, such as a patient complaint of feeling something in the neck. Forty percent received a cancer diagnosis (30 of 75 cases).

Conclusions:

Screening and chance identification were the trigger events for just less than half of both the cancers diagnosed and the thyroidectomies performed. These extra cancer diagnoses and surgeries are a significant burden for patients. These data will help direct future efforts to curb treatment of clinically unimportant thyroid nodules. Laryngoscope, 120:2446–2451, 2010
Frequency tuning of bone‐conducted tone burst‐evoked myogenic potentials recorded from extraocular muscles (BOVEMP) in normal human subjects
Authors: Donnellan Kimberly , Wei Wei , Jeffcoat Ben , Mustain William , Xu Youguo , Eby Thomas , PhD Wu Zhou,
Published: November 2010

Objectives:

In this study, we characterized the frequency tuning of bone‐conducted sound‐evoked myogenic potentials recorded from extraocular muscles (BOVEMP) in normal human subjects.

Study Design:

Experimental design.

Methods:

In a sample of nine subjects, acoustic tone bursts (57 dB nHL, 8 ms plateau, 1 ms rise/fall, alternating polarity) with frequencies from 250 Hz to 2,000 Hz were delivered by a bone oscillator (Radioear B‐71) placed on the left mastoid processes. Subjects were required to sit upright and maintain a straight gaze. The BOVEMPs were recorded from surface electrodes placed at four locations around the right eye (superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal) and referenced to an electrode placed at the nape of the neck over cervical vertebrate C7. Signals from electrodes were amplified (10,000 gain) and sampled at 10 kHz and were averaged over 500 repetitions.

Results:

Short latency biphasic potential were present at each of the four recording sites around the eye. The average latency of the first peak (negative) and the second peak (positive) was 15.7 ± 0.3 ms and 23.3 ± 0.5ms, respectively. The tuning curve of the BOVEMP was similar at each recording site with largest N1 amplitude following stimulation at 383 Hz (±17 Hz) and largest P1 amplitude following stimulation at 440 Hz (±22 Hz).

Conclusions:

Since the frequency tuning for the bone‐conducted sound‐evoked OVEMP (BOVEMP) was different from that of the air‐conducted sound‐evoked OVEMP (AOVEMP), we hypothesize that the BOVEMP and AOVEMP are generated by activation of different vestibular end organs. Laryngoscope, 120:2555–2560, 2010
Sleep magnetic resonance imaging as a new diagnostic method in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Moon Il Joon , Han Doo Hee , Kim Jeong‐Whun , Rhee Chae‐Seo , Sung Myung‐Whun , Park Jong‐Wan , Kim Dong Sung , Lee Chul Hee
Published: November 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Although precise localization of obstruction sites in the upper airway during sleep is essential in subjects with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), no gold standard diagnostic method has been established. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamic collapse inside the upper airway by using cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), also called sleep MRI.

Study Design:

Cross‐sectional study with retrospective data.

Methods:

The changes in the transverse and anteroposterior diameters of the retrolingual airway were studied during a respiratory cycle in 35 snoring subjects. The collapsibility of the airway was calculated by using axial images, and the actual obstruction sites were also identified by using sagittal images.

Results:

Airway collapse occurred in the retropalatal area in 13 (37.1%) of 35 subjects and in both the retropalatal and retrolingual regions in 20 subjects (57.1%). The respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and supine RDI were higher and the minimal oxygen saturation during sleep (MinSaO2) value was lower in subjects with both retropalatal and retrolingual obstruction than in those with only retropalatal obstruction. Airway collapse analyzed by using axial images was classified into four subgroups: patent group (five of 35, 14.2%), anteroposterior collapse group (one of 35, 2.9%), transverse collapse group (14 of 35, 40%) and circumferential collapse group (15 of 35, 42.9%). Supine RDI, MinSaO2, and age were significantly different between these four groups. In addition, anteroposterior, transverse, and circumferential collapses correlated well with MinSaO2. Significant correlation was also found between RDI/supine RDI and transverse collapse.

Conclusions:

Sleep MRI is a valuable method for evaluating dynamic obstruction during sleep and may be helpful in selecting the appropriate treatment approaches. Laryngoscope, 120:2546–2554, 2010
Determination of the Catalytic Sites for Ziegler‐Natta Homo‐Polymerization from GPC Data
Authors: Maddipati Sridhar V. , Delgass W. Nicholas , Caruthers James M.
Published: November 2010

Deconvolution of the MWD of a polymer produced by multi‐site catalysts into independent Flory modes is the first step in modeling the polymerization process. A new deconvolution procedure for GPC data is developed that does not require an a priori assumption concerning the nature of the discrete distribution and can be used with a continuous distribution. The MWD measured via GPC is a linear function of the individual catalytic sites, but it is numerically ill‐conditioned, preventing direct inversion of the GPC data. Tikhonov regularization has been developed to uniquely invert the MWD. Applying the regularizing method to a polyethylene produced via a Ziegler‐Natta catalyst, seven discrete sites were found, and the kinetic constant ratios were determined for each of these sites.

magnified image
Time‐resolved absolute velocity quantification with projections
Authors: Langham Michael C. , Jain Varsha , Magland Jeremy F. , Wehrli Felix W.
Published: November 2010

Quantitative information on time‐resolved blood velocity along the femoral/popliteal artery can provide clinical information on peripheral arterial disease and complement MR angiography as not all stenoses are hemodynamically significant. The key disadvantages of the most widely used approach to time‐resolve pulsatile blood flow by cardiac‐gated velocity‐encoded gradient‐echo imaging are gating errors and long acquisition time. Here, we demonstrate a rapid nontriggered method that quantifies absolute velocity on the basis of phase difference between successive velocity‐encoded projections after selectively removing the background static tissue signal via a reference image. The tissue signal from the reference image's center k‐space line is isolated by masking out the vessels in the image domain. The performance of the technique, in terms of reproducibility and agreement with results obtained with conventional phase contrast‐MRI was evaluated at 3 T field strength with a variable‐flow rate phantom and in vivo of the triphasic velocity waveforms at several segments along the femoral and popliteal arteries. Additionally, time‐resolved flow velocity was quantified in five healthy subjects and compared against gated phase contrast‐MRI results. To illustrate clinical feasibility, the proposed method was shown to be able to identify hemodynamic abnormalities and impaired reactivity in a diseased femoral artery. For both phantom and in vivo studies, velocity measurements were within 1.5 cm/s, and the coefficient of variation was less than 5% in an in vivo reproducibility study. In five healthy subjects, the average differences in mean peak velocities and their temporal locations were within 1 cm/s and 10 ms compared to gated phase contrast‐MRI. In conclusion, the proposed method provides temporally resolved arterial velocity with a temporal resolution of 20 ms with minimal post processing. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Discovering Neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease, or Getting to Haphazard
Authors: Kieburtz Karl
Published: November 2010

Despite significant research efforts, a therapy to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson's disease (“neuroprotection”) remains elusive. The discovery of such a therapy will likely require important observations from a number of perspectives: basic science investigation, clinical research, and careful observation in medical practice. Any possible insights will require confirmation in rigorous clinical trial testing. Combining the useful insights from all perspectives may be the most promising approach to discovering a neuroprotective therapy. Mt Sinai J Med 77:700–706, 2010. © 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Targeted Inhibition of Kinases in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Baker Stacey J. , Reddy E. Premkumar
Published: November 2010

With an understanding of the molecular changes that accompany cell transformation, cancer drug discovery has undergone a dramatic change in the past few years. Whereas most of the emphasis in the past has been placed on developing drugs that induce cell death based on mechanisms that do not discriminate between normal and tumor cells, recent strategies have emphasized targeting specific mechanisms that have gone awry in tumor cells. However, the identification of cancer‐associated mutations in oncogenes and their amplification in tumors has suggested that inhibitors against such proteins might represent attractive substrates for targeted therapy. In the clinic, the success of imatinib (Gleevec®, STI571) and trastuzumab (Herceptin®), both firsts of their kind, spurred further development of new, second‐generation drugs that target kinases in cancer. This review highlights a few important examples each of these types of therapies, along with some newer agents that are in various stages of development. Second‐generation kinase inhibitors aimed at overriding emerging resistance to these therapies are also discussed.Mt Sinai J Med 77:573–586, 2010©2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Malignant Gliomas: New Translational Therapies
Authors: Sul Joohee , Fine Howard A.
Published: November 2010

Malignant gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults and carry a dismal prognosis. Despite aggressive therapy with maximal safe surgical resection, radiation and chemotherapy, these tumors invariably are refractory to or become resistant to treatment and recur. Gliomas are highly infiltrative cancers and display remarkable genetic heterogeneity making them challenging to treat. Recent progress has been made in understanding the molecular and genetic composition of these tumors and from this, promising new targets for therapy have emerged. In particular, anti‐angiogenesis therapies have led to modest success in disease control. In addition, the growing body of research in cancer immunology as well as cancer stem cells has made inroads in our understanding of tumorgenesis. Translational research has been particularly crucial to the development of these therapies as much preclinical and clinical work is needed to develop the rationale for treatments, to develop biomarkers of drug activity and to elucidate mechanisms of resistance. This brief overview will discuss some of the pivotal advances made in the pursuit of improved outcomes and survival for patients with this devastating disease. Mt Sinai J Med 74:655–666, 2010. © 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Bladder Cancer: Current Management and Opportunities for a Personalized Approach
Authors: Galsky Matthew D. , Hall Simon J.
Published: November 2010

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder exists as a spectrum of clinical states ranging from non–muscle‐invasive to muscle‐invasive to advanced/metastatic disease. Each clinical state is associated with a unique tumor biology, prognosis, and approach to treatment. The field of personalized medicine offers the promise to individualize therapeutic decisions in each clinical state with the goal of preventing or delaying progression to more advanced disease states while optimizing quality of life. This review will discuss bladder cancer as a paradigm for the development of personalized cancer medicine, focusing on recent efforts, current challenges, and future opportunities. Mt Sinai J Med 74:587–596, 2010. © 2010 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Clinical features and follow‐up of four new cases of facial‐onset sensory and motor neuronopathy
Authors: Fluchere Frederique , Verschueren Annie , Cintas Pascal , Franques Jerome , Serratrice Jacques , Weiller Pierre J. , Azulay Jean P. , Pouget Jean , Attarian Shahram
Published: November 2010

In this study we report three patients with facial‐onset sensory and motor neuronopathy (FOSMN), including the first female to be described. A fourth rather atypical case of a pyramidal syndrome with a fast rate of progression is also described. These cases raise the question as to whether upper motor neuron impairment is involved in FOSMN and whether there is a link between this syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The existence of this syndrome suggests that it may be wise to monitor all patients with isolated idiopathic trigeminal sensory neuropathy to ensure that this type of motor neuron disease is not overlooked. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Human embryonic stem cells rapidly take up and then clear exogenous human and animal prions in vitro
Authors: Krejciova Zuzana , Pells Steve , Cancellotti Enrico , Freile Paz , Bishop Matthew , Samuel Kay , Robin Barclay G , Ironside James W , Manson Jean C , Turner Marc L , De Sousa Paul , Head Mark W
Published: November 2010

Susceptibility to prion infection involves interplay between the prion strain and host genetics, but expression of the host‐encoded cellular prion protein is a known prerequisite. Here we consider human embryonic stem cell (hESC) susceptibility by characterizing the genetics and expression of the normal cellular prion protein and by examining their response to acute prion exposure. Seven hESC lines were tested for their prion protein gene codon 129 genotype and this was found to broadly reflect that of the normal population. hESCs expressed prion protein mRNA, but only low levels of prion protein accumulated in self‐renewing populations. Following undirected differentiation, up‐regulation of prion protein expression occurred in each of the major embryonic lineages. Self‐renewing populations of hESCs were challenged with infectious human and animal prions. The exposed cells rapidly and extensively took up this material, but when the infectious source was removed the level and extent of intracellular disease‐associated prion protein fell rapidly. In the absence of a sufficiently sensitive test for prions to screen therapeutic cells, and given the continued use of poorly characterized human and animal bioproducts during hESC derivation and cultivation, the finding that hESCs rapidly take up and process abnormal prion protein is provocative and merits further investigation. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence, survival, and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors versus neuroblastoma in children and young adults: Nine standard SEER registries, 1975–2006
Authors: Navalkele Pournima , O'Dorisio M Sue , O'Dorisio Thomas M. , Zamba Gideon K.D. , Lynch Charles F.
Published: November 2010

Background

The incidence, survival, and prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in children were determined as a first step in improving diagnosis and therapy. Outcomes were compared with neuroblastoma, a pediatric malignancy that shares several biomarkers.

Methods

Incidence rates, observed survival rates and 31‐year limited duration prevalence counts were obtained from SEER*Stat for diagnosis years 1975 to 2006. These rates were compared between and within NETs and neuroblastoma for demographic and tumor‐related variables from nine standard SEER registries for ages 0–29 years. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to identify prognostic factors for survival in NETs.

Results

The number of NETs was 1,073 compared to 1,664 neuroblastomas. The most common NET sites were lung, breast, and appendix. NET 5‐year observed survival rates increased from 83% between 1975 and 1979 to 84% for the 2000–2006 period, while analogous neuroblastoma survival rates steadily increased from 45–73%. Five‐year observed survival was less than 30% in females with NETs of the cervix and ovary. The estimated 31‐year limited duration prevalence for NETs as of January 1, 2006 in the U.S. population was 7,724 compared to 9,960 for neuroblastomas. Age‐adjusted multivariate Cox Regression demonstrated small cell histology, primary location in the breast, and distant stage as major predictors of decreased survival.

Conclusions

While survivorship has significantly increased for neuroblastoma, those diagnosed with NETs have shown no increase in survival during this 31‐year period. NETs constitute an unrecognized cancer threat to children and young adults comparable to neuroblastoma in both number of affected persons and disease severity. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:50–57. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidence of childhood central nervous system tumors in the Nordic countries
Authors: Schmidt Lisbeth Samsø , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Lahteenmaki Paivi , Träger Catarina , Stokland Tore , Grell Katrine , Gustafson Göran , Sehested Astrid , Raashou‐Nielsen Ole , Johansen Christoffer , Schüz Joachim
Published: November 2010

Background

The incidence rates of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the Nordic countries remain among the highest in the world. Large geographical and temporal variations in the incidence rates of CNS tumors have been reported. Increasing incidence rates would be a public health concern, as they might indicate increased exposure to environmental risk factors.

Methods

All 3,983 children 0–14 years of age registered with a primary CNS tumor in 1985–2006 in the national cancer registries of the Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden were identified. Tumors were classified according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer version 3 (ICCC‐3). Join‐point analysis was used to detect changes in trends and to estimate annual changes in incidence rates.

Results

The mean annual incidence rate of CNS tumors was 42 per million. No statistically significant change in time trends of incidence rates was observed during 1985–2006. Furthermore, the incidence by birth cohort was relatively stable during the study period.

Conclusion

The incidence rates of childhood CNS tumors in the Nordic countries remain among the highest in the world. The stable incidence rates during the last 22 years indicate that major changes in environmental risk factors are unlikely. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:65–69. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression patterns of fetal hemoglobin in sickle cell erythrocytes are both patient‐ and treatment‐specific during childhood
Authors: Meier Emily Riehm , Byrnes Colleen , Weissman Maxine , Noel Pierre , Luban Naomi L.C. , Miller Jeffery L.
Published: November 2010

Background

Treatment‐associated fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression patterns in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have not been fully described. The objective of this study was to compare HbF expression profiles (HbF and F‐cells) in the peripheral blood of pediatric SCD patients receiving hydroxyurea (HU), chronic transfusions (Tx) or no chronic therapy (Ctrl).

Procedure

Peripheral blood samples were collected from SCD patients between 1 month and 21 years of age and immunostained with anti‐HbF and anti‐HbA antibodies. Erythrocytes containing HbF (F‐cells) were enumerated with this dual staining method. HbF was measured using chromatography (HPLC).

Results

Blood from 44 Ctrl patients ≤4 years of age was compared with that from older children (50 Ctrl, 17 HU, 17 Tx). Among the older children, the percentage of both HbF and F‐cells in the Tx group was significantly decreased compared to the control (HbF 5.4 ± 4.2% vs. 11.0 ± 7.2%, P = 0.003; F‐cells 30.2 ± 16.3% vs. 43.8 ± 20.4%, P = 0.0071). While the distribution of F‐cells was significantly increased in the HU group (56.3 ± 17.1% vs. 43.8 ± 20.4%, P = 0.016), the increase in HbF was less robust (14.7 ± 6.4% vs. 11.0 ± 7.2%, P = 0.051). Positive correlations of HbF and F‐cell distributions were noted in all groups (P < 0.0001 for all groups). In serial samples from individual patients, relatively static patterns of HbF and F‐cell distribution were noted.

Conclusion

Pediatric SCD patients possess distinct patterns of HbF switching and silencing in peripheral blood erythrocytes. Thereafter, erythrocyte HbF expression level and distribution are maintained with both patient‐ and treatment‐specific patterns that may be useful for predicting the need or response to HbF‐modulating therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:103–109. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sickle‐cell disease in California: A population‐based description of emergency department utilization
Authors: Wolfson Julie A. , Schrager Sheree M. , Coates Thomas D. , Kipke Michele D.
Published: November 2010

Background

Acute and chronic clinical manifestations of sickle‐cell disease (SCD) lead to significant healthcare utilization, especially of the emergency department (ED). Limited population‐level data are available in SCD with the ability to connect patients to visits, leaving us with minimal description of utilization patterns.

Procedure

Using ED discharge data with links between patients and visits, we sought to describe the California SCD population and its ED utilization patterns across facilities. Non‐public California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development data employ unique patient identifiers, linking patients, and visits.

Results

SCD patients of all ages are heavily reliant on Medicaid (46%). The majority of SCD Californians visit an ED more than once during a year (69%), but only a minority use more than one facility during a year (34%). However, adults with SCD have multiple visits and utilize multiple EDs in higher proportions than do children (72% vs. 60% and 40% vs. 21%, respectively). A higher proportion of visits to the ED are made by SCD adults, but a higher proportion of visits by children result in hospital admission. Uninsured adults outnumber uninsured children (16% vs. 5%).

Conclusions

ED utilization by the California SCD population is described on a population level. Utilization patterns by adults point towards increased utilization in the population no longer eligible for Title V pediatric coverage for their disease. Further investigation using population‐level socioeconomic and geographic correlates is warranted to evaluate the factors leading to ED utilization in SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:413–419. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectrum of SMARCB1/INI1 mutations in familial and sporadic rhabdoid tumors
Authors: Eaton Katherine W. , Tooke Laura S. , Wainwright Luanne M. , Judkins Alexander R. , Biegel Jaclyn A.
Published: November 2010

Background

Germline mutations and deletions of SMARCB1/INI1 in chromosome band 22q11.2 predispose patients to rhabdoid tumor and schwannomatosis. Previous estimates suggested that 15–20% of rhabdoid tumors were caused by an underlying germline abnormality of SMARCB1. However, these studies were limited by case selection and an inability to detect intragenic deletions and duplications.

Procedure

One hundred matched tumor and blood samples from patients with rhabdoid tumors of the brain, kidney, or soft tissues were analyzed for mutations and deletions of SMARCB1 by FISH, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), sequence analysis and high resolution Illumina 610K SNP‐based oligonucleotide array studies.

Results

Thirty‐five of 100 patients were found to have a germline SMARCB1 abnormality. These abnormalities included point and frameshift mutations, intragenic deletions and duplications, and larger deletions including regions both proximal and distal to SMARCB1. There were nine cases that demonstrated parent to child transmission of a mutated copy of SMARCB1. In eight of the nine cases, one or more family members were also diagnosed with rhabdoid tumor or schwannoma, and two of the eight families presented with multiple affected children in a manner consistent with gonadal mosaicism.

Conclusions

Approximately one‐third of newly diagnosed patients with rhabdoid tumor have an underlying genetic predisposition to tumors due to a germline SMARCB1 alteration. Families may demonstrate incomplete penetrance and gonadal mosaicism, which must be considered when counseling families of patients with rhabdoid tumor. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:7–15. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Octreotide acetate is efficacious and safe in children for treating diarrhea due to chemotherapy but not acute graft versus host disease
Authors: Pai Vinita , Porter Kyle , Ranalli Mark
Published: November 2010

Background

The Common Toxicity Criteria of the National Cancer Institute evaluates diarrhea as an adverse event of chemotherapy administration. Acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) causes diarrhea in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Guidelines for treating grade 3 and 4 chemotherapy induced diarrhea (CID) include octreotide acetate, a somatostatin analogue. These recommendations are based on adult octreotide trials. Data on octreotide use for treatment of CID in pediatric oncology patients are limited. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of octreotide in the treatment of CID or aGVHD induced diarrhea in pediatric patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 34 patients of average age 6 years who received octreotide between 1994 and 2008 for treatment of CID or aGVHD induced diarrhea.

Results

Thirty‐eight courses of intravenous octreotide were administered. A complete response was achieved during 25/27 (92%) CID and 5/11 (45%) aGVHD induced diarrhea courses. A partial response was achieved during 4/38 courses, all in the aGVHD induced diarrhea group. No response was observed for 3 of the aGVHD induced diarrhea courses and 1for the CID course. Octreotide was initiated at 2 mcg/kg/day and increased to a maximum of 9 mcg/kg/day. The mean total duration of treatment was 9 days. Common adverse effects observed were hyperglycemia, hyberbilirubinemia, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal cramping.

Conclusion

In pediatric patients, octreotide exhibits 92% efficacy in treating CID and 45% efficacy in aGVHD induced diarrhea. Further studies to better characterize the starting dose and dose escalation algorithm for treating CID in children are required. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:45–49. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Costs of hospitalized ventilator‐dependent children: Differences between a ventilator ward and intensive care unit
Authors: Edwards Jeffrey D. , Rivanis Chris , Kun Sheila S. , Caughey Aaron B. , Keens Thomas G.
Published: November 2010

Hospitalizing clinically stable patients in critical care settings results in unnecessary healthcare costs and thwarts timely patient throughput. Some pediatric hospitals care for their stable ventilator‐dependent children outside of pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). To date, no analysis of the costs of these pediatric ventilator units compared to PICUs has been performed. We conducted a retrospective comparison of PICU and ventilator ward costs of hospitalizations for 103 admissions in which ventilator‐dependent children served as their own matched controls between 2004 and 2007. For included admissions, patients were hospitalized in both units during the same admission and spent more than 1 day in their initial unit. Comparisons of costs were made using the last full PICU day and first full ward day. For the study period, the mean PICU cost of hospitalization per day was $3,565 (standard deviation [SD] ± 716.50). The mean ward cost was $2,052 (SD ± 617). The mean PICU cost was significantly larger than the mean ward cost (paired t‐test, P < 0.0001). Ventilator ward total and variable costs were significantly less than those in the PICU, and such units represent a potential cost saving measure for hospitals that care for ventilator‐dependent children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:356–361. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histomorphometric alteration of knee articular cartilage and serum alkaline phosphatase in young female mice by chronic supplementation with soybean
Authors: Fazelipour S. , Tootian Z. , Matini E. , Hadipour‐Jahromy M.
Published: November 2010

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of soybean supplementation on cartilage thickness in the knee joint and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in mice. Forty female mice were fed for 6 months on one of four regimens: low protein, complete protein without soybean, and complete protein containing either 20% or 40% soybean. Body weight differences, histological and histomorphometric analysis, and ALP levels were determined and compared after 6 months. The results showed a significant increase in serum ALP activity and cartilage thickness in both groups fed on soybean‐containing diets, compared with the other groups. Additionally, the number of chondrocytes was significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the group taking the 40% soybean regimen, and the proteoglycan content of the intracellular fluid in the tibia was higher in those groups taking soybean. In conclusion, the present study suggests that soybean supplementation is capable of stimulating ALP production and reducing cartilage loss in young female mice. Soybean supplementation during childhood may therefore be potentially useful in protecting joints. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Byakkokaninjinto prevents body water loss by increasing the expression of kidney aquaporin‐2 and skin aquaporin‐3 in KKAy mice
Authors: Aburada Takashi , Ikarashi Nobutomo , Kagami Mai , Ichikawa Yuhei , Sugitani Megumi , Maniwa Ayaka , Ueda Harumi , Toda Takahiro , Ito Kiyomi , Ochiai Wataru , Matsushita Ryo , Miyamoto Ken‐ichi , Sugiyama Kiyoshi
Published: November 2010

Byakkokaninjinto (BKN) is an herbal medicine used for the relief of diuresis, thirst and dermal pruritis that are associated with diabetes. The effects of BKN on the expression of aquaporins (AQPs) in the kidney, salivary gland and skin were investigated in order to clarify the mechanism of drug action. Seven‐week‐old KKAy mice were given feed containing 4.5% BKN for 4 weeks. Compared with the control group, BKN administration did not affect the blood glucose and insulin concentration. However, water intake and urine volume were significantly reduced. AQP2 protein expression in the kidney inner medullary was significantly increased after BKN administration. AQP3 mRNA and protein expression in skin tissue was significantly increased after BKN administration. However, BKN administration did not affect AQP5 mRNA expression in the salivary gland. These results suggest that BKN treatment relieves diuresis, thirst, and dermal pruritis by increasing kidney AQP2 expression and skin AQP3 expression. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of a simulated convective boundary layer over inhomogeneous vegetation
Authors: Wang Chan , Tian Wenshou , Parker Douglas J. , Marsham John H. , Guo Zhenhai
Published: November 2010

Using a high‐resolution boundary‐layer model, effects of heterogeneity over a mesoscale flat domain are investigated through a series of idealised model simulations. In these simulations two different land surface types (bare soil and vegetation) are arranged in two different patterns. It is found that the effect of heterogeneity remains significant with geostrophic winds of 10 m s−1. However, when the geostrophic wind direction is perpendicular to the alignment of the surface heterogeneities (with alignment here defined as the direction along the edges of a sequence of surface patches), higher winds tend to weaken the coherent circulations caused by the surface heterogeneities. The vertical winds generated by the mesoscale circulations associated with the surface heterogeneities are on the order of 0.5 cm s−1. When the geostrophic wind direction is perpendicular to the alignment of the surface heterogeneities over a three‐strip surface type, the mesoscale pattern in horizontal velocity is also pronounced, with significant fluctuations at the interfaces between two different surface patches. The heights at which the heterogeneity effects on potential temperature and winds vanish are well above the convective boundary layer top and reach at least 3.3Ziunder light winds, but depend on the wind speed and directions as well as the orientation of surface heterogeneities.

Finally, the implications of the surface heterogeneity for initiation of deep convection have been explored for a surface consisting of two‐dimensional strips of alternating soil and vegetated surfaces aligned in the north–south direction. For this surface pattern, the interaction between westerly background winds and the secondary circulation sets up conditions which favour the initiation of deep convection at the eastern, downwind edge of the soil strip. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
OPAL: A multiscale multicenter simulation package based on MPI‐2 protocol
Authors: Cao Chao , Chen Yun‐wen , Wu Yuning , Deumens Erik , Cheng Hai‐Ping
Published: November 2010

By using MPI‐2 standard, we designed and implemented a new multiscale simulation architecture OPAL. It requires minimum modification to existing simulation code as maintaining the execution efficiency. The new architecture is capable of dynamical region identification, dynamical process spawning, and is grid‐computing friendly. We demonstrated its usage and power with a simple test case: NaCl dissociation in water. The code shows excellent linear scaling capability, and no obvious degradation is observed. The communication time used by OPAL is negligible compared with its execution time, proving its high efficiency. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Rapid and efficient glycoprotein identification through microwave‐assisted enzymatic digestion
Authors: Segu Zaneer M. , Hammad Loubna A. , Mechref Yehia
Published: November 2010

Identification of protein glycosylation sites is analytically challenging due to the diverse glycan structures associated with a glycoprotein. Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based identification and characterization of glycoproteins has been achieved predominantly with the bottom‐up approach, which typically involves the enzymatic cleavage of proteins to peptides prior to LC/MS or LC/MS/MS analysis. However, the process can be challenging due to the structural variations and steric hindrance imposed by the attached glycans. Alternatives to conventional heating protocols, that increase the rate of enzymatic cleavage of glycoproteins, may aid in addressing these challenges. An enzymatic digestion of a glycoprotein can be accelerated and made more efficient through microwave‐assisted digestion. In this paper, a systematic study was conducted to explore the efficiency of microwave‐assisted enzymatic (trypsin) digestion (MAED) of glycoproteins as compared with the conventional method. In addition, the optimum experimental parameters for the digestion such as temperature, reaction time, and microwave radiation power were investigated. It was determined that efficient tryptic digestion of glycoproteins was attained in 15 min, allowing comparable if not better sequence coverage through LC/MS/MS analysis. Optimum tryptic cleavage was achieved at 45°C irrespective of the size and complexity of the glycoprotein. Moreover, MAED allowed the detection and identification of more peptides and subsequently higher sequence coverage for all model glycoprotein. MAED also did not appear to prompt a loss or partial cleavage of the glycan moieties attached to the peptide backbones. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Folded emitters for nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Kirby Andrea E. , Jebrail Mais J. , Yang Hao , Wheeler Aaron R.
Published: November 2010

Electrospray ionization (ESI) has revolutionized mass spectrometry (MS), providing a facile method for the ionization of macromolecules for analysis by mass. The development of nanoESI‐MS has further extended the utility of ESI‐MS, permitting the analysis of small‐volume samples with enhanced sensitivity over conventional ESI‐MS. Traditional nanoESI‐MS experiments use pulled‐glass capillary emitters, which are expensive to purchase and require specialized instruments and training to fabricate in‐house. Furthermore, these emitters suffer from problems including clogging, sample contamination, and irreproducible spray stability. Here, we report a new emitter for nanoESI‐MS, made by folding small pieces of polyimide tape. In comparison with conventional pulled‐glass capillary emitters, the new emitters are inexpensive and simple to make. Their low cost makes them disposable after a single use, such that sample contamination or clogging is never a problem. Emitter performance has been evaluated for diverse analytes encompassing a large mass range, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, and synthetic polymers. In all cases, the performance is similar to that of pulled‐glass capillary emitters, with the advantages of low cost, ease of use, and disposability. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equivalence of a random intersection graph andG(n,p)
Authors: Rybarczyk Katarzyna
Published: November 2010

We solve the conjecture of Fill, Scheinerman and Singer‐Cohen (Random Struct Algorithms 16 (2000), 156–176) and show equivalence of sharp threshold functions of a random intersection graph${\cal g}$(n,m,p) withm≥n3and a graphG(n,p̂) with independent edges. Moreover we prove sharper equivalence results under some additional assumptions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2011
Serotonergic neurotransmission in the living human brain: A positron emission tomography study using [11C]dasb and [11C]WAY100635 in young healthy men
Authors: Takano Harumasa , Ito Hiroshi , Takahashi Hidehiko , Arakawa Ryosuke , Okumura Masaki , Kodaka Fumitoshi , Otsuka Tatsui , Kato Motoichiro , Suhara Tetsuya
Published: November 2010

The central serotonergic (5‐HT) system is closely involved in regulating various mental functions such as mood and emotion. In this system, the serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) and the 5‐HT1Areceptor play important roles in the pathophysiology and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. However, only a few integrated databases have considered the intraindividual relationship between pre‐ and postsynaptic serotonergic transmission. In the present study, we constructed a database of 5‐HTT and 5‐HT1Areceptors using positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]DASB and [11C]WAY100635, respectively. Seventeen healthy young men participated in this study. After anatomic standardization of original images, BPNDwas calculated on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis using reference tissue methods. The highest binding to 5‐HTT was observed in the dorsal raphe nucleus, striatum, and thalamus; moderate binding, in the insula and cingulate cortex; and very low binding, in the cerebral neocortex. In contrast, the highest binding to 5‐HT1Areceptors was seen in the hippocampal regions, insula, neocortical regions, and dorsal raphe nucleus, and very low binding was found in the thalamus and basal ganglia. These distribution patterns were in agreement with those reported in human postmortem studies and previous PET investigations. In addition, exploratory analysis indicated significant negative correlations between the BPNDvalues with both radiotracers in certain regions of the brain, such as the cingulate, insula, and frontal, temporal and parietal cortices (Pearson's correlation,P< 0.05). These databases facilitate the understanding of the regional distribution of serotonergic neurotransmission function in the living human brain and the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endoplasmic reticulum dynamics in hippocampal dendritic spines induced by agonists of type I metabotropic glutamate but not by muscarinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Ng Ai Na , Toresson Håkan
Published: November 2010

Neurons in the hippocampus exhibit subpopulations of dendritic spines that contain endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER in spines is important for synaptic activity and its associated Ca2+ signaling. The dynamic distribution of ER to spines is regulated by diacylglycerol and partly mediated by protein kinase C, metalloproteinases and γ‐secretase. In this study, we explored whether pharmacological activation of type I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) known to activate phospholipase C would have any effect on spine ER content. We found that DHPG (100 μM) but not carbachol (10 μM) caused a reduction in the number of spines with ER. We further found that ER Ca2+ depletion triggered by thapsigargin (200 nM) had no effect on ER localization in spines. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ex vivo evaluation of the serotonin 1A receptor partial agonist [3H]CUMI‐101 in awake rats
Authors: Palner Mikael , Underwood Mark D. , Kumar Dileep J.S. , Arango Victoria , Knudsen Gitte M. , John Mann J. , Parsey Ramin V.
Published: November 2010

[3H]CUMI‐101 is a 5‐HT1A partial agonist, which has been evaluated for use as a positron emission tracer in baboon and humans. We sought to evaluate the properties of [3H]CUMI‐101 ex vivo in awake rats and determine if [3H]CUMI‐101 can measure changes in synaptic levels of serotonin after different challenge paradigms. [3H]CUMI‐101 shows good uptake and good specific binding ratio (SBR) in frontal cortex 5.18 and in hippocampus 3.18. Binding was inhibited in a one‐binding‐site fashion by WAY100635 and unlabeled CUMI‐101. The ex vivo Bmax of [3H]CUMI‐101 in frontal cortex (98.7 fmol/mg) and hippocampus (131 fmol/kg) agree with the ex vivo Bmax of [3H]MPPF in frontal cortex (147.1 fmol/mg) and hippocampus (72.1 fmol/mg) and with in vitro values reported with 8‐OH‐DPAT. Challenges with citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fenfluramine, a serotonin releaser, and 4‐chloro‐DL‐phenylalanine, a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, did not show any effect on the standardized uptake values (SUVs) in any region. Citalopram did alter SBR, but this was due to changes in cerebellar SUVs. Our results indicate that [3H]CUMI‐101 is a good radioligand for imaging 5‐HT1A high‐density regions in rats; however, the results from pharmacological challenges remain inconclusive. Synapse 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shear behaviour of reinforced concrete structural walls with eccentric openings under cyclic loading: experimental study
Authors: Wang Jiyang , Sakashita Masanobu , Kono Susumu , Tanaka Hitoshi
Published: November 2010

Reinforced concrete (RC) structural walls usually have some eccentric large openings according to the intention of the architectural design. However, the behaviour of such structures that are shear critical under cyclic loading has not been well studied. In this study, three single‐span, three‐storied, 40% scale specimens of RC structural walls with various eccentric opening ratios were constructed and tested in a lateral reverse cyclic manner until severe shear damage occurred in the walls. The main purposes of these tests were to evaluate the shear behaviour and to recognize the influence of various opening ratios on cracking and shear strength of structural walls under cyclic loading. The shear strength of specimen was calculated combining the shear strength of a structural wall without openings and the reduction factor due to openings. The comparison between the experimental results and the analytical results shows that the shear strength is different depending on the loading direction due to the eccentric opening location, the span length of short span beams may affect the cracking process and the failure mode, the approximate calculation method using Ono's reduction factor could be well applied to RC structural walls with various opening ratios less than 0.46. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evolution of ultrasound in urogynecology
Authors: Dietz Hans Peter
Published: November 2010

Virtual Issue

Key papers in Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology on: Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.