bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychoeducational Intervention for Patients With Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma: A Replication Study
Authors: Boesen Ellen H. , Ross Lone , Frederiksen Kirsten , Thomsen Birthe L. , Dahlstrøm Karin , Schmidt Grethe , Næsted Jesper , Krag Christen , Johansen Christoffer
Published: February 2005

Purpose

In 1993, a randomized intervention study among patients with malignant melanoma showed a significant decrease in psychological distress and increased coping capacity 6 months after the intervention and enhanced survival 6 years later. We applied a similar intervention with a few modifications in a randomized controlled trial among Danish patients with malignant melanoma and evaluated results on immediate and long-term effects on psychological distress and coping capacity.

Patients and Methods

A total of 262 patients with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma were randomly assigned to the control or intervention group. Patients in the intervention group were offered six weekly sessions of 2 hours of psychoeducation, consisting of health education, enhancement of problem-solving skills, stress management, and psychological support. The participants were assessed at baseline before random assignment and 6 and 12 months after surgery. The analyses of the main effects of the intervention were based on analyses of covariance.

Results

The patients in the intervention group showed significantly less fatigue, greater vigor, and lower total mood disturbance compared with the controls, and they used significantly more active-behavioral and active-cognitive coping than the patients in the control group. The improvements were only significant at first follow-up.

Conclusion

The findings of this study support the results of an earlier intervention study among patients with malignant melanoma and indicate that a psychoeducational group intervention for such patients can decrease psychological distress and enhance effective coping. However, this effect is short term and the clinical relevance is not obvious.
[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake by Positron Emission Tomography Predicts Outcome of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sasaki Ryohei , Komaki Ritsuko , Macapinlac Homer , Erasmus Jeremy , Allen Pamela , Forster Kenneth , Putnam Joe B. , Herbst Roy S. , Moran Cesar A. , Podoloff Donald A. , Roth Jack A. , Cox James D.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To determine whether the standardized uptake value (SUV) of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by positron emission tomography could be a prognostic factor for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

One hundred sixty-two patients with stage I to IIIb NSCLC were analyzed. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and local-regional control (LRC) were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and evaluated with the log-rank test. The prognostic significance was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

There were 93 patients treated with surgery and 69 patients treated with radiotherapy. A cutoff of 5 for the SUV for the primary tumor showed the best discriminative value. The SUV for the primary tumor was a significant predictor of OS (P = .02) in both groups. Low SUVs (≤ 5.0) showed significantly better DFS rates than those with high SUVs (> 5.0; surgery group, P = .02; radiotherapy group, P = .0005). Low SUVs (≤ 5.0) indicated a significantly better DFS than those with high SUVs (> 5.0; stage I or II, P = .02; stage IIIa or IIIb, P = .004). However, using the same cutoff point of 5, the SUV for regional lymph nodes was not a significant indicator for DFS (P = .19), LRC (P = .97), or DMFS (P = .17). The multivariate analysis showed that the SUV for the primary tumor was a significant prognostic factor for OS (P = .03) and DFS (P = .001).

Conclusion

The SUV of the primary tumor was the strongest prognostic factor among the patients treated by curative surgery or radiotherapy.
Hyperfractionated Accelerated Chemoradiation With Concurrent Fluorouracil-Mitomycin Is More Effective Than Dose-Escalated Hyperfractionated Accelerated Radiation Therapy Alone in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: Final Results of the Radiotherapy Cooperative Clinical Trials Group of the German Cancer Society 95-06 Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Budach Volker , Stuschke Martin , Budach Wilfried , Baumann Michael , Geismar Dirk , Grabenbauer Gerhard , Lammert Ingrid , Jahnke Klaus , Stueben Georg , Herrmann Thomas , Bamberg Michael , Wust Peter , Hinkelbein Wolfgang , Wernecke Klaus-Dieter
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To report the results and corresponding acute and late reactions of a prospective, randomized, clinical study in locally advanced head and neck cancer comparing concurrent fluorouracil (FU) and mitomycin (MMC) chemotherapy and hyperfractionated accelerated radiation therapy (C-HART; 70.6 Gy) to hyperfractionated accelerated radiation therapy alone (HART; 77.6 Gy).

Patients and Methods

Three hundred eighty-four stage III (6%) and IV (94%) oropharyngeal (59.4%), hypopharyngeal (32.3%), and oral cavity (8.3%) cancer patients were randomly assigned to receive either 30 Gy (2 Gy every day) followed by 1.4 Gy bid to a total of 70.6 Gy concurrently with FU (600 mg/m2, 120 hours continuous infusion) days 1 through 5 and MMC (10 mg/m2) on days 5 and 36 (C-HART) or 14 Gy (2 Gy every day) followed by 1.4 Gy bid to a total dose of 77.6 Gy (HART). The data were analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis.

Results

At 5 years, the locoregional control and overall survival rates were 49.9% and 28.6% for C-HART versus 37.4% and 23.7% for HART, respectively (P = .001 and P = .023, respectively). Progression-free and freedom from metastases rates were 29.3% and 51.9% for C-HART versus 26.6% and 54.7% for HART, respectively (P = .009 and P = .575, respectively). For C-HART, maximum acute reactions of mucositis, moist desquamation, and erythema were lower than with HART, whereas no differences in late reactions and overall rates of secondary neoplasms were observed.

Conclusion

C-HART (70.6 Gy) is superior to dose-escalated HART (77.6 Gy) with comparable or less acute reactions and equivalent late reactions, indicating an improvement of the therapeutic ratio.
Randomized Trial of 30 Versus 20 Gy in the Adjuvant Treatment of Stage I Testicular Seminoma: A Report on Medical Research Council Trial TE18, European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Trial 30942 (ISRCTN18525328)
Authors: Jones William G. , Fossa Sophie D. , Mead Graham M. , Roberts J. Trevor , Sokal Michael , Horwich Alan , Stenning Sally P.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To assess the possibility of reducing radiotherapy doses without compromising efficacy in the management of patients with stage I seminoma.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned 20 Gy/10 fractions over 2 weeks or 30 Gy/15 fractions during 3 weeks after orchidectomy. They completed a symptom diary card during treatment and quality-of-life forms pre- and post-treatment. The trial was powered to exclude absolute differences in 2-year relapse rates of 3% to 4% (α = .05 [one sided]; 90% power).

Results

From 1995 to 1998, 625 patients were randomly assigned to treatment. Four weeks after starting radiotherapy, significantly more patients receiving 30 Gy reported moderate or severe lethargy (20% v 5%) and an inability to carry out their normal work (46% v 28%). However, by 12 weeks, levels in both groups were similar. With a median follow-up of 61 months, 10 and 11 relapses, respectively, have been reported in the 30- and 20-Gy groups (hazard ratio, 1.11; 90% CI, 0.54 to 2.28). The absolute difference in 2-year relapse rates is 0.7%; the lower 90% confidence limit is 2.9%. Only one patient has died from seminoma (allocated to the 20-Gy treatment group).

Conclusion

Treatment with 20 Gy in 10 fractions is unlikely to produce relapse rates more than 3% higher than for standard 30 Gy radiation therapy, and data on an additional 469 patients randomly assigned in a subsequent trial support and strengthen these results. Reductions in morbidity enable patients to return to work more rapidly. Prolonged follow-up is required before any inference can be made about any impact of allocated treatment on new primary cancer diagnoses.
First and Subsequent Cycle Use of Pegfilgrastim Prevents Febrile Neutropenia in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Study
Authors: Vogel Charles L. , Wojtukiewicz Marek Z. , Carroll Robert R. , Tjulandin Sergei A. , Barajas-Figueroa Luis Javier , Wiens Brian L. , Neumann Theresa A. , Schwartzberg Lee S.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

We evaluated the efficacy of pegfilgrastim to reduce the incidence of febrile neutropenia associated with docetaxel in breast cancer patients.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to either placebo or pegfilgrastim 6 mg subcutaneously on day 2 of each 21-day chemotherapy cycle of 100 mg/m2 docetaxel. The primary end point was the percentage of patients developing febrile neutropenia (defined as body temperature ≥ 38.2°C and neutrophil count < 0.5 × 109/L on the same day of the fever or the day after). Secondary end points were incidence of hospitalizations associated with a diagnosis of febrile neutropenia, intravenous (IV) anti-infectives required for febrile neutropenia, and the ability to maintain planned chemotherapy dose on time. Patients with febrile neutropenia were converted to open-label pegfilgrastim in subsequent cycles.

Results

Nine hundred twenty-eight patients received placebo (n = 465) or pegfilgrastim (n = 463). Patients receiving pegfilgrastim, compared with patients receiving placebo, had a lower incidence of febrile neutropenia (1% v 17%, respectively; P < .001), febrile neutropenia–related hospitalization (1% v 14%, respectively; P < .001), and use of IV anti-infectives (2% v 10%, respectively; P < .001). The percentage of patients receiving the planned dose on time was similar between patients receiving pegfilgrastim and patients who initially received placebo (80% and 78%, respectively), as would be expected of the study design. Pegfilgrastim was generally well tolerated and safe, and the adverse events reported were typical of this patient population.

Conclusion

First and subsequent cycle use of pegfilgrastim with a moderately myelosuppressive chemotherapy regimen markedly reduced febrile neutropenia, febrile neutropenia–related hospitalizations, and IV anti-infective use.
Phase I Trial of 17-Allylamino-17-Demethoxygeldanamycin in Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Goetz Matthew P. , Toft David , Reid Joel , Ames Matthew , Stensgard Bridget , Safgren Stephanie , Adjei Araba A. , Sloan Jeff , Atherton Pamela , Vasile Vlad , Salazaar Sandra , Adjei Alex , Croghan Gary , Erlichman Charles
Published: February 2005

Purpose

We determined the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and the dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) of 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) when infused on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle in advanced solid tumor patients. We also characterized the pharmacokinetics of 17-AAG, its effect on chaperone and client proteins, and whether cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) polymorphisms affected 17-AAG disposition or toxicity.

Patients and Methods

An accelerated titration design was used. Biomarkers were measured in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at baseline and on days 1 and 15, and pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on day 1 of cycle 1. CYP3A5*3 and NQO1*2 genotypes were determined and correlated with pharmacokinetics and toxicity.

Results

Twenty-one patients received 52 courses at 11 dose levels. DLTs at 431 mg/m2 were grade 3 bilirubin (n = 1), AST (n = 1), anemia (n = 1), nausea (n = 1), vomiting (n = 1), and myalgias (n = 1). No tumor responses were seen. 17-AAG consistently increased heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 levels in PBMCs. At the MTD, the clearance and half-life (t1/2) of 17-AAG were 11.6 L/h/m2 and 4.15 hours, respectively; whereas the active metabolite 17-aminogeldanamycin had a t1/2 of 7.63 hours. The CYP3A5*3 and NQO1*2 polymorphisms were not associated with 17-AAG toxicity. The CYP3A5*3 polymorphism was associated with higher 17-AAG clearance.

Conclusion

The MTD of weekly 17-AAG is 308 mg/m2. 17-AAG induced Hsp70 in PBMCs, indicating that Hsp90 has been affected. Further evaluation of 17-AAG is ongoing using a twice-weekly regimen, and this schedule of 17-AAG is being tested in combination with chemotherapy.
Role of the Second-Messenger Cyclic-Adenosine 5′-Diphosphate-Ribose on Adrenocorticotropin Secretion from Pituitary Cells
Authors: Soares Sandra M. , Thompson Michael , Chini Eduardo N.
Published: February 2005

We examined the role of the second-messenger cyclic-ADP-ribose (cADPR) on the regulation of ACTH secretion using AtT20 corticotroph tumor cell line. We found that the cADPR antagonist, 8-Br-cADPR, substantially diminished the secretion of ACTH induced by CRH and potassium in these cells, whereas xestospongin C, an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor antagonist, had no effect. In addition, the cADPR agonist, 3-deaza-cADPR, augmented ACTH secretion. The presence of the components of the cADPR system, namely ryanodine receptor, CD38, and cADPR itself, was determined in AtT20 cells. Furthermore, we observed that antagonists of the ryanodine channel and cADPR system can decrease the potassium-induced Ca2+ transients in these cells. These results suggest that cADPR is a second messenger in pituitary cells and regulates ACTH secretion by a mechanism dependent on activation of the ryanodine channel by extracellular Ca2+.
Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Is Required for Bone Anabolic Function of Parathyroid Hormone in Mice
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayuki , Ogata Naoshi , Shinoda Yusuke , Akune Toru , Kamekura Satoru , Terauchi Yasuo , Kadowaki Takashi , Hoshi Kazuto , Chung Ung-Il , Nakamura Kozo , Kawaguchi Hiroshi
Published: February 2005

Bone anabolic action of PTH has been suggested to be mediated by induction of IGF-I in osteoblasts; however, little is known about the molecular mechanism by which IGF-I leads to bone formation under the PTH stimulation. This study initially confirmed in mouse osteoblast cultures that PTH treatment increased IGF-I mRNA and protein levels and alkaline phosphatase activity, which were accompanied by phosphorylations of IGF-I receptor, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and IRS-2, essential adaptor molecules for the IGF-I signaling. To learn the involvement of IRS-1 and IRS-2 in the bone anabolic action of PTH in vivo, IRS-1−/− and IRS-2−/− mice and their respective wild-type littermates were given daily injections of PTH (80 μg/kg) or vehicle for 4 wk. In the wild-type mice, the PTH injection increased bone mineral densities of the femur, tibia, and vertebrae by 10–20% without altering the serum IGF-I level. These stimulations were similarly seen in IRS-2−/− mice; however, they were markedly suppressed in IRS-1−/− mice. Although the PTH anabolic effects were stronger on trabecular bones than on cortical bones, the stimulations on both bones were blocked in IRS-1−/− mice but not in IRS-2−/− mice. Histomorphometric and biochemical analyses showed an increased bone turnover by PTH, which was also blunted by the IRS-1 deficiency, though not by the IRS-2 deficiency. These results indicate that the PTH bone anabolic action is mediated by the activation of IRS-1, but not IRS-2, as a downstream signaling of IGF-I that acts locally as an autocrine/paracrine factor.
Functional Expression of β-Chemokine Receptors in Osteoblasts: Role of Regulated upon Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) in Osteoblasts and Regulation of Its Secretion by Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts
Authors: Yano Shozo , Mentaverri Romuald , Kanuparthi Deepthi , Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra , Rivera Alicia , Brown Edward M. , Chattopadhyay Naibedya
Published: February 2005

The expression and functions of receptors for the β-chemokine, regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES)/CCL5, were investigated in osteoblasts. Both primary osteoblasts and the MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cell line express the RANTES receptors, CCR1, 3, 4, and 5 (by RT-PCR), which encode functional receptors in osteoblasts as shown by [125I]-RANTES binding followed by Scatchard analysis. Expression of all four RANTES receptor mRNAs in osteoblast is in contrast to the reports of expression of CCR1 being the only RANTES receptor expressed by osteoclasts. Exogenous RANTES elicits chemotaxis of osteoblasts and promotes cell survival via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with attendant phosphorylation of Akt. Osteoclastic RANTES, obtained from the conditioned medium of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-differentiated RAW264.7 cells also induces chemotaxis of MC3T3-E1 cells. Incubating the conditioned medium with an anti-RANTES neutralizing antibody attenuated this effect. RANTES secretion from osteoblast is inhibited by differentiation promoting hormones, e.g. 1,25 (OH)2D3 and dexamethasone, whereas macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (but not macrophage inflammatory protein-1β) and elevated calcium induce it. Elevated calcium also stimulated RANTES secretion by osteoclasts. Therefore, RANTES is an osteoblast chemoattractant and a survival-promoting molecule whose regulation in osteoblast is varied. Furthermore, RANTES secreted from osteoclasts induces osteoblast chemotaxis. Therefore, expression of RANTES and its receptors in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts could enable this chemokine to act in autocrine/paracrine modes.
Thyroid Transcription Factor 1 Rescues PAX8/p300 Synergism Impaired by a Natural PAX8 Paired Domain Mutation with Dominant Negative Activity
Authors: Grasberger Helmut , Ringkananont Usanee , LeFrancois Paule , Abramowicz Marc , Vassart Gilbert , Refetoff Samuel
Published: February 2005

Mutations in the paired domain transcription factor PAX8 are a rare cause of congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis. We identified a novel and unique PAX8 mutation segregating in seven affected members of a three-generations family. The mutation replaces an invariant serine residue within helix 2 of the paired DNA-binding domain for phenylalanine. The mutant protein (PAX8-S48F) does not induce the thyroglobulin promoter in nonthyroid cells, but displays almost half of wild-type PAX8 activity in thyroid cells. PAX8-S48F shows no defect in expression, nuclear targeting, or DNA binding and retains the ability to synergize with thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1, NKX2.1). However, we found that in nonthyroid cells, the acetylation-independent synergism with the general transcriptional adaptor p300 is completely abrogated, suggesting that PAX8-S48F may be unable to efficiently recruit p300. Reconstitution experiments in nonthyroid cells reveal that TTF-1 can partially rescue PAX8-S48F/p300 synergism and thus reproduce the situation in thyroid cells. These functional characteristics result in a dominant negative effect of PAX8-S48F on coexpressed wild-type PAX8 activity, which is not observed in paired domain mutations with DNA binding defect. Our results describe the first dominant negative missense mutation in a paired domain and provide evidence for a crucial role of the p300 coactivator in mediating the functional synergism between PAX8 and TTF-1 in thyroid-specific gene expression.
Negative Interference in Cardiac Troponin I Immunoassays by Circulating Troponin Autoantibodies
Authors: Eriksson Susann , Halenius Heidi , Pulkki Kari , Hellman Jukka , Pettersson Kim
Published: February 2005

Background: There are numerous potential sources of interference in immunoassays. Our aim was to identify the blood component that causes negative interference in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) immunoassays based on antibodies against the central part of cTnI.

Methods: We isolated an interfering factor (IF) from a sample with low recovery of added cTnI, using several consecutive purification steps: caprylic acid precipitation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and purification on Cibacron Blue gel and protein G columns. Purified IF was identified by gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometric analysis of protein bands. For the direct detection of human antibodies to cardiac troponin in serum samples, we developed immunoassays using three different anti-human immunoglobulin antibodies and measured troponin antibodies in samples with low and normal cTnI recovery.

Results: Treatment with caprylic acid did not precipitate IF, but IF precipitated at 40% ammonium sulfate saturation. IF bound to a Cibacron Blue gel column, from which it was eluted with a linear salt gradient; it also bound to protein G. Gel electrophoresis of purified IF showed two major bands with molecular masses corresponding to the heavy (∼50 kDa) and light chains (∼25 kDa) of immunoglobulin, and their identities were confirmed by mass spectrometry. The presence of troponin-specific autoantibodies was confirmed in samples with low recoveries of cTnI by three different immunoassays. The median signals were significantly higher in 10 samples with low recovery than in 10 samples with normal recovery of cTnI (P ≤ 0.007).

Conclusions: Circulating autoantibodies to cTnI or other proteins of the troponin complex can be a source of negative interference in cTnI immunoassays.
Comparison of Cardiac Troponin I Immunoassays Variably Affected by Circulating Autoantibodies
Authors: Eriksson Susann , Ilva Tuomo , Becker Charlotte , Lund Juha , Porela Pekka , Pulkki Kari , Voipio-Pulkki Liisa-Maria , Pettersson Kim
Published: February 2005

Background: We recently provided evidence that circulating autoantibodies against cardiac troponin I (cTnI) or the troponin complex cause negative interference in cTnI immunoassays. By comparing three cTnI immunoassays, we further explored the phenomenon of circulating autoantibodies and their consequences in patient samples.

Methods: We developed a cTnI immunoassay with a novel assay design using three antibodies, two of which bind epitopes outside the stable, central part of cTnI. Samples from 541 chest pain patients were measured with the new cTnI assay and with a first-generation cTnI assay (Innotrac Aio cTnI) using a conventional midfragment assay design. Using another sample cohort, we also compared the new assay with a second-generation cTnI assay (Access AccuTnI).

Results: The analytical detection limit of the new cTnI assay was 0.012 μg/L, and the lowest concentration giving a total imprecision (CV) of 10% was 0.060 μg/L. The mean difference (95% limits of agreement) between the new cTnI and Aio cTnI assays was larger in admission samples (21.0%; −107.8% to 149.7%) than in samples taken 6–12 h (12.8%; −61.5% to 87.2%) and 24 h after admission (3.0%; −71.3% to 77.4%; P <0.001). With the lowest concentrations giving 10% CV (0.22 μg/L for Aio cTnI) used as cutoffs, 14.3% (n = 76) of admission samples were positive only with the new assay, whereas 13.5% (n = 72) were positive with both assays. Of samples taken at 6–12 and 24 h, 10.2% (n = 31) and 8.3% (n = 29) were positive only with the new assay. ROC curve analysis of admission samples showed a significantly higher area under the curve for the new cTnI assay (0.940) than for the Aio cTnI assay (0.846; P <0.001). The new cTnI assay gave generally lower results than the AccuTnI assay; the mean (95% limits of agreement) differences were −58.9% (−151.8% to 34.0%) in admission samples. In samples with severe interference from autoantibodies, median ratios between the new assay and AccuTnI were higher than in samples with no apparent troponin autoantibodies (0.875 vs 0.481; P<0.001).

Conclusions: The new cTnI assay, which is based on a novel antibody combination different from the conventional midfragment antibody approach, offers improved detection of cTnI in samples containing troponin autoantibodies.
An Explanation and Comparison of Sweating Hot Plate Standards
Authors: McCullough EA , Huang J , Kim CS
Published: February 2005

There are several standards that require the use of a hot plate apparatus for measuring the dry thermal resistance (insulation) and the evaporative resistance of fabrics: ASTM D 1518, ASTM F 1868, and ISO 11092. In addition, several National Fire Protection Association standards for protective clothing (NFPA 1951, 1971, 1977, and 1999) specify the use of this method. All of these methods measure the total resistance (i.e., the resistance of the fabric and the resistance of the surface air layer). The resistance of the air layer alone is determined by conducting a “bare plate” test. This air layer resistance is often subtracted from the total resistance to determine the fabric resistance values. Different standards use different terms for these resistances (Ret or Ref), and they report the resistances in different units (m2 · kPa/W or m2 · Pa/W). In addition, some methods call for guarded plates, whereas others use smaller plates, for which the experimenter must adjust the data for thick specimens to compensate for the lack of a guard. Some methods control the air velocity over the specimen, while others allow any air speed, as long as the calibration requirements on standard fabrics are met. This paper discusses the differences in test instruments, conditions, measured parameters, and units so that data from different labs can be compared and understood. In addition, data from an ASTM interlaboratory study is presented so that the repeatability and reproducibility of the different test protocols on a variety of materials can be discussed.
Schizophrenia and Deliberate Self‐Harm: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors
Authors: Haw Camilla , Hawton Keith , Sutton Lesley , Sinclair Julia , Deeks Jonathan
Published: February 2005

Deliberate self‐harm (DSH) is a strong predictor of suicide in schizophrenia. The aim of this review was to identify risk factors for DSH in schizophrenia. This systematic review of the international literature examined cohort and case‐control studies of patients with schizophrenia or related diagnoses that reported DSH as an outcome. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases and reference lists, and by consulting international experts. Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Of the 29 variables examined by two or more studies, five (past or recent suicidal ideation, previous DSH, past depressive episode, drug abuse or dependence, and higher mean number of psychiatric admissions) were associated with an increased risk of DSH, and one (unemployment) was associated with a reduced risk. Schizophrenic patients with these risk factors need careful followup and monitoring, with treatment of any associated comorbid depression or drug abuse. Large, prospective studies of DSH in schizophrenia are needed to further define risk factors and to build on the findings of this review.
Demographic, Criminal, and Psychiatric Factors Related to Inmate Suicide
Authors: Blaauw Eric , Kerkhof Ad J.F.M. , Hayes Lindsay M.
Published: February 2005

A review of 19 studies suggests that it may be feasible to identify prisoners with suicide risk on the basis of demographic, psychiatric, and criminal characteristics. The present study aimed to identify combinations of characteristics that are capable of identifying potential suicide victims. Characteristics of 95 suicide victims in the Dutch prison system were compared with those of a random sample of 247 inmates in ten jails. Combinations of indicators for suicide risk were also tested for their capability of identifying 209 suicides in U.S. jails and 279 prison suicides in England and Wales. A combination of six characteristics (age 40+, homelessness, history of psychiatric care, history of drug abuse, one prior incarceration, violent offence) was capable of correctly classifying 82% of the Dutch suicide victims (82% specificity). Less powerful combinations correctly classified 53% of the U.S. suicides and 47% of the U.K. suicides. It is concluded that a set of demographic and criminal characteristics and indicators of psychiatric problems is useful for the identification of suicide risk in jails and prisons.
Global Processes and Local Identity among Mayan Coffee Growers in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Castillo Rosalva Aída Hernández , Nigh Ronald
Published: February 2005

This case study of the organic farmers' cooperative Indigenas de la Sierra Madre de Motozintla (ISMAM) explores the construction of identity as a dialogic process in which external elements are appropriated to permit resistance and creative adaptation to global processes. Building on indigenous Mam respect for nature, ISMAM forges a corporate image that responds to symbolic demands of the alternative marketplace and a self‐image reaffirming traditional values in a modern context.
Bernhard Stern, Leslie A. White, and an Anthropological Appraisal of the Russian Revolution
Authors: Peace William J.
Published: February 2005

Anticommunism has been a recurring theme in 20th‐century American life. McCarthyism pervaded every institution, including academia Scholars changed the way they wrote and were careful about where they published. The fearful atmosphere is made abundantly clear in the relations between two prominent social scientists, Bernhard Stern and Leslie A. White. Their respective associations with different political groups illustrate the intense infighting between radical groups and highlight the tensions felt not only by those academics called before governmental investigating committees but also by those seemingly unaffected. Stern and White, who would have made logical allies, instead became bitter enemies.
Enchanted Memories of Regional Difference in African American Culture
Authors: Ebron Paulla A.
Published: February 2005

Julie Dash's film Daughters of the Dust offers a starting point for an exploration of the construction of African American communal memories. Self‐consciousness about such memory making can illuminate the historically generated roles of gender, regionalism, and urbanrural differences in both popular and scholarly understandings of African American culture.

This is not just an issue for African American studies, however. A number of key dilemmas in contemporary anthropology are implicated. Most prominent is the rebellion against Enlightenment‐based notions of vision and rationality, which explores the senses, the magical, the uncanny, the haunted, and the subjective.
Regiospecific oxidation of naphthalene and fluorene by toluene monooxygenases and engineered toluene 4‐monooxygenases of Pseudomonas mendocina KR1
Authors: Tao Ying , Bentley William E. , Wood Thomas K.
Published: February 2005

The regiospecific oxidation of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons naphthalene and fluorene was examined with Escherichia coli strains expressing wildtype toluene 4‐monooxygenase (T4MO) from Pseudomonas mendocina KR1, toluene para‐monooxygenase (TpMO) from Ralstonia pickettii PKO1, toluene ortho‐monooxygenase (TOM) from Burkholderia cepacia G4, and toluene/ortho‐xylene monooxygenase (ToMO) from P. stutzeri OX1. T4MO oxidized toluene (12.1 ± 0.8 nmol/min/mg protein at 109 μM), naphthalene (7.7 ± 1.5 nmol/min/mg protein at 5 mM), and fluorene (0.68 ± 0.04 nmol/min/mg protein at 0.2 mM) faster than the other wildtype enzymes (2–22‐fold) and produced a mixture of 1‐naphthol (52%) and 2‐naphthol (48%) from naphthalene, which was successively transformed to a mixture of 2,3‐, 2,7‐, 1,7‐, and 2,6‐dihydroxynaphthalenes (7%, 10%, 20%, and 63%, respectively). TOM and ToMO made 1,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene from 1‐naphthol, and ToMO made a mixture of 2,3‐, 2,6‐, 2,7‐, and 1,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene (26%, 22%, 1%, and 44%, respectively) from 2‐naphthol. TOM had no activity on 2‐naphthol, and T4MO had no activity on 1‐naphthol. To take advantage of the high activity of wildtype T4MO but to increase its regiospecificity on naphthalene, seven engineered enzymes containing mutations in T4MO alpha hydroxylase TmoA were examined; the selectivity for 2‐naphthol by T4MO I100A, I100S, and I100G was enhanced to 88–95%, and the selectivity for 1‐naphthol was enhanced to 87% and 99% by T4MO I100L and G103S/A107G, respectively, while high oxidation rates were maintained except for G103S/A107G. Therefore, the regiospecificity for naphthalene oxidation was altered to practically pure 1‐naphthol or 2‐naphthol. All four wildtype monooxygenases were able to oxidize fluorene to different monohydroxylated products; T4MO oxidized fluorene successively to 3‐hydroxyfluorene and 3,6‐dihydroxyfluorene, which was confirmed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. TOM and its variant TomA3 V106A oxidize fluorene to a mixture of 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐hydroxyfluorene. This is the first report of using enzymes to synthesize 1‐, 3‐, and 4‐hydroxyfluorene, and 3,6‐dihydroxyfluorene from fluorene as well as 2‐naphthol and 2,6‐dihydroxynaphthalene from naphthalene. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Single‐Source Routes to Cobalt Sulfide and Manganese Sulfide Thin Films
Authors: Srouji F. , Afzaal M. , Waters J. , O'Brien P.
Published: February 2005

The air stable compounds [M(S2CNMenHex)3] (M = Co or Mn) have been shown to be effective single‐source precursors for the deposition of metal chalcogenides by aerosol‐assisted (AA) CVD. As‐deposited cobalt sulfide thin films have various compositions depending on different growth temperatures, as indicated by XRPD, whereas only a single phase of manganese sulfide has been deposited at various growth temperatures. The films are further characterized by SEM/EDAX and TEM.
Immunobiotherapy directed against mutated and aberrantly expressed gene products in pancreas cancer
Authors: Plate Janet M.D. , Harris Jules E.
Published: February 2005

Genetic alterations are responsible for the development of cancer in ductal cells of the pancreas. These genetic changes result in abnormal molecular expression of proteins that are involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle control and adhesion. Some of the genetic mutations result in aberrant proteins that can be recognized as novel or foreign by cells of innate and adaptive immune systems. These are appropriate targets for therapeutic intervention which may involve immunobiologic approaches. These approaches may be less effective because of immune escape mechanisms developed by tumor cells within the microenvironment of the tumor mass. Immunobiotherapy intervention of pancreas cancer must circumvent these obstacles and integrate effective immunotherapy with molecularly targeted approaches to pancreas cancer intervention. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of tumor blood perfusion assessed by dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI with tumor blood supply assessed by invasive imaging
Authors: Graff Bjørn A. , Benjaminsen Ilana C. , Brurberg Kjetil G. , Ruud Else‐Beate M. , Rofstad Einar K.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

To evaluate the potential of Gd‐DTPA‐based dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) for providing high‐resolution tumor blood perfusion images.

Materials and Methods

Xenografted tumors from two amelanotic human melanoma lines (A‐07 and R‐18) were used as preclinical models of human cancer. DCE‐MRI was performed at a voxel size of 0.5 × 0.2 × 2.0 mm3 with the use of spoiled gradient recalled sequences. We produced tumor images of E · F (where E is the initial extraction fraction, and F is perfusion) by subjecting the DCE‐MRI data to Kety analysis, and then compared those images with images of tumor blood supply. We obtained high‐resolution tumor blood supply images using the Bioscope silicon strip detector system to measure the uptake of Na99mTcO4 in histological preparations. We assessed the global blood supply by measuring the tumor uptake of three freely diffusible blood flow tracers: 86RbCl, [14C]IAP, and Na99mTcO4.

Results

E · F was found to mirror the blood supply well in A‐07 and R‐18 tumors. The mean E · F differed between the A‐07 and R‐18 tumors by a factor of ∼1.6, and this difference was similar to the difference in the global blood supply. The intratumor heterogeneity in E · F was significant for tumors of both lines, and this heterogeneity was similar to the intratumor heterogeneity in the blood supply. The intratumor heterogeneity in the blood supply differed slightly between the A‐07 and R‐18 tumors, and even this difference was mirrored by the E · F images.

Conclusion

E · F images of xenografted tumors reflect blood perfusion. This implies that E · F may be a useful parameter for improving cancer diagnostics and individualizing cancer treatment. This possibility deserves to be investigated thoroughly in clinical studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:272–281. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The surgeon's armamentarium to the surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Lee James A. , Inabnet William B.
Published: February 2005

Parathyroidectomy cures the vast majority of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). While bilateral neck exploration has been the mainstay of therapy, recent advances in technology have revolutionized the field making a focused approach to parathyroidectomy a reality. The development of accurate pre‐operative localization with sestamibi scanning, effective unilateral, endoscopic and video‐assisted techniques, and rapid intra‐operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) testing have made it possible to cure patients with the least amount of surgical dissection possible. In this paper, we will explore the role of focused parathyroidectomy in the surgical treatment of primary HPT. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;89:130–135. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selective homonuclear Hartmann–Hahn transfer method for in vivo spectral editing in the human brain
Authors: Choi In‐Young , Lee Sang‐Pil , Shen Jun
Published: February 2005

A novel selective homonuclear Hartmann–Hahn transfer method for in vivo spectral editing is proposed and applied to measurements of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the human brain at 3 T. The proposed method utilizes a new concept for in vivo spectral editing, the spectral selectivity of which is not based on a conventional editing pulse but based on the stringent requirement of the doubly selective Hartmann–Hahn match. The sensitivity and spectral selectivity of GABA detection achieved by this doubly selective Hartmann–Hahn match scheme was superior to that achievable by conventional in vivo spectral editing techniques providing both sensitivity enhancement and excellent suppression of overlapping resonances in a single shot. Since double‐quantum filtering gradients were not employed, singlets such as the NAA methyl group at 2.02 ppm and the creatine methylene group at 3.92 ppm were detected simultaneously. These singlets may serve as navigators for the spectral phase of GABA and for frequency shifts during measurements. The estimated concentration of GABA in the frontoparietal region of the human brain in vivo was 0.7 ± 0.2 μmol/g (mean ± SD, n = 12). Magn Reson Med 53:503–510, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanical transient‐based magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: McCracken Paul J. , Manduca Armando , Felmlee Joel , Ehman Richard L.
Published: February 2005

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a technique for quantifying material properties by measuring cyclic displacements of propagating shear waves. As an alternative to dynamic harmonic wave MRE or quasi‐steady‐state methods, the idea of using a transient impulse for mechanical excitation is introduced. Two processing methods to calculate shear stiffness from transient data were developed. The techniques were tested in phantom studies, and the transient results were found to be comparable to the harmonic wave results. Transient wave based analysis was applied to the brains of six healthy volunteers in order to assess the method in areas of complex wave patterns and geometry. The results demonstrated the feasibility of measuring brain stiffness in vivo using a transient mechanical excitation. Transient and harmonic methods both measure white matter (∼12 kPa) to be stiffer than gray matter (∼8 kPa). There were some anatomic differences between harmonic and transient MRE, specifically where the transient results better depicted the deeper structures of the brain. Magn Reson Med 53:628–639, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid fat‐suppressed isotropic steady‐state free precession imaging using true 3D multiple‐half‐echo projection reconstruction
Authors: Lu Aiming , Brodsky Ethan , Grist Thomas M. , Block Walter F.
Published: February 2005

Three‐dimensional projection reconstruction (3D PR)‐based techniques are advantageous for steady‐state free precession (SSFP) imaging for several reasons, including the capability to achieve short repetition times (TRs). In this paper, a multi‐half‐echo technique is presented that dramatically improves the data‐sampling efficiency of 3D PR sequences while it retains this short‐TR capability. The k‐space trajectory deviations are measured quickly and corrected on a per‐sample point basis. A two‐pass RF cycling technique is then applied to the dual‐half‐echo implementation to generate fat/water‐separated images. The resultant improvement in the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was demonstrated in volunteer studies. Volumetric images with excellent spatial resolution, coverage, and contrast were obtained with high speed. The non‐contrast‐enhanced SSFP studies show that this technique has promising potential for MR angiography (MRA). Magn Reson Med 53:692–699, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dendrite growth and degradation in multi‐junction solar cells
Authors: Speckman Donna , Marvin Dean , Nocerino John
Published: February 2005

Silver dendrites have been shown to be responsible for shunting of p/n multi‐junction solar cell assemblies with silver‐plated interconnects. A variety of cell and interconnect designs has been studied in order to identify the key factors that result in silver dendrite formation and subsequent cell shunting. The experimental results suggest that in this case the shunting was due to the particular polarity of the cell and design of the interconnect that placed it in close proximity to the cell edge. As a result, mitigation strategies are readily available. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reflections on the development and status of contemporary special education services in China
Authors: Mcloughlin Caven S. , Zhou Zheng , Clark Elaine
Published: February 2005

The article provides an overview of the forces that underpin present‐day special education practices in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and a review of politico‐historical forces that have shaped the development of current educational practices. The forces that have influenced different models for identifying disabilities and the reasons that certain disability categories have captured the attention of policy makers and educators are shared. In addition, information about the range of contemporary services for children with special needs is presented along with observations about approaches that are being contemplated for the future of special education service in the PRC. In light of an increased openness to market forces and an open‐door policy to information about Western special education practices, the opportunities for change in special education practices have probably never been greater. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 273–283, 2005.
Rhombohedral LSMO films – a unique case of ferroelastic domain formation
Authors: Farag N. , Bobeth M. , Pompe W. , Romanov A. E. , Speck J. S.
Published: February 2005

Ferroelastic domain formation in thin films of rhombohedral La1–xSrxMnO3 (LSMO), coherently grown on (001) or (011) oriented SrTiO3 (STO), is suggested to occur during film deposition at elevated temperatures, unlike other common perovskite films where structural phase transition and domain formation take place only during cooling. Due to a comparatively small lattice parameter misfit, the LSMO/STO system should be an ideal case for the experimental observation of domain formation without additional strain relaxation effects including misfit dislocation formation. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Volume-sensitive taurine efflux from mammary tissue is not obliged to utilize volume-activated anion channels
Authors: Shennan D. B. , Cliff M. J. , Hawkins P.
Published: February 2005

Cell-swelling, induced by a hyposmotic shock, activates the release of taurine from lactating rat mammary tissue expiants. The degree of stimulation of taurine efflux was dependent upon the extent of cell-swelling. Volume-sensitive taurine release was attenuated by the anion transport inhibitors NPPB, DIOA, DIDS, niflumate, flufenamate, mefenamate and diiodosalicylate but not by salicylate. Cell-swelling, following a hyposmotic challenge, did not increase the unidirectional efflux of radiolabelled I− or D-asparate from mammary tissue expiants. The results suggest that although mammary tissue expresses a volume-sensitive amino acid transport system which is inhibited by anion transport blockers the pathway has no identity with volume-activated anion channels.
Amino acid composition of rat and human liver microsomes in normal and pathological conditions
Authors: Benga Gheorghe , Ferdinand William
Published: February 2005

The amino acid composition of proteins from liver microsomes has been studied in rats and in human subjects with normal liver, with obstructive jaundice or liver cirrhosis. The pattern of the amino acid composition of microsomes appeared to be species-specific. Phenylalanine, threonine, serine, proline, histidine and [aspartic acid plus asparagine] were increased, while alanine, tyrosine, glycine and arginine were decreased in the human compared to the rat microsomes. In patients with obstructive jaundice of short duration (less than two months) only a slight decrease in leucine and phenylalanine could be noticed, while in the case of liver cirrhosis amino acid composition was markedly changed.
Major organ-specific glycoproteins in isolated brain and kidney membranes identified as Na,K-ATPase subunits by combined glycan-, lectin-, and immunoblotting
Authors: Benallal Mounja , Anner Beatrice M.
Published: February 2005

In the present work combined glycan-, lectin-, and immunoblotting of isolated brain and kidney membranes shows that the α and β subunits of Na,K-ATPase are the most abundant glycoproteins. Further,Datura stramonium and Galanthus nivalis agglutinins recognize the Na,K-ATPase subunits in a mutually exclusive manner in membranes from human, rabbit and rat brain or human, rabbit, rat, pig and dog kidney indicating the presence of species-independent organ-typical glycoforms. The glycosylation status is not related to the ouabain-sensitivity. Taken together, the data reveals organ-specific glycoforms of Na,K-ATPase which might have roles for organ identification and recognition.
Action of neurohypophysial granule Lys-Arg endopeptidase on synthetic polypeptides comprising the processing sequence of provasopressin-neurophysin
Authors: Michel Gilles , Rouille Yves , Chauvet Jacqueline , Acher Roger
Published: February 2005

Neurohypophysial granule Ca2+-dependent endopeptidases have been allowed to act on synthetic polypeptides derived from the N-terminal sequence of bovine provasopressin-neurophysin, namely vasopressinyl-glycyl-lysyl-arginyl-alanylamide and vasopressinyl-glycyl-lysyl-arginyl-alanyl-methionyl-serinamide. Membrane-bound enzymes have been used at pH5.5 for 16 hr at 37 °C. Products have been identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and by mass spectrometry performed on substances isolated by HPLC. With both substrates, vasopressinyl-Gly-Lys-Arg(OH) has been identified as a product confirming the Lys-Arg specificity previously observed on small peptide fluorogenic substrates. Cleavage yields, however, appear low suggesting that some factors are missing, for example a targeting action of the precursor neurophysin domain to the granule membrane.