bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paget's disease of bone and quality of life
Authors: Gold Deborah T. , Boisture Jennifer , Shipp Kathy M. , Pieper Carl F. , Lyles Kenneth W.
Published: February 2010

Little is known about how Paget's disease of bone affects quality of life. To better understand the relative impact of factors on quality of life, we mailed a brief survey to 2000 people randomly selected from the Paget's Foundation mailing list. The sample was geographically stratified to examine the effects of specialist availability. Nine hundred and fifty-eight persons responded to the questionnaire (53% response rate after adjustment for death, incorrect addresses, and nondeliverable mailings). The sample had equal proportions of males and females, with a mean age of 74 years (SD = 9.0). Most (97%) were white, with high levels of education (mean 13 years; SD 3.7) and income (60% earned more than $20,000 annually). They reported pagetic bone in the skull (34%), spine (35%), pelvis (49%), and leg (48%). The most frequently mentioned complications were hearing loss (37%) and bowed limbs (31%). Comorbidity included arthritis (64%), hypertension (32%), and heart problems (28%). Nearly half (47%) reported feelings of depression, and 42% said that their health was fair or poor. Only 21% reported that quality of life was very good or excellent. In multiple partial F-test regression analyses, variables were divided into four domains (social, psychological, care, and biomedical). The psychological domain explained 19% of the variance beyond that explained by all other variables; the social domain explained 3%, the biomedical domain explained 3% and the care domain explained 1%. The importance of the psychological aspects of Paget's disease suggests that treatment protocols should include psychological intervention to improve quality of life.
An enzyme-linked immunoassay for the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor protein
Authors: Uhland-Smith Ann , Prahl Jean M. , Deluca Hector F.
Published: February 2010

In this paper, we detail an enzyme-linked immunoassay for the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor protein. The receptor protein of cell and tissue homogenates is bound between two monoclonal antibodies specific for different epitopes on the receptor protein. The first antibody is bound to the well of an ELISA plate and the second is biotinylated. The receptor-antibody complex is detected with avidin-alkaline phosphatase and p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The amount of receptor in each sample is determined by comparison with a standard curve made from purified receptor protein. This assay is highly sensitive, measuring as little as 2 fmol of receptor, and has an intra-assay coefficient of variation of 6.6% and an interassay coefficient of variation of 13.8%. The assay can be used to measure the receptor from mammalian and avian species and is independent of the presence of hormone. By eliminating the need for a radio-iodinated monoclonal antibody and incorporating the ease of a plate assay, we have a significantly improved method for measuring the vitamin D receptor protein. This paper also presents Western analysis of the antibodies used to demonstrate that they do not recognize other steroid hormone receptors.
Injectable gellan gum hydrogels with autologous cells for the treatment of rabbit articular cartilage defects
Authors: Oliveira João T. , Gardel Leandro S. , Rada Tommaso , Martins Luís , Gomes Manuela E. , Reis Rui L.
Published: February 2010

In this work, the ability of gellan gum hydrogels coupled with autologous cells to regenerate rabbit full‐thickness articular cartilage defects was tested. Five study groups were defined: (a) gellan gum with encapsulated chondrogenic predifferentiated rabbit adipose stem cells (ASC + GF); (b) gellan gum with encapsulated nonchondrogenic predifferentiated rabbit adipose stem cells (ASC); (c) gellan gum with encapsulated rabbit articular chondrocytes (AC) (standard control); (d) gellan gum alone (control); (e) empty defect (control). Full‐thickness articular cartilage defects were created and the gellan gum constructs were injected and left for 8 weeks. The macroscopic aspect of the explants showed a progressive increase of similarity with the lateral native cartilage, stable integration at the defect site, more pronouncedly in the cell‐loaded constructs. Tissue scoring showed that ASC + GF exhibited the best results regarding tissue quality progression. Alcian blue retrieved similar results with a better outcome for the cell‐loaded constructs. Regarding real‐time PCR analyses, ASC + GF had the best progression with an upregulation of collagen type II and aggrecan, and a downregulation of collagen type I. Gellan gum hydrogels combined with autologous cells constitute a promising approach for the treatment of articular cartilage defects, and adipose derived cells may constitute a valid alternative to currently used articular chondrocytes. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1193–1199, 2010
Neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Liu Stephen V. , Melstrom Laleh , Yao Kathy , Russell Christy A. , Sener Stephen F.
Published: February 2010

The past few decades have seen an increase in both the role and the complexity of neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Neoadjuvant therapy was initially described as systemic chemotherapy for inflammatory or locally advanced breast cancer but now entails a combination of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy is employed for inoperable inflammatory and locally advanced breast cancer, and also for patients with operable breast cancers who desire breast‐conserving therapy (BCT) but are not candidates based on the initial size of the tumor in relation to the size of the breast. Neoadjuvant therapy in this subset of patients may impact the surgical options. This review will summarize the benefits of neoadjuvant systemic therapy and implications for BCT, the timing of sentinel node biopsy, and the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict response to therapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:283–291. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Separation and quantitative determination of sesquiterpene lactones in Lindera aggregata (Wu‐yao) by ultra‐performance LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Wu Yongjiang , Zheng Yunliang , Liu Xuesong , Han Zheng , Ren Yiping , Gan Lishe , Zhou Changxin , Luan Lianjun
Published: February 2010

An ultra‐performance LC in combination with MS/MS method was established to evaluate the quality of Wu‐yao (the dried root of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. (Lauraceae)) through simultaneous quantitation of five sesquiterpene lactones, linderagalactone D (1), linderagalactone C (2), hydroylindestenolide (3), neolinderalactone (4) and linderane (5). All compounds were separated on a Waters Acquity ultra‐performance LC HSS T3 column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm particle size) with linear gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid. An ESI interface in the positive mode was employed prior to MS detection. All the compounds showed good linearity (R2≥0.9992). The recoveries, measured at three concentration levels, varied from 97.3 to 103.4% with RSDs <4.8%. The simple, rapid and reliable method was successfully applied to quantify the five components in 13 samples of Wu‐yao from different areas.
Uses of ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate as a good separation electrolyte for direct electrophoretic separation of quaternary ammonium herbicides
Authors: Zhou Qingxiang , Mao Jinli , Xiao Junping , Xie Guohong
Published: February 2010

This paper describes a new method for the direct separation of paraquat and diquat by CZE with ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate employed as reliable electrolyte. Several factors that affect the separation efficiency were investigated in detail. The experimental results indicated that the optimal running buffer consisted of 50 mM 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and 10% ethanol (pH 5.0), applied voltage was 15 kV, and temperature was kept at 30°C and baseline‐separation was achieved within 18 min for the analytes. The proposed method would be very useful and have wide use to monitor the residual level of such pollutants when combined with high‐sensitive detector and an excellent sample preconcentration technique with high enrichment factor in the future.
Impact of the spatial and temporal arrangement of pastoral use on land degradation around animal concentration points
Authors: Okayasu T. , Okuro T. , Jamsran U. , Takeuchi K.
Published: February 2010

In mobile pastoral systems, the spatial movement of herders is tied to requirements such as water, markets and medical services, resulting in the concentration of livestock in particular areas and subsequent desertification in those areas. The spatial and temporal distributions of these requirements are subject to changes in external forces, such as political regimes and economic systems. To assess and counteract desertification requires an understanding of, and ability to predict, the spatial and temporal arrangements of such concentration points and how these arrangements cause or inhibit desertification. To this end we developed a model that explicitly simulates how animals and vegetation interact. The model has spatial settings for extensive pasture to represent the points at which animals concentrate. We found that the spatial dynamics of the interaction between animal behavior and vegetation were nonlinear and markedly affected the size of the area desertified, and that the distribution of grazing pressure was more important than total grazing pressure, which had only a limited influence on desertification. These findings indicate that application of the carrying capacity concept is not capable of preventing desertification in extensive pasture, even under equilibrium conditions. Therefore, explicit management of the spatial distribution of animals is essential to prevent desertification in extensively grazed rangelands. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of compatibilizers and testing speeds on the mechanical properties of organophilic montmorillonite filled polyamide 6/polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Kusmono  , Mohd Ishak Z.A. , Chow W.S. , Takeichi T. , Rochmadi
Published: February 2010

In the present study, the fracture properties of different types of organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) filled polyamide 6/polypropylene nanocomposites was investigated. Two types of compatibilizers, i.e., maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MA) and maleic anhydride grafted styrene‐ethylene/butylene‐styrene (SEBS‐g‐MA) were used to compatibilize these systems. The tensile properties were studied through tensile test at two different testing speeds; 50 and 500 mm/min whereas the fracture properties were determined using single‐edge‐notch‐3 point‐bending (SEN‐3PB) specimens at three different testing speeds; 1, 100, and 500 mm/min. The presence of both PP‐g‐MA and SEBS‐g‐MA compatibilizers improved the tensile and fracture properties of nanocomposites due to the compatibilizing effect of both compatibilizers. SEBS‐g‐MA compatibilizer seemed to be more effective in improving the fracture toughness of nanocomposites than PP‐g‐MA especially at high testing speed. This was due to the elastomeric nature of SEBS‐g‐MA, which can provide a better toughening effect than the relatively harder PP‐g‐MA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:1493–1504, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Unmet supportive care needs, psychological well‐being and quality of life in patients living with multiple myeloma and their partners
Authors: Molassiotis Alex , Wilson Barbara , Blair Susan , Howe Tracy , Cavet James
Published: February 2010

Purpose: The aim of this project was to identify the nature and range of needs, as well as levels of quality of life (QOL), of both patients living with myeloma and their partners.

Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was used, recruiting patients and their partners from 4 hospitals in the United Kingdom at a mean time post‐diagnosis of 5 years. Patients completed a scale exploring their Supportive Care Needs, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the EORTC QOL scale with its Myeloma module. The partners completed the partners' version of the Supportive Care Needs scale and HADS.

Results: A total of 132 patients and 93 of their partners participated. One‐quarter of the patients and one‐third of the partners reported unmet supportive care needs. About 27.4% of patients reported signs of anxiety and 25.2% reported signs of depression. Almost half the partners (48.8%) reported signs of anxiety and 13.6% signs of depression. Anxious/depressed patients had more than double unmet needs than non‐anxious/depressed patients (P<0.05). QOL was moderate, with key areas of impairment being physical, emotional, social and cognitive functioning, and patients complained of several symptoms, including tiredness (40.7%), pain (35.9%), insomnia (32.3%), peripheral neuropathies (28.3%) and memory problems (22.3%). About 40.8% were worried about their health in the future.

Conclusion: Long‐term supportive care services should provide support to both patients and their partners in relation to their unmet needs, screening them for psychological disorders, referring them appropriately and timely, and optimising symptom management in order to improve the patients' QOL. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial issues related to sexual functioning among African‐American prostate cancer survivors and their spouses
Authors: Rivers Brian M. , August Euna M. , Gwede Clement K. , Hart Alton , Donovan Kristine A. , Pow‐Sang Julio M. , Quinn Gwendolyn P.
Published: February 2010

Objective: Focus on cancer survivorship and quality of life (QOL) is a growing priority. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the most salient psychosocial concerns related to sexual functioning among African‐American (AA) prostate cancer survivors and their spouses.

Methods: Twelve AA prostate cancer survivors and their spouses participated in semi‐structured individual interviews. The interviews assessed couples' experiences with psychosocial adjustment and sexual functioning posttreatment for localized prostate cancer. The data were analyzed using the constant comparison method and content analysis.

Results: In this qualitative study of couples surviving prostate cancer, there were divergent views between the male prostate cancer survivors and their female partners, particularly regarding sexual functioning. For the males, QOL issues emerged as the primary area of concern, whereas survival of their husbands was considered most important among the female spouses. The male respondents expressed unease with the sexual side effects of their cancer treatment, such as erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire and satisfaction. Female spouses recognized decreased sexual desire in their partners following treatment, but this was not considered a primary concern.

Conclusions: Patients and their spouses may have differing perceptions regarding QOL and the impact of sexual functioning on survivorship. This study points to the need for further research and intervention development to address these domains with a goal to improve QOL. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The morphological and biomechanical changes of keratocytes cultured on modified p (HEMA‐MMA) hydrogel studied by AFM
Authors: Yan Tuo , Sun Rong , Deng Hua , Tan Baihua , Ao Ningjian
Published: February 2010

The poor integration with host cornea tissue and the low mechanical properties of pHEMA hydrogel for artificial cornea remains a difficult problem to solve. A modified pHEMA hydrogel, MMA copolymerized and type‐I collagen and bFGF immobilized, was previously prepared in an attempt to solve the problems. In this study, the cytotoxicity of Col/bFGF‐p (HEMA‐MMA) and p (HEMA‐MMA) was studied by cell adhesion assay and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results of cell adhesion assay show that the attachment of keratocytes on the modified membrane is much higher than that of the unmodified membrane. This indicates that the material after modification have better cell–material interaction. The AFM images reveal that the morphology of keratocytes cultured on different substrate is obviously different. The cell cultured on modified membrane presented a completely elongated and spindle‐shape morphology. The force−distance indicates that the biomechanical of keratocytes changes significantly after culturing on different substrates. The adhesion force (2328±523 pN) and Young's modulus (0.51±0.125 kPa) of the cell cultured on modified membrane are much higher, and the stiffness (0.08±0.022 mN/m) is lower than those of the cell cultured on unmodified membrane. These results show that the cytotoxicity of Col/bFGF‐p (HEMA‐MMA) for keratocytes is much improved. SCANNING 31: 246–252, 2009. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nitric oxide signaling via cGMP‐stimulated phosphodiesterase in striatal neurons
Authors: Lin David T.S. , Fretier Pascale , Jiang Cindy , Vincent Steven R.
Published: February 2010

Nitric oxide (NO) acts in the nervous system to activate guanylyl cyclase and increase cGMP. One target for cGMP appears to be the cGMP‐stimulated phosphodiesterase (PDE2A), which is widely expressed in the brain and provides a molecular mechanism for NO to regulate cAMP levels. We have found that PDE2A is highly expressed in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum, which project to the pallidum and substantia nigra. These cells express dopamine‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase, and we have found that increases in cAMP in these neurons, produced by activation of the D1‐type dopamine receptor, are dramatically enhanced by the general phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine and the PDE2A‐selective inhibitor erythro‐p‐(2‐hydroxyl‐3‐nonyl)adenine (EHNA). These results indicate that PDE2A plays a major role in regulating dopamine‐stimulated cAMP production in striatal neurons. EHNA also enhances NO‐induced increases in striatal cGMP. In addition, dopamine appears to act via another receptor, activated by the agonist SKF83959, to increase striatal cGMP in a NO‐dependent manner. Together, these observations indicate that striatal NO producing interneurons can act via the PDE2A in the medium spiny neurons to regulate the cAMP response to dopamine stimulation. Synapse 64:460–466, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroprotective effect of vitamin C against the ethanol and nicotine modulation of GABABreceptor and PKA‐α expression in prenatal rat brain
Authors: Naseer M.I. , Lee H.Y. , Kim M.O.
Published: February 2010

Prenatal ethanol exposure has various deleterious effects on neuronal development and can induce various defects in developing brain, resulting in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABAB) receptor (R) is known to play an important role during the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Our study was designed to investigate the effect of ethanol (100 mM), nicotine (50 μM) (for 30 min and 1 h), vitamin C (vitC, 0.5 mM), ethanol plus vitC, and nicotine plus vitC on expression level of GABAB1, GABAB2R, and protein kinase A‐α (PKA) in prenatal rat cortical and hippocampal neurons at gestational days (GD) 17.5. The results showed that, upon ethanol and nicotine exposure, GABAB1and GABAB2R protein expression increased significantly in the cortex and hippocampus for a short (30 min) and long term (1 h), whereas only GABAB2R subunit was decreased upon nicotine exposure for a long term in the cortex. Furthermore, PKA expression in cortex and hippocampus increased with ethanol exposure during short term, whereas long‐term exposure results increased in cortex and decreased in hippocampus. Moreover, the cotreatment of vitC with ethanol and nicotine showed significantly decreased expression of GABAB1, GABAB2R, and PKA in cortex and hippocampus for a long‐term exposure. Mitochondrial membrane potential, Fluoro‐jade‐B, and propidium iodide staining were used to elucidate possible neurodegeneration. Our results suggest the involvement of GABABR and PKA in nicotine and ethanol‐mediated neurodevelopmental defects and the potential use of vitC as a effective protective agent for FAS‐related deficits. Synapse 64:467–477, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leptin increases striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding in leptin‐deficient obese (ob/ob) mice
Authors: Pfaffly Jennifer , Michaelides Michael , Wang Gene‐Jack , Pessin Jeffrey E. , Volkow Nora D. , Thanos Panayotis K.
Published: February 2010

Peripheral and central leptin administration have been shown to mediate central dopamine (DA) signaling. Leptin‐receptor deficient rodents show decreased DA D2 receptor (D2R) binding in striatum and unique DA profiles compared to controls. Leptin‐deficient mice show increased DA activity in reward‐related brain regions. The objective of this study was to examine whether basal D2R‐binding differences contribute to the phenotypic behaviors of leptin‐deficient ob/ob mice, and whether D2R binding is altered in response to peripheral leptin treatment in these mice. Leptin decreased body weight, food intake, and plasma insulin concentration in ob/ob mice but not in wild‐type mice. Basal striatal D2R binding (measured with autoradiography [3H] spiperone) did not differ between ob/ob and wild‐type mice but the response to leptin did. In wild‐type mice, leptin decreased striatal D2R binding, whereas, in ob/ob mice, leptin increased D2R binding. Our findings provide further evidence that leptin modulates D2R expression in striatum and that these effects are genotype/phenotype dependent. Synapse 64:503–510, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PET studies of D2‐receptor binding in striatal and extrastriatal brain regions: Biochemical support in vivo for separate dopaminergic systems in humans
Authors: Cervenka Simon , Varrone Andrea , Fransén Erik , Halldin Christer , Farde Lars
Published: February 2010

Most molecular imaging studies of the dopamine (DA) system performed to date have focused on the striatum, a region receiving dense dopaminergic innervation. In clinical research on the DA D2‐receptor, striatal binding has often been regarded as an index of global DA function, based on the underlying assumption of common regulatory mechanisms for receptor expression across brain regions. Recent data has challenged this view, suggesting differences in genetic regulation between striatal and extrastriatal brain regions. The relationship between binding levels in brain regions has, however, not been directly examined in the same sample. In this study, we searched for interregional correlations between DA D2‐receptor availability as determined with Positron Emission Tomography in 16 control subjects. The radioligands [11C]raclopride and [11C]FLB 457 were used for measurements of D2‐receptor binding in striatal and extrastriatal regions, respectively. No correlation was observed between D2‐receptor availability in striatum and any of the extrastriatal regions, as assessed using both region of interest‐ and voxel‐based analyses. Instead, the pattern of correlations was consistent with the model of separate dopaminergic systems as has been originally observed in rodents. These preliminary results encourage approaches searching for individual patterns of receptor binding across the whole brain volume in clinical studies on the dopamine system. Synapse 64:478–485, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transrectal ultrasound‐guided surgical evacuation of Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Bignardi T. , Condous G.
Published: February 2010

Objectives

To describe a new technique for the management of Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSEP): transrectal ultrasound (TRS)‐guided surgical evacuation.

Methods

All women who presented at our early pregnancy units (EPU) from November 2006 to July 2008 underwent transvaginal sonography. CSEP was diagnosed if all of the following criteria were met: absence of an intrauterine pregnancy; empty endocervical canal; presence of a gestational sac implanted within the lower anterior segment of the uterine corpus, with or without evidence of myometrial thinning. Women were offered TRS‐guided surgical evacuation under general anesthesia. Successful treatment was defined as complete primary evacuation of the CSEP. The need to perform additional interventions (emergency cervical cerclage, insertion of Foley's balloon catheter, blood transfusions) was recorded.

Results

Of 1195 consecutive women who presented at the EPUs, seven (0.59%) were diagnosed with CSEP. Three (43%) of these were viable at the time of diagnosis. Two (29%) of the seven pregnancies followed in‐vitro fertilization; six (86%) women had previously had a single Cesarean section and one had had two. One of these women had a previous tubal ectopic pregnancy, and one a previous CSEP. Three (43%) of the women were asymptomatic. Five (71%) women were treated with TRS‐guided surgical evacuation as the primary treatment, whilst two (29%) were given systemic methotrexate, one of whom subsequently underwent TRS‐guided aspiration because of failure of conservative management. There were no major complications.

Conclusions

The best treatment for CSEP has yet to be established. TRS‐guided surgical evacuation is a novel and potentially alternative treatment modality. However, in the absence of further studies we cannot draw any conclusions, and the management of such women should be individualized. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The split‐brain
Authors: Lassonde Maryse , Ouimet Catherine
Published: February 2010

Research on split‐brain individuals started to flourish approximately 70 years ago and has since then significantly contributed to our understanding of hemispheric specialization. This overview aims to capture the essential of its progress. Amongst other things, the disconnection syndrome is exposed through a description of its manifestations on sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. Ground work and recent studies on split‐brain individuals are integrated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Clinical Neuroscience
Kinetics of Oxidation of L‐Cysteine by trans‐ and cis‐CoIII and FeIII Complexes based on α‐ and γ‐Diimine Schiff Base Ligands
Authors: Abdel‐Halim Hamzeh M. , Abu‐Surrah Adnan S. , Baker Hutaf M.
Published: February 2010

Kinetics of oxidation of L‐cysteine by CoIII and FeIII complexes based on α‐ and γ‐diimine Schiff base ligands were studied in aqueous solution. Pairs of trans and cis isomers of the metal complexes were used in the studies. Kinetic measurements were performed at 25 °C and constant pH and ionic strength under pseudo‐first order condition, in which the concentration of cysteine was around two orders of magnitude greater than that of the metal complex. The observed rate constant was obtained by following the change in absorbance of the reaction mixture with time at a predetermined wavelength. The overall rate constant and order of the reaction with respect to cysteine and metal complex were determined. For both metal ions studied, the oxidation rate constant for the trans isomer was higher than that for the cis isomer. This was attributed to the contribution of the steric factor and the trans effect. The effects of substituents and the nature of the metal ion on the reaction rate are discussed.
Phospholipid Distribution and Phospholipid Fatty Acids of the Tropical Tunicates Eudistoma sp. and Leptoclinides uniorbis
Authors: Dagorn Flore , Dumay Justine , Wielgosz‐Collin Gaëtane , Rabesaotra Vony , Viau Michèle , Monniot Claude , Biard Jean‐François , Barnathan Gilles
Published: February 2010

Two tunicates, Eudistoma sp. and Leptoclinides uniorbis, collected from the tropical waters off Djibouti were investigated for lipids and phospholipid (PL) fatty acids. PL accounted for 38.2% of the total lipids in Eudistoma sp. and for 30.2% in L. uniorbis. PL classes were quantified by normal‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography using an evaporative light‐scattering detector and revealed essential differences. Eudistoma sp. contained mainly phosphatidylcholine (PC, 70.3% of total PL) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC, 11.9%) and was devoid of phosphatidylserine (PS), whereas the major PL of L. uniorbis was PS (59.1%) followed by PC (22.5%) and LPC (8.8%). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses of fatty acid (FA) derivatives revealed 38 FA in Eudistoma sp., and 35 FA in L. uniorbis, ranged from C12 to C24 chain lengths. Polyunsaturated FA accounted for 25.9% in Eudistoma sp. and for 32.3% in L. uniorbis. Interestingly, L. uniorbis contained a high percentage (16.7%) of the 20:5n‐3 acid (8.9% in Eudistoma sp.) and the 18:4n‐3 acid (4.1%). Significant levels of the 20:4n‐6 acid were observed in both organisms (7.8 and 6.0% respectively). Eudistoma sp. contained the rare 20:3n‐7 acid (2.3%) only recorded to date in hydrothermal vent animals. The cyclopropane dihydrosterculic acid was identified in both tunicates (0.7 and 0.5% respectively). These latter FA, together with some unusual branched saturated and monounsaturated FA, revealed the occurrence of associated bacteria in the tunicates. Another noticeable feature was a series of eight C16 to C18 aldehyde dimethylacetals revealing the presence of plasmalogens at 5.0% in Eudistoma sp. and 14.2% in L. uniorbis. The results of this study were compared with those previously published for other tunicates regarding mainly PL content and FA composition.
Driving plasticity in the motor cortex in recurrent low back pain
Authors: Tsao Henry , Galea Mary P. , Hodges Paul W.
Published: February 2010

The sensory and motor systems can reorganise following injury and learning of new motor skills. Recently we observed adaptive changes in motor cortical organisation in patients with recurrent low back pain (LBP), which are linked to altered motor coordination. Although changes in motor coordination can be trained and are associated with improved symptoms and function, it remains unclear whether these training‐induced changes are related to reorganisation of the motor cortex. This was investigated using the model of a delay in postural activation of the deep abdominal muscle, transversus abdominis (TrA) in 20 individuals with recurrent LBP. Subjects were allocated to either motor skill training that involved isolated voluntary contractions of TrA, or a control intervention of self‐paced walking exercise for 2 weeks. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from TrA bilaterally using intramuscular fine‐wire electrodes. Motor cortical organisation using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and postural activation associated with single rapid arm movements were investigated before and after training. Motor skill training induced an anterior and medial shift in motor cortical representation of TrA, towards that observed in healthy individuals from our previous study. This shift was associated with earlier postural activation of TrA. Changes were not observed following unskilled walking exercise. This is the first observation that motor training can reverse reorganisation of neuronal networks of the motor cortex in people with recurrent pain. The observed relationship between cortical reorganisation and changes in motor coordination following motor training provides unique insight into potential mechanisms that underlie recovery.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain involvement in peroxiredoxin 3 oxidation by phenethyl isothiocyanate and auranofin
Authors: Brown Kristin K. , Cox Andrew G. , Hampton Mark B.
Published: February 2010

Mitochondrial peroxiredoxin 3 (Prx 3) is rapidly oxidized in cells exposed to phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and auranofin (AFN), but the mechanism of oxidation is unclear. Using HL‐60 cells deplete of mitochondrial DNA we show that peroxiredoxin 3 oxidation and cytotoxicity requires a functional respiratory chain. Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) could be inhibited by up to 90% by auranofin without direct oxidation of peroxiredoxin 3. However, inhibition of thioredoxin reductase promoted peroxiredoxin 3 oxidation and cytotoxicity in combination with phenethyl isothiocyanate or antimycin A. We conclude that rapid peroxiredoxin 3 oxidation occurs as a consequence of increased oxidant production from the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Voltage‐dependent anion‐selective channel (VDAC) in the plasma membrane
Authors: De Pinto Vito , Messina Angela , Lane Darius J.R. , Lawen Alfons
Published: February 2010

Voltage‐dependent anion channels (VDACs) have originally been characterized as mitochondrial porins. Starting in the late 1980s, however, evidence began to accumulate that VDACs can also be expressed in plasma membranes. In this review, we briefly revisit the historical milestones in the discovery of plasma membrane‐bound VDAC, and we critically analyze the evidence for VDAC plasma membrane localization obtained from various purification strategies and recently from plasma membrane proteomics studies. We discuss the possible biological function and relevance of VDAC in the plasma membrane and finally discuss a hypothetical model of how VDAC may be targeted to the plasma membrane.
The effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on bacterial biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hai Phan Vu Thanh , Lidstone Chris , Wallwork Ben
Published: February 2010

Objective: To determine whether or not endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) alters bacterial biofilms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) after three months of follow‐up.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Queensland.

Subjects and Methods: Participants with CRS from the Princess Alexandra Hospital Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and from Logan Hospital were enrolled in the study (2008‐2009). The total number of patients was 28, and the age range was 18 to 65 years. All patients underwent pre‐ and post‐ESS questionnaires, endoscopic scoring, and nasal swabs for bacterial culture. Crystal violet staining was used to assess biofilm formation on a 96‐well culture plaque.

Results: ESS resulted in a statistically significant improvement in quality‐of‐life, subjective, and objective outcome measures after three months. A significant reduction was observed in biofilm density before and after ESS (2.63 versus 1.3, P = 0.043). No correlations between the reduction of bacterial biofilms with any of the subjective, objective, and quality‐of‐life outcomes were seen in our study.

Conclusion: ESS was shown to be capable of reducing the prevalence of bacterial biofilms but did not eliminate them entirely. There was no correlation between altered biofilm formation and improved outcome measures in individual patients.
Reduced αB‐crystallin staining in perineural invasion of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Solares C. Arturo , Boyle Glen M. , Brown Ian , Parsons Peter G. , Panizza Benedict
Published: February 2010

Objective: Perineural invasion (PNI) in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (CSCCHN) carries poor prognosis. Tumor markers associated with neurotropism in CSCCHN have not been identified. Our objective was to study the expression of αB‐crystallin in CSCCHN with neurotropism.

Study Design: Cross‐sectional review of pathologic specimens.

Setting: Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods: Tissue from patients with CSCCHN with clinical PNI who underwent surgery between 1998 and 2005 was immunostained for αB‐crystallin. In addition, non‐PNI CSCCHN and normal nerve sections were also stained. Staining intensity was calculated by the histologic, or H, score (product of the intensity and proportion of tumor cells stained). The H‐score ranged from 0.0 to 3.0, with 0 indicating negative staining in all cells and 3.0 indicating strong staining in 100 percent of cells.

Results: Tissue was available in 15 clinical PNI CSCCHN patients. The analysis was also carried out in 14 non‐PNI patients matched by stage and four normal greater auricular nerve (GAN) sections. The mean H‐score was 0.56 for CSCCHN with PNI, 1.06 for non‐PNI CSCCHN, and 3.0 for normal nerves. The difference in H‐score between PNI and non‐PNI CSCCHN was statistically significant (P = 0.04).

Conclusion: CSCCHN with clinical PNI has decreased staining for αB‐crystallin. This finding further demonstrates the differences between clinical PNI and non‐PNI CSCCHN tumors. Additional studies are required to identify cell surface markers expressed by CSCCHN that confer neurotropism capabilities.
Autofluorescence improves pretreatment mucosal assessment in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Fielding David , Agnew Julienne , Wright David , Hodge Robert
Published: February 2010

Objective: Panendoscopy is used in selected patients with head and neck cancer to detect second primary disease. We hypothesized that adding autofluorescence to the bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy part of this procedure could add to the detection of clinically meaningful dysplasias and carcinomas in both the head and neck and bronchus, with resultant change in management.

Study Design: Prospective observational study on consecutive patients with head and neck cancer who had panendoscopy prior to surgery.

Setting: Teaching hospital, tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods: All patients had white‐light inspection observed by ENT surgeons, followed by autofluorescence inspection of the head and neck tumor and surrounding area as well as the bronchus. Extra biopsies were taken from regions of abnormal fluorescence where there was no white‐light abnormality.

Results: Sixty‐six patients were studied; mean age 64.9 ± 11 years. As a result of autofluorescence, 33 mucosal biopsies were taken from the head and neck and 37 from the bronchus. Histology included three carcinoma in situ lesions and four severe dysplasias. As a result of these autofluorescence biopsies, change of management occurred in four patients (6% of the total patients). Standard panendoscopy changed management in five patients. Therefore, standard panendoscopy led to change in management in only 55 percent of cases (CI 21%‐86%, P = 0.02), with the rest detected by autofluorescence.

Conclusion: Adding autofluorescence to panendoscopy in patients with head and neck cancer changed management in a clinically significant number of patients.
Detailed Holocene climate record from the carbonate section of saline Lake Tsagan-Tyrm (West Baikal area)
Authors: Sklyarov E.V. , Solotchina E.P. , Vologina E.G. , Ignatova N.V. , Izokh O.P. , Kulagina N.V. , Sklyarova O.A. , Solotchin P.A. , Stolpovskaya V.N. , Ukhova N.N. , Fedorovskii V.S. , Khlystov O.M.
Published: February 2010

We present results of a complex study of evaporite sediments from one of the small saline lakes with carbonate sedimentation in the Ol’khon area and substantiate their high significance for paleoclimatic reconstructions. The mineral composition of the bottom sediments was studied by XRD analysis, IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis (SR-XFA), etc. By decomposition of the complex XRD profiles of carbonate minerals into individual peaks by Pearson VII function, we identified carbonate phases in each sample and determined their proportions. A high-resolution carbonate record has been obtained for the first time for the lacustrine sediments. It bears the information about the stratigraphic distribution of Mg-calcites (a continuous series of structurally disordered low- to high-Mg calcites, up to Ca-dolomites), in which the amount and proportions of phases with different Mg contents are controlled by Mg/Ca, salinity, and total alkalinity of the lake water changing depending on the climatic cycles and lake level fluctuations. Comparison of the carbonate record for the Holocene section dated by the radiocarbon (14C) method with results of lithological, diatom, and palynological analyses, data on stable isotopes (δ18O and δ13C), and the distribution of some geochemical indicators of climatic changes permitted the reconstruction of the intricate evolution of the Lake Tsagan-Tyrm basin, which was controlled by the regional climate from the Atlantic period to the present time. The directed change in various characteristics of essentially carbonate sediments evidences that the Ol’khon regional climate has become more arid in recent 6.5 kyr. Moreover, drastic frequent changes of climate and, correspondingly, the Lake Tsagan-Tyrm water level in different periods of its existence have been revealed. The widespread saline and brackish lakes in southern East Siberia, Mongolia, and North China and the highly informative (in terms of paleoclimate and paleolimnology) carbonate sediments might help to recognize the general tendencies of paleoclimate changes and local fluctuations in Central Asia.
Strike-slip faults in the West Siberian basin: implications for petroleum exploration and development
Authors: Gogonenkov G.N. , Timurziev A.I.
Published: February 2010

Specific deformation patterns in sediments associated with small-amplitude strike-slip faults in the basement have been recognized over a large territory of the West Siberian basin due to 3D seismic exploration advance. These patterns represent shear structures which turn to be a phenomenon beyond the classical views of the regional basin architecture. Many densely faulted oil and gas fields of a complex geometry in reservoir rocks of a wide stratigraphic range fall in zones of shear structures. Prospecting, test drilling, and oil enhancement activities in these fields are risky without a solid mechanic and kinematic background based on simulation of sedimentary fracture patterns which are associated with basement-involved strike-slip faults and may govern hydrocarbon migration as structure controls, fluid channels, or screens.
Codon Usage Biases of Transposable Elements and Host Nuclear Genes in Arabidopsis Thaliana and Oryza Sativa
Authors: Jia Jia , Xue Qingzhong
Published: February 2010

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic entities ubiquitously distributed in nearly all genomes. High frequency of codons ending in A/T in TEs has been previously observed in some species. In this study, the biases in nucleotide composition and codon usage of TE transposases and host nuclear genes were investigated in the AT-rich genome of Arabidopsis thaliana and the GC-rich genome of Oryza sativa. Codons ending in A/T are more frequently used by TEs compared with their host nuclear genes. A remarkable positive correlation between highly expressed nuclear genes and C/G-ending codons were detected in O. sativa (r=0.944 and 0.839, respectively, P<0.0001) but not in A. thaliana, indicating a close association between the GC content and gene expression level in monocot species. In both species, TE codon usage biases are similar to that of weakly expressed genes. The expression and activity of TEs may be strictly controlled in plant genomes. Mutation bias and selection pressure have simultaneously acted on the TE evolution in A. thaliana and O. sativa. The consistently observed biases of nucleotide composition and codon usage of TEs may also provide a useful clue to accurately detect TE sequences in different species.
Without Foundations: Plato'sLysisand Postmodern Friendship
Authors: LUDWIG PAUL W.
Published: February 2010

Political theory has developed at important junctures by questioning its ontological foundations. Modern political thought begins by questioning the naturalness of human sociability. Instead of the civic friendship propounded by the ancients, modern liberals see friendship as belonging to a private sphere, whereas the state is an alliance among competitors. Postmodern theorists have extended the logic of competition to encompass private friendships, doing so, in part, by critiquing liberal foundations. Plato's account of friendship reveals surprising affinities with two such postmodern critiques. TheLysisexplores what friendship would be like without ontological claims or with only negative foundations such as the power and enmity found in accounts of friendship as diverse as those of Foucault and Derrida. The Platonic/postmodern comparison offers a way of ensuring that foundational inquiry illuminates political theory and argues for a greater role for fundamental ontology than mainstream liberal theorists have yet conceded.
Density-dependent processes in leaf beetles feeding on purple loosestrife: aggregative behaviour affecting individual growth rates
Authors: Hambäck P.A.
Published: February 2010

Aggregative responses are commonly observed in insects, including chrysomelids, affecting both individual and population growth rates. In two closely related chrysomelid beetles (Galerucella calmariensisandG. pusilla) feeding on purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), recent studies suggest that male-produced pheromones may cause both inter- and intraspecific attraction. This paper further examines the causes and consequences of feeding aggregations in these species. Olfactometer studies confirm previous findings, showing cross-species attraction to damaged plants, but suggest that also damaged induced plant volatiles may be involved. In addition, the studies suggest that the cross-species attraction observed in previous studies have asymmetric effects on the two beetles.Galerucella pusillawas more attracted to damage byG. calmariensisthan to damage by conspecifics. Laboratory and field data suggest that feeding aggregations in these species increase pupal mass, at least at low to intermediate larval densities. This positive feedback may have important consequences for the spatiotemporal dynamics and as a consequence on the role of the two chrysomelid beetles on biological control of purple loosestrife.
Evangelical Networks in the Greater Caribbean and the Origins of the Black Church
Authors: Catron John W.
Published: February 2010

Henry Beverhout looked out over the West African village of Freetown in 1792 with misgivings. From his own experience and from the complaints he received from other townspeople, he now recognized that the black men and women of Sierra Leone were not being afforded the equal treatment they had been promised. Exploited and discriminated against for most of their lives by white masters in America, these expatriates had arrived in West Africa determined to chart a new course for themselves. But the path to economic, civil, and religious freedom was littered with obstacles. They soon encountered problems with white Sierra Leone Company officials over low pay, high prices, and the slow pace at which land was apportioned to the new settlers. Just as important, the black émigrés were dismayed by the company's system of justice, whose juries Beverhout said did not “haven aney of our own Culler in” them. Having absorbed the British and American legal traditions of trial by a jury of one's peers, he demanded that in any “trial thear should be a jurey of both white and black and all should be equal.” Going even further, he then made the explosive claim that “we have a wright to Chuse men that we think proper to act for us in a reasnenble manner.”