bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GAP43 phosphorylation is critical for growth and branching of retinotectal arbors in zebrafish
Authors: Leu Byunghee , Koch Eric , Schmidt John T.
Published: July 2010

Visual activity acts via NMDA Receptors to refine developing retinotectal maps by shaping retinal arbors. Retinal axons add and delete transient branches, and the dynamic rates increase when MK801 blocks NMDARs, as if this prevents release of a stabilizing signal. Ca++ entry through NMDARs activates phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) to release arachidonic acid (AA), which taps into a presynaptic growth control mechanism. NCAM, L1, N‐cadherin, and FGF all stimulate axon growth via AA activation of protein kinase C to phosphorylate GAP43 and polymerize/stabilize F‐actin. Our previous results show that blocking cPLA2 mimics NMDAR blockers, whereas exogenous AA reverses the increased dynamics, and PKC inhibitors also arrest growth. To test whether this activity‐driven F‐actin control mechanism shapes retinotectal arbors in zebrafish, we used the alpha‐1‐tubulin promoter to express GAP43‐GFP fusion proteins in retinal ganglion cells, and imaged arbors in time‐lapse to test for effects of GAP43 levels and its phosphorylation. Overexpressing wildtype GAP43 gave faster growth and larger arbors (#branches, spatial extent, total length of branches) at three days and especially four days. Surprisingly, the N‐terminal 20 amino acid segment alone caused the same increase in branching, but no increase in growth. Earlier studies implicate this region in activating Go resulting in collapse of growth cones, which is now known to precede branch initiation. In contrast, GAP43 with ser41 mutated to ala (S41A) to prevent phosphorylation did not increase either branching or growth but resulted in immature, elongated arbors even at four to five days. In support of this atrophic effect, only half of brain/spinal neurons expressing S41A successfully initiated axonal outgrowth (vs. nearly 100% for wtGAP43). These results suggest that the region around the ser41 phosphorylation site, which binds CaM and PIP2, promotes growth only when phosphorylated, and also activates the branching control region in the first 10–20 amino acids. Whereas phosphorylation introduces a bulky negative charge group, mutation of serine to arginine introduces a bulky positive charge. But this also produced the same growth and branching as phosphorylation, suggesting that the effect of phosphorylation is through hydrophilic bulk rather than negative charge, in agreement with other IQ motifs. The results implicate the cPLA2‐AA‐PKC‐GAP43 pathway as part of an F‐actin based mechanism that both stabilizes new synapses and initiates new branches near effective synapses. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 897–911, 2010
The in situ dynamics of dendritic cell interactions
Authors: Kastenmüller Wolfgang , Gerner Michael Y. , Germain Ronald N.
Published: July 2010

DC regulate T‐cell function by promoting either tolerance or activation, and in the latter case, by directing the quality of the ensuing response. New imaging tools now permit direct visualization of the relevant DC–T‐cell interactions in vivo and have provided a new perspective on the dynamics of these crucial cellular contacts. In this Viewpoint, we discuss the insights generated by direct visualization of DC–T‐cell interactions and the controversies/unanswered questions that need to be addressed in future work.
From skin dendritic cells to a simplified classification of human and mouse dendritic cell subsets
Authors: Guilliams Martin , Henri Sandrine , Tamoutounour Samira , Ardouin Laurence , Schwartz‐Cornil Isabelle , Dalod Marc , Malissen Bernard
Published: July 2010

Recent studies have identified several DC subsets within the mouse skin and showed that functional specialization exists among them. This Viewpoint summarizes recent data on functional specialization of skin DC subsets and integrates this knowledge into a unifying DC classification that emphasizes the similarities between the DC subsets found in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues of several mammalian species.
Weinreb Amide Based Building Blocks for Convenient Access to Analogues of Phenstatin
Authors: Sivaraman Balasubramaniam , Aidhen Indrapal Singh
Published: July 2010

Bifunctional synthetic equivalents containing a Weinreb amide as one of the functionalities have been synthesized from commercially availableo‐,m‐, andp‐toluic acid. These bifunctional building blocks enabled efficient C–C bond formation through Wittig reaction with simple and functionalized aldehydes on one hand and a clean nucleophilic addition of 3,4,5‐trimethoxy phenylmagnesium bromide onto the Weinreb amide functionality on the other hand, thereby paving way for an efficient and convenient synthesis of novel analogues of phenstatin with highly functionalized appendages. Further addition of various aryl or heteroarylmagnesium bromides onto the Weinreb amide functionality provided a general strategy for synthesizing unsymmetrical diaryl ketones conjugated to a monosaccharide moiety for the first time.
Red and romantic behavior in men viewing women
Authors: Niesta Kayser Daniela , Elliot Andrew J. , Feltman Roger
Published: July 2010

In many non‐human primate species, a display of red by a female increases attraction behavior in male conspecifics. In two experiments, we investigate an analogous effect in humans, specifically, whether red on a woman's shirt increases attraction behavior in men. In Experiment 1, men who viewed an ostensible conversation partner in a red versus a green shirt chose to ask her more intimate questions. In Experiment 2, men who viewed an ostensible interaction partner in a red versus a blue shirt chose to sit closer to her. These effects were observed across participants' perceptions of their own attractiveness (Experiment 1) and general activation and mood (Experiment 2). Our findings suggest that red acts as a basic, non‐lexical prime, influencing reproduction‐relevant behavior in like manner across species. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viewing time through the lens of the self: The fit effect of self‐construal and temporal distance on task perception
Authors: Lee Sujin , Lee Angela Y. , Kern Mary C.
Published: July 2010

This paper describes how different self‐construals influence people's perception of temporal distance and in turn their task evaluation. We hypothesize that people with a more accessible interdependent (vs. independent) self‐construal perceive future events as temporally more proximal, and that people's reaction toward a task is intensified when the temporal distance to the task matches (vs. mismatches) their self‐construal. Across four studies, we showed that individuals with a more accessible interdependent self‐construal (Study 1) and East Asians (Study 2) perceived future events as more proximal than those with a more accessible independent self‐construal and European Americans. Further, when considering a task at a temporal distance that fits their self‐construal, individuals perceived a pleasant task as more motivating (Study 3) and an unpleasant task as less motivating (Study 4).

The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.

C. S. Lewis

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of group music intervention against agitated behavior in elderly persons with dementia
Authors: Lin Yu , Chu Hsin , Yang Chyn‐Yng , Chen Chiung‐Hua , Chen Shyi‐Gen , Chang Hsiu‐Ju , Hsieh Chia‐Jung , Chou Kuei‐Ru
Published: July 2010

Objectives

This study explored the effectiveness of group music intervention against agitated behavior in elderly persons with dementia.

Methods

This was an experimental study using repeated measurements. Subjects were elderly persons who suffered from dementia and resided in nursing facilities. In total, 104 participants were recruited by permuted block randomization and of the 100 subjects who completed this study, 49 were in the experimental group and 51 were in the control group. The experimental group received a total of twelve 30‐min group music intervention sessions, conducted twice a week for six consecutive weeks, while the control group participated in normal daily activities. In order to measure the effectiveness of the therapeutic sessions, assessments were conducted before the intervention, at the 6th and 12th group sessions, and at 1 month after cessation of the intervention. Longitudinal effects were analyzed by means of generalized estimating equations (GEEs).

Results

After the group music therapy intervention, the experimental group showed better performance at the 6th and 12th sessions, and at 1 month after cessation of the intervention based on reductions in agitated behavior in general, physically non‐aggressive behavior, verbally non‐aggressive behavior, and physically aggressive behavior, while a reduction in verbally aggressive behavior was shown only at the 6th session.

Conclusions

Group music intervention alleviated agitated behavior in elderly persons with dementia. We suggest that nursing facilities for demented elderly persons incorporate group music intervention in routine activities in order to enhance emotional relaxation, create inter‐personal interactions, and reduce future agitated behaviors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Programmed Death-1/B7-H1 Negative Costimulation Protects Mouse Liver Against Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Ji Haofeng , Shen Xiuda , Gao Feng , Ke Bibo , Freitas Maria Cecilia S. , Uchida Yoichiro , Busuttil Ronald W. , Zhai Yuan , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W.
Published: July 2010

Programmed death-1 (PD-1)/B7-H1 costimulation acts as a negative regulator of host alloimmune responses. Although CD4 T cells mediate innate immunity-dominated ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) in the liver, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study focused on the role of PD-1/B7-H1 negative signaling in liver IRI. We used an established mouse model of partial liver warm ischemia (90 minutes) followed by reperfusion (6 hours). Although disruption of PD-1 signaling after anti–B7-H1 monoclonal antibody treatment augmented hepatocellular damage, its stimulation following B7-H1 immunoglobulin (B7-H1Ig) fusion protected livers from IRI, as evidenced by low serum alanine aminotransferase levels and well-preserved liver architecture. The therapeutic potential of B7-H1 engagement was evident by diminished intrahepatic T lymphocyte, neutrophil, and macrophage infiltration/activation; reduced cell necrosis/apoptosis but enhanced anti-necrotic/apoptotic Bcl-2/Bcl-xl; and decreased proinflammatory chemokine/cytokine gene expression in parallel with selectively increased interleukin (IL)-10. Neutralization of IL-10 re-created liver IRI and rendered B7-H1Ig–treated hosts susceptible to IRI. These findings were confirmed in T cell–macrophage

in vitro

coculture in which B7-H1Ig diminished tumor necrosis factor-α/IL-6 levels in an IL-10–dependent manner. Our novel findings document the essential role of the PD-1/B7-H1 pathway in liver IRI.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to demonstrate that stimulating PD-1 signals ameliorated liver IRI by inhibiting T cell activation and Kupffer cell/macrophage function. Harnessing mechanisms of negative costimulation by PD-1 upon T cell–Kupffer cell cross-talk may be instrumental in the maintenance of hepatic homeostasis by minimizing organ damage and promoting IL-10–dependent cytoprotection. (Hepatology 2010.)
Potential Role for Interleukin-28B Genotype in Treatment Decision-Making in Recent Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Grebely Jason , Petoumenos Kathy , Hellard Margaret , Matthews Gail V. , Suppiah Vijayaprakash , Applegate Tanya , Yeung Barbara , Marks Phillipa , Rawlinson William , Lloyd Andrew R. , Booth David , Kaldor John M. , George Jacob , Dore Gregory J.
Published: July 2010

Polymorphisms in the

IL28B

(interleukin-28B) gene region are important in predicting outcome following therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We evaluated the role of

IL28B

in spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance following recent HCV infection. The Australian Trial in Acute Hepatitis C (ATAHC) was a study of the natural history and treatment of recent HCV, as defined by positive anti-HCV antibody, preceded by either acute clinical HCV infection within the prior 12 months or seroconversion within the prior 24 months. Factors associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced HCV clearance, including variations in

IL28B

, were assessed. Among 163 participants, 132 were untreated (n = 52) or had persistent infection (infection duration ≥26 weeks) at treatment initiation (n = 80). Spontaneous clearance was observed in 23% (30 of 132 participants). In Cox proportional hazards analysis (without

IL28B

), HCV seroconversion illness with jaundice was the only factor predicting spontaneous clearance (adjusted hazards ratio = 2.86; 95% confidence interval = 1.24, 6.59;

P

= 0.014). Among participants with

IL28B

genotyping (n = 102 of 163 overall and 79 of 132 for the spontaneous clearance population), rs8099917 TT homozygosity (versus GT/GG) was the only factor independently predicting time to spontaneous clearance (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.78; 95% confidence interval = 1.04, 13.76;

P

= 0.044). Participants with seroconversion illness with jaundice were more frequently rs8099917 TT homozygotes than other (GG/GT) genotypes (32% versus 5%,

P

= 0.047). Among participants adherent to treatment and who had

IL28B

genotyping (n = 54), sustained virologic response was similar among TT homozygotes (18 of 29 participants, 62%) and those with GG/GT genotype (16 of 25, 64%,

P

= 0.884).

Conclusion:

During recent HCV infection, genetic variations in

IL28B

region were associated with spontaneous but not treatment-induced clearance. Early therapeutic intervention could be recommended for individuals with unfavorable

IL28B

genotypes. (Hepatology 2010;)
Mutation Analysis and Characterization of Alternative Splice Variants of the Wilson Disease Gene ATP7B
Authors: Wan Lei , Tsai Chang-Hai , Hsu Chin-Moo , Huang Chin-Chang , Yang Chih-Chao , Liao Chiu-Chu , Wu Chin-Ching , Hsu Yu-An , Lee Cheng-Chun , Liu Su-Ching , Lin Wei-De , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: July 2010

Wilson disease is a copper metabolism disorder caused by mutations in ATP7B, a copper-transporting adenosine triphosphatase. A molecular diagnosis was performed on 135 patients with Wilson disease in Taiwan. We identified 36 different mutations, eight of which were novel: five missense mutations (Ser986Phe, Ile1348Asn, Gly1355Asp, Met1392Lys, and Ala1445Pro), one deletion (2810delT) in the coding region, and two nucleotide substitutions (−133A→C and −215A→T) in the promoter region. These mutations were not observed in 100 control subjects and reduced the activity of the mutated protein by at least 50% when compared with wild-type ATP7B. In addition to exon 8, our data indicate another mutation hotspot in exon 12 where 9.62% of all mutations occurred. An alternative splice variant of

ATP7B

lacking exon 12 was observed in one patient who had a homozygous 2810delT mutation and very mild clinical symptoms. Clinical examination and functional characterization of alternative splice variants of

ATP7B

lacking exon 12 showed that they retained 80% of their biological activity. The 2810delT mutation increased the expression of these variants, which may have explained the mild symptoms in the patient with the 2810delT mutation. We also discovered that treating liver cancer cells with a Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor, 5-(

N

-ethyl-
N

-isopropyl)-amiloride, significantly enhanced the expression of the alternative splice variant of

ATP7B

lacking exon 12.

Conclusion:

This study suggests a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with mutations in exon 12. (Hepatology 2010;52:1662-1670)
Spatial cross‐correlation patterns of European low, mean and high flows
Authors: Gudmundsson Lukas , Tallaksen Lena M. , Stahl Kerstin
Published: July 2010

Low and high flows are associated with different hydrological processes. High flows correspond to the direct response of catchments to water input, whereas low flows occur in pronged dry periods and are governed by depleting storages. Therefore, the inter‐annual dynamics of high and low flows are often considered to be independent. To shed light on this assumption, we analysed a pan‐European dataset of 615 streamflow records, summarized as time series of annual streamflow percentiles (5th, 10th, …, 95th). The analysis was based on comparing the spatial cross‐correlation patterns derived from the different percentile series. Their interrelation was visualized by projecting them into a low‐dimensional space. We found that large parts of the cross‐correlations of the percentile series can be summarized by one dominating component. This component represents geographical continuous regions in Europe of correlated streamflow. Departures from this mean pattern occurred for low and high flows and were characterized by the corresponding spatial correlation functions. Generally, spatial correlations appear to be stronger for high flows than for mean flows, particularly for short distances (<400 km). Low flows, on the other hand, have the lowest spatial correlations for short distances. For longer distances (>800 km), this pattern reverses and the spatial correlation of low flows become largest. This discrepancy between low and high flows suggests that hydrological systems are more homogeneously linked to climatic fluctuations under wet conditions. Under dry conditions, local catchment properties appear to play a larger role in translating climatic fluctuations into hydrological response. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of an inter‐basin water transfer and reservoir operation on a karst open streamflow hydrological regime: an example from the Dinaric karst (Croatia)
Authors: Bonacci Ognjen , Andrić Ivo
Published: July 2010

This paper describes the hydrological changes caused by inter‐basin water transfer and the reservoir development on the hydrological regimes of two rivers. The Sabljaki Reservoir in the Zagorska Mrežnica River and the Bukovik Reservoir in the upper Dobra River began operation in 1959. Both are part of the hydroelectric power plant (HEPP) Gojak, whose installed capacity is 50 m3/s. Their water volumes at the spillway altitudes of 320·10 and 320·15 m a. s. l. are 3·3 × 106 and 0·24 × 106 m3 respectively. Both the Dobra and Mrežnica Rivers are losing, sinking and underground karst rivers. A 9376‐m‐long tunnel provides water from the Sabljaki Reservoir to the HEPP Gojak, which was constructed in the Lower Dobra River. The Sabljaki Reservoir is located in the Plaški karst polje, while the Bukovik Reservoir is located in the neighbouring Ogulin karst polje. The consequences of the inter‐basin water transfer are strong and have caused abrupt changes in the hydrological regimes of the downstream sections of both rivers. At the same time, the construction and development of both the reservoirs have also caused hydrological changes to the upstream section of the Upper Dobra River. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indomethacin promotes adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells through a cyclooxygenase independent mechanism
Authors: Styner Maya , Sen Buer , Xie Zhihui , Case Natasha , Rubin Janet
Published: July 2010

Regulation of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) lineage selection is important for the generation of bone mass. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2) may increase adipogenesis at the cost of decreasing osteoprogenitor output. Here we investigated the role of COX2 and its products during MSC differentiation. Indomethacin stimulated adipogenesis (increased aP2, adiponectin and lipid droplets) of CH310T1/2 stem cells as well as marrow‐derived MSCs to a degree similar to the PPARγ2 ligand, rosiglitazone. Unlike rosiglitazone, indomethacin significantly upregulated PPARγ2 expression. Indomethacin and the COX2 specific inhibitor celecoxib suppressed PGE2 production, but celecoxib did not induce adipogenesis. As well, addition of PGE2 failed to reverse indomethacin induced adipogenesis, indicating that indomethacin's effects were prostaglandin independent. In MSCs over‐expressing PPARγ2 and RXRα, indomethacin did not increase PPAR‐induced transcription, while rosiglitazone and 15d‐PGJ2 did (1.7‐ and 1.3‐fold, respectively, P < 0.001). We considered whether indomethacin might directly affect C/EBPβ proximally to PPARγ2 induction. Indomethacin significantly increased C/EBPβ expression and protein within 24 h of addition. These results indicate that indomethacin promotes adipogenesis by increasing C/EBPβ and PPARγ2 expression in a prostaglandin‐independent fashion. This effect of indomethacin is pertinent to potential deleterious effects of this commonly used anti‐inflammatory drug on bone remodeling and tissue healing. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1042–1050, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New results on GDDs, covering, packing and directable designs with block size 5
Authors: Abel R. Julian R. , Assaf Ahmed M. , Bluskov Iliya , Greig Malcolm , Shalaby Nabil
Published: July 2010

This article looks at (5,λ) GDDs and (v,5,λ) pair packing and pair covering designs. For packing designs, we solve the (4t,5,3) class with two possible exceptions, solve 16 open cases with λ odd, and improve the maximum number of blocks in some (v, 5, λ) packings when v small (here, the Schönheim bound is not always attainable). When λ=1, we construct v=432 and improve the spectrum for v=14, 18 (mod 20). We also extend one of Hanani's conditions under which the Schönheim bound cannot be achieved (this extension affects (20t+9,5,1), (20t+17,5,1) and (20t+13,5,3)) packings. For covering designs we find the covering numbers C(280,5,1), C(44,5,17) and C(44,5,λ) with λ=13 (mod 20). We also know that the covering number, C(v, 5, 2), exceeds the Schönheim bound by 1 for v=9, 13 and 15. For GDDs of type gn, we have one new design of type 309 when λ=1, and three new designs for λ=2, namely, types g15 with g∈{13, 17, 19}. If λ is even and a (5, λ) GDD of type gu is known, then we also have a directable (5,λ) GDD of type gu. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 18:337–368, 2010
Akt/protein kinase B in skeletal muscle physiology and pathology
Authors: Wu Miaozong , Falasca Marco , Blough Eric R.
Published: July 2010

The Akt/protein kinase B is critical regulator of cellular homeostasis with diminished Akt activity being associated with dysregulation of cellular metabolism and cell death while Akt over‐activation has been linked to inappropriate cell growth and proliferation. Although the regulation of Akt function has been well characterized in vitro, much less is known regarding the function of Akt in vivo. Here we examine how skeletal muscle Akt expression and enzymatic activity are controlled, the role of Akt in the regulation of skeletal muscle contraction, stress response glucose utilization, and protein metabolism, and the potential participation of this important molecule in skeletal muscle atrophy, aging, and cancer. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 29–36, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production of geranyl propionate by enzymatic esterification of geraniol and propionic acid in solvent‐free system
Authors: Paroul Natália , Grzegozeski Luana Paula , Chiaradia Viviane , Treichel Helen , Cansian Rogério L. , Oliveira J. Vladimir , de Oliveira Débora
Published: July 2010

Background: This work reports the optimization of geranyl propionate production by esterification of geraniol and propionic acid in a solvent‐free system using a commercial lipase as catalyst. For this purpose, a sequential strategy was performed applying two experimental designs.

Results: The operating conditions that optimized geranyl propionate production were determined to be 40 °C, geraniol to propionic acid molar ratio of 3:1, 150 rpm and 10 wt% of enzyme, with a resulting reaction conversion of about 93%. After determining the optimum reaction parameters, a kinetic study was carried out evaluating the influence of substrates molar ratio, enzyme concentration and temperature on reaction conversion. Results obtained in this step allow one to conclude that an excess of alcohol (acid to alcohol molar ratio of 1:6), relatively low enzyme concentration (5 wt%), temperature of 40 °C and substrates molar ratio of 1:1 afforded nearly complete reaction conversion after 30 min of reaction.

Conclusion: New experimental data on enzymatic esterification of geraniol and propionic acid for geranyl propionate production are reported in this work, showing a promising perspective of the technique to overcome the well‐known drawbacks of the chemical‐catalyzed route. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of green kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward) proteinases by two‐dimensional zymography and direct identification of zymographic spots by mass spectrometry
Authors: Larocca Marilena , Rossano Rocco , Riccio Paolo
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: Proteinases present in kiwi fruits are potentially allergenic enzymes belonging to the papain family of cysteine proteinases. Actinidin is a prominent kiwi enzyme. The study of kiwi proteinases is important for the follow‐up of fruit maturation, a deeper insight in the allergenic properties of individual proteins, and the application of kiwi proteinases for meat tenderisation and other industrial purposes.

RESULTS: Kiwi crude extracts were analysed by two‐dimensional zymography on gelatin‐containing gels. The digestion by the reactivated proteolytic enzymes after electrophoresis resulted in insights into kiwi proteinases. A mixture of several enzyme isotypes with the same pI but different molecular mass was observed. Clear spots, corresponding to the proteolytic activities, were excised, digested with trypsin, and submitted to MALDI‐ToF mass spectrometry for protein identification. The most representative enzyme was actinidin.

CONCLUSIONS: The innovative achievements of the present study are the: (1) two‐dimensional zymographic map of kiwi gelatinases without the need for extensive purification; and (2) direct identification of proteinase isotypes by means of direct MALDI‐ToF MS analysis of the zymographic spots. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Revision frontal sinusotomy using stepwise balloon dilation and powered instrumentation
Authors: Bhandarkar Naveen D. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: July 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To report a novel approach toward revision frontal sinusotomy using a technique of balloon dilation followed by the use of powered instrumentation.

Study Design:

Case report.

Methods:

The frontal sinus outflow tract location was first confirmed with image guidance and then dilated with a balloon to address the soft tissue stenosis. Subsequently, the drill was introduced to accomplish a Draf 2B frontal sinusotomy.

Results:

An advantage of initial balloon dilation of the frontal sinus outflow tract was to quickly address the soft tissue stenosis with minimal tissue trauma and therefore less bleeding. This subsequently enabled insertion and clear visualization of the entire drill bit within the inferior aspect of the frontal outflow tract. The increased visualization makes other instrumentation safer as well, and avoids relatively blind removal of scar tissue that could result in inadvertent entry into the orbit or skull base.

Conclusions:

We describe the utility of the balloon as a tool for revision frontal sinusotomy to efficiently and safely allow subsequent instrumentation of the frontal outflow tract with larger more aggressive instruments, such as the drill. We have found this to be a safe and effective technique provided proper preoperative patient selection and assessment for limiting factors. Laryngoscope, 2010
Differences in portal hemodynamics between whole liver transplantation and living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Jiang Shui-Ming , Zhang Qi-Shun , Zhou Guang-Wen , Huang Shi-Feng , Lu Hai-Ming , Peng Cheng-Hong
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in portal hemodynamics between whole liver transplantation and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Twenty patients who underwent LDLT (the L group) and 42 patients who underwent whole liver transplantation (the W group) were enrolled, and colored Doppler ultrasonography was performed preoperatively and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 5, 7, 30, and 90. The changes in the portal blood flow velocity (PBV) and portal blood flow volume (PBF) were monitored. The graft and spleen sizes were measured with angiographic computed tomography, and upper endoscopy was used to measure esophageal varices on PODs 14, 30, and 90. Although the portal venous pressure (PVP) decreased after graft implantation, it was higher in the L group with a smaller graft size ratio (25.7 ± 5.1 cm H2O for the L group and 18.5 ± 4.6 cm H2O for the W group, P < 0.05). PBF and PBV increased in both the W and L groups on POD 1 after transplantation; however, the PBF and PBV peaks were significantly higher in the W group. The postoperative PVP and graft volume were greatly related to PBF on POD 1. Grafts in the L group regenerated rapidly after the operation, and the volume increased from 704 ± 115 to 1524 ± 281 mL as early as 1 month after transplantation. A rapid improvement in splenomegaly was observed in both groups. An improvement in esophageal varices was observed in the W group on POD 14 after transplantation, whereas no change was observed in the L group. The portal venous flow in patients with portal hypertension showed a high perfusion state after LDLT, but in contrast to whole liver transplantation, the PVP elevation after LDLT postponed the closing time of the collateral circulation and affected the recovery from splenomegaly. Liver Transpl 16:1236-1241, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Pretransplant risk factors for new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplant in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Kuo Hung-Tien , Lau Christine , Sampaio Marcelo Santos , Bunnapradist Suphamai
Published: July 2010

Our objectives are to examine the incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplant (NODAT) and to identify its risk factors in pediatric liver transplant recipients using the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database. Between July 2004 and December 2008, a total of 1214 children (2-20 years old) received their first liver transplant alone, and had at least 1 follow-up report of posttransplant diabetic status. Among these, 1161 recipients were identified as not having diabetes mellitus before transplant. Risk factors for NODAT were examined using classification and regression tree and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Diabetes mellitus was newly reported in 10.1% of the 1161 recipients over the median follow-up time of 770 days. The cumulative incidences of NODAT at 1, 2, and 3 years after transplant were 5.9%, 8.3%, and 11.2%, respectively. More than 50% of recipients with cystic fibrosis developed NODAT. In recipients without cystic fibrosis, independent risk factors for NODAT included increased recipient age (compared to 2-5 years, hazard ratio = 3.09 for 5-13 years, p = 0.02; 7.14 for ≥13 years, p < 0.001), African American race (1.97, p = 0.003), and primary diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (2.24, p = 0.02) and acute hepatic necrosis (1.89, p = 0.04). In conclusion, NODAT occurred in one-tenth of pediatric liver transplant recipients in the United States during the median follow-up of 2 years. Some of the risk factors for NODAT in pediatric liver transplant recipients are similar to those reported in other solid organ transplants. Underlying liver disease of cystic fibrosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and acute hepatic necrosis are independent risk factors for NODAT in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Liver Transpl 16:1249-1256, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Prevalence and risk factors of Parkinson's disease in retired Thai traditional boxers
Authors: Lolekha Praween , Phanthumchinda Kammant , Bhidayasiri Roongroj
Published: July 2010

Boxing is often believed to be a frequent cause for parkinsonism caused by chronic repetitive head injury, with Muhammad Ali frequently cited as an example. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in retired Thai traditional boxers. Two standardized screening questionnaires were sent to all registered Thai traditional boxers. Subjects who screened positive for parkinsonism were invited for clinical examinations by two independent neurologists. Among 704 boxers (70%) who completed the questionnaires, 8 boxers (1.14%) had parkinsonism: 5 with PD, 1 with progressive supranuclear palsy and 2 with vascular parkinsonism. Boxers with PD were found to have an older mean age than those without PD (P = 0.003). The analysis of probable risk factors disclosed an association between the number of professional bouts (>100 times) and PD (P = 0.01). The crude prevalence of PD in Thai boxers was 0.71% (95% CI: 0.09–1.33), with a significant increase with age. The prevalence rate of PD in those aged 50 and above was 0.17% (95% CI: 0.15–0.20), age‐adjusted to the USA 1970 census, which is comparable to that of the general populations. The analysis determined that the number of professional bouts is a risk factor among these boxers, supporting the notion that repetitive head trauma may pose an additional risk to certain individuals who are already susceptible to PD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
An ITPR1 gene deletion causes spinocerebellar ataxia 15/16: A genetic, clinical and radiological description
Authors: Novak Marianne J.U. , Sweeney Mary G. , Li Abi , Treacy Colm , Chandrashekar Hoskote S. , Giunti Paola , Goold Robert G. , Davis Mary B. , Houlden Henry , Tabrizi Sarah J.
Published: July 2010

the purpose of this study was to characterise a novel family with very slowly progressive pure spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) caused by a deletion in the inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor 1 (ITPR1) gene on chromosome 3. This is a detailed clinical, genetic, and radiological description of the genotype. Deletions in ITPR1 have been shown to cause SCA15/SCA16 in six families to date. A further Japanese family has been identified with an ITPR1 point mutation. The exact prevalence is as yet unknown, but is probably higher than previously thought. The clinical phenotype of the family is described, and videotaped clinical examinations are presented. Serial brain magnetic resonance imaging studies were carried out on one affected individual, and genetic analysis was performed on several family members. Protein analysis confirmed the ITPR1 deletion. Affected subjects display a remarkably slow, almost pure cerebellar syndrome. Serial magnetic resonance imaging shows moderate cerebellar atrophy with mild inferior parietal and temporal cortical volume loss. Genetic analysis shows a deletion of 346,487 bp in ITPR1 (the second largest ITPR1 deletion reported to date), suggesting SCA15 is due to a loss of ITPR1 function. Western blotting of lymphoblastoid cell line protein confirms reduced ITPR1 protein levels. SCA15 is a slowly or nonprogressive pure cerebellar ataxia, which appears to be caused by a loss of ITPR1 function and a reduction in the translated protein. Patients with nonprogressive or slowly progressive ataxia should be screened for ITPR1 defects. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Somatosensory evoked potentials recorded from the human pedunculopontine nucleus region
Authors: Yeh I‐Jin , Tsang Eric W. , Hamani Clement , Moro Elena , Mazzella Filomena , Poon Yu‐Yan , Lozano Andres M. , Chen Robert
Published: July 2010

The pedunculopontine nucleus region (PPNR) is an integral component of the midbrain locomotor region and has widespread connections with the cortex, thalamus, brain stem, cerebellum, spinal cord, and especially, the basal ganglia. No previous study examined the somatosensory connection of the PPNR in human. We recorded somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) from median nerve stimulation through deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes implanted in the PPNR in 8 patients (6 with Parkinson's disease, 2 with progressive supranuclear palsy). Monopolar recordings from the PPNR contacts showed triphasic or biphasic potentials. The latency of the largest negative peak was between 16.8 and 18.7 milliseconds. Bipolar derivation revealed phase reversal with median nerve stimulation contralateral to the DBS electrode in 6 patients. There was no difference in SEP amplitude and latency between on and off medication states. We also studied the high frequency oscillations (HFOs) by filtering the signal between 500 and 2,500 Hz. The HFOs could be identified only from contralateral stimulation and had intraburst frequencies of 1061 ± 121 Hz, onset latencies of 13.8 ± 1.2 milliseconds, and burst durations of 7.3 ± 1.1 milliseconds. Among the 10 recordings with HFOs, only 1 had possible phase reversal in the bipolar derivation. Our results suggest that there are direct somatosensory inputs to the PPNR. The slow components and HFOs of the SEP have different origins. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Odor identification deficits are associated with increased risk of neuropsychiatric complications in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Stephenson Randolph , Houghton David , Sundarararjan Sri , Doty Richard L. , Stern Matthew , Xie Sharon X. , Siderowf Andrew
Published: July 2010

Olfactory deficits appear early in the course of Parkinson's disease (PD) but their prognostic significance is not known. The goal of this study was to determine whether the severity of olfactory impairment is associated with subsequent risk of developing complications of PD. One hundred patients with PD self‐administered the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Testing was done, on average, 3.6 years from the time of initial diagnosis. The incidence of neuropsychiatric features of PD, including cognitive decline and visual hallucinations, was ascertained through chart review after an average of 6.8 years of follow‐up. Incidence of motor outcomes including falls and dyskinesias was also obtained. There was a significant trend for increased risk of neuropsychiatric complications across declining quartiles of olfactory test scores. In addition, subjects in the lowest quartile of olfactory performance had a significantly higher adjusted risk of hallucinations (HR = 4.70, 95% CI 1.64, 13.42) and cognitive decline (HR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.05, 9.21) than those in the reference quartile. There was no association between olfactory dysfunction and dyskinesias, and a very modest association with risk of falls. These findings suggest that severity of olfactory impairment early in the disease course may be a useful marker for the risk of neuropsychiatric complications of PD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Characteristics of the sequence effect in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kang Suk Yun , Wasaka Toshiaki , Shamim Ejaz A. , Auh Sungyoung , Ueki Yoshino , Lopez Grisel J. , Kida Tetsuo , Jin Seung‐Hyun , Dang Nguyet , Hallett Mark
Published: July 2010

The sequence effect (SE) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is progressive slowing of sequential movements. It is a feature of bradykinesia, but is separate from a general slowness without deterioration over time. It is commonly seen in PD, but its physiology is unclear. We measured general slowness and the SE separately with a computer‐based, modified Purdue pegboard in 11 patients with advanced PD. We conducted a placebo‐controlled, four‐way crossover study to learn whether levodopa and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could improve general slowness or the SE. We also examined the correlation between the SE and clinical fatigue. Levodopa alone and rTMS alone improved general slowness, but rTMS showed no additive effect on levodopa. Levodopa alone, rTMS alone, and their combination did not alleviate the SE. There was no correlation between the SE and fatigue. This study suggests that dopaminergic dysfunction and abnormal motor cortex excitability are not the relevant mechanisms for the SE. Additionally, the SE is not a component of clinical fatigue. Further work is needed to establish the physiology and clinical relevance of the SE. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
The prevalence and patterns of pharyngoesophageal dysmotility in patients with early stage Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sung Hye Young , Kim Joong‐Seok , Lee Kwang‐Soo , Kim Yeong‐In , Song In‐Uk , Chung Sung‐Woo , Yang Dong‐Won , Cho Yu Kyung , Park Jae Myung , Lee In Seok , Kim Sang Woo , Chung In‐Sik , Choi Myung‐Gyu
Published: July 2010

Dysphagia occurs in the majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and is known to correlate with abnormalities of oropharyngeal function. The aim of this study was to evaluate pharyngoesophageal activity in patients with early‐stage PD. Newly diagnosed PD patients with a symptom duration not exceeding 3 years were included. All PD patients were questioned about symptoms of dysphagia and underwent combined multichannel intraluminal impedance manometry and multiple rapid swallow tests. Fifty‐four patients (22 men and 32 women, 67.1 ± 10.3 years) were enrolled. The duration of Parkinsonian motor symptoms was 11.5 ± 8.8 months, the Hoehn and Yahr stage was 1.6 ± 0.4, and the total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale was 25.1 ± 18.6. Esophageal manometry in the liquid swallow and viscous swallow tests was abnormal in 22 (40.7%) and 31 (67.4%) patients, respectively. Although manometric abnormalities were more common in patients with more severe dysphagia symptoms, many patients with no or minimal symptoms also had manometric abnormalities. Repetitive deglutition significantly correlated with failed peristalsis and incomplete bolus transit. Abnormal responses to multiple rapid swallow tests were found in 33 out of 54 patients; 29 with incomplete inhibition (repetitive contraction) and 4 with failed peristalsis. These results suggest that the majority of patients with early‐stage PD showed pharyngeal and esophageal dysfunction even before clinical manifestations of dysphagia, which may reflect selective involvement of either the brain stem or the esophageal myenteric plexus in early‐stage PD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
Voluptuary habits and clinical subtypes of Parkinson's disease: The FRAGAMP case–control study
Authors: Nicoletti Alessandra , Pugliese Pierfrancesco , Nicoletti Giuseppe , Arabia Gennarina , Annesi Grazia , Mari Michele De , Lamberti Paolo , Grasso Lucia , Marconi Roberto , Epifanio Antonio , Morgante Letterio , Cozzolino Autilia , Barone Paolo , Torchia Giusi , Quattrone Aldo , Zappia Mario
Published: July 2010

We evaluated the possible association between smoking, coffee drinking, and alcohol consumption and Parkinson's disease (PD). The FRAGAMP study is a large Italian multicenter case–control study carried out to evaluate the possible role of environmental and genetic factors in PD. Adjusted ORs were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. Smoking, coffee, and alcohol consumption were also considered as surrogate markers of lifestyle and analysis was carried out considering the presence of at least one, two, or three factors. This latter analysis was separately performed considering Tremor‐Dominant (TD) and Akinetic‐Rigid (AR) patients. Four hundred ninety‐two PD patients (292 men and 200 women) and 459 controls (160 men and 299 women) were enrolled in the study. Multivariate analysis showed a significant negative association between PD and cigarette smoking (OR 0.51; 95%CI 0.36–0.72), coffee drinking (OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.43–0.87) and wine consumption (OR 0.62; 95%CI 0.44–0.86); a significant trend dose‐effect (P < 0.05) has been found for all the factors studied. We have also found a trend dose‐effect for the presence of at least one, two or three factors with a greater risk reduction (83%) for the presence of three factors. However, a different strength of association between TD and AR was found with a greater risk reduction for the AR patients. We found a significant inverse association between PD smoking, coffee, and alcohol consumption. When analysis was carried out considering the association of these factors as possible surrogate markers of a peculiar lifestyle the association was stronger for the AR phenotype. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society.
The Effect of a motor‐based, social skills intervention for adolescents with high‐functioning autism: two single‐subject design cases
Authors: Gutman Sharon A. , Raphael Emily I. , Ceder Leila M. , Khan Arshi , Timp Katherine M. , Salvant Sabrina
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a motor‐based, social skills intervention for two adolescents with high‐functioning autism (HFA) using single‐subject design. A description of the intervention is provided as a first step in the manualization process. The intervention was provided as a 7‐week after‐school program, once weekly to the paired participants. Intervention consisted of role‐play methods in which motor behaviours were linked with their cognitive and emotional meanings. Baseline, intervention and 3‐month probe data collection periods were carried out and then compared using visual inspection of graphed data, paired t‐tests and a three‐standard‐deviation‐band approach. Both participants displayed a statistically significant increase in targeted social skills behaviours from baseline to intervention and maintained this level at a 3‐month post‐intervention probe. These single‐subject design cases illustrate that motor‐based, social skills interventions may be effective for adolescents with HFA and warrant further testing. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Central‐local relations in the people's Republic of China: Trends, processes and impacts for policy implementation
Authors: Li Linda Chelan
Published: July 2010

Central–local relations are a matter of great importance to developmentalists because they highlight an intriguing puzzle in public administration especially in large states: how policies decided at higher echelons of the formal system can possibly be implemented by the multitude of intermediary and local actors across the system. In the case of China—the most populous nation in the world, the contrast between the authoritarian façade of the Chinese regime and yet the proliferation of implementation gaps over many policy arenas adds additional complexity to the puzzle. This article reviews changes in central–local relations in the 60 years of history of People's Republic of China (PRC) as the outcome of four co‐evolving processes, and clarifies the roles of each process: state building and national integration, development efficiency, career advancement and external influences. It points out the continuous pre‐dominance of administrative decentralization from 1950s to present time, and the new emphasis on institutionalized power sharing in the context of new state‐market boundaries since 1980s. In conclusion, the article suggests going beyond the traditional reliance on the compliance model to understand central–local interactions and the abundant implementation gaps in a context of central–local co‐agency, thereby improving policy implementation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.