bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etoposide, doxorubicin and cisplatin plus mitotane in the treatment of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma: a large prospective phase II trial
Authors: Berruti Alfredo , Terzolo Massimo , Sperone Paola , Pia Anna , Della Casa Silvia , Gross David J , Carnaghi Carlo , Casali Paolo , Porpiglia Francesco , Mantero Franco , Reimondo Giuseppe , Angeli Alberto , Dogliotti Luigi
Published: September 2005

To investigate the activity of etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin plus mitotane in the management of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) patients, 72 patients with measurable disease not amenable to radical surgery were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter phase II trial. EDP schedule (etoposide 100 mg/m2 on days 5–7, doxorubicin 20 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, and cisplatin 40 mg/m2 on days 1 and 9) was administered intravenously every 4 weeks. Concomitantly, patients were given up to 4 g/day of oral mitotane. Five patients achieved a complete response and 30 a partial response, for an overall response rate of 48.6% (95% CI: 37.1–60.3). Median time to progression in responding patients was 18 months. The EDP regimen was well tolerated, leukopenia being the dose limiting toxicity. One toxic related death due to septic shock, however, was registered. Radical surgical resection of residual disease after chemotherapy was performed in 10 patients. The overall survival of patients attaining a disease free status (clinical complete responders+radically resected) was significantly higher than that of patients with partial response or no response (P<0.002). Androgen secretion was associated with long survival, while glucocorticoid secretion was associated with poor prognosis both in univariate and multivariate analysis. In conclusion, EDP plus mitotane is an active and manageable combination scheme for ACC patients. Surgical resection of residual disease subsequent to chemotherapy leads to a more favourable outcome. The natural history of the disease is significantly influenced by the secretory status of the tumor.
Management of patients with adrenal cancer: recommendations of an international consensus conference
Authors: Schteingart D E , Doherty G M , Gauger P G , Giordano T J , Hammer G D , Korobkin M , Worden F P
Published: September 2005

Adrenocortical carcinomas are rare, highly malignant tumors that account for only 0.2% of deaths due to cancer. Given the limited number of patients seen in most medical centers with this diagnosis, series usually reported are small and clinical trials not randomized or blinded. In an attempt to answer important questions concerning the management of patients with adrenal cancer, a consensus conference was organized and held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, 11–13 September 2003, with the participation of an international group of physicians who had reported on the largest series of patients with this disease and who had recognized basic and clinical research expertise in adrenal cortical cancer. Totally 43 questions were addressed by the presenters and recommendations discussed in plenary and breakout sessions. Evidence for the recommendations of this conference was at the 2–4+ level and based on available literature and participants’ experience.

In addition to setting up guidelines in specific areas of the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal cancer, the conference recommended and initiated the planning of an international prospective trial for treatment of patients with adrenal cancer in stages III and IV. In terms of new therapies, first trials of dendritic cell therapy in human subjects with adrenal cancer have been started, but it is too early to comment on efficacy. Different strategies of immunotherapy, including DNA vaccination are currently being tried in animal models. There are no clinical gene therapy trials for human adrenal cortical cancer. The adrenals are a preferred target for adenovirus and the results of gene therapy in preclinical studies are promising. In addition, there is evidence that histone deacetylase inhibitors can further enhance the rate of adenoviral infectivity in human adrenal cancer cells. Testing of retroviral vectors, non-viral vectors, small interfering RNA technology, and combined approaches could be performed in various laboratories. Anti-angiogenic substances have only been applied in preclinical studies. The use of these and other agents in the treatment of adrenal cancer should be hypothesis-driven and based on a thorough analysis of tumor biology.
The NDNQI-Adapted Index of Work Satisfaction
Authors: Taunton Roma Lee , Bott Marjorie J. , Koehn Mary L. , Miller Peggy , Rindner Ellen , Pace Karen , Elliott Carol , Bradley Katherine J. , Boyle Diane , Dunton Nancy
Published: September 2005

The valid measurement of nurses’ job satisfaction is critical because job satisfaction is important for the retention of qualified nurses to provide patient care in hospitals. Two studies were conducted to adapt the Stamps Index of Work Satisfaction (1997b) to measure work satisfaction at the patient care unit level for use by the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI). In Study 1 (n = 918 RNs) exploratory factor analysis of data obtained using the NDNQI-Adapted Index replicated the conceptual dimensions of the Stamps measure. Associations with scores on Job Enjoyment were evidence that the Index measured the intended construct. Using theta, the reliability of the composite subscales was .91. The adapted Work Satisfaction subscale scores explained 46% of the variance in Job Enjoyment, with each subscale contributing uniquely (p < .001). In Study 2 (n = 2277 RNs) confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling supported the 7-subscale structure for the Adapted Index (CFI [719] = .88; RMR = .05). Replication of associations between scores on the Index subscales and Job Enjoyment provided further evidence regarding validity of the data, since the Work Satisfaction subscales explained 56% of the variance in Job Enjoyment. The feasibility of using an on-line version of the Adapted-Index for data collection was demonstrated. The findings from the two studies indicate that the adapted Index of Work Satisfaction has a structure similar to the original instrument and is a reliable and valid measure of work satisfaction at the patient care unit level.
The Labor Support Questionnaire: Development and Psychometric Analysis
Authors: Sauls Donna J.
Published: September 2005

Every year approximately 4 million women in the United States experience childbirth. This event has been cited as pivotal in a woman’s life. Labor support is an important part of this experience since it influences the woman’s classification of the birth experience as positive or negative. Therefore, understanding how intrapartum nurses perceive the role of supportive care during labor is paramount. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid instrument that measures intrapartum nurses’ perceptions concerning the importance of professional labor support in their practice. The sample included 146 intrapartum nurses from Texas. Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson’s r, and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Cronbach’s alpha for the Labor Support Questionnaire (LSQ) was 0.90. Convergent validity with the Caring Behavior Inventory was .57 (p < .001). Findings indicated beginning support for the reliability and validity of the LSQ. Further development and psychometric testing is recommended to ascertain the dimensionality of the LSQ.
Psychometric Properties of the WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire for the Norwegian General Population
Authors: Hanestad Berit R. , Rustøen Tone , Knudsen, Øistein , Lerdal Anners , Wahl Astrid K.
Published: September 2005

In 1994, the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) Group developed the procedure (the WHOQOL 100) to measure quality of life in healthy and ill persons from diverse cultures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of a 26-item version of the WHOQOL 100, the WHOQOL-BREF, when applied to the Norwegian general population. The questionnaire was sent to 4,000 randomly selected Norwegian citizens aged 19 to 81 years. The response rate was 48.5%. Cronbach’s alpha ranged from .60 in the social relationships domain to .84 in the physical health domain. Factor analysis resulted in a four-component solution partly supporting the established domain structure. Multiple regression analysis with sex, age, education, cohabitation and self-reported disease as independent variables explained 28%, 8%, 4%, and 15% of the variance for the physical health, psychological, social relationships and environmental domains, respectively. Self-reported disease was the strongest factor. The results appear to be promising regarding scaling qualities, discriminative power, and domain structure.
Relationships Among Self-Care Agency, Self-Efficacy, Self-Care, and Glycemic Control
Authors: Sousa Valmi D. , Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Musil Carol M. , Price Lea Patricia J. , Davis Schenita A.
Published: September 2005

Costly complications of diabetes often arise from poor glycemic control. Appropriate diabetes self-care management may improve control. This study examined whether self-care management affects glycemic control and mediates relationships between self-efficacy and self-care agency with glycemic control. In a cross-sectional correlational design, data from a prior study of 141 insulin-requiring adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were examined using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple hierarchical regression. Findings indicated that greater self-care agency and self-efficacy lead to greater self-care management, in turn leading to better glycemic control. Self-care management did not mediate between self-efficacy or self-care agency and glycemic control. Thus, beliefs or capabilities for self-care are insufficient to improve glycemic control; doing so requires self-care management.
A Comparative Study of Life-Closing Spirituality in Home Hospice Patients
Authors: Dobratz Marjorie C.
Published: September 2005

This secondary analysis compared two groups of home hospice patients (expressed spirituality,N= 44, and nonexpressed spirituality,N= 53) on psychological well-being and adaptation, social support, physical function, pain, and demographic variables. Independent-samplesttests found no significant differences atp< .05 for age, psychological well-being and adaptation, social support, and physical function. Three components of the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire were significantly higher for the nonexpressed spirituality group: Affective Dimension, Pain Rating Index, and Number of Words Chosen. A comparative analysis of two groups of home hospice patients supported higher pain reports as significant indicators of nonexpressed spirituality in a home hospice population.
Gendered and Cultured Relations: Exploring African Nova Scotians’ Perceptions and Experiences of Breast and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Evans Joan , Butler Lorna , Etowa Josephine , Crawley Iona , Rayson Daniel , Bell David G.
Published: September 2005

Although breast and prostate cancer are those most frequently diagnosed in Canada, information about the ways in which gender, class, race, culture, and other social determinants impact the experience of African Canadians living with cancer is lacking. This study began to address this gap by exploring cultured and gendered dimensions of African Nova Scotians’ experiences of these two cancers. Using a participatory action research approach, data were collected in two phases of focus group discussions in five African Nova Scotian communities from a total of 57 people, including those with breast or prostate cancer and their families and associates. Findings provide insight into how gender and meanings of masculinity and femininity in the African Nova Scotian community unavoidably interact with other social structures such as race and class to affect women and men’s perceptions and experiences of these two cancers. These insights point to the need for culturally appropriate and meaningful health interventions. As a prerequisite, health care professionals need to have an understanding of the overlapping and contextualized nature of gender, class, and race and be willing and able to work in partnership with African Nova Scotian communities to identify and develop strategies that reflect the realities of peoples’ lives.
Assessment of Patient Expectations for Care
Authors: Redman Richard W. , Lynn Mary R.
Published: September 2005

This research identified patients’ expectations for their hospitalization and immediate, posthospitalization outcomes of care. Patients’ expectations for care are integral to tailoring care to meet needs. Little investigation of patients’ overall expectations for hospitalization exists and standardized instruments to measure them are unavailable. Qualitative analyses of 20 interviews yielded 105 data bits, subsequently rated by a second sample of 18 patients. Eight themes and 70 items resulted. Several expectations are distinct from items typical in patient satisfaction instruments. Assessment of patient expectations offers insights to what they value and expect during hospitalization and provides an important foundation for assessing patients’ experiences, based on their expectations. Such assessment ultimately contributes to the goal of assessing patient-centered care.
Cover Picture: Laser Surface Modification of a Crystalline Al‐Co‐Ce Alloy for Enhanced Corrosion Resistance (Adv. Eng. Mater. 9/2005)
Authors: Hoekstra J. G. , Qadri S. B. , Scully J. R. , Fitz‐Gerald J. M.
Published: September 2005

The cover shows secondary electron images of corroded laser surface modified Al84Co7.5Ce8.5. It is clear that a large portion of the LSM surface layers remain, leading to speculation that the corrosion is preferentially occurring at cracks in the sample surface. More on this topic can be found in the article by J. G. Hoekstra et al. on page 805.

The surfaces of Al‐Co‐Ce bulk crystalline alloys have been successfully laser processed resulting in amorphous‐like surface layer formation with enhanced corrosion characteristics. The material system, Al84Co7.5Ce8.5, is one of several next generation alloy compositions scientifically designed to form a metallic glass under the proper processing conditions. This material system exhibits both local composition changes and enhanced corrosion resistance in comparison to their native counterparts.
Effects of progressive carbonation on heavy metal leaching from cement‐bound waste
Authors: Van Gerven T. , Cornelis G. , Vandoren E. , Vandecasteele C. , Garrabrants A. C. , Sanchez F. , Kosson D. S.
Published: September 2005

Contradictory leaching results from carbonated cement‐bound wastes have been reported in various investigations. However, the degree of carbonation of the examined samples is rarely considered as an important parameter in leaching results. This article focuses on the effect of progressive carbonation on leaching properties of cement‐bound waste (bottom ash or flue gas cleaning residue), including uncarbonated, partially carbonated, and almost completely carbonated samples. Leaching is investigated after carbonation by means of semi‐dynamic leaching of monoliths, supported by batch solubility and release measurements on particle‐size reduced material. For partially carbonated samples, leaching of metals is in most cases less than observed from uncarbonated samples, resulting from the conversion of hydroxides to carbonates. For completely carbonated samples, increased leaching of most metals was observed in comparison to partially carbonated samples, resulting from leachate induced transformation of carbonate into more soluble bicarbonate speciation. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Gestaltung der Siliciumoxidoberfläche durch selbstorganisierte Monoschichten
Authors: Onclin Steffen , Ravoo Bart Jan , Reinhoudt David N.
Published: September 2005

Nur wenige Nanometer dicke molekulare Monoschichten können die Eigenschaften von Oberflächen vollkommen verändern. Die Herstellung dieser molekularen Monoschichten kann leicht durch die Langmuir‐Blodgett‐Methode oder durch chemische Adsorption (Chemisorption) an Metall‐ und Oxidoberflächen erfolgen. Dieser Aufsatz konzentriert sich auf chemisorbierte selbstorganisierte Monoschichten (SAMs) als Plattformen für die Funktionalisierung von Siliciumoxidoberflächen. Die Organisation von Molekülen und molekularen Aufbauten auf Siliciumoxid wird in der “Bottom‐Up”‐Nanofabrikation einen außerordentlichen Platz einnehmen und könnte Gebiete wie die Nanoelektronik und die Biotechnologie in naher Zukunft revolutionieren. In den letzten Jahren wurden selbstorganisierte Monoschichten auf Siliciumoxid so weit entwickelt und mit verschiedenen lithographischen Methoden kombiniert, dass neue Nanofabrikationsstrategien und biologische Arrays entwickelt werden können. Will man Fortschritte auf dem Weg von der Bildung zweidimensionaler Muster hin zur dreidimensionalen Fabrikation erzielen, ist die Kontrolle von Oberflächeneigenschaften im Nanometerbereich von größter Bedeutung.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced changes in insulin‐producing β‐cells
Authors: Parkash Jai , Chaudhry Muhammad A. , Rhoten William B.
Published: September 2005

The migration of macrophages and lymphocytes that produce cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) causes β‐cell death, leading to type 1 diabetes. Similarly, in type 2 diabetes, the adipocyte‐derived cytokines including TNF‐α are elevated in the circulation, causing inflammation and insulin resistance. Thus, the studies described in this article using TNF‐α are relevant to furthering our understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. We used RINr1046‐38 (RIN) insulin‐producing β‐cells, which constitutively express calbindin‐D28k, to characterize the effect of TNF‐α on apoptosis, replication, insulin release, and gene and protein expression. Western blots of TNF‐α‐treated RIN cells revealed a decrease in calbindin‐D28k. By ELISA, TNF‐α‐treated β‐cells had 47% less calbindin‐D28k than controls. In association with the decline in calbindin‐D28k, TNF‐α treatment of RIN cells led to a 73% greater increase in changes in intracellular calcium concentration (Δ[Ca2+]i) in TNF‐α‐treated cells as compared to that in control RIN cells upon treatment with 50 mM KCl; caused a greater increase in the [Ca2+]i following the addition of 5.5 μM ionomycin; increased by more than threefold the apoptotic rate, expressed as the percentage of TUNEL‐positive nuclei to total nuclei; decreased the rate of cell replication by 36%; and increased and decreased selectively the expression of specific genes as determined by microarray analysis. The subcellular localizations of Bcl‐2, an antiapoptotic protein, and Bax, a proapoptotic protein, within RIN cells were altered with TNF‐α treatment such that the two were colocalized with mitochondria in the perinuclear region. We conclude that the proapoptotic action of TNF‐α on β‐cells is manifested via decreased expression of calbindin‐D28k and is mediated at least in part by [Ca2+]i. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bauen im demographischen Wandel
Authors: Scholl Robert
Published: September 2005

Die demographischen Veränderungen und die damit verknüpften Herausforderungen für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft rücken immer mehr in den Vordergrund des Interesses. Die Daten und Fakten sind seit langem klar. Stichworte wie “Bevölkerungsabnahme” und “Überalterung” sind bekannt. Mit den konkreten Folgen beginnt man sich aber erst jetzt ernsthaft auseinanderzusetzen. Dabei stehen Themen wie die Altersvorsorge im Zentrum des Interesses, aber auch der Baubereich bleibt von diesen Entwicklungen nicht unberührt. Für den Baumarkt werden dabei zumeist eher negative Konsequenzen in den Vordergrund gerückt. Es wird übersehen, welche soziale Aufgabe und damit besondere Chancen für das Bauen und den Baumarkt gerade auch im demographischen Wandel liegen. Im Wohnungsbau geht es vorrangig um die Anpassung des Bestandes an eine veränderte Nachfrage und an aktuelle technische Anforderungen wie Wärme‐ und Schallschutz, in der Städtebaupolitik um den Paradigmenwechsel von “gesteuertem Wachstum” hin zum “gestaltenden Umbau”.
Kosten‐ und energieoptimierte Raumerlebnishäuser
Authors: Sahner Georg
Published: September 2005

Der Trend zur preiswerten Immobilie wird für den Wohnungsbau bestimmend. Die Planer müssen deshalb – bei noch akzeptabler architektonischer Qualität – erhebliche Anstrengungen für die notwendigen Kostenreduzierungen unternehmen. Hilfreich sind dabei verschiedene innovative Entwicklungen, wie z. B. die “Fastfertigteilprodukte”. Im folgenden werden beispielhaft drei Neubausysteme und ein Sanierungsmodell vorgestellt, die den Anforderungen an kostengünstiges, bauphysikalisch hochwertiges und architektonisch ansprechendes Bauen in hohem Maße entsprechen.
The Curtius Rearrangement of Acyl Azides Revisited – Formation of Cyanate (R–O–CN)
Authors: Wentrup Curt , Bornemann Holger
Published: September 2005

The Curtius rearrangement is a synthesis of isocyanates (R–N=C=O) by thermal or photochemical rearrangement of acyl acides and/or acylnitrenes. The photochemical rearrangement of benzoyl azide is now shown for the first time to produce a small amount of phenyl cyanate (Ph–O–CN) together with phenyl isocyanate. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Brain areas involved in medial temporal lobe seizures: A principal component analysis of ictal SPECT data
Authors: Weder Bruno J. , Schindler Kaspar , Loher Thomas J. , Wiest Roland , Wissmeyer Michael , Ritter Peter , Lovblad Karl , Donati Filippo , Missimer John
Published: September 2005

The study describes brain areas involved in medial temporal lobe (mTL) seizures of 12 patients. All patients showed so‐called oro‐alimentary behavior within the first 20 s of clinical seizure manifestation characteristic of mTL seizures. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were acquired from the patients in ictal and interictal phases and from normal volunteers. Image analysis employed categorical comparisons with statistical parametric mapping and principal component analysis (PCA) to assess functional connectivity. PCA supplemented the findings of the categorical analysis by decomposing the covariance matrix containing images of patients and healthy subjects into distinct component images of independent variance, including areas not identified by the categorical analysis. Two principal components (PCs) discriminated the subject groups: patients with right or left mTL seizures and normal volunteers, indicating distinct neuronal networks implicated by the seizure. Both PCs were correlated with seizure duration, one positively and the other negatively, confirming their physiological significance. The independence of the two PCs yielded a clear clustering of subject groups. The local pattern within the temporal lobe describes critical relay nodes which are the counterpart of oro‐alimentary behavior: (1) right mesial temporal zone and ipsilateral anterior insula in right mTL seizures, and (2) temporal poles on both sides that are densely interconnected by the anterior commissure. Regions remote from the temporal lobe may be related to seizure propagation and include positively and negatively loaded areas. These patterns, the covarying areas of the temporal pole and occipito‐basal visual association cortices, for example, are related to known anatomic paths. Hum Brain Mapp, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can hopelessness and adolescents' beliefs and attitudes about seeking help account for help negation?
Authors: Wilson Coralie J. , Deane Frank P. , Ciarrochi Joseph
Published: September 2005

Avoidance of appropriate help is common in acutely suicidal samples and has been confirmed in nonclinical samples but factors that contribute to this help negation effect remain unclear. In a sample of 269 nonclinical Australian high school students, the current study examines the impact of hopelessness, previous mental health care, beliefs, and attitudes toward professional psychological help on the help negation relationship. Results revealed that suicidal ideation significantly predicted lower help seeking intentions and that although hopelessness could not explain the help negation effect, it moderated the effect for seeking help from family. They also revealed that although previous mental health care was unable to explain the effect fully for professional mental health sources, beliefs and attitudes about professional psychological help could. Implications of the findings for prevention, primary health care, and professional psychological practice are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 61: 1525–1539, 2005.
Volume of extracellular polymeric substance coverage of individual Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans bacterium measured by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Teschke Omar
Published: September 2005

The Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans response to stress associated with the drying process is known to be the production of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) coverage. Here, samples of A. ferrooxidans suspensions grown in 1.8 pH and 3.0 pH and dried on mica and silicon are shown to form a structure of isolated bacteria. Individual bacteria coverage patterns were imaged by atomic force microscopy (AFM) on hydrophobic (silicon) and hydrophilic (mica) substrates. A comparison of images of covered and uncovered bacteria establish the volume of individual EPS coverage. The EPS production for bacteria on hydrophobic substrates shows a substantial decrease (a factor of 30) in the EPS volume per bacterium when compared with the one on hydrophilic substrates. Shape and volume determination of EPS structures on bacteria as a function of hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the substrate may help to determine the functions of EPS on bacterial aggregates. Microsc. Res. Tech. 67:312–316, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative histological and ultrastructural features of opercula of normally erupting human teeth
Authors: Verma Damian K. , Nair P.N. Ramachandran , Luder Hans U.
Published: September 2005

Tooth eruption across the mucosa in humans has been studied rarely, although there are disturbances of eruption that are attributed specifically to failure of the supraosseous eruptive migration. The aim of this study was to analyze the soft tissues covering normally erupting teeth so as to get an insight into the supraosseous phase of tooth eruption and to provide the basis for comparison with cases of eruption disturbances. Six opercula covering normally erupting permanent molars (primary opercula) and six of succedaneous teeth (secondary opercula) were surgically removed from 10 patients aged 7.5–17.5 years. Specimens were examined light and electron microscopically and analyzed morphometrically. All opercula contained strands and islands of odontogenic epithelium, prominent numbers of high endothelial venules, nerves, and mast cells. Nerves comprised normally structured, 1.5–3.5 μm thick myelinated (Aδ) and thinner unmyelinated (C) fibers. In primary opercula, the proportions of blood vessels and nerves were three‐ and sevenfold higher than the respective values for the secondary opercula. Furthermore, primary opercula contained multinucleated, fibroblast‐like giant cells that were not observed in secondary opercula. As all teeth under investigation were erupting normally, neither the presence of the giant cells nor the atypical proportions of blood vessels and nerves appeared to be decisive in the eruption process. These conspicuous tissue components of opercula seem merely to accompany the eruptive tooth movement. Microsc. Res. Tech. 67:279–285, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of microscopy in authentication of Chinese patent medicine—Bo Ying compound
Authors: Zhao Zhong‐Zhen , Hu Ya‐Ni , Wong Yuk‐Wo , Wong Wan‐Chi Gigi , Wu Kim , Jiang Zhi‐Hong , Kang Tingguo
Published: September 2005

To establish a quality control method for the Chinese Patent Medicine (CPM)—Bo Ying Compound (BYC), a comparison study was carried out on it with microscopy. The micro‐morphological characteristics of its 22 components in the CPM and in the crude constituents have been documented and compared with each other. Their corresponding features were described and documented with color digital micrographs, so as to authenticate the presence of genuine crude constituents in BYC. The results showed that almost all constituents of BYC are found within their representative fragments in the CPM except one (Borax) that could dissolve or merge with the other components. Also the study indicated that light microscopy, an easy and economical method, could be used for the identification of this kind of CPM that contains plant and animal materials without the specific characteristic chemical marker compounds. Microsc. Res. Tech. 67:305–311, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo analysis of a genetically modified adenoviral vector targeted to human CD40 using a novel transient transgenic model
Authors: Izumi Miiru , Kawakami Yosuke , Glasgow Joel N. , Belousova Natalya , Everts Maaike , Kim‐Park SangAe , Yamamoto Seiji , Wang Minghui , Le Long P. , Reynolds Paul N. , Curiel David T.
Published: September 2005

Background

Retargeting is necessary to overcome the limitations of adenovirus (Ad)‐based gene therapy vectors. To this end, we previously constructed an adenovirus with the fiber knob domain replaced by a fibritin trimerization motif fused to the CD40 ligand (Ad5Luc.FF/CD40L). We demonstrated the utility of this fiber replacement strategy for targeting CD40 (hCD40) on human dendritic cells in vitro. The in vivo targeting capacity of this virus, however, is unknown, and there is a limited repertoire of animal models that present hCD40 at an accessible site. Therefore, a new animal model for evaluating CD40‐targeted vectors is required.

Methods

We constructed a recombinant adenovirus that expresses hCD40 under transcriptional control of the flt‐1 promoter (AdflthCD40). Expression of hCD40 was validated both in vitro and in transgenic mice expressing the human coxsackie adenovirus receptor (hCAR mice). We then evaluated the targeting efficiency of Ad5Luc.FF/CD40L to hCD40 expressed in the pulmonary vasculature of the hCAR mice.

Results

Infection of flt‐1‐positive cells with AdflthCD40 resulted in abundant hCD40 expression in vitro, which could subsequently be targeted by Ad5Luc.FF/CD40L. In vivo administration of AdflthCD40 to hCAR mice resulted in hCD40 expression in the pulmonary vasculature, which was successfully targeted with systemically administered Ad5Luc.FF/CD40L.

Conclusions

This is the first data showing that genetically modified Ad5Luc.FF/CD40L can successfully target hCD40 in vivo. Our data also establishes the utility of transcriptionally targeted, Ad‐mediated transient expression of human target molecules in the pulmonary vasculature of hCAR mice as models for in vivo analysis of targeted gene therapy vectors. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
False positive antibody results against human T‐cell lymphotropic virus in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome
Authors: Tsao Kuo‐Chien , Chen Guang‐Wu , Huang Chung‐Guei , Huang Ya‐Ling , Lin Jing‐Yi , Keng Mok‐Chee , Sun Chien‐Fen , Shih Shin‐Ru
Published: September 2005

Taiwan suffered from the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003. Our laboratory performed a series of virology and serology tests for SARS patients admitted to our hospital. Cross‐reactivity was found when testing for antibody against human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) in one patient with SARS. Therefore, antibodies against HTLV were examined in paired‐sera from 26 SARS patients. ELISA and a neutralization test were used to measure anti‐SARS antibodies. Seroconversion for antibody against SARS‐CoV was observed in all patients. Surprisingly, with the use of ELISA for HTLV, sera for 13 patients were positive for HTLV (50%), and seroconversion for HTLV was also observed in 10 patients (38.5%). Western blot for HTLV on those 26 paired‐sera from 13 HTLV‐positive patients displayed 5 positive results for HTLV‐I, 7 positive results for HTLV‐II, 1 positive result for both HTLV‐I and II, 9 negative results for either HTLV‐I or HTLV‐II, and 4 “indeterminate” results. The findings that antibody to HTLV can be detected in blood samples collected from SARS patients provide important information for safe handling of blood products. Without such knowledge, blood products can be discarded mistakenly even though they contain anti‐SARS‐CoV antibodies that may be potentially valuable for SARS therapy. J. Med. Virol. 77:331–336, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Vertical transmission of HIV in Ghanaian women diagnosed in cord blood and post‐natal samples
Authors: Fischetti Lucia , Danso Kwabena , Dompreh Albert , Addo Victor , Haaheim Lars , Allain Jean‐Pierre
Published: September 2005

HIV RNA detection in the newborn is the main diagnostic tool for vertical transmission. Most infections are thought to occur peri‐ or post‐natally, hence preventive antiviral therapy administered days before and during delivery. This study used cord blood for molecular diagnosis, examined viral load and HIV‐1 subtypes as determinants of transmission, and compared molecular variability of maternal, cord blood, and post‐natal quasispecies. Ninety‐seven seropositive mother‐cord blood paired plasmas from Ghana were tested for HIV RNA. Viral load was quantified and a subgroup of 45 random women samples was typed and subtyped. HIV‐1 from infected pairs was cloned, sequenced, and analyzed phylogenetically. The prevalence of HIV infection in pregnant women was 3.3%. 13/97 cord blood samples (13.5%) contained HIV RNA. No correlation between either viral load at labor (range 103–107) or HIV‐1 subtype and in utero transmission was found. In both transmitting and non‐transmitting mothers, 56% of HIV‐1 strains were CRF02_AG. In three pairs, maternal and cord blood quasispecies were closely related, suggesting late pregnancy or perinatal transmission, while in four pairs, genetic distances suggested transmission earlier during gestation. Maternal viral load and genotype did not correlate with HIV‐1 pre‐natal transmission. HIV infection during gestation appears relatively frequent. J. Med. Virol. 77:351–359, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specific interactions of mouse organ proteins with the 5′untranslated region of coxsackievirus B3: Potential determinants of viral tissue tropism
Authors: Cheung Paul Kim‐ming , Yuan Ji , Zhang Huifang M. , Chau David , Yanagawa Bobby , Suarez Agripina , McManus Bruce , Yang Decheng
Published: September 2005

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infects multiple organs of humans and causes different diseases such as myocarditis, pancreatitis, and meningitis. However, the mechanisms of organ‐specific tropism are poorly understood. Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) have been known to be important determinants for tissue tropism. However, current data on CAR mRNA expression in certain organs of mouse did not correlate well with the susceptibility of the respective tissues, suggesting that intracellular proteins may also play important roles in the regulation of viral infectivity through interaction with viral RNA. To search for such proteins and their interacting sites, we performed in situ hybridization to detect viral RNA in the organs of 4‐week‐ and 10‐week‐old CVB3‐infected mice and then correlated the data to patterns of host protein‐viral RNA interactions. We found that heart and pancreas are the most heavily infected organs while the kidney remains highly resistant to the virus. The brain exhibited localized foci of viral replication, while the heart and liver showed random distribution of CVB3 RNA. The exocrine pancreas is highly susceptible to CVB3 infection but the endocrine cell type is resistant. In contrast to infections in other organs, mouse heart appears more resistant to CVB3 infection with increasing age. This resistance to infection in the kidney and older heart correlates well with the interaction of a 28 kDa mouse protein with the antisense sequence of nucleotides 210–529 of CVB3 5UTR. In addition, more intensified protein interactions were found within the nucleotides 530–630, a region that contains the internal ribosome entry site, which supports the previous findings that this segment plays critical roles in regulation of viral replication. J. Med. Virol. 77:414–424, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of high‐risk oncogenic human papillomaviruses harboring atypical distribution in women of childbearing age living in Libreville, Gabon
Authors: Si‐Mohamed Ali , Ndjoyi‐Mbiguino Angélique , Cuschieri Kate , Onas Isabelle Ndombi , Colombet Isabelle , Ozouaki Francis , Goff Jérôme Le , Cubie Heather , Bélec Laurent
Published: September 2005

The extent of human papillomavirus (HPV) genital shedding and type‐specific diversity were evaluated in 354 consecutive women of childbearing age living in Libreville, Gabon. Detection of HPV DNA was performed by PCR using the MY09/MY11 primer set on DNA extracted from endocervical swabs. All PCR positive specimens were subjected to direct sequencing and HPV genotypes were identified on the basis of >95% sequence homology in the L1 region. Reverse line blot hybridization assay was used when a genotype could not be resolved by sequencing alone. HPV DNA was detected in 163 (46%) women, all clinically asymptomatic for HPV‐related lesions. The highest prevalence of genital HPV detection (45%) was in the age group from 22 to 29 years. A total of 90 women (55%) harbored high‐risk (HR) genotypes, with the most common being HPV‐53 (19; 12%), HPV‐58 (17; 11%), and HPV‐16 (16; 10%). Low‐risk genotypes were found in 36 (22%) women with HPV‐54 and HPV‐70 being the most frequently detected (17; 11% and 10; 6%, respectively). Finally 37 women (23%) tested positive for genotypes of unknown oncogenic risk, the most common in this category being HPV‐83 (20; 12%). Multiple infections were detected in 35 (21%) women. By multivariate analysis, HPV genital shedding was significantly associated with young age (OR: 0.34; P < 0.007). The multivalent vaccine currently available against cervical carcinomas, is only active against HPV‐16 and HPV‐18, and will thus have a low impact in this setting. J. Med. Virol. 77:430–438, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution, characterization and significance of polyomavirus genomic sequences in tumors of the brain and its covering
Authors: Delbue Serena , Pagani Elisabetta , Guerini Franca R. , Agliardi Cristina , Mancuso Roberta , Borghi Elisa , Rossi Francesca , Boldorini Renzo , Veggiani Claudia , Car Pier Giorgio , Ferrante Pasquale
Published: September 2005

The etiology of brain tumors and meningiomas is still unknown. Several factors have been considered, such as genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors, but the hypothesis that one or more infectious agents may play a role in tumor pathogenesis has also been investigated. Therefore, emphasis was placed on the neurooncogenic family Polyomaviridae and the presence of human polyomavirus DNA sequences and JCV mRNA were examined in malignant human brain biopsies. Italian patients affected with different types of neoplasias of the brain and its covering were enrolled. The patients underwent surgical tumor excision and the presence of the polyomavirus genome in biopsy and other body fluids was evaluated by PCR. In addition, the genomic organization of JCV was examined in depth, with the aim of providing information on genotype distribution and TCR rearrangements in the population affected with intracranial neoplasms. On the whole, polyomavirus DNA was found in 50% of the biopsy specimens studied, JC virus DNA and BK virus DNA were amplified in 40.6% mainly glioblastomas and 9.4% of the tissue specimens, respectively, while none of the biopsy specimens tested contained Simian virus 40 DNA. Genotype 1 and Mad 4 TCR organization were the most frequent in the population enrolled. Although a cause and effect was not demonstrated and the specific role of the viruses remains unknown, the findings appear to confirm the hypothesis that JCV and BKV could be important co‐factors in tumor pathogenesis. J. Med. Virol. 77:447–454, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tooth caries detection by curve fitting of laser‐induced fluorescence emission: A comparative evaluation with reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Subhash Narayanan , Thomas Shiny Sara , Mallia Rupananda J. , Jose Mini
Published: September 2005

Background and Objectives

Nitrogen laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of sound tooth consists of two broad bands centered at 440 and 490 nm, with two apparent side bands on either side. In order to locate the exact peak position of these bands and to effectively utilize the LIF spectral signatures for detection of tooth caries, the LIF spectra were curve‐fitted using Gaussian spectral functions and the results were compared with those from diffuse reflectance spectral measurements.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The excitation light at 337.1 nm was guided to the sound and caries‐affected tooth samples through the central fiber of the fiber‐optic probe of a laser‐induced fluorescence reflectance spectroscopy (LIFRS) system. Six surrounding fibers of the probe collect tooth fluorescence or diffuse reflectance from the lesion and direct it to a miniature spectrometer. The in vitro spectra were obtained from healthy enamel, dentin, and pulp level tooth caries.

Results

As compared to sound tooth, the caries tooth showed lower fluorescence and reflectance intensities in the 350–700 nm region. The deconvoluted peaks in the LIF spectra of sound tooth were found centered at 403.80, 434.20, 486.88, and 522.45 nm, whereas in the case of pulp level caries, a new peak was observed at 636.78 nm. Curve‐fitted parameters, such as peak center, Gaussian curve area, full width at half intensity maximum (FWHM), and their ratios, were also found to vary with the stage of tooth caries. The ratios involving the 435 nm band, such as F405/F435, F435/F490, and F435/F525 ratios derived from curve‐fitted areas and amplitudes, were found to be sensitive to discriminate between sound, dentin, and pulp level caries. Among the various diffuse reflectance spectral intensity ratios, the R500/R700 was found to be most sensitive to distinguish between pulp and dentin level caries.

Conclusions

Nitrogen laser‐excited fluorescence spectral studies were found to be more suited for detection of caries lesions. The LIF measurement with spectral analysis, done by curve fitting, outscores the diffuse reflectance methodology and shows the potential to screen different levels of tooth decay in a clinical setting. Lasers Surg. Med. 00:1–9,2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamics of temperature dependent modifications of Blood in the near‐infrared
Authors: Mordon Serge , Rochon Philippe , Dhelin Guy , Lesage Jean Claude
Published: September 2005

Background and Objectives

Laser irradiation induces blood coagulation by heating of blood components. It is a complex phenomenon which encompasses a variety of processes, such as cell shape modification, cell membrane rupture, protein denaturation, aggregation, and finally blood gelation. An in vitro study was performed to investigate heating temperatures leading to transformation of blood and to have a better understanding of the dynamics of temperature dependent modifications of blood in the near‐infrared.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Slow heating of whole blood and hemolized blood was performed using a specific optical chamber. Eight hundred and five and 940 nm light transmission of blood was measured as a function of time during heating at various temperatures (60–75°C).

Results

During heating of whole blood, three phases were clearly identified. For hemolized blood, only phase 3 was present. For whole blood, the duration of each phase was correlated to blood temperature. A temporary increase of transmission was observed during heating with a maximum at 65°C. The analysis of the dynamics of temperature dependent modifications of blood are consistent with cell shape modification, denaturation, and aggregation of blood, resulting in the formation of an aqueous gel–matrix.

Conclusions

“Slow” vessel heating which is now proposed as the optimal mechanism for permanent vessel closure should be reconsidered in terms of our results. In that particular case, the optical coefficients of blood could be different from those expected. In case of a large blood vessel, this could be an advantage since a “temporary” higher transmission of light could lead to a more homogeneous heating of the blood vessel. In case of a small blood vessel, this phenomenon could lead to a collateral damage of the skin. Lasers Surg. Med. 00:1–7,2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Hole‐Transporting Property of a Novel Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) Copolymer with Metal‐Coordination Sites
Authors: Kimoto Atsushi , Cho Jun‐Sang , Matsuura Yugo , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: September 2005

Summary: Hole transporting poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) copolymers with phenylazomethine dendron units acting as metal ligation sites were synthesized. These polymers possess both hole‐transport and metal‐collecting units with simple σ‐bond linkages. Complexation in the phenylazomethine dendron unit within these copolymers by SnCl2 has been successfully observed by the change in the UV‐vis spectra. The complexation changes the HOMO/LUMO energy gap that results in a spectral red‐shift. Using copolymers as a hole‐transport layer, only complexation with metal ions leads to an enhanced maximum luminescence. Such a complexation results in a high electroluminescence efficiency because the p‐type‐doped structure acts as the hole‐transport layer.

Copolymerization for the preparation of DPAGn(x)‐Cbz(y).

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Copolymerization for the preparation of DPAGn(x)‐Cbz(y).
The Effect of End Group Modification on the Transparency of Vinyl Addition Norbornene Polymers at 193 nm
Authors: Chang Chun , Lipian John , Barnes Dennis A. , Seger Larry , Burns Cheryl , Bennett Brian , Bonney Laura , Rhodes Larry F. , Benedikt George M. , Lattimer Robert , Huang Shyhchang S. , Day Victor W.
Published: September 2005

Summary: Homopolymers of a bis‐trifluorocarbinol substituted norbornene (1) (α,α‐bis(trifluoromethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐ene‐2‐ethanol or HFANB) and copolymers of 1 with t‐butyl ester of 5‐carboxylic acid (2, t‐BuEsNB) were produced using palladium catalysts and olefinic chain transfer agents such as 1‐hexene and ethylene to control molecular weight. However, these low‐molecular‐weight polymers exhibited relatively low optical transparencies at 193 nm. In fact, the opacity (measured as optical densities in absorbance units per micron) of thin films of these homo‐ and co‐polymers was inversely proportional to their molecular weight. This relationship is consistent with an end group contribution to the film opacity. Spectroscopic analysis of these polymers by 1H NMR and MALDI‐TOF MS confirmed that 1‐hexene and ethylene chain transfer agents generated olefin‐terminated vinyl addition polymers. The olefinic end group contribution to optical density can be eliminated by appropriate chemical modification. Both epoxidation and hydrogenation of the polymer olefinic end groups generated very low optical density materials, independent of molecular weight, that are suitable as 193‐nm photoresist binder resins.

End group modification of vinyl and hexenyl‐terminated homopolymers of 1 by epoxidation or hydrogenation.

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End group modification of vinyl and hexenyl‐terminated homopolymers of 1 by epoxidation or hydrogenation.