bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the taxonomic identity of Minnesota wolves?
Authors: Mech L. D.
Published: February 2010

The taxonomic identity of the historical and current wolf ( Canis lupus L., 1758 or Canis lycaon Schreber, 1775 or their hybrids) population in Minnesota (MN) and the Great Lakes region has been, and continues to be, controversial. So too does its legal status under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. This review summarizes the morphological and genetic information about that population and concludes that historically the MN population consisted of a gray wolf (C. lupus) in the west and an eastern type ( Canis lupus lycaon or C. lycaon) in the east with intergrades or hybrids between the two in most of the state. After extirpation in much of its original MN range, the now-recovered population was infused with gray wolves from Ontario but still consists of hybrid lycaon × gray wolves, probably with higher content gray wolves in the west and higher content lycaon in the east but with most wolves morphologically appearing to be gray wolves. Because the current Wisconsin and Michigan wolf population was derived from MN wolves, they would be primarily hybrids as well. Future research should seek to relate genetic data with morphological measurements in MN wolves. In addition, attempts to breed coyotes ( Canis latrans Say, 1823) with gray wolves in captivity would shed considerable light on the controversy over the origin and taxonomic identity of the newly proposed C. lycaon.
Feeding-crater selection by high-arctic reindeer facing ice-blocked pastures
Authors: Hansen Brage Bremset , Aanes Ronny , Sæther Bernt-Erik
Published: February 2010

Increased frequency of ground-icing events is likely to influence population dynamics in arctic ungulates, but their behavioural responses remain unexplored. During a record-mild winter with heavy rainfall, we analysed snow and ice characteristics and foraging trade-offs by Svalbard reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus Vrolik, 1829) on a semi-isolated, recently occupied range. Snow depths were well within thresholds for cratering, but >90% of low altitudes was covered by a thick ice coat on the ground (median thickness 9 cm). Different strategies to cope with these conditions appeared. Part of the population sought mountainous habitat with very sparse vegetation. Individuals remaining at lower altitudes either used sparsely vegetated, wind-blown ridges partially covered with ice, or apparently applied olfactory senses to locate vegetation in ice-free microhabitat beneath the snowpack. No feeding craters were covered by ground ice, compared with most nearby controls. Following ground-ice avoidance, vegetation rather than snowpack properties determined fine-scale crater selection. Even under such poor conditions, the presence of medium- to high-quality forage (dwarf willow ( Salix polaris Wahlenb.) and fruticose lichens) rather than low-digestible, high-biomass forage (mosses) influenced cratering decisions. Behavioural plasticity combined with a gradually depleted lichen resource can partly buffer the reindeer against predicted climate change, at least in the short-term.
Ecogeographical variation in the Southern Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus)
Authors: Salomon Marc , Voisin Jean-François
Published: February 2010

The Southern Giant Petrel ( Macronectes giganteus (Gmelin, 1789); Aves, Procellariiformes), ranging from New Zealand to the Graham Peninsula and Patagonia and also from coastal Antarctica to Gough Island, displays significant geographic variation throughout its range. Six breeding provinces were identified, which show significant interpopulational variation. The formerly proposed subspecies Macronectes giganteus giganteus and Macronectes giganteus solanderi were confirmed. Macronectes giganteus solanderi has smaller homologuous parts than M. g. giganteus. Two of the provinces belong to the subspecies M. g. solanderi. Females are smaller and have shorter bills than males. In M. g. giganteus, outer appendages are longer in the sub-Antarctic than in the Antarctic, which is consistent with Allen’s rule. Moreover, an east-to-west cline shows a gradual decrease in body size. Within M. g. solanderi, the Chubut River Estuary (Argentina) and the Falkland Islands form the southern province, and Gough Island the northern province. The birds have shallower bills in Argentina than in the Falklands or Gough, but tarsi are longest in Gough. Macronectes giganteus giganteus is morphologically polymorphic but taxonomically stable, whereas M. g. solanderi, which is biometrically less variable, could undergo taxonomical differentiation. This paper gives arguments for further morphometric and genetic studies on the taxon.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the dynamics of local small-mammal populations
Authors: Solonen T. , Ahola P.
Published: February 2010

We studied dynamics of local small-mammal assemblages consisting of shrews, voles, and mice by small-scale snap trapping in each spring and autumn from 1981 to 2006 in southern Finland. Our aim was to search for relative roles of possible regulatory associations within and between species, as well as to find reflections of the effects of large-scale climatic phenomena on local populations. Preceding intraspecific densities had a dominating role in seasonal changes in small-mammal numbers. Their relationships with weather-related factors indicated by the indices of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) were most pronounced during winter. Relationships with the NAO indices, increasing values of which indicate milder weather in the north, were negative in voles but positive in shrews and mice. Spring densities were governed by the largely compensatory effects of the growth rate of the preceding summer and subsequent population decline during winter in the field vole ( Microtus agrestis (L., 1761)) and mice, while the effects of winter decline dominated in shrews. The bank vole ( Myodes glareolus (Schreber, 1780) = Clethrionomys glareolus (Schreber, 1780)) showed decreasing winter decline, which had a considerable positive effect on population densities.
Evaluation of the Cultivation Age of Dried Ginseng Radix and Its Commercial Products by Using 1H-NMR Fingerprint Analysis
Authors: Lin Wen-Neng , Lu Hsiu-Ying , Lee Meng-Shiou , Yang Shih-Ying , Chen Hsi-Jien , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Chang Wen-Te
Published: February 2010

The perfect ginseng radix is collected when the ginseng root reaches a cultivation age of six years; this ensures the best mass quality and consistency of the plant's essential bioactive components. Since traditional means of authentication via physical appearance or smell are hardly reliable, an efficient analytical method that can determine the real cultivation age of dried ginseng radix in commercial products, especially ginseng products of various dosage forms, is urgently required. In the present study, chemical fingerprint by 1H-NMR spectroscopy was used on dried ginseng radix samples with cultivation ages ranging from 1–6 years. The resulting dataset was then analyzed by using principle component analysis and cluster analysis to build up a distributive model that allows the identification of the real cultivation age of the ginseng radix based on a plant metabolomic strategy. This quality surveillance method was able to clearly discriminate the 6 years old ginseng radix from the other ages, and could be applied on the evaluation of the real cultivation age for the various dried white ginseng radix samples and commercial products accurately.
The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Paeoniflorin on Cerebral Infarction Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Tang Nou-Ying , Liu Chung-Hsiang , Hsieh Ching-Tou , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: February 2010

Paeoniflorin, a component in Paeonia lactiflora Pall, inhibits nuclear factor-κB expression in chronic hypoperfusion rat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of paeoniflorin on cerebral infarct, and the involvement of anti-inflammation. We established an animal model of cerebral infarct by occluding both the common carotid arteries and the right middle cerebral artery for 90 min, followed by reperfusion of 24 hours. The ratios of cerebral infarction area to total brain area, and neuro-deficit score were used as an index to observe the effects of paeoniflorin on cerebral infarct. ED1 (mouse anti rat CD68), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), intercellular adhesion molecular-1 (ICAM-1), myeloperoxidase (MPO) immunostaining and apoptotic cells in the cerebral infarction region also were studied. The results indicated that both pre-treatment and post-treatment with paeoniflorin reduced the ratio of cerebral infarction area; pre-treatment with paeoniflorin also reduced the neurological deficit score. The counts of ED1, IL-1β, TNF-α, ICAM-1 of microvessels and MPO immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells were increased in the cerebral infarction region; however, these increases were reduced by Paeoniflorin pre-treatment.

In conclusion, Paeoniflorin reduced cerebral infarct and neurological deficit in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats, suggesting that paeoniflorin may have a similar effect in humans and might be a suitable treatment for stroke. Paeoniflorin reduced cerebral infarct, at least in part, involves the anti-inflammatory properties.
THE EFFECT OF FUEL TO OXYGEN RATIOS ON THE PROPERTIES OF HIGH VELOCITY OXY-FUEL TiO2 NANO-PHOTOCATALYST COATINGS
Authors: BOZORGTABAR MARYAMOSSADAT , SALEHI MEHDI , RAHIMIPOUR MOHAMMADREZA , JAFARPOUR MOHAMMADREZA
Published: February 2010

A liquid fuel high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray process has been used to deposit TiO 2 photocatalytic coatings utilizing a commercially available anatase/rutile nano-powder as the feedstock. The coatings were characterized in terms of the phases present, its crystallite size and coating morphology by means of X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The results indicate that the sprayed TiO 2 coatings were composed of both TiO 2 phases, namely anatase and rutile with different phase content and crystallite size. A high anatase content of 80% by volume was achieved at 0.00015 fuel to oxygen ratio with nanostructure coating by grain size smaller than feedstock powder.

It is found that fuel to oxygen ratio strongly influenced on temperature and velocity of particles in stream jet consequently on phase transformation of anatase to rutile and their crystallite size and by optimizing the ratio which can promote structural transformation and grain coarsening in coating.
RADIOSCAPHOLUNATE ARTHRODESIS — A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Bain Gregory Ian , Ondimu Phillip , Hallam Peter , Ashwood Neil
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate pain levels, range of motion, patient activity and satisfaction after radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis. This was in association with distal scaphoid excision and complete resection of the triquetrum. The non-union rate for radioscapholunate arthrodesis was examined and the results compared with previous studies.

Twenty-three patients (14 males and nine females) with an average age of 47 (range 26–73) years underwent RSL fusion for post-traumatic osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Kienböck's disease of the lunate with a mean follow-up of 32 (range 13–70) months. The absolute prerequisite for any of these groups of patients was a functional midcarpal joint which was assessed pre-operatively with radiographs and intra-operatively prior to RSL fusion.

The average flexion to extension motion changed from 66° to 57°. The ulnoradial range of motion also increased to 43° from a pre-operative value of 22°. The patients visual analogue pain scores reduced from an average of 64 to 28 (p = 0.01). Nineteen patients had no restriction in activity and all but one was satisfied with the outcome. All patients remained in full time employment with ten returning to some form of sport.

RSL fusion with excision of the distal pole of the scaphoid and the entire triquetrum led to minimal reduction in the flexion-extension arc of motion and an increase in the ulnoradial arc. There was also good pain relief and maintenance of a patient's function. Memory staples are also an effective method of securing fusion in the wrist obtaining similar results to that seen in forefoot surgery.
A NEW VARIABLE ANGLED LOCKING VOLAR PLATE SYSTEM FOR COLLES' FRACTURE: OUTCOME STUDY AND TIME-COURSE IMPROVEMENT OF OBJECTIVE CLINICAL VARIABLES
Authors: Yasuda Masataka , Ando Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2010

Our purposes were to report the radiographic outcomes and complications of patients with Colles' fracture treated with the Nakashima locking volar plate system (variable angled distal screw locking mechanism) prospectively and to report the results of objective clinical variables such as grip strength and range of motion of the wrist prospectively at up to one year. This study consisted of eight men and 32 women for analysis of radiographic parameters (volar tilt, radial inclination and radial length) and complications. Radiographic parameters were measured pre-operatively, immediately post-operatively and at final follow-up visit. The average age at operation was 60.3 years old. Among them, we selected 25 cases (6 men and 19 women) whom we followed up at six weeks, three months, six months and one year post-operatively. The average age at operation in this group was 62 years old. We measured objective clinical variables (grip strength, forearm rotation, wrist extension/flexion) at each visit. Except for volar tilt, radiographic parameters revealed no significant changes between immediately post-operative radiographs and radiographs at final follow-up visit. Complications included loss of reduction in two cases. Objective clinical variables other than pronation measurement showed significant increase at each visit up to one year post-operatively. Satisfactory clinical and radiographic results were obtained by using this system. The variable angled distal fragment plating system appears to be a reliable construct for rigid fixation of Colles' fractures; however, technical errors can occur, as with other fixation systems. We demonstrated that the follow-up of Colles' fracture treated by our volar locking plate less than one year post-operative may be insufficient.
BILATERAL RUPTURE OF THE EXTENSOR POLLICIS LONGUS TENDON IN A PROFESSIONAL GOALKEEPER FOLLOWING STEROID INJECTIONS FOR EXTENSOR TENOSYNOVITIS
Authors: Mills Simon P. , Charalambous Charalambos P. , Hayton Mike J.
Published: February 2010

We present a rare case of bilateral extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture in a professional football goalkeeper following steroid injection for extensor tenosynovitis. The potential pathogenesis mechanisms are discussed.
ELECTRONIC AND CRYSTAL STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN BCC TYPE HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIALS
Authors: TANAKA YOSHINORI , KATAGIRI MASAHIKO , ONODERA HIDEHIRO , OGAWA HIROSHI
Published: February 2010

To design an ideal hydrogen ( H ) storage material, the understanding of the interaction between a host material and hydrogen is essential. The strength of the interaction determines the enthalpy and activation energy for H hopping. To obtain those physical quantities by utilizing first principle method, the crystal structure should be elucidated. We focused on Vanadium ( V ) as a representative of BCC (body-centered-cubic) type of hydrogen storage materials. The feature of BCC type storage material is characterized by the existence of β phase. We investigated the crystal and electronic structural changes with various H concentration in V . Without taking vibrational contribution into account, H atoms prefer to locate at tetrahedral sites. While taking the contribution into account, β phase can be the stable structure at VH composition.
COMPOSITIONAL EFFECT ON THE OPTICAL ABSORPTION AND PHOTOLUMINESCENCE OFCdSxSe1-xQUANTUM DOTS EMBEDDED IN BOROSILICATE GLASSES
Authors: KUMAR JITENDER , VERMA A. , PANDEY P. K. , BHATNAGAR P. K. , MATHUR P. C. , BHATNAGAR M. , LIU W. , TANG S. H.
Published: February 2010

The effect of composition on the optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) of CdSxSe1-xembedded in borosilicate glass matrix has been studied. It is observed that the first exciton absorption peak shifts from 2.62 to 2.21 eV and the PL peak shifts from 2.16 to 1.87 eV as the composition of selenium increases from 8 to 92 wt%. Samples having higher concentration of sulfur are found to have higher PL peak intensity, which is interpreted to be due to high concentration of shallow traps in the sulfur-rich samples. Absorption coefficient goes on increasing as the selenium content increases. This may be attributed to the fact that selenium has higher atomic size as compared to that of sulfur.
Cooperation between HNF-1α, Cdx2, and GATA-4 in initiating an enterocytic differentiation program in a normal human intestinal epithelial progenitor cell line
Authors: Benoit Yannick D. , Paré Fréderic , Francoeur Caroline , Jean Dominique , Tremblay Eric , Boudreau François , Escaffit Fabrice , Beaulieu Jean-François
Published: February 2010

In the intestinal epithelium, the Cdx, GATA, and HNF transcription factor families are responsible for the expression of differentiation markers such as sucrase-isomaltase. Although previous studies have shown that Cdx2 can induce differentiation in rat intestinal IEC-6 cells, no data are available concerning the direct implication of transcription factors on differentiation in human normal intestinal epithelial cell types. We investigated the role of Cdx2, GATA-4, and HNF-1α using the undifferentiated human intestinal epithelial crypt cell line HIEC. These transcription factors were tested on proliferation and expression of polarization and differentiation markers. Ectopic expression of Cdx2 or HNF-1α, alone or in combination, altered cell proliferation abilities through the regulation of cyclin D1 and p27 expression. HNF-1α and GATA-4 together induced morphological modifications of the cells toward polarization, resulting in the appearance of functional features such as microvilli. HNF-1α was also sufficient to induce the expression of cadherins and dipeptidylpeptidase, whereas in combination with Cdx2 it allowed the expression of the late differentiation marker sucrase-isomaltase. Large-scale analysis of gene expression confirmed the cooperative effect of these factors. Finally, although DcamKL1 and Musashi-1 expression were downregulated in differentiated HIEC, other intestinal stem cell markers, such as Bmi1, were unaffected. These observations show that, in cooperation with Cdx2, HNF-1α acts as a key factor on human intestinal cells to trigger the onset of their functional differentiation program whereas GATA-4 appears to promote morphological changes.
Roles of CYP2C29 and RXRγ in vascular EET synthesis of female mice
Authors: Sun Dong , Yang Yang-Ming , Jiang Houli , Wu Hongyan , Ojaimi Caroline , Kaley Gabor , Huang An
Published: February 2010

We aimed to identify which cytochrome P-450 (CYP) family/subfamily, as well as related transcription factor(s), is responsible for the estrogen-dependent synthesis of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to initiate shear stress-induced vasodilation. Microarray analysis indicated a significant upregulation of CYP2C29 and retinoid X receptor γ (RXRγ) in isolated mesenteric arteries/arterioles of female endothelial nitric oxide synthase-knockout mice, a result that was validated by real-time RT-PCR. The cannulated vessels were then perfused with 2 and 10 dyn/cm2 shear stress, followed by collection of the perfusate to determine EET concentrations and isoforms. Shear stress dose-dependently stimulated the release of EETs into the perfusate, associated with an EET-mediated vasodilation, in which predominantly 14,15-EET and 11,12-EET contributed to the responses (∼87.4% of total EETs). Transfection of vessels with CYP2C29 siRNA eliminated the release of EETs into the perfusate, which was evidenced by an abolished vasodilation, and confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. Knockdown of RXRγ in these vessels significantly inhibited the production of EETs, parallel to a reduced vasodilation. RXRγ siRNA not only silenced the vascular RXRγ expression, but synchronously downregulated CYP2C29 expression, leading to a reduced EET synthesis. In conclusion, our data provide the first evidence for a specific signaling cascade, by which estrogen potentially activates the CYP2C29 gene in the absence of nitric oxide, to synthesize EETs in response to shear stress, via an RXRγ-related regulatory mechanism.
Mechanism of platelet functional changes and effects of anti-platelet agents on in vivo hemostasis under different gravity conditions
Authors: Li Suping , Shi Quanwei , Liu Guanglei , Zhang Weilin , Wang Zhicheng , Wang Yuedan , Dai Kesheng
Published: February 2010

Serious thrombotic and hemorrhagic problems or even fatalities evoked by either microgravity or hypergravity occur commonly in the world. We recently reported that platelet functions are inhibited in microgravity environments and activated under high-G conditions, which reveals the pathogenesis for gravity change-related hemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases. However, the mechanisms of platelet functional variations under different gravity conditions remain unclear. In this study we show that the amount of filamin A coimmunoprecipitated with GPIbα was enhanced in platelets exposed to modeled microgravity and, in contrast, was reduced in 8 G-exposed platelets. Hypergravity induced actin filament formation and redistribution, whereas actin filaments were reduced in platelets treated with modeled microgravity. Furthermore, intracellular Ca2+levels were elevated by hypergravity. Pretreatment of platelets with the cell-permeable Ca2+chelator BAPTA-AM had no effect on cytoskeleton reorganization induced by hypergravity but significantly reduced platelet aggregation induced by ristocetin/hypergravity. Two anti-platelet agents, aspirin and tirofiban, effectively reversed the shortened tail bleeding time and reduced the death rate of mice exposed to hypergravity. Furthermore, the increased P-selectin surface expression was obviously reduced in platelets from mice treated with aspirin/hypergravity compared with those from mice treated with hypergravity alone. These data suggest that the actin cytoskeleton reorganization and intracellular Ca2+level play key roles in the regulation of platelet functions in different gravitational environments. The results with anti-platelet agents not only further confirm the activation of platelets in vivo but also suggest a therapeutic potential for hypergravity-induced thrombotic diseases.
Heavy metals zinc, cadmium, and copper stimulate pulmonary sensory neurons via direct activation of TRPA1
Authors: Gu Qihai , Lin Ruei-Lung
Published: February 2010

Airway exposure to zinc dust and zinc-containing ambient particulates can cause symptoms of airway irritation and inflammation, but the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are largely unknown. Transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) is selectively expressed in a subpopulation of pulmonary C-fiber afferents and has been considered as a major irritant sensor in the lung and airways. Using whole cell patch-clamp recording and Ca2+imaging, we have demonstrated that application of ZnCl2concentration dependently evoked inward current and Ca2+transient in isolated vagal pulmonary sensory neurons; both responses were almost completely inhibited after pretreatment with AP18, a specific TRPA1 antagonist. In anesthetized spontaneously breathing animals, intratracheal instillation of ZnCl2(2 mM, 25 μl) induced pronounced respiratory depression in wild-type mice, and the effect was essentially absent in TRPA1-deficient mice. In addition, our study showed that two other heavy metals, cadmium and copper, also stimulated pulmonary sensory neurons via a direct activation of TRPA1. In summary, our results suggest that activation of TRPA1 in pulmonary C-fiber sensory nerves may contribute to the respiratory toxicity induced by airway exposure to these three heavy metals.
Reach Adaptation and Proprioceptive Recalibration Following Exposure to Misaligned Sensory Input
Authors: Cressman Erin K. , Henriques Denise Y. P.
Published: February 2010

Motor adaptation in response to a visuomotor distortion arises when the usual motor command no longer results in the predicted sensory output. In this study, we examined if exposure to a sensory discrepancy was sufficient on its own to produce changes in reaches and recalibrate the sense of felt hand position in the absence of any voluntary movements. Subjects pushed their hand out along a robot-generated fixed linear path (active exposure group) or were passively moved along the same path (passive exposure group). This fixed path was gradually rotated counterclockwise around the home position with respect to the path of the cursor. On all trials, subjects saw the cursor head directly to the remembered target position while their hand moved outwards. We found that after exposure to the visually distorted hand motion, subjects in both groups adapted their reaches such that they aimed ∼6° to the left of the intended target. The magnitude of reach adaptation was similar to the extent that subjects recalibrated their sense of felt hand position. Specifically the position at which subjects perceived their unseen hand to be aligned with a reference marker was the same as that to which they reached when allowed to move freely. Given the similarity in magnitude of these adaptive responses we propose that reach adaptation arose due to changes in subjects' sense of felt hand position. Moreover, results indicate that motor adaptation can arise following exposure to a sensory mismatch in the absence of movement related error signals.
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution and Respiratory Health in Preschool Children
Authors: Fuentes-Leonarte Virginia , Ballester Ferran , Tenías José Maria
Published: February 2010

We carried out bibliographic searches in PubMed and Embase.com for the period from 1996 to 2008 with the aim of reviewing the scientific literature on the relationship between various sources of indoor air pollution and the respiratory health of children under the age of five. Those studies that included adjusted correlation measurements for the most important confounding variables and which had an adequate population size were considered to be more relevant. The results concerning the relationship between gas energy sources and children's respiratory health were heterogeneous. Indoor air pollution from biomass combustion in the poorest countries was found to be an important risk factor for lower respiratory tract infections. Solvents involved in redecorating, DYI work, painting, and so forth, were found to be related to an increased risk for general respiratory problems. The distribution of papers depending on the pollution source showed a clear relationship with life-style and the level of development.
A Brief Review on Dynamics of a Cracked Rotor
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Rastogi Vikas
Published: February 2010

Fatigue crack is an important rotor fault, which can lead to catastrophic failure if undetected properly and in time. Study and Investigation of dynamics of cracked shafts are continuing since last four decades. Some review papers were also published during this period. The aim of this paper is to present a review on recent studies and investigations done on cracked rotor. It is not the intention of the authors to provide all literatures related with the cracked rotor. However, the main emphasis is to provide all the methodologies adopted by various researchers to investigate a cracked rotor. The paper incorporates a candid commentary on various methodologies. The paper further deals an extended Lagrangian formulation to investigate dynamics of cracked rotor.
Variability in the Androgen Response of Prostate Epithelium to 5α-Reductase Inhibition: Implications for Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention
Authors: Mostaghel Elahe A. , Geng Linda , Holcomb Ilona , Coleman Ilsa M. , Lucas Jared , True Lawrence D. , Nelson Peter S.
Published: February 2010

Inhibitors of 5α-reductase (SRD5A) that lower intraprostatic levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) reduce the overall incidence of prostate cancer (PCa), but there is significant variation in chemopreventive activity between individual men. In seeking molecular alterations that might underlie this variation, we compared gene expression patterns in patients with localized PCa who were randomized to prostatectomy alone versus treatment with two different doses of the SRD5A inhibitor dutasteride. Prostatic levels of DHT were decreased by >90% in both dutasteride-treated patient groups versus the untreated patient group. Despite significant and uniform suppression of tissue DHT, unsupervised clustering based on prostatic gene expression did not discriminate these groups. However, subjects could be resolved into distinct cohorts characterized by high or low expression of genes regulated by the androgen receptor (AR), based solely on AR transcript expression. The higher-dose dutasteride treatment group was found to include significantly fewer cancers with TMPRSS2-ERG genetic fusions. Dutasteride treatment was associated with highly variable alterations in benign epithelial gene expression. Segregating subjects based on expression of AR and androgen-regulated genes revealed that patients are differentially sensitive to SRD5A inhibition. Our findings suggest that AR levels may predict the chemopreventive efficacy of SRD5A inhibitors. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1286–95
Vasculogenesis Driven by Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Is Essential for Growth of Ewing's Sarcomas
Authors: Yu Ling , Su Bing , Hollomon Mario , Deng Yong , Facchinetti Valeria , Kleinerman Eugenie S.
Published: February 2010

The role of vasculogenesis as opposed to angiogenesis in tumor formation has been little explored genetically. Endothelial cells that lack the MEK kinase MEKK3 cannot form vessels. In this study, we employed mice with hematopoietic deletions of the Mekk3 gene to evaluate the importance of vasculogenesis in the formation of Ewing's sarcoma tumors. Bone marrow cells (BM) from LacZ+ Mekk3-deficient conditional knockout mice (Mekk3Δflox/− mice) were transplanted into irradiated nude mice before injection of Ewing's sarcoma cells. Because the grafted Mekk3Δflox/− BM cells cannot contribute to vessel development in the same way as the host Mekk3+/+ endothelial cells, angiogenesis is normal in the model whereas vasculogenesis is impaired. Four weeks after BM transplant, Ewing's sarcoma TC71 or A4573 cells were injected, and tumor growth and vessel density were compared. Strikingly, chimeric mice transplanted with Mekk3Δflox/− BM exhibited a reduction in tumor growth and vessel density compared with mice transplanted with Mekk3Δflox/+ BM cells. Mekk3Δflox/− cells that were LacZ positive were visualized within the tumor; however, few of the LacZ+ cells colocalized with either CD31+ endothelial cells or desmin+ pericytes. Quantification of double-positive LacZ+ and CD31+ endothelial cells or LacZ+ and desmin+ pericytes confirmed that chimeric mice transplanted with Mekk3Δflox/− BM were impaired for tumor vessel formation. In contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Mekk3 in TC71 Ewing's sarcoma cells had no effect on tumor growth or vessel density. Our findings indicate that vasculogenesis is critical in the expansion of the tumor vascular network. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1334–43
A MicroRNA Expression Signature for Cervical Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Hu Xiaoxia , Schwarz Julie K. , Lewis James S. , Huettner Phyllis C. , Rader Janet S. , Deasy Joseph O. , Grigsby Perry W. , Wang Xiaowei
Published: February 2010

Invasive cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, resulting in about 300,000 deaths each year. The clinical outcomes of cervical cancer vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Thus, a method to reliably predict disease outcome would be important for individualized therapy by identifying patients with high risk of treatment failures before therapy. In this study, we have identified a microRNA (miRNA)-based signature for the prediction of cervical cancer survival. miRNAs are a newly identified family of small noncoding RNAs that are extensively involved in human cancers. Using an established PCR-based miRNA assay to analyze 102 cervical cancer samples, we identified miR-200a and miR-9 as two miRNAs that could predict patient survival. A logistic regression model was developed based on these two miRNAs and the prognostic value of the model was subsequently validated with independent cervical cancers. Furthermore, functional studies were done to characterize the effect of miRNAs in cervical cancer cells. Our results suggest that both miR-200a and miR-9 could play important regulatory roles in cervical cancer control. In particular, miR-200a is likely to affect the metastatic potential of cervical cancer cells by coordinate suppression of multiple genes controlling cell motility. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1441–8
Is Repair of Incisional Hernias by Polypropylene Mesh a Safe Procedure?
Authors: Yildirim Mehmet , Engin Omer , Karademir Mehmet , Hoser Abdurrahman , Calik Bulent
Published: February 2010

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety of the intraperitoneal mesh repair procedure and to assess the complications that develop after the procedure. Subjects and Methods: We reviewed the records of 25 patients who underwent intraperitoneal mesh repair procedures. Data on age, sex, size and cause of the hernia, postoperative mortality, and morbidity with special attention to complications were obtained from the medical records. Results: Of the 25 patients (7 males, 18 females), the original operation was cholecystectomy in 15 cases (60%), gynaecological surgery in 2, gastric surgery in 2, and umbilical hernia in 2. Incisions were midline in 20 cases (80%), transverse in 2 and laparoscopic port sites in 3 patients. The average size of the hernia was 150 cm2. Local complications occurred in 4 (16%) patients. Postoperative complications included wound infection in 3 patients and haematoma in 1 patient. Postoperative hospital stay ranged from 3 to 25 days with a mean of 6 days. No recurrence developed during 28-month follow-up. Conclusion: The tension-free repair of incisional hernia with polypropylene mesh in intraperitoneal position is a safe and easy procedure with acceptable morbidity and no recurrence.
Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma and Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma in Children: Two Case Reports
Authors: Özalp Nurhan , Şener Efsun , Songur Timur
Published: February 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to present the clinical and histopathological evaluation of reactive gingival lesions, such as peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) and peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF), as exemplified in two cases. Clinical Presentation andIntervention: A 12- and a 13-year-old girl were referred to the Department of Pedodontics, both complaining of a painless swelling mass. After histopathological evaluation, the lesions were diagnosed as PGCG and POF. These gingival enlargements were totally resected after adequate clinical and radiological examinations. No recurrence has occurred in the 1-year follow-up period. Conclusion: These cases show that without histopathological evaluation, these two lesions could have been misdiagnosed due to their similarity in appearance. Early detection and treatment of these lesions are important to reduce bone loss or displacement of dental germs or teeth.
O-GlcNAc-Selective-N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase Activity and mRNA Expression in Muscle Is Related to Glucosamine-Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Durán-Reyes Genoveva , Pascoe-Lira Dalila , García-Macedo Rebeca , Medina-Navarro Rafael , Rosales-Torres Ana María , Vergara-Onofre Marcela , Foyo-Niembro Enrique , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Margarita Eugenia , García-Gutiérrez María Trinidad Adriana , Valladares-Salgado Adán , Kumate Jesús , Cruz Miguel
Published: February 2010

Glucosamine (GlcN)-induced insulin resistance is associated with an increase in O-linked-N-acetylglucosaminylated modified proteins (O-GlcNAcylated proteins). The role played by O-GlcNAc-selective-N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (O-GlcNAcase), which removes O-N-acetyl-glucosamine residues from O-GlcNAcylated proteins, has not yet been demonstrated. We investigated whether GlcN-induced whole-body insulin resistance is related to tissue O-GlcNAcase activity and mRNA expression. GlcN (30 µmol/kg/min) or physiological saline (control) was intravenously infused into Sprague-Dawley rats for 2 h. After GlcN treatment, rats were subjected to the following: intravenous glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test or removal of the liver, muscle and pancreas. GlcN was found to provoke hyperglycemia compared to control (8.6 ± 0.41 vs. 4.82 ± 0.17 mM, p < 0.001). The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) increased (15.76 ± 1.47 vs. 10.14 ± 1.41, p < 0.001) and the β-cell function index (HOMA-β) diminished (182.69 ± 22.37 vs. 592.01 ± 103, p < 0.001). Liver glucose concentration was higher in the GlcN group than in the control group (0.37 ± 0.04 vs. 0.24 ± 0.038 mmol/g dry weight, p < 0.001). Insulin release index (insulin/glucose) was less in the GlcN group than in the control (2.2 ± 0.1 vs. 8 ± 0.8 at 120 min, p < 0.001). In the GlcN group, muscle O-GlcNAcase activity diminished (0.28 ± 0.019 vs. 0.36 ± 0.018 nmol of p-nitrophenyl/mg protein/min, p < 0.001), and Km increased (1.51 ± 0.11 vs. 1.12 ± 0.1 mM, p < 0.001) compared to the control. In the GlcN group, O-GlcNAcase activity/mRNA expression was altered (0.6 ± 0.07 vs. 1 ± 0.09 of control, p < 0.05). In conclusion, O-GlcNAcase activity is posttranslationally inhibited during GlcN-induced insulin resistance.
Altitudinal Ranging of Black-Crested Gibbons at Mt. Wuliang, Yunnan: Effects of Food Distribution, Temperature and Human Disturbance
Authors: Fan Peng-Fei , Jiang Xue-Long
Published: February 2010

We studied the altitudinal ranging of one habituated group of black-crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor) at Dazhaizi, Mt. Wuliang, Yunnan, China, between March 2005 and April 2006. The group ranged from 1,900 to 2,680 m above sea level. Food distribution was the driving force behind the altitudinal ranging patterns of the study group. They spent 83.2% of their time ranging between 2,100 and 2,400 m, where 75.8% of important food patches occurred. They avoided using the area above 2,500 m despite a lack of human disturbance there, apparently because there were few food resources. Temperature had a limited effect on seasonal altitudinal ranging but probably explained the diel altitudinal ranging of the group, which tended to use the lower zone in the cold morning and the higher zone in the warm afternoon. Grazing goats, the main disturbance, were limited to below 2,100 m, which was defined as the high-disturbance area (HDA). Gibbons spent less time in the HDA and, when ranging there, spent more time feeding and travelling and less time resting and singing. Human activities directly influenced gibbon behaviour, might cause forest degradation and create dispersal barriers between populations.
Intraoperative Use of the Medtronic O-arm for Deep Brain Stimulation Procedures
Authors: Caire F. , Gantois C. , Torny F. , Ranoux D. , Maubon A. , Moreau J.J.
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this study was to analyze the feasibility and utility of 3D imaging to help lead positioning during a deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedure. A bilateral subthalamic DBS procedure was conducted in 2 patients for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Subthalamic nucleus targeting was based on preoperative stereotactic MRI. We used the Medtronic O-arm® to perform 2D-imaging control (frontal and lateral) as well as quick (<30 s) 3D acquisition. This allowed us to check the positioning of micro-macro electrodes and definite electrodes. 3D images were fused with postoperative CT to assess their accuracy, and with preoperative MRI to visualize the anatomical location of the electrodes. 3D imaging is a quick and safe method to ensure perioperative control of lead placement during DBS procedures.
Sleep, Immunity, and Circadian Clocks: A Mechanistic Model
Authors: Bollinger Thomas , Bollinger Annalena , Oster Henrik , Solbach Werner
Published: February 2010

The lack of sufficient amounts of sleep is a hallmark of modern living, and it is commonly perceived that in the long run this makes us sick. An increasing amount of scientific data indicate that sleep deprivation has detrimental effects on immune function. Conversely, immune responses feedback on sleep phase and architecture. Several studies have investigated the impact of short-term sleep deprivation on different immune parameters, whereas only a few studies have addressed the influence of sleep restriction on the immune system. In many cases, sleep deprivation and restriction impair immune responses by disrupting circadian rhythms at the level of immune cells, which might be a consequence of disrupted endocrine and physiological circadian rhythms. Little is known about the mechanisms underlying the circadian regulation of immunity, but recent studies have suggested that local as well as central circadian clocks drive the rhythms of immune function. In this review, we present a mechanistic model which proposes that sleep (through soluble factors and body temperature) primes immune cells on the one hand, and, on the other hand, provides a timing signal for hematopoietic circadian clocks. We hypothesize that chronic sleep disruption desynchronizes these clocks and, through this mechanism, deregulates immune responses.
Epidemiological Aspects of Transsexualism
Authors: Hoenig J. , Kenna J.
Published: February 2010

A population-related study of a group of 53 transsexuals is reported and data regarding sex, marital state, social class and work maladjustment are given. Calculations suggest as a conservative estimate that there are 449 male and 127 female transsexuals over the age of 15 years in England and Wales.
Sur 23 cas d’aphasie traumatique
Authors: De Morsier G.
Published: February 2010

Works on speech disturbances following craniocerebral trauma are relatively few. Having summarized 23 new cases, the author adds his observations to those which have been published by others.
The Psychiatric Status and Treatment Needs of a Random Sample of Juveniles Charged with Delinquency
Authors: Stephenson P.S. , Blakely B. , Nichol H.
Published: February 2010

A random sample (50) of all juveniles (2,200) charged with delinquency in a large city was examined to obtain an unbiased and comprehensive estimate of the extent of psychiatric disability in these children and their treatment needs. The children were separated into three groups designated ‘normal’ (46°/o), ‘social delinquent’ (22%) and ‘emotionally disturbed’ (32%). This classification helped to clarify the type of intervention required. The high percentage of psychiatric disability found represents a major indication for probation officers to be alert to the need to refer cases for evaluation. The findings confirm the proposition that a multi-faceted team approach involving home, school, community agencies, probation officers, and psychiatrists when applicable, is vital to the treatment of juvenile delinquents.
Der Einfluss der antidepressiven Therapie auf das gestörte Zeiterleben depressiver Patienten
Authors: Bojanovsky J. , TÖlle R.
Published: February 2010

The time estimation of 31 depressive patients (15 endogenous and 16 neurotic depressives) was tested in two ways: the patients had to estimate the length of a preceding discussion and then to estimate the length of the proceeding 1/2 and 2 minutes. The examinations were made before the start of the therapy, after therapeutic sleep deprivation and (with a part of these patients) in the course of a 4 weeks amitriptyline therapy. Before the treatment, the depressives overestimated the time of the just passed discussion and underestimated the lenght of 1/2 and 2 minutes. This could correspond to an acceleration of the «inner watch». The morning after sleep deprivation, the errors were still greater, although the condition of the endogenous depressions improved. On the next day, there was a tendency to revert to the praetherapeutic values (as well as to the clinical evaluation). With the amitriptyline therapy the changes were opposite to those after the sleep deprivation: the errors were smaller, though not entirely corrected. The results are discussed in relation to some previous experimental examinations and to the phenomenological analysis of the time sense of depressives.
Lassen sich Perseverationen durch Hirnschädigungen erklären?
Authors: Breidt R.
Published: February 2010

It is demonstrated that ‘perseveration’ can be used and is quantifiable and meaningfully adaptable as a metaterm in the psychopathology and in the description of normal people, covering a lot of similar phenomena in the sense of adequate or inadequate persistence of mental processes or behavior. Known theories about perseveration are discussed. Perseveration is insufficiently explained by the brain damage, because incongruent results were found and many groups of non-brain-damaged people showed even higher perseverations than those. A theory of higher order about perseverations as primitive forms or regressions of behavior is presented.
Hysterische Amnesien
Authors: Balestrieri A. , Zimmermann-Tansella Ch. , Tansella M. , Siciliani O.
Published: February 2010

After a discussion of the nosographical collocation of hysteric amnesias, their phenomenology and their psychodynamic pathogenesis, the authors describe a case of general amnesia with special reference to similar cases reported in literature.
Die mehrjährige Lithiumtherapie affektiver Störungen Langzeiteffekte und Begleiterscheinungen
Authors: Hofmann G. , Grünberger J. , König P. , Presslich O. , Wolf R.
Published: February 2010

Some questions of the long-term lithium treatment of affective disorders are discussed based on a statistical analysis of 140 patients. The overall results do not differ from those published elsewhere. Even after 4 years of treatment the number of symptom-free female cases is still increasing and goes beyond 50 %, while another 25 % show only subclinical phases. In men the 4-year results are not so favourable and in the fourth to sixth year they are slightly worse. The difference in therapeutic effects between recurrent unipolar and circular depression is only apparent in men. The prophylaxis of relapses of mania is less successful than that of depressions in both sexes. Changes in the course of the illness, in the general condition of the patient and in the endogenous rhythmicity occur mainly in the beginning of lithium therapy, and are probably slightly more frequent than those associated with other psychotropic drugs. The incidence of side effects is somewhat lower after several years of lithium treatment than in the early stages. A form of an organic psychosyndrome appearing during long-term lithium therapy is discussed.
Ein Fall manisch-depressiver Turbulenz und seine modellhafte Deutung
Authors: Klempel K.
Published: February 2010

A case of manic depressive psychosis in which the phases alternated every 60 to 90 sec – called ‘manic depressive turbulance’ – is reported. The illness is interpreted in terms of a model of functional neuronal denervation, which is conceived as underlying all affective disorders. In view of the extreme frequency of the phase changes, an attempt is made to outline a general mechanism underlying the switch from the depressive to the manic phase.