bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of 3H‐glucosamine and 35S‐sulfate with cultured human chondrocytes to determine the effect of glucosamine concentration on formation of chondroitin sulfate
Authors: Mroz Paula J. , Silbert Jeremiah E.
Published: November 2004

Objective

To determine whether addition of glucosamine will stimulate synthesis of chondroitin sulfate by cultures of human chondrocytes, and to compare the relative contribution of endogenous glucosamine to exogenous glucosamine in forming chondroitin sulfate.

Methods

Cultured human chondrocytes were incubated with 35S‐sulfate and various amounts of glucosamine to determine whether any incremental formation of chondroitin 35S‐sulfate occurred. Similarly, chondrocytes incubated with variable concentrations of 3H‐glucosamine were examined to determine how much the incorporation into 3H‐chondroitin sulfate was diluted by provision of endogenous glucosamine that was derived by metabolism from glucose.

Results

No stimulation of chondroitin 35S‐sulfate synthesis was found at concentrations of glucosamine up to 1 mM, a concentration of 3H‐glucosamine well above the concentrations that could be presented to cartilage after ingestion of advertised amounts of glucosamine. Furthermore, there was significant dilution of exogenous glucosamine by endogenous glucosamine provided by metabolism from glucose.

Conclusion

The results indicate that exogenous glucosamine does not stimulate chondroitin sulfate synthesis by human chondrocytes. Furthermore, the cells have the capacity to form amounts of glucosamine from glucose far in excess of that provided from exogenous sources, except at concentrations greater than could possibly be achieved with oral administration of glucosamine.
The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on lumbar spine bone mineral density in patients with quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hartkamp A. , Geenen R. , Godaert G. L. R. , Bijl M. , Bijlsma J. W. J. , Derksen R. H. W. M.
Published: November 2004

Objective

Because dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal steroid hormone with weak intrinsic androgenic properties that can be converted in peripheral tissues into more potent sex hormones, one might expect a positive effect of DHEA on bone mineral density (BMD). We evaluated the effects on lumbar BMD of oral DHEA, 200 mg/day, for 1 year in female patients with quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

The study subjects were 60 women with SLE. All participants gave informed consent to participate in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study on the effects of DHEA on fatigue and general well‐being. BMD was measured with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at baseline and after 12 months.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients (mean age 42.6 years) could be evaluated; 2 patients (both in the DHEA group) refused to undergo DEXA a second time. In premenopausal women, DHEA did not influence BMD significantly. There was a significant increase in BMD with use of DHEA in postmenopausal women who were not receiving bisphosphonates or estrogen‐containing medications. This increase was not observed in the group receiving placebo.

Conclusion

In premenopausal women with quiescent SLE, use of DHEA does not have a significant effect on BMD. DHEA may increase BMD in postmenopausal SLE patients if they are not already protected from bone loss by use of estrogens or bisphosphonates. Small numbers, due to the absence of stratification for menopausal status, and the use of antiresorptive agents at randomization preclude firmer conclusions based on the results of this study.
Do breast‐feeding and other reproductive factors influence future risk of rheumatoid arthritis?: Results from the Nurses' Health Study
Authors: Karlson Elizabeth W. , Mandl Lisa A. , Hankinson Susan E. , Grodstein Francine
Published: November 2004

Objective

To explore the contribution of female hormonal factors occurring prior to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), such as age at menarche, parity, age at first birth, breast‐feeding, use of oral contraceptives (OCs), irregular menstrual cycles, and postmenopausal hormone (PMH) use, to the subsequent development of RA in a large female cohort.

Methods

We studied female reproductive and hormonal risk factors for RA in a cohort of 121,700 women enrolled in the longitudinal Nurses' Health Study. The diagnosis of incident RA (between 1976 and 2002) in 674 women was confirmed by a connective tissue disease screening questionnaire and blinded medical record review for American College of Rheumatology criteria. Sixty percent of the patients with RA were rheumatoid factor positive. The relationship between potential risk factors, including age, age at menarche, parity, age at first birth, total lifetime history of breast‐feeding, use of OCs, and irregular menstrual cycles and the multivariate‐adjusted risk of RA was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Using a multivariate model that adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, parity, and other hormonal factors, we observed a strong trend for decreasing risk of RA with increasing duration of breast‐feeding (P for trend = 0.001). For women who breast‐fed (compared with parous women who did not breast‐feed), the risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were as follows: breast‐feeding for ≤3 total months, RR 1.0 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.8‐1.2); for 4–11 total months, RR 0.9 (95% CI 0.7–1.1); for 12–23 total months, RR 0.8 (95% CI 0.6–1.0); and for ≥24 total months, RR 0.5 (95% CI 0.3–0.8). Very irregular menstrual cycles were associated with an increased risk of RA (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.0). Age at menarche ≤10 years was associated with an increased risk of seropositive RA (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4) but not significantly associated with risk of RA. Parity, total number of children, age at first birth, and OC use were not associated with an increased risk of RA in this cohort.

Conclusion

In this large cohort, breast‐feeding for >12 months was inversely related to the development of RA. This apparent effect was dose‐dependent, with a significant trend toward lower risk with longer duration of breast‐feeding. Irregular menstrual cycles and earlier age at menarche increased the risk of RA. Other reproductive hormonal factors were not associated with RA risk.
Judgment of information quality and cognitive authority in the Web
Authors: Rieh Soo Young
Published: November 2004

In the Web, making judgments of information quality and authority is a difficult task for most users because overall, there is no quality control mechanism. This study examines the problem of the judgment of information quality and cognitive authority by observing people's searching behavior in the Web. Its purpose is to understand the various factors that influence people's judgment of quality and authority in the Web, and the effects of those judgments on selection behaviors. Fifteen scholars from diverse disciplines participated, and data were collected combining verbal protocols during the searches, search logs, and postsearch interviews. It was found that the subjects made two distinct kinds of judgment: predictive judgment, and evaluative judgment. The factors influencing each judgment of quality and authority were identified in terms of characteristics of information objects, characteristics of sources, knowledge, situation, ranking in search output, and general assumption. Implications for Web design that will effectively support people's judgments of quality and authority are also discussed.
Wie heiß wurde der Spannstahl der Brücke über die BAB 2 während des Brandes am 16. 07. 2004?
Authors: Herschelmann Falk , Schmidt‐Döhl Frank , Richter Ekkehard , Schwick Wulf
Published: November 2004

Während eines Brandes am 16. 07. 2004 wurde eine Brücke über die BAB 2 stark beschädigt. Die Sanierungsfähigkeit hängt i. w. davon ab, welche Temperatur die Spannstähle während des Brandes erreicht haben. Mit Hilfe rechnerischer Simulationen und bauchemischer Untersuchungen des Betons konnte ermittelt werden, daß die Spannstähle eine Temperatur von 200 °C nicht erreicht haben. Plastische Dehnungen und bleibende Festigkeitseinbußen des Spannstahls können daher mit großer Sicherheit ausgeschlossen werden. Die Brücke ist damit sanierungsfähig, und zwar mit verhältnismäßig geringem Aufwand.
Monitoring the biological activity of the composting process: Oxygen uptake rate (OUR), respirometric index (RI), and respiratory quotient (RQ)
Authors: Gea Teresa , Barrena Raquel , Artola Adriana , Sánchez Antoni
Published: November 2004

Composting of several organic wastes of different chemical composition (source‐separated organic fraction of municipal solid waste, dewatered raw sludge, dewatered anaerobically digested sludge and paper sludge) was carried out under controlled conditions to study the suitability of different biological indexes (oxygen uptake rate, respirometric index, and respiratory quotient) to monitor the biological activity of the composting process. Among the indexes tested, oxygen uptake rate (also referred to as dynamic respirometric index) provided the most reliable values of microbial activity in a compost environment. On the other hand, values of the static respirometric index measured at process temperature, especially in the early stages of the composting process, were significantly lower than those of the dynamic index, which was probably due to oxygen diffusion limitations present in static systems. Both static and dynamic indexes were similar during the maturation phase. Static respirometric index measured at 37°C should not be used with samples obtained during the thermophilic phase, since it resulted in an underestimation of the respiration values. Respiratory quotient presented only slight variations when changing the process temperature or the waste considered, and its use should be restricted to ensure aerobic conditions in the composting matrix. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Media coverage of ‘decades of disparity’ in ethnic mortality in Aotearoa
Authors: Hodgetts Darrin , Masters Bridgette , Robertson Neville
Published: November 2004

For some time we have known that factors such as economic prosperity, community cohesion, and social justice bear on health. These societal influences are particularly pertinent to the health of indigenous groups, such as Maori, who are still responding to processes of colonization. In July 2003 the New Zealand Ministry of Health published a report entitled ‘Decades of Disparity’, which proposed (among other things) that neoliberal policies of the last two decades impacted negatively on mortality rates for Maori and Pacific peoples, when compared with Pakeha. In this article we explore media coverage of this report through analyses of media releases, radio, television and newspaper items. It is argued that as the story evolved media increasingly challenged the importance of societal determinants of health, preferring individual level explanations. As a result coverage failed to give due emphasis to structural health concerns for Maori, which necessitate social change. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triple‐Helix Directed Cleavage of Double‐Stranded DNA by Benzoquinoquinoxaline‐1,10‐phenanthroline Conjugates
Authors: Zaid Ahmed , Sun Jian‐Sheng , Nguyen Chi‐Hung , Bisagni Emile , Garestier Thérèse , Grierson David S. , Zain Rula
Published: November 2004

Oligonucleotide‐directed triple‐helix formation provides a rational means to interfere with genomic DNA targets and to direct modifications at specific sites. We have developed a new class of compounds that, at low concentrations, efficiently targets and damages double‐stranded DNA specifically at the site where a triple‐helical structure is formed. In these new compounds, a triple‐helix‐specific intercalator—benzoquinoquinoxaline (BQQ)—was coupled to one of two isomeric 1,10‐phenanthrolinecarboxaldehyde derivatives. 1,10‐Phenanthroline derivatives are known to cleave DNA in the presence of copper ions. The obtained BQQ‐1,10‐phenanthroline (BQQ–OP) conjugates were compared with regard to their ability to cleave triple‐helix DNA. Both conjugates displayed a sequence preference inside the triple‐helical site, as judged from the more pronounced cleavage obtained at stretches of T⋅A×T base triplets.
Cofactor‐Apoprotein Hydrogen Bonding in Oxidized and Fully Reduced Flavodoxin Monitored by Trans‐Hydrogen‐Bond Scalar Couplings
Authors: Löhr Frank , Yalloway Gary N. , Mayhew Stephen G. , Rüterjans Heinz
Published: November 2004

Hydrogen bonding plays a key role in the tight binding of the FMN cofactor and the regulation of its redox properties in flavodoxins. Hydrogen bonding interactions can be directly observed in solution by multidimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy through the scalar couplings between donor and acceptor nuclei. Here we report on the detection of intermolecular trans‐hydrogen‐bond couplings (hJ) between the flavin ring system and the backbone of Desulfovibrio vulgaris flavodoxin in the oxidized and the two‐electron reduced states. For this purpose, experiments are adapted from pulse sequences previously applied to determining hJ coupling constants in nucleic acid–base pairs and proteins. The resulting h2JN,N, h4JN,N, h3JC,N, and h1JH,N couplings involve the 15N(1), 13C(2), and 15N(3) nuclei of the pyrimidine moiety of FMN, whereas no such interactions are detectable for 13C(4) and 15N(5). Several long‐range 15N–15N, 13C–15N, and 1H–15N J‐coupling constants within the flavin are obtained as “by‐products”. The magnitudes of both hJ and regular J couplings are found to be dependent on the redox state. In general, good correlations between hJ coupling constants and donor‐group 1H chemical shifts and also crystallographic donor–acceptor distances are observed.
Limitations of successive transradial approach in the same arm: The Japanese experience
Authors: Sakai Hideaki , Ikeda Satoshi , Harada Takashi , Yonashiro Suguru , Ozumi Kiyoshi , Ohe Haruto , Ochiai Masahiko , Miyahara Yoshiyuki , Kohno Shigeru
Published: November 2004

The transradial approach (TRA) has been used for diagnostic and interventional cardiology. It has not previously been determined how many times the same radial artery can be cannulated without complications. A total of 812 patients (502 men and 310 women) underwent angiography or angioplasty via the TRA between 1997 and 1999 at our institution with a total of 1,438 procedures. Sheaths were 5 (55%) or 6 Fr (45%). Dropout rates of 3.5% and 7.9% were found at the second TRA attempt in the men and the women, respectively. Of the 62 TRA failures, 56 (90%) were due to narrowing or occlusion of the radial artery after the previous TRA procedure. A third TRA procedure was possible in 90% of the men and 80% of the women. A fifth TRA procedure was possible in 70% of the men and 50% of the women. The dropout rates for TRA increased as successive punctures were performed. This was primarily due to vessel narrowing and occlusion occurring as a function of multiple punctures. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;54:204–208. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Comparative Study of the Film‐Drainage Models for Coalescence of Drops and Bubbles at Flat Interface
Authors: Ghosh P.
Published: November 2004

Film‐drainage models are widely used to estimate the coalescence time of drops and bubbles. These models were developed and studied based on the experimental data obtained from only a few systems. Recent studies have shown that there are many systems where the estimation based on these models is quite different from the experimental observations. The present work investigates the applicability of these models by using data from a wide variety of systems. Coalescence times of a single drop and bubble are studied at flat liquid‐liquid and air‐water interfaces. Systems having different physical properties are studied. All these systems contain surface‐active substances. The models are compared with the experimental data. The possible reasons for deviation of these models from the experimental data are pointed out.
Cover Picture: Efficient and Mild Copper‐Catalyzed N‐ and C‐Arylations with Aryl Bromides and Iodides (Chem. Eur. J. 22/2004)
Authors: Cristau Henri‐Jean , Cellier Pascal P. , Spindler Jean‐Francis , Taillefer Marc
Published: November 2004

The cover picture shows the very broad application field of new catalytic systems for the N‐, O‐ and C‐arylations of various nucleophiles (the background represents crystals of the catalyst Cu2O). These systems, which result from combinations of copper salts with a set of original chelating ligands not previously known to promote such reactions, are unique in terms of versatility. Mildness, low‐cost, experimental simplicity, and the ability to work at low catalyst loading are features of this methodology, which make it particularly well suited for industrial‐scale syntheses for which financial and environmental issues are of greater concern. Consequently, it should find applications very soon for the synthesis of industrially important synthetic targets, found in a range of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and natural products. For mote details see the article by M. Taillefer, H.‐J. Cristau et al. on p. 5607 ff.
Preparation of Polyfunctional Arynes via 2‐Magnesiated Diaryl Sulfonates.
Authors: Sapountzis Ioannis , Lin Wenwei , Fischer Markus , Knochel Paul
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis of Monothiooxamides.
Authors: Zavarzin I. V. , Yarovenko V. N. , Chernoburova E. I. , Krayushkin M. M.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Asymmetric Reaction of Simple Nitro Compounds with Chiral 1,3‐Oxazolidin‐2‐ones.
Authors: Kudyba Iwona , Raczko Jerzy , Jurczak Janusz
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis of Aromatic Aldehydes by Oxidative Hydroxymethylation.
Authors: Branytska Olena , Neumann Ronny
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Electrochemical Carboxylation of 2‐Iodoaromatic Compounds.
Authors: Korbi B. Haouas , Adhoum N. , Boujlel K.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Cp2TiCl‐Promoted Isomerization of Trisubstituted Epoxides to exo‐Methylene Allylic Alcohols on Carvone Derivatives.
Authors: Bermejo Francisco , Sandoval Celso
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
[2 + 2] Carbonylative Cycloaddition Catalyzed by Palladium: Stereoselective Synthesis of β‐Lactams.
Authors: Troisi Luigino , De Vitis Luisella , Granito Catia , Pilati Tullio , Pindinelli Emanuela
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Zirconium Triflate‐Catalyzed Reactions of Indole, 1‐Methylindole, and Pyrrole with α,β‐Unsaturated Ketone.
Authors: Shi Min , Cui Shi‐Cong , Li Qing‐Jiang
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Activity of Some ω‐(1H‐Imidazol‐1‐yl)‐N‐phenylacetamide and Propionamide Derivatives.
Authors: Soyer Zeynep , Kilic Fatma Sultan , Erol Kevser , Pabuccuoglu Varol
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Differential Antiproliferative Activity of New Benzimidazole‐4,7‐diones.
Authors: Garuti Laura , Roberti Marinella , Pizzirani Daniela , Pession Annalisa , Leoncini Emanuela , Cenci Valentina , Hrelia Silvana
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Hypervalent Iodine in Synthesis. Part 87. The Synthesis of 2,5‐Diaryl‐2H‐tetrazoles.
Authors: Zhou Tao , Chen Zhen‐Chu
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Two New Compounds from the Leaves of Calocedrus microlepic var. formosana.
Authors: Chien Shih‐Chang , Liu Han‐Kang , Kuo Yueh‐Hsiung
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Oxime‐Based Methods for Synthesis of Stereodefined Acyclic Polyfunctionalized δ‐Azido‐nitriles and 5‐Substituted Isoxazoles from Carbohydrate Derivatives.
Authors: Passacantilli Pietro , Pepe Simona , Piancatelli Giovanni , Pigini Daniela , Squarcia Antonella
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
An Efficient Synthesis of Trihydroxy Quinolizidine Alkaloids Using Ring‐Closing Metathesis.
Authors: Dhavale Dilip D. , Jachak Santosh M. , Karche Navnath P. , Trombini Claudio
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Phenolic Glycosides from Pyrola japonica.
Authors: Kim Ju Sun , Shim Sang Hee , Xu Yong Nan , Kang Sam Sik , Son Kun Ho , Chang Hyeun Wook , Kim Hyun Pyo , Bae KiHwan
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Asymmetric Cation Coordination in Oxide Materials: Influence of Lone‐Pair Cations on the Intra‐octahedral Distortion in d0 Transition Metals
Authors: Halasyamani P. Shiv
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Organometallic Complexes of Silver
Authors: Fackler J. P. , Liu C. W.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Coordination Polymers: Discrete Systems
Authors: Constable E. C.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
How We Drifted into Peptide Chemistry and Where We Have Arrived at
Authors: Seebach Dieter , Kimmerlin Thierry , Sebesta Radovan , Campo Marino A. , Beck Albert K.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Virulence Regulation and Quorum Sensing in Staphylococcal Infections: Competitive AgrC Antagonists as Quorum Sensing Inhibitors
Authors: Chan Weng C. , Coyle Barry J. , Williams Paul
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
New Nongeminal Cyclophosphazenes
Authors: Wisian‐Neilson Patty , Jung June‐Ho , Potluri Srinagesh K. , Mauldin Clayton E. , Zhang Hongming
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Dialkoxy Disulfides and Their Branch‐Bonded Thionosulfite Isomers
Authors: Zysman‐Colman Eli , Harpp David
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Phase Equilibrium in Solid—Liquid Supercritical Fluid Systems
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Mamata
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Ab initio Potential Energy Surfaces of Large Reaction Systems
Authors: Mebel A. M.
Published: November 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Modellierung von Temperaturfeldern in der Elektrochromatographie zur Abschätzung der Anwendbarkeit im halbtechnischen Maßstab
Authors: Arlt W. , Schneider T. , Böhme A.
Published: November 2004

No abstracts.
Neue Entwicklungen in der Reaktionstechnologie – Der Multiparallelreaktor HPMR 50‐96
Authors: Allwardt A. , Stoll N. , Wendler C. , Thurow K.
Published: November 2004

No abstracts.
Clinical utility of indium 111‐capromab pendetide immunoscintigraphy in the detection of early, recurrent prostate carcinoma after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Raj Ganesh V. , Partin Alan W. , Polascik Thomas J.
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Despite the ability of radical prostatectomy to eradicate prostate carcinoma, biochemical evidence of recurrent prostate carcinoma may be seen in approximately 40% of patients 15 years after they undergo surgery. Localization of recurrent disease after radical prostatectomy is difficult and may greatly influence subsequent clinical management. The authors examined the utility of indium 111 (111In)‐capromab pendetide immunoscintigraphy to detect recurrent prostate carcinoma radiographically in men with early biochemical evidence of failure (serum prostate specific antigen [PSA] ≤ 4.0 ng/mL) and assessed the minimum serum PSA level necessary for imaging recurrent disease.

METHODS

Between May 1987 and August 1995, 255 hormone‐naïve men with a mean (± standard deviation) age of 65 years ± 7 years who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate carcinoma were followed without adjuvant therapy until early PSA recurrence in this multicenter study. Preoperatively, all patients had negative bone scans and pathologically negative lymph nodes, and they did not undergo hormonal ablation, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy preoperatively or postoperatively until the 111In‐capromab pendetide scan was performed. All men in this study had postoperative serum PSA levels ≤ 4.0 ng/mL at the time of radionuclide imaging. All men underwent imaging with the capromab pendetide scan to localize recurrent disease, and charts were reviewed to document clinical evidence of recurrence.

RESULTS

Pathologic findings included mean Gleason scores of 6.7 ± 1.2; pathologic tumors classified as pT2a (18%), pT2b (26%), pT3a (38%), pT3b (16%), and pT4a (2%); a pathologic lymph node status of pN0 (100%); positive surgical margins (44%); and perineural invasion (42%). Capromab pendetide uptake was seen in 72% of 255 men throughout a range of patients' postoperative serum PSA levels (0.1–4.0 ng/mL), with 31% of men having local uptake (prostatic fossa) only. Of 151 men who underwent additional imaging studies, 16 of 139 men (12%) and 15 of 92 men (16%) showed evidence of recurrent disease by bone scintigraphy and computed tomography scans, respectively. Gleason score, pathologic stage, perineural invasion, and margin status were not correlated significantly with the 111In‐capromab pendetide scan.

CONCLUSIONS

Capromab pendetide imaging can localize early PSA recurrence and may guide appropriate treatment after patients undergo radical prostatectomy. No minimum serum PSA value was needed to potentially detect radiographic disease after surgery. Further confirmatory studies and long‐term follow‐up of this cohort documenting response to salvage therapy are needed to validate these imaging findings. Cancer 2002;94:987–96. © 2002 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.10337
Utility of automated counting to determine absolute neutrophil counts and absolute phagocyte counts for pediatric cancer treatment protocols
Authors: Hijiya Nobuko , Onciu Mihaela , Howard Scott C. , Zhang Zhe , Cheng Cheng , Sandlund John T. , Kyzer Emily P. , Behm Fred G. , Pui Ching‐Hon
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) and absolute phagocyte counts (APCs) are used to guide cancer treatment. Although automated counting could replace manual counting, data showing correlations are lacking. By analyzing blood samples from children undergoing cancer treatment, the authors determined whether ANCs and APCs obtained by automated methods correlated positively with ANCs and APCs obtained manually.

METHODS

The authors analyzed 3640 consecutive peripheral blood samples. Leukocyte counts determined by Beckman‐Coulter Gen‐S or HmX analyzers (Beckman‐Coulter, Miami, FL) were used to calculate counts obtained by automated or manual methods. Automated differential counts were obtained by automated analyzers and manual differential counts were performed by medical technologists. Counts underwent linear regression analysis. The authors evaluated 5 cutoff values for ANCs and APCs commonly used in decision‐making related to cancer treatment: 300/μL, 500/μL, 750/μL, 1000/μL, and 1500/μL. Manually determined ANCs and APCs served as standards to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa coefficient for automated counting.

RESULTS

R2 values were 0.81 for ANCs determined by manual and automated methods and 0.84 for APCs determined by both methods. The specificity of the automated method was > 90% for all ranges of ANCs and APCs, except one (APCs < 300/μL). There was excellent agreement (κ > 0.9) between ANCs determined by manual and automated methods and APCs calculated by both methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Automated methods of determining ANCs and APCs for children undergoing cancer treatment were reliable and can replace manual counting. Blood smear examination to validate ANCs and APCs determined by automated methods was needed only in selected cases. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
The role of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in cervical lymph node metastases from an unknown primary tumor
Authors: Rusthoven Kyle E. , Koshy Mary , Paulino Arnold C.
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

The authors performed a comprehensive review of the efficacy of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in the detection of primary tumors in patients with cervical metastases from unknown primary tumors.

METHODS

Sixteen studies (involving a total of 302 patients) published between 1994 and 2003 were reviewed. These studies evaluated the role of FDG‐PET in the detection of unknown primary tumors after conventional workup. In all studies, conventional workup included either panendoscopy or computed tomographic/magnetic resonance imaging, and in 10 of 16 studies, both of these diagnostic techniques were performed before diagnosis.

RESULTS

The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates of FDG‐PET in detecting unknown primary tumors were 88.3%, 74.9%, and 78.8%, respectively. Furthermore, FDG‐PET detected 24.5% of tumors that were not apparent after conventional workup. FDG‐PET imaging also led to the detection of previously unrecognized metastases in 27.1% of patients (regional, 15.9%; distant, 11.2%). FDG‐PET had notably low specificity and a high false‐positive rate (39.3%) in the tonsils. In contrast, the false‐positive rates for FDG‐PET of the base of tongue and hypopharynx were only 21.4% and 8.3%, respectively. FDG‐PET exhibited decreased sensitivity to tumors in the base of tongue (81.5%). The sensitivity of this technique at other sites was 90.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

FDG‐PET detected primary tumors that went undetected by other modalities in approximately 25% of cases and was sensitive in the detection of previously unrecognized regional or distant metastases in 27% of cases. FDG‐PET had low specificity for tonsillar tumors and low sensitivity for base‐of‐tongue malignancies. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Patient expectation is a strong predictor of severe nausea after chemotherapy
Authors: Roscoe Joseph A. , Bushunow Peter , Morrow Gary R. , Hickok Jane T. , Kuebler Philip J. , Jacobs Andrew , Banerjee Tarit K.
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Patients may use their past experiences with nausea, as well as information about the incidence of nausea from chemotherapy that other patients have experienced, to form a prediction, or response expectancy, of nausea from their own upcoming chemotherapy. Mounting evidence suggests that these expectancies relating to nausea are significant predictors, and, likely, contributing factors to the development of treatment‐related nausea.

METHODS

The patients in the current study were participants in the control arm of a multicenter clinical trial conducted between November 1999 and July 2001 by the University of Rochester Community Clinical Oncology Program. All patients in the current report were age ≥ 18 years and were about to begin a first cancer treatment regimen containing doxorubicin.

RESULTS

Expectancy of nausea assessed before patients received their first doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy treatment was found to be a strong predictor of subsequent nausea and in fact was stronger than previously reported predictive factors, including age, nausea during pregnancy, and susceptibility to motion sickness. Women who believed it was “very likely” that they would have severe nausea from chemotherapy were five times more likely to experience severe nausea than fellow patients who thought its occurrence would be “very unlikely.”

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies confirming an expectancy of nausea as a risk factor are warranted as are studies examining the benefit to a patient's quality of life from modifying antiemetic treatment guidelines to take into account symptom expectancies. Finally, ethically acceptable interventions that are designed to reduce patients' nausea expectancies or increase their expectancies of nausea control should be developed and studied. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Diagnostic procedures after a positive spiral computed tomography lung carcinoma screen
Authors: Pinsky Paul F. , Marcus Pamela M. , Kramer Barnett S. , Freedman Matthew , Nath Hrudaya , Kvale Paul , Reding Douglas
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND

Low‐radiation dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) currently is being evaluated as a screening modality for lung carcinoma in a randomized trial. Although several diagnostic algorithms for the workup of positive LDCT screens have been proposed, to the authors' knowledge there is no widely accepted standard to date and there are few nationwide data concerning how such diagnostic workups are actually being performed outside a research protocol setting.

METHODS

The Lung Screening Study (LSS) was a multicenter feasibility trial that randomized 1660 subjects to undergo LDCT and an equivalent number to undergo chest X‐ray. Subjects with positive screens were referred to their own health care providers for diagnostic follow‐up; LSS did not specify a diagnostic algorithm. LSS collected and abstracted medical records regarding procedures employed in the diagnostic workup of positive screens.

RESULTS

Of the 522 subjects with a positive LDCT screen at baseline or at Year One, 12% underwent biopsy. Biopsy was less likely to be performed in subjects with 4–9‐mm nodules (5%) than in subjects with nodules measuring 10+ mm (25%) or in subjects with no nodules but other suspicious findings (15%). Among 63% of the subjects who underwent chest CT on follow‐up, the median time between screening and first follow‐up chest CT was 82 days. Only a minority of subjects received diagnostic workups that were consistent with published algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from the current study represent the experience of subjects followed by their health care providers in five different U.S. metropolitan areas and one rural area. As such, they provide some indication of practices in the U.S. with regard to the diagnostic workup of patients with positive spiral CT screens. Cancer 2005. Published 2004 by the American Cancer Society.
Projections of the oval nucleus of the hyperstriatum ventrale in the budgerigar: Relationships with the auditory system
Authors: Brauth Steven E. , Liang Wenru , Roberts Todd F.
Published: November 2004

The afferent and efferent projections of a vocal control nucleus, the oval nucleus of the hyperstriatum ventrale (HVo), were mapped out in a parrot, the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) to determine the relationships of this nucleus to the auditory system. In budgerigars, HVo is connected to both the anterior forebrain pathway as well as to nuclei forming the descending projection system to the brainstem (Durand et al. [1997] J. Comp. Neurol. 377:179–206). Previous studies (Brauth et al. [1997] Proc. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 807:368–385; Durand and Brauth [1998] Neurosci Abstr 24:78.9) indicate that HVo lesions disrupt vocal performance and that HVo neurons show long latency electrophysiologic auditory responses. HVo has also been shown to receive input from neurons in the immediately adjacent HV (Durand et al. [1997] J. Comp. Neurol. 377:179–206). Thus, the focus of the present study was to elucidate relationships between HVo, its immediately adjacent surround and telencephalic auditory nuclei. The results show that, although the lateral and medial portions of HVo are interconnected with one another, inputs to these areas and their surrounds are distinctively different. The most substantial auditory system inputs are derived from the frontal lateral neostriatum (NFl) and supracentral nucleus of the lateral neostriatum (NLs); these project primarily to the lateral HVo and lateral HVo surround. The medial HVo and surround receive only sparse or modest input from auditory nuclei, including the caudomedial neostriatum (NCM), neostriatum intermedium pars lateralis (NIL), Fields L1 and L3, and the neostriatum intermedium pars ventrolateralis (NIVL). Other sources of input to the HVo surround include the hyperstriatum accessorium (HA), the supralaminar area of the frontal neostriatum (NAs), the ventral anterior archistriatum (AAv), the medial archistriatum (Am) and the medial HV. Neurons in the HV immediately medial to HVo project to a shell region around the entire nucleus. Both the ventral paleostriatum (VP) and ventral part of the central nucleus of the lateral neostriatum (NLc) project to HVo but not to the surround. Previously described projections (Durand et al., 1997) from HVo to the NAom, NLc, and the magnicellular nucleus of the lobus parolfactorius (LPOm) were confirmed. J. Comp. Neurol. 432:481–511, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High Level Architecture Data Distribution Management migration from DoD 1.3 to IEEE 1516
Authors: Morse Katherine L. , Petty Mikel D.
Published: November 2004

The High Level Architecture (HLA) is an infrastructure for assembling federations of distributed simulations, or federates, that interoperate by exchanging simulation data at run time. HLA's Data Distribution Management (DDM) services control the amount of simulation data delivered to an HLA federate by establishing dynamic data communications connections based on the federates' run‐time declarations of data production and requirements. In September 2000 the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) approved a new standard for HLA, the IEEE 1516 standard. Most parts of the IEEE 1516 standard are generally similar to the U.S. Department of Defense HLA standard upon which it was based, the DoD 1.3 standard. However, the DDM services were significantly changed in the IEEE 1516 standard. The changes to DDM included the removal of routing spaces and the introduction of default dimension ranges. These changes simplified the implementation of some approaches to using DDM, but they did not affect the fundamental functionality of DDM. With some care, HLA users can develop DDM usage approaches that can be migrated smoothly from DoD 1.3 to IEEE 1516. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mathematical models for explaining the emergence of specialization in performing tasks
Authors: Solow Daniel , Szmerekovsky Joesph
Published: November 2004

In an evolving community consisting of many individuals, it is often the case that the individuals tend, over time, to become more specialized in performing the tasks necessary for survival and growth of the community as a whole. The contribution in this work is a collection of linear and nonlinear mathematical models that provide insights as to when and why functional specialization emerges in general, rather than specific, settings. The results from these models, which are based on an evolutionary approach, apply to communities in which individuals allocate their time in the best interest of the community as a whole. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 10:37–48, 2004
PIC Model of the Ion Collection by a Langmuir Probe
Authors: Taccogna F. , Longo S. , Capitelli M.
Published: November 2004

A numerical study is made of the dynamics of Ar+ ions collected by a cylindrical Langmuir probe at medium He buffer gas pressure. The numerical model is based on a combination of PIC simulation for the ion component and fluid description for the electrons using the Boltzmann relation. The electric field is self‐consistently computed via the Poisson equation. The neutrals are modeled directly by an analytical method. The elastic collisions between Ar+ ions and He atoms are accounted for using a TPMC method based on the polarization potential theory. The results of the present simulation show the ion current peak observed experimentally at medium pressure regimes. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Atmospheric‐Pressure CVD of Vanadium Phosphide Thin Films from Reaction of Tetrakisdimethyl‐amidovanadium and Cyclohexylphosphine
Authors: Blackman C.S. , Carmalt C.J. , O'Neill S.A. , Parkin I.P. , Molloy K.C. , Apostolico L.
Published: November 2004

APCVD of vanadium phosphide from V(NMe2)4 and cyclohexylphosphine is studied. Silver metallic‐like films 50 nm to 300 nm thick are deposited on silica‐coated float glass at 400–550 °C and their chemical composition and physical properties are examined. Given the all‐nitrogen coordination sphere of the metal precursor, there is little or no nitrogen contamination detected. Carbon contamination is also found to be negligible. The paper suggests that this method is more reliable than depositions utilizing VCl4 and that it offers a general route to the deposition of metal phosphides.
Innovative Approaches to Oxide Nanosystems: CeO2‐ZrO2 Nanocomposites by a Combined PE‐CVD/Sol–Gel Route
Authors: Armelao L. , Barreca D. , Bottaro G. , Gasparotto A. , Tondello E. , Ferroni M. , Polizzi S.
Published: November 2004

A novel combined PE‐CVD/sol–gel approach to oxide‐based nanosystems is proposed and employed for the synthesis of CeO2–ZrO2 nanocomposites. The method consists of the plasma‐enhanced (PE) CVD of ceria (guest) on a zirconia xerogel ZrOx(OH)y(OR)z (host) prepared by sol–gel (SG) at a temperature of 200 °C. The system evolution under annealing in air (600 °C and 900 °C, 1 h) and its mutual relationships with the synthesis conditions were investigated in detail by a multi‐technique characterization. The proposed synthetic pathway enables the synthesis of CeO2–ZrO2 nanostructured systems ranging from composites to solid solutions, as a function of thermal treatment and Ce/Zr ratio as well. In this framework, particular attention is devoted to achieving an intimate Ce/Zr intermixing by exploiting the synergy between the SG xerogel properties (porosity, –OH content) and the peculiar actions exerted by plasma (ablation/deposition, infiltration power). Such features enable an in‐depth penetration of ceria into the inner zirconia xerogel layers already in the as‐grown systems.
Growth of Hafnium Aluminate Thin Films by Liquid Injection MOCVD Using Alkoxide Precursors
Authors: Marshall P.A. , Potter R.J. , Jones A.C. , Chalker P.R. , Taylor S. , Critchlow G.W. , Rushworth S.A.
Published: November 2004

Thin films of Hf aluminate, (HfO2)x(Al2O3)1–x (Al = 8.4–38.5 at.‐%) have been deposited by liquid injection MOCVD using the metal alkoxide precursors [Hf(mmp)4] (mmp = OCMe2CH2OMe) and [Al(OiPr)3]. (HfO2)x(Al2O3)1–x thin films deposited at 500 °C had a thickness range of 7–13 nm and were high purity, with no carbon detected by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) at the estimated detection limit of 0.5 at.‐%. Thick films of (HfO2)x(Al2O3)1–x containing more than ∼7 at.‐% Al were found by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to be amorphous. High frequency capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements indicate strong electron trapping and a high density of interface states.
Flow cytometry–based approach to ABCG2 function suggests that the transporter differentially handles the influx and efflux of drugs
Authors: García‐Escarp Marta , Martínez‐Muñoz Vanessa , Sales‐Pardo Irene , Barquinero Jordi , Domingo Joan Carles , Marin Pedro , Petriz Jordi
Published: November 2004

Background

To better characterize the function of the ABCG2 transporter in vitro, we generated three cell lines (MXRA, MXRG, and MXRT) stably expressing ABCG2 after transfection of wild‐type ABCG2 and two mutants (R482G and R482T), respectively.

Methods

ABCG2 expression and function were analyzed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies, a variety of fluorescent substrates, and a series of potential inhibitors of the transporter.

Results

ABCG2 expression was detected in all cell lines. The cell lines effluxed mitoxantrone (MXR), but only the mutants effluxed rhodamine 123 (Rho123), SYTO13, doxorubicin, and daunorubicin. After incubation with MXR, intracellular accumulations were 9‐ and 22‐fold higher in MXRA than in MXRT and MXRG cells, respectively, suggesting that ABCG2 also modulates the influx rate of the drug. Flow cytometry kinetic studies of MXR efflux showed that MXRG cells effluxed 50% of the drug at a faster rate than MXRA and MXRT cells (t50: 15.3 min vs. 27.8 and 44.5 min, respectively). MXRG cells also extruded Rho123 and SYTO13 at a faster rate than MXRT cells. ABCG2‐mediated transport was inhibited by fumitremorgin C, cyclosporine A, and PSC‐833, but not by verapamil or probenecid. MXRG cells displayed the highest level of resistance to MXR, doxorubicin, and daunorubicin in the cytotoxicity assays.

Conclusions

Glycine mutations at position 482 have a significant impact on ABCG2 function by modifying its substrate specificity and its influx/efflux rates. This study also demonstrates that flow cytometry constitutes a powerful tool for the kinetic analysis of ABC transporters. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A on nuclear texture and c‐jun gene expression in drug‐sensitive and drug‐resistant human H69 lung carcinoma cells
Authors: El‐Khoury Victoria , Gomez Dennis , Liautaud‐Roger Françoise , Trussardi‐Régnier Aurélie , Dufer Jean
Published: November 2004

Background

Texture analysis of chromatin patterns by image cytometry can be used in the development and refinement of diagnosis and prognosis of cancers and in the follow‐up of therapies. However, little is known about the biological mechanisms underlying these patterns. Epigenetic mechanisms as histone posttranslational modifications and particularly histone acetylation could play a major role in the determination of these chromatin patterns and then influence nuclear texture measurements.

Methods

This study examined the consequences of treatment by the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) on the nuclear texture in human cell lines sensitive and resistant to chemotherapy. Small cell lung carcinoma H69 cells and their variant H69‐VP, which is resistant to etoposide, were incubated with 100 ng/ml of TSA for 0 to 24 h. Nuclear texture was evaluated by image cytometry and compared with the histone H4 acetylation level measured by western blotting and expression of c‐jun gene evaluated by reverse transcription and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

TSA treatment induced an increase in histone H4 acetylation level in both cell lines. However, at the level of chromatin texture, sensitive H69 cells displayed a progressive chromatin decondensation up to 24 h, whereas resistant H69‐VP showed rapid (8 h) but transient changes. Similarly, expression of c‐jun increased regularly in TSA‐treated H69 cells. In H69‐VP cells, an increase was also observed up to 12 h followed by a decrease after 24 h of treatment.

Conclusions

Analysis of nuclear texture appeared to be a sensitive technique to detect chromatin pattern alterations induced by the histone deacetylase inhibitor TSA in the H69 cell line and enabled the observation of chromatin pattern discrepancies between chemotherapeutic drug‐sensitive and drug‐resistant cells during this treatment. When c‐jun gene expression was analyzed as gene sensitive to epigenetic control, these textural differences seemed to be correlated to gene expression. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.