bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Calibration of a Laminating Press Prototype for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Glulam Billets
Authors: Hong Y , Muszyński L , Lopez-Anido R A
Published: September 2005

The design, modeling, and calibration procedure of a prototype mechanical clamping device for fabricating wood and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite laminated billets for ASTM D 2559 delamination tests and shear block tests is presented. Quality bonding of the billets requires clamping the laminate under uniformly distributed pressure of a specified level for a span of time necessary for the resin to cure. The specific time and pressure level that may be applied depends on the type of resin and species of wood used. To meet the requirements, a mechanical clamping device was designed to provide control over the applied stress level and maintain the minimum required pressure for up to 24 h. A calibration procedure was developed in order to adjust the flow of the excess resin being pressed out of the gluelines in the first stage of clamping, as well as the nonlinear time-dependent behavior of the laminate material. The calibration procedure involved determining the correlation between the average torque applied when tightening the four closing nuts and the clamping pressure between the steel plates. In addition, a procedure to determine the laminate materials' specific clamping pressure loss over 24 h was established.
Transforming Growth Factor β1 Promotes Cell Cycle Exit through the Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 in the Developing Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Siegenthaler Julie A. , Miller Michael W.
Published: September 2005

During cortical neurogenesis, cell proliferation and cell cycle exit are carefully regulated to ensure that the appropriate numbers of cells are produced. The antiproliferative agent transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and its receptors are endogenously expressed in proliferative zones of the developing cerebral cortex, thus implicating the growth factor in cell cycle regulation. The present study tested the hypothesis that TGFβ1 promotes cell cycle exit in the cortical ventricular zone (VZ) through modulation of cell cycle protein expression, in particular cyclin D1 and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p27 and p21. Although it did not affect the length of the cell cycle, TGFβ1 decreased the fraction of VZ-cycling cells by 21% and increased the number of VZ cells exiting the cell cycle a commensurate 24%. TGFβ1 selectively increased the expression of p21 in the VZ. In addition, high p21 expression levels were observed in VZ cells as they exited the cell cycle, and TGFβ1 increased the number p21-positive cells exiting the cell cycle. Collectively, these data show the following: (1) TGFβ1 promotes cell cycle exit, (2) p21 upregulation is correlated with cell cycle exit, and (3) TGFβ1-induced cell cycle exit is mediated by p21.
The Ventral Pallidum and Hedonic Reward: Neurochemical Maps of Sucrose “Liking” and Food Intake
Authors: Smith Kyle S. , Berridge Kent C.
Published: September 2005

How are natural reward functions such as sucrose hedonic impact and the motivation to eat generated within the ventral pallidum (VP)? Here, we used a novel microinjection and functional mapping procedure to neuroanatomically localize and neurochemically characterize substrates in the VP that mediate increases in eating behavior and enhancements in taste hedonic “liking” reactions. The μ-opioid agonistd-Ala2-N-Me-Phe4-Glycol5-enkephalin (DAMGO) caused increased hedonic “liking” reactions to sucrose only in the posterior VP but conversely suppressed “liking” reactions in the anterior and central VP. DAMGO similarly stimulated eating behavior in the posterior and central VP and suppressed eating in the anterior VP. In contrast, the GABAAantagonist bicuculline increased eating behavior at all VP sites, yet completely failed to enhance sucrose “liking” reactions at any site. These results reveal that VP generation of increased food reward and increased eating behavior is related but dissociable. Hedonic “liking” and eating are systematically mapped in a neuroanatomically and neurochemically interactive manner in the VP.
Insulin Inhibits Neuropeptide Y Gene Expression in the Arcuate Nucleus through GABAergic Systems
Authors: Sato Ikuko , Arima Hiroshi , Ozaki Noriyuki , Watanabe Minemori , Goto Motomitsu , Hayashi Masayuki , Banno Ryouichi , Nagasaki Hiroshi , Oiso Yutaka
Published: September 2005

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the arcuate nucleus is an orexigenic hormone of which levels are regulated by humoral as well as neural signals. In this study, we examined the regulation of NPY gene expression in the arcuate nucleus in hypothalamic organotypic cultures. Dexamethasone (DEX) (10–9to 10–7m) significantly increased NPY mRNA expression, and the effects were not influenced by coincubation with the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX), indicating that the action of DEX is independent of action potentials. Conversely, insulin (10–11to 10–9m) significantly inhibited NPY expression stimulated by DEX, and the inhibitory action of insulin was abolished in the presence of TTX. Because GABA and its receptors are expressed in the arcuate nucleusin vivo, we examined whether GABAergic systems were involved in the insulin action. The GABABagonist baclofen significantly inhibited NPY expression stimulated by DEX, and the inhibitory action of insulin was completely abolished in the presence of either the GABAAantagonist bicuculline or the GABABantagonistCGP35348(p-3-aminopropyl-p-diethoxymethyl phosphoric acid). Furthermore, increases in the GABA-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) mRNA expression preceded decreases in NPY mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus in the cultures. Experimentsin vivoalso demonstrated that increases in GAD65 mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus preceded decreases in the NPY mRNA expression in a fasting-refeeding paradigm and that intracerebroventricular injection of insulin increased GAD65 mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus in fasted rats. These data suggest that insulin inhibits NPY gene expression in the arcuate nucleus through GABAergic systems.
Seining Effort Needed to Estimate Species Richness of Small Littoral Zone Fishes: A Simulation Study in Three Wyoming Reservoirs
Authors: Bailey Paul E. , Gerow Kenneth G.
Published: September 2005

Seining is commonly used to determine species distributions and to estimate species richness of small fishes in littoral zones of lentic habitats. However, little guidance exists on the seining effort required to properly estimate species richness for lentic habitats. Our objective was to determine the seining effort needed to estimate species richness for three Wyoming reservoirs. We conducted a simulation study based on seining data collected from three reservoirs to define the sampling effort needed to estimate species richness. Eighteen to thirty-eight seine hauls were needed to attain a 90% probability of detecting approximately 90% of the species present, and 42–66 seine hauls were needed to attain a 90% probability of detecting all of the species present. Seining appears to be an effective tool for estimating species richness in Wyoming reservoirs, even though considerable effort is required for precise estimates.
Informed Consent for Medical Treatment and Research: A Review
Authors: del Carmen Marcela G. , Joffe Steven
Published: September 2005

The practice of informed consent has historical roots in various disciplines, including medicine, moral philosophy, and the law. It is closely tied to philosophical notions of respect for persons and respect for individual autonomy. Consent to treatment is rooted in case law. Consent to research, in contrast, has its basis in ethical codes, statutes, and administrative regulations, with the courts playing a lesser role. In this article, we define the elements of informed consent in the treatment setting, outline its ethical and legal foundations, and explore some of its limitations. We contend that informed consent plays a critical role in clinical medicine but that other models of decision making deserve consideration under particular circumstances. We also delineate the current federal regulatory schemes guiding human subject research in the U.S., highlight how consent to research differs from consent to treatment, and explore the difficulties that arise in research involving cancer patients and certain vulnerable populations.
Pathways mediating abnormal intracortical inhibition in Parkinson's disease
Authors: MacKinnon Colum D. , Gilley Emily A. , Weis‐McNulty Annette , Simuni Tanya
Published: September 2005

Previous studies have used paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to show that short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) is reduced in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study examined whether reduced SICI in PD is caused by an increase in the threshold of inhibitory pathways or a reduction in the threshold of excitatory pathways. Motor‐evoked potentials were recorded from a hand muscle in 12 patients with PD (7 patients were tested off and on antiparkinsonian medications) and 12 control subjects. SICI was tested at seven conditioning stimulus intensities (CSIs; 40–100% of resting motor threshold) and at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 2, 3, and 4 milliseconds. No differences were found between groups in resting or active motor threshold, SICI threshold, or the extent of SICI at CSIs at or below 80% of resting motor threshold. Significant differences between groups were observed at CSIs of 90% and 100% with an ISI of 3 milliseconds. Antiparkinsonian medication had no effect on SICI. These findings show that the low threshold inhibitory pathways mediating SICI are normal in PD. The suppression of SICI observed at higher CSIs suggests that the threshold of intracortical facilitatory pathways is decreased in PD. Ann Neurol 2005;58:516–524
Mitochondria take center stage in aging and neurodegeneration
Authors: Beal M. Flint
Published: September 2005

A critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage has been hypothesized in both aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Much of the evidence has been correlative, but recent evidence has shown that the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations accelerates normal aging, leads to oxidative damage to nuclear DNA, and impairs gene transcription. Furthermore, overexpression of the antioxidant enzyme catalase in mitochondria increases murine life span. There is strong evidence from genetics and transgenic mouse models that mitochondrial dysfunction results in neurodegeneration and may contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic paraplegia, and cerebellar degenerations. Therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage in these diseases therefore have great promise. Ann Neurol 2005;58:495–505
A life course approach to cognitive reserve: A model for cognitive aging and development?
Authors: Richards Marcus , Deary Ian J.
Published: September 2005

The concept of reserve in neuroscience maintains that there are aspects of brain structure and function that can buffer the effects of neuropathology such that the greater the reserve, the more severe the pathology must be to cause functional impairment. This article provides a concise overview of structural and functional approaches to reserve and shows how reserve may be conceived as the sum of its lifetime input. In this context, reserve therefore provides an empirical yet general model of cognitive aging and development. Ann Neurol 2005;58:617–622
A new method for quantifying the complexity of muscle attachment sites
Authors: Zumwalt Ann
Published: September 2005

Muscle attachment site morphology may have valuable use for reconstructing activity patterns in individuals from historic populations or extinct species. The skeletal locations where muscles and tendons attach are morphologically very complex, and variations in this morphology may reflect stresses experienced by these attachment sites as a result of muscular contractions. However, existing methods for assessing attachment site complexity are qualitative and subjective. This article describes a new method for quantifying attachment site complexity in which attachment sites are scanned with a 3D laser scanner and the morphological complexities of their surfaces are quantified using fractal analysis. The method described here documents the complexity at specific transects along six limb attachment sites in adult female sheep (Ovis aries), and variations in complexity within attachment sites are explored. Overall trends indicate that most of the attachment sites examined here are more complex at their peripheries than at their centers, indicating that these sites experience more varied loads at the peripheries of the tendon attachments. Exceptions to this trend are noted and all functional implications are discussed. This method provides the first opportunity to explore variations in morphological complexity within attachment sites. Assuming a relationship between tensile strains and bony morphology exists, this method provides a new tool to explore the strain environments of muscle attachment sites. Anat Rec (Part B: New Anat) 286B:21–28, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development and application of methods for determination of residual monomer in dental acrylic resins using high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Urban V. M. , Cass Q. B. , Oliveira R. V. , Giampaolo E. T. , Machado A. L.
Published: September 2005

Two high‐performance liquid chromatographic methods for determination of residual monomer in dental acrylic resins are described. Monomers were detected by their UV absorbance at 230 nm, on a Nucleosil® C18 (5 µm particle size, 100 Å pore size, 15 × 0.46 cm i.d.) column. The separation was performed using acetonitrile–water (55:45 v/v) containing 0.01% triethylamine (TEA) for methyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate, and acetonitrile–water (60:40 v/v) containing 0.01% TEA for isobutyl methacrylate and 1,6‐hexanediol dimethacrylate as mobile phases, at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Good linear relationships were obtained in the concentration range 5.0–80.0 µg/mL for methyl methacrylate, 10.0–160.0 µg/mL for butyl methacrylate, 50.0–500.0 µg/mL for isobutyl methacrylate and 2.5–180.0 µg/mL for 1,6‐hexanediol dimethacrylate. Adequate assay for intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy was observed during the validation process. An extraction procedure to remove residual monomer from the acrylic resins was also established. Residual monomer was obtained from broken specimens of acrylic disks using methanol as extraction solvent for 2 h in an ice‐bath. The developed methods and the extraction procedure were applied to dental acrylic resins, tested with or without post‐polymerization treatments, and proved to be accurate and precise for the determination of residual monomer content of the materials evaluated. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A phase II trial of palliative radiotherapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee Justin , Hodgson David , Chow Edward , Bezjak Andrea , Catton Pamela , Tsuji Debbie , O'Brien Mary , Danjoux Cyril , Hayter Charles , Warde Padraig , Gospodarowicz Mary K.
Published: September 2005

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has previously been described as being less responsive to radiotherapy (RT) than other tumor types. The authors conducted a prospective study to assess the effect of RT on symptoms and quality of life (QOL) in patients with metastatic RCC.

METHODS

Between 1996 and 2002, patients with symptomatic metastatic RCC were entered into a prospective study in two cancer centers. Symptomatic sites of disease were treated with 30 grays (Gy) in 10 fractions. Patients reported pain, analgesic use, symptoms, and QOL using validated questionnaires before RT, 1 month and 3 months after treatment, and every 3 months to 1 year thereafter.

RESULTS

Thirty‐one patients (19 males and 12 females) were entered into the trial. The median age of the patients was 61 years (range, 35–81 yrs). The most common indication for RT was bone pain (n = 24). The median duration of follow‐up was 4.3 months (range, 1–15 mos). Of 23 evaluable patients treated for pain, 83% (n = 19) experienced site‐specific pain relief after RT, and 48% (n = 11) did not have an associated increase in analgesic medication use. The median duration of site‐specific pain response was 3 months (range, 1–15 mos). The global pain response rate was only 15% (n = 3) because many patients developed other painful metastases. Global QOL was found to improve in 33% (n = 8) of the evaluable patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A palliative radiotherapy dose of 30Gy in 10 fractions can result in a significant response rate and the relief of local symptoms in patients with bone metastases from RCC. Improvements in global pain and QOL appear to be limited by the effects of progressive systemic disease. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Proteasome inhibition and its clinical prospects in the treatment of hematologic and solid malignancies
Authors: Ludwig Heinz , Khayat David , Giaccone Giuseppe , Facon Thierry
Published: September 2005

The proteasome is responsible for the degradation of intracellular proteins, including several involved in cell cycle control and the regulation of apoptosis. Preclinical studies have shown that the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib decreases proliferation, induces apoptosis, enhances the activity of chemotherapy and radiation, and reverses chemoresistance in a variety of hematologic and solid malignancy models in vitro and in vivo. Proteasome inhibition with bortezomib has specifically promoted apoptosis of tumor cells through the stabilization of p53, p21, p27, Bax, and IκBα, resulting in nuclear factor κB inhibition. Bortezomib was the first proteasome inhibitor to enter clinical trials. In two Phase II trials, SUMMIT and CREST, it was found that treatment with bortezomib, alone or in combination with dexamethasone, produced durable responses with meaningful survival benefits in patients with recurrent and/or refractory multiple myeloma. In the APEX Phase III trial, bortezomib produced significant survival benefits and improved response rates over high‐dose dexamethasone at first recurrence and beyond in patients with multiple myeloma. Clinical trials evaluating the safety and activity of bortezomib alone or in combination regimens with dexamethasone, doxorubicin, melphalan, prednisone, and/or thalidomide in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma have shown encouraging results. Preliminary studies suggest that bortezomib may serve as induction therapy before stem cell transplantation. Proteasome inhibition with bortezomib also has shown activity with manageable toxicity in mantle cell and other lymphomas, leukemias, and solid malignancies, including nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. Further studies with bortezomib as monotherapy and in combination regimens in the treatment of solid and hematologic malignancies are warranted. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Formation of 3‐Sulfanylcoumarins by SnPh3OH‐Promoted Cyclization of 3‐Aryl‐2‐Sulfanylpropenoic Acids
Authors: Álvarez‐Boo Pedro , Casas José S. , Couce María D. , Fernández‐Moreira Vanesa , Freijanes Eduardo , García‐Martínez Emilia , Sordo José , Vázquez‐López Ezequiel
Published: September 2005

Reaction of SnPh3OH with 3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)sulfanylpropenoic acid [H2(o‐hpspa)] yielded [SnPh3(SC)], where SC is deprotonated 3‐sulfanylcoumarin (3‐sulfanyl‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one, HSC), by a cyclization process. Similarly, when 3‐(2‐hydroxy‐5‐bromophenyl)‐ and 3‐(2‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dibromophenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoic acids were treated with the same tin hydroxide, the cyclization resulted in [SnPh3(BrSC)] and [SnPh3(Br2SC)], where BrSC and Br2SC are the new ligands formed from the deprotonation of 3‐sulfanyl‐6‐bromocoumarin and 3‐sulfanyl‐6,8‐dibromocoumarin, respectively. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C and 119Sn) and vibrational spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of these complexes all showed that the tin atom is surrounded by three phenyl C atoms and the S and O atoms of the bidentate ligand in a distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal environment. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
An Approach Towards Functional Dendrimers Based on the Hydroboration Reaction and Spontaneous Boron–Nitrogen Bond Formation
Authors: Haberecht Monika C. , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: September 2005

The reaction of 1,4‐bis‐ or 1,3,5‐tris(bromoboryl)benzenes 4 and 6, respectively, with 2 or 3 equiv. of 4,4′‐bis(but‐3′′‐enyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridyl (2) leads to the corresponding 2,2′‐bipyridylboronium cations 5 and 7 in almost quantitative yield. Using the monocation [(MeC6H4)B(Br){4,4′‐bis(but‐3′′‐enyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridyl}]+ (3Br) as a model system, it is shown that the olefinic side‐chains of such compounds are readily transformed into alkyldibromoborane functionalities by hydroboration with HBBr2. Subsequent addition of 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl leads to the formation of a branched system of three 2,2′‐bipyridylboronium cations (9Br). The species 5 and 7 can be regarded as generation zero (G0) 2,2′‐bipyridylboronium dendrimers, and the hydroboration/B–N adduct formation sequence offers a convenient route for the assembly of higher generations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Athabasca Glacier, Canada – a field example of subglacial ice and till erosion?
Authors: Hart Jane K.
Published: September 2005

The Athabasca Glacier, resting on a rigid bed, provides an excellent example of subglacial ice and till erosion. The presence of a thin mobile till layer is shown by the presence of flutes, saturated till layer, push moraines and ploughed boulders. Cross‐cutting striations, v‐shaped striations and reversed stoss‐and‐lee clasts are indicative of clasts rotating within this layer. As the till moves it erodes the bedrock and clasts within it. A combination of erosion by ice and till produces stoss‐and‐lee‐clasts and generates striations on flutes and embedded clasts, as well as eroding the bedrock into a continuum of smoothed, rounded and streamlined forms. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AntHocNet: an adaptive nature‐inspired algorithm for routing in mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Di Caro Gianni , Ducatelle Frederick , Gambardella Luca Maria
Published: September 2005

In this paper, we describe AntHocNet, an algorithm for routing in mobile ad hoc networks. It is a hybrid algorithm, which combines reactive path setup with proactive path probing, maintenance and improvement. The algorithm is based on the nature‐inspired ant colony optimisation framework. Paths are learned by guided Monte Carlo sampling using ant‐like agents communicating in a stigmergic way. In an extensive set of simulation experiments, we compare AntHocNet with AODV, a reference algorithm in the field. We show that our algorithm can outperform AODV on different evaluation criteria. AntHocNet's performance advantage is visible over a broad range of possible network scenarios, and increases for larger, sparser and more mobile networks. Copyright © 2005 AEIT.
QOLSR, QoS routing for ad hoc wireless networks using OLSR
Authors: Badis Hakim , Al Agha Khaldoun
Published: September 2005

This paper describes a novel quality‐of‐service (QoS) routing protocol for ad hoc networks based on the OLSR protocol. Our protocol, QOLSR, is designed for wireless networks with stationary or moving nodes, where each node is equipped with 802.11 wireless card. The goal of our protocol is not only to find a route from a source to a destination, but an optimal route that satisfies the end‐to‐end QoS requirement, often given in terms of bandwidth or delay. We present an analytical model to compute the average delay and permissible throughput on links using the IEEE 802.11 medium access protocol and considering correlations and interferences between nodes. This model takes into account packet's collision probability, node's MAC queuing and service times based on the IEEE 802.11 binary exponential backoff algorithm and the events underneath its operation. Afterwards, our protocol assigns weights to individual links based on the average delay and bandwidth metrics of packets over the link. We present a distributed algorithm for multiple QoS requirements to find the source destination optimal paths in terms of bandwidth and delay using the known partial network topology available on each node. However, these optimal paths in partial network topology are not optimal paths in the whole ad hoc network. We show that this problem is due to the heuristic for the selection of MPRs used in OLSR. We propose innovative heuristics for the selection of MPRs based on QoS measurements that allow QOLSR to find optimal paths on the known partial topology having the same bandwidth performances that those on the whole network. The performance evaluation of our protocol in both static and dynamic ad hoc networks is extensively investigated. Mathematical analysis and simulation results show that the QOLSR protocol yields better performance compared to the best‐effort OLSR protocol and significantly improves throughput by using our proposed heuristic. Copyright © 2005 AEIT.
Elucidation of ATP‐stimulated stress protein expression of RBA‐2 type‐2 astrocytes: ATP potentiate HSP60 and Cu/Zn SOD expression and stimulates pI shift of peroxiredoxin II
Authors: Chen Hammer B. , Chan Ya‐Ting , Hung Amos C. , Tsai You‐Cheng , Sun Synthia H.
Published: September 2005

ATP has been shown to mediate stress responses in the brain. The present study examined the ATP‐stimulated stress protein expression of RBA‐2 type‐2 astrocytes. Our results revealed that ATP stimulated HSP60 expression in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The stimulation requires a minimal ATP concentration of 500 µM and high concentration of extracellular ATP (1 mM) stimulated a significant increase of HSP60 expression from 2 to 24 h. In addition, the ATP‐stimulated HSP60 expressions were inhibited by inhibitors for protein kinase C (PKC) and phospholipase D (PLD), and by antioxidants, resveratrol, and catalase. Furthermore, ATP stimulated the expression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, ATP and P2X7 receptor selective agonist BzATP also decreased mitochondria membrane potential measured by flow cytometry. To further examine the proteins involving in ATP‐mediated stress responses, we conducted proteomic analysis. We found that RBA‐2 astrocytes possess abundant peroxiredoxin II (Prx II), an antioxidant enzyme. ATP and exogenous H2O2 stimulated Prx II shifting from oxidized form to reduced form. Thus, we concluded that ATP potentiated the expression of HSP60 and Cu/Zn SOD, and decreased mitochondria membrane potential. In addition, RBA‐2 astrocytes expressed Prx II that might also serve as a protective mechanism to control the concentration of reactive oxygen species. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure investigation of Maltacine C1a, C1b, C2a and C2b—cyclic peptide lactones of the Maltacine complex from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Hagelin Gunnar
Published: September 2005

A new complex of cyclic peptide lactone antibiotics from Bacillus subtilis, which we named Maltacines, has recently been described. The structure elucidation of four of them is reported in this paper. The amino acid sequences and structures of the peptides were found by MSn of the ring‐opened linear peptides, which gave uninterrupted sequences of Bn and Y″n ions. The identities of three unknown residues in the sequences were solved by a combination of derivatisation with phenylisothiocyanate (PITC), high‐resolution mass spectrometry and H/D exchange. The nature and position of the cyclic structure was disclosed by a chemo‐selective ring opening with Na18OH and was found to be a lactone formed between a hydroxyl of residue number 4 and the C‐terminal amino acid number 12. For verification of the structure of the B2+ ion, peptides with different combinations of P/Q and P/K at the N‐terminus were synthesised. The structure of the four peptides were found to be: C1a and C2a: cyclo‐4,12(P‐Q‐Y‐Adip‐V‐E‐T‐Y‐Orn‐103‐Y‐I‐OH) and C1b/C2b: cyclo‐4,12(P‐Q‐Y‐Adip‐V‐E‐T‐Y‐K‐103‐Y‐I‐OH). Adip = aminodihydroxy pentanoic acid. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence of covalent interaction of fumaric acid esters with sulfhydryl groups in peptides
Authors: Fryčák Petr , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Ulrichová Jitka , Wiegrebe Wolfgang , Lemr Karel
Published: September 2005

Fumaric acid esters, namely dimethylfumarate, have been used for the treatment of psoriasis for many years. Still, their mode of action is not fully clear. Because addition of nucleophiles to the double bonds of fumarates can occur (Michael analogous addition), a study of the interaction of fumarates with cysteine and cysteine‐containing peptides possessing nucleophilic sulfhydryl group was carried out. Experiments were performed in aqueous medium at pH 7.4 and at 37 °C to simulate physiological conditions. It was proven by mass spectrometric measurements using an ion‐trap and time‐of‐flight instrument that a covalent bond can form between fumarates and the sulfhydryl group of cysteine or cysteinyl residues in peptides. Structures of the interaction products were elucidated by multistage mass spectrometry applying collision‐induced dissociation. Higher reactivity of dimethylfumarate in comparison to monomethylfumarate and fumaric acid was observed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Localization of the urge to void in patients with painful bladder syndrome
Authors: FitzGerald Mary P. , Kenton Kimberly S. , Brubaker Linda
Published: September 2005

Aims

Our aim was to describe the location of urinary urgency or bladder discomfort in patients with painful bladder syndrome (PBS) and controls.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic diagnoses of PBS, overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and asymptomatic controls were asked to indicate the location of their urinary urge/urgency/discomfort on a body map.

Results

We present results for 30 PBS patients, 25 OAB patients, 15 SUI patients, and 15 asymptomatic controls. In asymptomatic subjects and those with SUI, the urge to void was localized to the suprapubic region only. More than half (53%) of patients with PBS and a minority (20%) of those with OAB localized their urinary urgency/discomfort to both suprapubic and vulvar/urethral locations. Some patients with PBS also localized their urinary discomfort to other body sites including low back, upper and lateral buttocks, lower abdomen, and upper thighs.

Conclusions

In most patients with PBS and some with OAB, complaints of bladder discomfort or urgency may refer to sensations that are localized at sites other than suprapubic. The etiology of widespread sensation may include an expansion of dermatomes of referral of bladder sensation, and/or the presence of associated somatic abnormalities. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tandem mass spectrometry with online high‐flow reversed‐phase extraction and normal‐phase chromatography on silica columns with aqueous‐organic mobile phase for quantitation of polar compounds in biological fluids
Authors: Deng Yuzhong , Zhang Hongwei , Wu Jing‐Tao , Olah Timothy V.
Published: September 2005

In this work, high‐flow online reversed‐phase extraction was coupled with normal phase on silica columns with aqueous‐organic mobile phase liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to quantify drug candidates in biological fluids. The orthogonal separation effect obtained from this configuration considerably reduced matrix effects and increased sensitivity for highly polar compounds as detected by selected reaction monitoring. This approach also significantly improved the robustness and limit of detection of the assays. An evaluation of this system was performed using a mixture of albuterol and bamethan in rat plasma. Assay validation demonstrated acceptable accuracy (< 8% difference) and precision (< 6% CV) for these model compounds. The system has been used for the quantitation of polar ionic compounds in biological fluids in support of drug discovery programs. This assay was used to analyze samples for a BMS proprietary compound (A) in a rat pharmacokinetic study and is shown as an example to demonstrate the precision, accuracy, and sufficient sensitivity of this system. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometric study to characterize thioisoindole derivatives of aminoglycoside antibiotics
Authors: Kaale Eliangiringa , Govaerts Cindy , Hoogmartens Jos , Schepdael Ann Van
Published: September 2005

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are widely used to treat serious Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacterial infections. The lack of a UV chromophore presents a problem in the analysis of aminoglycosides. Derivatization with 1,2‐phthalic dicarboxaldehyde (OPA) in the presence of a thiol made it possible to introduce a UV chromophoric thioisoindole moiety. A qualitative mass spectrometry study was carried out to confirm the molecular identity of the products formed. The conditions described earlier to derivatize gentamicin and kanamycin yielded products in which all primary amino groups are fully derivatized. On the other hand, with tobramycin and amikacin, there was also formation of incompletely derivatized products that contained one thioisoindole group less than the fully derivatized product. This study has therefore brought an additional insight into the nature of the OPA‐aminoglycoside derivatives studied. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phylogenetic analysis of global hepatitis E virus sequences: genetic diversity, subtypes and zoonosis
Authors: Lu Ling , Li Chunhua , Hagedorn Curt H.
Published: September 2005

Nucleotide sequences from a total of 421 HEV isolates were retrieved from Genbank and analysed. Phylogenetically, HEV was classified into four major genotypes. Genotype 1 was more conserved and classified into five subtypes. The number of genotype 2 sequences was limited but can be classified into two subtypes. Genotypes 3 and 4 were extremely diverse and can be subdivided into ten and seven subtypes. Geographically, genotype 1 was isolated from tropical and several subtropical countries in Asia and Africa, and genotype 2 was from Mexico, Nigeria, and Chad; whereas genotype 3 was identified almost worldwide including Asia, Europe, Oceania, North and South America. In contrast, genotype 4 was found exclusively in Asia. It is speculated that genotype 3 originated in the western hemisphere and was imported to several Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan, while genotype 4 has been indigenous and likely restricted to Asia. Genotypes 3 and 4 were not only identified in swine but also in wild animals such as boar and a deer. Furthermore, in most areas where genotypes 3 and 4 were characterised, sequences from both humans and animals were highly conserved, indicating they originated from the same infectious sources. Based upon nucleotide differences from five phylogenies, it is proposed that five, two, ten and seven subtypes for HEV genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 be designated alphabetised subtypes. Accordingly, a total of 24 subtypes (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f and 4g) were given. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vitamin B2‐mediated cellular photoinhibition of botulinum neurotoxin A
Authors: Eubanks Lisa M. , Dickerson Tobin J. , Janda Kim D.
Published: September 2005

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is the most toxic species known to humans and has been identified as a potential bioterrorist threat. Unfortunately, the only existing countermeasures for BoNT intoxication involve vaccinations that are only effective prior to entry of the toxin into neuronal cells. Herein, we disclose the ability of the micronutrient riboflavin (vitamin B2) to photooxidatively inactivate BoNT in cell‐based assays without the need for toxin and riboflavin pre‐exposure. In total, this study suggests that botulism neurotoxicity may be blunted with photodynamic therapy technology.
Hypertonic sodium chloride induction of cyclooxygenase‐2 occurs independently of NF‐κB and is inhibited by the glucocorticoid receptor in A549 cells
Authors: Lim Won Chung , Park Mikyung , Bahn Jae-Jun , Inoue Hiroyasu , Lee Young Joo
Published: September 2005

Cellular response to a hypertonic environment is important for fluid clearance in the lung. Hypertonicity modulates prostaglandin synthesis by influencing cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in tissues such as liver and kidney via a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐dependent pathway. However, little is known about COX‐2 expression in response to hypertonicity in the lung. COX‐2 mRNA accumulation induced by hypertonic NaCl was detected after 1 h of treatment, and COX‐2 mRNA continued to accumulate until 18 h, the longest time point examined, in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells. This induction was a transcriptional event that occurred in the absence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and was the result of enhanced promoter activity, as examined with the use of full‐length COX‐2 promoter‐driven reporter plasmids. The induction of COX‐2 expression by hypertonic NaCl did not require the activation of NF‐κB. The p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, or MEK1/2 inhibitor, U0126, inhibited hypertonic induction of COX‐2 expression. We examined whether the hypertonic induction of COX‐2 was under the influence of glucocorticoid; we found that COX‐2 promoter activity and mRNA and protein levels were depressed by dexamethasone and antagonized by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486. Our data demonstrate that the induction of COX‐2 expression by hypertonic NaCl occurs independently of NF‐κB and is inhibited by the GR in A549 cells.
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Capitate
Authors: PLATT A. J. , KLUGMAN D. J.
Published: September 2005

Aneurysmal bone cysts are uncommon in the hand. An aneurysmal bone cyst in the capitate of a 16-year-old girl is presented, and 32 previously recorded cases are discussed.
Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma of Nerve Arising in the Brachial Plexus
Authors: PRICE A. J. , COMPSON J. P. , CALONJE E.
Published: September 2005

Fibrolipomatous hamartoma of nerve is a rare benign infiltrating condition of peripheral nerves leading to progressive functional loss. Previous descriptions have virtually all been confined to the distal part of the upper limb, with the median nerve being the commonest reported site. Most cases occur in the first 3 decades of life and a third are associated with macrodactyly. A case is described in a 63-year-old woman, involving the whole of the brachial plexus, a previously unreported site for this particular lesion.
A Slowly Evolving Brachial Plexus Injury Following a Proximal Humeral Fracture in a Child
Authors: DREW S. J. , GIDDINS G. E. B. , BIRCH R.
Published: September 2005

The association of fractures and neurological injuries is well recognized, especially with certain upper limb fractures. Typically, the nerve injury occurs at the time of initial fracture displacement. A case is reported of an unusual combination of fracture and nerve injury in a child, with the extremely rare occurrence of a slowly evolving nerve injury. The potential for delayed nerve injury following a fracture needs to be appreciated to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Wartenberg’s Sign
Authors: VOCHE P. , MERLE M.
Published: September 2005

A method of surgical correction is described for Wartenberg’s sign, or persistent abduction of the little finger, using a slip of the extensor digitorum communis of the ring finger. The transferred component can be either the central slip, or the ulnar slip extended by the connexus intertendineus to the little finger.

This technique maintains the integrity of the extensor mechanism of the little finger, avoiding loss of active extension, which is frequently observed when extensor digiti minimi is used. The donor site is dependable since the extensor digitorum communis tendon of the ring finger is always composed of several slips.

This technique should be considered only in cases of isolated persistent abduction of the little finger, when there is no claw deformity.
Closed Avulsion of Both Flexor Tendons of the Ring Finger
Authors: CHEUNG K. M. C. , CHOW S. P.
Published: September 2005

Closed avulsion of both flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis from the same finger is rare. Only ten cases have been described in the literature. The majority were treated with a two stage reconstruction of the flexor digitorum profundus. We describe a case in which primary repair of both tendons was performed.
Fibrous Stabilization of the Rheumatoid Wrist
Authors: BIYANI A. , SIMISON A. J. M.
Published: September 2005

19 patients (mean age 59.8 years) underwent fibrous stabilization of the wrist for rheumatoid arthritis. 17 patients were reviewed after a mean follow up of 24.5 months (range 13–40 months). There were four excellent, 11 good, and two poor results according to modified Koka and D’Arcy (1989) criteria. The poor results were due to deep infection in one patient and an unbalanced wrist due to ruptured radial extensors in another. The pre-operative range of wrist movement was an important determinant of the frequency of radio-carpal and/or mid-carpal fusion and the final post-operative range of movement.
Radiological Evolution of the Rheumatoid Wrist after Radio-Lunate Arthrodesis
Authors: DELLA SANTA D. , CHAMAY A.
Published: September 2005

Radio-lunate arthrodesis of the rheumatoid wrist is an established technique which has been in use for more than 12 years. The evolution of 26 operated wrists and 20 non-operated wrists has been studied with a mean follow-up of 5 years. The results show that although radio-lunate arthrodesis can prevent dislocation of an unstable wrist, it cannot prevent deterioration. Collapse, ulnar translation, tilt of the lunate, and the inter-carpal instability continued with time, whether the wrists were operated on or not. The speed of deterioration was dependent on the type of rheumatoid arthritis and is faster in the disintegration type than in the osteoarthritis or the ankylosis type. The technique is applicable to the osteoarthritis type of rheumatoid arthritis, in the middle stage (2 to 4a according to the Larsen-Alnot classification). At that stage, the ankylosis type and the disintegration type, and the osteoarthritis type at an advanced stage, are better treated by total arthrodesis or total prosthetic arthroplasty.
Distal Ulnar Instability Following Wrist Arthrodesis in Men
Authors: CRAIGEN M. A. C. , STANLEY J. K.
Published: September 2005

11 male patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 14 with osteoarthritis had total arthrodesis of the wrist. All patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ten (71%) of those with osteoarthritis had distal ulnar excision, two of the latter as a secondary procedure for impingement. Seven patients with osteoarthritis and none of the rheumatoid patients developed painful instability of the distal end of the ulna following excision. It is suggested that, in male patients with rheumatoid arthritis, distal ulnar excision with wrist arthrodesis produces excellent results with no complications. However, in male patients with osteoarthritis attempts should be made to avoid excessive shortening and ulnar impingement. If distal ulnar surgery is required, a procedure that does not affect the stability of the distal radio-ulnar joint should be performed rather than distal ulnar excision.
Pattern of Scaphoid Fracture Union Detected by Macroradiography
Authors: NICHOLL J. E. , SPENCER J. D. , BUCKLAND-WRIGHT J. C.
Published: September 2005

Stereoscopic macroradiography was used to study the pattern of union of scaphoid fractures. Of 21 patients who had partial union of a scaphoid fracture, 13 united on the ulnar side and five on the radial side only. In three it was on both sides but delayed in the centre. Where there was initial union on the ulnar side, all progressed to complete union, including two patients with displaced fractures. Four out of five patients with initial union on the radial side had displaced fractures, and three of these went on to non-union. We conclude that in those patients with partial union of a scaphoid fracture, if union is seen on the ulnar side, the fracture is likely to unite completely, whereas if there is partial union on the radial side, there is a high risk of non-union.
Anterior Wedge-Shaped Bone Graft for Old Scaphoid Fractures or Non-Unions
Authors: TSUYUGUCHI Y. , MURASE T. , HIDAKA N. , OHNO H. , KAWAI H.
Published: September 2005

For appraisal of anterior wedge-shaped grafts for the humpback deformity of the scaphoid, a retrospective study of 27 cases with old scaphoid fractures or non-unions was carried out. 11 cases were treated with Herbert screw fixation and anterior wedge-shaped graft and the other cases with other methods. For the assessment of carpal alignment, radio-lunate and scapho-lunate angles were measured with peri-operative radiographs. For the clinical assessment, the scoring system of Cooney was applied. In 25 cases, primary bone union was obtained with one attempt and in two cases, with the second operation. Union was achieved in a mean of 3.4 months. The post-operative wrist score ranged from 65 to 100 with an average 81.2 points. There was a statistically significant relationship between the wrist score and the post-operative scapho-lunate angulation of the affected wrist. The humpback deformity of scaphoid non-union should be treated precisely with carpal realignment surgery or anterior wedge-shaped bone graft.
Risk and Complications in Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: SHINYA K. , LANZETTA M. , CONOLLY W. B.
Published: September 2005

Single portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release was carried out in 107 hands of 88 patients. There were 11 complications. These included incomplete release (2), post operative scarring around the median and ulnar nerves (2), laceration of the superficial palmar arterial arch (1), reflex sympathetic dystrophy (2), palmar fasciitis (1), and wound inflammation (3).

In two cases there was no relief of symptoms. In one there was incorrect diagnosis and in another, incorrect indication for endoscopic carpal tunnel release. The follow-up was from 3 to 18 months with an average of 6.8 months. The overall results of the patients in this series are being presented in another paper. Of the 107 procedures, 73 were rated as having an excellent, 25 good, three fair, and six poor results.

The case of laceration of the superficial palmar arterial arch is discussed in detail in the paper. The two cases of reflex sympathetic dystrophy and the one case of palmar fasciitis had mild clinical features and resolved within 3 months. The inflammation in three of the wounds at the wrist resolved within 2 days of removal of the percutaneous sutures. These three patients had returned to heavy hand activities within a few days of surgery.
Comparison of Ulnar and Radial Arterial Blood-Flow at the Wrist
Authors: TONKS A. M. , LAWRENCE J. , LOVIE M. J.
Published: September 2005

Historical descriptions of the ulnar artery as the dominant vessel to the hand appear to be inconsistent with clinical experience. Anatomical dissections and radionucleotide flow studies of the ulnar and radial arteries at the wrist were performed. These failed to demonstrate any difference between the anatomical dimensions of these vessels, but the radial artery was shown to have a statistically greater blood flow compared to the ulnar artery. This finding suggests that, contrary to popular opinion, the radial artery is the dominant vessel to the hand.