bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estradiol and cognition during androgen deprivation in men with prostate carcinoma
Authors: Salminen Eeva K. , Portin R.I. , Koskinen A.I. , Helenius H.Y.M. , Nurmi M.J.
Published: February 2005

BACKGROUND

The adverse effects of hormonal manipulation in prostate carcinoma need to be established in view of its increasing use as an adjuvant treatment. This prospective study investigated the association of androgen deprivation‐induced estradiol decline with cognition in prostate carcinoma.

METHODS

Cognitive testing of prostate carcinoma patients was carried out at baseline and at 6 and 12 months on androgen deprivation (AD). Cognitive performances were evaluated with standardized measures of information processing, including working memory and attention, visual and verbal skills, and memory performances in 31 tests. Testosterone and estradiol changes during AD were measured with the DELFIA® (PerkinElmer, Inc., Wellesley, MA) system. Associations between changes in cognitive performances and estradiol decline were studied.

RESULTS

Cognitive performances, which were significantly associated with decline in estradiol, included visual memory of figures (r = −0.52; P = 0.022) and recognition speed of numbers, which were impaired, (r = −0.57; P = 0.030) at 6 months, and improvement in verbal fluency (r = −0.52; P = 0.019) at 12 months. Other cognitive domains appeared unaffected by estradiol decline. The character of change (impairment or improvement) depended on the magnitude of estradiol decline.

CONCLUSIONS

The cognitive domains of verbal fluency, visual recognition, and visual memory were associated with decline in estradiol during androgen deprivation. The results suggest selective associations among testosterone decline, estradiol, and cognitive performance. Documentation of these associations has implications for informed patient support in hormonally treated prostate carcinoma. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Hair cell regeneration in sensory epithelia from the inner ear of a urodele amphibian
Authors: Taylor Ruth R. , Forge Andrew
Published: February 2005

The capacity of urodele amphibians to regenerate a variety of body parts is providing insight into mechanisms of tissue regeneration in vertebrates. In this study the ability of the newt, Notophthalmus viridescens, to regenerate inner ear hair cells in vitro was examined. Intact otic capsules were maintained in organotypic culture. Incubation in 2 mM gentamicin for 48 hours resulted in ablation of all hair cells from the saccular maculae. Thus, any hair cell recovery was not due to repair of damaged hair cells. Immature hair cells were subsequently observed at ∼12 days posttreatment. Their number increased over the following 7–14 days to reach ∼30% of the normal number. Following incubation of damaged tissue with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), labeled nuclei were confined strictly within regions of hair cell loss, indicating that supporting cells entered S‐phase. Double labeling of tissue with two different hair cell markers and three different antibodies to BrdU in various combinations, however, all showed that the nuclei of cells that labeled with hair cell markers did not label for BrdU. This suggested that the new hair cells were not derived from those cells that had undergone mitosis. When mitosis was blocked with aphidicolin, new hair cells were still generated. The results suggest that direct phenotypic conversion of supporting cells into hair cells without an intervening mitotic event is a major mechanism of hair cell regeneration in the newt. A similar mechanism has been proposed for the hair cell recovery phenomenon observed in the vestibular organs of mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 484:105–120, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estrogen receptor‐β, but not estrogen receptor‐α, is expressed in prolactin neurons of the female rat paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei: Comparison with other neuropeptides
Authors: Suzuki Shotaro , Handa Robert J.
Published: February 2005

Estrogen receptor‐α (ER‐α) and ER‐β exhibit fine differences in their distributions in the rodent forebrain, and one such difference is observed in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. To investigate the functional significance of ER in these brain areas, we examined the neuropeptide characteristics of ER‐expressing neurons in the PVN and SON of female rats by using dual‐label immunocytochemistry. The distributions of ER‐α immunoreactivity (ir) and ER‐β ir were nonoverlapping in the PVN and SON. Nuclear ER‐α ir was found in a population of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH)‐expressing neurons in the PVN (5.93% ± 1.20% SEM), but not in any other identified cell phenotype of the PVN and SON. The phenotype of neurons with the highest percentage expressing ER‐β was found to be prolactin (PRL) immunoreactive in both the parvocellular (84.95% ± 4.11%) and the magnocellular (84.76% ± 3.40%) parts of the PVN as well as the SON (87.57% ± 4.64%). Similarly, most vasopressin‐immunoreactive neurons were also ER‐β positive in the PVN (66.14% ± 2.47%) and SON (72.42% ± 4.51%). In contrast, although a high percentage of oxytocin (OXY) neurons coexpressed ER‐β in the PVN (84.39% ± 2.99%), there was very little ER‐β/OXY colocalization in the SON. Low levels of corticotropin‐releasing hormone neurons also expressed ER‐β ir in the PVN (12.57% ± 1.99%), but there was no ER‐β colocalization with TRH. In summary, these findings further support the possibility of direct effects of estrogen on neuropeptide expression and implicate estrogen involvement in the regulation of various aspects of neuroendocrine function. J. Comp. Neurol. 484:28–42, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sexual dimorphism of vocal control nuclei in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) revealed with Nissl and NADPH‐d staining
Authors: Brauth Steven E. , Liang Wenru , Amateau Stuart K. , Robert Todd F.
Published: February 2005

Nissl staining and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH‐d) histochemistry were used to explore the existence of sexual dimorphism in vocal control nuclei of adult budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), a parrot species capable of lifelong vocal learning. Behavioral studies indicate that adult males possess larger vocal repertoires than adult females and learn new calls more quickly. The results of the present study show that the volumes of all vocal nuclei, as measured using both Nissl‐stained and NADPH‐d‐stained material, as well as the total numbers of NADPH‐d neurons, were 35–110% greater in males. Furthermore, all vocal nuclei exhibit conspicuous NADPH‐d staining compared to surrounding fields in both adult males and females. Nevertheless, there were no significant gender differences in either the intensity of neuropil staining or the densities of NADPH‐d neurons in vocal nuclei. Moreover NADPH‐d neuron somal shapes were similar in males and females. Diameters of NADPH‐d neurons in vocal nuclei were 8.5–32% larger in males than in females. Greater size of NADPH‐d neuronal somata in males may be a general property of this cell type in budgerigars because a similar gender difference was found in a visual nucleus, the entopallium, which is not directly associated with the vocal control system and does not exhibit sexual dimorphism in total volume or total NADPH‐d neuron numbers. Taken together, the results of the present study favor the hypothesis that superior lifelong vocal learning ability in male budgerigars rests largely on larger volumes of vocal control nuclei in males rather than on sexual dimorphism in the internal composition of vocal nuclei. J. Comp. Neurol. 484:15–27, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for “direct” and “indirect” pathways through the song system basal ganglia
Authors: Farries Michael A. , Ding Long , Perkel David J.
Published: February 2005

Song learning in oscine birds relies on a circuit known as the “anterior forebrain pathway,” which includes a specialized region of the avian basal ganglia. This region, area X, is embedded within a telencephalic structure considered homologous to the striatum, the input structure of the mammalian basal ganglia. Area X has many features in common with the mammalian striatum, yet has distinctive traits, including largely aspiny projection neurons that directly innervate the thalamus and a cell type that physiologically resembles neurons recorded in the mammalian globus pallidus. We have proposed that area X is a mixture of striatum and globus pallidus and has the same functional organization as circuits in the mammalian basal ganglia. Using electrophysiological and anatomical approaches, we found that area X contains a functional analog of the “direct” striatopallidothalamic pathway of mammals: axons of the striatal spiny neurons make close contacts on the somata and dendrites of pallidal cells. A subset of pallidal neurons project directly to the thalamus. Surprisingly, we found evidence that many pallidal cells may not project to the thalamus, but rather participate in a functional analog of the mammalian “indirect” pathway, which may oppose the effects of the direct pathway. Our results deepen our understanding of how information flows through area X and provide more support for the notion that song learning in oscines employs physiological mechanisms similar to basal ganglia‐dependent forms of motor learning in mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 484:93–104, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Brief Kingston Standardized Cognitive Assessment—Revised
Authors: Hopkins Robert W. , Kilik Lindy A. , Day Duncan J. A. , Rows Catherine P. , Hamilton Pamela F.
Published: February 2005

Objectives

The Kingston Standardized Cognitive Assessment—Revised (KSCA‐R) was designed to be a cognitive screening tool available to health professionals who were not trained in specialized cognitive assessment techniques. It was introduced to bridge the gap between brief, narrowly focused rating scales, and intensive, expensive, full neuropsychological assessments. We now present the Brief Kingston Standardized Cognitive Assessment—Revised (BriefKSCA‐R).

Methods

Groups of Alzheimer's disease patients, patients suffering from other dementias, and a group of normal community dwelling elderly were assessed using the BriefKSCA‐R.

Results

This shortened version of the full Kingston Standardized Cognitive Assessment—Revised can be given in half the time while retaining most of the full KSCA‐R's effectiveness.

Conclusions

Suitable for a quick screening, or follow‐up of patients already more fully assessed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
White matter lesions on magnetic resonance imaging and their relationship with vascular risk factors in memory clinic attenders
Authors: Lazarus R. , Prettyman R. , Cherryman G.
Published: February 2005

Background

The association between white matter lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the presence of vascular risk factors has been investigated in different populations, and results have varied widely. However, this relationship has not been adequately addressed in memory clinic attenders who have relatively early cognitive impairment.

Objectives

This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between the severity of white matter lesions and vascular risk factors in elderly subjects referred to a Memory Clinic, irrespective of their diagnoses. Patients attending the Memory Clinic had relatively early, mild cognitive impairment and differed, in this respect, from typical unselected community‐based samples and from patients with established dementia. The study also investigated whether periventricular and deep white matter lesions differed in their relationship with vascular risk factors.

Methods

All patients assessed in the Memory Clinic at Leicester General Hospital between April 1998 and October 2000 who had undergone an MRI scan were included in the study. They received a comprehensive clinical and cognitive assessment, a standard dementia laboratory screen and evaluation of vascular risk factors. MRI scans were reviewed by two independent raters and semi‐quantitative ratings of the severity of white matter lesions were made using standardised protocols. The relationship between cerebral white matter lesions and vascular risk factor variables was examined by multiple linear regression.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐seven subjects were included in the study. The mean age was 69.8 and the mean MMSE score was 23.2. Of the risk factors investigated, only age and prior cerebrovascular disease were significantly associated with severe periventricular white matter lesions; age, hypertension and diabetes were significantly associated with severe deep white matter lesions.

Conclusions

Periventricular and deep white matter lesions are differentially influenced by vascular risk factors. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adenocarcinoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses: A retrospective study of diagnosis, histologic characteristics, and outcomes in 24 patients
Authors: Orvidas Laura J. , Lewis Jean E. , Weaver Amy L. , Bagniewski Stephanie M. , Olsen Kerry D.
Published: February 2005

Background.

Adenocarcinomas of the sinonasal cavity are unusual tumors with variable clinical courses.

Methods.

We conducted a retrospective chart review between 1980 and 2001.

Results.

Twenty‐four patients (17 men) with sinonasal adenocarcinoma were identified. Nasal obstruction was the most common presenting symptom (75%), and the nose was the most common site of involvement (83%). Eleven tumors (46%) were high grade (grade 3 or 4). Twenty‐three patients (95%) underwent an attempt at surgical excision with tumor recurrence or residual disease in seven. Age and tumor grade were associated with overall survival, and tumor grade and intracranial extension were associated with death from disease.

Conclusions.

Presentation and treatment for nasal adenocarcinoma varies widely. Some low‐grade variants of nasal adenocarcinomas seem to be associated with a more favorable prognosis and, depending on the extent of the tumor, can be treated with less‐aggressive therapy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 27: XXX–XXX, 2005.
Gene expression in tissue associated with extracellular matrix modified ePTFE
Authors: Schwartz Mark A. , Stone Alice L. , Greer Kevin A. , Hoying James B. , Williams Stuart K.
Published: February 2005

Previous studies have established that surface modification of ePTFE with extracellular matrix molecules promotes vascularization within and around the implanted material. To understand the molecular basis of this tissue response to modified ePTFE, we analyzed large‐scale gene expression in nonmodified and extracellular matrix‐modified ePTFE‐associated healing. Using a microarray containing 15,000 unique mouse cDNAs and an ANOVA‐based analysis, we identified 789 genes related to cell signaling, inflammation, matrix remodeling, and proliferation that were differentially expressed across time, between modifications, or both. Genes were clustered based upon similarity in gene expression, producing 7 unique temporal super‐patterns of expression. The clustered data revealed 3 general expression patterns unique to tissue surrounding the nonmodified ePTFE, while 6 unique expression patterns were associated with extracellular matrix‐modified ePTFE. The more diverse expression patterns associated with extracellular matrix‐modified ePTFE suggests that the tissue surrounding the extracellular matrix‐modified ePTFE is more dynamic in terms of transcriptional activity. Taken together, these clusters serve as a “genetic fingerprint” for tissue healing in response to a specific material or material modification. Use of these genetic profiles will aid in the pursuit of improved device biocompatibility and enhanced material function. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 73A: 30–38, 2005
Osteogenic potential of injectable tissue‐engineered bone: A comparison among autogenous bone, bone substitute (Bio‐Oss®), platelet‐rich plasma, and tissue‐engineered bone with respect to their mechanical properties and histological findings
Authors: Ito Kenji , Yamada Yoichi , Nagasaka Tetsuro , Baba Shunsuke , Ueda Minoru
Published: February 2005

Recently, tissue engineering has become available as a regenerative treatment for bone defects. However, the evaluation of its success is limited to histological analysis, and its effects on mechanical hardness remain to be investigated. This study investigated mechanical strength in support of histological findings, specifically for tissue‐engineered bone with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet‐rich‐plasma (PRP). Initially, teeth were extracted, and bone defects on both sides of the mandible were prepared with a trephine bar. The defects were implanted by using the following graft materials: 1) PRP, 2) PRP and dog MSCs (dMSCs), 3) autogenous bone (PCBM), 4) bone substitute (Bio‐Oss®), and 5) control (defects only). After 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of implantation, the defects were histologically assessed to examine their mechanical properties. According to histological observations, the dMSCs/PRP groups had well‐formed mature bone compared with the control (defects only), Bio‐Oss®, and PRP groups. The Vickers hardness test values were 8 (control), 9 (PRP), not detected (Bio‐Oss®), 11 (PCBM), and 17 (dMSCs/PRP) after 2 weeks. Therefore, tissue‐engineered bone can be used for early stage bone regeneration from the viewpoint of histology and mechanical properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 73A: 63–72, 2005
Mechano‐active scaffold design of small‐diameter artificial graft made of electrospun segmented polyurethane fabrics
Authors: Matsuda Takehisa , Ihara Maki , Inoguchi Hiroyuki , Kwon Il Keun , Takamizawa Keiichi , Kidoaki Satoru
Published: February 2005

To fabricate a “mechano‐active” tubular scaffold of nonwoven mesh‐type small‐diameter artificial graft made of the synthetic durable elastomer, segmented polyurethane, the fabrication technique of electrospinning on a mandrel under a high rotation speed and transverse movement was used. Emphasis was placed on how the rotation speed of the mandrel and the fusion or welding states of fibers at contact points affect the compliance (ease of intraluminal pressure‐dependent circumferential inflation) and Young's modulus determined by uniaxial stretching in the longitudinal and circumferential directions. The results showed that a high rotation speed is attributed to exhibit isotropic mechanical properties in the entire range of applied strain but reduces the compliance, and a high fusion state, which is produced using a mixed solvent with a high content of high‐boiling‐point solvent, reduces the compliance but is expected to exhibit high durability in a continuously loaded pulsatile stress field in an arterial circulatory system. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 73A: 125–131, 2005
Changes in intracellular sodium, chlorine, and potassium concentrations in staurosporine‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Arrebola Francisco , Zabiti Saloua , Cañizares Francisco J. , Cubero Maria A. , Crespo Pascual V. , Fernández‐Segura Eduardo
Published: February 2005

Ion gradients across the plasma membrane, fundamentally K+, play a pivotal role in the execution phase of apoptosis. However, little is known about other monovalent anions (Cl−) or cations (Na+) in apoptosis. In addition, the relationship between changes in total ion composition and morphological and biochemical events are poorly understood. We investigated simultaneous changes in sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), and potassium (K) concentrations in stauroporine‐induced apoptosis by quantitative electron probe X‐ray microanalysis (EPXMA) in single cells. Apoptotic cells identified unequivocally from the presence of chromatin condensation in backscattered electron images were characterized by an increase in intracellular Na, a decrease in intracellular Cl and K concentrations, and a decrease in K/Na ratio. The ouabain‐sensitive Rb‐uptake assay demonstrated a net decrease in Na+/K+‐ATPase activity, suggesting that increases in Na and decreases in K and the K/Na ratio in apoptotic cells were related with inhibition of the Na+/K+‐ATPase pump. These changes in diffusible elements were associated with externalization of phosphatidyl serine and oligonucleosomal fragmentation of DNA. This alteration in ion homeostasis and morphological hallmarks of apoptosis occur in cells that have lost their inner mitochondrial transmembrane potential and before the plasma membrane becomes permeable. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of a surface molecular‐imprinted adsorbent for Ni2+ based on Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: Su Haijia , Wang Zhixing , Tan Tianwei
Published: February 2005

A new chitosan molecular‐imprinted adsorbent was prepared from the mycelium of waste biomass. The results showed that an adsorbent using Penicillium chrysogenum mycelium as the core material was better than one derived from peanut coat. The adsorption capacity of the surface‐imprinted adsorbent for Ni2+ was enhanced by increasing the chitosan concentration in the imprinting process. Epichlorohydrin was better than glutaraldehyde as a cross‐linking agent; the optimal imprinted Ni2+ concentration for preparing the surface‐imprinted adsorbent was 2 mg (Ni2+) g−1 of mycelium. The adsorption capacity of the surface‐imprinted adsorbent was 42 mg g−1 (at 200 mg dm−3 initial metal ions concentration) and twice that of the mycelium adsorbent. The surface‐imprinted adsorbent can be reused for up to 15 cycles without loss of adsorption capacity. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of supersaturation and nucleation in a moving solution droplet with flowing supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Mamata , Dalvi Sameer V
Published: February 2005

A supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process is employed for production of solid nanoparticles from atomized droplets of dilute solution in a flowing supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2) stream by attaining extremely high, very rapid, and uniform supersaturation. This is facilitated by a two‐way mass transfer of CO2 and solvent, to and from the droplet respectively, rendering rapid reduction in equilibrium solubility of the solid solute in the ternary solution. The present work analyses the degree of supersaturation and nucleation kinetics in a single droplet of cholesterol solution in acetone during its flight in a flowing SC CO2 stream. Both temperature and composition are assumed to be uniform within the droplet, and their variations with time are calculated by balancing the heat and mass transfer fluxes to and from the droplet. The equilibrium solubility of cholesterol with CO2 dissolution has been predicted as being directly proportional to the Partial Molar Volume Fraction (PMVF) of acetone in the binary (CO2–acetone) system. The degree of supersaturation has been simulated up to the time required to attain almost zero cholesterol solubility in the droplet for evaluating the rate of nucleation and the size of the stable critical nuclei formed. The effects of process parameters have been analysed in the pressure range of 7.1–35.0 MPa, temperature range of 313–333 K, SC CO2 flow rate of 0.1136–1.136 mol s−1, the ratio of the volumetric flow rates of CO2‐to‐solution in the range of 100–1000, and the initial mole fraction of cholesterol in acetone solution in the range of 0.0025–0.010. The results confirm an extremely high and rapid increase in degree of supersaturation, very high nucleation rates and stable critical nucleus diameter of the order of a nanometre. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Genetic heterogeneity of the NS3 protease gene in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 from untreated infected patients
Authors: Vallet Sophie , Gouriou Stephanie , Nousbaum Jean‐Baptiste , Legrand‐Quillien Marie‐Christine , Goudeau Alain , Picard Bertrand
Published: February 2005

NS3 protease is essential for hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replication, and is one of the most promising targets for specific anti‐HCV therapy. Its natural polymorphism has not been studied at the quasispecies level. In the present work, the genetic heterogeneity of the NS3 protease gene was analyzed in 17 HCV genotype 1 (5 subtypes 1a and 12 subtypes 1b) samples collected from infected patients before anti‐viral therapy. A total of 294 clones were sequenced. Although the protease NS3 is considered to be one of the less variable genes in the HCV genome, variability of both nucleotide and amino acid sequences was found. In variants belonging to 1a and 1b subtypes, 224 and 267 of 543 positions showed one or more nucleotide substitutions, respectively. Forty and 74 of the 181 NS3 amino acid positions showed at least one mutation in HCV‐1a and HCV‐1b isolates, respectively. Most substitutions were conservative. This substantial polymorphism of the NS3 protease produced by HCV‐1a and HCV‐1b suggests that, despite the numerous functional and structural constraints, the enzyme is sufficiently flexible to tolerate substitutions. J. Med. Virol. 75:528–537, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus genotype distribution in China: Predominance of closely related subtype 1b isolates and existence of new genotype 6 variants
Authors: Lu Ling , Nakano Tatsunori , He Yunshao , Fu Yongshui , Hagedorn Curt H. , Robertson Betty H.
Published: February 2005

To determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype distribution in China, a total of 148 HCV RNA positive serum samples were collected from nine geographic areas and subjected to RT‐PCR followed by direct DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the core, E1, and NS5B regions. HCV was genotyped in 139 (93.9%) samples. Among them subtype 1b was the most predominant [66% (92/139)] followed by 2a [14% (19/139)]. Of 92 subtype 1b isolates, 35 (38%) and 30 (33%) formed two clusters, designated groups A and B. Group A was prevalent throughout China, while group B was predominant in the central and southern regions. In three cities in the Pearl River Delta, subtype 6a replaced 2a as the second most predominant subtype, and in Kunming (southwest) multiple HCV genotypes/subtypes were present. New variants of HCV genotype 6 were discovered in three samples from Kunming and one in Guangzhou in the Pearl River Delta. J. Med. Virol. 75:538–549, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental infection of pigtailed macaques with a simian rotavirus, YK‐1
Authors: Westerman Larry E. , Xu Jin , Jiang Baoming , McClure Harold M. , Glass Roger I.
Published: February 2005

Experimental rotavirus infection was investigated in pigtailed macaques to study the infectivity, immunity, and pathogenesis of rotavirus. A challenge virus, YK‐1, was administered intragastrically to four seronegative macaques (age: 11–16 months). Although none of the monkeys developed diarrhea, an active infection occurred with high titers of rotavirus antigen detected in stools 2–10 days after challenge. These animals developed rotavirus‐specific antibody responses similar to those seen following primary exposure to rotavirus. YK‐1 was then inoculated in four seropositive macaques (age: 14–16 months). All animals shed viral antigen in their stool, but the titers and duration were significantly less when compared to seronegative macaques. When rechallenged 28 days after initial YK‐1 challenge, the macaques demonstrated significant protection against reinfection. All seropositive animals developed a rise in rotavirus‐specific serum and fecal antibodies during YK‐1 challenge and rechallenge. To independently assess the role of age and preexisting IgG titers to rotavirus, a 4‐month‐old seronegative and 6‐month‐old seropositive macaque were inoculated with YK‐1. The seronegative macaque shed high titers of virus for 9 days, while the seropositive macaque shed only 3 days and in low titer. These data suggest that a primate model of rotavirus infection using the YK‐1 strain may be useful in examining the immune response and protection from infection in pigtailed macaques and indicate that levels and duration of shedding may provide a good measure of protection from natural infection and from that induced by oral or parenteral vaccines. J. Med. Virol. 75:616–625, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of loop‐mediated isothermal amplification, real‐time PCR, and virus isolation for the detection of herpes simplex virus in genital lesions
Authors: Sugiyama Hiroko , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Ihira Masaru , Enomoto Yoshihiko , Kawana Takashi , Asano Yoshizo
Published: February 2005

This study compares herpes simplex virus (HSV) type‐specific loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with virus isolation and real‐time PCR. Genital tract specimens were obtained from 25 patients with genital lesions; two swab samples were collected from the vulva and cervix of each patient, for a total of 50 specimens. After culturing, 10 of 50 (20%) samples were positive for HSV‐1 and 12 of 50 (24%) samples were positive for HSV‐2. None of the patients excreted both HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 virus. An original HSV type‐specific LAMP assay (30 min reaction) was compared with virus isolation and HSV type‐specific real‐time PCR. Viral DNA was detected by LAMP in 9 of 10 HSV‐1 isolated samples and 11 of 12 HSV‐2 isolated samples. No viral DNA was detected in samples without virus isolation. Thus, if virus isolation was used as the standard method, the LAMP protocol was highly sensitive and specific. In comparing LAMP to real‐time PCR, viral DNA was detected by the LAMP method in 9 of 12 HSV‐1 DNA positive samples and 11 of 18 HSV‐2 DNA positive samples. If real‐time PCR was used as the standard method, then, sensitivity of the LAMP method (in particular, for HSV‐2) was low. Taking this into consideration, the LAMP reaction was extended to 60 min. This led to an increase in sensitivity, resulting in an additional one and three samples testing positive for HSV‐1 LAMP and HSV‐2 LAMP, respectively, compared to the original LAMP protocol. Therefore, the sensitivity of the LAMP method increased to about 80%. J. Med. Virol. 75:583–587, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased hepatocarcinogenic potential of hepatitis B virus genotype A in Bantu‐speaking sub‐saharan Africans
Authors: Kew Michael C. , Kramvis Anna , Yu Mimi C. , Arakawa Kazuka , Hodkinson John
Published: February 2005

Genotypes A, D, and E of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) circulate in southern Africa, with genotype A predominating. Their hepatocarcinogenic potential in Bantu‐speaking sub‐saharan Africans is, however, unknown. Using a case/control format, we investigated the hepatocarcinogenic potential of these genotypes and subgenotype A1 of genotype A, which accounts for the great majority of genotype A isolates. HBV isolates from 111 unselected Bantu‐speaking sub‐saharan Africans with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 111 matched asymptomatic chronic carriers, serving as controls, were genotyped using the method of [Lindh et al. (1997): J Infect Dis 175:1285–1293]. Subgenotypes of genotype A were determined using an in‐house restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Genotype A was present in 96 (86.5%) of patients with HCC and 76 (68.5%) of the carriers, giving a 4.5‐fold (95% confidence limits: 1.86, 10.90) increased risk of HCC in carriers infected with genotype A compared with those infected with non‐A genotypes. HCC patients infected with genotype A were significantly younger than those infected with non‐A genotypes (P = 0.02). The distributions between these two groups according to sex, geographic background, and tribe were not significantly different. Subgenotype A1 was present in all of the 77 cancer patients and 69 of 70 carriers analyzed, yielding a relative risk of 4.21 (95% confidence limits: 1.73,10.23) of HCC in those infected with subgenotype A1 compared with those infected with non‐A genotypes. Genotype A has a greater hepatocarcinogenic potential than non‐A genotypes in Bantu‐speaking sub‐saharan Africans and this is entirely attributable to subgenotype A1. J. Med. Virol. 75:513–521, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serological markers of hepatitis B, C, and E viruses and human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 infections in pregnant women in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Surya I Gede Putu , Kornia Karkata , Suwardewa Tjok Gde Agung , Mulyanto  , Tsuda Fumio , Mishiro Shunji
Published: February 2005

Except for hepatitis B virus (HBV), there have been few data on serological markers of hepatitis viruses such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) and E virus (HEV), and human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV) in Bali, Indonesia. During 5 months from April to August 2003, sera were collected from 2,450 pregnant women at eight jurisdictions in Bali, and they were tested for markers of these viruses. Only one (0.04%) was positive for antibody to HCV, but none for antibody to HIV. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in 46 (1.9%) at a prevalence significantly lower than that in 271 of the 10,526 (2.6%) pregnant women in Bali surveyed 10 years previously (P < 0.045). The prevalence of hepatitis B e antigen in pregnant women with HBsAg decreased, also, from 50% to 28% during the 10 years (P < 0.011). Antibody to HEV (anti‐HEV) was examined in 819 pregnant women who had been randomly selected from the 2,450. The overall prevalence of anti‐HEV was 18%, and there were substantial regional differences spanning from 5% at Tabanan district to 32% at Gianyar district. Furthermore, the prevalence of anti‐HEV differed substantially by their religions. In the Sanglah area of Denpasar City, for instance, anti‐HEV was detected in 20 of the 102 (20%) Hindus, significantly more frequently than in only 2 of the 101 (2.0%) Muslims (P < 0.001). Swine that are prohibited to Muslims, therefore, is likely to serve as a reservoir of HEV in Bali. In conclusion, HBV is decreasing, HCV and HIV have not prevailed, as yet, while HEV is endemic probably through zoonotic infection in Bali. J. Med. Virol. 75:499–503, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A cross‐cultural exploration of attitudes toward product expiration dates
Authors: Harcar Talha , Karakaya Fahri
Published: February 2005

This is an exploratory study examining consumer attitudes toward product expiration dates in three different countries, the United States, Canada, and Turkey. In addition, the study investigates the differences in the importance of product expiration dates for three products, yogurt, over‐the‐counter medicine, and camera film, in the three cultures. A total of 687 surveys were gathered in the three countries. The results show that there are, indeed, differences among the consumers in three countries. American and Canadian consumers check product expiration dates before purchasing and before using products more often than Turkish consumers. Although most of the differences observed are between the respondents in Turkey versus the respondents in the United States and Canada, some differences between the U.S. and Canadian respondents are also found, indicating that culture plays an important role in consumer uncertainty avoidance. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primary epithelial lung malignancies in the pediatric population
Authors: Lal Dave R. , Clark Ian , Shalkow Jaime , Downey Robert J. , Shorter Nicholas A. , Klimstra David S. , Quaglia Michael P. La
Published: February 2005

Background

Primary epithelial lung malignancies are rare in childhood and adolescence. We reviewed the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center experience with these tumors to better understand their histology, time to diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.

Procedure

A retrospective review was performed on all patients 21 years of age or younger at diagnosis, treated for primary epithelial lung malignancies at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center between 1980 and 2001.

Results

We identified 11 patients with primary epithelial lung malignancy. The median age at diagnosis was 19 (range: 12–21) years. The most common radiographic abnormality was a mass (55%) on chest imaging. Seven patients (64%) were initially diagnosed as having pneumonia which contributed to a delay in diagnosis. Final pathologic diagnoses included adenocarcinoma (four), carcinoid tumor (three typical, one atypical), basaloid carcinoma (two), and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (one). A majority of patients presented with advanced disease (two stage III, four stage IV). Patients with localized disease were treated with surgical resection and all but one remains disease free with a median follow‐up of 60 months (range: 13–286). Patients with either advanced locoregional or distant metastatic disease were treated with multimodal therapy and a majority had rapid progression of disease.

Conclusions

When children and adolescents present with primary epithelial lung malignancy a majority will have advanced disease and experience a delay in diagnosis. The histologic types of tumors encountered are similar to lung tumors occurring in adults, although the frequency of the various types differs. Carcinoid tumors are more frequent, and less common subtypes of bronchogenic carcinoma are also more prevalent in the pediatric age group. Similar to the adult population, the prognosis of these tumors is dependent on histology and stage. Patients with carcinoid tumors seem to have the best prognosis, followed by adenocarcinoma. The highly aggressive basaloid carcinoma has the worst. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term complications in survivors of advanced stage neuroblastoma
Authors: Laverdière Caroline , Cheung Nai‐Kong V. , Kushner Brian H. , Kramer Kim , Modak Shakeel , LaQuaglia Michael P. , Wolden Suzanne , Ness Kirsten K. , Gurney James G. , Sklar Charles A.
Published: February 2005

Background

Few studies have assessed late effects in neuroblastoma (NB) survivors, particularly those with advanced stage disease.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a cohort of advanced stage NB survivors followed in a late effect clinic at a single institution. Screening tests to detect late effects were tailored depending on the individual's treatment exposures.

Results

The study included 63 survivors (31 males). The median age at diagnosis was 3.0 years. The median follow‐up from diagnosis was 7.06 years. All patients had surgery and received chemotherapy, 89% received radiation therapy (RT), 62% immunotherapy, and 56% autologous stem cell transplant. Late complications were detected in 95% of survivors and included: hearing loss (62%), primary hypothyroidism (24%), ovarian failure (41% of females), musculoskeletal (19%), and pulmonary (19%) abnormalities. The majority of complications were moderate, with only 4% being life‐threatening. Survivors who received cisplatin were at greater risk to develop hearing loss compared to those not so treated (OR 9.74; 95% CI: 0.9–101.6). A total dose of cyclophosphamide greater than 7.4 g was associated with ovarian failure (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Late complications occur frequently in survivors of advanced stage NB. The majority of these problems are of mild‐moderate severity. Long‐term follow‐up (LFTU) and screening of this population is essential. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An overview of adverse events reported by participants in CDC's anthrax vaccine and antimicrobial availability program
Authors: Martin Stacey W. , Tierney Bruce C. , Aranas Aaron , Rosenstein Nancy E. , Franzke Laura H. , Apicella Louis , Marano Nina , McNeil Michael M.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

The CDC's Anthrax Vaccine and Antibiotic Availability Program was implemented under an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to provide additional post‐exposure prophylaxis for individuals potentially exposed to Bacillus anthracis in the fall of 2001. Participants were provided with two options: (1) 40 additional days of antimicrobial prophylaxis (i.e., ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or amoxicillin); or (2) 40 additional days of antimicrobial prophylaxis plus three doses of anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA).

Methods

Participants were monitored for adverse events (AEs). Participants were asked to complete 2‐week AE diaries for 6 weeks post‐enrollment, and approximately 2 months after enrollment, active surveillance was conducted through telephone interviews with 1113 (64%) participants.

Results

A total of 1727 of approximately 10 000 previously prophylaxed persons enrolled to receive 40 additional days of antibiotics. Of these, 199 opted at enrollment to receive three doses of AVA in addition to the additional 40 days of antibiotic. Overall, 28% of participants reported at least one AE on their diaries. Results varied by surveillance mechanism, the diary data indicated differences in the proportion reporting AEs between participants receiving antibiotic only and participants receiving antibiotic and AVA. However, during the active 2‐month telephone follow‐up, the rates of AEs reported for both the antibiotic only and antibiotic plus AVA treatment regimens were similar. Additionally, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline had similar AE profiles, with only rigors reported significantly more often among ciprofloxacin recipients.

Conclusions

Overall, the rates of AEs experienced by all participants were acceptable given the seriousness of potential B. anthracis exposure. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glutathione S‐transferase tissue profiling by reporter peptide monitoring
Authors: Schininà M. Eugenia , Pitari Giuseppina , Paolone Tommaso , Giorgi Alessandra , Ippoliti Rodolfo , Duprè Silvestro , Maras Bruno
Published: February 2005

Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) form a widespread enzyme superfamily mainly involved in phase II detoxification. Differential expression of the various GST isoforms, differing in catalytic and structural properties, correlates with physiological and pathological states. Fast and simple determination of the GST profile is expected to be an important diagnostic tool in disease analysis. Here we propose a combined approach of high resolution separation techniques and electrospray mass spectrometric analyses for characterizing the spectrum of GSTs in male mouse liver. In this approach, the sensitivity and speed required for tissue GST profiling studies is achieved by tracking the reconstructed ion current of selected reporter peptides following chromatographic separation. This simple procedure, in which an affinity protein bait is followed by a chemical fragmentation and mass spectrometric analysis, could be sufficiently sensitive to detect the qualitative differences between physiological and pathological states.
Sequence tag scanning: A new explorative strategy for recognition of unexpected protein alterations by nanoelectrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Salek Mogjiborahman , Di Bartolo Vincenzo , Cittaro Davide , Borsotti Dario , Wei Junhua , Acuto Oreste , Rappsilber Juri , Lehmann Wolf D.
Published: February 2005

Protein analysis by database search engines using tandem mass spectra is limited by the presence of unexpected protein modifications, sequence isoforms which may not be in the protein databases, and poor quality tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) of low abundance proteins. The analysis of expected protein modifications can be efficiently addressed by precursor ion scanning. However, it is limited to modifications that show such a characteristic loss in a peptide independent manner. We observed that proline and aspartic acid induced backbone fragmentation is accompanied by a low intensity signal for loss of H3PO4 for several pSer‐ or pThr‐phosphopeptides. We describe here the use of peptide‐specific fragments that can be used after a protein was identified to allow in‐depth characterization of modifications and isoforms. We consider high abundance fragments formed by cleavage at the C‐terminal side of aspartic acid, at the N‐terminal side of proline and low mass ions such as a2, b2, b3, y1, y2, and y3. The MS/MS dataset is filtered for each sequence tag of interest by an in silico precursor ion scan. The resulting extracted ion traces are then combined by multiplication to increase specificity. Since the strategy is based on common peptide segments which are shared by different isoforms of peptides it can be applied to the analysis of any post‐translational modification or sequence variants of a protein. This is demonstrated for the cases of serine and threonine phosphorylation, histone H1 acetylation and the spotting of multiple H1 isoforms.
A novel strategy for quantitative proteomics using isotope‐coded protein labels (vol. 5, Issue 1, pp. 4‐15)
Authors: Schmidt Alexander , Kellermann Josef , Lottspeich Friedrich
Published: February 2005

See original http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pmic.200400873
Controlled release of avermectin from porous hollow silica nanoparticles
Authors: Wen Li‐Xiong , Li Zhu‐Zhu , Zou Hai‐Kui , Liu An‐Qi , Chen Jian‐Feng
Published: February 2005

Porous hollow silica nanoparticles (PHSNs) with a diameter of ca 100 nm and a pore size of ca 4.5 nm were synthesized via a sol–gel route using inorganic calcium carbonate nanoparticles as templates. The synthesized PHSNs were subsequently employed as pesticide carriers to study the controlled release behaviour of avermectin. The avermectin‐loaded PHSN (Av‐PHSN) samples were characterized by BET, thermogravimetric analysis and IR, showing that the amount of avermectin encapsulated in the PHSN carrier could reach 58.3% w/w by a simple immersion loading method, and that most of the adsorption of avermectin on the Av‐PHSN carrier might be physical. Avermectin may be loaded on the external surface, the pore channels in the wall and the inner core of the PHSN carriers, thus leading to a multi‐stage sustained‐release pattern from the Av‐PHSN samples. Increasing pH or temperature intensified the avermectin release. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of intentional weight loss as a latent variable problem
Authors: Coffey Christopher S. , Gadbury Gary L. , Fontaine Kevin R. , Wang Chenxi , Weindruch Richard , Allison David B.
Published: February 2005

Although obesity is associated with increased mortality rate and short‐term weight loss improves risk factors for mortality, it has not been convincingly shown that weight loss among obese people results in reduced mortality rate. When considering the human literature, it has been pointed out that weight loss is often a sign of illness and that investigators therefore need to separate intentional from unintentional weight loss. It has generally been assumed that among people who state that they do not intend to lose weight, weight change subsequently observed is unintentional. Among such people, weight loss has been consistently associated with increased mortality rate. Complementarily, it has generally been assumed that among people who state that they do intend to lose weight, weight change subsequently observed is intentional. In these people who are intending to lose weight, some studies show apparent benefits of weight loss, some are neutral, and some show deleterious effects. The overall conclusion that some reviewers have drawn from this literature is that intentional weight loss (IWL) is at best not beneficial and may even be harmful with respect to mortality rate.

We believe that this conclusion is drawn by inappropriately conflating weight loss (or more generally weight change) among people intending to lose weight with IWL (or change). Herein, under certain assumptions, we: (1) show that the association between mortality rate and weight loss among people intending to lose weight and between mortality rate and IWL are two different things; (2) show that the association between IWL and mortality rate is an inherently unobservable entity; (3) derive a method for estimating the plausible range of true effect of IWL on mortality rate if one is willing to make a number of restrictive, but perhaps reasonable assumptions; and (4) illustrate the method by application to a data set involving middle‐age onset calorie restriction in mice. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.