bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of haemostatic markers in ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Sitalakshmi S , Rameshkumar Karuna , Damodar Prema
Published: November 2009

Background: Most cancer patients with metastatic disease have abnormal coagulation parameters. Although many abnormal blood coagulation tests have been reported in malignancies, there is little agreement regarding which tests are most useful to predict disease progression and hence this study was undertaken. Methods: In this prospective study, baseline and special coagulation tests were performed on 23 patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma. The baseline tests were PT, APTT, TT and platelet count. The special tests included factor VIII, factor IX and fibrinogen assay and semiquantitative measurement of D-dimer and FDP levels The cases were grouped into early and advanced disease groups. The results of the coagulation tests were analysed using suitable statistical methods. The results were compared between limited and advanced disease by chi square and Mann Whitney U test Results: The percentage of cases with increased D-dimer and fibrin degradation products (FDP) values were higher in the advanced disease compared to early disease. Two cases in stage IV had DIC. The PT, APTT, TT and platelet count did not show any statistically significant differences between the early and advanced disease groups. Factor VIII, factor IX and fibrinogen levels were not significantly different between two groups. Conclusion: Elevated D dimer& FDP are associated with advanced stage ovarian adenocarcinoma.
An ayurvedic herbal compound to reduce toxicity to cancer chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Saxena Abha , Dixit Smita , Aggarwal Sandeep , Seenu Vuthaluru , Prashad Rajinder , Bhushan S , Tranikanti Varna , Misra M , Srivastava Anurag
Published: November 2009

Background: Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) is an ayurvedic compound containing many herbs rich in antioxidants. We evaluated its role in reduction of chemotherapy toxicity among women with breast cancer. Patient and Methods:We recruited 214 patients with breast carcinoma receiving cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5- flourouracil (CMF) or cyclophosphamide, adriamycine,& 5-flourouracil (CAF), adjuvant or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. The toxicity of chemotherapy was assessed according to WHO criteria. Statistical analysis was carried out on Epi-info 6 and STATA-7. All patients received same antiemetic therapy with ondensetron and dexamethasone. Results:There was a significant reduction in toxicities observed in MAK group throughout chemotherapy cycles: Poor performance status was prevented by concomitant administration of MAK along with chemotherapy.(Prevented Fraction (PF)=60.6% (95% confidence interval 22.1 to 80.1 ; p value =0.005 ). Vomiting was prevented by MAK {PF=40.3%, (95% confidence interval 15.1 to 58.1; p value=0.002)}. Similarly anorexia was reduced with PF= 35.6%. (95% confidence interval 17.6 to 49.7, p value = 0.0001) in MAK group. No improvement occurred in stomatitis, diarrhea, alopecia and leucopenia. No overgrowth of tumours occurred in the group treated with Neoadjuvant chemotherapy receiving MAK. Conclusion:MAK may be used as a supplement along with chemotherapeutic drugs for reducing chemotherapy induced vomiting, anorexia and improving general well being of patients.
Triple negative breast cancer with isolated leptomeningeal metastasis
Authors: Sampathkumar N , Sambasivaiah K , Naga M ,   Ramakrishna
Published: November 2009

Isolated Leptomeningeal metastasis in breast cancer is rare. The diagnosis requires T1W MR scan of brain with gadolinium enhancement and demonstration of malignant cells in CSF. The treatment is palliative, which includes whole brain radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Papillary carcinoma of thyroid in a 11 months old child
Authors: Poddar Soumita , Basu Siddhartha , Majumder Anup ,   Devleena
Published: November 2009

Carcinoma of thyroid gland is rare in pediatric age group before the age of 15 years. A 11 months old child presented with swelling in midline of neck which showed cold nodule on thyroid scan. On fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAC) papillary carcinoma of thyroid was detected and the patient underwent subtotal thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine ablation and thyroid supplementation. The case is being reported on account of its rarity.
Childhood follicular non-hodgkin′s lymphoma: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Agarwal Shipra , Das Prasenjit , Karak A , Kumar Lalit , Ray Ruma
Published: November 2009

The majorities of non-Hodgkin′s lymphomas in children are lymphoblastic lymphoma, Burkitt′s lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma is primarily a disease of adulthood with a median age of 59 years. It is rare in pediatric patients. Childhood follicular lymphoma differs from its adult counterpart in several aspects. We report a rare case of childhood low grade mature B-cell non- Hodgkin′s lymphoma wherein the tumour cells were CD20 +, focally bcl-6 +, CD3 -, CD5 -, CD10 -, CD23 -, Cyclin D1 -, bcl-2 -, and had a low ki-67 proliferation index. A diagnosis of follicular lymphoma was made on the basis of the focal bcl-6 positivity. Despite non-intervention in the form of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the patient remained symptom free even after a followup of 39 months. This case is being reported for its rarity. This is one of the initial case reports on follicular lymphoma in pediatric age group from the Indian subcontinent.
Supraglottic carcinoma with skeletal muscle and multiple bone secondaries
Authors: Gupta Surabhi , Arya A , Kumar Anuj , Chaudhary Sandeep , Chauhan Bhupendra , Gupta Anurag
Published: November 2009

Soft tissue and bone secondaries in supraglottic carcinoma are extremely rare. A 55 year old male presented with history of hoarseness of voice, lump in left side of neck and pain in right shoulder region. Patient underwent Radiotherapy to primary as well as metastatic sites. After 10 months of follow-up, patient presented with distant metastasis to left shoulder, lumbar vertebra and sacrum. This case is being reported on account of its rarity.
Risk factors for gallbladder cancer : A population based case-control study in Delhi
Authors: Tyagi B B , Manoharan N , Raina V
Published: November 2009

Background : Gallbladder (GB) cancer ranks among the first five common cancers in females in Delhi, India. The incidence rate of GB carcinoma is higher in North India compared to South India. Methods : A population based case-control study on 333 GB incident cases was carried out in Delhi to identify the risk factors. Cases were matched with two controls based on age (± 5 years), sex and marital status (in case of females) Results : Smoking and alcohol consumption increase the risk of GB cancer. The risk among those who smoke cigarette (OR=3.05, CI=1.33-6.98) was higher than that seen among bidi smokers (OR=2.25, CI=1.38-3.69). History of typhoid in the past and cholelithiasis increased the risk of GB cancer. Post menopausal women had a significant risk of GB cancer than the menstruating women. Consumption of urad dhal, moong dhal, milk, cottage cheese and butter also increased the risk of GB cancer. Conclusion : Smoking, alcohol consumption, typhoid in the past, cholelithiasis and certain dietary items are the some of the most important risk factors for gallbladder cancer.
Multiple myeloma mimicking bone metastasis in a patient of carcinoma breast
Authors: Hingmire Sheetal , Hingmire Sachin , Bakshi Ashish , Gujaral Sumeet , Badwe Rajan , Nair Reena
Published: November 2009

Second malignancies or co-existing malignancies like ovarian, endometrial, lung carcinomas, soft tissue sarcomas have been reported to be associated with breast carcinoma. The commonest cause of bone pain in a patient of breast cancer is metastasis to bone. We present a rare case of multiple myeloma mimicking bony metastasis in a patient of breast carcinoma.
Large granular lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Rasool Javid , Jeelani Samoon , Geelani Sajad , Lone Abdul , Shaban Mohd
Published: November 2009

Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGL) affects adults and is rare in children, etiology being unknown. We describe a case of a fourteen year old boy who presented with symptomatic anemia with lymphocytosis and atypical lymphocytes. Bone marrow revealed hypocellularity with marked erythroid hypoplasia, lymphocytosis and increased eosinophils. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of LGL.
Recombinant Protein Purification by Self‐Cleaving Elastin‐like Polypeptide Fusion Tag
Authors: Wu Wan‐Yi , Fong Baley A. , Gilles Allison G. , Wood David W.
Published: November 2009

This unit presents a rapid and simple method for the nonchromatographic purification of recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli. This method relies on a thermally responsive elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) tag, where the tagged protein is precipitated using a mild temperature shift. The tag is then induced to self‐cleave by a mild pH shift and is subsequently removed by a final thermal precipitation. The result is a purified native protein target, without the requirement for affinity apparatus or protease removal of the tag. This protocol describes the required cloning methods to insert a given target into the expression vector, as well as the general method for purifying the resulting expressed protein. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 58:26.4.1‐26.4.18. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Faceted Surface Grain Morphology of Rapidly Solidified Alumina: Characterization and Potential Applications
Authors: Harimkar Sandip P. , Kenik Edward A. , Shim Sanghoon , Dahotre Narendra B.
Published: November 2009

The study reports on the formation of regular multi‐faceted surface grains during laser surface modification of alumina ceramics. The formation of such faceted morphology of the grains can be strongly correlated with the formation of crystallographic texture. Such evolution of crystallographically‐textured, multi‐faceted grains opens up new avenues for laser surface modification, where regular three dimensional surface features are formed through solidification processing.
Highly Stable Au Nanoparticles with Tunable Spacing and Their Potential Application in Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensors
Authors: Gao Shuyan , Koshizaki Naoto , Tokuhisa Hideo , Koyama Emiko , Sasaki Takeshi , Kim Jae‐Kwan , Ryu Joonghyun , Kim Deok‐Soo , Shimizu Yoshiki
Published: November 2009

Colloidal Au‐amplified surface plasmon resonance (SPR), like traditional SPR, is typically used to detect binding events on a thin noble metal film. The two major concerns in developing colloidal Au‐amplified SPR lie in 1) the instability, manifested as a change in morphology following immersion in organic solvents and aqueous solutions, and 2) the uncontrollable interparticle distance, determining probe spacing and inducing steric hindrance between neighboring probe molecules. This may introduce uncertainties into such detecting techniques, degrade the sensitivity, and become the barricade hampering colloidal Au‐based transducers from applications in sensing. In this paper, colloidal Au‐amplified SPR transducers are produced by using ultrathin Au/Al2O3 nanocomposite films via a radio frequency magnetron co‐sputtering method. Deposited Au/Al2O3 nanocomposite films exhibit superior stability, and average interparticle distances between Au nanoparticles with similar average sizes can be tuned by changing surface coverage. These characteristics are ascribed to the spacer function and rim confinement of dielectric Al2O3 and highlight their advantages for application in optimal nanoparticle‐amplified SPR, especially when the probe size is smaller than the target molecule size. This importance is demonstrated here for the binding of protein (streptavidin) targets to the probe (biotin) surface. In this case, the dielectric matrix Al2O3 is a main contributor, behaving as a spacer, tuning the concentration of Au nanoparticles, and manipulating the average interparticle distance, and thus guaranteeing an appropriate number of biotin molecules and expected near‐field coupling to obtain optimal sensing performance.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Sequential Reactions via Allene Intermediates for the Rapid Synthesis of Fused Polycyclic Pyrrole Derivatives
Authors: Huang Xian , Zhu Shugao , Shen Ruwei
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we report a novel sequential reaction sequence consisting of a series of processes including Sonogashira coupling, propargyl‐allenyl isomerization, [3+2] cycloaddition, denitrogenation, and highly selective biradical coupling reaction, providing an efficient synthesis of fused polycyclic pyrrole derivatives. The reaction features one CC bond and two CN bonds formed to construct the pyrrole unit, together with two rings efficiently assembled in one stroke.
Amelia, cleft lip, and holoprosencephaly: A distinct entity
Authors: Kariminejad Ariana , Goodarzi Payman , Asghari‐Roodsari Alaleh , Kariminejad Mohamad Hasan
Published: November 2009

We report on a male fetus with amelia, cleft lip, and holoprosencephaly. We compare the clinical findings in our patient with those of previously reported cases with the most clinical overlap. To date only four cases with bilateral limb amelia, CNS anomalies, and facial clefts have been described. Our report appears to represent the fifth case with such a combination of anomalies. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ulnar mammary syndrome and TBX3: Expanding the phenotype
Authors: Linden Helen , Williams Rosy , King Janet , Blair Edward , Kini Usha
Published: November 2009

We present a patient with features of Ulnar Mammary syndrome (UMS) consisting of bilateral ulnar defects, inverted nipples, short stature with associated growth hormone deficiency, and cryptorchidism. Our patient also had a hypoplastic anterior pituitary and an ectopic posterior pituitary gland, ventricular septal defect (VSD), and cardiac conduction defects consistent with Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome. Although TBX3 is known to be expressed in both the developing heart and the pituitary gland, conduction defects and anatomical pituitary abnormalities have not been previously described in UMS. This may, in part, be due to the fact that these features are not actively sought in individuals with UMS. Because these new findings have important clinical implications, we suggest that clinicians caring for individuals with UMS offer brain imaging, growth hormone testing, and cardiac arrhythmia screening. The diagnosis of UMS was confirmed on mutation analysis of TBX3. The mother of the propositus was also found to carry the same mutation, although she did not show the classical features of UMS. Therefore, our report also supports the variable expressivity of UMS within the same family. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overlap of Moebius and oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome with gastroschisis and pulmonary hypoplasia
Authors: Brockmann Knut , Backes Heiko , Auber Bernd , Kriebel Thomas , Stellmer Franziska , Zoll Barbara
Published: November 2009

The oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndromes (OLHS) represent a group of rare conditions characterized by congenital malformations involving the tongue, mandible, and limbs. There is considerable overlap between the syndromes gathered under the term OLHS, and a marked variability of face and limb anomalies as well as additional malformations. In this report we describe a girl with gastroschisis and pulmonary hypoplasia in addition to features of Moebius syndrome comprising hypoplasia of the tongue and mandible, brachydactyly of halluces, cranial nerve palsies with bilateral facial paralysis and an inability to execute horizontal eye movements. Karyotyping and array‐based comparative genomic hybridization were normal. This observation confirms an overlap between Moebius syndrome and OLHS and widens the spectrum of associated malformations. Intrauterine environmental factors including vascular insufficiency, high maternal fever, and drug abuse are likely to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of this condition. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“It's something I need to consider”: Decisions about carrier screening for fragile X syndrome in a population of non‐pregnant women
Authors: Archibald Alison D. , Jaques Alice M. , Wake Samantha , Collins Veronica R. , Cohen Jonathan , Metcalfe Sylvia A.
Published: November 2009

Population carrier screening for fragile X syndrome can provide women with information about their risk of having a child with fragile X syndrome and their risk of fragile X‐associated primary ovarian insufficiency and fragile X‐associated tremor ataxia syndrome. Few studies have explored women's decisions when offered carrier screening for fragile X syndrome. Interviews were conducted with 31 women who participated in a pilot study offering carrier screening to non‐pregnant women. A qualitative approach was used to gain an in‐depth understanding of women's experiences and examine their decision‐making processes, including women who were tested and those who decided not to be tested. The decision‐making process occurred in two phases. In the first phase, the participant's reproductive stage of life and experience with illness and disability were major factors influencing whether she would consider screening. In the second phase of decision‐making, participants' perceptions of the value of knowing their carrier status was the most notable factor for influencing whether a woman actually had the carrier test. Some women appreciated having time for deliberation and those who were tested did not express regret about their decision. Our findings support offering carrier screening for fragile X syndrome to non‐pregnant women and suggest that women from the general population will have specific informational and counseling needs when offered carrier testing. This study highlights the unique challenges encountered by women from the general population when making a decision about testing for fragile X syndrome carrier status and illustrates the importance of understanding how women make decisions. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pseudoaminopterin syndrome: Clinical report with new characteristics
Authors: Sobreira N. , Cernach M. , Batista D. , Brunoni D. , Perez A.
Published: November 2009

Fetuses exposed to aminopterin during the 8th–9th week of development may show aminopterin embryophathy (AE). Surviving children have a specific phenotype that includes unusual face, skull, and skeletal abnormalities. Fraser et al. [Fraser et al. (1987); Clin Genet 32:28–34] described two children with multiple malformations characteristic of the aminopterin syndrome but without history of exposure to aminopterin in the mothers and suggested that this represents a new syndrome, the aminopterin syndrome‐like sine aminopterin (ASSA) syndrome. Here we describe a 9‐year‐old girl, born to unaffected first cousin parents. She has short stature, microcephaly, broad forehead with high hair implantation; sparse and fine hair, areas of alopecia; arched eyebrows with upturned hair, synophris; ocular hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, palpebral ptosis; oligodontia; low‐set and small ears with hypoplasia of antihelices; brachydactyly, clinodactyly of both 4th and 5th fingers; hypoplasia of the 4th metacarpal and clinodactyly of the 4th and 5th toes; overlap of the second over the third toe; bilateral hip luxation; patent foramen ovale; left posterior diaphragmatic hernia, absence of spleen and horseshoe kidney. She, her mother and her brother have a karyotype of 46,XX, with an inv(9)(p12q13) polymorphism. Although this patient has some characteristics did not described before in patients with ASSA such as, palpebral ptosis, oligodontia, left posterior diaphragmatic hernia, absence of spleen, and horseshoe kidney, her phenotype strongly suggest she has the pseudoaminopterin syndrome. However, we do not exclude the possibility that this is a different condition not described previously. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by ocular hypertelorism, distinctive face, mental retardation, brachydactyly, and genital abnormalities
Authors: Spiegel Ronen , Horovitz Yoseph , Peters Hartmut , Erdogan Fikret , Chervinsky Ilana , Shalev Stavit A.
Published: November 2009

We report on three individuals of Muslim Arab origin from a village located in Northern Israel affected by an apparent autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by distinctive facial phenotype of which the most prominent feature is ocular hypertelorism. The other clinical features of the syndrome include variable degree of mental retardation, genital abnormalities dominated by short penis, and skeletal abnormalities including chest deformity (combination of upper pectus carinatum with lower pectus excavatum), and short palms with broad short fingers. Affected individuals displayed distinctive facial features including upslanting palpebral fissures, thick eyebrows, long philtrum, wide mouth with thin upper lip and upturned corners of the mouth, widow's peak, broad nasal bridge, and simple ears with fleshy overfolded helices. This phenotype does not fully meet typical diagnostic features of any known condition. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence suggesting digenic inheritance of Waardenburg syndrome type II with ocular albinism
Authors: Chiang Pei‐Wen , Spector Elaine , McGregor Tracy L.
Published: November 2009

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a series of auditory–pigmentary disorders inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. In most patients, WS2 results from mutations in the MITF gene. MITF encodes a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor that activates transcription of tyrosinase and other melanocyte proteins. The clinical presentation of WS is highly variable, and we believe that Tietz syndrome and WS2 with ocular albinism (OA) are likely two variations of WS2 due to the presence of modifiers. One family with a molecular diagnosis of WS2 co‐segregating with OA has previously been reported. A digenic mutation mechanism including both a MITF mutation and the TYRR402Q hypomorphic allele was proposed to be the cause of OA in this family. Here, we present a second WS2 family with OA and provide evidence suggesting the TYRR402Q allele does not cause OA in this family. We hypothesize the presence of a novel OCA3 mutation together with the MITF del p.R217 mutation account for the OA phenotype in this family. Since MITF is a transcription factor for pigmentation genes, a mutation in MITF plus a heterozygous mutation in OCA3 together provide an adverse effect crossing a quantitative threshold; therefore, WS2 with OA occurs. We have hypothesized previously that the clinical spectrum and mutation mechanism of OCA depend on the pigmentation threshold of an affected individual. This unique family has provided further evidence supporting this hypothesis. We suggest that by studying OCA patients alongside WS patients with various pigmentation profiles we can facilitate further understanding of the pigmentation pathway. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association study of NRG1, DTNBP1, RGS4, G72/G30, and PIP5K2A with schizophrenia and symptom severity in a Hungarian sample
Authors: Réthelyi János M. , Bakker Steven C. , Polgár Patrícia , Czobor Pál , Strengman Eric , Pásztor Péter I. , Kahn René S. , Bitter István
Published: November 2009

Genetic association studies have yielded extensive but frequently inconclusive data about genetic risk factors for schizophrenia. Clinical and genetic heterogeneity are possible factors explaining the inconsistent findings. The objective of this study was to test the association of commonly incriminated candidate genes with two clinically divergent subgroups, non‐deficit (SZ‐ND) and deficit‐schizophrenia (SZ‐D), and symptom severity, in order to test for replication of previously reported results. A homogeneous sample of 280 schizophrenia patients and 230 healthy controls of Hungarian, Caucasian descent were genotyped for polymorphisms in schizophrenia candidate genes NRG1, DTNBP1, RGS4, G72/G30, and PIP5K2A. Patients were divided into the diagnostic subgroups of SZ‐ND and SZ‐D using the Schedule for Deficit Syndrome (SDS), and assessed clinically by the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). SNP8NRG241930 in NRG1 and rs1011313 in DTNBP1 were associated with SZ‐ND (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Polymorphisms in RGS4, G72/G30, and PIP5K2A were neither associated with SZ‐ND nor with SZ‐D. SNP8NRG241930 showed association with the PANSS cognitive and hostility/excitability factors, rs1011313 with the negative factor and SDS total score, and rs10917670 in RGS4 was associated with the depression factor. Although these results replicate earlier findings about the genetic background of SZ‐ND and SZ‐D only partially, our data seem to confirm previously reported association of NRG1 with schizophrenia without prominent negative symptoms. It was possible to detect associations of small‐to‐medium effect size between the investigated candidate genes and symptom severity. Such studies have the potential to unravel the possible connection between genetic and clinical heterogeneity in schizophrenia. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synergy effect of hybrid fillers on the positive temperature coefficient behavior of polypropylene/ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene composites
Authors: Li Qi , Basavarajaiah Siddaramaiah , Kim Nam Hoon , Heo Seok‐Bong , Lee Joong Hee
Published: November 2009

Hybrid nanocomposites of polypropylene/ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (PP/UHMWPE, 70/30) with various amounts of carbon black (CB) and carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (c‐MWNTs) were prepared by the solution mixing and melt blending techniques. The effects of the mixture of CB and c‐MWNTs on the positive‐temperature‐coefficient (PTC) behavior and the negative‐temperature‐coefficient (NTC) behavior, as well as the room temperature resistivity, were studied. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the CB particles were aggregated at the interface, between PP and UHMWPE. This selective localization of the CB particles at the interface along with the formation of continuous conducting media leads to the formation of additional conducting networks, resulting in a percolation threshold at a low CB content. A synergy effect of the hybrid conducting fillers of CB and c‐MWNTs on the PTC behavior of the hybrid blends was also observed. The room temperature resistivity was reduced significantly by the incorporation of the c‐MWNTs into the PP/UHMWPE/CB composite. The intensity and repeatability of the PTC effect in the nanocomposites were improved and the NTC effect weakened by incorporating a small amount (0.5 wt %) of c‐MWNTs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The Relationship Between Cephalic Scales and Bones in Lizards: A Preliminary Microtomographic Survey on Three Lacertid Species
Authors: Costantini David , Alonso Maria Lapresa , Moazen Mehran , Bruner Emiliano
Published: November 2009

In the last two decades, there has been a great deal of interest in the morphology and anatomy of the lizard skull in an ecological and evolutionary perspective. However, the relationship between variations in many key anatomical features remains largely unknown. Using microtomography and geometric morphometrics, we examined the relationship between bones and scales associated with the parietal foramen in the three lizards species most common in the Italian peninsula: Podarcis muralis, P. sicula, and Lacerta bilineata. The imprints of the scales are clearly recognizable on the outer bone surface, and this may suggest a structural interaction between these elements. The temporal osteoderms are visible in the larger males and in the larger females of L. bilineata, but they are absent in the smaller specimens of L. bilineata and in all Podarcis specimens. Two parallel rows of pterygoid teeth are present in all the specimens of L. bilineata and are absent in the smaller male of L. bilineata and in both Podarcis species. Cheek osteoderms occurred only in the largest specimens of our sample (i.e., large L. bilineata), being possibly related to hyperostotic processes and densitometric thresholds more than to phylogeny. Minor differences may be also associated with the form of the parietal foramen. In absolute terms the parietal foramen tends to be largest in L. bilineata but in relation to skull length the foramen tends to be larger in P. muralis. In this latter species the foramen is also more elongated. In all three species the fronto‐parietal suture occupies a similar location relatively to the scale spatial organization. A shared allometric pattern shows that the main vault enlargement can be localised at the areas anterior to the fronto‐parietal suture, providing further information on the possible morphogenetic dynamics associated with the interaction between scales and bones around this structure. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Doctors' online information needs, cognitive search strategies, and judgments of information quality and cognitive authority: How predictive judgments introduce bias into cognitive search models
Authors: Hughes Benjamin , Wareham Jonathan , Joshi Indra
Published: November 2009

Literature examining information judgments and Internet search behaviors notes a number of major research gaps, including how users actually make these judgments outside of experiments or researcher‐defined tasks, and how search behavior is impacted by a user's judgment of online information. Using the medical setting, where doctors face real consequences in applying the information found, we examine how information judgments employed by doctors to mitigate risk impact their cognitive search. Diaries encompassing 444 real clinical information search incidents, combined with semistructured interviews across 35 doctors, were analyzed via thematic analysis. Results show that doctors, though aware of the need for information quality and cognitive authority, rarely make evaluative judgments. This is explained by navigational bias in information searches and via predictive judgments that favor known sites where doctors perceive levels of information quality and cognitive authority. Doctors' mental models of the Internet sites and Web experience relevant to the task type enable these predictive judgments. These results suggest a model connecting online cognitive search and information judgment literatures. Moreover, this implies a need to understand cognitive search through longitudinal‐ or learning‐based views for repeated search tasks, and adaptations to medical practitioner training and tools for online search.
Impact of α‐hydroxy‐propanodeoxyguanine adducts on DNA duplex energetics: Opposite base modulation and implications for mutagenicity and genotoxicity
Authors: Minetti Conceição A. S. A. , Remeta David P. , Johnson Francis , Iden Charles R. , Breslauer Kenneth J.
Published: November 2009

Acrolein is an α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde that is a major environmental pollutant, as well as a product of cellular metabolism. DNA bases react with acrolein to form two regioisomeric exocyclic guanine adducts, namely γ‐hydroxy‐propanodeoxyguanosine (γ‐OH‐PdG) and its positional isomer α‐hydroxy‐propanodeoxyguanosine (α‐OH‐PdG). The γ‐OH‐PdG isomer adopts a ring‐opened conformation with minimal structural perturbation of the DNA host duplex. Conversely, the α‐OH‐PdG isomer assumes a ring‐closed conformation that significantly disrupts Watson‐Crick base‐pair alignments within the immediate vicinity of the damaged site. We have employed a combination of calorimetric and spectroscopic techniques to characterize the thermodynamic origins of these lesion‐induced structural alterations. Specifically, we have assessed the energetic impact of α‐OH‐PdG centered within an 11‐mer duplex by hybridizing the adduct‐containing oligonucleotide with its complementary strand harboring a central base N [where N = C or A], yielding a pair of duplexes containing the nascent lesion (α‐OH‐PdG·C) or mismatched adduct (α‐OH‐PdG·A), respectively. Our data reveal that the nascent lesion is highly destabilizing, whereas its mismatched counterpart partially ameliorates α‐OH‐PdG‐induced destabilization. Collectively, our data provide energetic characterizations of the driving forces that modulate error‐free versus error‐prone DNA translesion synthesis. The biological implications of our findings are discussed in terms of energetically probing acrolein‐mediated mutagenicity versus adduct‐induced genotoxicity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 370–382, 2010.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Biosynthesis of polylactic acid and its copolymers using evolved propionate CoA transferase and PHA synthase
Authors: Yang Taek Ho , Kim Tae Wan , Kang Hye Ok , Lee Sang‐Hyun , Lee Eun Jeong , Lim Sung‐Chul , Oh Sun Ok , Song Ae‐Jin , Park Si Jae , Lee Sang Yup
Published: November 2009

For the synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) and its copolymers by one‐step fermentation process, heterologous pathways involving Clostridium propionicum propionate CoA transferase (PctCp) and Pseudomonas sp. MBEL 6‐19 polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase 1 (PhaC1Ps6‐19) were introduced into Escherichia coli for the generation of lactyl‐CoA endogenously and incorporation of lactyl‐CoA into the polymer, respectively. Since the wild‐type PhaC1Ps6‐19 did not efficiently accept lactyl‐CoA as a substrate, site directed mutagenesis as well as saturation mutagenesis were performed to improve the enzyme. The wild‐type PctCp was not able to efficiently convert lactate to lactyl‐CoA and was found to exert inhibitory effect on cell growth, random mutagenesis by error‐prone PCR was carried out. By employing engineered PhaC1Ps6‐19 and PctCp, poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐lactate), P(3HB‐co‐LA), containing 20–49 mol% lactate could be produced up to 62 wt% from glucose and 3HB. By controlling the 3HB concentration in the medium, PLA homopolymer and P(3HB‐co‐LA) containing lactate as a major monomer unit could be synthesized. Also, P(3HB‐co‐LA) copolymers containing various lactate fractions could be produced from glucose alone by introducing the Cupriavidus necator β‐ketothiolase and acetoacetyl‐CoA reductase genes. Fed‐batch cultures were performed to produce P(3HB‐co‐LA) copolymers having 9–64 mol% of lactate, and their molecular weights, thermal properties, and melt flow properties were determined. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010; 105: 150–160. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of a multifunctional image-guided therapy suite on emergency multiple trauma care
Authors: Gross T , Messmer P , Amsler F , Füglistaler-Montali I , Zürcher M , Hügli R W , Regazzoni P , Jacob A L
Published: November 2009

Background

The multifunctional image-guided therapy suite (MIGTS), a combined diagnostic and operating theatre, is currently the subject of considerable interest. This study investigated the effect of instituting a MIGTS on the emergency treatment of multiply injured patients.

Methods

This prospective controlled intervention study (MIGTS versus conventional treatment) included consecutive multiply injured trauma patients (Injury Severity Score of 16 or more) admitted between February 2003 and April 2005 to a university hospital. Main outcome measures were time to computed tomography (CT) and number of in-hospital transfers.

Results

A total of 168 patients were enrolled, 87 in the MIGTS and 81 in the control group. On average, CT was started at least 13 min sooner in the MIGTS group (P < 0·001), and these patients underwent fewer within-hospital transfers before arrival in the intensive care unit (median 2 versus 4 for controls; odds ratio −2·92, P < 0·001). Team members indicated increased satisfaction with the quality of the MIGTS procedure over the course of the study (P = 0·009). Thirty-day mortality rate (17 per cent for MIGTS versus 22 per cent for controls; P = 0·420) and long-term outcome did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Implementation of a MIGTS in the emergency treatment of multiple trauma significantly accelerated the procedure and reduced the number of in-hospital transports. Registration number: NCT0072213 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Development of a laboratory project to determine human ABO genotypes—Limitations lead to further student explorations
Authors: Salerno Theresa A.
Published: November 2009

A multiplex allele‐specific PCR analysis was developed to identify six “common” genotypes: AA, AO, BB, BO, OO, and AB. This project included a pre‐laboratory exercise that provided active learning experiences and developed critical thinking skills. This laboratory resulted in many successful analyses, which were verified by student knowledge of their phenotypes. However, the design was found to be deficient for the analysis of variants. The limitations in the original allied‐health multiplex design were verified through a student designed problem‐based laboratory project in an advanced level biochemistry class. Variants were further analyzed in an undergraduate research project using SSCP analyses. The topic of ABO genotyping provides several opportunities for student‐centered explorations.
Improving therapeutic engagement with adolescent sexual offenders
Authors: Smallbone Stephen , Crissman Belinda , Rayment‐McHugh Susan
Published: November 2009

This article reports a test of multisystemic predictors of therapeutic engagement (TE) with adolescent sexual offenders (ASOs), and an evaluation of clinical efforts to improve TE with this client group. First, clinicians rated their TE with 105 Australian court‐referred male ASOs (M = 15.53 years; SD = 1.30 years), who participated in treatment between 2001 and 2005. For this cohort, correlation analysis showed impulsivity/antisociality, negative peer relationships, and indigenous race to be associated with poorer TE. Multiple regression analysis identified impulsivity/antisociality and indigenous race as significant unique predictors. Clinical efforts subsequently focused on improving TE, particularly with higher‐antisocial youth and with indigenous youth and their families. Clinicians then rated TE with a second, independent cohort of 54 court‐referred male ASOs (M = 15.44 years; SD = 1.22 years), who participated in the modified treatment between 2006 and 2009. A two‐way ANCOVA, controlling for impulsivity/antisociality, indicated significant improvements in TE for both indigenous and non‐indigenous ASOs. Despite these general improvements, indigenous ASOs remained comparatively less engaged than their non‐indigenous counterparts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimulation of glucose oxidase with white linearly polarized light
Authors: Konieczna‐Molenda Anna , Fiedorowicz Maciej , Tomasik Przemysław J.
Published: November 2009

Glucose oxidase (GOD) was illuminated with white linearly polarized light (WLPL). The enzyme was illuminated at room temperature in separate vessels then admixed to a reactor filled with D‐glucose. The illumination of the enzyme for 60 min at 25–30°C and pH 6.5–7.0 provided its superior stimulation as proven in the oxidation of β‐D‐glucose. Lyophilization of the illuminated enzyme reduced its activity by, approximately, 30%. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
A noninvasive technique for the measurement of the energetic state of free‐suspension mammalian cells
Authors: Ben‐Tchavtchavadze M. , Chen J. , Perrier Michel , Jolicoeur Mario
Published: November 2009

A perfusion small‐scale bioreactor allowing on‐line monitoring of the cell energetic state was developed for free‐suspension mammalian cells. The bioreactor was designed to perform in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which is a noninvasive and nondestructive method that permits the monitoring of intracellular nutrient concentrations, metabolic precursors and intermediates, as well as metabolites and energy shuttles, such as ATP, ADP, and NADPH. The bioreactor was made of a 10‐mm NMR tube following a fluidized bed design. Perfusion flow rate allowing for adequate oxygen supply was found to be above 0.79 mL min−1for high‐density cell suspensions (108cells). Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were studied here as model system. Hydrodynamic studies using coloration/decoloration and residence time distribution measurements were realized to perfect bioreactor design as well as to determine operating conditions bestowing adequate homogeneous mixing and cell retention in the NMR reading zone. In vivo31P NMR was performed and demonstrated the small‐scale bioreactor platform ability to monitor the cell physiological behavior for 30‐min experiments. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010
National identity and international giving: Irish adults' accounts of charitable behaviour
Authors: Stevenson Clifford , Manning Rachel
Published: November 2009

Research on helping behaviour has emphasized the importance of the group and particularly the nation in establishing the norms and boundaries of emergency helping. Less attention has been paid to the role of the national group in longer‐term routine helping such as charitable giving. This is particularly important given recent research on intergroup helping which points to the impact of power relations on willingness of national groups to give and receive aid. The present research examines people's accounts of charitable giving in their day‐to‐day lives in Ireland, a country which has recently undergone a transformation in economic development and international relations. Discursive analysis of five focus groups with 14 Irish university students illustrates how participants proactively invoke national identity to account for giving or withholding charity. Our findings demonstrate how Irish national identity can be strategically and flexibly used to manage participants' local moral identity in the light of Ireland's changing international relations and in particular how participants display concerns to be seen to intend ‘autonomous’ rather than ‘dependency’‐oriented helping. The findings suggest that both national identity and international relations provide resources for individuals negotiating the complex demands and concerns surrounding charitable giving. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sea bass from Texas: notes from the material poetics project at the San Francisco waste dump
Authors: Wijland Roel
Published: November 2009

Every poem is an abstract. Three famous market makers reincarnate as fish from a bone dry country and are brutally hijacked for an excursion through a vengeful landscape of disposal. As they are returned to their wasted natural origins, they contemplate their mythical journey.

This poem was written as a scratch and sniff version of research into the rotting materiality of consumer culture at the occasion of the Heretical Consumer Research Performance in October 2008. The purpose of HCR is to create a small scale experiential quests that aspire to produce epiphanies. The annual performances are collaborative events performed with a sense of radical urgency. In that respect the HCR‐days are reminiscent of past innovative disruptions in consumer research that cherish the ‘revelatory incident’ and that perpetuate the heretical disconnect from academic pursuits that prioritize the social re‐production of research paradigms. More paradoxical evocations of affluence and superfluousness created for the Material Poetics Project may be viewed at www.hcr2008.com. Everything that happened to the Lehman Brothers and Sea Bass from Texas is real, or so the poet thinks.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement and Prediction of Oral Absorption
Authors: Keldenich Joerg
Published: November 2009

After defining oral absorption, this review article summarizes the influence of different physiological and physicochemical parameters on oral absorption explained according to the situation at BayerScheringPharma. Along the optimization process in industries, prediction of oral absorption is exemplified.

In silico prediction of oral absorption in early stages of research is highlighted with three examples, i.e., a classification algorithm, a single parameter prediction, and a linear free‐energy relationship.

In vitro prediction of permeation using Caco‐2 cell layers and physicochemical modeling is exemplified. The influence of solubility is shown by a concrete example, in particular, using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and physicochemical parameters.

For later stages, optimization examples of in vivo animal models stress the importance of excellent in vivo data and in vivo/in vivo correlations for the prediction of human oral absorption from animal experiments.
Stability Challenges in Drug Discovery
Authors: Di Li , Kerns Edward H.
Published: November 2009

Stability is one of the most important properties of drug candidates. Instable compounds can lead to false positive high‐throughput screening (HTS) hits, incorrect bioassay results, erroneous structure–activity relationships (SAR), low oral bioavailability, drug withdrawal, toxic reactions from degradation products, and difficult formulation development. Screening of stability has been implemented early in drug discovery to identify labile chemotypes and guide structural modification. The most commonly applied stability studies in drug discovery are stability–pH profile, stability in gastrointestinal fluids, stability in bioassay media, excipient compatibility, and prodrug screening. The strategy enhances the quality of drug development candidates and reduces the risks.
Ionization‐Specific QSAR Models of Blood–Brain Penetration of Drugs
Authors: Lanevskij Kiril , Japertas Pranas , Didziapetris Remigijus , Petrauskas Alanas
Published: November 2009

This study presents a mechanistic QSAR (quantitative structure–activity relationship) analysis of blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration of drugs and drug‐like compounds governed by passive diffusion in rats and mice. The analyzed data included a previously compiled set of almost 200 experimental BBB permeation rates (expressed as log PS values) as well as steady‐state brain/plasma distribution ratios for ca. 500 compounds (represented as log BB constants) that were considered free of carrier‐mediated transport and other unwanted effects. These data were modeled in terms of nonlinear lipophilicity and ionization dependences. The necessity to separate the influence of drug binding to plasma and brain constituents on the distribution ratio is discussed. Preliminary results demonstrate that, if both the rate and extent of BBB penetration are considered, it is possible to estimate whether a given compound may exhibit central nervous system (CNS) penetration.
Computational Oral Absorption Simulation for Low‐Solubility Compounds
Authors: Sugano Kiyohiko
Published: November 2009

Bile micelles play an important role in oral absorption of low‐solubility compounds. Bile micelles can affect solubility, dissolution rate, and permeability. For the pH–solubility profile in bile micelles, the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation should be modified to take bile‐micelle partition into account. For the dissolution rate, in the Nernst–Brunner equation, the effective diffusion coefficient in bile‐micelle media should be used instead of the monomer diffusion coefficient. The diffusion coefficient of bile micelles is 8‐ to 18‐fold smaller than that of monomer molecules. For permeability, the effective diffusion coefficient in the unstirred water layer adjacent to the epithelial membrane, and the free fraction at the epithelial membrane surface should be taken into account. The importance of these aspects is demonstrated here using several in vivo and clinical oral‐absorption data of low‐solubility model compounds. Using the theoretical equations, the food effect on oral absorption is further discussed.