bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of the Concurrent Validity of the Basic Academic Skills Samples (BASS)
Authors: Jenkins Joseph R. , Jewell Mark
Published: February 2009

This study is a concurrent validation of the Basic Academic Skills Samples (BASS) in which the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests and the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT) were used as criterion measures. A total of 413 students in grades 1 through 6 were administered the BASS, the Gates-MacGinitie, and the MAT. Computed across grade levels, correlations between relevant BASS subtests and standardized achievement tests were.85 for reading,.79 for math,.81 for spelling, and.61 for written expression. In all instances correlations for specific grade levels were lower than those computed across grade levels, but there were no identifiable correlational patterns across grade levels. Depending on the particular subtests employed, there was between 42% and 62% overlap in the students who fell into the bottom 15% of a specific BASS subtest and the corresponding achievement test. Although the relationships among the BASS, the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests, and the Metropolitan Achievement Test were reasonably strong it appeared that the BASS and the standardized measures did not identify identical populations of at-risk students.
Barriers to Implementing Curriculum-Based Measurement
Authors: Yell Mitchell L. , Deno Stanley L. , Marston Douglas B.
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the most problematic barriers to effective implementation of Curriculum-based measures in special education programs as perceived by administrators and teachers. Two studies using the Delphi Probe procedure were conducted. The studies were conducted with 56 special education administrators and 146 special education teachers. Administrators and teachers included in the survey had experience in implementing curriculum-based measurement in their programs, schools, and school districts. Results of the administrator Delphi indicated that the greatest barriers included teacher data utilization, logistical concerns, and the difficulties inherent to introducing change into systems. Results of the teacher Delphi indicated that the greatest problems were logistical and concerns with the face validity of the measures. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Identifying Young Children with Mild Cognitive Deficiencies
Authors: Scott Marcia S. , Deuel Lois-Lynn Stoyko , Claussen Angelika H. , Sanchez Mercedes
Published: February 2009

Sixty-two 4- and 5-year-old exceptional children, with either mild mental retardation or learning disabilities, were matched on age, sex, and ethnicity with children who were making normal progress. All 62 pairs were presented a minibattery that included 6 cognitive tasks: two memory, three oddity, and a word definition task. The exceptional group performed more poorly than their normal matches on all dependent measures. Discriminant function analyses resulted in classification accuracy levels for the normally achieving group of no less than 89%. Ninety-seven percent of preschoolers with mild mental retardation were correctly identified, as were 84% of children classified as learning disabled. When the two groups with mild cognitive deficiencies were combined, 90% of the children with special educational needs were correctly classified. Cutoff scores applied to frequency distributions were associated with similar levels of accuracy. These results support the contention that a screening test composed of a broad array of cognitive measures should enable more effective identification of young children with mild mental retardation or learning disabilities.
Bias in Authentic Assessment
Authors: Howell Kenneth W. , Bigelow Susan S. , Moore Elizabeth L. , Evoy Ange M.
Published: February 2009

This paper examines the implementation of a state-wide program of authentic assessment. The presentation focuses on the validity of the authentic procedure and specifically on bias in the scoring of written work. The authors conclude that, while the authentic measures may contain superior behavior samples, they lack meaningful standards.
Relationship of the WISC-III and WISC-R for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities and Mental Retardation
Authors: Slate John R. , Jones Craig H.
Published: February 2009

The relationship between WISC-R IQs and WISC-III IQs was examined in two samples of students with disabilities. One sample ( n = 64) consisted of students with specific learning disabilities (SLD); the other sample ( n = 55) consisted of students with mental retardation (MR). All students were enrolled in special education classes and were undergoing routine three-year reevaluations. With the exception of the correlation of Performance IQs for students with MR, which was nearly identical to the correlation reported in the WISC-III manual, the correlations between the WISC-R and WISC-III IQs were lower than those reported in the WISC-III manual. In addition, Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs on the WISC-III were significantly lower than the previously obtained scores on the WISC-R for both students with SLD and those with MR. These differences were generally consistent with the differences reported in the WISC-III manual.
Changes Over the Past Decade in Special Education Referral to Placement Probability
Authors: Ysseldyke James E. , Vanderwood Michael L. , Shriner James
Published: February 2009

Over a decade ago, Algozzine, Christenson and Ysseldyke (1982) presented data that indicated a very high percentage of referred students were determined eligible for special education. Assessment and decision making practices have changed significantly over the past 10 years. For example, there is a greater reliance on pre-referral practices, problem solving and curriculum-based assessment. In this paper we examine the extent to which there have been changes in the number of referred students assessed, and the number of assessed students declared eligible and served. Rates were consistent with earlier results: 90 to 92% of referred students were tested and 70 to 74% of tested students were declared eligible. Implications for practice, alternative explanations and future directions for research are provided.
p85β phosphoinositide 3-kinase regulates CD28 coreceptor function
Authors: Alcázar Isabela , Cortés Isabel , Zaballos Angel , Hernandez Carmen , Fruman David A. , Barber Domingo F. , Carrera Ana C.
Published: February 2009

CD28 is a receptor expressed on T cells that regulates their differentiation after antigen stimulation to long-term-survival memory T cells. CD28 enhances T-cell receptor signals and reduces expression of CBL ubiquitin ligases, which negatively control T-cell activation. In the absence of CD28 ligation during the primary stimulation, CBL levels remain high and T cells fail to mount an efficient secondary response. CD28 associates with p85α, one of the regulatory subunits of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), but the relevance of this interaction is debated. We examined here the contribution of the other ubiquitous PI3K regulatory subunit, p85β, in CD28 function. We describe that p85β bound to CD28 and to CBL with greater affinity than p85α. Moreover, deletion of p85β impaired CD28-induced intracellular events, including c-CBL and CBL-b down-regulation as well as PI3K pathway activation. This resulted in defective differentiation of activated T cells, which failed to exhibit an efficient secondary immune response. Considering that p85β-deficient T cells fail in recall responses and that p85β binds to and regulates CD28 signals, the presented observations suggest the involvement of p85β in CD28-mediated activation and differentiation of antigen-stimulated T cells.
Adverse events among 2408 unrelated donors of peripheral blood stem cells: results of a prospective trial from the National Marrow Donor Program
Authors: Pulsipher Michael A. , Chitphakdithai Pintip , Miller John P. , Logan Brent R. , King Roberta J. , Rizzo J. Douglas , Leitman Susan F. , Anderlini Paolo , Haagenson Michael D. , Kurian Seira , Klein John P. , Horowitz Mary M. , Confer Dennis L.
Published: February 2009

Limited data are available describing donor adverse events (AEs) associated with filgrastim mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collections in unrelated volunteers. We report results in 2408 unrelated PBSC donors prospectively evaluated by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) between 1999 and 2004. Female donors had higher rates of AEs, requiring central line placement more often (17% vs 4%, P < .001), experiencing more apheresis-related AEs (20% vs 7%, P < .001), more bone pain (odds ratio [OR] = 1.49), and higher rates of grades II-IV and III-IV CALGB AEs (OR = 2.22 and 2.32). Obese donors experienced more bone pain (obese vs normal, OR = 1.73) and heavy donors had higher rates of CALGB toxicities (> 95 kg vs < 70 kg, OR = 1.49). Six percent of donors experienced grade III-IV CALGB toxicities and 0.6% experienced toxicities that were considered serious and unexpected. Complete recovery is universal, however, and no late AEs attributable to donation have been identified. In conclusion, PBSC collection in unrelated donors is generally safe, but nearly all donors will experience bone pain, 1 in 4 will have significant headache, nausea, or citrate toxicity, and a small percentage will experience serious short-term adverse events. In addition, women and larger donors are at higher risk for donation-related AEs.
The evolutionary differentiation of two histone H2A.Z variants in chordates (H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2) is mediated by a stepwise mutation process that affects three amino acid residues
Authors: Eirín-López José M , González-Romero Rodrigo , Dryhurst Deanna , Ishibashi Toyotaka , Ausió Juan
Published: February 2009

Background

The histone H2A family encompasses the greatest number of core histone variants of which the replacement variant H2A.Z is currently one of the most heavily studied. No clear mechanism for the functional variability that H2A.Z imparts to chromatin has yet been proposed. While most of the past studies have referred to H2A.Z generically as a single protein, in vertebrates it is a mixture of two protein forms H2A.Z-1 (previously H2A.Z) and H2A.Z-2 (previously H2A.F/Z or H2A.V) that differ by three amino acids.

Results

We have performed an extensive study on the long-term evolution of H2A.Z across metazoans with special emphasis on the possible selective mechanisms responsible for the differentiation between H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2. Our results reveal a common origin of both forms early in chordate evolution. The evolutionary process responsible for the differentiation involves refined stepwise mutation change within the codons of the three differential residues. This eventually led to differences in the intensity of the selective constraints acting upon the different H2A.Z forms in vertebrates.

Conclusion

The results presented in this work definitively reveal that the existence of H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2 is not a whim of random genetic drift. Our analyses demonstrate that H2A.Z-2 is not only subject to a strong purifying selection but it is significantly more evolutionarily constrained than H2A.Z-1. Whether or not the evolutionary drift between H2A.Z-1 and H2A.Z-2 has resulted in a functional diversification of these proteins awaits further research. Nevertheless, the present work suggests that in the process of their differently constrained evolutionary pathways, these two forms may have acquired new or complementary functions.
Revisiting the missing protein-coding gene catalog of the domestic dog
Authors: Derrien Thomas , Thézé Julien , Vaysse Amaury , André Catherine , Ostrander Elaine A , Galibert Francis , Hitte Christophe
Published: February 2009

Background

Among mammals for which there is a high sequence coverage, the whole genome assembly of the dog is unique in that it predicts a low number of protein-coding genes, ~19,000, compared to the over 20,000 reported for other mammalian species. Of particular interest are the more than 400 of genes annotated in primates and rodent genomes, but missing in dog.

Results

Using over 14,000 orthologous genes between human, chimpanzee, mouse rat and dog, we built multiple pairwise synteny maps to infer short orthologous intervals that were targeted for characterizing the canine missing genes. Based on gene prediction and a functionality test using the ratio of replacement to silent nucleotide substitution rates (d
N/d
S), we provide compelling structural and functional evidence for the identification of 232 new protein-coding genes in the canine genome and 69 gene losses, characterized as undetected gene or pseudogenes. Gene loss phyletic pattern analysis using ten species from chicken to human allowed us to characterize 28 canine-specific gene losses that have functional orthologs continuously from chicken or marsupials through human, and 10 genes that arose specifically in the evolutionary lineage leading to rodent and primates.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the central role of comparative genomics for refining gene catalogs and exploring the evolutionary history of gene repertoires, particularly as applied for the characterization of species-specific gene gains and losses.
Common Variation in the DIO2 Gene Predicts Baseline Psychological Well-Being and Response to Combination Thyroxine Plus Triiodothyronine Therapy in Hypothyroid Patients
Authors: Panicker Vijay , Saravanan Ponnusamy , Vaidya Bijay , Evans Jonathan , Hattersley Andrew T. , Frayling Timothy M. , Dayan Colin M.
Published: February 2009

Introduction: Animal studies suggest that up to 80% of intracellular T3 in the brain is derived from circulating T4 by local deiodination. We hypothesized that in patients on T4 common variants in the deiodinase genes might influence baseline psychological well-being and any improvement on combined T4/T3 without necessarily affecting serum thyroid hormone levels.

Methods: We analyzed common variants in the three deiodinase genes vs. baseline psychological morbidity and response to T4/T3 in 552 subjects on T4 from the Weston Area T4 T3 Study (WATTS). Primary outcome was improvement in psychological well-being assessed by the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12).

Results: The rarer CC genotype of the rs225014 polymorphism in the deiodinase 2 gene (DIO2) was present in 16% of the study population and was associated with worse baseline GHQ scores in patients on T4 (CC vs. TT genotype: 14.1 vs. 12.8, P = 0.03). In addition, this genotype showed greater improvement on T4/T3 therapy compared with T4 only by 2.3 GHQ points at 3 months and 1.4 at 12 months (P = 0.03 for repeated measures ANOVA). This polymorphism had no impact on circulating thyroid hormone levels.

Conclusions: Our results require replication but suggest that commonly inherited variation in the DIO2 gene is associated both with impaired baseline psychological well-being on T4 and enhanced response to combination T4/T3 therapy, but did not affect serum thyroid hormone levels.
Presentation of Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Proceedings of the Third International Workshop
Authors: Silverberg Shonni J. , Lewiecki E. Michael , Mosekilde Leif , Peacock Munro , Rubin Mishaela R.
Published: February 2009

Background: At the Third International Workshop on Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in May 2008, recent data on the disease were reviewed. We present the results of a literature review on issues arising from the clinical presentation and natural history of PHPT.

Methods: Questions were developed by the International Task Force on PHPT. A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies was reviewed, and the questions of the International Task Force were addressed by the Consensus Panel.

Conclusions: 1) Data on the extent and nature of cardiovascular involvement in those with mild disease are too limited to provide a complete picture. 2) Patients with mild PHPT have neuropsychological complaints. Although some symptoms may improve with surgery, available data remain inconsistent on their precise nature and reversibility. 3) Surgery leads to long-term gains in spine, hip, and radius bone mineral density (BMD). Because some patients have early disease progression and others lose BMD after 8–10 yr, regular monitoring (serum calcium and three-site BMD) is essential in those followed without surgery. Patients may present with normocalcemic PHPT (normal serum calcium with elevated PTH concentrations; no secondary cause for hyperparathyroidism). Data on the incidence and natural history of this phenotype are limited. 4) In the absence of kidney stones, data do not support the use of marked hypercalciuria (>10 mmol/d or 400 mg/d) as an indication for surgery for patients. 5) Patients with bone density T-score −2.5 or less at the lumbar spine, hip, or distal one third radius should have surgery.
Medical Management of Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Proceedings of the Third International Workshop
Authors: Khan Aliya , Grey Andrew , Shoback Dolores
Published: February 2009

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder that is frequently asymptomatic. The 2002 International Workshop on Asymptomatic PHPT addressed medical management of asymptomatic PHPT and summarized the data on nonsurgical approaches to this disease. At the Third International Workshop on Asymptomatic PHPT held in May 2008, this subject was reviewed again in light of data that have since become available. We present the results of a literature review of advances in the medical management of PHPT.

Methods: A series of questions was developed by the International Task Force on PHPT. A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies evaluating the management of PHPT with bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy, raloxifene, and calcimimetics was conducted. Existing guidelines and recent unpublished data were also reviewed. All selected relevant articles were reviewed, and the questions developed by the International Task Force were addressed by the Consensus Panel.

Results: Bisphosphonates and hormone replacement therapy are effective in decreasing bone turnover in patients with PHPT and improving bone mineral density (BMD). Fracture data are not available with either treatment. Raloxifene also lowers bone turnover in patients with PHPT. None of these agents, however, significantly lowers serum calcium or PTH levels. The calcimimetic cinacalcet reduces both serum calcium and PTH levels and raises serum phosphorus. Cinacalcet does not, however, reduce bone turnover or improve BMD.

Conclusions: Bisphosphonates and hormone replacement therapy provide skeletal protection in patients with PHPT. Limited data are available regarding skeletal protection in patients with PHPT treated with raloxifene. Calcimimetics favorably alter serum calcium and PTH in PHPT but do not significantly affect either bone turnover or BMD. Medical management of asymptomatic PHPT is a promising option for those who are not candidates for parathyroidectomy.
18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography for the Diagnosis of Adrenocortical Tumors: A Prospective Study in 77 Operated Patients
Authors: Groussin Lionel , Bonardel Gérald , Silvéra Stéphane , Tissier Frédérique , Coste Joël , Abiven Gwenaelle , Libé Rossella , Bienvenu Marie , Alberini Jean-Louis , Salenave Sylvie , Bouchard Philippe , Bertherat Jérôme , Dousset Bertrand , Legmann Paul , Richard Bruno , Foehrenbach Hervé , Bertagna Xavier , Tenenbaum Florence
Published: February 2009

Context: Most adrenal incidentalomas are nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs). Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are rare but should be recognized at an early stage.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) to predict malignancy in patients without a previous history of cancer.

Design: This was a prospective, multicenter study from 2001 to 2006.

Setting: The study was conducted at a network of seven university hospitals in Paris.

Patients: Seventy-seven patients were included. All underwent surgery because of hypersecretory and/or growing benign lesions (n = 18), obvious ACCs (n = 21), or radiologically indeterminate lesions (n = 38).

Main Outcome Measure: The degree of 18F-FDG PET uptake [maximum standardized uptake value (maxSUV)] was related to the pathological findings serving as a reference, and its diagnostic value was compared with that of computerized tomography (CT) scan.

Results: Pathology eventually diagnosed 43 ACAs, 22 ACCs, and 12 nonadrenocortical lesions. Using a cutoff value above 1.45 for adrenal to liver maxSUV ratio, the sensitivity and specificity to distinguish ACAs from ACCs were, respectively, 1.00 (95% confidence interval 0.85–1.00) and 0.88 (95% confidence interval 0.75–0.96). Among the 38 indeterminate lesions at CT scan, we could analyze a subgroup of 16 adrenocortical tumors with high unenhanced density (>10 HU) and an inappropriate washout: 18F-FDG PET correctly predicted the benignity in 13 of 15 ACAs.

Conclusions: In a multidisciplinary team approach, 18F-FDG PET helps to manage suspicious CT scan lesions. An adrenal to liver maxSUV ratio less than 1.45 is highly predictive of a benign lesion.
Association of High Iodine Intake with the T1799A BRAF Mutation in Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Guan Haixia , Ji Meiju , Bao Rong , Yu Hongyu , Wang Yangang , Hou Peng , Zhang Yong , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping , Xing Mingzhao
Published: February 2009

Context: Epidemiological studies have indicated that high iodine intake might be a risk factor for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), which commonly harbors the oncogenic T1799A BRAF mutation.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between BRAF mutation in PTC and iodine intake in patients.

Subjects and Methods: We analyzed and compared the prevalences of the T1799A BRAF mutation in classical PTC of 1032 patients from five regions in China that uniquely harbor different iodine contents in natural drinking water, ranging from normal (10–21 μg/liter) to high (104–287 μg/liter). The BRAF mutation was identified by direct DNA sequencing.

Results: The prevalence of BRAF mutation was significantly higher in any of the regions with high iodine content than any of the regions with normal iodine content. Overall, BRAF mutation was found in 387 of 559 PTC with high iodine content (69%) vs. 252 of 473 PTC with normal iodine content (53%), with an odds ratio of 1.97 (95% confidence interval 1.53–2.55) for the association of BRAF mutation with high iodine content (P < 0.0001). In addition, clinicopathological correlation analysis, the largest one of its type ever, showed that BRAF mutation was significantly associated with extrathyroidal invasion, lymph node metastasis, and advanced tumor stages of PTC.

Conclusions: High iodine intake seems to be a significant risk factor for the occurrence of BRAF mutation in thyroid gland and may therefore be a risk factor for the development of PTC. This large study also confirmed the association of BRAF mutation with poorer clinicopathological outcomes of PTC.
Suspending the Political: Late Soviet Artistic Experiments on the Margins of the State
Authors: Yurchak Alexei
Published: February 2009

The Russian term samizdat originally referred to self-published literature that was forbidden by or at least unavailable in the Soviet state, circulated through unofficial channels, and represented certain views that were alternative to the official ideology of that state. Sometimes, in the Soviet Union itself, the term samizdat was used in a broader sense, to mean diverse phenomena of unofficial cultural production—not necessarily of literary origin or dissident politics. In this broader sense, the term may be used to describe music samizdat (also known as magnitizdat), cinematic samizdat (also known as parallel'noe kino—parallel cinema), artistic samizdat, and so forth. This essay considers samizdat in this broader sense, focusing on two examples of cinematic and artistic samizdat that emerged in Leningrad in the early 1980s. Although these cases in point existed unofficially and represented alternative political views, they cannot be qualified as oppositional or “dissident” in the traditional sense of the term. In the early 1980s, when these unofficial artistic groups first emerged, they were relatively small and unknown. However, by the end of the decade, when the Soviet state experienced political crisis and suddenly collapsed, these two groups achieved phenomenal fame in Russia. They became popularly associated with the period of “late socialism” in the 1970s–1980s, before the collapse of the Soviet state was yet imaginable. This is why the essay first describes a certain new attitude to Soviet life that was emerging in the early 1980s among young urbanites in Leningrad and then proceeds to discuss the two artistic groups that developed in that context.
Mammalian Staufen 1 is recruited to stress granules and impairs their assembly
Authors: Thomas María Gabriela , Tosar Leandro J. Martinez , Desbats María Andrea , Leishman Claudia C. , Boccaccio Graciela L.
Published: February 2009

Stress granules are cytoplasmic mRNA-silencing foci that form transiently during the stress response. Stress granules harbor abortive translation initiation complexes and are in dynamic equilibrium with translating polysomes. Mammalian Staufen 1 (Stau1) is a ubiquitous double-stranded RNA-binding protein associated with polysomes. Here, we show that Stau1 is recruited to stress granules upon induction of endoplasmic reticulum or oxidative stress as well in stress granules induced by translation initiation blockers. We found that stress granules lacking Stau1 formed in cells depleted of this molecule, indicating that Stau1 is not an essential component of stress granules. Moreover, Stau1 knockdown facilitated stress granule formation upon stress induction. Conversely, transient transfection of Stau1 impaired stress granule formation upon stress or pharmacological initiation arrest. The inhibitory capacity of Stau1 mapped to the amino-terminal half of the molecule, a region known to bind to polysomes. We found that the fraction of polysomes remaining upon stress induction was enriched in Stau1, and that Stau1 overexpression stabilized polysomes against stress. We propose that Stau1 is involved in recovery from stress by stabilizing polysomes, thus helping stress granule dissolution.
Induced early expression ofmrf4but notmyogrescues myogenesis in themyod/myf5double-morphant zebrafish embryo
Authors: Schnapp Esther , Pistocchi Anna Silvia , Karampetsou Evangelia , Foglia Efrem , Lamia Carla Lora , Cotelli Franco , Cossu Giulio
Published: February 2009

Muscle regulatory factors activate myogenesis in all vertebrates, but their role has been studied in great detail only in the mouse embryo, where all but myogenin – Myod, Myf5 and Mrf4 – are sufficient to activate (albeit not completely) skeletal myogenesis. In the zebrafish embryo, myod and myf5 are required for induction of myogenesis because their simultaneous ablation prevents muscle development. Here we show that mrf4 but not myog can fully rescue myogenesis in the myod/myf5 double morphant via a selective and robust activation of myod, in keeping with its chromatin-remodelling function in vitro. Rescue does not happen spontaneously, because the gene, unlike that in the mouse embryo, is expressed only at the onset of muscle differentiation, Moreover, because of the transient nature of morpholino inhibition, we were able to investigate how myogenesis occurs in the absence of a myotome. We report that in the complete absence of a myotome, subsequent myogenesis is abolished, whereas myogenesis does proceed, albeit abnormally, when the morpholino inhibition was not complete. Therefore our data also show that the early myotome is essential for subsequent skeletal muscle differentiation and patterning in the zebrafish.
Advanced computer-aided design for bone tissue-engineering scaffolds
Authors: Ramin E , Harris R A
Published: February 2009

The design of scaffolds with an intricate and controlled internal structure represents a challenge for tissue engineering. Several scaffold-manufacturing techniques allow the creation of complex architectures but with little or no control over the main features of the channel network such as the size, shape, and interconnectivity of each individual channel, resulting in intricate but random structures. The combined use of computer-aided design (CAD) systems and layer-manufacturing techniques allows a high degree of control over these parameters with few limitations in terms of achievable complexity. However, the design of complex and intricate networks of channels required in CAD is extremely time-consuming since manually modelling hundreds of different geometrical elements, all with different parameters, may require several days to design individual scaffold structures. An automated design methodology is proposed by this research to overcome these limitations. This approach involves the investigation of novel software algorithms, which are able to interact with a conventional CAD program and permit the automated design of several geometrical elements, each with a different size and shape. In this work, the variability of the parameters required to define each geometry has been set as random, but any other distribution could have been adopted. This methodology has been used to design five cubic scaffolds with interconnected pore channels that range from 200 to 800 μm in diameter, each with an increased complexity of the internal geometrical arrangement. A clinical case study, consisting of an integration of one of these geometries with a craniofacial implant, is then presented.
Accuracy of digitization of bony landmarks for measuring change in scapular attitude
Authors: Bourne D , Choo A , Regan W , MacIntyre D , Oxland T
Published: February 2009

Digitizing bony landmarks is a common technique used to measure scapular position, but it has not been validated against a gold standard. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of this technique for four physiological arm movements using optoelectronic markers mounted on scapular bone pins as a gold standard. Eight subjects had bone pins inserted into their lateral scapular spine. Three points were digitized on the scapula with an optoelectronic probe: the medial root of the scapular spine, the posterolateral corner of the acromion, and the inferior angle of the scapula. The four active movements tested in this study were glenohumeral abduction, glenohumeral horizontal adduction, hand behind back, and forward reaching. The three bony landmarks were digitized six times in three different positions for each movement. Data from one subject were rejected secondary to pin loosening. The overall position-specific r.m.s. errors ranged from 2.0° to 12.5°. The full abduction position had considerably higher r.m.s. errors than the other positions (posterior tipping, 12.5°; upward rotation, 7.3°; internal rotation, 12.0°). It appears that the digitization of bony landmarks may be a valid method for measuring changes in scapular attitude with the following caveats: the full abduction position has a high r.m.s. error, and small scapular motions have high percentage errors.
Bupropion as a Possible Treatment Option for Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Lee Jennifer J , Erdos Joseph , Wilkosz Meghan F , LaPlante Renee , Wagoner Brenda
Published: February 2009

Objective:

To describe a case of restless legs syndrome (RLS) successfully managed with bupropion.

Case Summary:

A 45-year-old female presented to a Veterans Affairs primary care clinic with a history of chronic insomnia. Her complicated history of treatment failure to sedative–hypnotic agents, continued sleep disturbances, and complaints of intolerable leg sensations fostered collaboration between a psychiatrist and pharmacist to identify effective treatment. Further review of her medical history and subjective complaints led to a diagnosis of RLS. Based on this new diagnosis, she was prescribed several Food and Drug Administration–approved and alternative agents recommended for the management of RLS. Unfortunately, each medication resulted in a variety of intolerable adverse effects, limiting the list of treatment options. Although not widely used for RLS, bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL) 150 mg daily was initiated, resulting in resolution of RLS within 3 days.

Discussion:

RLS can be an extremely disabling disorder and affects many people. For most patients, dopamine agonists are the treatment of choice for symptomatic relief. However, for patients unable to tolerate this drug class, small trials and case reports have identified alternative agents. This case supports findings from other cases suggesting a beneficial response with bupropion for the management of RLS.

Conclusion:

Bupropion may be a treatment option for patients who have RLS and are unable to tolerate dopamine agonists.
Increase in Tiagabine Serum Concentration with Coadministration of Gemfibrozil
Authors: Burstein Aaron H , Boudreau Eilis A , Theodore William H
Published: February 2009

Objective:

To report a case of possible acute tiagabine toxicity secondary to administration of gemfibrozil.

Case Summary:

A 39-year-old male was taking tiagabine 16 mg orally 3 times per day and carbamazepine 500 mg orally twice per day for complex partial seizures secondary to mesial temporal sclerosis. He was found to have type IV hypertriglyceridemia and was prescribed gemfibrozil. Because he reported severe confusion and altered consciousness shortly after a single 600-mg dose of gemfibrozil, he was admitted for controlled challenge with that drug. A single 300-mg dose of gemfibrozil resulted in lightheadedness and led to a 59% and 75% increase in total tiagabine serum concentrations at 2 and 5 hours, respectively, without significant change in baseline carbamazepine concentrations.

Discussion:

This is the first report of an interaction between the widely used antihyperlipidemic drug gemfibrozil and tiagabine. Since tiagabine, which was originally developed as an antiepileptic medication, is now being used widely for a variety of other indications such as anxiety and depression, there is an increased risk for clinically significant interactions with gemfibrozil.

Conclusions:

Increased total and unbound tiagabine concentrations following a single 300-mg dose of gemfibrozil and reproduction of clinical symptoms with gemfibrozil rechallenge suggests the toxicity our patient experienced was due to a pharmacokinetic drug interaction. Use of the Horn Drug interaction Probability Scale showed a probable interaction between gemfibrozil and tiagabine.
Probability of Rash Related to Gabapentin Therapy in a Child
Authors: Gijsen Violette MGJ , Wildt Saskia N de , Ito Shinya
Published: February 2009

Objective:

To describe a child who developed a skin reaction during gabapentin therapy and discuss how we evaluated the probability of an adverse drug reaction.

Case Summary:

An 8-year-old boy with a neurodegenerative disease of unknown origin and an epilepsy disorder developed an urticarial rash and irritability 10 and 4 days, respectively, after the start of gabapentin 20 mg/kg 3 times a day for epilepsy control. Otherwise, the child was well; no changes in other medication or diet had recently been made. After gabapentin discontinuation and administration of one dose of methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg intravenously and diphenhydramine 1 mg/kg every 4 hours via gastric tube, the rash disappeared over 3 weeks.

Discussion:

In contrast to other antiepileptic drugs, skin reactions to gabapentin are considered uncommon. In adults, reported prevalence of rash possibly related to gabapentin range from 1% to 10%. A postmarketing surveillance study reported gabapentin treatment failure as a consequence of rash in 0.4% of 3000 patients. The product monograph does not mention rash in children. In our patient, assessment using an objective causality scale revealed that the rash was probably caused by gabapentin.

Conclusions:

This case, and limited literature data, suggest that gabapentin may cause rash that is severe enough to necessitate discontinuation in a small percentage of children. Further research is needed to determine the actual incidence and severity of gabapentin-related rash in this population.
Clinical Predictors of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Shih Vivianne , Wan Hee Siew , Chan Alexandre
Published: February 2009

Background:

Patients with breast cancer often receive emetogenic anthracycline–based chemotherapy as part of their treatment. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) has been commonly reported as one of the distressing adverse effects among patients with cancer. Despite the advent of newer antiemetics and better understanding of the CINV pathophysiology, total eradication of CINV has yet to be achieved.

Objective:

To assess the incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients who have breast cancer and are receiving adjuvant doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) bolus chemotherapy, ascertain patients’ risk factors affecting CINV response, and study patient adherence to delayed antiemetics.

Methods:

This was a single-institution, prospective, observational study conducted at an outpatient cancer center in Singapore from December 2006 to December 2007. Clinical events such as CINV were collated using a standardized diary. Use of rescue antiemetics and unscheduled clinic visits due to CINV were documented.

Results:

Of a total of 108 participants, 16 patients were lost to follow-up and 1 provided incomplete information; thus, 91 patients were included in the analysis. Delayed antiemetics were given according to the institution's guideline and only 9 (9.9%) patients received aprepitant. Neither acute nor delayed vomiting was reported by a majority of patients and only 4 (4.4%) experienced grade 3 vomiting. The incidence of severe nausea was highest on day 3 of chemotherapy and affected 14.3% of patients. Anxiety and history of chemotherapy-induced nausea were associated with both acute and delayed nausea, and history of motion sickness was associated with delayed vomiting. Approximately 65% of patients were adherent to their prescribed delayed antiemetics.

Conclusions:

Most of our patients adhered to their antiemetics and tolerated AC chemotherapy reasonably well, without vomiting; yet nausea persisted. To improve CINV control, clinicians must actively communicate with patients to facilitate accurate assessment of risk factors and CINV response and to encourage adherence to delayed antiemetics.
Evaluation of the Modified Diet in Renal Disease Equation for Calculation of Carboplatin Dose
Authors: Shord Stacy S , Bressler Linda R , Radhakrishnan Latha , Chen Ningyu , Villano J Lee
Published: February 2009

Background:

Serum creatinine (SCr)-based formulas are used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) when calculating a dosage for carboplatin using the Calvert equation, but these formulas often underestimate measured GFR. The Modified Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation appears to be a more accurate estimate of GFR in patients with chronic kidney disease, but this equation has not been studied extensively in patients with cancer.

Objective:

To determine the absolute difference between the dose of carboplatin administered (traditional SCr-based formulas used to estimate GFR) and the dose calculated using the MDRD equation to estimate GFR and compare the frequencies of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and dosage modifications between subjects in whom the difference in dose was 20% or more (divergent) or less than 20% (nondivergent).

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from patients who received carboplatin. Inclusion criteria were receipt of at least 2 doses of carboplatin, either as monotherapy or combination therapy, and documentation of desired area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). Patients were excluded if the baseline values needed to estimate GFR using the MDRD equation were not available. The absolute difference between the dose of carboplatin administered and that calculated using the MDRD equation was determined and, from this comparison, the subjects were divided into 2 groups (divergent vs nondivergent).

Results:

The medical records of 186 adults who received more than 2 doses of carboplatin were included in the analysis. The doses were divergent in 89 (48%) patients. The mean target AUC values were 5.3 mg/mUmin and 5.1 mg/mL/min in the divergent and nondivergent groups, respectively, and most patients received cytotoxic regimens with a relatively low risk of febrile neutropenia. The frequencies of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and dosage modifications were similar between the 2 groups. Use of the MDRD equation to calculate the carboplatin dosage did not appear to result in a change in the frequency of myelosuppression or the need for dose modifications compared with traditional SCr-based formulas.

Conclusions:

The traditional SCr-based formulas for the calculation of carboplatin dosage should be used to estimate carboplatin dose until more data become available regarding the use of the MDRD equation in this population.
Comparison of 2002–2006 OPTAMA Programs for US Hospitals: Focus on Gram-Negative Resistance
Authors: Crandon Jared L , Kuti Joseph L , Jones Ronald N , Nicolau David P
Published: February 2009

Background:

Resistance among gram-negative bacteria is increasing within the US.

Objective:

To determine pharmacodynamic target attainment rates for 10 antimicrobials against selected gram-negative bacilli and compare these results with previous Optimizing Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment Using the MYSTIC Antibiogram (OPTAMA) assessments.

Methods:

A 5000-patient Monte Carlo simulation using data from population pharmacokinetic studies was employed to estimate the pharmacokinetic profiles for standard and/or prolonged infusion (PI) regimens of cefepime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, ertapenem, imipenem, levofloxacin, meropenem, piperacillin–tazobactam, and tigecycline. Minimum inhibitory concentration data were obtained from intensive care units of 15 US hospitals participating in the 2006 MYSTIC (Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection) study for 640 Escherichia coli, 618 Klebsiella spp., and 606 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Cumulative fraction of response (CFR) was calculated using pharmacodynamic targets for each antibiotic and compared with results from the 2002 and 2004 OPTAMA studies.

Results:

Against E. coli, CFRs greater than 92% were maintained for all regimens except the fluoroquinolones (CFR range 69.4–72%), which showed a 7% decrease compared with 2004. The presence of Klebsiella spp. producing KPC-type carbapenemases with associated multidrug resistance resulted in a 7% or greater drop in CFR of standard regimens relative to 2004. Despite these resistant phenotypes, high-dose PI regimens (2 g every 8 hours as 3-hour PI) of cefepime and meropenem achieved CFRs of 97% and 95.8%, respectively. Excluding 3 KPC-harboring hospitals resulted in CFR increases to greater than 98% for carbapenems and cefepime and greater than 88% for all other agents tested, except tigecycline. Against P. aeruginosa, the fluoroquinolones had the lowest CFR (55.8–63.9%), followed by imipenem (74.6-80.4%). The most predictable activity was seen with cefepime 2 g every 12 hours or higher (>90%), ceftazidime 2 g every 8 hours (97.9%), and meropenem 1-2 g every 8 hours (86.7–92.6%). Use of PI for piperacillin-tazobactam and meropenem increased CFRs by 6% and 4%, respectively, over standard infusions.

Conclusions:

Relative to previous years, an increase in resistance was noted among gram-negative bacilli to common antibiotics, resulting in disproportionate decreases in pharmacodynamic target attainment. The use of PI for β-lactams may help to overcome these decreases.
Irinotecan in Cancer Patients with End-Stage Renal Failure
Authors: Czock David , Rasche Franz Maximilian , Boesler Benjamin , Shipkova Maria , Keller Frieder
Published: February 2009

Objective:

To observe and report on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan in a patient with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) who was undergoing hemodialysis.

Case Summary:

A 64-year-old man with metastatic colorectal cancer who was on hemodialysis was treated with Irinotecan 50 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks, followed by 1 week with no treatment. As the drug was well tolerated, the dosage was increased to 80 mg/m2 after 2 cycles. Diagnostic testing of a hepatic lesion after 2 and 6 treatment cycles showed stable disease. The carcinoembryonic antigen value decreased to 40% of its pretreatment level. Pharmacokinetically, our patient had a lower apparent clearance and a higher maximum concentration of the active metabolite SN-38 (130 L/h/m2, maximum concentration 0.4 μg/L per mg of irinotecan) compared with published values from patients with normal renal function. Removal of irinotecan and its metabolites by hemodialysis was negligible.

Discussion:

The reason for the unexpectedly low clearance of SN-38 in our patient remains unclear. We speculate that inhibition of the OATP1B1 transporter by uremic toxins could be an explanation. Such a mechanism would explain excessive irinotecan toxicity, as reported in previous case reports of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Conclusions:

We conclude that approximately two-thirds of the standard weekly irinotecan dosage regimen should be considered in patients with ESRF.
Botanica Marina: 50th anniversary (1959–2009)
Authors: Stöber Gunda
Published: February 2009

No abstract available
Looking back over 50 years of Botanica Marina
Authors: Boalch Gerald T.
Published: February 2009

No abstract available
Botanica Marina: then and now
Authors: Chapman Anthony R.O.
Published: February 2009

No abstract available
Checklist of benthic marine algae and cyanobacteria of northern Portugal
Authors: Araújo Rita , Bárbara Ignacio , Tibaldo Marta , Berecibar Estibaliz , Tapia Pilar Díaz , Pereira Rui , Santos Rui , Pinto Isabel Sousa
Published: February 2009

The northern Portuguese coast is a biogeographic transition zone where many macroalgal species have their distribution limits; it is thus a particularly interesting region for investigating species distribution shifts. An updated and complete list of species for this region is not available in spite of its baseline importance for comparative studies with past and present data. Based on new records, literature references, and herbarium data, we provide an updated checklist of the benthic marine algae of the northern Portuguese coast. This checklist includes 346 species: 26 Cyanobacteria, 200 Rhodophyta, 70 Ochrophyta, and 50 Chlorophyta. From these, 21 species are new records for the Portuguese coast (Lyngbya aestuarii, Lyngbya semiplena, Microcoleus acutirostris, Myxosarcina gloeocapsoides, Aiolocolax pulchella, Antithamnion densum, Antithamnion villosum, Antithamnionella spirographidis, Dasya sessilis, Furcellaria lumbricalis, Neosiphonia harveyi, Porphyrostromium boryanum, Chorda filum, Dictyopteris ambigua, Sphacelaria rigidula, Undaria pinnatifida, Vaucheria coronata, Vaucheria velutina, Ulothrix implexa, Ulva scandinavica, and Umbraulva olivascens) and 33 were recorded for the first time in the north of Portugal. Alien species have increased in number and extended their distribution range over the last 10 years in the study area. Distribution shifts of northern cold water species with southern distribution limit in the north of Portugal were not consistent among species.