bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SSCP markers provide a useful alternative to microsatellites in genotyping and estimating genetic diversity in populations and germplasm collections of plant specialty crops
Authors: Kuhn David N. , Motamayor Juan Carlos , Meerow Alan W. , Borrone James W. , Schnell Raymond J.
Published: October 2008

For well‐studied plant species with whole genome sequence or extensive EST data, SNP markers are the logical choice for both genotyping and whole genome association studies. However, SNP markers may not address the needs of researchers working on specialty crops with limited available genomic information. Microsatellite markers have been frequently employed due to their robustness, but marker development can be difficult and may result in few polymorphic markers. SSCP markers, such as microsatellites, are PCR‐based and scored by electrophoretic mobility but, because they are based on SNPs rather than length differences, occur more frequently and are easier to develop than microsatellites. We have examined how well correlated the estimation of genetic diversity and genetic distance are in a population or germplasm collection when measured by 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers or 20 SSCP markers. We observed a significant correlation in pairwise genetic distances of 82 individuals in an international cacao germplasm collection (Mantel test Rxy=0.59, p<0.0001 for 10 000 permutations). Both sets of markers could distinguish each individual in the population. These data provide strong support for the use of SSCP markers in the genotyping of plant species where development of microsatellites would be difficult or expensive.
Chiral separation with gradient elution isotachophoresis for future in situ extraterrestrial analysis
Authors: Danger Grégoire , Ross David
Published: October 2008

The first results of chiral separations with the gradient elution isotachophoresis method are presented. As previously described, citrate is used in the run buffer as the leading ion and borate in the sample buffer as the terminating ion. Modulation of parameters such as electrolyte pH, pressure scan rate, chiral selector concentration, combinations of CD or the percentage of ampholytes provides an easy optimization of the separations. To perform fluorescent detection 5‐carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester and two fluorogenic‐labeling agents, fluorescamine (Fluram) and 3‐(4‐carboxybenzoyl)quinoline‐2‐carboxaldehyde, are used to label amino acids. With the 5‐carboxyfluorescein amino acids, chiral separations are easily obtained using a neutral CD ((2‐hydroxypropyl)‐β‐CD) at a low concentration (2 mmol/L). With Fluram amino acids, the situation is more complicated due to the formation of diastereoisomers and due to weak interactions with the different CDs used. The use of the 3‐(4‐carboxybenzoyl)quinoline‐2‐carboxaldehyde‐labeling agent solves the problems observed with the Fluram agent while retaining the fluorogenic properties. These first results demonstrate the simplicity and the feasibility of gradient elution isotachophoresis for chiral separations.
Methacrylate‐based monolithic column with mixed‐mode hydrophilic interaction/strong cation‐exchange stationary phase for capillary liquid chromatography and pressure‐assisted CEC
Authors: Lin Jian , Huang Guihua , Lin Xucong , Xie Zenghong
Published: October 2008

A novel porous polymethacrylate‐based monolithic column by in situ copolymerization of 3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate (SPMA) and pentaerythritol triacrylate in a binary porogenic solvent consisting of cyclohexanol/ethylene glycol was prepared. The monolith possessed in their structures bonded sulfonate groups and hydroxyl groups and was evaluated as a hydrophilic interaction and strong cation‐exchange stationary phases in capillary liquid chromatography (cLC) and pressure‐assisted CEC using small polar neutral and charged solutes. While the SPMA was introduced as multifunctional monomer, the pentaerythritol triacrylate was used to replace ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker with much more hydrophilicity due to a hydroxyl sub‐layer. The different characterization of monolithic stationary phases were specially designed and easily prepared by altering the amount of SPMA in the polymerization solution as well as the composition of the porogenic solvent for cLC and pressure‐assisted CEC. The resulting monolith showed the different trends about the effect of the permeabilities on efficiency in the pressure‐assisted CEC and cLC modes. A typical hydrophilic interaction chromatography mechanism was observed at higher organic solvent content (ACN%>70%) for polar neutral analytes. For polar charged analytes, both hydrophilic interaction and electrostatic interaction contributed to their retention. Therefore, for charged analytes, selectivity can be readily manipulated by changing the composition of the mobile phase (e.g., pH, ionic strength and organic modifier). With the optimized monolithic column, high plate counts reaching greater than 170 000 plates/m for pressure‐assisted CEC and 105 000 plates/m for cLC were easily obtained, respectively.
In‐capillary preconcentration of pirimicarb and carbendazim with a monolithic polymeric sorbent prior to separation by CZE
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gonzalo Encarnación , Domínguez‐Álvarez Javier , Ruano‐Miguel Luis , Carabias‐Martínez Rita
Published: October 2008

CZE was assayed for the separation of carbamate pesticides susceptible to protonation (Pirimicarb, Carbendazim). Different electrophoretic media with high organic contents were explored, adequate separation and resolution being achieved when a BGE based on ACN with acetic acid in the presence of SDS as an ionic additive was used. With a view to increasing the sensitivity of the method, an in‐capillary SPE step prior to the electrophoretic separation was developed. We employed a monolithic polymer formed in situ within the capillary as a medium for analyte retention. The synthesized monolithic bed exhibited high porosity and allowed samples to be loaded at flow rates of about 65 μL/min by applying a pressure of 12 bar. A 5‐cm length of monolithic sorbent was used to preconcentrate the target analytes from aqueous samples. The analytes retained were eluted from the polymeric phase directly in the separation capillary with the same electrophoretic medium used for their further separation by CZE. For a 15‐min preconcentration time, the in‐line SPE–CZE approach proposed here permitted the determination of these pesticides in drinking water at a concentration level of 0.1 μg/L, as demanded by current EU legislation.
Principles for different modes of multiple‐injection CZE
Authors: Amini Ahmad , Lodén Henrik , Pettersson Curt , Arvidsson Torbjörn
Published: October 2008

This paper introduces four different modes of multiple‐injection CZE (MICZE). The validity of these MICZE models was evaluated by the experimental data. Prior to the application of MICZE, the electrophoretic conditions are developed in the single‐injection mode by adjusting different experimental parameters such as pH, type and concentration of buffer additives and temperature. Based on the migration time difference (Δtmig) between the analyte and the internal standard or injection marker, one or more MICZE modes can be employed. The injection marker is added to the sample to compensate for injection‐volume fluctuations. The inter‐plug distance is regulated by applying an electrical field over the capillary for a short period of time between each injection. After the final injection, the separation is completed by electrophoresis for a time period corresponding to that in the single‐injection mode.
New visions of dental tissue research: Tooth development, chemistry, and structure
Authors: Smith Tanya M. , Tafforeau Paul
Published: October 2008

Teeth are one of the best preserved and most commonly recovered elements in primate fossil assemblages. Taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic hypotheses often rely on dental characters, despite considerable evidence of homoplasy in tooth form and large variation in tooth size within and among primates.1,2 Recent studies have led to new areas of research centered on incremental tooth development, chemical composition, and internal structure. Due to rapid technological developments in imaging and elemental sampling, these new approaches have the potential to increase our understanding of developmental biology, including not only changes in the pace of growth and reproduction, but also our assessments of diets, migration patterns, environments, and taxonomy. The integration of these temporal, chemical, and structural approaches heralds a bright future for the role of dental tissue research in evolutionary anthropology. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human pair‐bonds: Evolutionary functions, ecological variation, and adaptive development
Authors: Quinlan Robert J.
Published: October 2008

Stable mating relationships are widespread in our species, with important economic, social, and reproductive implications.1 Pair‐bonds are part of the unique human mosaic, including very large brains, childhood, concealed ovulation, sexual intercourse in private, cultural symbols, and complex social groups. Yet we understand relatively little about the evolution of human pairing, its functions, and consequences for human diversity. We can define pair‐bonds as the long‐term affiliation, including a sexual relationship, between two individuals. The important point is that the union, whether monogamous or polygamous, is relatively enduring. Recent debate about human pair‐bonds highlights apparently conflicting hypotheses: Are pair‐bonds the evolutionary consequence of male mating competition2,3 or are they an adaptation for paternal provisioning?4,5 Unfortunately, a simple answer seems unlikely. The evidence indicates selective pressures from both mating competition and provisioning needs, suggesting different benefits of pair‐bonds in different contexts. Whether a bond emphasizes mating or parenting effort may depend on environmental cues. Childhood experience evidently affects pair‐bond development, suggesting further adaptive design for flexible life‐history strategies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
fMRI evidence for multisensory recruitment associated with rapid eye movements during sleep
Authors: Hong Charles Chong‐Hwa , Harris James C. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Kim Jin‐Suh , Calhoun Vince D. , Fallon James H. , Golay Xavier , Gillen Joseph S. , Simmonds Daniel J. , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Zee David S. , Pekar James J.
Published: October 2008

We studied the neural correlates of rapid eye movement during sleep (REM) by timing REMs from video recording and using rapid event‐related functional MRI. Consistent with the hypothesis that REMs share the brain systems and mechanisms with waking eye movements and are visually‐targeted saccades, we found REM‐locked activation in the primary visual cortex, thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), ‘visual claustrum’, retrosplenial cortex (RSC, only on the right hemisphere), fusiform gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, and the oculomotor circuit that controls awake saccadic eye movements (and subserves awake visuospatial attention). Unexpectedly, robust activation also occurred in non‐visual sensory cortices, motor cortex, language areas, and the ascending reticular activating system, including basal forebrain, the major source of cholinergic input to the entire cortex. REM‐associated activation of these areas, especially non‐visual primary sensory cortices, TRN and claustrum, parallels findings from waking studies on the interactions between multiple sensory data, and their ‘binding’ into a unified percept, suggesting that these mechanisms are also shared in waking and dreaming and that the sharing goes beyond the expected visual scanning mechanisms. Surprisingly, REMs were associated with a decrease in signal in specific periventricular subregions, matching the distribution of the serotonergic supraependymal plexus. REMs might serve as a useful task‐free probe into major brain systems for functional brain imaging. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absence of appropriate hospitalization cost control for patients with medical insurance: a comparative analysis study
Authors: Pan Xilong , Dib Hassan H. , Zhu Minmin , Zhang Ying , Fan Yang
Published: October 2008

Objective: Expose the weak loops in the Chinese medical insurance coverage and uncover hospitals' role of over‐pricing hospitalized insured patients compared with those non‐insured.

Methods: A multi‐linear regression method was used to analyze hospitalization expense for insured and uninsured patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, benign uterine tumors, and normal delivery.

Results: Hospitalization cost is higher among insured than uninsured patients due to longer hospitalization lengths of stay, type of disease (highest among cholecystitis patients), type of gender – females, old‐aged people, and type of marital status – singles, as well as drugs expenses, surgical expenses, and other medical acts.

Conclusion: Require a better government's supervision system over medical insurance expenses such as reforming methods of payments, building up new cost compensation mechanism, and unifying and stabilizing prices for each category of medicines. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lymphatic drainage of the nasal fossae and nasopharynx: Preliminary anatomical and radiological study with clinical implications
Authors: Pan Wei‐Ren , Suami Hiroo , Corlett Russell J. , Ashton Mark W.
Published: October 2008

Background.

The lymphatic pathways of the nasal cavity are of enormous clinical importance. To date there has been no accurate radiographic record of these pathways.

Methods.

Four halves of the head and neck from 2 fresh human cadavers were studied.

Results.

The capillary network arises from the mucous membrane of the atrium, the turbinates, the floor of the nasal cavity, and the nasopharynx. They drain into the lateral pharyngeal and retropharyngeal lymph nodes. There is 1 lymphatic communication at the junction of the lateral posterior wall of the turbinates and the nasopharynx and another communication between 2 groups of lymph nodes situated between the origin of the facial artery and the bifurcation of the carotid artery.

Conclusions.

A rich avalvular lymph capillary network exists in the mucous membrane and 2 major lymph collecting vessels course through the parapharyngeal space to multiple first tier lymph nodes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Analysis of 49 cases of flap compromise in 1310 free flaps for head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Yu Peirong , Chang David W. , Miller Michael J. , Reece Gregory , Robb Geoffrey L.
Published: October 2008

Background.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the causes of flap compromise and failure in head and neck free flap reconstruction.

Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed 1310 free flap reconstructions for head and neck defects performed between July 1995 and June 2006.

Results.

Forty‐nine cases of flap compromise due to vascular obstruction (3.7%) were identified, and 27 flaps were lost (2%). Arterial occlusions occurred in 12 flaps, with a salvage rate of 33%. Eight flaps failed within the first 24 hours, and only 1 of these was salvageable. Five of the 8 flaps had intraoperative thrombosis due to technical difficulties. Venous occlusions occurred in 31 flaps, with a salvage rate of 58%. Twenty‐two venous occlusions occurred within the first 72 hours. The main reason for venous failure was mechanical obstruction due to compression, twisting, kinking, or stretching of the vein. The most common cause of late failures (after 7 days) was unrecognized failure of a buried flap owing to the lack of reliable monitoring. Overall, there was no correlation between surgeon experience and flap failure, but the flap failure rate was lower in surgeons who had performed more than 70 free flap procedures.

Conclusion.

Precise surgical techniques, avoidance of mechanical obstruction, and better monitoring of buried flaps may further improve the success rate of free tissue transfer in complex head and neck reconstruction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Myopericytoma of the lip: Report of case
Authors: Sapelli Silvana , Ribas Marina , Martins Wilson D. , de Noronha Lúcia , Gomes Ana Paula
Published: October 2008

Background.

Myopericytoma is a recently delineated entity showing a hemangiopericytoma‐like vascular pattern. This rare mesenchymal neoplasm arises within the subcutaneous tissue of the extremities. Only 3 cases of myopericytoma involving the soft tissues of the mouth have been reported, and this case is the first, to the best of our knowledge, that involves the lips.

Methods.

A 28‐year‐old black man had a slowly growing, painless, firm, ulcerated lower lip mass. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical analysis were performed, and the differential diagnosis included carcinoma and other well‐circumscribed, vascular, slow‐growing lesions of the mouth‐like myofibroma, glomus tumor, and solitary fibrous tumor.

Results.

The results of the histology combined with the immunohistochemical analysis led to a diagnosis of myopericytoma.

Conclusions.

This case may aid others in recognizing this very rare entity. As the myopericytoma shares morphologic features with other perivascular myoid neoplasms, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of well‐circumscribed, vascular, slow‐growing lesions of the mouth. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Laryngeal true malignant mixed tumor
Authors: Stomeo Francesco , Rocca Paolo Cossu , Bozzo Corrado , Bianchini Chiara , Meloni Francesco , Pastore Antonio
Published: October 2008

Background.

True malignant mixed tumor, also known as carcinosarcoma, is a salivary gland type malignant neoplasm, which is extremely rare, and only a few cases arising in the larynx have been previously reported.

Methods and Results.

We report a case of true malignant mixed tumor arising in the larynx of a 65‐year‐old woman successfully treated with surgery. Histologically, the neoplasm was composed of variably mixed, neoplastic glandular, spindle, and chondroid tissues. Immunohistochemical analyses showed a peculiar expression of myoepithelial markers such as p63 and calponin in the glandular epithelial component, whereas malignant spindle cell proliferation was immunoreactive for calponin and actin.

Conclusion.

These results strengthen the hypothesis that these neoplasms may develop from a divergent differentiation of a totipotent, myoepithelial precursor cell. Despite the unfavorable prognosis that has always been described for these neoplasms, the patient is alive with no evidence of recurrences 5 years after surgery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Trends in head and neck cancer incidence in Tianjin, China, between 1981 and 2002
Authors: Chen Kexin , Song Fengju , He Min , Li Haixin , Qian Biyun , Zhang Wei , Wei Qingyi , Hao Xishan
Published: October 2008

Background.

Head and neck cancer is 1 of the major global health issues but received limited attention, and its incidence has rarely been systematically studied in China.

Methods.

The population‐based cancer registry of the urban Tianjin was used to examine the changing pattern of incidence rates and its potential causes in China.

Results.

Between 1981 and 2002, the age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of head and neck cancer decreased by 1.39% per year among males and 2.20% among females. Significant decreasing trends were found for the age group of 45 to 54 years in women and for the age group of 55 to 64 years in both men and women. Slight increasing trends were found in the age group of 0 to 44 years.

Conclusions.

The data suggest that the overall head and neck cancer incidence was declining in Tianjin between 1981 and 2002; however, there was a possible increasing trend of risk for the younger population. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Intraneural reticular perineurioma of the hypoglossal nerve
Authors: Kum Yoon Seup , Kim Jeong Kyu , Cho Chang Ho , Kim Ho Kyun
Published: October 2008

Background.

Intraneural perineurioma or reticular perineurioma, which is 1 variant of extraneural perineurioma, has been rarely reported in the head and neck region.

Methods.

We report a case of a 52‐year‐old woman who wasseen with a swelling in the neck. A mass was found located on the medial aspect of the left submandibular gland and was palpated with a sponge‐like texture. The mass was seen as a homogenous semisolid lesion on CT and ultrasound examination.

Results.

Surgical exploration revealed expansion of the hypoglossal nerve. Microscopically, the tumor showed both pseudo‐onion bulb, which is a feature of intraneural perineurioma, and reticular pattern with microcysts, which is a feature of reticular variant of extraneural perineurioma. The tumor cells were immunopositive for epithelial membrane antigen and human erythrocyte glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT‐1).

Conclusion.

An intraneural reticular perineurioma of the hypoglossal nerve should be included in the differential diagnosis of submandibular swelling. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Primary cancer of the sphenoid sinus—A GETTEC study
Authors: Vedrine Pierre Olivier , Thariat Juliette , Merrot Olivier , Percodani Josiane , Dufour Xavier , Choussy Olivier , Toussaint Bruno , Dassonville Olivier , Klossek Jean‐Michel , Santini José , Jankowski Roger
Published: October 2008

Background.

Primary involvement of the sphenoid sinus occurs in 2% of all paranasal sinus tumors and is associated with dismal prognosis. Optimal management remains debatable.

Methods.

A total of 23 patients were treated for a primary cancer of the sphenoid sinus from 1988 to 2004. Charts were reviewed for patient‐, tumor‐, and treatment‐related parameters. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors for locoregional control and survival.

Results.

Cranial neuropathies were present in 12 patients. Pathologic findings included adenoid cystic carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sarcoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, melanoma, and malignant hemangiopericytoma. All but 2 patients had stages III to IV cancer. Radiotherapy was performed in 18 patients and chemotherapy in 12. Of 10 patients undergoing surgery, total excision with grossly negative margins was achieved in 4 patients and subtotal resection in 6. Median locoregional control and overall survival were 12 and 41 months, respectively. On multivariate analysis, cranial neuropathy was associated with worse locoregional control and survival. Surgery was rarely complete because of advanced stages at presentation, but it yielded better outcomes than other treatments without surgery in non lymphoma‐cases.

Conclusion.

Early CT and MRI should be performed when facing aspecific, rhinological, or neuro‐ophtalmological symptoms. Cranial neuropathies indicate a worse prognosis. Surgery, including debulking surgery, may be preferred to combined modality treatments without surgery. Its apparently favorable impact on prognosis would need to be tested in homogenous histological groups of patients, which is impossible because of the rarity of the disease. Highly conformal radiotherapy (adjuvant or definitive) should be encouraged and optimized with concurrent chemotherapy in advanced stages. Aggressive multidisciplinary management including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy should be encouraged and adapted on histology and tumor extensions. Progress is still warranted to improve outcomes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Management of head and neck paragangliomas: Review of 120 patients
Authors: Papaspyrou Konstantinos , Mann Wolf J. , Amedee Ronald G.
Published: October 2008

Background.

Head and neck paragangliomas (PGL) are rare, mostly benign tumors. About 10% to 15% of PGL are caused by mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase genes B, C, or D and may appear multifocally.

Methods and Results.

A retrospective review of 120 patients with 146 head and neck PGL, including 46 carotid body tumors (CBT), 13 vagal tumors, 55 jugulotympanic tumors (JTT), 25 tympanic tumors (TT) and 7 tumors in other locations are included. The internal carotid artery was preserved in 97.5% of CBT resections. Preservation of hearing was achieved in 92% of JTT and 88% of TT resections.

Conclusion.

According to our experience, the treatment of PGL must be individualized, taking into account the patient's age, medical condition, tumor site and size, multiple occurrences, and preexisting cranial nerve deficits. Tumor control is high whether treatment is by surgery or radiotherapy. Patients with solitary lesions whose disease is potentially resectable with acceptable morbidity are better treated surgically. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Transoral robotic surgery for the management of head and neck cancer: A preliminary experience
Authors: Genden Eric M. , Desai Shaun , Sung Chih‐Kwang
Published: October 2008

Background.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for a variety of malignant head and neck lesions.

Methods.

From April 2007 to November 2007, 20 patients were enrolled in an institutional review board–approved prospective trial using the daVinci surgical robot. Inclusion criteria for the study consisted of adults with early head and neck cancer involving the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx.

Results.

Twenty patients were included in this study. In 2 cases, access to the tumor was inadequate and the procedure was terminated. In all 18 cases, negative resection margins were achieved. Intraoral reconstruction was performed in 8 patients. Fifteen of 18 patients underwent concomitant unilateral (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 5) selective neck dissections. None of the patients required tracheotomy and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The average setup time was 54.6 minutes (range, 140–20 minutes), with a precipitous decrease in the setup time as the study progressed.

Conclusion.

TORS is a safe, feasible, and minimally invasive alternative to classic open surgery or endoscopic transoral laser surgery in patients with early cancer of the head and neck. With increasing experience, surgical setup as well as operative time will continue to decrease. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Comparison of 4 modalities for distant metastasis staging in endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chua Melvin Lee Kiang , Ong Seng Chuan , Wee Joseph Tien Seng , Ng David Chee Eng , Gao Fei , Tan Terence Wee Kiat , Fong Kam Weng , Chua Eu Tiong , Khoo James Boon Kheng , Low John Seng Hooi
Published: October 2008

Background.

Endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) commonly metastasizes to the lungs, liver, and bones. This study aims to assess the efficacy of 4 distant metastasis staging modalities, namely (1) conventional work‐up comprising chest X‐ray, liver ultrasound, and skeletal scintigraphy, (2) CT of the thorax, abdomen, and skeletal scintigraphy, (3) (18)F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), and (4) integrated FDG‐PET/CT.

Methods.

Seventy‐eight consecutive patients diagnosed with NPC were enrolled and followed up for a minimum of 6 months to confirm the staging at diagnosis.

Results.

Six patients (7.7%) had distant metastases at diagnosis. The sensitivities and specificities of conventional work‐up, combined CT and skeletal scintigraphy, FDG‐PET, and FDG‐PET/CT were 33.3%, 66.7%, 83.3%, and 83.3%; and 90.3%, 91.7%, 94.4%, and 97.2%, respectively. The corresponding accuracies were 85.9%, 89.7%, 93.6%, and 96.2%.

Conclusions.

FDG‐PET/CT is the most sensitive, specific, and accurate modality for distant metastasis staging of endemic NPC. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Endosulfan‐induced apoptosis and glutathione depletion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: Attenuation by N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Ahmed Tanzeel , Tripathi Ashok K. , Ahmed Rafat S. , Das Shukla , Suke Sanvidhan G. , Pathak Rahul , Chakraboti Ayanabha , Banerjee Basu Dev
Published: October 2008

Present study investigated whether endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide is able to deplete glutathione (GSH) and induce apoptosis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. The role of oxidative stress in the induction of apoptosis was also evaluated by the measurement of the GSH level in cell lysate. The protective role of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on endosulfan‐induced apoptosis was also studied. Isolated human PBMC were exposed to increasing concentrations (0–100 µM) of endosulfan (α/β at 70:30 mixture) alone and in combination with NAC (20 µM) up to 24 h. Apoptotic cell death was determined by Annexin‐V Cy3.18 binding and DNA fragmentation assays. Cellular GSH level was measured using dithionitrobenzene. Endosulfan at low concentrations, i.e., 5 and 10 µM, did not cause significant death during 6 h/12 h incubation, whereas a concentration‐dependent cell death was observed at 24 h. DNA fragmentation analysis revealed no appreciable difference between control cells and 5 µM/10 µM endosulfan treated cells, where only high molecular weight DNA band was observed. Significant ladder formation was observed at higher concentration, which is indicative of apoptotic cell death. Intracellular GSH levels decreased significantly in endosulfan‐treated cells in a dose‐dependent manner, showing a close correlation between oxidative stress and degree of apoptosis of PBMC. Cotreatment with NAC attenuated GSH depletion as well as apoptosis. Our results provide experimental evidence of involvement of oxidative stress in endosulfan‐mediated apoptosis in human PBMC in vitro. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:299–304, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20240
Manganese accumulation in the mouse ear following systemic exposure
Authors: Ma Ci , Schneider Scott N. , Miller Marian , Nebert Daniel W. , Lind Caroline , Roda Sandy M. , Afton Scott E. , Caruso Joseph A. , Genter Mary Beth
Published: October 2008

There is evidence in human populations that exposure to manganese (Mn), or Mn in combination with excessive noise exposure, results in hearing loss. Quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction revealed expression of the metal transporters DMT1, ZIP8, and ZIP14 in control mouse ears. ZIP8 is known to have a high affinity (Km = 2.2 µM) for Mn transport, and ZIP8 protein was localized to the blood vessels of the ear by immunohistochemistry. We treated mice (strains C57BL/6J and DBA/2J) with Mn (100 mg/kg MnCl2, by subcutaneous injection, on three alternating days), and Mn was significantly elevated in the ears of the treated mice. Mn concentrations remained elevated over controls for at least 2 weeks after treatment. These studies demonstrate that metal transporters are present in the mouse ear and that Mn can accumulate in the ear following systemic exposure. Future studies should focus on whether Mn exposure is associated with hearing deficits. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:305–310, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20241
Chronic alcohol consumption augments loss of sialic acid residues and alters erythrocyte membrane charge in type II diabetic patients
Authors: Degirmenci Serkan , Akalin Aysen , Kartkaya Kazım , Kanbak Güngör
Published: October 2008

In this study, the effects of alcohol consumption on erythrocyte membrane properties in type 2 diabetic patients were investigated. Therefore, we measured total and lipid‐bound sialic acid (LSA) levels, sialidase activities, and erythrocyte membrane negative charge. Three groups, including control group (n = 20), alcohol‐consuming diabetic patients group (n = 14), and diabetic patients without alcohol consumption group (n = 42), were created. Plasma total sialic acid (TSA) levels of the alcohol‐consuming diabetic group were elevated as compared to the healthy control and diabetic group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). TSA levels of the diabetic group were significantly elevated as compared to the healthy control group (p > 0.001). Plasma LSA levels of the alcohol‐consuming diabetic group were higher than that in the healthy control and diabetic group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). LSA levels of the diabetic group were found to be high as compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05). Plasma sialidase activities of the alcohol‐consuming diabetic group and diabetic group were significantly elevated as compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively). Sialidase activities of the alcohol‐consuming diabetic group were elevated as compared to the diabetic group, but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Erythrocyte membrane negativity levels of the alcohol‐consuming diabetic group and diabetic group were significantly decreased (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) as compared to the healthy control group. Erythrocyte membrane negativity levels of the alcohol‐consuming diabetic group were decreased as compared to the diabetic group, but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that chronic alcohol consumption may augment membrane alterations in type 2 diabetic patients. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:320–327, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20243
Lymphoma of the testis and epididymis mimics chronic inflammation upon sonography
Authors: Yang Dal Mo , Kim Hyun Cheol , Jin Wook , Lee Hyung Lae , Kim Gyo Young
Published: October 2008

We report the sonographic findings in a case of lymphoma, which mimicked chronic inflammation. Scrotal gray‐scale sonography revealed an irregularly margined, hypoechoic mass in the right testis and epididymis. Color Doppler sonography showed increased blood flow within the hypoechoic lesions in both testis and epididymis. Pathologic examination revealed a diffuse involvement of the testis and epididymis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Minimum detectable change in motor and prefrontal cortex activity over repeated sessions using 3T functional MRI and a block design
Authors: Goodyear Bradley G. , Douglas Erin A.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To determine the minimum detectable change (MDC) in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measurements of brain activity over repeated sessions with 95% confidence using a block design of tasks.

Materials and Methods

Fourteen individuals participated in three sessions on different days during which four scans each of a motor task and working memory task were performed. Using a region‐of‐interest analysis of variance, we calculated the MDC in the volume of activated primary sensorimotor cortex (for motor) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (for working memory), as well as the percent increase in MR signal and the center and location of maxima of the activated voxels.

Results

The MDC of activated volume was 5.0–8.8 cm3, and the MDC of percent increase in signal from baseline during tasks was 0.3%–0.6%. The MDC of the center of mass of activity was 3–4 mm, compared to 6–10 mm for the location of maxima.

Conclusion

fMRI measurements that quantify the strength of activity in response to tasks and centers of mass offer sensitive measurements of change over repeated imaging sessions. fMRI can be used for serial investigations of individual participants using simple motor and cognitive tasks using a simple block design. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1055–1060. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
128‐channel body MRI with a flexible high‐density receiver‐coil array
Authors: Hardy Christopher J. , Giaquinto Randy O. , Piel Joseph E. , Rohling AAS Kenneth W. , Marinelli Luca , Blezek Daniel J. , Fiveland Eric W. , Darrow Robert D. , Foo Thomas K.F.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To determine whether the promise of high‐density many‐coil MRI receiver arrays for enabling highly accelerated parallel imaging can be realized in practice.

Materials and Methods

A 128‐channel body receiver‐coil array and custom MRI system were developed. The array comprises two clamshells containing 64 coils each, with the posterior array built to maximize signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and the anterior array design incorporating considerations of weight and flexibility as well. Phantom imaging and human body imaging were performed using a variety of reduction factors and 2D and 3D pulse sequences.

Results

The ratio of SNR relative to a 32‐element array of similar footprint was 1.03 in the center of an elliptical loading phantom and 1.7 on average in the outer regions. Maximum g‐factors dropped from 5.5 (for 32 channels) to 2.0 (for 128 channels) for 4 × 4 acceleration and from 25 to 3.3 for 5 × 5 acceleration. Residual aliasing artifacts for a right/left (R/L) reduction factor of 8 in human body imaging were significantly reduced relative to the 32‐channel array.

Conclusion

MRI with a large number of receiver channels enables significantly higher acceleration factors for parallel imaging and improved SNR, provided losses from the coils and electronics are kept negligible. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1219–1225. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ability of diffusion‐weighted imaging for the differential diagnosis between chronic expanding hematomas and malignant soft tissue tumors
Authors: Oka Kiyoshi , Yakushiji Toshitake , Sato Hiro , Yorimitsu Shigeta , Hayashida Yoshiko , Yamashita Yasuyuki , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To evaluate the potential of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in distinguishing chronic expanding hematomas (CEHs) from malignant soft tissue tumors.

Materials and Methods

We performed conventional MRI and DWI of six CEHs and 31 malignant soft tissue tumors from 37 patients seen between May 2000 and November 2006. DWI was obtained with a single‐shot echo‐planar imaging (EPI) sequence using a 1.5T MR imager. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value was also calculated. We evaluated MRI findings of CEHs and compared ADC value of CEHs with malignant soft tissue tumors.

Results

On conventional MRI, two of six CEHs were difficult to differentiate from malignant soft tissue tumors based on imaging findings. The mean ADC value of CEHs and malignant soft tissue tumors was 1.55 ± 0.121 × 10−3 mm2/sec and 0.92 ± 0.139 × 10−3 mm2/sec (mean ± SD), respectively. The mean ADC value of CEHs was significantly higher than that of malignant soft tissue tumors (P < 0.01). There was no overlap in the minimum ADC values among CEHs and malignant soft tissue tumors.

Conclusion

DWI is useful for differentiating between CEHs and malignant soft tissue tumors. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1195–1200. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostate magnetic resonance imaging: Multiexponential T2 decay in prostate tissue
Authors: Storås Tryggve H. , Gjesdal Kjell‐Inge , Gadmar Øystein B. , Geitung Jonn T. , Kløw Nils‐Einar
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To investigate the T2 decay in prostate tissue for multiexponentiality and to assess how the biexponential model relates to established T2W contrast.

Materials and Methods

A 32‐echo spin‐echo sequence was performed on 16 volunteers. Six single‐voxel decay curves were sampled from each prostate. Prediction accuracies were assessed by jackknifing for the mono‐, bi‐, and triexponential models. The differences were evaluated by cross‐validated analysis of variance (CVANOVA). Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the relation between parameters in the biexponential model and the contrast in T2W images.

Results

Mono‐, bi‐, and triexponential models were preferred in 8 (10%), 72 (86%), and 4 (5%) cases, respectively. The biexponential short T2 was 64 msec (range 43 to 92 msec) and the long T2 was 490 msec (range 161 to 1319 msec). The fitted signal fraction, f, of the long T2 component was 27% (range 3% to 80%). The adjusted R2 was 75.1% for the full regression model and decreased by 0.9%, 1.3%, and 39.2% when short T2, long T2, and f were removed from the model, respectively.

Conclusion

Prostatic T2 decay was, in general, biexponential. The differences between the T2 components were large enough for accurate quantification. The T2W image contrast was primarily predicted by the biexponential signal fractions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1166–1172. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Method for rapid calculation of quantitative cerebral perfusion
Authors: Shah Maulin K. , Shin Wanyong , Mouannes Jessy , Shaibani Ali , Horowitz Sandra W. , Carroll Timothy J.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To evaluate an algorithm based on algebraic estimation of T1 values (three‐point estimation) in comparison with computational curve‐fitting for the postprocessing of quantitative cerebral perfusion scans.

Materials and Methods

Computer simulations were performed to quantify the magnitude of the expected error on T1 and consequently cerebral perfusion using the three‐point estimation technique on a Look‐Locker (LL) EPI scan. In 50 patients, quantitative cerebral perfusion was calculated using the bookend method with three‐point estimation and curve‐fitting. The bookend method, a novel approach for calculating quantitative cerebral perfusion based on changes in T1 values after a contrast injection, is currently being validated. The number of computations was used as a measure of computation speed for each method. Student's paired t‐test, Bland‐Altman, and correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the accuracy of estimation.

Results

There was a 99.65% reduction in the number of computations with three‐point estimation. Student's t‐test showed no significant difference in cerebral perfusion (P = 0.80, 0.49, paired t‐test N = 50, quantitative cerebral blood flow–white matter [qCBF‐WM], qCBF–gray matter [qCBF‐GM]) when compared to curve‐fitting. The results of the two techniques were strongly correlated in patients (slope = 0.99, intercept =1.58 mL/(100 g/minute), r = 0.86) with a small systemic bias of −0.97 mL/(100 g/minute) in Bland‐Altman analysis.

Conclusion

The three‐point estimation technique is adequate for rapid calculation of qCBF. The estimation scheme drastically reduces processing time, thus making the method feasible for clinical use. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1258–1265. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved delayed enhanced myocardial imaging with T2‐Prep inversion recovery magnetization preparation
Authors: Liu Chia‐Ying , Wieben Oliver , Brittain Jean H. , Reeder Scott B.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To develop a magnetization preparation method that improves the differentiation of enhancing subendocardial infarction (MI) from ventricular blood for myocardial delayed‐enhancement (DE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

T2Prep‐IR is a magnetization preparation pulse that consists of a T2 preparation (T2Prep) followed immediately by a nonselective inversion recovery (IR) pulse. The first imaging excitation is then delayed an inversion time (TI) to allow nulling of normal myocardium in DE study. The amount of T2 contrast is determined by the effective echo time of the T2Prep pulse, TEeff. TEeff is selected to differentiate MI and blood that share similar T1 values but have different T2 values. The T2Prep‐IR preparation was incorporated into a fast gradient echo sequence to produce an image with both T1 and T2 weighting. Simulations predict that this method will generate improved contrast between MI and chamber blood compared to conventional IR methods.

Results

Comparisons between images acquired using conventional IR and T2Prep‐IR in patients with MI indicate that this new approach significantly improves the blood‐MI contrast (122 ± 32% higher than that of IR with P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our preliminary patient studies confirm that this preparation is helpful for improved delineation of subendocardial infarction. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1280–1286. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parallel MRI with extended and averaged GRAPPA kernels (PEAK‐GRAPPA): Optimized spatiotemporal dynamic imaging
Authors: Jung Bernd , Ullmann Peter , Honal Matthias , Bauer Simon , Hennig Jürgen , Markl Michael
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To evaluate an optimized k‐t‐space related reconstruction method for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a method called PEAK‐GRAPPA (Parallel MRI with Extended and Averaged GRAPPA Kernels) is presented which is based on an extended spatiotemporal GRAPPA kernel in combination with temporal averaging of coil weights.

Materials and Methods

The PEAK‐GRAPPA kernel consists of a uniform geometry with several spatial and temporal source points from acquired k‐space lines and several target points from missing k‐space lines. In order to improve the quality of coil weight estimation sets of coil weights are averaged over the temporal dimension.

Results

The kernel geometry leads to strongly decreased reconstruction times compared to the recently introduced k‐t‐GRAPPA using different kernel geometries with only one target point per kernel to fit. Improved results were obtained in terms of the root mean square error and the signal‐to‐noise ratio as demonstrated by in vivo cardiac imaging.

Conclusion

Using a uniform kernel geometry for weight estimation with the properties of uncorrelated noise of different acquired timeframes, optimized results were achieved in terms of error level, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and reconstruction time. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1226–1232. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cross‐correlation delay to quantify myocardial dyssynchrony from phase contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR) velocity data
Authors: Delfino Jana G. , Fornwalt Brandon K. , Eisner Robert L. , Leon Angel R. , Oshinski John N.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To apply cross‐correlation delay (XCD) analysis to myocardial phase contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR) tissue velocity data and to compare XCD to three established “time‐to‐peak” dyssynchrony parameters.

Materials and Methods

Myocardial tissue velocity was acquired using PCMR in 10 healthy volunteers (negative controls) and 10 heart failure patients who met criteria for cardiac resynchronization therapy (positive controls). All dyssynchrony parameters were computed from PCMR velocity curves. Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis for separating positive and negative controls were computed for each dyssynchrony parameter.

Results

XCD had higher sensitivity (90%) and specificity (100%) for discriminating between normal and patient groups than any of the time‐to‐peak dyssynchrony parameters. ROC analysis showed that XCD was the best parameter for separating the positive and negative control groups.

Conclusion

XCD is superior to time‐to‐peak dyssynchrony parameters for discriminating between subjects with and without dyssynchrony and may aid in the selection of patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1086–1091. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.