bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oestrogenic and androgenic activity of triclosan in breast cancer cells
Authors: Gee R. H. , Charles A. , Taylor N. , Darbre P. D.
Published: November 2007

As a consequence of its widespread use as an antimicrobial agent in consumer goods, triclosan has become distributed ubiquitously across the ecosystem, and recent reports that it can cause endocrine disruption in aquatic species has increased concern. It is reported here that triclosan possesses intrinsic oestrogenic and androgenic activity in a range of assays in vitro which could provide some explanation for the endocrine disrupting properties described in aquatic populations. In terms of oestrogenic activity, triclosan displaced [3H]oestradiol from oestrogen receptors (ER) of MCF7 human breast cancer cells and from recombinant human ERα/ERβ. Triclosan at 10−5 m completely inhibited the induction of the oestrogen‐responsive ERE‐CAT reporter gene in MCF7 cells by 10−10 m 17β‐oestradiol and the stimulation of growth of MCF7 human breast cancer cells by 10−10 m 17β‐oestradiol. On its own, 1 µm triclosan increased the growth of MCF7 cells over 21 days. Triclosan also had androgenic activity. It displaced [3H]testosterone from binding to the ligand binding domain of the rat androgen receptor (AR). Triclosan was able to inhibit the induction of the androgen‐responsive LTR‐CAT reporter gene in S115 mouse mammary tumour cells by 10−9 m testosterone and in T47D human breast cancer cells by 10−8 m testosterone at concentrations of 10−7 m and 10−6 m, respectively. Triclosan at 2 × 10−5 m antagonized the stimulation of the growth of S115+A mouse mammary tumour cells by 10−9 m testosterone. The finding that triclosan has oestrogenic and androgenic activity warrants further investigation in relation to both endocrine disruption of aquatic wildlife and any possible impact on human health. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic variation of microtopography, surface chemistry and elastic modulus and the state dependent effect on endothelial cell alignment
Authors: Feinberg Adam W. , Wilkerson Wade R. , Seegert Charles A. , Gibson Amy L. , Hoipkemeier‐Wilson Leslie , Brennan Anthony B.
Published: November 2007

We examined how variations in elastic modulus, surface chemistry and the height and spacing of micro‐ridges interact and effect endothelial cell (EC) alignment. Specifically, we employed independent control of the surface properties in order to elucidate the relative importance of each factor. Polydimethylsiloxane elastomer (PDMSe) was fabricated with 1.5 or 5 μm tall, 5 μm spaced and 5, 10, or 20 μm wide ridge microtopographies. Elastic modulus was varied from 0.3, 1.0, 1.4, and 2.3 MPa by controlling oligomeric additives and crosslink density. Surface chemistry was left untreated, argon plasma treated, coated with fibronectin (Fn) or patterned with Fn tracks on flat PDMSe or the tops of micro‐ridges. Primary porcine vascular ECs were cultured on the PDMSe substrates and nuclear form factor (NFF) was used to determine cell orientation relative to surface microtopography. Experimental results showed that microtopographical variation strongly altered EC alignment on Fn coated surfaces, but not on plasma treated surfaces. Interestingly, similar alignment was achieved with different orientation cues, either micropatterned chemistry (2D) or microtopography (3D). In total, the effect of varying one of the experimental parameters depended strongly on the state of the others, highlighting the need for multi‐factor analysis of surface properties for applications where cells and tissue will contact synthetic materials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Vitronectin is a critical protein adhesion substrate for IL‐4‐induced foreign body giant cell formation
Authors: McNally Amy K. , Jones Jacqueline A. , MacEwan Sarah R. , Colton Erica , Anderson James M.
Published: November 2007

An in vitro system of interleukin (IL)‐4‐induced foreign body giant cell (FBGC) formation was utilized to define the adhesion protein substrate(s) that promotes this aspect of the foreign body reaction on biomedical polymers. Human monocytes were cultured on cell culture polystyrene surfaces that had been pre‐adsorbed with a synthetic arginine‐glycine‐aspartate peptide previously found to support optimal FBGC formation, or with various concentrations of potential physiological protein substrates, i.e. complement C3bi, collagen types I or IV, fibrinogen, plasma fibronectin, fibroblast fibronectin, laminin, thrombospondin, vitronectin, or von Willebrand factor. Cultures were evaluated on days 0 (1.5 h), 3, and 7 by May–Grünwald/Giemsa staining. Initial monocyte adhesion occurred on all adsorbed proteins. However, by day 7 of culture, only vitronectin was striking in its ability to support significant macrophage adhesion, development, and fusion leading to FBGC formation. Vitronectin supported high degrees of FBGC formation at an absorption concentration between 5 and 25 μg/mL. These findings suggest that adsorbed vitronectin is critical in the collective events that support and promote FBGC formation on biomedical polymers, and that the propensity for vitronectin adsorption may underlie the material surface chemistry dependency of FBGC formation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Preparation of hydroxyapatite‐nanocrystal‐coated stainless steel, and its cell interaction
Authors: Okada Masahiro , Masuda Miwa , Tanaka Ryoichi , Miyatake Kunio , Kuroda Daisuke , Furuzono Tsutomu
Published: November 2007

Calcined nanocrystals of hydroxyapatite (HAp) having spherical or rod‐shaped morphologies were coated through covalent linkage on a type 316L stainless steel substrate, which was chemically modified by the graft polymerization of γ‐methacryloxypropyl triethoxysilane (MPTS) at 70–110°C. The grafting of poly(MPTS) on the substrate was confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT‐IR). In order to coat the substrate with the HAp crystals through covalent linkage, the reactionbetween the alkoxysilyl groupsin the poly (MPTS) grafted on the substrate and the OH groups on the HAp crystals was conducted at 80°C. The poly(MPTS)‐grafted substrate was strongly coated with the HAp nanocrystals, although the HAp crystals adsorbed physically on the original substrate without poly(MPTS) grafting were removed by ultrasonic treatment. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) adhered in larger numbers on the HAp‐coated stainless steel substrate as compared with the original substrate after 24 h of initial incubation. The number of HUVEC adhered on the rod‐shaped HAp‐coated substrate was not significantly different from that on the spherical HAp‐coated substrate under the present conditions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
Possible triggers for phase transformation in zirconia hip balls
Authors: Brown Sharon S. , Green Douglas D. , Pezzotti Giuseppe , Donaldson Thomas K. , Clarke Ian C.
Published: November 2007

The clinical history of yttria‐stabilized, zirconia (Zr) ceramic has been controversial. In the patient, combinations of hydrothermal and mechanical shocks may trigger detrimental changes in Zr balls that have inferior metastability. Transformations from tetragonal to monoclinic phase may be influenced by impingement, dislocation, and disassociation in certain patients. Hydrothermal stability was measured in Zr balls from four vendors by autoclave and mechanical models that included “cup‐impingement,” “abrasive” wear, and “3rd‐body” wear. Standard simulator tests for polyethylene (PE) wear studies combined pristine and previously transformed Zr and were also used to test lubricant effects (Zr/Zr–serum, Zr/Zr–water, Zr/PE–water). For in‐vivo comparisons we studied retrieved Zr balls at 1–15 years follow‐up by laser interferometry, SEM, EDS, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. We found that severe mechanical shock triggered local surface destruction but little transformation. In contrast, hydrothermal processes revealed 5–13% monoclinic by 7 h, increasing at a rate of 0.56%/h for 22‐mm balls and 0.81%/h for 26‐mm balls. The all‐ceramic Zr/Zr bearings were very sensitive to lubrication mode, showing early catastrophic failure when run in water but surviving 20 million cycles when run with serum lubrication. Wear with Zr/PE combination did not trigger phase changes in water or serum but decreased the monoclinic content measured on previously transformed surfaces. Most retrieved Zr balls showed high transformation (30–85% monoclinic) but some showed no transformation. The ball areas with major monoclinic changes corresponded to PE contact, suggesting that tribological conditions under the cup were the trigger. This indicated that we understand little of the hydrothermal conditions operating under Zr/PE hip joints in‐vivo. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Death‐signaling pathways in human myeloid cells by oxLDL and its cytotoxic components 7β‐hydroxycholesterol and cholesterol‐5β,6β‐epoxide
Authors: Lordan Sinéad , O'Callaghan Yvonne C. , O'Brien Nora M.
Published: November 2007

Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein contains many potentially proatherogenic molecules, including oxysterols, which have been shown to induce apoptosis in various cell lines. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathway of apoptosis induced by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein and the oxysterols, 7β‐hydroxycholesterol and cholesterol‐5β,6β‐epoxide, in two human monocytic cell lines. The HL‐60 cells appeared to be more sensitive to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein than U937 cells, whereas the isolated oxysterols were more potent inducers of apoptosis in the U937 cells. Caspase‐2 inhibition decreased the number of viable cells in oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐treated samples; however, it protected against cholesterol‐5β,6β‐epoxide‐induced cell death. Western blot analysis was utilized to examine the effect of caspase‐2 inhibition on the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2. Pretreatment with the inhibitor protected against the decrease in Bcl‐2 expression in oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐ and 7β‐hydroxycholesterol‐treated U937 cells. In HL‐60 cells, Bcl‐2 was overexpressed in oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐treated cells, but in the presence of the inhibitor Bcl‐2 expression was returned to control levels. Depleted ATP concentrations in the cells suggest that both apoptosis and necrosis may have occurred simultaneously. Our results highlight differences in the signaling pathways induced by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, 7β‐hydroxycholesterol, and cholesterol‐5β,6β‐epoxide in U937 and HL‐60 cells. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 21:362–372, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20198
Characterization of bromadiolone resistance in a danish strain of Norway rats, rattus norvegicus, by hepatic gene expression profiling of genes involved in vitamin k‐dependent γ‐carboxylation
Authors: Markussen Mette Drude , Heiberg Ann‐Charlotte , Fredholm Merete , Kristensen Michael
Published: November 2007

The present study characterizes the anticoagulant resistance mechanism in a Danish bromadiolone‐resistant strain of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), with a Y139C VKORC1 mutation. We compared liver expression of the VKORC1 gene, which encodes a protein of the vitamin K 2,3‐epoxide reductase complex, the NQO1 gene, which encodes a NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase and the Calumenin gene between bromadiolone‐resistant and anticoagulant‐susceptible rats upon saline and bromadiolone administration. Additionally, we established the effect of bromadiolone on the gene expression in the resistant and susceptible phenotype. Bromadiolone had no effect on VKORC1 and NQO1 expression in resistant rats, but induced significantly Calumenin expression in the susceptible rats. Calumenin expression was similar between the resistant and the susceptible rats upon saline administration but twofold lower in resistant rats after bromadiolone treatment. These results indicate that Danish bromadiolone resistance does not involve an overexpression of calumenin. Independent of the treatment, we observed a low VKORC1 expression in resistant rats, which in conjugation with the Y139C polymorphism most likely explains the low VKOR activity and the enhanced need for vitamin K observed in Danish resistant rats. Furthermore the bromadiolone resistance was found to be associated with a low expression of the NQO1 gene. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 21:373–381, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20201
RETRACTED: Preventive effect of naringin on cardiac mitochondrial enzymes during isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction in rats: A transmission electron microscopic study
Authors: Rajadurai M. , Stanely Mainzen Prince P.
Published: November 2007

Dietary flavonoids intake has been reported inversely related to the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The present study is undertaken to evaluate the preventive role of naringin on mitochondrial enzymes in isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced myocardial infarction in male albino Wistar rats. Rats subcutaneously injected with ISO (85 mg/kg) at an interval of 24 h for 2 days, resulting in significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of mitochondrial lipid peroxides. ISO‐induction also showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the activities of mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes (isocitrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) and respiratory chain enzymes (NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase). Oral pretreatment with naringin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) to ISO‐induced rats daily for a period of 56 days significantly (p < 0.05) minimized the alterations in all the biochemical parameters and restored the normal mitochondrial function. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observations also correlated with these biochemical findings. Thus, our findings demonstrate that naringin prevents the mitochondrial dysfunction during ISO‐induced myocardial infarction in rats. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 21:354–361, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20203
Femtosecond opto‐magnetism: ultrafast laser manipulation of magnetic materials
Authors: Kimel A.V. , Kirilyuk A. , Rasing T.
Published: November 2007

This review summarizes the recent progress in the study of ultrafast nonthermal effects of light on magnetic materials. It is demonstrated that due to opto‐magnetic phenomena an intense 100 fs circularly polarized laser pulse acts on the spins similar to an equivalently short effective magnetic field pulse up to 1 T. The review shows that using such opto‐magnetic phenomena one may selectively excite different modes of magnetic resonance, realize quantum control of magnons, trigger magnetic phase transitions and switch spins on a subpicosecond time‐scale. All these findings open new insights into the understanding of ultrafast magnetic excitation and, considering recent progress in the development of compact ultrafast lasers, may provide new prospects for applications of ultrafast opto‐magnetic phenomena in magnetic storage and information processing technology.
Therapeutic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Parkinson's disease: Analysis of [11C] raclopride PET study
Authors: Kim Ji Youn , Chung Eun Joo , Lee Won Yong , Shin Hee Young , Lee Gyeong Han , Choe Yearn‐Seong , Choi Yong , Kim Byeong Joon
Published: November 2007

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used as a potential therapeutic tool in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the therapeutic value and/or the placebo effect of rTMS on PD remain to be elucidated. To investigate the therapeutic value and/or placebo effect of rTMS in PD, we compared the motor section of unified PD rating scale (UPDRS III) and the amount of extracellular dopamine concentration using [11C] raclopride PET before and after two sessions of rTMS in 9 PD patients. During a consecutive 2 days while off‐medication, two series of 15 trains of 5 Hz‐frequency rTMS (intensity, 90% of the resting motor threshold) were applied to the hand area of more severely symptomatic motor cortex (MC). After unilateral rTMS of MC, mean raclopride binding potentials (BPs) were reduced not only in putaminal and caudate areas on the stimulated side (−4.9% and −6.5%, respectively) (P > 0.05) but also in putaminal and caudate areas of nonstimulated hemispheres (−6.6%, P > 0.05 and −12.1%, P = 0.049, respectively). UPDRS III scores were significantly decreased (35.0 ± 14.1 to 32.0 ± 13.4, P = 0.049). A reduction of raclopride BP in nonstimulated ventral striatum by unilateral rTMS supports the placebo response during rTMS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Nonmotor symptoms as presenting complaints in Parkinson's disease: A clinicopathological study
Authors: O'Sullivan Sean S. , Williams David R. , Gallagher David A. , Massey Luke A. , Silveira‐Moriyama Laura , Lees Andrew J.
Published: November 2007

Nonmotor symptoms (NMS) are increasingly recognized as a significant cause of morbidity in later stages of Parkinson's disease (PD). Prodromal NMS are also a well recognized component of the clinical picture in some patients but the prevalence of NMS as presenting complaints, and their impact on clinical management, in pathologically‐proven cases of PD is unknown. The presenting complaints of 433 cases of pathologically‐proven PD archived at the Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Diseases were identified from the clinical case notes. 91/433 (21%) of patients with PD presented with NMS of which the most frequent were pain (15%), urinary dysfunction (3.9%), anxiety, or depression (2.5%). Presenting with NMS is associated with a delayed diagnosis of PD (Mann‐Whitney U, P = 0.001). These patients were more likely to be misdiagnosed initially and were more likely to have been referred to orthopedeic surgeons or rheumatologists than neurologists (nonmotor group 5.5% vs. motor group 44.2%, χ2 P < 0.0001). NMS are commonly seen as presenting complaints in pathologically confirmed PD, and initial misdiagnosis may be associated with potentially inappropriate medical interventions. Presenting with NMS does not affect the motor response to medication, but is associated with shorter disease duration (χ2 P = 0.016). © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Adult polyglucosan body disease: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain and novel mutation in the GBE1 gene
Authors: Massa Roberto , Bruno Claudio , Martorana Alessandro , de Stefano Nicola , van Diggelen Otto P. , Federico Antonio
Published: November 2007

Adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD) is characterized by the accumulation of insoluble glucose polymers within the central and peripheral nervous systems. A common missense mutation in the glycogen branching enzyme (GBE1) gene has been identified in Ashkenazi patients with APBD. We report on a non‐Jewish patient with APBD on whom we performed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of the brain. GBE activity in fibroblasts was markedly reduced, and a novel heterozygous mutation was identified in the GBE1 gene. Our findings widen the spectrum of APBD genotypes, underline the importance of performing GBE analysis in all APBD patients, and suggest that brain white matter degeneration in APBD may result from tissue damage involving axons and myelin. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Coupling dynamic mesh technique and heuristic algorithms in 3‐D‐tapered wing design
Authors: Vatandas Ergüven , Özkol İbrahim
Published: November 2007

In this study, Onera M6 wing has been optimized by two parameters, the wing section and the taper ratio, by combining the recent mostly preferable popular approaches, i.e. parallel computing and evolutionary techniques. For the 3‐D models, developed during the optimization stages, the mesh required has been generated by using dynamic mesh technique. The code developed for this is robust and faster than the codes that produce mesh only by classical techniques. An Euler flow solver (ACER3D) is used to obtain the flow parameters for each member. From the results, it is observed that the optimization process is working as expected. During the optimization process, the lift coefficient and the thickness ratio are tried to be maintained close to the design values determined at the beginning. The taper ratio becomes smaller and converges to a certain value, while the code tries to minimize the drag force. Additionally, this study can be used as a reference for 2‐D or 3‐D aerodynamic body optimization by using heuristic‐type algorithms, since all details are outlined, referenced, and interpreted with their advantages and disadvantages. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity analysis for dynamic mechanical systems with finite rotations
Authors: Brüls Olivier , Eberhard Peter
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a sensitivity analysis for dynamic systems with large rotations using a semi‐analytical direct differentiation technique. The choice of a suitable time integration strategy for the rotation group appears to be critical for the development of an efficient sensitivity analysis. Three versions of the generalized‐α time integration scheme are considered: a residual form, a linear form, and a geometric form. Their consistency is discussed, and we show that the residual form, which is the most direct extension of the generalized‐α algorithm defined in structural dynamics, should not be used for problems with large rotations. The sensitivity analysis is performed and close connections are highlighted between the structure of the sensitivity equations and of the linearized dynamic equations. Hence, algorithms developed for the original problem can be directly reused for the sensitivities. Finally, a numerical example is analysed in detail. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evaluation of limited‐memory sparse linear solvers for thermo‐mechanical applications
Authors: Teranishi Keita , Raghavan Padma , Sun Jun , Michaleris Panagiotis
Published: November 2007

We consider the performance of sparse linear solvers for problems that arise from thermo‐mechanical applications. Such problems have been solved using sparse direct schemes that enable robust solution at the expense of memory requirements that grow non‐linearly with the dimension of the coefficient matrix. In this paper, we consider a class of preconditioned iterative solvers as a limited‐memory alternative to direct solution schemes. However, such preconditioned iterative solvers typically exhibit complex trade‐offs between reliability and performance. We therefore characterize such trade‐offs for systems from thermo‐mechanical problems by considering several preconditioning schemes including multilevel methods and those based on sparse approximate inversion and incomplete matrix factorization. We provide an analysis of computational costs and memory requirements for model thermo‐mechanical problems, indicating that certain incomplete factorization schemes can achieve good performance. We also provide empirical evaluations that corroborate our analysis and indicate the relative effectiveness of different solution schemes. Our results indicate that our drop‐threshold incomplete Cholesky preconditioning is more robust, efficient and flexible than other popular preconditioning schemes. In addition, we propose preconditioner reuse to amortize preconditioner construction cost over a sequence of linear systems that arise from non‐linear solutions in a plastic regime. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of multiple active components in Sheng‐Mai San, a Prescription of traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Chang Yi‐Wei , Yao Hsien‐Tsung , Chien Du‐Shieng , Yeh Teng‐Kuang
Published: November 2007

An advanced and reliable HPLC‐MS method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of eight active components (ginsenosides Rf, Rg2, Rg3, Rh1 and Rh2, gomisin A, methylophioponanone B and schizandrin) in Sheng‐Mai San, a traditional Chinese medicine. The elution of multiple components was performed using a C18 column with stepwise gradient elution. The detection of individual analytes was monitored by electrospray MS scanning from 300 to 1000 m/z in the positive ion mode, with the limits of detection of these components ranging from 0.06 to 1 µg/mL at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of ≥5. The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracies ranged from 95.1 to 104.4%, and the overall precision was less than 9.3%. The recoveries of the analytes were ≥96.6%. The method was validated and found suitable for the determination of active components present in Sheng‐Mai San preparation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of volatile constituents isolated by hydrodistillation and headspace solid‐phase microextraction from Adenostyles briquetii Gamisans
Authors: Paolini Julien , Nasica Elodie , Desjobert Jean‐Marie , Muselli Alain , Bernardini Antoine‐François , Costa Jean
Published: November 2007

The volatile fraction of the whole plant and separated organs of Adenostyles briquetii Gamisans (syn. Cacalia briquetii; family Asteraceae), an endemic species from Corsica, has been studied by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME), GC and GC‐MS(EI and CI). A total of 141 components were identified, representing 93% of the entire amount. The volatile fraction was characterised by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (52.8%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (25.9%). The major components were germacrene D (18.5%), zingiberene (12.9%) and β‐oplopenone (10.8%). The influence of HS‐SPME parameters on the extraction of family components is reported for the first time. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antecedents for aggression and the function analytic approach to the assessment of aggression and violence in personality disordered patients within secure settings
Authors: Daffern Michael , Howells Kevin
Published: November 2007

The aim of this paper is to explore the validity and clinical utility of a function analytic approach to the assessment of aggression and violence in patients with personality disorder. This paper begins with a review of the factors that are associated with aggression in personality disordered patients, and focuses in particular upon those patients whose aggressive and violent behaviour has been the reason for their admission to a secure facility, and who may continue to engage in aggression. Two approaches that may explain such aggression are discussed and evaluated: (1) the identification of personality traits that may influence aggression and (2) the differentiation of hostile and instrumental aggression. Some limitations with these two approaches are identified, and an argument is made for function analytic assessment methods. An overview of one form of functional assessment, the Assessment and Classification of Function method, which assists in the classification of differential forms of aggression, is provided. Finally, the clinical and treatment implications of the function analytic approach are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of personality and personality disorders on the treatment of depression
Authors: Gabbard Glen O. , Simonsen Erik
Published: November 2007

It is well known that the presence of personality disorder presents special challenges in the treatment of depression. In this clinical paper, we clarify the interrelationship between personality and depression; and suggest important implications for the psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy of patients who are comorbid with both conditions. Included in our considerations are the impact of genetically based temperament; perfectionism as a personality trait; the introjective and analytic subtypes of depression; and the role of early childhood trauma in altering the biology of the patient and affecting the therapeutic alliance. We used two clinical examples to illustrate the interplay between features of personality and the treatment of depression. We suggest that there is considerable reason for optimism if clinicians can re‐conceptualize the challenges presented by these patients. Instead of seeing them as treatment‐refractory, they can be regarded as requiring longer duration and different treatment strategies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of psychological treatments for people with personality disorder: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Duggan Conor , Huband Nick , Smailagic Nadja , Ferriter Michael , Adams Clive
Published: November 2007

When in doubt, randomise.

Archie Cochrane (1972)

The National Forensic Research and Development Programme commissioned a systematic review of the pharmacological and psychological treatments for personality disorder. Building upon the earlier work, it systematically reviewed the literature up to 2002. Mindful that findings from such reviews need to be constantly updated if they are to continue to be of value, we decided to do so every four years using the same methodology, as in the earlier 2006 review, so as to provide an appropriate comparison. This report is the first of these updates but, for completeness, it also includes the findings from the earlier review. Due to limitations of space, it is restricted to only psychological interventions and to the findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This review therefore excludes evidence from other RCTs that were not included for methodological reasons and from other study designs (as described in the 2006 report), but these will be posted in the National Personality Disorder Institute web site (http://www.pdinstitute.org.uk). A similar report on the use of pharmacological interventions for these disorders will follow in the next edition of this journal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological distress and quality of life associated with genetic testing for breast cancer risk
Authors: Smith Ashley Wilder , Dougall Angela Liegey , Posluszny Donna M. , Somers Tamara J. , Rubinstein Wendy S. , Baum Andrew
Published: November 2007

This study investigated short‐ and long‐term psychological outcomes associated with BRCA1/2 genetic testing in women with a personal or family history of breast cancer. Participants included 126 women considering genetic testing. Questionnaires were administered prior to testing, one week, three and six months after result disclosure. Results indicated no systematic effects of testing based on personal cancer history. Mutation carriers and women who elected not to be tested reported greater perceived risk and intrusive and avoidant thoughts at follow‐up time points than did women who received negative (uninformative) or variant results. Mutation carriers reported more distress at the three‐month follow‐up but by six months the effects of test result on distress dissipated and groups were comparable. Cluster analyses identified two groups of individuals based on distress at baseline; these groups were used to predict psychological outcomes after testing. Distress remained constant in both groups: those who were high at baseline remained high and those who were low remained low. Test results did not moderate this effect. Results suggest that genetic testing for BRCA1/2 does not increase distress or have deleterious effects on quality of life over the long term. However, sub‐groups of women may report more distress over time. These data indicate the need for more targeted counseling to individuals who report high levels of distress when considering genetic testing. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Gynaecologic Leiden Questionnaire: psychometric properties of a self‐report questionnaire of sexual function and vaginal changes for gynaecological cancer patients
Authors: Pieterse Q. D. , Ter Kuile M. M. , Maas C. P. , Kenter G. G.
Published: November 2007

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the items concerning sexual functioning of the Gynaecologic Leiden Questionnaire (LQ), which consists of items for post operative morbidity for women with cancer.

Methods: The total study sample consisted of 198 subjects: 66 patients treated for cervical cancer, 66 patients with sexual complaints and 66 subjects from the general population.

Results: By means of factor analysis three subscales were derived: Female Sexual Complaints, Female Sexual Function and Female Orgasm. The reliability of the subscales appeared to be satisfactory. The scores on the three subscales differentiated well between the patients treated for cervical cancer, patients with sexual complaints and the subjects from the general population. Furthermore, the subscales were sensitive to changes within the patients treated for cervical cancer. The convergent and divergent construct validities of the LQ were investigated using other instruments measuring sexual functioning, sexual dissatisfaction, marital distress, general life distress and psychological distress. The LQ subscales were found to represent relatively independent constructs.

Conclusion: The results support the reliability and psychometric validity of the LQ in the assessment of sexual functioning and vaginal changes in gynaecological cancer patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Artificial Neural Networks in ADMET Modeling: Prediction of Blood–Brain Barrier Permeation
Authors: Guerra Angela , Páez Juan A. , Campillo Nuria E.
Published: November 2007

A supervised artificial neural network (ANN) model has been developed for the accurate prediction of the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) partition (in Log BB scale) of chemical compounds. A structural diverse set of 108 compounds of known experimental Log BB value was chosen for this study. The molecules were defined by means of a non‐supervised neural network using our CODES program. This program codifies each molecule into a set of numerical parameters taking into account exclusively the information of its chemical structure from its Simplified Molecular Input Line System (SMILES) code. The model obtained averages 83% of accuracy in the training set and of 73% in the external prediction set. The model is able to predict correctly the behavior of a very heterogeneous series of compounds in terms of the BBB permeation. The results indicate that this approach may represent a useful tool for the prediction of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) properties. CODES© is available free of charge for academic institutions.
The determination of melamine in muscle tissue by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Filigenzi Michael S. , Tor Elizabeth R. , Poppenga Robert H. , Aston Linda A. , Puschner Birgit
Published: November 2007

In early 2007 it was determined that the compound melamine, suspected of having been involved in the deaths of numerous pets, had been fed to hogs intended for human consumption. This report describes a method for the analysis of melamine in porcine muscle tissue using solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). Melamine was extracted in 50% acetonitrile in water. Homogenates were centrifuged and supernatants were acidified and washed with methylene chloride. The aqueous extracts were cleaned up using mixed‐mode C8/strong cation exchange SPE and then concentrated, fortified with a stable isotope‐labeled analog of melamine, and analyzed by HPLC/MS/MS. Gradient HPLC separation was performed using an ether‐linked phenyl column with ammonium acetate/acetic acid and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode of two precursor‐product ion transitions for melamine and one for the internal standard was used. A five point calibration curve ranging from 50 to 2000 ng/mL of melamine in solvent was used to establish instrument response. The method was validated by analysis of seven replicate porcine muscle tissue samples fortified with 10 ng/g of melamine. The mean recovery for the seven replicates was 83% with 6.5% relative standard deviation and the calculated method detection limit was 1.7 ng/g. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional growth of bovine hoof as recorded by carbon stable isotope ratios
Authors: Harrison Sabine M. , Monahan Frank J. , Zazzo Antoine , Bahar Bojlul , Moloney Aidan P. , Scrimgeour Charlie M. , Schmidt Olaf
Published: November 2007

To investigate the usefulness of bovine hooves as incremental tissues, the objective of this research was to gain a better understanding of hoof growth in three dimensions. In a controlled experiment, cattle were switched from a barley‐based diet to a maize‐based diet (C isotopic spacing between diets was 13.6‰) and maintained on this experimental diet for 168 days. To compare growth rates along the hoof wall, three slices were sampled post‐mortem from one bovine claw. In addition, one claw from each of three different animals was sampled at different depths from the surface to determine any possible time lag (‘offset’) in the laying down of keratin tissue layers. From each hoof as many as 41 superficial samples were taken over the first 60 mm, starting at the periople, and up to 12 samples were taken sequentially at increasing depths to a depth of 6 mm at five particular points on the surface. The growth rate of the abaxial wall of the bovine claw increased from the anterior to the posterior region of the bovine hoof. Analysis of the deep samples revealed that the deeper layers were younger than the surface layers. This offset was inversely related to the hoof growth rate, i.e. hooves with a high hoof growth rate showed a smaller offset. Observed offsets ranged between 9.2 ± 1.8 days per mm in depth for a high and 14.0 ± 2.8 days per mm in depth for a low hoof growth rate and were significantly different (t ≥ 3.92, p < 0.0005, n = 19 or 27). The results of this study demonstrate that when sampling hooves or hoof fragments for applications such as diet reconstruction, careful consideration needs to be given to sample location. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective asymmetric XML compression
Authors: Skibiński Przemysław , Grabowski Szymon , Swacha Jakub
Published: November 2007

The innate verbosity of the extensible markup language (XML) remains one of its main weaknesses, especially when large documents are concerned. This problem can be solved with the aid of dedicated XML compression algorithms.

In this work, we describe XML word‐replacing transform (XML‐WRT), a fast and fully reversible XML transform, which, when combined with generally used LZ77‐style compression algorithms, allows to attain high compression ratios, comparable to those achieved by the current state‐of‐the‐art XML compressors. The resulting compression scheme is asymmetric in the sense that its decoder is much faster than the coder. This is a desirable practical property, as in many XML applications data are read much more often than written. The key features of the transform are dictionary‐based encoding of both document structure and content, separation of different content types into multiple streams, and dedicated encoding of specific patterns, including numbers and dates. The test results show that the proposed transform improves the XML compression efficiency of general‐purpose compressors on average by 35% in case of gzip, and 17% in case of LZMA. Compared with the current state‐of‐the‐art SCMPPM algorithm, XML‐WRT with LZMA attains over 2% better compression ratio, while being 55% faster. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evaluation of sewage sludge and compost toxicity toHeterocypris incongruensin relation to inorganic and organic contaminants content
Authors: Oleszczuk Patryk
Published: November 2007

Sewage sludges and the composts were evaluated chemically and ecotoxicologically to determine their suitability as fertilizers for land application. Four municipal sewage sludges with various properties and pollutant contents were composted in aerobic conditions for 76 days. The content of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (14 from US EPA List) was analyzed in the sewage sludges and composts as well as together with their physico–chemical properties (total organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH, available forms of magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, cations content, cation exchange capacity, total of exchangeable bases). To evaluate the toxicity of the materials, bioassays with crustaceanHeterocypris incongruens(Ostracodtoxkit test) were performed. Neither physical–chemical properties nor heavy metal content underwent any significant changes during the composting process. However, composting significantly influenced the range of losses of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The magnitude and the ranges of changes in the toxicityH. incongruenswere found to be dependent on the tested parameter as well as on sewage sludge type and its dose. It was noted that composting could even increase the toxicity of sewage sludges. Sewage sludge toxicity was mainly determined by the presence of heavy metals, although for some sludges the contribution of organic pollutants as well as the synergistic activity of several factors could not be excluded. According to proposed classification (on the basis of Ostracodtoxkit test) only one sewage sludge/compost was suitable for land application. The studies conducted provide interesting information pointing to the necessity to supplement chemical studies with biological assays. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 587–596, 2007.
Effects of amendments of N, P, Fe on phytoextraction of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn in soil of Zhangshi by mustard, cabbage, and sugar beet
Authors: Sun Lina , Niu Zhixin , Sun Tieheng
Published: November 2007

Soil contaminated with Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn in the Zhangshi irrigation area is very hard to be remediated. Phytoextraction is considered as an efficient method to remove these toxic metals from soil. In the present study, three vegetables including sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), mustard (Brassica juncea L.), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata Linn.) were used to bioaccumulate heavy metals in soil through pots experiment for 90 days; and nutrient elements were applied to stimulate the phytoextraction of metals. Results of bioconcentration factors (BCF) and translocation factors (TF) from this study showed that these plants could phytoextract heavy metals, but the accumulation and translocation of metals differed with species of plants, categories of heavy metals, and some environmental conditions (e.g. nutrients). Meanwhile, the addition of nutrient elements, such as N, P, and Fe, could affect the phytoremediation of heavy metals via promoting the normal metabolism of vegetables or changing forms of metals. Results of this study could provide some available information for in‐site bioremediation of soil from Zhangshi irrigation area. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 565–571, 2007.
Accuracy of transvaginal sonography and rectal endoscopic sonography in the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Bazot M. , Malzy P. , Cortez A. , Roseau G. , Amouyal P. , Daraï E.
Published: November 2007

Objectives

To compare the accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) and rectal endoscopic sonography (RES) for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), with respect to surgical and histological findings.

Methods

This was a longitudinal study of 81 consecutive patients referred for surgical management of DIE, who underwent both TVS and RES preoperatively. The diagnostic criteria were identical for TVS and RES, and were based on visualization of hypoechoic areas in specific locations (uterosacral ligaments, vagina, rectovaginal septum and intestine). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy of TVS and RES for the diagnosis of DIE.

Results

Endometriosis was confirmed histologically in 80/81 (98.7%) patients. Endometriomas and DIE were present in 43.2% and 97.5% of the women, respectively. For the diagnosis of DIE overall, TVS and RES, respectively, had a sensitivity of 87.3% and 74.7%, a positive predictive value of 98.6% and 98.3%, and an accuracy of 86.4% and 74%. For the diagnosis of uterosacral endometriosis, they had a sensitivity of 80.8% and 46.6%, a specificity of 75% and 50.0%, a positive predictive value of 96.7% and 89.5% and a negative predictive value of 30% and 9.3%. For the diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis, they had a sensitivity of 92.6% and 88.9%, a specificity of 100% and 92.6%, a positive predictive value of 100% and 96% and a negative predictive value of 87% and 80.6%.

Conclusion

TVS is apparently more accurate than is RES for predicting DIE in specific locations, and should thus be the first‐line imaging technique in this setting. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐trimester ultrasound and biochemical markers of aneuploidy and the prediction of preterm or early preterm delivery
Authors: Spencer K. , Cowans N. J. , Molina F. , Kagan K. O. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: November 2007

Objectives

To examine the clinical utility of the first‐trimester markers of aneuploidy in their ability to predict preterm delivery.

Methods

We examined 54 722 singleton pregnancies with no chromosomal abnormality and with complete outcome data that had undergone screening for trisomy 21 by a combination of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and maternal serum free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) at 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks' gestation. The biochemical markers were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) of the expected normal median for a pregnancy of the same gestation and the measurements of fetal NT were expressed as the difference (delta) from the normal median NT for crown–rump length. The association between free β‐hCG, PAPP‐A and delta NT and the incidence of preterm delivery before 37 weeks or early preterm delivery before 34 weeks was assessed by comparing the relative incidence at a number of MoM or delta NT cut‐offs and at various centile cut‐offs. At various marker levels the likelihood ratios (LR) for preterm delivery and early preterm delivery were also calculated after excluding other adverse pregnancy complications.

Results

The risk of preterm delivery increased with decreasing maternal serum PAPP‐A. In the 3132 cases delivering before 37 weeks the PAPP‐A MoM was 0.91 and in the 1060 cases delivering before 34 weeks the PAPP‐A MoM was 0.90. At the 5th centile of the normal outcome group for PAPP‐A (0.415 MoM) the odds ratios for delivery before 37 weeks and before 34 weeks were 1.92 and 2.35, respectively. The respective values for the 5th centile of free β‐hCG (0.41 MoM) were 1.18 and 1.08 and for the 95th centile of delta NT they were 0.91 and 0.77, respectively.

Conclusions

Low levels of maternal serum PAPP‐A are associated, in the absence of an abnormal karyotype, with an increased risk of preterm or early preterm delivery. The LR profiles provided at various levels of PAPP‐A may be of some help in counseling women with such results and may raise awareness among healthcare professionals for increased surveillance in such cases. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.