bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germination of cut seeds and seedling growth of ash (Fraxinus spp.) in vitro
Authors: Preece John E. , Bates Sharon A. , Sambeek J.W. Van
Published: October 2008

Nonstratified seeds of different genotypes of Fraxinusamericana L. (white ash), Fraxinuspennsylvanica Marsh, (green ash), and Fraxinusangustifolia Vahl. ssp. oxycarpa (narrowleaf ash, of Afghanistan origin) were surface disinfested, cut, and germinated in vitro on agar-solidified MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium containing sucrose and various plant growth regulators. Before placing in vitro, approximately one-third of the seed opposite the radicular end was excised and discarded, or the apical and basal 1 mm tips of the seed were aseptically excised. Within 1 week, viable seeds germinated. Cotyledons emerged, elongated, expanded, and turned green. After 2 weeks hypocotyls and radicles elongated. White and green ash genotypes germinated at different rates; generally >80% of seeds placed in vitro germinated. Genotype and the presence of thidiazuron in the medium had an effect on seedling development (hypocotyl and epicotyl elongation). Immature as well as nonstratified mature seeds germinated and grew. Epicotyls were excised, rooted, and established in the greenhouse.
Effect of timber harvest on soil carbon storage at Blodgett Experimental Forest, California
Authors: Black T.A. , Harden J.W.
Published: October 2008

Four plots from a mixed conifer forest were similarly cleared, burned, and replanted at various times over 17 years; a plot logged 79 years before sampling was used as a control. The plots had similar slope (2 to 15%, midslope position), aspect (south to southeast), and soil type (Holland series: mesic Haploxeralf; a Gray Brown Luvisol in the Canadian classification system). Twenty sites at each plot were sampled volumetrically by horizon to 20 cm below the organic–mineral soil boundary. Samples were analyzed for bulk density, organic C, and total N. There was an initial loss (15%) of organic C from the soil within 1 to 7 years, likely the result of oxidation (burning and decomposition) and erosion. For 17 years of forest regrowth, the soil continued to lose C (another 15%), probably owing to decomposition of slash material and possibly erosion, despite the slight accumulation of new litter and roots. After 80 years of regrowth, rates of carbon accumulation exceeded rates of loss, but carbon storage had declined and was not likely to recover to preharvest levels. Timber harvest and site preparation dramatically altered soil C and N distribution, in which C/N ratios after site preparation were initially high throughout the upper 20 cm. Subsequently, C/N ratios became lower with depth and with recovery age. Although stocks of C and N varied considerably among the plots and did not change consistently as a function of recovery age, the C/N ratios did vary systematically with recovery age. We hypothesize that the amount of C ultimately stored in the soil at steady state depends largely on N reserves and potentials, which appear to vary with erosion, intensity of burning, and site treatment.
Genetic parameter estimates for volume from fuil-sib tests of slash pine (Pinus elliottii)
Authors: Dieters M.J. , White T.L. , Hodge G.R.
Published: October 2008

Data from 171 full-sib tests of slash pine (Pinuselliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) measured at multiple ages between 4 and 15 years, were used to obtain restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimates of variance components. These tests included over 2100 full-sib families, from more than 700 first-generation parents, represented by some 170 000 individuals. Analyses were completed of each test, and using standardized data, of all possible pairs of connected tests (tests with five or more common parents). Heritability, proportion of dominance variance, type B genetic correlations (which examine genotype × environment interactions), and age-age genetic correlations were estimated from the REML variance component estimates. The average heritability of volume was 0.07 at 5 years, which increased to 0.12 at 11 and 14 years of age. These heritability estimates are similar to, though slightly smaller than, previous estimates obtained from open-pollinated tests. There was approximately 1.6 times as much additive variance as dominance variance at 5 years of age, increasing to more than 2 times at 11 or more years of age. Although the relative importance of dominance variance in tree volume apparently declines with age, the existence of dominance variance may warrant some changes to the current breeding strategy. Estimates of type B genetic correlations increased from around 0.6 at 5 years to over 0.8 at 14 years, and so the importance of genotype × environment interaction appears to decline with age. These estimates of type B genetic correlations and also the estimates of age-age genetic correlations are similar to estimates from open-pollinated tests.
Linking the Cellular Functions ofBRCAGenes to Cancer Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Venkitaraman Ashok R.
Published: October 2008

Single-gene disorders that predispose to cancer afford a unique window into the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. I argue that the instability in chromosome structure and number provoked by inactivation of the breast cancer–susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 arises from the distinct functions served by their products in DNA repair or mitosis, explains many features of cancer pathogenesis in this setting, and has important implications for treatment. The chromosomal instability model proposed here suggests a conceptual framework for the connections between chromosomal aberrations and cancer.
The Pathology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Hogg James C. , Timens Wim
Published: October 2008

The pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is based on the innate and adaptive inflammatory immune response to the inhalation of toxic particles and gases. Although tobacco smoking is the primary cause of this inhalation injury, many other environmental and occupational exposures contribute to the pathology of COPD. The immune inflammatory changes associated with COPD are linked to a tissue-repair and -remodeling process that increases mucus production and causes emphysematous destruction of the gas-exchanging surface of the lung. The common form of emphysema observed in smokers begins in the respiratory bronchioles near the thickened and narrowed small bronchioles that become the major site of obstruction in COPD. The mechanism(s) that allow small airways to thicken in such close proximity to lung tissue undergoing emphysematous destruction remains a puzzle that needs to be solved.
The Immunopathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Imboden John B.
Published: October 2008

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory polyarthritis whose etiology remains uncertain. Recently we have learned that autoimmunity to citrullinated protein antigens has specificity for rheumatoid arthritis and defines a clinically and genetically distinct form of the disease. Multiple genes contribute to disease susceptibility, with the HLA locus accounting for 30% to 50% of overall genetic risk. Five risk loci have been identified and validated: HLA-DRB1, PTPN22, STAT4, a region in 6q23, and the TRAF1/C5 locus. Also, there is renewed interest in the contribution of T cells to ongoing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Autoantibodies to citrullinated protein epitopes are specific for rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with a more aggressive disease course, and are pathogenic in an animal model of autoimmune arthritis. There is a strong association between shared-epitope-expressing HLA-DRB1 alleles and the development of rheumatoid arthritis associated with autoimmunity to citrullinated protein antigens.
The Role of CLCA Proteins in Inflammatory Airway Disease
Authors: Patel Anand C. , Brett Tom J. , Holtzman Michael J.
Published: October 2008

Inflammatory airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibit stereotyped traits that are variably expressed in each person. In experimental mouse models of chronic lung disease, these individual disease traits can be genetically segregated and thereby linked to distinct determinants. Functional genomic analysis indicates that at least one of these traits, mucous cell metaplasia, depends on members of the calcium-activated chloride channel (CLCA) gene family. Here we review advances in the biochemistry of the CLCA family and the evidence of a role for CLCA family members in the development of mucous cell metaplasia and possibly airway hyperreactivity in experimental models and in humans. On the basis of this information, we develop the model that CLCA proteins are not integral membrane proteins with ion channel function but instead are secreted signaling molecules that specifically regulate airway target cells in healthy and disease conditions.
Extensions of Minimization Theorems and Fixed Point Theorems on a Quasimetric Space
Authors: Ume Jeong Sheok
Published: October 2008

We introduce the new concepts of "Equation missing"-distance, "Equation missing"-type mapping with respect to some "Equation missing"-distance and "Equation missing"-complete quasimetric space, and prove minimization theorems, fixed point theorems, and variational principles on an "Equation missing"-complete quasimetric space. We also give some examples of quasimetrics, "Equation missing"-distances, and "Equation missing"-type mapping with respect to some "Equation missing"-distance. Our results extend, improve, and unify many known results due to Caristi, Ekeland, Ćirić, Kada-Suzuki-Takahashi, Ume, and others.
CVD Synthesis of Hierarchical 3D MWCNT/Carbon‐Fiber Nanostructures
Authors: Susi Toma , Nasibulin Albert G. , Jiang Hua , Kauppinen Esko I.
Published: October 2008

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by CVD on industrially manufactured highly crystalline vapor‐grown carbon fibers (VGCFs). Two catalyst metals (Ni and Fe) and carbon precursor gases (C2H2 and CO) were studied. The catalysts were deposited on the fibers by sputtering and experiments carried out in two different reactors. Samples were characterized by electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Iron was completely inactive as catalyst with both C2H2 and CO for reasons discussed in the paper. The combination of Ni and C2H2 was very active for secondary CNT synthesis, without any pretreatment of the fibers. The optimal temperature for CNT
synthesis was 750∘C, with total gas flow of 650 cm3min −1 of C2H2, H2, and Ar in 1.0:6.7:30 ratio.
Block Iterative/Adaptive Frequency-Domain Channel Estimation for Cyclic-Prefixed Single-Carrier Broadband Wireless Systems
Authors: Baek Jong-Seob , Seo Jong-Soo
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a new block iterative/adaptive frequency-domain channel estimation scheme, in which a channel frequency response (CFR) is estimated iteratively by the proposed weighted element-wise block adaptive frequency-domain channel estimation (WEB-CE) scheme using the soft information obtained by a soft-input soft-output (SISO) decoder. In the WEB-CE, an equalizer coefficient is calculated by minimizing a weighted conditional squared-norm of the a posteriori error vector with respect to its correction term. Simulation results verify the superiority of the WEB-CE in a time-varying typical urban (TU) channel.
Wideband Flat Radomes Using Inhomogeneous Planar Layers
Authors: Khalaj-Amirhosseini Mohammad
Published: October 2008

Inhomogeneous planar layers (IPLs) are optimally designed as flat radomes in a desired frequency range. First, the electric permittivity function of the IPL is expanded in a truncated Fourier series. Then, the optimum values of the coefficients of the series are obtained through an optimization approach. The performance of the proposed structure is verified using some examples.
Fixed Point Theorems for Middle Point Linear Operators in "Equation missing"
Authors: Chermisi Milena , Martellotti Anna
Published: October 2008

We introduce the notion of middle point linear operators. We prove a fixed point result for middle point linear operators in "Equation missing". We then present some examples and, as an application, we derive a Markov-Kakutani type fixed point result for commuting family of "Equation missing"-nonexpansive and middle point linear operators in "Equation missing".
Fisiología del crecimiento
Authors: Rosenbloom Arlan L.
Published: October 2008

El crecimiento humano es un proceso dinámico y complejo que comienza con la fertilización del óvulo y se completa con la fusión de las epífisis y las metáfisis de los huesos largos, que caracteriza la terminación de la adolescencia. El crecimiento ocurre en fases, con características distintivas en términos de influencias dominantes derivadas de factores y patrones genéticos, ambientales/nutricionales y hormonales. El crecimiento prenatal es la fase más dramática, dado que alcanza una velocidad que nunca más llegará a igualarse. Se halla predominantemente bajo la influencia del tamaño materno y el estado nutricional, con escasa influencia de la genética parental. Aunque los factores de crecimiento de tipo insulínico (FCI) y la insulina son críticos, no ocurre lo mismo con la hormona tiroidea y la hormona del crecimiento (HC). La lactancia es un periodo en el cual el ritmo de crecimiento cambia rápidamente, desde 20 cm/año durante los primeros meses hasta 10 a 12 cm/año al año de edad. Esta fase depende en gran medida de la herencia genética, con un ajuste frecuente a un percentil apropiado; también depende de la hormona tiroidea, secreción y acción normal de la HC (es decir, estimulación de la síntesis de FCI-1 en el hígado y fomento de la diferenciación de los condrocitos y la secreción local de FCI-1). El crecimiento en el segundo año promedia entre 10 a 13 cm/año, y en el tercer año 7,5 a 10 cm/año y, de alli en adelante, se estabiliza en 5 a 6 cm/año, dependiendo continuamente de la secreción y la acción normales de la hormona tiroidea y la HC. La relajación de la supresión del eje de las gonadotropinas hipotalámicas, con un incremento lento de la producción de hormonas sexuales, marca el inicio de la adolescencia, que se asocia a un brote de crecimiento resultante del incremento de la producción de insulina, HC y FCI-1, además de la oleada de hormonas sexuales. Durante los últimos 150 años, las influencias ambientales sobre el crecimiento se reflejan en tendencias seculares. Se han descrito innumerables productos génicos que actúan sobre la placa de crecimiento. Además, la descripción de factores de diferenciación hipofisaria y su control genético, así como la identificación de los genes que controlan múltiples etapas en las acciones hormonales clave, están incrementando el conocimiento de la interacción compleja de la genética, el entorno y el medio hormonal en el proceso del crecimiento.
Los nuevos patrones de crecimiento de la OMS
Authors: Ziegler Ekhard E. , Nelson Steven E.
Published: October 2008

Los nuevos patrones de crecimiento de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) fueron creados con la intención de generar patrones de crecimiento globalmente aplicables que describiesen el crecimiento de los niños, tal como acontece en condiciones nutricionales óptimas y en ausencia de impedimentos externos. En otras palabras, representan el crecimiento infantil tal como debe ser. Los datos para las nuevas gráficas procedían de niños de 6 países, que vivían en circunstancias favorables. Además, se excluyeron los datos de algunos sujetos situados en los extremos del peso para talla. De forma nada inesperada, los nuevos patrones de crecimiento de la OMS diferían de otras gráficas de crecimiento en varios aspectos. Debido a las numerosas diferencias, sólo pueden efectuarse unas pocas aseveraciones generales: (1) Durante los 6 primeros meses de vida, el peso y la longitud de la OMS en todos los percentiles son mayores que el peso y la longitud de cualquier otra gráfica. (2) Durante los segundos 6 meses de vida, y sucesivamente hasta el segundo año de vida, el peso de la OMS (aunque no la longitud) es menor que el peso reflejado en otras gráficas. (3) Entre 2 y 5 años de vida, el peso de la OMS tiende a situarse en el extremo inferior del espectro, especialmente en los percentiles más bajos, mientras que Euro-Growth ocupa el extremo superior para el peso en todos los percentiles. (4) La evaluación funcional muestra que las gráficas de la OMS identifican menos niños de 1 a 2 años de edad con peso inferior al ideal y más niños de 2 a 5 años con sobrepeso, en comparación con otras gráficas.
Crecimiento y enfermedades crónicas
Authors: Patel Leena
Published: October 2008

El deterioro del crecimiento aparece en numerosos procesos crónicos. La fibrosis quística, la enfermedad de Crohn y la artritis juvenil idiopática son enfermedades crónicas relativamente frecuentes en la infancia, vinculadas a un deterioro sustancial del crecimiento. Mientras que el retraso en el crecimiento puede ser la característica patológica de presentación inicial, el patrón de crecimiento constituye también una medida útil de la gravedad de la enfermedad y de la respuesta al tratamiento. Además de su utilidad diagnóstica, la estatura baja resultante puede no sólo ser inaceptable para los pacientes, sino producir también efectos perjudiciales sobre la salud física de pacientes afectados de procesos como la fibrosis quística. El deterioro del crecimiento en niños con enfermedades crónicas se vincula al trastorno del eje de la hormona del crecimiento (HC)–factor de crecimiento de tipo insulínico (FCI) y predominantemente resulta de la desnutrición, inflamación crónica y el tratamiento corticosteroideo prolongado. La desnutrición ocasiona adaptaciones importantes en el sistema endocrino encaminadas a conservar la energía, desviar sustratos apartándolos del crecimiento y la reproducción y proporcionar fuentes de energía alternativas para la homeostasis crítica del organismo. Si bien los procesos inflamatorios crónicos exacerban la desnutrición, las citocinas proinflamatorias, como la interleucina-6, el factor de necrosis tumoral α y la interleucina-1β también afectan adversamente al crecimiento, independientemente de la nutrición, a través de la perturbación de la integridad del eje HC–FCI y por efectos locales directos sobre la condrogénesis de la placa de crecimiento. Estos mecanismos que regulan el crecimiento son perturbados, más adelante, por los corticosteroides utilizados en algunos procesos crónicos, debido a sus propiedades antiinflamatorias e inmunodepresoras. Es probable que los procesos que suprimen el crecimiento retrasen la senescencia de la placa de crecimiento, lo cual, a su vez, permite recuperar el crecimiento en el momento de la normalización de las enfermedades crónicas y la retirada del tratamiento corticosteroideo. Ensayos con HC humana recombinante (HChr) en pacientes con retraso en el crecimiento sugieren una mejoría del crecimiento lineal, así como a efectos beneficiosos sobre la composición corporal y el curso clínico. Estos han sido de duración relativamente corta y es necesario evaluar los beneficios a largo plazo, así como la seguridad de la HChr, sobre todo cuando se administra concomitantemente con corticosteroides.
Growth of Preterm Born Children
Authors: Euser A.M. , de Wit C.C. , Finken M.J.J. , Rijken M. , Wit J.M.
Published: October 2008

Background: In this review, we describe the growth of (very) preterm infants or (very) low-birth-weight infants from birth until adulthood. Methods: A systematic analysis of growth of these infants is thwarted by different definitions (classification by gestational age or birth weight) used in the literature. Results: The early postnatal period of these individuals is almost invariably characterized by substantial growth failure. In the majority of preterm infants this is followed by a period of catch-up growth, which starts in early infancy and usually stops at 2–3 years of age, although in some cases it may continue into adolescence. Catch-up growth is usually incomplete, so that infants born preterm remain shorter and lighter than term-born peers during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Disproportionate catch-up growth in height and weight may lead to an altered body composition in adulthood, especially in females. Conclusion: Though early catch-up growth has shown to be beneficial for neurodevelopmental outcome, it is also associated with adverse metabolic consequences in adulthood. As the first generation of (very) preterm infants is now reaching young adulthood, future follow-up studies on these effects are warranted.
Screening of Parents and Siblings of Patients with Thyroid Dysgenesis by Thyroid Function Tests and Ultrasound
Authors: Karakoc Elif , Turan Serap , Akpinar Ihsan , Isguven Pinar , Adal Erdal , Haklar Goncagül , Dede Fuat , Bereket Abdullah
Published: October 2008

Aims: To investigate the frequency of thyroid dysgenesis (TD) in first-degree relatives of TD cases. Methods: 244 first-degree relatives of 82 TD cases were screened by thyroid ultrasound (USG), T4, fT4 and TSH. USG was also performed in 220 unrelated, age- and sex-matched healthy controls to obtain normative data for thyroid volumes. Results: Specific diagnoses of indexes were 35 ectopia, 22 athyreosis, 14 severe hypoplasia, 8 hypoplasia, and 3 hemiagenesis/asymmetric hypoplasia. In 5 of 77 families (6.5%), there were 2 cases with known symptomatic TD. A total of 10 cases made familial symptomatic TD ratio 12% (10/82) in our cohort. Screening of 244 asymptomatic family members did not reveal new cases with overt hypothyroidism. However, low thyroid volume in 15 and slightly elevated TSH in 6 family members and both in 1 family member were detected (7.4% for low thyroid volume, 3.2% for high TSH). Thus, the ratio of affected (symptomatic and asymptomatic) family members among families of TD cases was found to be 8.7%. Conclusions: 12% of TD cases are familial in our cohort. Screening of asymptomatic family members of TD revealed an additional 7.4% mild hypoplasia and 3.2% hyperthyrotropinemia without overt hypothyroidism which points out the importance of genetic factors in pathogenesis.
Prevalence of Obesity and Elevated Blood Pressure as well as Onset of Puberty in German School Children Attending Different Educational Tracks
Authors: Gelbrich Götz , Blüher Susann , Reich Andrea , Müller Grit , Kiess Wieland
Published: October 2008

Background:Obesity and associated comorbidities are increasingly evident in adolescents. This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between educational level and prevalence of obesity, comorbidities, and onset of puberty in German schoolchildren. Subjects and Methods: 1,488 children from Leipzig attending different types of schools (‘Hauptschule’ or ‘Realschule’, HR, vs. ‘Gymnasium’, GYM) were examined for indices of obesity, pubertal stage and blood pressure. Results: Subjects attending HR had markedly increased body fat compared to age- and gender-matched peers attending GYM. Higher BMIs seen in children attending HR were associated with an earlier onset of puberty. The differences in body fat mass persisted after adjustment for puberty. In addition, children attending HR had higher systolic blood pressure compared to their age- and gender matched peers. This effect vanished when adjusting for BMI. Conclusion:Educational level affects the risk to develop obesity and associated comorbidities already at school age. The strong relationship between the educational track attended and increased BMI as well as elevated blood pressure in schoolchildren implies that comprehensive prevention activities should start already in school age and should be implemented in all educational establishments to target the increasing epidemic of childhood obesity.
Clinical Characteristics of Gastric Cancer with Metastasis to the Lymph Node along the Superior Mesenteric Vein (14v)
Authors: Masuda Taka-aki , Sakaguchi Yoshihisa , Toh Yasushi , Aoki Yoshiro , Harimoto Norifumi , Taomoto Junya , Ikeda Osamu , Ohga Takefumi , Adachi Eisuke , Okamura Takeshi
Published: October 2008

Aim: We investigated the clinical significance of metastasis to the lymph node (LN) along the superior mesenteric vein (14v) in gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective study of 2,513 gastrectomy patients with a 14v dissection was done using the Ganken Igan Database. Results: The incidence of 14v metastasis correlated with tumor location, depth of tumor invasion, regional LN metastases, peritoneal metastasis, peritoneal cytology-positive, hepatic metastasis and postoperative recurrence (p < 0.01). Metastases to the infrapyloric LN (6), suprapyloric LN (5) and left paracardial LN (2) were independent variables affecting 14v metastasis (p < 0.05), and the 6 status was a useful predictive factor for a 14v-negative status with a low false-negative rate (1.9%). The patients with 14v metastasis after curative surgery demonstrated a significantly lower survival rate than those without (5-year overall survival rate; 11.3 vs. 60.2%, p < 0.0001). In them, LN around the abdominal aorta (16)-positive group showed a significantly lower survival rate than the negative group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Advanced gastric cancer with invasion to the lower stomach often metastasizes to 14v, and the 6 status can predict 14v negative. Most patients with 14v metastasis have a poor prognosis, similar to those with systemic metastasis, although some such patients may benefit from a curative dissection.
Modified Ileocecal Interposition – The Final Sphincter-Saving Solution after Failed Salvage Surgery for Anastomotic Complications of Low Anterior Resection
Authors: Rink Andreas D. , Vestweber Boris , Vestweber Karl-Heinz
Published: October 2008

Introduction: Reversal of low Hartmann’s procedures can be a challenging operation. We report on the successful treatment of patients who have already had prior salvage surgery for complications of a low colorectal anastomosis presenting with active fistulas from the rectal remnant. Methods: An ileocolic segment was mobilized with the neurovascular pedicle of the ileocolic artery and turned counterclockwise into the pelvis. The fistulas were cured and a hand-sutured coloanal anastomosis was performed at the level of the dentate line. Almost the entire length of the remnant colon was preserved. Results: There was no morbidity. The functional outcome was good or reasonable and the subjective satisfaction with the outcome was very high. Conclusion: We conclude that an ileocolic segment is an excellent substitute for reversal of low Hartmann’s procedures even in patients in whom prior salvage surgery has failed. As the functional outcome is slightly inferior to other alternatives for rectal replacement, its use should be restricted to patients with complex local situations or in whom alternative reconstructions would result in significant loss of bowel length.
Prenatal and Postnatal Follow-Up of a Fetal Interhemispheric Arachnoid Cyst with Partial Corpus Callosum Agenesis, Asymmetric Ventriculomegaly and Localized Polymicrogyria
Authors: Fuchs F. , Moutard M.L. , Blin G. , Sonigo P. , Mandelbrot L.
Published: October 2008

We report a case of a fetal interhemispheric arachnoid cyst associated with partial callosal agenesis and asymmetric ventriculomegaly. After second trimester ultrasound diagnosis and evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 28 weeks showed polymicrogyria laterally to the cyst. The parents decided to continue the pregnancy. The diagnosis was confirmed after birth by transfontanellar ultrasound examination and MRI. In the neonatal period, the child was sleepy and showed axial hypotonia. At 1 month of age, he had a normal neurological examination. Cyst-peritoneal shunting was performed at 5 weeks of age because the cyst increased markedly in size, and shunt revision was required at 8 months of age. At 17 months, he had mild left-side hemiparesis but he could walk alone and had begun to speak. To date, the child never experienced seizures. We review other published cases and discuss the postnatal outcome of this rare association.
Effects of Raloxifene on Ki-67 and CD34 Antigen Expression in Breast Cancer
Authors: da Silva Benedito Borges , Pires Cleicilene Gomes , dos Santos Alesse Ribeiro , de Castro-Leão Adriel Herbert , Alencar Airlane Pereira , Lopes-Costa Pedro Vitor
Published: October 2008

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of raloxifene on CD34 and Ki-67 antigen expression in breast cancer specimens from postmenopausal women. Methods: Sixteen postmenopausal patients with operable, stage II (≥3 cm), estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, who took 60 mg of raloxifene daily for 28 days, participated in this study. Immunohistochemistry was carried out in tumor samples prior to and following raloxifene treatment to evaluate CD34 and Ki-67 protein expression. Angiogenesis was quantified in 10 randomly selected fields per slide, and Ki-67-stained nuclei were counted in 1,000 cells per slide using an image capture and analysis system with 400× magnification. Student’s t test for paired samples was used for the statistical analysis of data. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. Results: The mean number of microvessels was 44.44 ± 3.54 prior to raloxifene therapy and 22.63 ± 1.61 following therapy (p < 0.001), and the mean percentage of Ki-67-stained nuclei was 19.28 ± 1.61 and 12.13 ± 1.48 prior to and following raloxifene treatment, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Raloxifene significantly reduces CD34 and Ki-67 protein expression in breast carcinoma in postmenopausal women.
Increased Nuchal Translucency Thickness: A Potential Indicator for Ritscher-Schinzel Syndrome
Authors: Rusnak Alison J. , Hadfield Marie I. , Chudley Albert E. , Marles Sandra L. , Reid Gregory J. , Chodirker Bernard N.
Published: October 2008

Objective: The Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome (RSS), also known as the 3C syndrome, is an autosomal recessive disorder classically comprising craniofacial, cerebellar and cardiac defects. The underlying molecular etiology remains unknown; therefore, prenatal diagnosis of recurrences depends on identification of the associated structural anomalies on second trimester ultrasound examination. Identification of recurrences using first-trimester ultrasound has not been reported previously. Methods: Two women who presented at our center with fetal nuchal abnormalities on first trimester ultrasound went on to have children with RSS. One of the women had also undergone a previous pregnancy termination for fetal anomalies consistent with RSS. The ultrasound findings and details of these 3 cases were reviewed. Results: Both cases of RSS and the third suspected case were found to have nuchal abnormalities on first-trimester scan. All went on to develop malformations consistent with RSS detectable on second-trimester ultrasound. The later 2 cases continued to term and the children had facial characteristics consistent with RSS. Conclusion: First-trimester ultrasound assessment of nuchal translucency could be considered as a method for identifying sib recurrences of RSS. In addition, RSS should be on the differential diagnosis when increased nuchal translucency is seen on first-trimester scan.
Osteoporosis: An Age-Related and Gender-Specific Disease – A Mini-Review
Authors: Pietschmann Peter , Rauner Martina , Sipos Wolfgang , Kerschan-Schindl Katharina
Published: October 2008

Osteoporosis, a classical age-related disease and known to be more common in women than in men, has been reported increasingly often in men during the past few years. Although men at all ages after puberty have larger bones than women, resulting in greater bending strength, mortality after a hip fracture, one of the major complications of osteoporosis, is more common in men than in women. Sex hormone deficiency is associated with unrestrained osteoclast activity and bone loss. Even though estrogen deficiency is more pronounced in women, it appears to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in both genders. In contrast to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, the treatment of osteoporosis in men has been scarcely reported. Nevertheless, some drugs commonly used for the treatment of osteoporosis in women also appear to be effective in men. The aim of this study is to review primary osteoporosis in the elderly with particular emphasis on gender-related aspects.
Application of Autologous Cryopreserved Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Periodontal Regeneration in Dogs
Authors: Li Houxuan , Yan Fuhua , Lei Lang , Li Yanfen , Xiao Yin
Published: October 2008

Background: Stem cell-based therapies have shown great promise in regenerative medicine and continue to generate wide interest in future clinical applications. However, the issue of storage and preservation of stem cells, for future clinical applications, still requires extensive investigation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cryopreservation on the regenerative capacity of bone marrow stem cells in periodontal defects in dogs. Materi als and Methods: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were obtained from 5 beagle dogs. After cryopreservation for 1 month, cell viability, surface adherence ability, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation were assessed. Twenty-six periodontal fenestration defects (5 × 5 mm) were created at a location 5 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction in experimental teeth. Cryopreserved BMSCs were transplanted into the defects using a collagen scaffold carrier. Freshly isolated BMSCs and collagen scaffold alone were used as controls. All animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery, and specimens were evaluated by histomorphometry. Results: Cryopreservation had no discernible negative effect on BMSC growth and differentiation in vitro. Both freshly isolated and cryopreserved BMSC transplantations induced significantly better periodontal regeneration with newly formed cementum, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament compared with the application of collagen scaffold alone. Conclusion: Cryopreserved BMSCs showed no altered regenerative capacity compared with freshly isolated BMSCs in the application of periodontal regeneration.
Effect of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Gene Therapy on the Somatotropic Axis in Experimental Prolactinomas
Authors: Cónsole Gloria M. , Hereñú Claudia B. , Camihort Gisela A. , Luna Georgina C. , Ferese Celia , Goya Rodolfo G.
Published: October 2008

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) provides a physiologic feedback effect within the somatotropic axis. Gene therapy was implemented in young female Sprague-Dawley rats which received 2 pituitary stereotaxic injections of a control recombinant adenoviral vector expressing green fluorescent protein (RAd-GFP) or IGF-I (RAd-IGF-I). The animals were sacrificed 7 days after injection. Previously, on day –23, the experimental groups received subcutaneous implants of 17-β estradiol. Morphometric analysis revealed that the somatotrope cells in estrogen-treated rats without stereotaxic injections showed a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the cell size compared with intact controls (59.9 ± 1.1 vs. 42.9 ± 1.2 μm2) and had a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in cell density with respect to intact animals (10.5 ± 0.1 vs. 19.7 ± 1.7). The treatment of pituitary adenomas with RAd-IGF-I induced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in cell size with respect to E2 + RAd-GFP (51.3 ± 0.3 vs. 58.9 ± 0.3 μm2) and no changes in cell density compared with RAd-GFP-injected animals (12.8 ± 1.7 vs. 10.5 ± 0.1). Serum growth hormone was higher (p < 0.01) in estrogen-treated animals versus controls (146.7 ± 6 vs. 73.9 ± 9 ng/ml). In rats carrying estrogen-induced adenomas, RAd-IGF-I injection induced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum growth hormone compared to RAd-GFP-injected animals (107.5 ± 7 vs. 142.4 ± 9 ng/ml). IGF-I gene therapy appears to be an effective approach for the treatment of experimental somatomammotropic pituitary tumors and could be potentially useful as an adjuvant of conventional therapies.
Intravenous Levetiracetam for Epileptic Seizure Emergencies in Older People
Authors: Beyenburg Stefan , Reuber Markus , Maraite Nadja
Published: October 2008

Purpose and Background: Clinical experience with intravenous levetiracetam (LEV IV) is still very limited, especially in elderly subjects. The primary objective of this retrospective observational study was to describe the efficacy and tolerability of LEV IV in older patients presenting with epileptic seizure emergencies. Methods: Medical records of 14 older people treated with LEV IV were analysed retrospectively. All patients suffered from series of complex partial seizures or convulsive or non-convulsive status epilepticus needing emergent intravenous (IV) antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. Nine patients were taking AED therapy when LEV IV was administered. Results: Mean age was 73.9 years (range 61–97). Mean dosage was 1,643 mg/day (range 500–4,000). Seizure control could be achieved in 11/14 patients (78.6%). No significant adverse events were noted besides sedation. Conclusion: LEV IV was effective and well tolerated in these critically ill older patients. LEV IV seems to be a reasonable practical alternative in multimorbid older patients who need IV treatment with an AED.
Relative Contribution of Morphometric and Functional Indicators of Tubulointerstitial Lesion to Glomerular Diseases Prognosis
Authors: Barbosa de Deus Rogerio , de Paulo Castro Teixeira Vicente , Mastroianni Kirsztajn Gianna
Published: October 2008

Background: Early diagnosis of proximal tubular lesions can be achieved by detecting abnormal levels of low molecular weight proteins in urine. Material and Methods: 100 cases of glomerulopathies were retrospectively studied to establish the profile of urinary levels of retinol-binding protein (urRBP) and their correlation with histological markers of tubulointerstitial lesions in renal biopsies. The histological study included staining with picrosirius red. Results: Nonproliferative glomerulopathies, male sex, white race and young adults were predominant. The chance of abnormal urRBP occurring was higher among patients with a predominant proliferative component, baseline serum creatinine >1.2 mg/dl (p = 0.008), creatinine clearance <70 ml/min (p = 0.006), and severe interstitial fibrosis (p = 0.042). In multivariate analysis, only serum creatinine and creatinine clearance were independently associated to urRBP, and only urRBP was a time-independent prognostic factor for survival without renal failure (risk of renal failure: 9×). Conclusion: Our study suggests that urRBP determination is prognostically relevant in the progression of glomerulopathies; on the other hand, the evaluated morphometric markers correlated poorly with the clinical outcome of these patients. Consequently, urRBP determination, as a functional marker of tubulointerstitial damage, was more appropriate for determining the prognosis of glomerular diseases than the morphometric analysis of renal biopsies.
Preeclamptic Sera Directly Induce Slit-Diaphragm Protein Redistribution and Alter Podocyte Barrier-Forming Capacity
Authors: Henao Daniel E. , Árias Luis F. , Mathieson Peter W. , Ni Lan , Welsh Gavin I. , Bueno Julio C. , Agudelo Bernardo , Cadavid Ángela P. , Saleem Moin A.
Published: October 2008

Background/Aims: Podocytes are critical in maintaining the filtration barrier of the glomerulus and are dependent on the slit diaphragm. We hypothesized that disturbances of podocyte biology contribute to proteinuria in women with preeclampsia (PE). Methods: A human podocyte cell line was stimulated with serum from women with PE (patients) and healthy pregnant women (controls); the main changes in 3 important podocyte proteins: podocin, CD2AP and actin were established by immunofluorescence and Western blot; we also searched for changes in cell plasticity by measuring the resistance of cultured podocytes. Results: Different distributions of CD2AP, podocin and actin were observed in the podocytes stimulated with patient sera compared to podocytes stimulated with control sera. We also found that the mean resistance value of podocytes cultured with serum from women with PE was significantly lower than podocytes cultured with serum from controls. There was no difference in the protein expression level of podocin and CD2AP between patients and controls. Conclusions: We present evidence that there are differences in podocytes when stimulated with sera from women with PE compared to those stimulated with healthy pregnancy sera. This is the first time that podocyte alterations have been directly related to PE; these descriptive findings could be considered as an interesting beginning for further studies relating podocytes and PE.
Implantation of Dedifferentiated Fat Cells Ameliorates Habu Snake Venom-Induced Chronic Renal Dysfunction in Tenascin-C-Deficient Mice
Authors: Nur Renaguli , Fukuda Noboru , Matsumoto Taro , Medet Jumabay , Kano Koichiro , Yamamoto Chii , Maruyama Takashi , Endo Morito , Matsumoto Koichi
Published: October 2008

Background/Aims: We established dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells from mature adipocytes that differentiate to multiple lineages and have characteristics similar to those of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of implantation of DFAT cells on habu snake venom (HSV)-induced renal dysfunction in tenascin-C knockout (TC-KO) mice. Methods: Cultured DFAT cells were incubated with PDGF-BB and immunostained with anti-desmin antibody to determine mesenchymal differentiation. HSV was injected, and DFAT cells from GFP mice were implanted in TC-KO mice via the tail vein. Expression of tenascin-C, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and fibronectin mRNAs in the renal cortex were evaluated by RT-PCR analysis. Results: Cultured DFAT cells showed desmin immunostaining in response to PDGF-BB.HSV injection induced glomerulosclerosis, which was significantly improved by implantation of DFAT cells. Serum BUN increased after HSV injection and was significantly decreased by implantation of DFAT cells. Tenascin-C mRNA was detected in the renal cortex in implanted mice. Expression of TGF-β1 and fibronectin mRNAs increased in the renal cortex after HSV injection, and was significantly decreased by implantation of DFAT cells. Conclusion: DFAT cells may provide a source for cell therapy for severe progressive renal disease.
Time Course of Organic Anion Excretion in Rats with Bilateral Ureteral Obstruction: Role of Organic Anion Transporters (Oat1 and Oat3)
Authors: Villar Silvina R. , Brandoni Anabel , Torres Adriana M.
Published: October 2008

Background: Urinary tract obstruction is a common cause of renal failure. In this study, we evaluated the time course of P-aminohippurate (PAH) renal excretion and the cortical expression of organic anion transporters (Oat1 and Oat3) at 1 (BUO-1), 2 (BUO-2) and 7 (BUO-7) days after release of 24-hour bilateral ureteral obstruction (BUO) in the rat. Methods: Conventional clearance technique, differential centrifugation, semiquantitative immunoblotting and immunohistochemical techniques have been employed. Results: These studies showed that Oat1 and Oat3 in basolateral membranes were downregulated both at BUO-1 and BUO-2. Concomitantly, the rats developed a reduction in PAH renal elimination. In contrast, total recovery in PAH renal excretion and in the expression of Oat1 and Oat3 were observed at BUO-7, as compared with the sham group. A direct correlation was observed between the secretory clearance of PAH and Oat1 (r2 = 0.88) and Oat3 (r2 = 0.83) expression in basolateral membranes. Conclusion: These results indicate that the differential expression of organic anion transporters is one of the main molecular mechanisms contributing to the organic anion excretion modifications observed during the time course of obstructive nephropathy. This study provides evidence regarding the importance of adjusting the dose regimens of negatively charged drugs during the different time phases of this pathology.
Immunohistochemical Comparison of Markers for Wound Healing on Plastic-Embedded and Frozen Mucosal Tissue
Authors: Mai Ronald , Gedrange Tomasz , Leonhardt Henry , Sievers Nicole , Lauer Günter
Published: October 2008

Immunohistologic investigations of wound healing in human oral mucosa require specific cell biological markers as well as consecutive small biopsies. Small specimens are ideally embedded in plastic (methylmethacrylate, MMA) resin due to their miniature size. This limits the use of antibodies for these markers. In this immunohistochemical study, the distribution of wound healing markers, e.g. cytokeratin (CK), laminin, collagen IV, vimentin, vinculin and fibronectin, were compared between semithin sections of plastic-embedded tissue and frozen sections of mucosal tissue in order to assess their use for future investigations. The antibodies against laminin, collagen IV and CK 1/2/10/11, 5/6, 13, 14, 17, 19 gave comparable staining patterns on cryostat sections of attached mucosa and on semithin sections of MMA-embedded attached mucosa. In the epithelial cell layers, the following distribution of CK immunostaining was observed: The basal cell layer was positive for CK 5/6, CK 14 and CK 19; the intermediate cell layer for CK 13, CK 17 and CK 1/2/10/11, and the superficial cell layer for CK 13 and CK 1/2/10/11. For most of these antibodies, enzyme digestion with 0.1% trypsin was adequate for demasking the antigens, except for anti-CK 14, anti-CK 17 and anti-laminin; predigestion with 0.4% pepsin in 0.01 N HCl gave similar staining results. The antibodies against vimentin, vinculin, fibronectin and CK 4 showed no affinity or a reciprocal reaction on the semithin sections. Therefore, the antibodies against CK 1/2/10/11; 5/6; 13; 14; 17, and 19, as well as the basement proteins laminin and collagen IV are deemed markers suitable on semithin sections of plastic-embedded attached oral mucosa.
Evolving Concepts of Cardiac Valve Dynamics
Authors: Schoen Frederick J.
Published: October 2008

Considerable progress has been made in recent years toward elucidating a conceptual framework that integrates the dynamic functional structure, mechanical properties, and pathobiological behavior of the cardiac valves. This communication reviews the evolving paradigm of a continuum of heart valve structure, function, and pathobiology and explores its implications. Specifically, we discuss (1) the interactions of valve biology and biomechanics (eg, correlations of function with structure at the cell, tissue, and organ levels and mechanical considerations, development, endothelial cell and interstitial cell biology, extracellular matrix biology, homeostasis, and adaptation to environmental change); (2) mechanisms of disease (eg, valve cell and matrix pathobiology in congenital anomalies, aortic valve calcification, and mitral valve prolapse); (3) considerations in replacement and repair (eg, cell/matrix biology of tissue valve substitutes and their degeneration and durability of repairs); and (4) the potential for tissue engineering approaches to therapeutic regeneration of the cardiac valves. Opportunities for research and clinical translation are highlighted.
A Fingertip Haptic Display for Improving Curvature Discrimination
Authors: Frisoli A. , Solazzi M. , Salsedo F. , Bergamasco M.
Published: October 2008

This paper presents a novel haptic device providing both kinesthetic and cutaneous cues informative of shape geometry at the contact point. The system is composed of a supporting kinesthetic haptic interface and an innovative fingertip haptic display that can instantaneously orient a small plate along the tangent plane at the contact point with a virtual shape and bring it in contact with the fingertip. We show how this local augmentation of displayed haptic information can improve human performance in shape exploration, by assessing perception thresholds in curvature discrimination. When kinesthetic feedback was enriched with cutaneous cues, we found a significantly lower threshold for curvature discrimination (1.51 ± 0.2 m-1 vs. 2.62 ± 0.61 m-1, p < .05) for stimuli constituted of spheres with curvature ranging in the interval from 4–6 m-1. This confirms the importance in haptic perception of the stimulation of cutaneous mechanoreceptors at the fingertip.