bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of physician supplies with breast cancer stage at diagnosis and survival in Ontario, 1988 to 2006
Authors: Gorey Kevin M. , Luginaah Isaac N. , Holowaty Eric J. , Fung Karen Y. , Hamm Caroline
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

The authors examined whether the supply of primary care physicians had protective effects on breast cancer stage and survival in Ontario and whether supply losses during the 1990s were associated with diminished protection.

METHODS:

Random samples of the Ontario Cancer Registry, respectively, provided 879 women and 951 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1988 and 1990 (followed until 1996) and 1998 and 2000 (followed until 2006), respectively. Active physician supply data (1991 and 2001) joined to each woman's census division of residence was taken from the Scott's Medical Database.

RESULTS:

Protective thresholds were observed among the earlier cohort for supplies of general practitioners (7 per 10,000 population) and supplies of obstetricians/gynecologists (6 per 100,000 population) at or above which women with breast cancer were significantly more likely to have been diagnosed with localized disease and to have survived for ≥5 years. These protective effects seemed generally attenuated among the more recent cohort. The risk of living in primary care physician‐undersupplied areas increased significantly between 1991 and 2001 (10%‐30%), and such physician supply losses were associated with reduced cancer care protection, including less prevalent early diagnoses (odds ratio [OR], 1.60; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.00‐2.58) and lower 5‐year survival rates (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.03‐2.55).

CONCLUSIONS:

Primary care physician supplies appeared to matter very much in the effective provision of cancer care in Canada. Community healthcare service endowments that include adequate physician supplies may be particularly critical to the performance of a healthcare system such as that in Canada, which provides universal accessibility to medically necessary care. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Single infusion of zoledronic acid to prevent androgen deprivation therapy‐induced bone loss in men with hormone‐naive prostate carcinoma
Authors: Satoh Takefumi , Kimura Masaki , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Tabata Ken‐ichi , Okusa Hiroshi , Bessho Hideharu , Iwamura Masatsugu , Ishiyama Hiromichi , Hayakawa Kazushige , Baba Shiro
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) decreases bone mineral density (BMD) and increases fracture risk in patients with prostate carcinoma. The authors investigated the effectiveness of a single infusion of zoledronic acid initiated subsequent to ADT on BMD with hormone‐naive prostate carcinoma.

METHODS:

Forty men received either a single infusion of zoledronic acid (4 mg intravenously on Day 1) or no infusion during ADT. BMD of the proximal femur and posteroanterior lumbar spine was measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and urinary N‐telopeptide (u‐NTx) at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS:

At baseline, the overall BMDs demonstrated no significant difference in lumbar spine and hip regions. At 6months, mean (±standard error) BMD of the posteroanterior lumbar spine decreased 4.6% ± 1.0% in control patients and increased 5.1% ± 1.2% in patients receiving zoledronic acid, a significant difference (P = .0002). At 12 months, the change in BMD between the 2 groups was statistically significantly different at the lumbar region (P = .0004), indicating that zoledronate preserved BMD. For u‐NTx, bone turnover was statistically significantly decreased in the zoledronate group compared with controls at 6 months (P < .0001), but returned to pretreatment levels at 12 months in the zoledronate group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bone loss begins at 6 months with ADT. A single infusion of zoledronic acid in patients receiving ADT reduces bone mineral loss and maintains BMD at least at 12 months during ADT. Further study is needed to determine the best dosing schedule to prevent ADT‐induced bone loss in men with hormone‐naive prostate carcinoma. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Glioblastoma in the elderly
Authors: Iwamoto Fabio M. , Cooper Anna R. , Reiner Anne S. , Nayak Lakshmi , Abrey Lauren E.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor, and approximately 50% of cases occur in patients aged ≥65 years. However, to the authors' knowledge, there is no accepted standard treatment for elderly GBM patients, and specific prognostic factors in the elderly GBM population have not been systematically studied to date.

METHODS:

The Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center institutional database was used to identify patients with histologically confirmed GBM who were aged ≥65 years at the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS:

Three hundred ninety‐four GBM patients with a median age of 71.9 years (59% of whom were men) were included. Approximately 18% of patients underwent biopsy, whereas 82% underwent tumor resection; 81% received radiotherapy (RT), and 43% received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median overall survival was 8.6 months; at the time of last follow‒up, 90% of patients had died, and the median follow‐up of the 39 surviving patients was 12 months. In a multivariate analysis, younger age, better Karnofsky performance status (KPS), single tumor, and surgical resection were found to be independent predictors of survival. Comparing 103 patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy with 48 who were only followed after RT, there was a 55% decrease in the risk of death (hazards ratio, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.30‐0.66 [P < .0001]) after adjusting for age, KPS, extent of surgical resection, and number of lesions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Similar to studies in younger GBM patients, advancing age, KPS, and extent of tumor resection were found to be independent prognostic factors in the current study. Although survival is inferior in older GBM patients, age alone should not disqualify patients from aggressive therapy with surgical resection, RT, and chemotherapy. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Immunohistochemical localization of calbindin‐D28k and calretinin in the brainstem of anuran and urodele amphibians
Authors: Morona Ruth , González Agustin
Published: May 2009

Calbindin‐D28k (CB) and calretinin (CR) are calcium binding proteins present in distinct sets of neurons; they act as buffers regulating the concentration of intracellular calcium. CB and CR immunohistochemistry was studied in the brainstem of anuran and urodele amphibians in combination with other markers (choline acetyltransferase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and nitric oxide synthase), which served to clarify the localization and signature of many cell groups. CR labeled the retinorecipient layers of the optic tectum, and CB and CR labeled distinct tectal cell populations. The two proteins were largely complementary in the torus semicircularis and marked auditory and lateral line sensory regions, depending on the species. CB and CR in the mesencephalic and isthmic tegmentum specified the boundaries of basal and medial longitudinal bands. In the cerebellum, CB labeled Purkinje cells in all species, whereas CR was mainly found in fibers and labeled Purkinje cells only in Rana. In the parabrachial region, CB and CR allowed the distinction of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, isthmic nucleus, locus coeruleus, and rostral octavolateral nuclei. The distribution of CB‐ and CR‐immunoreactive cells in the reticular formation and central gray was consistent with the current models of brainstem segmentation in amphibians. CR was found in the auditory fibers and nuclei in Rana and in mechanosensory lateral line fibers in Xenopus and urodeles, whereas CB mainly labeled vestibular fibers and nuclei in all species. These results highlight the anatomical complexity of the amphibian brainstem and help in an understanding of its regional organization that is not cytoarchitectonically evident. J. Comp. Neurol. 515:503–537, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Botulinum toxin: A noninvasive option for the symptomatic treatment of salivary gland stenosis—A case report
Authors: Kruegel Jenny , Winterhoff Jan , Koehler Sabrina , Matthes Philipp , Laskawi Rainer
Published: May 2009

Background.

A man diagnosed with Stensen's duct stenosis exhibited recurrent parotid swelling, invariably during meals. Previous parotid duct dilations and percutaneous radiotherapy were ineffective. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections were injected into the affected gland to regulate salivary flow and reduce parotid swelling.

Methods.

BTX (22.5 units) was injected into the affected gland. A second treatment with 30 units BTX was carried out 7 weeks later. Two further injections followed after 4 months, respectively. The results were scored by the patient and evaluated in an examination.

Results.

The patient reported the disappearance of parotid swelling after 2 weeks of injections. This effect was maintained for 5 weeks after the first treatment and for 4 months after the following 2 treatments. There were no side effects.

Conclusion.

Here we introduce BTX as a therapeutic option for the treatment of salivary duct stenosis when other therapies are ineffective and before opting for gland extirpation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Cavazza Anna , Caballería Llorenç , Floreani Annarosa , Farinati Fabio , Bruguera Miquel , Caroli Diego , Parés Albert
Published: May 2009

The limited information and divergent results on the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) may be due to the low prevalence of the disease and geographical and environmental differences. Therefore, we analyzed the incidence, prevalence, survival, and risk factors for HCC in patients with PBC from two European centers (389 from Barcelona, Spain, and 327 from Padova, Italy) followed up for 9.3 ± 6.5 years. Gender, age, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV), and advanced histological stage (III-IV) were evaluated as risk factors for tumor development. Twenty-four patients (13 from Barcelona and 11 from Padova) developed HCC. The prevalence of HCC was similar in Barcelona (3.34%) and Padova (3.36%). The incidence was 0.35 and 0.37 per 100 patient-years, respectively. Male gender, age >52 years, smoking habit, alcohol >40 g/day, HBsAg, and anti-HCV were not associated with HCC. Advanced histological stage was the only factor associated with the development of HCC (odds ratio [OR]: 5.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.34-14.38,

P

< 0.001). When analyzing the two series separately, male gender was associated with higher likelihood of HCC in Padova (OR: 8.09, 95% CI: 1.93-33.8,

P

< 0.01). The median survival after the diagnosis of HCC was 36 months.

Conclusion:

The prevalence and incidence of HCC is similar in Spain and Italy and the advanced histological stage is the only risk factor associated with the development of HCC in PBC. The slight disparities observed between the two series might be explained by patient features on diagnosis of liver disease. (Hepatology 2009.)
Overexpression of the Far Upstream Element Binding Protein 1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Required for Tumor Growth†
Authors: Rabenhorst Uta , Beinoraviciute-Kellner Rasa , Brezniceanu Marie-Luise , Joos Stefan , Devens Frauke , Lichter Peter , Rieker Ralf J. , Trojan Jörg , Chung Hye-Jung , Levens David L. , Zörnig Martin
Published: May 2009

We identified the far upstream element binding protein 1 (FBP1), an activator of transcription of the proto-oncogene

c
-
myc

, in a functional yeast survival screen for tumor-related antiapoptotic proteins and demonstrated strong overexpression of FBP1 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Knockdown of the protein in HCC cells resulted in increased sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli, reduced cell proliferation, and impaired tumor formation in a mouse xenograft transplantation model. Interestingly, analysis of gene regulation in these cells revealed that

c
-
myc

levels were not influenced by FBP1 in HCC cells. Instead, we identified the cell cycle inhibitor

p21

as a direct target gene repressed by FBP1, and in addition, expression levels of the proapoptotic genes tumor necrosis factor α, tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand, Noxa, and Bik were elevated in the absence of FBP1.

Conclusion:

Our data establish FBP1 as an important oncoprotein overexpressed in HCC that induces tumor propagation through direct or indirect repression of cell cycle inhibitors and proapoptotic target genes. (Hepatology 2009.)
Diphenyl diselenide protects against glycerol‐induced renal damage in rats
Authors: Brandão Ricardo , Acker Carmine I. , Leite Marlon R. , Barbosa Nilda B. V. , Nogueira Cristina W.
Published: May 2009

In this study we evaluated the effect of diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2on glycerol‐induced acute renal failure in rats. Rats were pre‐treated by gavage every day with (PhSe)2(7.14 mg kg−1) for 7 days. On the eighth day, rats received an intramuscular injection of glycerol (8 mL kg−1). Twenty‐four hours afterwards, rats were euthanized and the levels of urea and creatinine were measured in plasma. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathioneS‐transferase (GST),δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ‐ALA‐D) and Na+, K+‐ATPase activities and ascorbic acid levels were evaluated in renal homogenates. Histopathological evaluations were also performed. The results demonstrated that (PhSe)2was able to protect against the increase in urea and creatinine levels and histological alterations in kidney induced by glycerol. (PhSe)2protected against the inhibition inδ‐ALA‐D, CAT and GPx activities and the reduction in ascorbic acid levels induced by glycerol in kidneys of rats. In conclusion, the present results indicate that (PhSe)2was effective in protecting against acute renal failure induced by glycerol. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cartilage tissue engineering on fibrous chitosan scaffolds produced by a replica molding technique
Authors: Ragetly Guillaume R. , Slavik Gregory J. , Cunningham Brian T. , Schaeffer David J. , Griffon Dominique J.
Published: May 2009

The biocompatibility of chitosan and its similarity with glycosaminoglycans make it attractive as a scaffold for cartilage engineering. Fibrous scaffolds may simulate cartilage extracellular matrix structure and promote chondrocyte functions. Our objectives were to produce chitosan fibers of different size and evaluate their potential for chondrogenesis. A novel replica molding technique was developed to produce chitosan nonwoven scaffolds made of fiber measuring 4, 13, or 22 μm in width. A polyglycolic acid mesh (PGA) served as a reference group. Controls were analyzed 48 h after seeding porcine chondrocytes via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DNA, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) quantifications. Constructs were cultured for 21 days prior to confocal microscopy, SEM, histology, and quantitive analysis (weight, water, DNA, GAG and collagen II). Chondrocytes maintained their phenotypic appearance and a viability above 85% on the chitosan scaffolds. Chondrocytes attach preferentially to PGA, resulting in a greater cellularity of these constructs. However, based on the GAG/DNA and Collagen II/DNA ratios, matrix production per chondrocyte was improved in chitosan constructs, especially on smaller fibers. The differences between PGA and chitosan are more likely to result from the chemical composition rather than their structural characteristics. Although chitosan appears to promote matrix formation, further studies should be aimed at improving its cell adhesion properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Fabrication of arbitrary polymer patterns for cell study by two‐photon polymerization process
Authors: Jeon Hojeong , Hidai Hirofumi , Hwang David J. , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: May 2009

Topographically patterned surfaces are known to be powerful tools for influencing cellular functions. Here we demonstrate a method for fabricating high aspect ratio (∼10) patterns of varying height by using two‐photon polymerization process to study contact guidance of cells. Ridge patterns of various heights and widths were fabricated through single laser scanning steps by low numerical aperture optics, hence at much higher processing throughput. Fibroblast cells were seeded on parallel line patterns of different height (∼1.5‐μm, ∼0.8‐μm, and ∼0.5‐μm) and orthogonal mesh patterns (∼8‐μm and ∼4‐μm height, ∼5‐μm and ∼5.5‐μm height, ∼5‐μm and ∼6‐μm height). Cells experienced different strength of contact guidance depending on the ridge height. Our results demonstrate that a height threshold of nearly 1 μm influences cell alignment on both parallel line and orthogonal mesh patterns. This fabrication technique may find wide application in the design of single cell traps for controlling cell behavior in microdevices and investigating signal transduction as influenced by surface topology. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Evaluation of dynamic creep properties of surgical mesh prostheses—Uniaxial fatigue
Authors: Velayudhan Shiny , Martin Darren , Cooper‐White Justin
Published: May 2009

In this study, we examine the dynamic creep behavior of four commonly used commercial hernia meshes (Prolene®, Ultrapro®, Vypro®, and Vypro®II). The meshes, differing from each other with respect to composition and architecture, were tested under uniaxial tension at simulated physiological loads and environmental conditions. The changes in percentage strain elongation, secant modulus, and cyclic energy dissipation over 100,000 cycles were compared. All of the meshes evaluated were found to be overengineered compared to physiological‐loading criteria and displayed good load‐carrying performance. When all meshes were tested at 37°C in physiological saline, they survived 100,000 cycles of sinusoidal loading without fracture, except Ultrapro®. Interestingly, irrespective of the differences in structure and composition, all meshes underwent strain‐hardening and permanent plastic deformation. Scanning electron micrographs of the meshes showed evidence of yarn thinning, decrimping, and fracture. The results of this study suggest that strain‐hardening of the meshes under dynamic loading could be a possible cause for complications related to abdominal mobility during long‐term implantations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Crosslinking heparin to collagen scaffolds for the delivery of human platelet‐derived growth factor
Authors: Sun Bo , Chen Bing , Zhao Yannan , Sun Wenjie , Chen Kaoshan , Zhang Jing , Wei Zhanliang , Xiao Zhifeng , Dai Jianwu
Published: May 2009

Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) plays an important role in tissue regeneration and wound repair. However, the lack of effective delivery and the efficient targeting specificity limits its clinical applications. Here, heparin possessing PDGF binding domain was crosslinked to the collagen‐based demineralized bone matrix (DBM) for the delivery of human PDGF(HC‐PDGF). In in vitro experiments, heparin improves the binding of PDGF to collagen. In vitro activity assay indicates that collagen‐heparin‐PDGF (CH‐PDGF) promotes human fibroblasts to proliferate on collagen gel. In addition, HC‐PDGF stimulates cells to migrate into DBM scaffolds after implantation. The histological analysis shows that HC‐PDGF promotes vascularization of the implants. In summary, heparin‐DBM/PDGF could prevent the diffusion of PDGF, prolong its activity, and promote the cellularization and vascularization of the scaffold. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Apoptotic DNA fragmentation can be revealed in situ: An ultrastructural approach
Authors: Burattini Sabrina , Ferri Paola , Battistelli Michela , D'emilio Alessandra , Biagiotti Laura , Sestili Piero , Rocchi Marco B. L. , Falcieri Elisabetta
Published: May 2009

A common pattern of apoptotic death is DNA cleavage, initially producing large fragments (50 kbp), followed by the production of nucleosomic/oligonucleosomic fragments. Nevertheless, apoptosis without DNA fragmentation, at least of the nucleosomic type, has been reported. To investigate the spatial relationship between DNA cleavage and chromatin condensation, we applied the TUNEL technique to the ultrastructural analysis of apoptotic cells. A modified method, utilizing a gold‐conjugated antidigoxigenin antibody, was carried out on U937 versus Molt‐4 cells, both exposed to UVB radiation or staurosporine treatment. Gold particle density in the different domains of apoptotic cells was evaluated by a four‐way ANOVA test. Gold labelling was more strongly localised in condensed chromatin than in the diffuse chromatin. U937 cells, which evidenced in vitro oligonucleosomic fragmentation after both UVB and staurosporine treatments, revealed a significantly higher gold particle density, when compared with Molt‐4, which did not show, on the other hand, oligonucleosomic cleavage even in the presence of ≤50 kbp cleavage. Thus, a correlation between DNA fragment sizes and gold particle density appears. TUNEL applied to electron microscopy is an effective approach to study the relationship between apoptotic chromatin condensation and DNA cleavage. Both these events indeed appear in the apoptotic nucleus, but their reciprocal correlation is still greatly unknown. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased androgen receptor and remodeling in the prostatic stroma after the inhibition of 5‐alpha reductase and aromatase in gerbil ventral prostate
Authors: Corradi Lara S. , Góes Rejane M. , Vilamaior Patricia S.L. , Taboga Sebastião R.
Published: May 2009

Prostate require high levels of steroidogenic enzymes such as 5α‐reductase (5α‐r) and Aromatase (Aro) for the formation of active steroids. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the prostate dominant androgen, is converted from testosterone (T) by the action of 5α‐r. Aro provides an alternative pathway for estrogen, via T aromatization. Since prostatic maintenance is dependent on both reciprocal stromal–epithelial interaction and regulation by steroids, this study aimed to elucidate what the absence of 5α‐r and Aro enzymes provokes in the prostate microenvironment after their long‐term inhibition. Data obtained 1 day after the 30 consecutive days of enzymatic inhibition with Finasteride (5α‐r inhibitor) and Letrozole (Aro inhibitor) demonstrated a marked stromal remodeling, with an increased deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins besides androgen receptor (AR) overexpression in the three phases of postnatal development analyzed. The subepithelial area of acini from ventral prostate presented collagen and reticular fibers accumulation, besides various altered and active fibroblasts. The AR content immunostaining was elevated after enzymatic inhibition therapy, mainly in the nuclei of epithelial cells. Similar data were observed in the ventral prostates even 21 days after the end of treatments. Results obtained following the long‐term inhibition of 5α‐r and Aro are relevant and highlight the actions of these enzymes as crucial not only for the maintenance of tissue architecture and ECM arrangement but also for androgen and AR function. The long‐term absence of their action imposes a novel situation on the prostate from which its normal physiology could not be restored by the conclusion of the treatments. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relative changes in the abundance of branchial Na+/K+‐ATPase α‐isoform‐like proteins in marine euryhaline milkfish (Chanos chanos) acclimated to environments of different salinities
Authors: Tang Cheng‐Hao , Chiu Yu‐Huei , Tsai Shu‐Chuan , Lee Tsung‐Han
Published: May 2009

Previous studies revealed that upon salinity challenge, milkfish (Chanos chanos), the euryhaline teleost, exhibited adaptive changes in branchial Na+/K+‐ATPase (NKA) activity with different Na+ and K+ affinities. Since alteration of activity and ion‐affinity may be influenced by changes in different isoforms of NKA α‐subunit (i.e., the catalytic subunit), it is, thus, intriguing to compare the patterns of protein abundance of three major NKA α‐isoform‐like proteins (i.e., α1, α2, and α3) in the gills of euryhaline milkfish following salinity challenge. The protein abundance of three NKA α‐isoform‐like proteins in gills of milkfish reared in seawater (SW), fresh water (FW), as well as hypersaline water (HSW, 60‰) were analyzed by immunoblotting. In the acclimation experiments, the SW group revealed significantly higher levels of NKA α1‐ and α3‐like proteins than the FW or HSW group. Time‐course experiments on milkfish that were transferred from SW to HSW revealed the abundance of branchial NKA α1‐like and α3‐like proteins decreased significantly after 96 and 12 hr, respectively, and no significant difference was found in NKA α2‐like protein. Furthermore, when fish were transferred from SW to FW, the amounts of NKA α1‐ and α3‐like proteins was significantly decreased after 96 hr. Taken together, acute and chronic changes in the abundance of branchial NKA α1‐ and α3‐like proteins may fulfill the requirements of altering NKA activity with different Na+ or K+ affinity for euryhaline milkfish acclimated to environments of various salinities. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:521–529, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Profile of estrogen‐responsive genes in an estrogen‐specific mammary gland outgrowth model
Authors: Deroo Bonnie J. , Hewitt Sylvia C. , Collins Jennifer B. , Grissom Sherry F. , Hamilton Katherine J. , Korach Kenneth S.
Published: May 2009

Both ovarian and pituitary hormones are required for the pubertal development of the mouse mammary gland. Estradiol directs ductal elongation and branching, while progesterone leads to tertiary branching and alveolar development. The purpose of this investigation was to identify estrogen‐responsive genes associated with pubertal ductal growth in the mouse mammary gland in the absence of other ovarian hormones and at different stages of development. We hypothesized that the estrogen‐induced genes and their associated functions at early stages of ductal elongation would be distinct from those induced after significant ductal elongation had occurred. Therefore, ovariectomized prepubertal mice were exposed to 17β‐estradiol from two to 28 days, and mammary gland global gene expression analyzed by microarray analysis at various times during this period. We found that: (a) gene expression changes in our estrogen‐only model mimic those changes that occur in normal pubertal development in intact mice, (b) both distinct and overlapping gene profiles were observed at varying extents of ductal elongation, and (c) cell proliferation, the immune response, and metabolism/catabolism were the most common functional categories associated with mammary ductal growth. Particularly striking was the novel observation that genes active during carbohydrate metabolism were rapidly and robustly decreased in response to estradiol. Lastly, we identified mammary estradiol‐responsive genes that are also co‐expressed with estrogen receptor α in human breast cancer. In conclusion, our genomic data support the physiological observation that estradiol is one of the primary hormonal signals driving ductal elongation during pubertal mammary development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 733–750, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Implications of epigenetics and genomic imprinting in assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Laprise Shari L.
Published: May 2009

There have been several reports of an increased risk of genomic imprinting disorders associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, the connection between imprinting defects and ART is tenuous. In this review, this putative association is investigated in detail, with emphasis on particular steps of the ART process, and which of these may be prone to induction of imprinting errors due to synchrony with major imprinting events during gametogenesis, fertilization, and early embryonic development. While contributions from in vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos cannot be ruled out, it appears that superovulation and/or the condition of infertility, itself, may be largely responsible for the increased risk of genomic imprinting disorders observed with ART births. However, two significant shortcomings of all of these studies preclude rigorous exploration of this issue: the lack of large, longitudinal studies on specific cohorts of ART‐conceived children, and questions surrounding the primary generation of expression and epigenetic data from oocytes and embryos. Future directions for study are proposed, along with a preview of what may be in store as the art of ART advances. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 1006–1018, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loss of fine motor function correlates with ataxia and decline of cognition in cerebellar tumor survivors
Authors: Rueckriegel Stefan Mark , Blankenburg Friederike , Henze Günter , Baqué Herrmann , Driever Pablo Hernáiz
Published: May 2009

Background

Motor and cognitive function losses resemble handicaps in pediatric posterior fossa tumor survivors. Several factors determine type and extent of impairment. We quantified loss of fine motor function and its association with ataxia and intelligence in patients with and without adjuvant treatment.

Procedure

Fine motor function, extent of ataxia and cognitive function were assessed in 25 medulloblastoma (MB) and 16 cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) patients at least 1 year after completion of therapy. Kinematic parameters (speed, automation, variability, and pressure) of different movement complexity levels were investigated employing a digitizing graphic tablet. Degree of ataxia was quantified using the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale and cognition was determined using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale.

Results

Kinematic parameters of low and high complexity tasks as well as ataxia of MB patients were strongly impaired. Fine motor impairment was weaker in PA patients, but still evident in the complex task of writing. Ataxia was significantly more pronounced in medulloblastoma patients. Young age and short recovery time correlated significantly with impaired kinematic parameters. Ataxia was strongly associated with inferior fine motor function. Cognition, especially performance IQ, was associated with dysfunctional kinematic parameters.

Conclusion

The digitizing tablet detected extent of fine motor function loss at varying levels of complexity of pediatric cerebellar tumor survivors. This tool promises to be a potentially effective method for measuring fine motor function in clinical trials and may be helpful in studying mechanisms of neurotoxicity in posterior fossa tumor patients as well as success of rehabilitation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:424–431. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymeric Michler's ketone photoinitiator containing coinitiator amine
Authors: Wen Yanna , Jiang Xuesong , Yin Jie
Published: May 2009

Novel polymeric photoinitiator based on Michler's ketone (MK) (PMKPR) was synthesized by introducing coinitiator amine and MK into the same polymeric chain as well as the low‐molecular weight model compounds. UV–vis spectra show that PMKPR has the characteristic UV–vis absorption of MK. The photobleaching behavior of PMKPR and the model compounds were studied, indicating that the photobleaching rate of PMKPR is much faster than that of model compounds. Two types of monomer with different functionality, 2,2‐bis[4‐(acryloxypolyethoxy)phenyl] propane (A‐BPE‐10) and trimethylopropane triacrylate (TMPTA), were chosen to be initiated by these photoinitiators. The result indicates that PMKPR is an efficient photoinitiator for polymerization of A‐BPE‐10 and TMPTA. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Slip effects in tapered dies
Authors: Hatzikiriakos Savvas G. , Mitsoulis Evan
Published: May 2009

Approximate analytical equations are derived for the calculation of pressure drop of power‐law fluids for viscous flow through tapered dies for a wide range of wall‐slip conditions. The predicted pressure drop values are compared with two‐dimensional (2D) finite element calculations to identify contraction angles for which the analytical equations can be used. It is found that the disagreement increases with increase of the contraction angle and with increase of wall slip. At a given flow rate, the pressure drop from the analytical equations is found to decrease continuously with contraction angle, which agrees with the 2D calculations only at small contraction angles. At larger contraction angles, the 2D calculations show that pressure drop increases with contraction angle as opposed to the no‐slip case where pressure drop saturates. The existence of a minimum pressure at a specific taper angle depends on the rheological parameters of the fluid and the degree of slip (slip‐law exponent), and has scientific importance for the die designer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhanced mechanical properties of polyamide 6 fibers coated with a polyurethane thin film
Authors: John Baiju , Furukawa Mutsuhisa
Published: May 2009

Polyamide 6 (PA6) fibers were coated with polycarbonate‐based thermoplastic polyurethanes (CPUs) by dip‐coating method and cured at 100°C for 24 h. There were abrupt increases in tensile strength and elongation at break of the CPU‐coated PA6 fibers. This was due to the increase of crystallinity from the structural changes inside the fiber induced with the CPU coating. An interfacial interaction region of 10 μm was formed at the interface of each PA6 fiber and the CPU‐thin film coating. Interface stiffening occurred when the PA6 fiber was under mechanical stress and the CPU coating delayed the formation of microcracks on the same under loaded stress. All these factors resulted in the increase of strength and elongation of CPU‐coated PA6 fibers. CPUs showed good adhesion to PA6 fibers. Blending has been the key to the performance enhancement of PA6 fibers, but the present method of thin film CPU coating improved their performance without changing the inherent morphological properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel poly(arylene ethynylene) derivatives containing main chain triphenylamine and pendent quinoxaline moieties: synthesis and elementary characterization
Authors: Shi Wei , Wang Lei , Umar Mavluda , Awut Tunsagul , Mi Hongyu , Tan Chong , Nurulla Ismayil
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Various poly(arylene ethynylene)s (PAEs) have been prepared and applied as molecular wires, in sensors, in nonlinear optics and as electroluminescent materials. But, to our knowledge, there has been no attention paid to the investigation of conjugated PAEs containing both triarylamine and quinoxaline groups. The influence imparted by the introduction of triarylamine and quinoxaline on the photophysical and electrochemical properties of PAEs is of interest.

RESULTS: Two kinds of novel PAE derivatives, with electron‐donating triphenylamine groups in the backbone and electron‐accepting pendent quinoxaline moieties and bearing side chains of different lengths, were successfully synthesized with the Sonogashira coupling reaction. These polymers are soluble in common organic solvents and exhibit good film‐forming ability and thermal stability. UV‐visible investigations indicate that the ground states of these materials are unaffected by the polarity of their medium. An efficient intramolecular charge transfer effect is observed from an investigation of their photoluminescence properties in different solvents. Cyclic voltammetry study reveals that these polymers possess relatively high highest occupied molecular orbital levels due to the incorporation of triphenylamine segments into the polymer backbones.

CONCLUSION: Primary characterization of these novel PAE derivatives shows that they might serve as potential active materials in optoelectronic devices. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
On‐plant survival and inheritance of resistance to Cry1Ab toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis in a field‐derived strain of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis
Authors: Crespo André LB , Spencer Terence A , Alves Analiza P , Hellmich Richard L , Blankenship Erin E , Magalhães Leonardo C , Siegfried Blair D
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: The high dose plus refuge is one of the major components of the resistance management plan mandated for transgenic corn expressing Cry toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) that targets the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). This strategy was based on assumptions such as functional recessive inheritance, which has not been previously tested for O. nubilalis. The authors used a field‐derived resistant strain of O. nubilalis to define the nature of resistance to Cry1Ab toxin by examining the inheritance and on‐plant survival of susceptible and resistant insects and their F1 progeny.

RESULTS: The resistant strain exhibited > 800‐fold resistance to Cry1Ab. Resistance was primarily autosomal and controlled by more than one locus or multiple alleles at one locus. The degree of dominance D calculated on the basis of LC50 values was − 0.45(h′ = 0.27), indicating that resistance was incompletely recessive. No survivors were found on vegetative‐stage Bt corn, although both resistant larvae and their F1 progeny were able to survive on reproductive corn 15 days after infestation.

CONCLUSIONS: A field derived O. nubilalis strain exhibited high levels of resistance to Cry1Ab and survived on transgenic corn by feeding on tissues with low Cry1Ab expression. The Cry1Ab resistance was primarily autosomal, incompletely recessive and polygenic. Tissue and on‐plant survival data indicated that dominance varies depending on plant stage. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Dopaminergic response to graded dopamine concentration elicited by four amphetamine doses
Authors: Ren Jiaqian , Xu Haibo , Choi Ji‐Kyung , Jenkins Bruce G. , Chen Y. Iris
Published: May 2009

We studied the metabolic responses to different DA concentrations elicited by four doses of D‐amphetamine (AMPH, 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg). We compared the degree of DA release (via microdialysis) with striatal cAMP activity and whole brain maps of cerebral blood volume (rCBV) changes (via pharmacological MRI, phMRI). Results: AMPH increased DA release in the caudate/putamen (CPu) and cAMP activity in the CPu, nucleus accumbens (NAc), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in a linear dose‐dependent manner (P< 0.0001). The cAMP data suggest that, postsynaptically, signal transduction induced by D1 receptor is stronger than that of D2 receptor at the higher doses (1–3 mg/kg). phMRI showed that, while higher doses of AMPH (3 mg/kg (n= 7) and 1 mg/kg (n= 6)) induced significant rCBV increases in the CPu and NAc, the degree of rCBV increase was much smaller with AMPH of 0.5 mg/kg (n= 6). In contrast, AMPH of 0.25 mg/kg (n= 8) induced significant rCBV decreases in the anteromedial CPu and NAc. The sign switch of rCBV in response to AMPH from low to high doses likely reflects the switching in the balance of D2/D3 stimulation vs. D1/D5 stimulation. In conclusion, degree of postsynaptic signal transduction is linearly correlated to the extracellular DA concentration. However, the presynaptic binding may dominate the overall DA innervation at the lower range of DA concentration. Synapse 63:764–772, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical and Enzymatic Interesterification of a Blend of Palm Stearin: Soybean Oil for Low trans‐Margarine Formulation
Authors: Costales‐Rodríguez Raquel , Gibon Véronique , Verhé Roland , De Greyt Wim
Published: May 2009

A blend of palm stearin and soybean oil (70/30, wt%) was modified by chemical interesterification (CIE) and enzymatic interesterification (EIE), the latter batch‐wise (B‐EIE) and in continuous (C‐EIE). Better oil quality, mainly in terms of acidity, free tocopherol and partial acylglycerol content, was obtained after EIE. The clear melting point after any interesterification process was similar and about 9 °C lower as result of the modification in the TAG profile, which approaches the calculated random distribution. Interesterification changed the SFC profile significantly. For the fully refined interesterified blends, the SFC profile was similar and clearly different from the starting blend. Interesterification decreased the content of solids at temperatures >15 °C and increased the content of solids at temperatures <15 °C. This increase was less remarkable after C‐EIE, suggesting that full randomization was not achieved in the used conditions, probably caused by a too short residence time of the oil in the enzymatic bed. During B‐EIE, variations in SFC with time, principally at low temperatures, were still observed although the TAG composition was stable. At low temperatures, the reaction rate calculated from SFC was very low, confirming an important effect of the acyl migration on this parameter.
The European Social Model: In Urgent Need of Redefinition
Authors: Lauk Kurt Joachim
Published: May 2009

Europe has good reason to be proud of its achievements in the area of social policy, and indeed, Europeans are happy to hold up their social model as a reference point. In reality, though, there is no such thing as the European social model. The various national systems for social security are the products of historical change, and resemblances among them tend to be patchy. There is of course a common denominator: virtually all citizens of the European Union benefit from a safety net that protects them against undue hardship in the event of illness, age or unemployment, and shields them from abusive employment practice with collective wage agreements, social security law and labour law. This is what is generally understood to constitute the European social model (ESM). These accomplishments deserve to be protected. However, that does not mean that we can dispense with the need for change. The ESM was developed in recent decades by each country following its own approach to providing its citizens with social security, which took different forms. Until now, economic growth, while uneven, has been sustained sufficiently to finance the rising costs. When growth alone has proved inadequate, countries have run up debts to pay for social security, ultimately as an expression of their confidence in economic growth and the associated increase in purchasing power of future generations. Can this system, cobbled together over decades, continue to work in the future?
Brief report: Associations between emotional competence and adolescent risky behavior
Authors: Hessler Danielle M. , Katz Lynn Fainsilber
Published: May 2009

The current study examines associations between emotional competence (i.e., awareness, regulation, comfort with expression) and adolescent risky behavior. Children from a longitudinal study participated at age 9 and 16 (N = 88). Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with children about their emotional experiences and coded for areas of emotional competence. Associations were examined for the emotions of sadness and anger concurrently during adolescence, and longitudinally from middle childhood to adolescence. Results suggested that children with poor emotional awareness and regulation had a higher likelihood of using hard drugs. Difficulty regulating emotions was associated with having more sexual partners, and both emotion regulation and expression difficulties were associated with greater behavioral adjustment problems. Results were consistent across the concurrent and longitudinal findings and pointed to anger as an important emotion. Findings suggest that children's emotional competence may serve as a useful point of intervention to decrease risky behavior in adolescence.
Use of in vivo phage display to engineer novel adenoviruses for targeted delivery to the cardiac vasculature
Authors: Nicol Campbell G. , Denby Laura , Lopez-Franco Oscar , Masson Rachel , Halliday Crawford A. , Nicklin Stuart A. , Kritz Angelika , Work Lorraine M. , Baker Andrew H.
Published: May 2009

We performed in vivo phage display in the stroke prone spontaneously hypertensive rat, a cardiovascular disease model, and the normotensive Wistar Kyoto rat to identify cardiac targeting peptides, and then assessed each in the context of viral gene delivery. We identified both common and strain‐selective peptides, potentially indicating ubiquitous markers and those found selectively in dysfunctional microvasculature of the heart. We show the utility of the peptide, DDTRHWG, for targeted gene delivery in human cells and rats in vivo when cloned into the fiber protein of subgroup D adenovirus 19p. This study therefore identifies cardiac targeting peptides by in vivo phage display and the potential of a candidate peptide for vector targeting strategies.
The links between prenatal stress and offspring development and psychopathology: disentangling environmental and inherited influences
Authors: Rice F. , Harold G. T. , Boivin J. , van den Bree M. , Hay D. F. , Thapar A.
Published: May 2009

Background

Exposure to prenatal stress is associated with later adverse health and adjustment outcomes. This is generally presumed to arise through early environmentally mediated programming effects on the foetus. However, associations could arise through factors that influence mothers' characteristics and behaviour during pregnancy which are inherited by offspring.

Method

A ‘prenatal cross-fostering’ design where pregnant mothers are related or unrelated to their child as a result of in vitro fertilization (IVF) was used to disentangle maternally inherited and environmental influences. If links between prenatal stress and offspring outcome are environmental, association should be observed in unrelated as well as related mother–child pairs. Offspring birth weight and gestational age as well as mental health were the outcomes assessed.

Results

Associations between prenatal stress and offspring birth weight, gestational age and antisocial behaviour were seen in both related and unrelated mother–offspring pairs, consistent with there being environmental links. The association between prenatal stress and offspring anxiety in related and unrelated groups appeared to be due to current maternal anxiety/depression rather than prenatal stress. In contrast, the link between prenatal stress and offspring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was only present in related mother–offspring pairs and therefore was attributable to inherited factors.

Conclusions

Genetically informative designs can be helpful in testing whether inherited factors contribute to the association between environmental risk factors and health outcomes. These results suggest that associations between prenatal stress and offspring outcomes could arise from inherited factors and post-natal environmental factors in addition to causal prenatal risk effects.