bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic characterization of bulgarian rotavirus isolates and detection of rotavirus variants: challenges for the rotavirus vaccine program?
Authors: Mladenova Zornitsa , Iturriza‐Gomara Miren , Esona Mathew D. , Gray James , Korsun Neli
Published: December 2010

Annually 20–70% of all hospital admissions and 20% of fatal diarrhea cases among children less than 5 years of age occur due to severe rotavirus diarrhea. Universal immunization is the major strategy aimed at controlling rotavirus infection. The main objective of the present study was to elucidate the evolutionary relationships of the most common rotavirus strains co‐circulating in Bulgaria. The sequence and phylogenetic analysis revealed strain diversity and circulation of different rotavirus variants belonging to a single genotype. A mutated G4P[8] strain with the insertion of an asparagine residue in position 76; G2, G9, and G1 variants with amino acid substitutions in the antigenic regions A, B, and/or C were all identified in this study in the absence of an immunization program. Rotavirus strain surveillance in both the pre‐ and post‐vaccine eras is of increasing importance in order to assess the effectiveness of the rotavirus vaccines for protection against disease associated with a diverse population of rotavirus strains. J. Med. Virol. 83:348–356, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus isolates from Zimbabwean blood donors
Authors: Gulube Zandiswa , Chirara Michael , Kew Michael , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mizokami Masashi , Kramvis Anna
Published: December 2010

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is endemic in Africa, being hyperendemic in sub‐Saharan Africa. Genotypes A, D, and E circulate in Africa, showing a distinct geographical distribution. The aim of the present study was to determine the HBV genotype distribution in blood donors from different geographical locations in Zimbabwe. Using a restriction fragment polymorphism assay, sequencing of the basic core promoter/precore region and of the complete S open reading frame showed that 29 HBV isolates from geographically distinct regions belong to subgenotype A1. The complete genome of two of these Zimbabwean HBV isolates was sequenced. Forty‐four percent of the Zimbabwean HBV isolates (11/23) were characterized by a G1862C missense mutation, which causes a Val to Leu amino acid substitution at position 17 of the precore region. The majority of Zimbabwean HBV isolates clustered with a number of South African HBV isolates, with which they shared characteristic amino acids in the preS1, preS2, and polymerase spacer regions. The wide distribution of subgenotype in Africa, as well as the high intragroup divergence and the geographical clustering of the African and Asian subgenotype A1 HBV isolates indicate that this subgenotype has a long period of endemicity in these regions. J. Med. Virol. 83:235–244, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of human respiratory syncytial virus subgroups A and B identified in adults with hematological malignancy attending an Irish hospital between 2004 and 2009
Authors: Salter Aisling , Laoi Bairbre Ni , Crowley Brendan
Published: December 2010

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is an important cause of respiratory infection in patients with hematological malignancy, particularly hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. This study investigated the genetic variability of the attachment (G) protein gene among HRSV isolates collected from adult patients with hematological malignancy. Between December 2004 and March 2009, 60 samples collected from 58 adults attending an Irish hospital were positive for HRSV by direct immunofluorescence. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the G gene showed a slightly higher frequency of HRSV subgroup A (52%) than HRSV subgroup B (48%). Genetic variability was higher among subgroup A viruses (up to 13% at nucleotide level) than among subgroup B viruses (up to 4%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed two genotypes of HRSV subgroup A, GA2 and GA5, which cocirculated between 2004/2005 and 2007/2008, although GA2 alone was identified in season 2008/2009. Genotype BA was the only genotype of HRSV subgroup B identified. Genotype‐specific amino acid substitutions were identified, with two and seven changes for GA2 and GA5, respectively. Furthermore, one to four potential N‐glycosylation sites were found among HRSV subgroup A isolates while two to three were identified in HRSV B isolates. Predicted O‐glycosylation sites included 25–34 and 40–43 in HRSV subgroups A and B, respectively. The average synonymous mutation‐to‐non‐synonymous mutation ratios (dS/dN) implied neutral selection pressure on both HRSV subgroup isolates. This study provides data for the first time on the molecular epidemiology of HRSV isolates over five successive epidemic seasons among patients attending an Irish hospital. J. Med. Virol. 83:337–347, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis A viral load in relation to severity of the infection
Authors: Fujiwara Keiichi , Kojima Hiroshige , Yasui Shin , Okitsu Koichiro , Yonemitsu Yutaka , Omata Masao , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: December 2010

A correlation between hepatitis A virus (HAV) genomes and the clinical severity of hepatitis A has not been established. The viral load in sera of hepatitis A patients was examined to determine the possible association between hepatitis A severity and HAV replication. One hundred sixty‐four serum samples from 91 Japanese patients with sporadic hepatitis A, comprising 11 patients with fulminant hepatitis, 10 with severe acute hepatitis, and 70 with self‐limited acute hepatitis, were tested for HAV RNA. The sera included 83 serial samples from 20 patients. Viral load was measured by real‐time RT‐PCR. The detection rates of HAV RNA from fulminant, severe acute, and acute hepatitis were 10/11 (91%), 10/10 (100%), and 55/70 (79%), respectively. Mean values of HAV RNA at admission were 3.48 ± 1.30 logcopies/ml in fulminant, 4.19 ± 1.03 in severe acute, and 2.65 ± 1.64 in acute hepatitis. Patients with severe infection such as fulminant hepatitis and severe acute hepatitis had higher initial viral load than patients with less severe infection (P < 0.001). Viremia persisted for 14.2 ± 5.8 days in patients with severe infection and 21.4 ± 10.6 days in those with acute hepatitis after clinical onset (P = 0.19). HAV RNA was detectable quantitatively in the majority of the sera of hepatitis A cases during the early convalescent phase by real‐time PCR. Higher initial viral replication was found in severely infected patients. An excessive host immune response might follow, reducing the viral load rapidly as a result of the destruction of large numbers of HAV‐infected hepatocytes, and in turn severe disease might be induced. J. Med. Virol. 83:201–207, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Another novel subgenotype of hepatitis B virus genotype C from papuans of Highland origin
Authors: Juniastuti  , Utsumi Takako , Nugrahaputra Victor Eka , Amin Mochamad , Soetjipto  , Hayashi Yoshitake , Hotta Hak , Lusida Maria Inge
Published: December 2010

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and subtypes have been identified worldwide. As HBV genotypes/subtypes, the HBV subgenotypes seem to be associated with their geographical distribution and ethnic origin. A previous study showed the novel HBV subgenotype C6 based on the complete genome sequences of isolates in Papua, Indonesia. In the present study, further characterization of HBV in Jayapura (capital of Papua Province), particularly from native people of Papua originating from the highland (highland Papuans) and those from the lowland (lowland Papuans) were examined. Of 32 HBV isolates from both highland and lowland Papuan blood donors with HBsAg positive, part of the S gene and the core gene sequences were analyzed. Analyses of some isolates from highland Papuans were confirmed by the complete genome sequences. Most HBV isolates were classified into genotype C (78.1%), followed by genotype B (18.8%), and genotype D (3.1%). The subtype adr was predominant (71.9%), followed by adw2 (25.1%), and ayw2 (3.1%). As with previous findings, phylogenetic analyses revealed that most HBV isolates from Papuans, C/adr, belonged to subgenotype C6. Interestingly, some C/adr isolates from highland Papuans formed a distinct cluster from all reported subgenotypes of HBV/C, and they differed from HBV/C1‐C10 by 4.2–7.2% over the complete genome. SimPlot analysis showed no evidence of recombination with HBV/C1–C10. The isolated life and closed social systems of highland Papuans, even though some have been moving to Jayapura, likely contribute to the formation of this unique cluster of infection with a novel subgenotype of HBV, named C11. J. Med. Virol. 83:225–234, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Greece
Authors: Asimina Fylaktou , Dimitrios Papaventsis , Maria Daoudaki , Mathaios Moskophidis , Reiberger Thomas , Nicolaos Malisiovas
Published: December 2010

Virological data on chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Greece are limited. HBV genotypes, surface antigen (HBsAg) subtypes, and HBsAg “a” determinant mutations among patients infected chronically with HBV, were investigated. Serum samples from 135 HBsAg positive patients were tested. Serologic (HBsAg, anti‐HBs, HBeAg, and anti‐HBe), virologic (HBV‐DNA quantitation) and biochemical markers (serum alanine aminotransferase/ALT and aspartate aminotransferase/AST) were analyzed. HBV genotypes and HBsAg subtypes were determined by partial sequencing of the S gene. Genotyping was performed by using the National Center for Biotechnology Information online Genotyping tool and phylogenetic analysis. Nucleotide sequences were aligned pair wise with ClustalW and phylogenetic trees were constructed by the neighbor‐joining method. Sequences were also used to predict HBV HBsAg subtypes. In six patients (4%), simultaneous presence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs was determined, whereas 47 patients (35%) were HBeAg positive, 84 (62.5%) were anti‐HBe positive, and four patients (3%) were characterized by the simultaneous presence of HBeAg and anti‐HBe. Mean ALT was 238 IU/L (standard deviation = 576.84), and HBV‐DNA levels ranged from 1.02 × 105 to 2.2 × 107 IU/ml. Genotype D was predominant (98%), with viral groups D/ayw2 (73%) and D/ayw3 (27%). Group A/adw accounted for 1% of cases. Genotypes B and C were found exclusively in the Chinese immigrants (1%). Single or multiple point mutations were found in 35 cases (26%). Some of the most common mutations occurred at amino acid positions 129, 133, 134, 144, 145, including the “vaccine escape” mutation G145R. Mutations analysis revealed that amino acid substitutions did not affect detection by commercial immunoassays. J. Med. Virol. 83:245–252, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neutralization of different echovirus serotypes by individual lots of intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Planitzer Christina B. , Farcet Maria R. , Schiff Richard I. , Ochs Hans D. , Kreil Thomas R.
Published: December 2010

Replacement therapy using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations in people with antibody deficiencies is effective in preventing the majority of common bacterial and viral infections, yet echovirus break‐through infections have occurred. Currently, only limited information on neutralization capacity variability of individual IVIG lots against the different echovirus serotypes is available. Infectivity assays were established for the most prevalent echovirus serotypes (E 9, E 11, E 13, and E 30) circulating in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). The echovirus serotype‐specific neutralization titers of 41 IVIG lots manufactured from either whole blood (Recovered) or collected by apheresis (Source) and from either the US or EU, were determined. Significantly higher (P < 0.0001) neutralization titers against E 11 and E 30 were found in IVIG lots manufactured from US Source plasma compared to US Recovered plasma. Geographically, IVIG lots made from US plasma contained significantly (P < 0.0001) higher neutralization titers against E 9 and E 11 than lots manufactured from EU plasma, whereas lots made from EU plasma showed significantly higher neutralization of E 30. To conclude, IVIG lots differ in their neutralizing antibody content against different echovirus serotypes, depending on plasma collection practices and geographic origin. Based on these results, an informed choice in selecting IVIG lots with the highest available neutralization titer against the specific echovirus serotype would seem to be beneficial during treatment of break‐through infections. J. Med. Virol. 83:305–310, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Root exudation of sugars, amino acids, and organic acids by maize as affected by nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and iron deficiency
Authors: Carvalhais Lilia C. , Dennis Paul G. , Fedoseyenko Dmitri , Hajirezaei Mohammad‐Reza , Borriss Rainer , von Wirén Nicolaus
Published: December 2010

Root exudates play a major role in the mobilization of sparingly soluble nutrients in the rhizosphere. Since the amount and composition of major metabolites in root exudates from one plant species have not yet been systematically compared under different nutrient deficiencies, relations between exudation patterns and the type of nutrient being deficient remain poorly understood. Comparing root exudates from axenically grown maize plants exposed to N, K, P, or Fe deficiency showed a higher release of glutamate, glucose, ribitol, and citrate from Fe‐deficient plants, while P deficiency stimulated the release of γ‐aminobutyric acid and carbohydrates. Potassium‐starved plants released less sugars, in particular glycerol, ribitol, fructose, and maltose, while under N deficiency lower amounts of amino acids were found in root exudates. Principal‐component analysis revealed a clear separation in the variation of the root‐exudate composition between Fe or P deficiency versus N or K deficiency in the first principal component, which explained 46% of the variation in the data. In addition, a negative correlation was found between the amounts of sugars, organic and amino acids released under deficiency of a certain nutrient and the diffusion coefficient of the respective nutrient in soils. We thus hypothesize that the release of dominant root exudates such as sugars, amino acids, and organic acids by roots may reflect an ancient strategy to cope with limiting nutrient supply.
High sacrectomy for locally recurrent rectal cancer: Can long‐term survival be achieved?
Authors: Dozois E.J. , Privitera A. , Holubar S.D. , Aldrete J.F. , Sim F.H. , Rose P.S. , Walsh M.F. , Bower T.C. , Leibovich B.C. , Nelson H. , Larson D.W.
Published: December 2010

Background

Locally recurrent rectal cancer involving the upper sacrum is generally considered a contra‐indication to curative surgery. The aim of this study was to determine if a survival benefit was seen in patients undergoing high sacrectomy.

Methods

All patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer involving the sacrum above the 3rd sacral body between 1999 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results

Nine patients were identified with a median age of 63 years. The proximal extent of sacral resection was through S2 (n = 6), S1 (n = 2), and L5‐S1 (n = 1). All patients had R0 negative‐margin resection. Median operative time was 13.7 hr, and median operative blood transfusion was 3.7 L. Thirty‐day mortality was nil. Postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention occurred in three patients. Local re‐recurrence in the pelvis occurred in one patient. The overall median survival was 31 months (range, 2–39 months). Three patients still alive are free of disease after 40, 76, and 101 months, respectively. Ultimately, all deaths were due to metastatic disease.

Conclusions

High sacrectomy that achieves clear margins in patients with recurrent rectal cancer is safe and feasible. A majority will die of metastatic disease, but long‐term survival may be possible in some patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:105–109. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Marjolin's warty ulcer
Authors: Sharma Amit , Schwartz Robert A , Swan Kenneth G.
Published: December 2010

Marjolin's ulcer refers to malignant change within burn scar. The French surgeon Jean‐Nicolas Marjolin is honored with the eponym. Marjolin described the “warty ulcer” in the first edition of Dictionnaire de Medécine. In his description, Marjolin did not actually state that this ulcer represented malignant transformation. Credit for noting the specific association involved in Marjolin's ulcer belongs to Caesar Hawkins, an English Surgeon, who described skin cancer arising in burn and flogging scars. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:193–195. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accumulation of p53 determined by immunohistochemistry as a prognostic marker in node negative breast cancer; analysis according to st gallen consensus and intrinsic subtypes
Authors: Jung So‐Youn , Jeong Junsoo , Shin Seung Ho , Kwon Youngmee , Kim Eun‐A. , Ko Kyoung Lan , Shin Kyung Hwan , Ro Jungsil , Lee Keun Seok , Park In Hae , Lee Seeyoun , Kim Seok Won , Kang Han‐Sung
Published: December 2010

Background

This study evaluated the prognostic impact of p53 accumulation by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in lymph node‐negative breast cancer (LNN‐BC), and in subgroups of St Gallen consensus and intrinsic subtypes.

Methods

A total 845 with a pathologic diagnosis of LNN‐BC patients that underwent surgery at the National Cancer Center, Korea between 2001 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The median age was 48 years (range: 25–85) and median follow‐up period was 66.0 months (range: 9–101). Univariate analysis determined that tumor size, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), p53, and Ki‐67 were significant for disease free survival (DFS). Of these factors, PgR negativity (HR 3.57; 95% CI 1.26–10.09; P = 0.01) and p53 positivity (HR 3.17; 95% CI 1.51–6.65; P = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. In the subanalysis for 4 intrinsic subtypes (luminal A, luminal B, HER2‐overexpression, and triple‐negative subtypes) and risk groups by St Gallen consensus, there were significant differences of DFS rates by p53 (5‐year DFS rate, luminal A; 97.2% for p53 (−) vs 93.8% for p53 (+); P = 0.03, triple‐negative subgroups; 94.1% vs 78.7%; P = 0.002, intermediate‐risk group; 96.5% vs 90.7%; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

P53 has prognostic power in LNN‐BC, and gives the additional prognostic information for intrinsic subtypes and St Gallen consensus. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:207–211. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetic and mechanistic studies on the Pd–Cl cleavage of dichloro‐ [1‐alkyl‐2‐(naphthylazo)imidazole]palladium(II) complexes by 2,2′‐bipyridine
Authors: Ghosh Pradip Kumar , Mandal Harasit Kumar , Mahapatra Ambikesh
Published: December 2010

The interaction of 2,2′‐bipyridine with dichloro‐[1‐alkyl‐2‐(α‐naphthylazo) imidazole]palladium(II) [Pd(α‐NaiR′)Cl2, 1] and dichloro‐[1‐alkyl‐2‐(β‐naphthylazo) imidazole] palladium(II) [Pd(β‐NaiR′)Cl2, 2] complexes {where alkyl R′ = Me (a), Et (b) or Bz (c)} in acetonitrile medium to yield [{1‐alkyl‐2‐(α‐naphthylazo) imidazole} (bipyridine)] palladium(II)diperchlorate (3a, 3b, 3c) and [{1‐alkyl‐2‐(β‐naphthylazo) imidazole}(bipyridine)] palladium(II) diperchlorate (4a, 4b, 4c) was studied. The products were characterized by microanalytical data and spectroscopic techniques (FT‐IR, UV–vis, and NMR). The nucleophilic substitution reaction shows a first‐order dependence of rate on each of the Pd(II) complex and 2,2′‐bipyridine. Addition of LiCl to the reaction decreases the rate of reaction and has proved the cleavage of Pd–Cl bond at the rate‐determining step. Thermodynamic parameters standard enthalpy of activation (Δ‡H°), and standard entropy of activation (Δ‡S°) were determined. The second‐order rate constant k2 corroborates with the experimental Δ‡H° values. The negative values of Δ‡S° indicate that the reaction proceeds through an associative inner sphere mechanism. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 130–140, 2011
Arytenoid dislocation: An Analysis of the contemporary literature
Authors: Norris Byron K. , Schweinfurth John M.
Published: December 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To discuss the incidence, diagnosis, laryngeal findings, and management of arytenoid dislocation as a separate entity from vocal fold paralysis.

Study Design:

Literature review.

Methods:

A contemporary review of the literature was performed by searching the terms arytenoid cartilage dislocation and subluxation in various combinations. Articles were analyzed and selected based on relevance and content.

Results:

Arytenoid dislocation is described as an uncommon laryngeal finding associated with intubation or blunt laryngeal trauma. The majority of recent publications are case reports or small case series. Diagnosis of arytenoid dislocation with flexible laryngoscopy, helical computed tomography, videostroboscopy, and laryngeal electromyography is recommended. In most reported cases, diagnosis has been made based on the position of the arytenoid at laryngoscopy. Reduction and repositioning of the arytenoid cartilage is reported with limited success noted with delayed diagnosis. Speech therapy may also be a beneficial treatment option.

Conclusions:

Although arytenoid dislocation is reported in the literature, the body of available evidence fails to sufficiently differentiate it as a separate entity from unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Flexible laryngoscopy is inadequate as a standalone procedure to distinguish arytenoid dislocation from laryngeal nerve injury. Laryngoscope, 2011
Transorbital endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks
Authors: Moe Kris. S. , Kim Louis J. , Bergeron Chris M.
Published: December 2010

Objectives:

To describe an anatomic and clinical outcome study of transorbital neuroendoscopic surgical (TONES) for the repair of complex anterior cranial fossa (ACF) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks.

Design:

Anatomic cadaver investigation and clinical outcomes evaluation.

Methods:

An anatomic cadaver study was undertaken to determine the anatomic feasibility of the TONES approaches for repair of CSF leaks, and determine the optimal approaches for these repairs. A targeted outcome analysis was performed on 10 consecutive patients who underwent 12 ACF CSF leak repairs by TONES.

Results:

The cadaver study demonstrated that the entire ACF can be accessed by TONES. Due to the rise and angulation of the orbital roof above the interorbital ACF, the precaruncular (PC) approach optimal for a coplanar target approach in the interorbital ACF, and the superior lid crease (SLC) trajectory is preferable for procedures involving the supraorbital ACF. There were no complications in the 12 clinical procedures. Fifty percent of the cases were revisions, referred after up to five previous craniotomies and endoscopic procedures; all TONES repairs were successful with a single operation.

Conclusions:

The use of TONES to repair ACF CSF leaks was demonstrated to be technically feasible in cadaver and clinical studies. The SLC approach was optimal for supraorbital ACF leaks; the PC approach was preferable for interorbital ACF pathology. TONES was shown to be highly effective for treating complex pathology that was refractory to correction through frontal craniotomy and /or transnasal endoscopy, providing safe, minimally disruptive direct coplanar routes for target approach and manipulation. Laryngoscope, 2011
Impact of surgeon and hospital volume on short‐term outcomes and cost of laryngeal cancer surgical care
Authors: Gourin Christine G. , Forastiere Arlene A. , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Koch Wayne M. , Marur Shanthi , Bristow Robert E.
Published: December 2010

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of surgeon and hospital case volume and other related variables on short‐term outcomes after surgery for laryngeal cancer.

Methods:

The Maryland Health Service Cost Review Commission database was queried for laryngeal cancer surgical case volumes from 1990 to 2009. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate for significant associations between surgeon and hospital case volume, as well as other independent variables and the risk of in‐hospital death, postoperative wound complications, length of hospital stay, and hospital‐related cost of care.

Results:

Overall, 1,981 laryngeal cancer surgeries were performed with complete financial data available for 1,885 laryngeal cancer surgeries, performed by 284 surgeons at 37 hospitals. The only independently significant factor associated with the risk of in‐hospital death was an APR‐DRG mortality risk score of 4 (odds ratio [OR] = 10.7, P < .001). Postoperative wound fistula or dehiscence was associated with an increased mortality risk score (OR = 3.1, P < .001), total laryngectomy (OR = 12.4, P = .013), and flap reconstruction (OR = 3.8, P = .001). Increased mortality risk score, partial or total laryngectomy, flap reconstruction, and Black race were associated with an increased length of stay and hospital‐related costs. After controlling for all other variables, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between surgery at a high‐volume hospital and both length of hospital stay (geometric mean = −1.5 days, P = .003). and hospital‐related costs (geometric mean = −$6,061, P = .003).

Conclusions:

After controlling for other factors, high‐volume hospital care is associated with a shorter length of hospitalization and lower hospital‐related cost of care for laryngeal cancer surgery. Laryngoscope, 2011
Controlling motion sickness and spatial disorientation and enhancing vestibular rehabilitation with a user‐worn see‐through display
Authors: Krueger Wesley W.O.
Published: December 2010

Objectives/Hypotheses:

An eyewear mounted visual display (“User‐worn see‐through display”) projecting an artificial horizon aligned with the user's head and body position in space can prevent or lessen motion sickness in susceptible individuals when in a motion provocative environment as well as aid patients undergoing vestibular rehabilitation. In this project, a wearable display device, including software technology and hardware, was developed and a phase I feasibility study and phase II clinical trial for safety and efficacy were performed.

Study Design:

Both phase I and phase II were prospective studies funded by the NIH. The phase II study used repeated measures for motion intolerant subjects and a randomized control group (display device/no display device) pre–posttest design for patients in vestibular rehabilitation.

Methods:

Following technology and display device development, 75 patients were evaluated by test and rating scales in the phase II study; 25 subjects with motion intolerance used the technology in the display device in provocative environments and completed subjective rating scales, whereas 50 patients were evaluated before and after vestibular rehabilitation (25 using the display device and 25 in a control group) using established test measures.

Results:

All patients with motion intolerance rated the technology as helpful for nine symptoms assessed, and 96% rated the display device as simple and easy to use. Duration of symptoms significantly decreased with use of the technology displayed. In patients undergoing vestibular rehabilitation, there were no significant differences in amount of change from pre‐ to posttherapy on objective balance tests between display device users and controls. However, those using the technology required significantly fewer rehabilitation sessions to achieve those outcomes than the control group.

Conclusions:

A user‐worn see‐through display, utilizing a visual fixation target coupled with a stable artificial horizon and aligned with user movement, has demonstrated substantial benefit for individuals susceptible to motion intolerance and spatial disorientation and those undergoing vestibular rehabilitation. The technology developed has applications in any environment where motion sensitivity affects human performance. Laryngoscope, 121:S17–S35, 2011
Inhomogeneity Effects in Vapor Phase Polymerized PEDOT: A Tool to Influence Conductivity
Authors: Winther‐Jensen Bjørn , Knecht Tobias , Ong Chun , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Clark Noel
Published: December 2010

Low‐MW urethanes were investigated to control domain formation as well as inhibiting cleavage reactions during vapor phase polymerization of PEDOT. A diurethanediol (DUDO) was identified as a highly efficient mediator for the process, resulting in PEDOT films exceeding conductivities of 1 000 S · cm−1. All the urethanes investigated had the desired inhibiting effect on the polymerization, but all apart from DUDO also introduced unwanted domain formation on the micrometer scale. The addition of PEG generally improved conductivity by suppressing the domain formation and, with an optimized combination of DUDO and PEG, conductivities over 1 200 S · cm−1 were achieved.

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Precise Positioning of Chiral Building Blocks in Monodisperse, Sequence‐Defined Polyamides
Authors: Mosca Simone , Wojcik Felix , Hartmann Laura
Published: December 2010

The synthesis of monodisperse polymers with a defined monomer sequence is a new challenge in polymer chemistry. Recently, we introduced a novel synthetic strategy towards monodisperse, sequence‐defined poly(amidoamine)s based on the stepwise assembly of diamine and diacid building blocks on a solid support. Here we introduce the first chiral building block suitable for the automated poly(amidoamine) synthesis. The synthetic strategy utilizes natural amino acids as starting materials, thus providing a variety of chiral building blocks with different functionalities in the side chain. As a first chiral monomer, L‐alanine is transformed into a mono Fmoc‐protected diamine building block and successfully introduced into poly(amide) segments.

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Mass spectrometry for small molecule pharmaceutical product development: A review
Authors: Gillespie Todd A. , Winger Brian E.
Published: December 2010

Developing a pharmaceutical product has become increasingly difficult and expensive. With an emphasis on developing project knowledge at an earlier stage in development, the use of information‐rich technologies (particularly MS) has continued to expand throughout product development. Continued improvements in LC/MS technology have widened the scope of utilizing MS methods for performing both qualitative and quantitative applications within product development. This review describes a multi‐tiered MS strategy designed to enhance and accelerate the identification and profiling of both process‐ and degradation‐related impurities in either the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or formulated product. Such impurities can be formed either during chemical synthesis, formulation, or during storage. This review provides an overview of a variety of orthogonal‐mass spectrometric methodologies, namely GC/MS, LC/MS, and ICP‐MS, in support of product development. This review is not meant to be all inclusive; however, it has been written to highlight the increasing use of hyphenated MS techniques within the pharmaceutical development area. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:479–490, 2011
Traffic grooming in bidirectional WDM ring networks
Authors: Bermond Jean‐Claude , Muñoz Xavier , Sau Ignasi
Published: December 2010

We study the minimization of ADMs (Add‐Drop Multiplexers) in optical WDM bidirectional rings considering symmetric shortest path routing and all‐to‐all unitary requests. We precisely formulate the problem in terms of graph decompositions, and state a general lower bound for all the values of the grooming factorCandN, the size of the ring. We first study exhaustively the casesC= 1,C= 2, andC= 3, providing improved lower bounds, optimal constructions for several infinite families, as well as asymptotically optimal constructions and approximations. We then study the caseC> 3, focusing specifically on the caseC=k(k+ 1)/2 for somek≥ 1. We give optimal decompositions for several congruence classes ofNusing the existence of some combinatorial designs. We conclude with a comparison of the cost functions in unidirectional and bidirectional WDM rings. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 58(1), 20–35 2011
Great vessel/cardiac extension and tumor embolism in pleuropulmonary blastoma: A report from the International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma Registry
Authors: Priest John R. , Andic Dijana , Arbuckle Susan , Gonzalez‐Gomez Ignacio , Hill D. Ashley , Williams Gretchen
Published: December 2010

Background

Types II and III pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) are aggressive sarcomas of lung and pleura in young children. Similar to cavoatrial extension of Wilms tumor, PPB may extend into thoracic great vessels and the heart and may involve both venous and arterial circulations and right and left cardiac chambers. Serious embolic complications occur.

Procedure

Review International PPB Registry databases and literature (1) for PPB cases with vascular/cardiac extension and (2) for neoadjuvant chemotherapy results in vascular extension cases.

Results

Among 179 Registry‐confirmed and approximately 200 literature Type II and III PPB cases, 11 examples (approximately 3%) of great vessel/cardiac extension were identified; 1 case is presented in detail. Nine cases involved the left circulation, one the right and one both. Various radiographic techniques including echography, computed tomography and gated magnetic resonance imaging identified vascular tumor. Seven children had arterial embolic events: cerebrovascular accidents (six, including one femoral artery occlusion) and acute aortic occlusion (1). Six of these seven died from complications that may be attributed to vascular involvement. In three of four children with vascular involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy lessened the involvement; in one the effect could not be assessed. None of these four had embolic events. Effect on survival could not be assessed due to small numbers.

Conclusions

Involvement of thoracic great vessels and the heart is a serious complication of PPB, with fatal embolic complications possible. Radiographic evaluation of the central circulation should be performed in children with suspected or diagnosed PPB to identify this complication. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:604–609. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Participation in daily activities and quality of life in survivors of retinoblastoma
Authors: Weintraub Naomi , Rot Ido , Shoshani Naomi , Pe'er Jacob , Weintraub Michael
Published: December 2010

Purpose

To assess the participation and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of survivors of childhood retinoblastoma (RB).

Patients and Methods

Parents of 46 survivors of childhood RB between the ages of 2–18 were administered questionnaires relating to their children's participation (CFFS) and HRQOL (CHQ and PedsQL) and children were administered the PedsQL. Results of the HRQOL were compared to population‐based norms.

Results

The overall QOL of survivors of RB was similar to that of age norms. However, parents' rating of their children's general and emotional health was lower than that of age norms, and survivors reported lower QOL related to school. Survivors of bilateral RB participated less in daily activities and had lower emotional QOL compared to those with unilateral RB, and parents of children who had an eye enucleated reported that their children had lower self‐esteem. The level of participation was related to the perceived QOL.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that children who are survivors of RB have an overall QOL that is similar to their age‐peers. However, subgroups of survivors appear to have unique difficulties that require continued follow‐up and intervention. Focus should be placed on their participation in daily activities both in the community and at school. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:590–594. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health‐related quality of life after completion of successful treatment for childhood cancer
Authors: Engelen V. , Koopman H.M. , Detmar S.B. , Raat H. , van de Wetering M.D. , Brons P. , Anninga J.K. , Abbink F. , Grootenhuis M.A.
Published: December 2010

Background

Previous studies have assessed health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) during several treatment stages in children with cancer, but there is limited knowledge about HRQOL shortly after completing therapy. This study determined HRQOL of children with cancer shortly after the end of successful treatment compared with normative values.

Procedure

Several age‐specific HRQOL questionnaires were administered: the ITQOL (generic, proxy‐report, 0–4 years), CHQ PF 50 (generic, proxy‐report, 5–7 years), Kidscreen (generic, self‐report, 8–18 years) and Disabkids (chronic generic, self‐report, 8–18 years).

Results

Children with cancer (N = 191, mean age 9.25, SD 5.06, 47.1% female) participated. Physical well‐being was affected for all ages. Compared to normative values 0‐ to 7‐year‐olds were rated significantly lower on the majority of the scales. In addition, 12‐ to 18‐year‐olds had significantly better HRQOL than the norm on social scales. Compared to chronically ill norms, 8‐ to 18‐year‐olds demonstrated no differences, except for 12‐ to 18‐year‐olds who experienced significantly more physical limitations. Additionally, we found that HRQOL of parents of 0‐ to 7‐year‐olds was poorer than the norm.

Conclusion

HRQOL in children with cancer and their parents can be impaired compared with the norm. Therefore, HRQOL should be monitored in clinical practice to make paediatric oncologists aware of these problems. For young children, we recommend checking whether certain HRQOL problems can be explained by parental worries. For older children and adolescents, paediatric oncologists need to consider social desirability and the child's adaptive style. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:646–653. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetic resonance imaging in childhood leukemia survivors treated with cranial radiotherapy: A cross sectional, single center study
Authors: Faraci Maura , Morana Giovanni , Bagnasco Francesca , Barra Salvina , Polo Paola , Hanau Guia , Fioredda Francesca , Caruso Silvia , Rossi Andrea , Spaziante Renato , Haupt Riccardo
Published: December 2010

Background

Children treated with cranial radiotherapy (CRT) for leukemia are at risk of developing central nervous system injuries. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents the examination method of choice for evaluating radiation‐induced brain complications. The purpose of this report is to describe the spectrum of MRI abnormalities detected in a group of survivors of leukemia treated with cranial irradiation.

Procedures

In this cross‐sectional, single center study, 56 patients (median age at follow‐up 19 years) receiving CRT as cranial prophylaxis (CP) included in the leukemia protocol (total dose 1,800–2,400 cGy) and/or in the total body irradiation regimen (990–1,200 cGy) before hematopoietic stem cell transplant, were evaluated by MRI after a median interval of 11 years (range 2–27) following CRT.

Results

Fifty‐nine MRI abnormalities (32 cavernomas, nine focal areas of gliosis, seven dystrophic mineralizations, five cerebral atrophies, four pituitary atrophies, one diffuse radiation leukoencephalopathy, and one meningioma) were found in 43 patients. The longest interval between CRT and MRI and oldest age at follow‐up represented the two risk factors that were statistically associated with MRI lesions (P = 0.032 and 0.033, respectively). Cerebral cavernomas (CC) were the most frequent MRI abnormalities (57%). All patients with CC were asymptomatic at diagnosis and during follow‐up, except one who had aspecific neurological manifestations and micro hemorrhages.

Conclusions

These results confirm that total doses and modalities of fractionation dose of CRT were not significantly associated with MRI abnormalities. Moreover, in our experience none of the patients developed neurological symptoms related to MRI abnormalities, and furthermore, the CC remained substantially stable during follow‐up. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 240–246. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality of health in survivors of childhood acute myeloid leukemia treated with chemotherapy only: A NOPHO‐AML study
Authors: Molgaard‐Hansen Lene , Glosli Heidi , Jahnukainen Kirsi , Jarfelt Marianne , Jónmundsson Guðmundur K. , Malmros‐Svennilson Johan , Nysom Karsten , Hasle Henrik ,   On behalf of the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO)
Published: December 2010

Background

More than 60% of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) become long‐term survivors, and approximately 50% are cured with chemotherapy only. Limited data exist about their long‐term morbidity and social outcomes. The aim of the study was to compare the self‐reported use of health care services, health experience, social outcomes, and lifestyle behavior of AML survivors with that of their sibling controls.

Methods

This population‐based study included 138 children treated for AML according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO)‐AML‐84, ‐88, and ‐93 trials, and alive by June 30, 2007. Patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or relapse were not included. Altogether, 102 (74%) survivors and 91% of their siblings completed a questionnaire.

Results

The median follow‐up was 11 (range 4–25) years after diagnosis. AML survivors had no increased rate of hospitalization compared with sibling controls, but were more often receiving prescription drugs, especially for asthma (23% vs. 9%, P = 0.03). Self‐reported health experience was excellent or very good in 77% and comparable with that of siblings. Educational achievement, employment, and marital status were comparable in the two groups. Among surviving AML patients, 23% were current smokers and 24% of their siblings were current smokers.

Conclusions

The self‐reported health of children treated on NOPHO‐AML protocols without HSCT was good, and their use of health care services was limited. Reported health and social outcomes were comparable to those of their siblings. Many survivors were smoking which may increase the risk of late effects. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1222–1229. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computation of the coherence time of quantum‐dot microcavity lasers including photon–carrier and photon–photon correlations
Authors: Wiersig Jan
Published: December 2010

Microcavity lasers with semiconductor quantum dots as active material have attracted considerable attention recently. We present a theoretical study of the first‐order coherence of such novel light sources. The correlation function $g^{(1)} ({\tau} )$ and the corresponding coherence time are computed including photon–carrier and photon–photon correlations with respect to the delay time τ up to the quadruplet level of the cluster expansion scheme. A comparison of the different levels of the cluster expansion is provided.
Terahertz nonlinear optics using intra‐excitonic quantum well transitions: Sideband generation and AC Stark splitting
Authors: Wagner Martin , Schneider Harald , Stehr Dominik , Winnerl Stephan , Andrews Aaron M. , Schartner Stephan , Strasser Gottfried , Helm Manfred
Published: December 2010

We present experiments investigating nonlinear optics in the terahertz (THz) range related to the 1s–2p intra‐excitonic heavy‐hole transition in GaAs/AlGaAs multiquantum wells (MQWs). Driven by intense THz fields of the Dresden free‐electron laser the system exhibits two different phenomena: (i) we observe efficient near‐infrared (NIR) sideband generation as a perturbative effect in the transmission of a narrowband NIR laser, and (ii) we present unambiguous evidence for the intra‐excitonic Autler–Townes splitting, a non‐perturbative effect.
Non‐equilibrium analysis of the two‐color operation in semiconductor quantum‐well lasers
Authors: Bäumner Ada , Koch Stephan W. , Moloney Jerome V.
Published: December 2010

The relevance of hole burning for stable two‐color operation in semiconductor quantum‐well lasers is studied using a non‐equilibrium laser model on the basis of the semiconductor Maxwell‐Bloch equations. The field propagation is described via a traveling‐wave method. The polarization dynamics is computed using the semiconductor Bloch equations for the microscopic transition and occupation probabilities. Numerical examples for single‐ and dual‐mode operation are presented for a microresonator model system.
Self‐induced coherence in a single pair of quantum dots
Authors: Sitek Anna , Machnikowski Paweł
Published: December 2010

We study self‐induced coherence (SIC) in a system composed of two coupled quantum dots (QDs). SIC consists in a coherent transfer of excitation between two systems (atoms or QDs) resulting from their collective interaction with the quantum electromagnetic vacuum. This leads to population trapping in a delocalized, optically inactive state. We focus on the effect of a difference in transition energies and coupling between the two emitters on the evolution of exciton occupation in the two QD system.
Progress in growth, fabrication, and characterization of semiconductor photonic crystal nanocavities
Authors: Richards B. C. , Hendrickson J. , Olitzky J. D. , Gibson R. , Gehl M. , Kieu K. , Polynkin P. , Khitrova G. , Gibbs H. M. , Khankhoje U. K. , Homyk A. , Scherer A. , Kim J.‐Y. , Lee Y.‐H.
Published: December 2010

We present the results of recent investigations into the fabrication and characterization of high‐Q, small mode volume one‐dimensional photonic crystal nanobeam cavities in Si and two‐dimensional photonic crystal slab nanocavities in GaAs. The nanobeam cavity modes are investigated in transmission by means of a microfiber taper loop apparatus. The spectral transmission profile of the cavity modes is investigated as a function of input polarization into the fiber. The Q of the cavity for different positions and orientations of the fiber taper is investigated. The results are compared to measurements by resonant scattering. The slab nanocavities are investigated by means of quantum dot photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy. We present recent progress in growth and fabrication of such slab nanocavities.
Role of carbon content in tuning the physical quantities of a‐Si1‐xCx:H alloys deposited by PECVD
Authors: Ambrosone G. , Basa D.K. , Coscia U. , Le Donne A. , Binetti S.
Published: December 2010

Silicon rich hydrogenated amorphous silicon‐carbon alloy films were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition in low power regime from silane methane mixtures diluted in helium by varying the methane fraction between 0.4 and 0.8. Films with carbon content ranging from 0.06 to 0.28 were obtained with a deposition rate of about 0.1 nm/s. The influence of carbon incorporation on the optical properties as well as disorder and defect density of the films has been investigated. The increase in carbon content leads to a decrease of the refractive index and an increase of the optical gap and disorder in the films. The defect density also increases with increasing carbon content, however lower values than those of films deposited by undiluted silane methane mixtures have been obtained for a carbon content greater than 0.1. Finally, the enhancement of carbon content causes the shift of peak position as well as the increase in the intensity and the width of the photoluminescence spectra (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)