bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective study of obsessive‐compulsive and borderline personality traits, race and disordered eating
Authors: Lilenfeld Lisa Rachelle Riso , Jacobs Carli Heather , Woods Amanda Michelle , Picot Angela Katherine
Published: November 2007

Most previous investigations of the relationship between personality and disordered eating have been cross‐sectional and have utilised relatively homogeneous samples. The current study sought to prospectively explore two specific putative personality risk factors for disordered eating in an ethnically diverse sample of women (n = 58). During the initial and 2‐year follow‐up assessments, semi‐structured diagnostic interviews were administered. Analyses revealed that borderline personality disorder symptoms, as well as an interaction between obsessive‐compulsive personality disorder symptoms and race, significantly predicted disordered eating over a 2‐year period. Obsessive‐compulsive personality pathology was most strongly predictive of disordered eating for the African American women, specifically. These data supported both borderline and obsessive‐compulsive personality pathology as predictors of the development of eating disorder symptoms among women over a 2‐year period in college. In addition, race may be an important consideration in understanding the role of personality in the aetiology of disordered eating. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Amplification of PRKCI, located in 3q26, is associated with lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Yi‐Ling , Chu Jia‐You , Luo Man‐Li , Wu Yu‐Peng , Zhang Yu , Feng Yan‐Bin , Shi Zhi‐Zhou , Xu Xin , Han Ya‐Ling , Cai Yan , Dong Jin‐Tang , Zhan Qi‐Min , Wu Min , Wang Ming‐Rong
Published: November 2007

DNA amplification is one of the mechanisms to activate genes that are implicated in neoplastic transformation and gain of chromosome band 3q26 is a common event in squamous cell carcinomas. The aim of the present work was to identify the specific target gene from four candidates (MDS1, PRKCI, ECT2, and PIK3CA) located on 3q26 amplification in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). To assess the prevalence of copy number gains of putative genes, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied on 108 ESCCs and 9 ESCC cell lines. Our data showed that MDS1 and PRKCI were more frequently gained. Positive correlation was found only for PRKCI between amplification and tumor size (P = 0.043), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.015) and clinical stage (P = 0.002). PRKCI gene amplification was highly correlated with protein overexpression (P = 0.009), suggesting that gene amplification is one important mechanism involved in PRKCI overexpression. To investigate further the role of PRKCI alteration in esophageal tumors, a tissue microarray containing samples from 180 ESCCs was used for immunohistochemistry analysis. Statistical analysis revealed that PRKCI overexpression was correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.002) and higher stage (P = 0.004). Performing multivariate logistic regression analysis, a significant association between PRKCI overexpression and presence of lymph node metastasis was found, which was independent of T‐stage of the primary tumors (P = 0.004). Our results indicate that PRKCI is an attractive target in the 3q26 amplicon and that it may serve as a molecular marker for metastasis and occult advanced tumor stages in ESCC. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and cytogenetic features of pediatric dic(9;20)(p13.2;q11.2)‐positive B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias: A nordic series of 24 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Forestier Erik , Gauffin Fredrika , Andersen Mette K. , Autio Kirsi , Borgström Georg , Golovleva Irina , Gustafsson Britt , Heim Sverre , Heinonen Kristina , Heyman Mats , Hovland Randi , Johannsson Johann H. , Kerndrup Gitte , Rosenquist Richard , Schoumans Jacqueline , Swolin Birgitta , Johansson Bertil , Nordgren Ann
Published: November 2007

Although dic(9;20)(p13.2;q11.2) is a characteristic abnormality in childhood B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias (BCP ALL), little is known about its clinical impact or the type and frequency of additional aberrations it may occur together with. We here review the clinical and cytogenetic features of a Nordic pediatric series of 24 patients with dic(9;20)‐positive BCP ALL diagnosed 1996–2006, constituting 1.3% of the BCP ALL, as well as 47 childhood cases from the literature. Consistent immunophenotypic features of the Nordic cases included positivity for HLA‐DR, CD10, CD19, CD20, and CD22 and negativity for T‐cell and myeloid markers; no detailed immunophenotypes were reported for the previously published cases. In the entire cohort of 71 cases, the modal chromosome distribution was 45 (62%), 46 (21%), 47 (7%), 48 (4%), 49 (3%), 44 (1%), and 50 (1%). Additional changes were present in 63%, the most frequent of which were homozygous loss of CDKN2A (33%) and gains of chromosomes 21 (28%) and X (10%). The median patient age was 3 years, the female/male ratio was 2.0, the median white blood cell count was 24 × 109/l, 11% had central nervous system involvement, and 5% had a mediastinal mass at diagnosis. Risk group stratification was nonstandard risk in 79%. The event‐free survival and overall survival at 5 years for the 24 Nordic cases was 0.62 and 0.82, respectively. Thus, although relapses are quite common, postrelapse treatment of many patients is successful. This article contains Supplementary Material available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/1045‐2257/suppmat. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geoarchaeology of stratified paleoindian deposits at the Big Eddy site, Southwest Missouri, U.S.A.
Authors: Hajic Edwin R. , Mandel Rolfe D. , Ray Jack H. , Lopinot Neal H.
Published: November 2007

The Big Eddy site (23CE426) in the Sac River valley of southwest Missouri is a rare recorded example of distinctly stratified Early through Late Paleoindian cultural deposits. Early point types recovered from the site include Gainey, Sedgwick, Dalton (fluted and unfluted), San Patrice, Wilson, and Packard. The Paleoindian record at Big Eddy represents only a fraction of the site's prehistoric cultural record; stratified cultural deposits in alluvium above the Paleoindian components span the entire known prehistoric sequence, and terminal Pleistocene alluvium may contain pre‐Early Paleoindian cultural deposits. This study focused on the paleogeomorphic setting, stratigraphy, depositional environments, pedology, geochronology, and history of landscape evolution of the late Pleistocene and early Holocene alluvium at the site. The Paleoindian sequence is associated with a complex buried soil 2.85 m below the modern surface (T1a) of the first terrace of the Sac River valley in the site vicinity. This soil formed at the top of the early submember of the Rodgers Shelter Member (underlying the T1c paleogeomorphic surface) and contains at least 70 cm of stratified Paleoindian cultural deposits, all in floodplain and upper point‐bar facies. A suite of 36 radiocarbon ages indicates that the alluvium hosting the Paleoindian sequence aggraded between ca. 13,250 and 11,870 cal yr B.P. (11,380 and 10,180 14C yr B.P.). Underlying deposits accumulated between ca. 15,300 and 13,250 cal yr B.P. (12,950 and 11,380 14C yr B.P.). By ca. 11,250 cal yr B.P. (9,840 14C yr B.P.) the T1c paleogeomorphic surface was buried by the earliest increment of a thick sequence of overbank sheetflood facies, ultimately resulting in deep burial and preservation of the Paleoindian record. The landform‐sediment assemblage that hosts the Paleoindian and possibly earlier cultural deposits at Big Eddy is both widespread and well preserved in the lower Sac River valley. Moreover, the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene depositional environments were favorable for the preservation of the archaeological record. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulation of astrocyte P2Y1 receptors by the carboxyl terminal domain of the gap junction protein Cx43
Authors: Scemes Eliana
Published: November 2007

Gap junction proteins, connexins, provide intercellular channels that allow ions and small signaling molecules to be transmitted to adjacent coupled cells. Besides this function, it is becoming apparent that connexins also exert channel‐independent effects, which are likely mediated by processes involving protein–protein interactions. Although a number of connexin interacting proteins have been identified, only little is known about the functional consequences of such interactions. We have previously shown that deletion of the astrocytic gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43) causes a right‐ward shift in the dose‐response curve to P2Y1R agonists and decreased P2Y1R expression levels. To evaluate whether these changes were due to reduced gap junctional communication or to protein–protein interactions, Cx43‐null astrocytes were transfected with full‐length Cx43 and Cx43 domains, and P2Y1R function and expression levels evaluated. Results indicate that restoration of P2Y1R function is independent of gap junctional communication and that the Cx43 carboxyl terminus spanning the SH3 binding domain (260–280) participates in the rescue of P2Y1R pharmacological behavior (shifting to the left the P2Y1R dose‐response curve) without affecting its expression levels. These results suggest that the Cx43 carboxyl‐terminus domain provides a binding site for an intracellular molecule, most likely a member of the c‐Src tyrosine kinase family, which affects P2Y1R‐induced calcium mobilization. It is here proposed that a nonchannel function of Cx43 is to serve as a decoy for such kinases. Such modulation of P2Y1R is expected to influence several neural cell functions, especially under inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders where expression levels of Cx43 are decreased. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel mutant‐enriched sequencing identified high frequency of PIK3CA mutations in pharyngeal cancer
Authors: Qiu Wanglong , Tong Guo‐Xia , Manolidis Spiros , Close Lanny G. , Assaad Adel M. , Su Gloria H.
Published: November 2007

We previously reported 4 PIK3CA mutations in 38 head and neck cancer samples, 3 of which were identified in 6 pharyngeal cancer samples. To determine the mutation frequency of PIK3CA in pharyngeal cancer, we studied 24 additional cases of pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in this study. Using both direct genomic DNA sequencing and novel mutant‐enriched sequencing methods developed specifically for the 3 hot‐spot mutations (H1047R, E545K and E452K) of PIK3CA, we detected 5 mutations of PIK3CA in the 24 pharyngeal cancers (20.8%). Three of the 5 mutations had been missed by the conventional sequencing method and were subsequently detected by novel mutant‐enriched sequencing methods. We showed that the mutant‐enriched sequencing method for the H1047R hot‐spot mutation can identify the mutation in a mixed population of mutant and wild‐type DNA sequences at 1:360 ratios. These novel mutant‐enriched sequencing methods allow the detection of the PIK3CA hot‐spot mutations in clinical specimens which often contain limited tumor tissues (i.e., biopsy specimens). The data further support that oncogenic PIK3CA may play a critical role in pharyngeal carcinogenesis, and the mutant‐enriched sequencing methods for PIK3CA are sensitive and reliable ways to detect PIK3CA mutations in clinical samples. Because PIK3CA and its pathway are potential targets for chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and frequent somatic mutation of PIK3CA has been identified in many human cancer types (e.g., breast cancer, colorectal cancer), the abilities to detect PIK3CA mutations with enhanced sensitivities have great potential impacts on target therapies for many cancer types. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction of acquired resistance to antiestrogen by reversible mitochondrial DNA depletion in breast cancer cell line
Authors: Naito Akihiro , Carcel‐Trullols Jaime , Xie Cheng‐hui , Evans Teresa T. , Mizumachi Takatsugu , Higuchi Masahiro
Published: November 2007

Although the net benefits of tamoxifen in adjuvant breast cancer therapy have been proven, the recurrence of the cancer in an aggressive and hormone independent form has been highly problematic. We previously demonstrated the important role mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays in hormone‐independence in prostate cancer. Here, the role of mtDNA in breast cancer progression was investigated. We established hydroxytamoxifen (4‐OHT) resistant HTRMCF by growing MCF‐7, human breast adenocarcinoma cells, in the presence of 4‐OHT. HTRMCF was cross‐resistant to 4‐OHT and ICI182,780 concurrent with the depletion of mtDNA. To further investigate the role of mtDNA depletion, MCF‐7 was depleted of mtDNA by treatment with ethidium bromide. MCFρ0 was resistant to both 4‐OHT and ICI182,780. Furthermore, cybrid (MCFcyb) prepared by fusion MCFρ0 with platelet to transfer mtDNA showed susceptibility to antiestrogen. Surprisingly, after withdrawal of 4‐OHT for 8 weeks, HTRMCF and their clones became susceptible to both drugs concurrent with a recovery of mtDNA. Herein, our results substantiated the first evidence that the depletion of mtDNA induced by hormone therapy triggers a shift to acquired resistance to hormone therapy in breast cancer. In addition, we showed that mtDNA depletion can be reversed, rendering the cancer cells susceptible to antiestrogen. The fact that the hormone independent phenotype can be reversed should be a step toward more effective treatments for estrogen‐responsive breast cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring socioemotional functioning in a national birth cohort study
Authors: Andreassen Carol , West Jerry
Published: October 2007

An accumulating body of research suggests that the capacities children acquire that prepare them for learning in formal educational settings are multilevel and complex with multiple contributing factors that begin in infancy. A new U.S. longitudinal study, the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS‐B), is designed to enable researchers to examine how an array of children's capacities and skills function individually and jointly to promote or hinder the acquisition of school readiness. The ECLS‐B follows a nationally representative sample of 10,688 children born in the U.S. in 2001. Baseline data on the children and their families were collected at 9 months of age with follow‐up at ages 2, 4, and kindergarten entry. Information on study children's socioemotional development is derived from several sources: videotaped mother‐child interactions, parent interviews, and field staff observations. Because attachment is such an important indicator of children's socioemotional development during the toddler period, the study devoted considerable resources to designing an attachment measure. The Toddler Attachment Sort‐45 (TAS‐45) was designed to meet the need for a simple yet valid measure that did not require extensive training for field staff to administer easily. The TAS‐45 generates the classical attachment categories and security and dependency scores.
The effect of consumption emotions on satisfaction and word‐of‐mouth communications
Authors: Ladhari Riadh
Published: November 2007

This paper examines the impact of consumption emotions on consumers' satisfaction and how it affects what they tell other consumers. The conceptual model is based on the premise that pleasure and arousal influence satisfaction, word‐of‐mouth (WOM) communications, and the likelihood of generating WOM. A study of 470 moviegoers in a French Canadian city supports most of these relationships. The results indicate that even when the effects of satisfaction are accounted for, pleasure and arousal have significant effects on WOM. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring values using best‐worst scaling: The LOV example
Authors: Lee Julie Anne , Soutar Geoffrey N. , Louviere Jordan
Published: November 2007

The paper discusses the way that values have been measured and suggests an alternative way to collect values data. A recently developed approach, termed Best Worst Scaling, developed by Louviere and his colleagues, offers an opportunity to collect such data in a way that may produce more desirable values estimates. Kahle's (1983) List of Values, which has been widely employed in consumer research, was used to examine differences between the new approach and traditional ratings and rankings approaches. The results suggest that the new technique may provide better outcomes and that researchers should think about its potential usefulness in future research with these and other scales. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The spectrum of orolingual tremor—A proposed classification system
Authors: Silverdale Monty A. , Schneider Susanne A. , Bhatia Kailash P. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: October 2007

Orolingual tremors include tremors of the jaw, tongue, pharynx, and face. There is currently no accepted classification scheme for such tremors. A proper classification scheme for orolingual tremors should aid in providing more accurate diagnoses and permit future research studies assessing important aspects such as pathogenesis or novel therapies using more uniformly defined and characterized populations. In this review, we propose a classification system for orolingual tremor based on the consensus statement of the Movement Disorder Society on tremor. We also present cases of orolingual tremor and include these cases in the classification system. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Coexisting somatic promoter hypermethylation and pathogenic MLH1 germline mutation in Lynch syndrome
Authors: Rahner N , Friedrichs N , Steinke V , Aretz S , Friedl W , Buettner R , Mangold E , Propping P , Walldorf C
Published: October 2007

Somatic epimutations in the MLH1 promoter mimic the phenotype of Lynch syndrome. To date, no somatic hypermethylation of the MLH1 promoter in the carrier of a pathogenic MLH1 germline mutation has been identified, prompting the recommendation that a germline mutation in MLH1 should only be sought in the absence of tumour tissue methylation. We aimed to determine whether methylation of the MLH1 promoter may coexist in carriers of a pathogenic germline mutation in MLH1. We examined the methylation status of the MLH1 promoter in 123 tumour tissue samples, demonstrating high microsatellite instability and loss of expression of a mismatch repair protein (60 cases with MLH1 germline mutation, 25 cases without mutation, 38 cases with MSH2 mutations), using combined bisulphite restriction analysis (COBRA) and SNaPshot analysis. Methylation of the MLH1 promoter was found in two patients with pathogenic germline mutations, one a carrier of a MLH1 mutation and the other a carrier of a MSH2 mutation. Our results demonstrate that methylation of the MLH1 promoter region does not exclude the presence of a germline mutation in a mismatch repair (MMR) gene. Hypermethylation of the MLH1 promoter may be present in most cases of sporadic colorectal cancers, but this does not exclude a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening for distress in cancer patients: is the distress thermometer a valid measure in the UK and does it measure change over time? A prospective validation study
Authors: Gessler S. , Low J. , Daniells E. , Williams R. , Brough V. , Tookman A. , Jones L.
Published: October 2007

A prospective validation study was conducted in 171 consenting patients from oncology and palliative care outpatient clinics to validate the Distress Thermometer (DT) against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Health Questionnaire‐12 (GHQ‐12) and Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 (BSI‐18) at baseline, four weeks and eight weeks.

Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis was used to examine the sensitivity and specificity of the DT scores against the clinically significant cut‐off scores of the criterion measures reporting 95% confidence intervals. Standardised response means were used to compare DT scores with criterion measures over time.

For a cut‐off of 4 vs 5, sensitivity against HADS was 79%, specificity 81%; against GHQ‐12, sensitivity was 63%, specificity 83%; and against BSI‐18, sensitivity was 88%, specificity 74%. At both four and eight weeks, DT scores tended to change significantly in the same direction as the criterion measures. Ninety‐five percent of patients found completing the DT acceptable.

The DT is valid and acceptable for use as a rapid screening instrument for patients in the UK with cancer. Our results indicate that it can be used to monitor change in psychological distress over time, but further work is needed to confirm this. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring quality of life in cancer survivors: a methodological review of existing scales
Authors: Pearce Nancy J. M. , Sanson‐Fisher Rob , Campbell H. Sharon
Published: October 2007

Background: Studies examining quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors have relied on instruments specific to the cancer patient population.

Method: MEDLINE and PsycINFO were systematically searched to identify instruments and papers reporting the psychometric qualities of relevant instruments. Two reviewers undertook data extraction with respect to reliability, validity, predictive validity, responsiveness, acceptability, readability, cross cultural acceptability and feasibility.

Results: Forty‐two instruments were identified. Most were either measures of general health‐related QoL or developed for individuals in active treatment. Nine were developed specifically for cancer survivors. None met the rigorous psychometric standards set by the review. All established acceptable levels of validity, however, only one instrument (Quality of Life‐Cancer Survivors) demonstrated adequate test–retest reliability. Acceptability, feasibility and predictive validity remain unexamined. Readability was examined in only two (Cancer Survivors' Unmet needs and Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors (QLACS)). Only two instruments (QLACS and Impact of Cancer) have been developed with a wide range of cancer survivors. Generally, shorter‐term cancer survivors (1–5 years) are underrepresented.

Conclusion: There is a need for a psychometrically credible QoL instrument for cancer survivors who are 1–5 years post diagnosis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimisation of derivatisation procedures for the determination of δ13C values of amino acids by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Corr Lorna T. , Berstan Robert , Evershed Richard P.
Published: November 2007

Compound‐specific stable carbon isotope analysis of amino acids by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) is a highly selective and sensitive method for probing the biosynthetic/diagenetic pathways, pool size and turnover rates of proteins, previously intractable to bulk isotope analyses. However, amino acids are polyfunctional, non‐volatile compounds which require derivatisation prior to GC analysis. While a wide range of derivatives exist for the GC analysis of amino acids only a handful have been utilised for their GC/C/IRMS analysis. Significantly, none of those derivatives currently employed appear completely satisfactory and a thorough assessment of their relative utility is lacking. Seven derivatives (three previously reported and four novel) for obtaining δ13C values of amino acids via GC/C/IRMS analysis were compared. More specifically, standard mixtures of 15 protein amino acids were converted into N‐acetylmethyl (NACME) esters, N‐acetyl n‐propyl (NANP) esters, N‐acetyl i‐propyl (NAIP) esters, N‐trifluoroacetyl‐i‐propyl (TFA‐IP) esters, N‐pivaloyl methyl (NPME) esters, N‐pivaloyl n‐propyl (NPNP) esters and N‐pivaloyl i‐propyl (NPIP) esters. Each derivative was assessed with respect to its applicability to carbon isotope determinations of all the common α‐amino acids, reaction yield, chromatographic resolution, stability, analyte‐to‐derivative carbon ratio, kinetic isotope effects and errors associated with their carbon isotope determinations. The NACME derivative was concluded to be the preferred derivative mainly due to the highest analyte‐to‐derivative carbon ratio being achieved, resulting in the lowest analytical errors for amino acid δ13C value determinations, ranging from ±0.6‰ for phenylalanine, leucine and isoleucine to ±1.1‰ for serine and glycine. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitation of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine in DNA by liquid chromatography/positive atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Fagen , Stott Willam T. , Clark Amy J. , Schisler Melissa R. , Grundy Joy J. , Gollapudi B. Bhaskar , Bartels Michael J.
Published: November 2007

A methodology has been developed and validated for quantifying 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) in both commercial DNA and DNA isolated from livers of male Sprague‐Dawley rats by liquid chromatography/positive atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry. The analytical method conditions, including conditions for stabilizing 8‐OHdG during complex nuclease P1 enzymatic digestion, were also evaluated. The limit of detection for 8‐OHdG was 1.0 ng/mL (17.6 fmol on‐column), and the linearity of the calibration curve was greater than 0.998 from 1.0 to 500 ng/mL. The intraday assay precision relative standard deviation (RSD) value for quality control (QC) samples was ≤5.59% with accuracies ranging from 91.84 to 117.61%. The interday assay precision (RSD) value was ≤1.76% with accuracies ranging from 91.84 to 116.67%. This method, combined with the LC/UV analysis of deoxyguanosine (dG), was used for determination of the levels of 8‐OHdG/106 dG in DNA nuclease P1 enzymatic hydrolysates from both commercial DNA and rat liver DNA. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fault ride‐through capability test unit for wind turbines
Authors: Ausin Juan Carlos , Gevers Daniel Navarro , Andresen Björn
Published: November 2007

The GAMESA voltage ride‐through capability test unit was designed as a tool for voltage dip studies for different wind turbine (WT) configurations and to investigate specific grid code requirements. By generating a voltage dip at the WT terminals, the WT manufacturer is able to check that the equipment works according to the design specifications, fulfils the grid code requirements and can validate the simulation models. This paper presents a description of the unit, the methodology used in the field tests and the results of the study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopic Internal Marsupializaton for Large Nonparasitic Splenic Cysts: Effective Organ‐Preserving Technique
Authors: Palanivelu Chinnusamy , Rangarajan Muthukumaran , Madankumar Madhupalayam Velusamy , John Suviraj James
Published: November 2007

Background

Primary splenic cyst is a rare disease, and therefore there is no information regarding its optimal management. Most such cysts are classified as epithelial cysts. During the last few years, the laparoscopic approach has gained increasing acceptance in splenic surgery. We present our experience with the laparoscopic (organ‐preserving) management of splenic cysts.

Methods

We managed 11 patients with large symptomatic nonparasitic splenic cysts from 1996 to 2006. All the patients had fullness in the left upper abdomen and a palpable mass. Preoperative diagnosis was established with ultrasonography and computed tomography. All patients were treated with either laparoscopic partial cystectomy or marsupialization.

Results

Seven patients had mesothelial cysts, two had epidermoid cysts, and two had pseudocysts. Nine patients did not have any problems or recurrence during an average follow‐up of 29.5 months. Two patients had cyst recurrence after 14 months.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic organ‐preserving surgery should be the goal of therapy in most cases. Total splenectomy is reserved for cases in which cyst excision cannot be done or most of the splenic tissue is replaced by the cyst. Plication of the cyst wall edges prevents the cyst walls from adhering and causing recurrence, as well as helping to control hemorrhage. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy/marsupialization is an acceptable procedure for the treatment of splenic cysts; and after short to mid‐term follow‐up, it seems that a reasonable rate of success is possible.
The lichen genus Usnea (lichenized Ascomycetes, Parmeliaceae) in Estonia with a key to the species in the Baltic countries
Authors: TÕRRA Tiiu , RANDLANE Tiina
Published: November 2007

The occurrence of 12 Usnea species in Estonia is verified by investigating c. 1800 specimens. The known distribution and substratum preferences of Usnea taxa in Estonia are summarized. Picea is the main substratum for Usnea species in Estonia, but occasionally these species occur also on deciduous trees, wood, and exceptionally on rock. A key for identification of 16 taxa recorded in the three Baltic countries is provided and diagnostic morphological and chemical characters used in the key are discussed. A new chemotype of U. fulvoreagens has been identified. U. wasmuthii is reported as new to Lithuania.
The grounds of worship again: a reply to Crowe
Authors: TIM BAYNE  , NAGASAWA YUJIN
Published: November 2007

In this paper we respond to Benjamin Crowe's criticisms in this issue of our discussion of the grounds of worship. We clarify our previous position, and examine Crowe's account of what it is about God's nature that might ground our obligation to worship Him. We find Crowe's proposals no more persuasive than the accounts that we examined in our previous paper, and conclude that theists still owe us an account of what it is in virtue of which we have obligations to worship God.
Wirklich betrunken?
Authors: Kesten  , Sutter  , Winter  , Engelter  , Fluri  , Bingisser  , Bodmer
Published: November 2007

Wir berichten über einen wegen vermutetem Alkoholabusus notfallmässig zugewiesenen, auch gemäss eigenen Aussagen betrunkenen, 42-jährigen Patienten. Anamnestisch liess sich ein seit Tagen bestehender rechtsseitiger Hals- und Gesichtsschmerz erheben. Zudem zeigte sich in der klinischen Untersuchung eine linkseitige sensomotorische Hemisymptomatik. Zusammmen mit der computertomographisch nachgewiesenen rechtshemisphärischen Ischämie wurde die Verdachtsdiagnose einer Dissektion der Arteria carotis interna gestellt. Mittels Ultraschall und Magnetresonanz-Untersuchung konnte die Diagnose schliesslich bestätigt werden. Nach Beginn einer therapeutischen Heparinisierung und im Verlauf überlappender oraler Antikoagulation waren die neurologischen Ausfälle innert zwei Wochen zumindest partiell regredient.
Younger Dryas: A data to model comparison to constrain the strength of the overturning circulation
Authors: Meissner Katrin J.
Published: November 2007

The University of Victoria Earth System Climate Model (UVic ESCM) is used to compare simulated time series of radiocarbon during the Younger Dryas (YD) with paleoceanographic records. I find that only a complete shut‐down and recovery of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) can simulate both the rise in atmospheric CO2 concentrations seen in ice core records and the peak and subsequent decrease in atmospheric Δ14C comparable to the peak recorded in the varved sediments of the Cariaco Basin. Simulated radiocarbon profiles in the western North Atlantic match well with data from deep‐sea corals at the beginning of the YD, whereas planktonic/benthic foraminifera records match best with a transient state during the rapid recovery of the AMOC. The steepness of the increase in atmospheric Δ14C at ∼12.9 ka cal could not be simulated with oceanic circulation changes only because the response time of the climate system is too slow.
Charging state of the atmospheric nucleation mode: Implications for separating neutral and ion‐induced nucleation
Authors: Kerminen Veli‐Matti , Anttila Tatu , Petäjä Tuukka , Laakso Lauri , Gagné Stéphanie , Lehtinen Kari E. J. , Kulmala Markku
Published: November 2007

One way of getting information about the relative roles of neutral and ion‐induced nucleation in the atmosphere is to measure the charging state of aerosol particles, i.e., the extent by which the charged fraction of aerosol particles differs from the corresponding equilibrium charged fraction. By using a theoretical approach, we investigated how the charging state of a growing nucleation mode behaves under different atmospheric conditions. We found that the time evolution of the nuclei charging state is governed by two parameters: the initial nuclei charging state determined by the nucleation mechanism and the parameter K that is directly proportional to the cluster ion concentration and inversely proportional to the nuclei growth rate. We demonstrated that if the value K is larger than a certain threshold value (2–4 nm−1), any information about the initial charging state of the nuclei, and thereby about the nucleation mechanism, will be lost by the time the nuclei grow into the measurement size range (>3 nm). By making a few simplifying assumptions, we derived an analytical expression for the functional dependence of the nuclei charging state as a function of the nuclei size. We demonstrated that the derived expression can usually be fitted into experimental data on nuclei charging states. When the value of K is small enough, the obtained fitting can be extrapolated successfully down to sizes where the nucleation has taken place to obtain information about the relative importance of neutral and ion‐induced nucleation.
Imaging the midcontinent rift beneath Lake Superior using large aperture seismic data
Authors: Tréhu A. , Morel‐à‐l'Huissier P. , Meyer R. , Hajnal Z. , Karl J. , Mereu R. , Sexton J. , Shay J. , Chan W. ‐K. , Epili D. , Jefferson T. , Shih X. ‐R. , Wendling S. , Milkereit B. , Green A. , Hutchinson D.
Published: November 2007

We present a detailed velocity model across the 1.1 billion year old Midcontinent Rift System (MRS) in central Lake Superior. The model was derived primarily from onshore‐offshore large‐aperture seismic and gravity data. High velocities obtained within a highly reflective half‐graben that was imaged on coincident seismic reflection data demonstrate the dominantly mafic composition of the graben fill and constrain its total thickness to be at least 30km. Strong wide‐angle reflections are observed from the lower crust and Moho, indicating that the crust is thickest (55–60km) beneath the axis of the graben. The total crustal thickness decreases rapidly to about 40 km beneath the south shore of the lake and decreases more gradually to the north. Above the Moho is a high‐velocity lower crust interpreted to result from syn‐rift basaltic intrusion into and/or underplating beneath the Archean lower crust. The lower crust is thickest beneath the axis of the main rift half‐graben. A second region of thick lower crust is found approximately 100km north of the axis of the rift beneath a smaller half graben that is interpreted to reflect an earlier stage of rifting. The crustal model presented here resembles recent models of some passive continental margins and is in marked contrast to many models of both active and extinct Phanerozoic continental rift zones. It demonstrates that the Moho is a dynamic feature, since the pre‐rift Moho is probably within or above the high‐velocity lower crust, whereas the post‐rift Moho is defined as the base of this layer. In the absence of major tectonic activity, however, the Moho is very stable, since the large, abrupt variations in crustal thickness beneath the MRS have been preserved for at least a billion years.
Manganese-Enhanced MRI of Brain Plasticity in Relation to Functional Recovery after Experimental Stroke
Authors: van der Zijden Jet P , Bouts Mark J R J , Wu Ona , Roeling Tom A P , Bleys Ronald LAW , van der Toorn Annette , Dijkhuizen Rick M
Published: November 2007

Restoration of function after stroke may be associated with structural remodeling of neuronal connections outside the infarcted area. However, the spatiotemporal profile of poststroke alterations in neuroanatomical connectivity in relation to functional recovery is still largely unknown. We performed in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based neuronal tract tracing with manganese in combination with immunohistochemical detection of the neuronal tracer wheat-germ agglutinin horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP), to assess changes in intra- and interhemispheric sensorimotor network connections from 2 to 10 weeks after unilateral stroke in rats. In addition, functional recovery was measured by repetitive behavioral testing. Four days after tracer injection in perilesional sensorimotor cortex, manganese enhancement and WGA-HRP staining were decreased in subcortical areas of the ipsilateral sensorimotor network at 2 weeks after stroke, which was restored at later time points. At 4 to 10 weeks after stroke, we detected significantly increased manganese enhancement in the contralateral hemisphere. Behaviorally, sensorimotor functions were initially disturbed but subsequently recovered and plateaued 17 days after stroke. This study shows that manganese-enhanced MRI can provide unique in vivo information on the spatiotemporal pattern of neuroanatomical plasticity after stroke. Our data suggest that the plateau stage of functional recovery is associated with restoration of ipsilateral sensorimotor pathways and enhanced interhemispheric connectivity.
Engineering peroxidase activity in myoglobin: the haem cavity structure and peroxide activation in the T67R/S92D mutant and its derivative reconstituted with protohaemin-l-histidine
Authors: RONCONE Raffaella , MONZANI Enrico , MURTAS Monica , BATTAINI Giuseppe , PENNATI Andrea , SANANGELANTONI Anna Maria , ZUCCOTTI Simone , BOLOGNESI Martino , CASELLA Luigi
Published: November 2007

Protein engineering and cofactor replacement have been employed as tools to introduce/modulate peroxidase activity in sperm whale Mb (myoglobin). Based on the rationale that haem peroxidase active sites are characterized by specific charged residues, the Mb haem crevice has been modified to host a haem-distalpropionate Arg residue and a proximal Asp, yielding the T67R/S92D Mb mutant. To code extra conformational mobility around the haem, and to increase the peroxidase catalytic efficiency, the T67R/S92D Mb mutant has been subsequently reconstituted with protohaem-l-histidine methyl ester, yielding a stable derivative, T67R/S92D Mb-H. The crystal structure of T67R/S92D cyano-metMb (1.4 Å resolution; R factor, 0.12) highlights a regular haem-cyanide binding mode, and the role for the mutated residues in affecting the haem propionates as well as the neighbouring water structure. The conformational disorder of the haem propionate-7 is evidenced by the NMR spectrum of the mutant. Ligand-binding studies show that the iron(III) centres of T67R/S92D Mb, and especially of T67R/S92D Mb-H, exhibit higher affinity for azide and imidazole than wild-type Mb. In addition, both protein derivatives react faster than wild-type Mb with hydrogen peroxide, showing higher peroxidase-like activity towards phenolic substrates. The catalytic efficiency of T67R/S92D Mb-H in these reactions is the highest so far reported for Mb derivatives. A model for the protein–substrate interaction is deduced based on the crystal structure and on the NMR spectra of protein–phenol complexes.
Detergents profoundly affect inhibitor potencies against both cyclo-oxygenase isoforms
Authors: OUELLET Marc , FALGUEYRET Jean-Pierre , PERCIVAL M. David
Published: November 2007

The sensitivity of Coxs (cyclo-oxygenases) to inhibition is known to be highly dependent on assay conditions. In the present study, the inhibitor sensitivities of purified Cox-1 and -2 were determined in a colorimetric assay using the reducing agent N,N,N´,N´-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine. With the detergent genapol X-100 (2 mM) present, the potencies of nimesulide, ibuprofen, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid and naproxen were increased over 100-fold against Cox-2 and titration curve shapes changed, so that maximal inhibition now approached 100%. Indomethacin, diclofenac and flosulide were not changed in potency. Similar effects of genapol were observed with inhibitors of Cox-1. DuP-697 and two analogues became more than 10-fold less potent against Cox-2 with genapol present. Tween-20, Triton X-100 and phosphatidylcholine, but not octylglucoside, gave qualitatively similar effects as genapol. Similar detergent-dependent changes in inhibitor potency were also observed using a [14C]arachidonic acid HPLC assay. The increases in potency of ibuprofen, flufenamic acid, isoxicam and niflumic acid towards Cox-2 and ibuprofen towards Cox-1 were accompanied by a change from time-independent to time-dependent inhibition. The interactions of Cox inhibitors has been described in terms of multiple binding step mechanisms. The genapol-dependent increase in inhibitor potency for ketoprofen was associated with an increase in the rate constant for the conversion of the initial enzyme–inhibitor complex to a second, more tightly bound form. The loss of potency for some inhibitors is probably due to inhibitor partitioning into detergent micelles. The present study identifies detergents as another factor that must be considered when determining inhibitor potencies against both Cox isoforms.
Dihydrodipicolinate synthase is not inhibited by its substrate, (S)-aspartate beta-semialdehyde
Authors: DOBSON Renwick C. J. , GERRARD Juliet A. , PEARCE F. Grant
Published: November 2007

DHDPS (dihydrodipicolinate synthase; EC 4.2.1.52) is the enzyme that catalyses the first unique step of lysine biosynthesis in plants and micro-organisms. As such, it has attracted much attention as a target for herbicide and anti-microbial action. DHDPS has two substrates: pyruvate and (S)-aspartate β-semialdehyde [(S)-ASA]. There are various literature reports that suggest that high levels of (S)-ASA inhibit the enzyme [Karsten (1997) Biochemistry 36, 1730–1739; Stahly (1969) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 191, 439–451], whereas others have not observed this phenomenon. We have resolved this long-running literature debate and shown unequivocally that this difference in reported behaviour can be attributed to differences in the preparation of (S)-ASA used by each researcher. DHDPS is not inhibited by its substrate; rather, the inhibition is due to an, as yet, unidentified inhibitor in preparations of the substrate generated by ozonolysis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that (R)-ASA is neither an inhibitor nor a substrate of DHDPS from Escherichia coli.
Functional reconstitution of the Salmonella typhimurium PhoQ histidine kinase sensor in proteoliposomes
Authors: Sanowar Sarah , Le Moual Hervé
Published: November 2007

Two-component signal-transduction systems are widespread in bacteria. They are usually composed of a transmembrane histidine kinase sensor and a cytoplasmic response regulator. The PhoP/PhoQ two-component system of Salmonella typhimurium contributes to virulence by co-ordinating the adaptation to low concentrations of environmental Mg2+. Limiting concentrations of extracellular Mg2+ activate the PhoP/PhoQ phosphorylation cascade modulating the transcription of PhoP-regulated genes. In contrast, high concentrations of extracellular Mg2+ stimulate the dephosphorylation of the response regulator PhoP by the PhoQ kinase sensor. In the present study, we report the purification and functional reconstitution of PhoQHis, a PhoQ variant with a C-terminal His tag, into Escherichia coli liposomes. The functionality of PhoQHis was essentially similar to that of PhoQ as shown in vivo and in vitro. Purified PhoQHis was inserted into liposomes in a unidirectional orientation, with the sensory domain facing the lumen and the catalytic domain facing the extraluminal environment. Reconstituted PhoQHis exhibited all the catalytic activities that have been described for histidine kinase sensors. Reconstituted PhoQHis was capable of autokinase activity when incubated in the presence of Mg2+-ATP. The phosphoryl group could be transferred from reconstituted PhoQHis to PhoP. Reconstituted PhoQHis catalysed the dephosphorylation of phospho-PhoP and this activity was stimulated by the addition of extraluminal ADP.
The functioning of mammalian ClC-2 chloride channel in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells requires an increased level of Kha1p
Authors: Flis Krzysztof , Hinzpeter Alexandre , Edelman Aleksander , Kurlandzka Anna
Published: November 2007

The mammalian chloride channel ClC-2 is a member of the CLC voltage-gated chloride channels family. This broadly expressed protein shows diverse cellular locations and despite numerous studies, its precise function is poorly understood. Disruption of ClC-2-encoding gene in mouse leads to retinal and testicular degeneration and mutations in CLC2 (gene encoding the ClC-2 channel) are associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsies. ClC-2 may also be responsible for Cl− transport in mouse salivary glands. The only CLC homologue of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Gef1p, exhibits CLC activity. We expressed the mammalian ClC-2 protein in S. cerevisiae devoid of Gef1p in an attempt to identify yeast proteins influencing the functioning of ClC-2. The presence of such proteins in yeast could indicate the existence of their homologues in mammalian cells and would greatly aid their identification. Expression of ClC-2 in yeast required optimization of the sequence context of the AUG translation initiation codon. After obtaining an efficient translation, we found that rat ClC-2 cannot directly substitute for yeast Gef1p. Functional substitution for Gef1p was, however, achieved in the presence of an increased level of intact or C-terminally truncated yeast Kha1 protein. Based on the deduced amino acid sequence, the Kha1 protein can be classified as a Na+/H+ transporter since it has a large N-terminal domain similar to the family of NHEs (Na+/H+ exchangers). This suggests that the Kha1p may take part in the regulation of intracellular cation homoeostasis and pH control. We have established that Kha1p is localized in the same cellular compartment as Gef1p and yeast-expressed ClC-2: the Golgi apparatus. We propose that Kha1p may aid ClC-2-dependent suppression of the Δgef1-assocciated growth defects by keeping the Golgi apparatus pH in a range suitable for ClC-2 activity. The approach employed in the present study may be of general applicability to the characterization of poorly understood proteins by their functional expression in yeast.
5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein homodimer in human neutrophils: evidence for a role in leukotriene biosynthesis
Authors: Plante Hendrick , Picard Serge , Mancini Joseph , Borgeat Pierre
Published: November 2007

FLAP (5-lipoxygenase-activating protein) is a nuclear transmembrane protein involved in the biosynthesis of LTs (leukotrienes) and other 5-LO (5-lipoxygenase) products. However, little is known about its mechanism of action. In the present study, using cross-linkers, we demonstrate that FLAP is present as a monomer and a homodimer in human PMN (polymorphonuclear cells). The functional relevance of the FLAP dimer in LT biosynthesis was assessed in different experimental settings. First, the 5-LO substrate AA (arachidonic acid) concomitantly disrupted the FLAP dimer (at ≥10 μM) and inhibited LT biosynthesis. Secondly, using Sf9 cells expressing active and inactive FLAP mutants and 5-LO, we observed that the FLAP mutants capable of supporting 5-LO product biosynthesis also form the FLAP dimer, whereas inactive FLAP mutants do not. Finally, we showed that FLAP inhibitors such as MK-0591 which block LT biosynthesis in human PMN, disrupt the FLAP dimer in PMN membranes with a similar IC50. The present study demonstrates that LT biosynthesis in intact cells not only requires the presence of FLAP but its further organization into a FLAP homodimer.