bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GM1‐induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase: involvement of Trk receptors
Authors: Duchemin Anne‐Marie , Ren Qun , Neff Norton H. , Hadjiconstantinou Maria
Published: November 2007

J. Neurochem.(2008)104,1466–1477.

The ganglioside GM1 promotes neuronal growth, differentiation, survival, phenotypic expression, and function restoration, by apparently interacting with neurotrophic factors and/or their receptors. In brain, GM1 activates the Trk receptors for neurotrophins and the Raf/MEK/ERK cascadein situandin vivo. We have expanded these studies and explored whether GM1 recruits the phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)‐kinase pathway in brain also. Incubating striatal slices with GM1 increased the activity of PI3‐kinase in phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, and the response was blocked by the PI3‐kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002. PI3‐kinase activation following GM1 was rapid and short lasting with an EC50of 5 μmol/L. There was a temporally parallel activation of the downstream PI3‐kinase target Akt, which was prevented by PI3‐kinase inhibition. PI3‐kinase activity was found increased in Trk and Gab1 immunoprecipitates, and co‐immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated the association of Trk and Gab1 after GM1 treatment. Enhanced PI3‐kinase activity associated with Trk or Gab1 immunoprecipitates was blocked by the Trk inhibitor K252a. GM1 did not appear to transactivate Trk and did not alter the efflux of neurotrophins in striatal slices. Our findings suggest that GM1 induces activation of PI3‐kinase that is, in part, mediated through Trk and Gab1.
Spontaneous Vegetation on Overburden Piles in the Coal Basin of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Dos Santos Robson , Citadini‐Zanette Vanilde , Leal‐Filho Laurindo S. , Hennies Wildor T.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this work was to select indigenous vegetal species for restoration programs aiming at the regeneration of ombrophilous dense forest. Thirty‐five spoil piles located in the county of Sideropolis, Santa Catarina, that received overburden disposal for 39 years (1950–1989) were selected for study because they exhibited remarkable spontaneous regrowth of trees compared to surrounding spoil piles. Floristic inventory covered the whole area of the 35 piles, whereas survey on phytosociology and natural regeneration studies were conducted in 70 plots distributed along the 35 piles. Floristic inventory recorded 83 species from 28 botanical families. Herbaceous terricolous plants constituted the predominant species (47.0%), followed by shrubs (26.5%), trees (19.3%), and vines (7.2%). Results from surveys on phytosociology and natural regeneration, focused on shrubs and trees, recorded incipient ecological succession. In addition, the most adapted species recorded on the overburden piles, as ranked by index of natural regeneration (RNT) plus importance value index (IVI), were as follows: Clethra scabra (RNT = 23.93%; IVI = 17.28%), Myrsine coriacea (RNT = 20.93%, IVI = 11.26%), Eupatorium intermedium (RNT = 7.56%, IVI = 0.40%), Miconia ligustroides (RNT = 5.84%, IVI = 2.37%), Ossaea amygdaloides (RNT = 3.84%, IVI = 1.30%), Tibouchina sellowiana (RNT = 3.29%, IVI = 1.94%), Eup. inulaefolium (RNT = 2.65%, IVI = 0.80%), and Baccharis dracunculifolia (RNT = 2.28%; IVI = 0.56%). High values of IVI and RNT exhibited by the exotic species Eucalyptus saligna (IVI = 21.73%, RNT = 51.41%) indicated strong competition between exotic and indigenous species. Severe chemical (acidic pH and lack of nutrients) and physical (coarse substrate and slope angle of 40–50°) characteristics displayed by the overburden piles constituted limitations to floristic diversity and size of indigenous trees, indicating the need for substrate reclamation prior to forest restoration.
Restoring Tree Islands in the Everglades: Experimental Studies of Tree Seedling Survival and Growth
Authors: Van Der Valk Arnold G. , Wetzel Paul , Cline Eric , Sklar Fred H.
Published: November 2007

In May 2004, 400 tree seedlings of seven different species found on tree islands in the Florida Everglades were planted at different elevations along five transects on eight newly constructed tree islands, four with and four without limestone cores. Seedlings suffered between 40 and 85% mortality during the first 120 days, the period with the lowest water levels. Ilex cassine L., Salix caroliniana Michx., Chrysobalanus icaco L., and Annona glabra had the highest number of surviving seedlings, whereas Magnolia virginiana L., Myrica cerifera L., and Acer rubrum L. had the fewest. During the remainder of the study, water levels were mostly higher and sometimes covered the entire islands for months at a time. After 220 days, nearly all seedlings of M. virginiana and My. cerifera had died. At the end of the study, seedlings of I. cassine and A. glabra had the highest survivorship rates. Seedling biomass of C. icaco and I. cassine was greatest at the highest elevations, whereas seedlings of A. glabra had similar biomass at all elevations. Seedling survivorship was not statistically different between islands with and without limestone cores; however, when seedlings of all species were combined, island core type was significantly different for aboveground biomass, seedling height, and canopy width. Because of the higher survivorship under both low and high water conditions, A. glabra, I. cassine, and S. caroliniana are the most suitable species for establishing tree species on restored tree islands in the Everglades.
Capturing Genetic Variation during Ecological Restorations: An Example from Kankakee Sands in Indiana
Authors: Dolan Rebecca W. , Marr Deborah L. , Schnabel Andrew
Published: November 2007

Genetic variation in populations, both natural and restored, is usually considered crucial for response to short‐term environmental stresses and for long‐term evolutionary change. To have the best chance of successful long‐term survival, restored populations should reflect the extant variation found in remnants, but restored sites may suffer from genetic bottlenecks as a result of founder effects. Kankakee Sands is a large‐scale restoration being conducted by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in northwestern Indiana. Our goal was to test for loss of genetic variation in restored plant populations by comparing them with TNC’s seed source nursery and with local remnant populations that were the source of nursery seed and of the first few restored sites. Allozyme analysis ofBaptisia leucantha,Asclepias incarnata,Coreopsis tripteris, andZizia aureashowed low levels of allozyme diversity within all species and reductions in polymorphism, alleles per locus, and expected heterozygosity between remnants and restorations for all species exceptA. incarnata. Almost all lost alleles were rare; restored populations contained almost 90% of alleles at polymorphic loci that occurred in remnants at frequencies greater than 1%. Allele frequencies for most loci did not differ between remnants and restored sites. Most species showed significant allele frequency differentiation among remnant populations and among restored sites. Our results indicate that seed collection techniques used at Kankakee Sands captured the great majority of allozyme variation present in seed source remnant populations.
Evaluating Dispersal Limitation in Passive Bottomland Forest Restoration
Authors: Battaglia Loretta L. , Pritchett Davis W. , Minchin Peter R.
Published: November 2007

Dispersal limitation can retard natural establishment of desirable species on restoration sites, especially where landscapes are fragmented, but dispersal limitation is assumed to become less critical with time as early colonists become reproductively mature. Distribution patterns of recruiting trees in a 20‐year‐old passively restored bottomland in northeast Louisiana suggested persistent dispersal limitation in some bottomland hardwood species and influence of dense shrub patches on colonization. To test these hypotheses, we measured seed rain as a function of distance to seed source and association with shrub cover. Seed rain of the wind‐dispersed Fraxinus pennsylvanica was highest near the forest edge, except where mature recruits occurred. Although shrub presence did not influence dispersal of F. pennsylvanica, its negative influence on probability of occurrence in the sapling layer suggests that shrub cover may limit its regeneration. The bird‐dispersed Crataegus viridis and Ilex decidua were found in the seed rain and as reproductive individuals within the field; neither had a positive relationship with shrub presence. Dispersal of heavy‐seeded Quercus spp. and Carya aquatica was limited to within 20 m of the forest edge. These results imply that dispersal limitation is diminishing in wind‐ and bird‐dispersed species with maturation of in‐field recruits and that shrub patches may influence these patterns. Heavy‐seeded species, however, remain restricted to field edges that directly abut a seed source. If canopy closure by wind‐ and bird‐dispersed species precedes dispersal of heavy‐seeded species into the field, establishment of Quercus and Carya spp. may remain low for the foreseeable future.
Seed Dynamics of Early and Late Successional Tree Species in Tropical Abandoned Pastures: Seed Burial as a Way of Evading Predation
Authors: Garcia‐Orth Ximena , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel
Published: November 2007

We explored different treatments to enhance the probability of sowed seeds of two early successional (ES, Cecropia obtusifolia and Ochroma pyramidale) and two late successional (LS, Brosimum costaricanum and Dialium guianense) species to escape predation and germinate in abandoned cattle‐raising pasture fields in Southeastern Mexico. ES species were sown in groups of 50 seeds under three treatments: invertebrate exclusion, burial, and exposition to seedeaters. LS species were sown in groups of 10 seeds under three treatments: vertebrate exclusion, burial, and exposition to seedeaters. We registered seed predation and germination 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 days after the initial sowing. Overall, ES showed higher predation rates (mean ± SE = 0.45 ± 0.07 seed seed−1 day−1; n = 3) than LS species (0.09 ± 0.02 seed seed−1 day−1). Cecropia obtusifolia was completely predated in all treatments after 8 days. Burial and exclusion treatments reduced final predation in circa 6% for O. pyramidale, relative to that of exposed seeds (85% after 8 days); most germination occurred in buried seeds (3.7%). In B. costaricanum, burial enabled germination by 10%; exposed and excluded seeds were removed 100%. Dialium guianense showed 12% germination in buried seeds and circa 20% of the seeds were not removed after 64 days. Direct sowing would be a recommended rainforest restoration practice for species with relatively large seeds if deposited in groups and buried. Studies which address variation across numerous sites are necessary in order to generate more consistent seed predation patterns and rainforest restoration principles in tropical pastures.
Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Treatment of Nummular Headache: Four Case Studies
Authors: Mathew Ninan T. , Kailasam Jayasree , Meadors Lori
Published: November 2007

Objective.— We assessed the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA; BOTOX®: Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) in patients with nummular headache who did not respond to other treatments including nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), local anesthetics, and/or gabapentin.

Background.— Nummular headache is characterized by circumscribed round or elliptical areas of fluctuating mild‐to‐moderate head pain in a chronic or remitting pattern. It is a relatively rare primary headache disorder that responds poorly to adequate treatment trials with local anesthetic, migraine, or neuropathic pain agents or NSAIDs.

Methods.— Four patients aged 35‐58 years with intractable nummular headaches were given 25 units of BoNTA divided among 10 injection sites in and around the circumscribed affected areas of pain, paresthesia, and allodynia. All patients had 2 sets of injections approximately 14 weeks apart.

Results.— All patients met the International Headache Society criteria for nummular headache (International Classification of Headache Disorders, A13.7.1). Patients were female; mean age of onset was 42 years. Average disease duration prior to BoNTA treatment was 3.75 years. One patient reported concurrent episodic migraine and another reported concurrent tension‐type headache. Patients reported round‐shaped (n = 2; 6 and 3 cm in diameter), oval (n = 1; 4 × 2 cm), and elliptical (n = 1; 6 cm in length) areas of pain. Painful symptoms were reported in the right parietal convexity (n = 2) and the posterior frontal, unilaterally (n = 2). All patients experienced spontaneous or stimuli‐triggered exacerbations and variable combinations of sensory disturbances, including allodynia, tenderness, and paresthesia. The temporal pattern was continuous in 3 patients and intermittent in one. Both the size and shape of the pain remained unchanged in all patients since the onset of nummular headache symptoms. Six to 10 days following BoNTA treatment, all patients experienced a reduction in nummular headache symptoms, which lasted approximately 14 weeks on average. Repeat injections gave the same degree of improvement. No treatment‐related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions.— BoNTA appears to be a well‐tolerated effective treatment for intractable, persistent nummular headache in patients with an inadequate response to other treatments including NSAIDs, gabapentin, or local anesthetics.
Late EEG responses triggered by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the evaluation of focal epilepsy
Authors: Valentin Antonio , Arunachalam Ramamurthy , Mesquita‐Rodrigues Arvin , Garcia Seoane Jorge J. , Richardson Mark P. , Mills Kerry R. , Alarcon Gonzalo
Published: November 2007

Summary

Purpose: To evaluate the use of EEG responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS‐EEG responses) as a noninvasive tool for the diagnosis of focal epilepsy.

Methods: Fifteen patients and 15 healthy subjects were studied. TMS at an intensity set at resting corticomotor threshold were delivered at the standard EEG electrode positions. For each position, EEG responses to TMS were evaluated before and after averaging EEG recordings synchronized with the TMS pulse.

Results: Two types of TMS‐EEG responses were seen: (A) early responses: consisting of a single slow wave seen after the TMS pulse; and (B) late TMS‐EEG responses, which were subclassified into (b.1) delayed responses: waveforms resembling interictal epileptiform discharges induced by TMS; or (b.2) repetitive responses: onset of a new rhythym induced by TMS. Early responses were observed in patients and healthy subjects when stimulating at various sites and were considered normal responses to TMS. Late TMS‐EEG responses were not seen in healthy subjects, whereas they were seen in 11 of the 15 epileptic patients. Late TMS‐EEG responses occurred when stimulating the epileptogenic side in eight out of the nine patients who had lateralized late TMS‐EEG responses. The combined use of late TMS‐EEG responses and interictal scalp EEG would have suggested the diagnosis of focal epilepsy in all patients, despite the absence of late TMS‐EEG responses in four patients and the presence of normal interictal scalp EEG in three.

Conclusions: TMS‐EEG responses can identify epileptogenic cortex and may substantially improve the diagnosis of focal epilepsy, particularly, if combined with standard EEG studies.
Severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy: A systematic review and a meta‐analysis of individual patient data
Authors: Kassaï Behrouz , Chiron Catherine , Augier Ségolène , Cucherat Michel , Rey Elisabeth , Gueyffier François , Guerrini Renzo , Vincent Julien , Dulac Olivier , Pons Gérard
Published: November 2007

Summary

Severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI) is a rare, but severe disorder with seizures typically resistant to conventional antiepileptic drugs. The objective of the present study was to systematically review the literature on the available treatments for SMEI.

Databases searched included Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. We used a fixed effect model to summarize the odds ratio of seizures rates and a logistic model to evaluate the influence of patient characteristics on treatment effect.

We found 23 uncontrolled studies and 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared stiripentol with placebo. Overall, 64 children aged between 3 and 20 years were included in the two RCTs. The odds ratio of responding to stiripentol relative to placebo was 32 (CI: 6.2, 161) and stiripentol reduced seizure rate by 70% (93%; 47%). The multivariate analysis does not suggest any differences within subgroups of participants and cotherapy.

Results of uncontrolled studies in children with SMEI are potentially biased and do not provide valid information on the benefits and harms of treatments. The two RCTs identified, however, were performed with the same objectives and design and showed that seizure frequency is greatly reduced by stiripentol in children with SMEI after 2 months of treatment.
Does It Stick? Effects of an Integrated Vertical Undergraduate Aging Curriculum on Medical and Surgical Residents
Authors: Wieland Darryl , Eleazer G. Paul , Bachman David L. , Corbin Deronda , Oldendick Robert , Boland Rebecca , Stewart Thomas , Richeson Nancy , Thornhill J.T.
Published: November 2007

Experts acknowledge the unmet need for all physicians to have basic knowledge of aging and competency in geriatric care given the context of population aging. The University of South Carolina (USC) School of Medicine implemented a highly successful program of aging‐oriented undergraduate medical training, including a geriatrics vertical curriculum and its senior mentor program—a required, 4‐year experience matching students with older community volunteers, referred to herein as the integrated vertical curriculum in geriatrics (IVC). In earlier work, it was established that IVC graduating classes were significantly more likely to report exposure to and coverage of various geriatrics topics than prior USC classes or other U.S. medical graduates. Here the results of a follow‐up survey of USC graduating classes before and after exposure to the IVC and contemporaneous Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) graduates after two to three years of residency (before the initiation of a senior mentor program at MUSC) is reported. Of 403 graduates, 227 returned questionnaires (response rate 56%). Significantly more IVC (2004) than pre‐IVC (2003) and 2003 and 2004 MUSC graduates rated themselves fairly or very well prepared by their undergraduate education to treat older adults seen in residency (95% vs 77% and 52%; P<.001). Implications of this and other findings are discussed.
Real Time/Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Visualization of the Valve of Foramen Ovale
Authors: Panwar Sadik R. , Perrien James L. , Nanda Navin C. , Anurag Singh , Rajdev Sanjay
Published: November 2007

We describe an adult patient in whom the valve of foramen ovale and its opening and closing movements were well visualized by live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography.
Diadegma mollipla parasitizing Plutella xylostella: host instar preference and suitability
Authors: Nofemela Robert S. , Kfir Rami
Published: November 2007

Oviposition decisions (i.e., host selection and sex allocation) of female parasitoids are expected to correspond with host quality, as their offspring fitness is dependent on the amount and quality of resources provided by a single host. The host size model assumes that host quality is a linear function of host size, with larger hosts believed to contain a greater quantity of resources, and thus be more profitable than smaller hosts. We tested this assertion in the laboratory on a solitary larval–pupal parasitoid Diadegma mollipla (Holmgren) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) developing on three instars (second–fourth) of one of its hosts, the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). In a no‐choice test, parasitism levels and sex ratio (i.e., proportion of female progeny) were significantly high in hosts attacked in the second instar followed by third then fourth instars. However, the few parasitoids that completed a generation from the fourth instars did so significantly faster than conspecifics that started development in the other two instars. In direct observations, however, the parasitoids (i) randomly attacked the various host instars, (ii) spent a similar period examining the various host instars with their ovipositors, (iii) subdued all three host instars with about the same effort, and (iv) no statistical differences were observed in the attack rates on the three host instars. In a choice test, the females parasitized significantly more third instars followed by second then fourth instars. However, total parasitism in this experiment was 43% lower compared to parasitism of only second instars in the no‐choice test. No significant differences were detected in progeny sex ratios. In both choice and no‐choice tests, significantly more fourth instars died during the course of the experiments than second instars, while third instars were intermediate. The higher parasitism of third than second instars in the choice test indicates that the females perceived larger hosts as higher quality than smaller hosts, despite their lower suitability for larval development.
Optical coherence tomography and vessel diameter changes after intravitreal bevacizumab in diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Soliman Wael , Vinten Martin , Sander Birgit , Soliman Kamell Abd El‐Naser , Yehya Sameer , Rahman Mohamed Saad Abdel , Larsen Michael
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To assess the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab on diabetic macular oedema (DMO) and retinal vessel calibres.

Methods:  We performed a consecutive case series study in which 10 consecutive eyes with diffuse DMO, two of which had not previously been treated, received an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab 1 mg, which was followed by two more injections at 6‐week intervals. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were carried out at baseline immediately before injection and at 1, 2.5 and 4 months after the first injection. Outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, macular volume, foveal subfield thickness and vessel diameter measurement.

Results:  Intravitreal administration of bevacizumab was followed by a mean increase in BCVA of 7.3 ± 17 (mean ± standard deviation) letters between baseline and month 4, which was 1 month after the last injection (p < 0.0001). This was accompanied by a reduction in mean macular volume from 9.90 ± 1.9 mm3 to 8.96 ± 2.4 mm3 (p = 0.002) and in foveal subfield thickness from 447 ± 117 μm to 388 ± 117 μm (p = 0.03). Two eyes with early proliferative diabetic retinopathy lost all signs of proliferation without any evidence of fibrosis. Although there was a trend towards vasoconstriction, the changes in vessel diameters (arteries and veins) after 4 months of intravitreal Avastin injection were not statistically significant (p = 0.9 and p = 0.17, respectively). Foveal thickness in non‐injected fellow eyes with DMO changed from 428 ± 153 μm at baseline to 383 ± 151 μm at 4 months (p = 0.1), which did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:  Intravitreal bevacizumab 1 mg every 6 weeks was followed by a moderate reduction in DMO without normalization of foveal and macular thickness. Our observations suggest that a larger study where patients are examined sooner after injection is needed to elucidate the potential relationship between changes in retinal vessel diameters and thickness changes in DMO.
Prominent Langerhans’ cell migration in the arthropod bite reactions simulating Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis
Authors: Kim Se Hoon , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Kwang Gil
Published: November 2007

Background:  Epidermal Langerhans’ cells (LCs) play pivotal roles in cutaneous immune responses. An encounter with antigens or other stimuli causes the mobilization and migration of LCs. Therefore, some dermatoses, which originated from antigenic stimuli or trauma, can show LC migration. Recently, we experienced several cases of anthropod bites that showed marked inflammatory infiltrates with eosinophils and CD1a‐positive LCs. It was difficult to differentiate these cases from Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis (LCH).

Methods:  The degree and pattern of LC infiltration in the skin of arthropod bite reaction was evaluated. The characteristics of CD1a immunohistochemical expression in the arthropod bite reactions were compared with those of LCH.

Results:  A few arthropod bite cases (approximately 36%) showed extensive CD1a‐positive LCs in the dermis, especially in the perivascular area. In addition, the CD1a expression patterns of LCs in the arthropod bite reactions were dendritic, whereas that of tumor cells in LCH were distinctly membranous and cytoplasmic.

Conclusion:  Some arthropod bite reactions can show marked CD1a‐positive LCs in the dermis, especially in the perivascular area. The dendritic CD1a immunohistochemical staining pattern in arthropod bite reactions is useful in helping to differentiate from LCH.
Relative response of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and other transfusion‐dependent anaemias to deferasirox (ICL670): a 1‐yr prospective study
Authors: Porter John , Galanello Renzo , Saglio Giuseppe , Neufeld Ellis J. , Vichinsky Elliott , Cappellini Maria Domenica , Olivieri Nancy , Piga Antonio , Cunningham Melody J. , Soulières Denis , Gattermann Norbert , Tchernia Gilbert , Maertens Johan , Giardina Patricia , Kwiatkowski Janet , Quarta Giovanni , Jeng Michael , Forni Gian Luca , Stadler Michael , Cario Holger , Debusscher Louisette , Porta Matteo Della , Cazzola Mario , Greenberg Peter , Alimena Giuliana , Rabault Bertrand , Gathmann Insa , Ford John Malcolm , Alberti Daniele , Rose Christian
Published: November 2007

Objectives/methods:  This 1‐yr prospective phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of deferasirox in regularly transfused patients aged 3–81 yrs with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS; n = 47), Diamond–Blackfan anaemia (DBA; n = 30), other rare anaemias (n = 22) or β‐thalassaemia (n = 85). Dosage was determined by baseline liver iron concentration (LIC).

Results:  In patients with baseline LIC ≥7 mg Fe/g dry weight, deferasirox initiated at 20 or 30 mg/kg/d produced statistically significant decreases in LIC (P < 0.001); these decreases were greatest in MDS and least in DBA. As chelation efficiency and iron excretion did not differ significantly between disease groups, the differences in LIC changes are consistent with mean transfusional iron intake (least in MDS: 0.28 ± 0.14 mg/kg/d; greatest in DBA: 0.4 ± 0.11 mg/kg/d). Overall, LIC changes were dependent on dose (P < 0.001) and transfusional iron intake (P < 0.01), but not statistically different between disease groups. Changes in serum ferritin and LIC were correlated irrespective of disease group (r = 0.59), supporting the potential use of serum ferritin for monitoring deferasirox therapy. Deferasirox had a safety profile compatible with long‐term use. There were no disease‐specific safety/tolerability effects: the most common adverse events were gastrointestinal disturbances, skin rash and non‐progressive serum creatinine increases.

Conclusions:  Deferasirox is effective for reducing iron burden with a defined, clinically manageable safety profile in patients with various transfusion‐dependent anaemias. There were no disease‐specific adverse events. Once differences in transfusional iron intake are accounted for, dose‐dependent changes in LIC or serum ferritin are similar in MDS and other disease groups.
Movements of creek chubs, Semotilus atromaculatus, among habitat patches in a plains stream
Authors: Belica L. A. T. , Rahel F. J.
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  We studied summer movement patterns of creek chubs, Semotilus atromaculatus, in a low‐gradient, sand‐bottomed stream on the western plains of the United States. Creek chubs were highly associated with patches of cover consisting of wood or macrophytes. Movements among 37 patches in a 1.1‐km segment were assessed in a mark‐recapture study. Over 2‐week intervals, 44% of recaptured fish changed patches. Net distances moved ranged from 4 to 606 m, median distance moved was 49 m. Of fish recaptured repeatedly during the four sampling periods, most (65%) changed patches at least once, but few were consistently mobile. Inter‐patch distance was an important variable with a negative effect on creek chub movements. Inter‐patch cover was less important, but had a positive effect on movements. Frequent, short‐distance movements among habitat patches in summer are a component of the ecology of creek chubs and the spatial arrangement of patches, and intervening stream conditions appear to mediate those movements.
Dentin diffusion of HEMA released from etch‐and‐rinse and self‐etch bonding systems
Authors: Rathke Andreas , Alt Andreas , Gambin Nadin , Haller Bernd
Published: November 2007

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the diffusion of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) released from different bonding systems (BS) through dentin. Occlusal cavities with a remaining dentin thickness (RDT) of 0.5 mm (n = 90) and 0.25 mm (n = 80), respectively, were prepared in dentin discs of non‐carious human molars. Artificial pulp chambers were attached to the pulpal side of each dentin disc. Bonding systems were applied with (Clearfil SE Bond, OptiBond FL, OptiBond Solo Plus) or without (AdheSE, Adper Prompt L‐Pop, Clearfil SE Bond, OptiBond FL, OptiBond Solo Plus Self Etch, Xeno III) prior phosphoric acid etching. HEMA was detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (n = 10 per BS and RDT). The highest mean HEMA concentration was found in the 0.25 mm RDT group treated with OptiBond FL (13.3 μg) and the lowest mean HEMA concentration was detected in the 0.5 mm RDT group treated with AdheSE (0.5 μg). At 0.25 mm RDT the quantities of HEMA recovered in the artificial pulp chambers were significantly higher than at 0.5 mm RDT, except for Clearfil SE Bond. Etching with phosphoric acid increased the detected HEMA quantities compared with self‐etch BS. In deep cavity preparations, etching with phosphoric acid should be avoided in favor of the use of self‐etch BS.
Development of heterodont dentition in house shrew (Suncus murinus)
Authors: Yamanaka Atsushi , Yasui Kinya , Sonomura Takahiro , Uemura Masanori
Published: November 2007

Mammalian heterodont dentition comprises incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Although there has been intensive research, the patterning of these specific tooth types has not yet been elucidated. In order for the gene expression data to be linked with tooth type determination, it is first necessary to determine precisely the incisor‐, canine‐, premolar‐, and molar‐forming regions in the jaw primordia. To accomplish this, we studied dentition development in the house shrew (Suncus murinus), which has retained all the tooth types, using three‐dimensional reconstructions from serial histological sections and the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression patterns. Before the appearance of morphological signs of odontogenesis, Shh expression localized to the presumptive tooth‐forming regions, in which the mesial and distal expression domains corresponded to the incisor‐ and premolar‐forming regions, respectively. The upper incisor region was found to extend across the boundary between the frontonasal and the maxillary processes. The canine‐forming regions later appeared in the intermediate portions of the maxillary and the mandibular processes. The molar‐forming regions later appeared distal to the initially demarcated tooth‐forming regions by secondary extension of the distal ends. The demarcation visualized by the Shh expression pattern in the jaw primordia of the house shrew probably represents the basic developmental pattern of mammalian heterodont dentition.
Open or closed repositioning of mandibular fractures: is there a difference in healing outcome? A systematic review
Authors: Andreasen Jens Ove , Storgård Jensen Simon , Kofod Thomas , Schwartz Ole , Hillerup Sören
Published: November 2007

Abstract –  The clinical outcome of closed vs open reduction and rigid fixation was compared based on a systematic review of the literature. Ten non‐randomized retrospective studies were found. In six of these ten studies, the complication rate was significantly increased when open reduction and plating was performed. In the remaining studies, a slightly elevated (but not significant) infection rate was found when compared with closed reduction. Altogether, an infection rate of 5.0% was found in the closed reduction group whereas 10.6% and 14.6% were found when open reduction was performed using either plates or wires. Nerve injuries were slightly increased when open reduction was found (although not significant). With regard to occlusal disturbances, no difference was found in the open and closed reduction group. Concerning overall complication problems, six of seven studies showed more problems after open than closed reduction. In conclusion, this literature review using retrospective studies has raised doubts regarding the superiority of open reduction and rigid splinting, compared to closed reduction and intermaxillary splinting. However, a bias concerning the preferential use of open reduction in case of more complicated fractures cannot be excluded, which might explain the differences found between the two procedures. Prospective, randomized clinical trials are needed to illuminate this problem.
The Use of Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Donkers‐van Rossum A. B.
Published: November 2007

Computed tomography (CT) has made its introduction in the diagnostic work‐up for pulmonary embolism (PE) since 1992. Initially only larger thrombi could be visualized, gradually smaller thrombi were also found. This is mainly due to technical development in CT and the introduction of the multidetector CT. Today CT is an integral part of the diagnostic work‐up for PE. In this article an overview is given from the literature from 1998 until 2006 about the performance of CT in the detection of PE, especially regarding the diagnostic accuracy and clinical value of CT in the diagnosis of PE.
Considerations on Supports That Can Increase the Quality of Life of Parents of Children With Disabilities
Authors: Soresi Salvatore , Nota Laura , Ferrari Lea
Published: November 2007

Abstract  The birth of a child with a disability entails the revision of roles and a consideration of the partners’ tasks and activities, the reallocation of financial resources, and a whole range of new behaviors to cope with the needs of the newcomer. It is important to analyze the quality of life experienced by parents and families of children with disabilities. The perception of quality of life is obviously affected by the diverse difficulties children may show. The authors examined the efficacy of personalized and specific interventions of parent training aimed at improving the quality of life of families with disabled children. They found that parents who have benefited from these interventions showed increments in their knowledge of educational principles and in their levels of well‐being and satisfaction.
Knowledge of prosthodontic treatment among denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers attending a dental institute in India: a survey report
Authors: Shigli Kamal , Angadi Gangadhar Shivappa , Hebbal Mamata
Published: November 2007

Objective:  Knowledge of subjects regarding prosthodontic treatment may play a role in their acceptance of the prostheses. The purpose of this survey was to assess the knowledge of prosthodontic treatment among the denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers reporting to the Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum.

Methods:  A self‐designed closed‐ended questionnaire containing 14 questions was designed. Four‐hundred and nineteen subjects aged between 25 and 65 years were surveyed over a period of 2 months. Collected data were statistically analysed using chi‐squared test at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results:  From the 419 subjects surveyed, 140 subjects (33.4%) were dentate and 279 subjects (66.6%) were edentulous either in the maxillary, mandibular or both arches. Among the 279 edentulous subjects, 143 (51.3%) did not use any kind of prosthesis. There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge regarding the replacement of teeth by artificial means, the number of visits required for the provision of a complete denture, problems with dentures among subjects using and not using them (p < 0.001) whereas no significant difference was found among the subjects regarding aesthetics with dentures and socializing with friends.

Conclusion:  Attempts should be made to raise the level of knowledge of both denture‐wearers and non‐denture‐wearers reporting to the Institute for any dental treatment.
Tooth loss and associated factors in long‐term institutionalised elderly patients
Authors: Tramini Paul , Montal Sylvie , Valcarcel Jean
Published: November 2007

Objective:  To compare partial and total tooth loss in dependent institutionalised elderly patients and identify any associated factors.

Background:  A poor oral health status, together with a reduction of autonomy can seriously affect the general health and increase the risk of death in elderly people. Those with total tooth loss and in need of assistance are the most at risk.

Materials and methods:  In 2004, a cross‐sectional study of 321 elderly patients was conducted in long‐term hospital services provided in Montpellier, France. Socio‐demographic, behavioural, medical and oral health information was recorded for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to test the relationship between those covariates and partial or total tooth loss. Pearson chi‐squared tests were used for bivariate analyses.

Results:  The proportion of edentulousness was 26.9%; among these12.6% had no dentures. The factors significantly associated with edentulism were: an age ‘older than 87 years’ [odds ratio (OR) = 9.4], the presence of a nephropathy (OR = 6.8), and inadequate oral hygiene (OR = 0.1). The factors most significantly associated with partial tooth loss (at least 21 missing teeth) were ‘cancerous disease’ (OR = 9.9), the presence of a nephropathy (OR = 5.6) and the presence of a neurological disease (OR = 4.1). The factors significantly related to dentate status (20 or more natural teeth retained) were ‘hypertension treatment’ (OR = 2.4), and ‘cortisone treatment’ (OR = 0.2).

Conclusion:  General health problems as well as a poor oral condition were significant risk indicators for tooth loss among the long‐term institutionalised elderly. This suggests that the number of remaining teeth has a strong effect on oral health‐related quality of life.
The interferon‐stimulated gene factor 3 complex mediates the inhibitory effect of interferon‐β on matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Nozell Susan , Ma Zhendong , Benveniste Etty N.
Published: November 2007

Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) displays a preference for a broad range of substrates including extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines. MMP‐9 plays an important role in physiological processes, as well as in inflammatory diseases and numerous cancers. Interferon‐β is a pleiotropic cytokine with antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities. Interferon‐β positively regulates gene expression, predominantly through the Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway. However, little is known about the mechanisms used by interferon‐β to negatively regulate gene expression. In the present study, we show that interferon‐β inhibits MMP‐9 gene expression at the transcriptional level. Using cell lines deficient in three components of the interferon‐β‐activated interferon‐stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) complex (i.e. STAT‐1, STAT‐2 and interferon regulatory factor 9), the results of our study indicate that all three members are required for interferon‐β inhibition. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that interferon‐β reduces recruitment of transcriptional activators and coactivators, such as nuclear factor kappa B p65, Sp1, CREB‐binding protein and p300, to the MMP‐9 promoter, and decreases the degree of histone acetylation at the MMP‐9 promoter. This occurs in the absence of an association of the ISGF3 complex with the MMP‐9 promoter. Taken together, these data define the role of interferon‐β and the ISGF3 members in suppressing MMP‐9 gene expression.
Research Article: Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) Study of Estrogen Derivatives Based on Descriptors of Energy and Softness
Authors: Pasha Farhan Ahmad , Neaz Morshed Mohammad , Cho Seung Joo , Kang Soon Bang
Published: November 2007

Quantum chemical interaction of estrogen derivatives with their receptor has been explored by using Klopman atomic softness. Four series of estrogen derivatives were taken from the literature and the structure of receptor (PDB code 1QKT) was obtained from the protein databank. It is proposed that three Lys, a His, a Tyr and a Cys residues are important for binding. The basic softness values (Em‡) and acidic softness values (En‡) of all atoms of estrogen derivatives were evaluated. The required parameters for Klopman equation were taken from PM3 results. The highest En‡ values for each molecules and highest Em‡ value for each residue were identified and ΔEnm‡ has been derived using them. The lowest ΔEnm‡ values were used in addition to Qmin (highest negative charge), ΔHf0 (heat of formation), ET (total energy), and EE (electronic energy). Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to correlate the variation of relative binding affinity values. The analyses show that ΔEnm‡ values in combination with other descriptors provide significant correlation with relative binding affinity values. The result underscores that carbonyl oxygen of the receptor is important for interaction with estrogen derivatives. This model could be utilized to predict the binding affinity of a new compound of this series.
Research article: QSAR Study of Phenoxypyrimidine Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of p38 Kinase Using different Chemometric Tools
Authors: Edraki Najmeh , Hemmateenejad Bahram , Miri Ramin , Khoshneviszade Mehdi
Published: November 2007

Selective inhibition of the CSBP/p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway may be an attractive target for the development of therapeutic agents to treat chronic inflammatory disease. A series of Phenoxypyrimidine Derivatives as Potent Inhibitors of p38 Kinase was subjected to quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis to find the structural requirements for ligand binding. A collection of chemometrics methods including multiple linear regression (MLR), factor analysis‐based multiple linear regression (FA‐MLR), principal component regression and partial least squared combined with genetic algorithm for variable selection (GA‐PLS) were employed to make connections between structural parameters and enzyme inhibition. The results revealed the significant roles of steric effect, hydrogen bonding and electronic properties on the p38 inhibitory activity of the studied molecules. The most significant QSAR model, obtained by GA‐PLS, could explain and predict 98% and 87% of variances in the pIC50data, respectively.
The Influence ofArtemiaand Algal Supplements during the Nursery Phase of Rearing Pacific White Shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Zelaya Oscar , Davis D. Allen , Rouse David B.
Published: November 2007

A 21‐d nursery trial was conducted to evaluate various food supplements on growth and survival of postlarval (PL)Litopenaeus vannamei.Each of four treatments was provided with an equal quantity of a dried commercial feed throughout the study. Three treatments received algae paste (Thalassiosira weissflogii) supplemented every 3 d. These include F, commercial feed plus algae; FAr3, commercial feed plus algae plusArtemiaevery other day during the first 7 d; and FAr7, commercial feed plus algae plusArtemiaevery day during the first 7 d. The fourth treatment served as control (FNA); it relied only on the commercial feed plus naturally occurring algae. At the conclusion of the nursery period, there were no significant differences in survival or feed conversion ration for PL nursed in the various treatments.Artemiadid have some effect in that PL receivingArtemiasupplement for 3 d (FAr3) were significantly larger than those that did not. Algal paste in itself had no significant effect. Overall, results suggest an advantage to supplementing dried feed withArtemiafor at least 3 d during the first week of nursery culture but little advantage to the use of a diatom paste as a food supplement.
Performance of Different Types of Commercial Feeds on the Growth of Juvenile Silver Pomfret, Pampus argenteus, under Tank Culture Conditions
Authors: Almatar Sulaiman M. , James Charles M.
Published: November 2007

The present study was carried out using juveniles of silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus, produced in the hatchery by stripping eggs from spawners collected from the wild during 2004 and 2005 culture period. The experiments carried out during 2004 investigated the efficiency of using salmon feed mixed with cyclopeeze, salmon feed mixed with shrimp meat, salmon feed alone, and shrimp meat alone in the diet using 1 m3 capacity round fiberglass tanks in three replicates for each treatment with flow‐through seawater. The results showed that inclusion of shrimp meat in the diet either with salmon feed or alone give significantly high (P < 0.01) weight gain of up to 1.10 ± 0.06 g/fish/d and significantly lower (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio compared to that of feeds without shrimp meat. The experiments carried out during 2005 investigated the use of commercially available feeds with feed additives. The results showed that feeding with “Gemma” feed with 54.0% crude protein and 19.0% crude fat or salmon feed with 41.4% crude protein and 23.9% crude fat give significantly high (P < 0.01) growth rates compared to that of pompano feed with 43.0% crude protein and 6.0% crude fat. The results of these investigations although show high growth rate of the fish compared to that of previous observations; there is yet an urgent need to formulate a suitable feed for this fish species for commercial ventures.
Establishing an oral anticoagulant monitoring service in a multiethnic developing country
Authors: CASIMIRE T. , CARTER R. , PETERS S. , TWEEDLE J. , CHARLES K. S.
Published: November 2007

We describe the establishment of an International Normalized Ratio (INR)‐based system for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy in a multiethnic developing country. There was significant variation in geometric mean normal prothrombin time among ethnic groups: 12.7 s for Indians, 13.4 s for Africans and 13.7 s for subjects of mixed ancestry. About 4129 INR measurements were performed in the first 2 years. The majority (55.2%) of achieved INRs were subtherapeutic. We found 31 (0.8%) instances of severe overanticoagulation (INR > 8.0). There were no bleeding manifestations in 24 (77%) of them. Only two experienced life‐threatening haemorrhage. The management of bleeding and excessive anticoagulation was not always in accordance with international recommendations. The high incidence of underanticoagulation in Trinidad and Tobago may be due to genetically determined warfarin resistance or underdosing. Oral anticoagulant monitoring in Trinidad and Tobago could benefit from the centralization of such services to designated clinics with specialized staff and computer‐assisted dosing which adopt internationally accepted guidelines for practice.