bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multivariate analysis of flood characteristics in a climate change context of the watershed of the Baskatong reservoir, Province of Québec, Canada
Authors: Aissia M.‐A. Ben , Chebana F. , Ouarda T. B. M. J. , Roy L. , Desrochers G. , Chartier I. , Robichaud É.
Published: April 2011

The analysis of the impact of climate change (CC) on flood peaks has been the subject of several studies. However, a flood is characterized not only by its peak, but also by other characteristics such as its volume and duration. Little effort has been directed towards the study of the impact of CC on these characteristics. The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare flood characteristics in a CC context, in the watershed of the Baskatong reservoir (Province of Québec, Canada). Comparisons are based on observed flow data and simulated flow series obtained from hydrological models using meteorological data from a regional climate model for a reference period (1971–2000) and a future period (2041–2070). To this end, two hydrological models HSAMI and HYDROTEL are considered. Correlations, stationarity, change‐points, and the multivariate behaviour of flood series were studied. The results show that, at various levels, all flood characteristics could be affected by CC. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating a home‐based dyadic intervention: Changes in postpartum depression, maternal perceptions, and mother–infant interactions
Authors: Paris Ruth , Bolton Rendelle E. , Spielman Eda
Published: April 2011

Psychotherapeutic treatments that focus on improving the relational processes between mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) and their infants, as well as the mother's individual therapeutic needs, have a great potential to positively impact the mother, her infant, and their relationship (K.J. Nylen, T.E. Moran, C.L. Franklin, & M. O'Hara, 2006). Utilizing pilot data from an evaluation of a home‐based dyadic therapy for mothers with PPD and their infants, this article reports on a recent academic–community partnership study. The effectiveness of the intervention was examined, specifically regarding changes in mother's mood, parenting experience, and relationship with her infant. In addition, associations were examined among maternal self‐report variables measuring change from pre‐ to posttreatment in PPD, psychological distress, and maternal perceptions of parenting and those variables measuring change in observer ratings of maternal–infant interactions. Results showed improvements in mothers' depression, distress, and perceptions of parenting as well as many ratings of mothers' interactions with their infants. However, only improvements in maternal perceptions of parenting, such as maternal self‐esteem and parenting stress, were associated with better mother–‐infant interactions. Importance of this research for the field of infant mental health as well as clinical implications are discussed.
Protein kinase D in vascular biology and angiogenesis
Authors: Evans Ian M. , Zachary Ian C.
Published: April 2011

The Protein Kinase D (PKD) family comprises diacylglycerol stimulated serine/threonine protein kinases that participate in many key signaling pathways in a diverse range of cells. Recent studies show that PKD isoforms 1 and 2 play critical roles in vascular biology and angiogenesis and there has been considerable progress in determining some of the key angiogenic signaling pathways mediated by PKD in endothelial cells. Less is currently known regarding the specific roles of PKD isoforms in endothelial cells and the role of PKD in smooth muscle cells. PKD is also emerging as a potentially important mediator of tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis and there is growing interest in PKD as a novel therapeutic target in cancer. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(4): 258–263, 2011
Quantum mechanical binding free energy calculation for phosphopeptide inhibitors of the Lck SH2 domain
Authors: Anisimov Victor M. , Cavasotto Claudio N.
Published: April 2011

The accurate and efficient calculation of binding free energies is essential in computational biophysics. We present a linear‐scaling quantum mechanical (QM)‐based end‐point method termed MM/QM‐COSMO to calculate binding free energies in biomolecular systems, with an improved description of entropic changes. Molecular dynamics trajectories are re‐evaluated using a semiempirical Hamiltonian and a continuum solvent model; translational and rotational entropies are calculated using configurational integrals, and internal entropy is calculated using the harmonic oscillator approximation. As an application, we studied the binding of a series of phosphotyrosine tetrapeptides to the human Lck SH2 domain, a key component in intracellular signal transduction, modulation of which can have therapeutic relevance in the treatment of cancer, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases. Calculations with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann, and generalized Born surface area methods showed large discrepancies with experimental data stemming from the enthalpic component, in agreement with an earlier report. The empirical force field‐based solvent interaction energy scoring function yielded improved results, with average unsigned error of 3.6 kcal/mol, and a better ligand ranking. The MM/QM‐COSMO method exhibited the best agreement both for absolute (average unsigned error = 0.7 kcal/mol) and relative binding free energy calculations. These results show the feasibility and promise of a full QM‐based end‐point method with an adequate balance of accuracy and computational efficiency. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2011
The application of nanoparticles in gene therapy and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Herranz Fernando , Almarza Elena , Rodríguez Ignacio , Salinas Beatriz , Rosell Yamilka , Desco Manuel , Bulte Jeff W. , Ruiz‐Cabello Jesús
Published: April 2011

The combination of nanoparticles, gene therapy, and medical imaging has given rise to a new field known as gene theranostics, in which a nanobioconjugate is used to diagnose and treat the disease. The process generally involves binding between a vector carrying the genetic information and a nanoparticle, which provides the signal for imaging. The synthesis of this probe generates a synergic effect, enhancing the efficiency of gene transduction and imaging contrast. We discuss the latest approaches in the synthesis of nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging, gene therapy strategies, and their conjugation and in vivo application. © Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A detailed morphological study of the vomeronasal organ and the accessory olfactory bulb of cats
Authors: Salazar Ignacio , Sánchez‐Quinteiro Pablo
Published: April 2011

The organization of the vomeronasal system (VNS) of fetal, newborn, and adult cats was investigated by microdissection and microscopic examination of sections stained conventionally or with lectins (UEA‐1, LEA) or antibodies against proteins Gαi2 (associated with vomeronasal receptor type1) and Gαo (associated with receptor vomeronasal receptor type2). The feline VNS is morphologically similar to that of other mammals. Staining with lectins and anti‐Gαi2 was uniform throughout the sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ, and throughout the nervous and glomerular layers of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB); anti‐Gαo stained no VNS tissue. This organization places the cat together with several other domestic or farm animals (dog, horse, sheep, goat, pig) in a group of mammals with just a single path of communication between the sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ and AOB, in contrast to the two‐path model found in rodents and other mammals (in which apical and basal sensory epithelium layers project to rostral and caudal AOB areas, respectively). However, the cat differs from the sheep and pig in that the development of its VNS is still incomplete at birth. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial and temporal changes in promoter activity of the astrocyte glutamate transporter GLT1 following traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Lepore Angelo C. , O'Donnell John , Bonner Joseph F. , Paul Courtney , Miller Mark E. , Rauck Britta , Kushner Robert A. , Rothstein Jeffrey D. , Fischer Itzhak , Maragakis Nicholas J.
Published: April 2011

After traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), there is an opportunity for preserving function by attenuating secondary cell loss. Astrocytes play crucial roles in the adult CNS and are responsible for the vast majority of glutamate buffering, potentially preventing excitotoxic loss of neurons and oligodendrocytes. We examined spatial and temporal changes in gene expression of the major astrocyte glutamate transporter GLT1 following moderate thoracic contusion SCI using transgenic BAC‐GLT1‐eGFP promoter reporter mice. In dorsal column white matter, total intensity of GLT1‐eGFP expression per region was significantly reduced following SCI at both lesion epicenter and at rostral and caudal areas where no tissue loss occurred. This regional decrease in GLT1 expression was due to significant loss of GLT1‐eGFP+ cells, partially accounted for by apoptosis of eGFP+/GFAP+ astrocytes in both white and gray matter. There were also decreased numbers of GLT1‐eGFP‐expressing cells in multiple gray matter regions following injury; nevertheless, there was sustained or even increased regional GLT1‐eGFP expression in gray matter as a result of up‐regulation in astrocytes that continued to express GLT1‐eGFP. Although there were increased numbers of GFAP+ cells both at the lesion site and in surrounding intact spinal cord following SCI, the majority of proliferating Ki67+/GFAP+ astrocytes did not express GLT1‐eGFP. These findings demonstrate that spatial and temporal alterations in GLT1 expression observed after SCI result from both astrocyte death and gene expression changes in surviving astrocytes. Results also suggest that following SCI a significant portion of astrocytes lacks GLT1 expression, possibly compromising the important role of astrocytes in glutamate homeostasis. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cd34+progenitor cells likely are involved in the good functional recovery after intracerebral hemorrhage in humans
Authors: Sobrino Tomás , Arias Susana , Pérez‐Mato María , Agulla Jesús , Brea David , Rodríguez‐Yáñez Manuel , Castillo José
Published: April 2011

Bone marrow‐derived stem/progenitor cells (CD34+ progenitor cells) were demonstrated to play an important role in the regeneration of damaged brain tissue. Our aim was to study the influence of CD34+ progenitor cells in the outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Thirty‐two patients with primary ICH (64.0% male, mean age 67.1 ± 10.8 years) were prospectively included in the study within 12 hr of symptom onset. The main outcome variable was good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale ≤2). Circulating CD34+ progenitor cell levels were measured by flow cytometry at admission and at 7 ± 1 days, and serum levels of growth factors (determined by ELISA) were measured at admission and at 24 and 72 hr. Circulating levels of CD34+ progenitor cells at day 7 were independently associated with good functional outcome at 3 months (OR 1.17, CI95% 1.06–1.39, P = 0.012). On the other hand, CD34+ progenitor cells at day 7 were negatively correlated with residual cavity volume at 3 months (r = –0.607, P = 0.001). Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (r = 0.386), angiopoietin 1 (r = 0.518), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (r = 0.484), and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (r = 0.837) but not granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (r = –0.038) at 72 hr showed a strong correlation with CD34+ progenitor cell levels at day 7. These findings suggest that CD34+ progenitor cells may participate in the functional recovery of ICH patients. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vitamin K has the potential to protect neurons from methylmercury‐induced cell death In Vitro
Authors: Sakaue Motoharu , Mori Naoko , Okazaki Maiko , Kadowaki Erika , Kaneko Takuya , Hemmi Natsuko , Sekiguchi Hitomi , Maki Takehiro , Ozawa Aisa , Hara Shuntaro , Arishima Kazuyoshi , Yamamoto Masako
Published: April 2011

Vitamin K (VK) has a protective effect on neural cells. Methylmercury is a neurotoxicant that directly induces neuronal death in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, in the present study, we hypothesized that VK inhibits the neurotoxicity of methylmercury. To prove our hypothesis in vitro, we investigated the protective effects of VKs (phylloquinone, vitamin K1; menaquinone‐4, vitamin K2) on methylmercury‐induced death in primary cultured neurons from the cerebella of rat pups. As expected, VKs inhibited the death of the primary cultured neurons. It has been reported that the mechanisms underlying methylmercury toxicity involve a decrement of intracellular glutathione (GSH). Actually, treatment with GSH and a GSH inducer, N‐acetyl cysteine, inhibited methylmercury‐induced neuronal death in the present study. Thus, we investigated whether VKs also have protective effects against GSH‐depletion‐induced cell death by employing two GSH reducers, L‐buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and diethyl maleate (DEM), in primary cultured neurons and human neuroblastoma IMR‐32 cells. Treatment with VKs affected BSO‐ and DEM‐induced cell death in both cultures. On the other hand, the intracellular GSH assay showed that VK2, menaquinone‐4, did not restore the reduced GSH amount induced by methylmercury or BSO treatments. These results indicate that VKs have the potential to protect neurons against the cytotoxicity of methylmercury and agents that deplete GSH, without increasing intracellular GSH levels. The protective effect of VKs may lead to the development of treatments for neural diseases involving GSH depletion. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurogenesis and glial proliferation are stimulated following diffuse traumatic brain injury in adult rats
Authors: Bye Nicole , Carron Sarah , Han Xiaodi , Agyapomaa Doreen , Ng Si Yun , Yan Edwin , Rosenfeld Jeffrey V. , Morganti‐Kossmann M. Cristina
Published: April 2011

Although increased neurogenesis has been described in rodent models of focal traumatic brain injury (TBI), the neurogenic response occurring after diffuse TBI uncomplicated by focal injury has not been examined to date, despite the pervasiveness of this distinct type of brain injury in the TBI patient population. Here we characterize multiple stages of neurogenesis following a traumatic axonal injury (TAI) model of diffuse TBI as well as the proliferative response of glial cells. TAI was induced in adult rats using an impact‐acceleration model, and 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered on days 1–4 posttrauma or sham operation to label mitotic cells. Using immunohistochemistry for BrdU combined with phenotype‐specific markers, we found that proliferation was increased following TAI in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles and in the hippocampal subgranular zone, although the ultimate production of new dentate granule neurons at 8 weeks was not significantly enhanced. Also, abundant proliferating and reactive astrocytes, microglia, and polydendrocytes were detected throughout the brain following TAI, indicating that a robust glial response occurs in this model, although very few new cells in the nonneurogenic brain regions became mature neurons. We conclude that diffuse brain injury stimulates early stages of a neurogenic response similar to that described for models of focal TBI. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Water use scenarios assessment using multicriteria analysis
Authors: Boggia Antonio , Rocchi Lucia
Published: April 2011

Water management is a fertile terrain for research, and can be investigated using several methodological instruments and approaches. Multipurpose water resources, which allow for the contemporary presence of in‐stream (fishing, swimming, etc.) and off‐stream uses (agriculture, household, etc.), are particularly difficult to management due to increasing water demand and the conflict between consumptive and not consumptive uses. New scenarios in agricultural policy (Reform of the European Common Agricultural Policy) and new requests from local stakeholders (recreational activities, rising household water demand, etc.) involve use of decision support methods to find a balance between multiple potential uses. This study describes the application of multicriteria decision aid for choosing the best project for water management and local development among a set of alternatives, using the regime method. The regime method can integrate quantitative data with quality judgement and preference index. The study aims to verify if the regime approach is understandable for the decision maker and if it is suitable for use in ambiguous situations where no quantitative information is available. It is not always possible to get the ‘best alternative’ in multicriteria evaluation: in this study we found two top‐rank alternatives, with minor differences, to submit to the decision maker. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion tensor imaging in male premutation carriers of the fragile X mental retardation gene
Authors: Hashimoto Ryu‐ichiro , Srivastava Siddharth , Tassone Flora , Hagerman Randi J. , Rivera Susan M.
Published: April 2011

Older male premutation carriers of the FMR1 gene are associated with the risk of developing a late‐onset neurodegenerative disorder, fragile X–associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Although previous postmortem and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging studies have indicated white matter pathology, the regional selectivity of abnormalities, as well as their relationship with molecular variables of the FMR1 gene, has not been investigated. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging to study male premutation carriers with and without fragile X–associated tremor/ataxia syndrome and healthy sex‐matched controls. We performed a tract of interest analysis for fractional anisotropy and axial and radial diffusivities of major white matter tracts in the cerebellar–brain stem and limbic systems. Compared with healthy controls, patients with fragile X–associated tremor/ataxia syndrome showed significant reductions of fractional anisotropy in multiple white matter tracts, including the middle cerebellar peduncle, superior cerebellar peduncle, cerebral peduncle, and the fornix and stria terminalis. Significant reduction of fractional anisotropy in these tracts was confirmed by voxel‐wise analysis using tract‐based spatial statistics. Analysis of axial and radial diffusivities showed significant elevation of these measures in middle cerebellar peduncle, even among premutation carriers without fragile X–associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Furthermore, regression analyses demonstrated a clear inverted U‐shaped relationship between CGG‐repeat size and axial and radial diffusivities in middle cerebellar peduncle. These results provide new evidence from diffusion tensor imaging for white matter abnormalities in the cerebellar–brain stem and limbic systems among individuals with the fragile X premutation and suggest the involvement of molecular mechanisms related to the FMR1 gene in their white matter pathology. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Automated structural imaging analysis detects premanifest Huntington's disease neurodegeneration within 1 year
Authors: Majid D.S. Adnan , Stoffers Diederick , Sheldon Sarah , Hamza Samar , Thompson Wesley K. , Goldstein Jody , Corey‐Bloom Jody , Aron Adam R.
Published: April 2011

Intense efforts are underway to evaluate neuroimaging measures as biomarkers for neurodegeneration in premanifest Huntington's disease (preHD). We used a completely automated longitudinal analysis method to compare structural scans in preHD individuals and controls. Using a 1‐year longitudinal design, we analyzed T1‐weighted structural scans in 35 preHD individuals and 22 age‐matched controls. We used the SIENA (Structural Image Evaluation, using Normalization, of Atrophy) software tool to yield overall percentage brain volume change (PBVC) and voxel‐level changes in atrophy. We calculated sample sizes for a hypothetical disease‐modifying (neuroprotection) study. We found significantly greater yearly atrophy in preHD individuals versus controls (mean PBVC controls, −0.149%; preHD, −0.388%; P = .031, Cohen's d = .617). For a preHD subgroup closest to disease onset, yearly atrophy was more than 3 times that of controls (mean PBVC close‐to‐onset preHD, −0.510%; P = .019, Cohen's d = .920). This atrophy was evident at the voxel level in periventricular regions, consistent with well‐established preHD basal ganglia atrophy. We estimated that a neuroprotection study using SIENA would only need 74 close‐to‐onset individuals in each arm (treatment vs placebo) to detect a 50% slowing in yearly atrophy with 80% power. Automated whole‐brain analysis of structural MRI can reliably detect preHD disease progression in 1 year. These results were attained with a readily available imaging analysis tool, SIENA, which is observer independent, automated, and robust with respect to image quality, slice thickness, and different pulse sequences. This MRI biomarker approach could be used to evaluate neuroprotection in preHD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
The next generation of the supportive care needs survey: a brief screening tool for administration in the clinical oncology setting
Authors: Girgis Afaf , Stojanovski Elizabeth , Boyes Allison , King Madeleine , Lecathelinais Christophe
Published: April 2011

Objective: The short form of the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS‐SF34) is a 34‐item instrument for assessing the perceived needs of people diagnosed with cancer. This research is aimed at developing a brief screening tool for administration to patients in the clinical setting, by identifying the minimum number and optimal combination of item(s) to measure each of the SCNS‐SF34 domains with high sensitivity and specificity.

Methods: Secondary analyses were undertaken on data from 1458 patients at 12 major public cancer treatment centres in Australia; with a random sample of 67% (n = 977) of the patient records selected as the developmental sample for developing the screening tool, while the remaining 33% (n = 481) constituted the validation sample on which analyses were repeated. Five criteria were applied to identify the optimum subset of items for the screening tool. Where statistical results were very similar across candidate item/s, items deemed more clinically important were chosen.

Results: Nine items were identified, which can be efficiently and reliably used as a brief screening tool (SCNS‐ST9). An overall comparison of the results on the SCNS‐ST9 with the original SCNS‐SF34 indicates that only 11% of people reporting at least one moderate/high need on any SCNS‐SF34 domain were missed as having a moderate/high need on the SCNS‐ST9.

Conclusions: Our very brief screening tool can be implemented in a clinical setting to reliably screen for unmet needs among cancer patients, with considerable savings in time and expense, increasing its potential for wide‐scale adoption in clinical settings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural defects in aluminium nitride bulk crystals visualized by cathodoluminescence maps
Authors: Bickermann Matthias , Schimmel Saskia , Epelbaum Boris M. , Filip Octavian , Heimann Paul , Nagata Shunro , Winnacker Albrecht
Published: April 2011

Structural defects in aluminium nitride (AlN) get visible in panchromatic cathodoluminescence (CL) maps as luminescence at 340 nm and 630 nm is locally enhanced. Low‐angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and dislocations can be detected as long as they are sufficiently decorated and the defect‐related contrast is higher than local variations in background CL intensity. We applied the method to c ‐plane and a ‐plane cuts of one of our off‐oriented grown AlN crystals and describe occurrence, routes, and dissolution into dislocation bunches of LAGBs. We found that the vast majority of LAGBs are uneven a ‐planes which extend in a preferential m ‐ as well as in c ‐direction. As a consequence, their density decreases only slightly during growth. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
GaN MSM photodetectors fabricated on bulk GaN with low dark‐current and high UV/visible rejection ratio
Authors: Xie Feng , Lu Hai , Chen Dunjun , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: April 2011

GaN‐based metal‐semiconductor‐metal ultraviolet photodetectors (PDs) are fabricated on bulk GaN substrate. The dislocation density of the homoepitaxial layer characterized by cathodoluminescence mapping technique is ∼5×106 cm‐2. The PDs exhibit ultra‐low dark‐current of <5 pA at room temperature under 15 V bias, with an ultraviolet/visible rejection ratios up to 5 orders of magnitude. Even at a high temperature of 150 °C, the dark current of the device at 15 V bias is still <50 pA, with a reasonable ultraviolet/visible contrast of more than 5000, indicating that such kind of devices are suitable for high temperature operation. The responsivity of the PD increases as a function of applied bias, resulting in a quantum efficiency exceeding 100% at above medium bias. The photocurrent gain of the PD is attributed to photogenerated holes trapped at surface states as well as high‐field‐induced image‐force lowering effect. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Efficiency droop in high‐Al‐content AlGaN/AlGaN quantum wells
Authors: Tamulaitis G. , Mickevičius J. , Kazlauskas K. , Žukauskas A. , Shur M. S. , Yang J. , Gaska R.
Published: April 2011

Excitation power density dependence of photoluminescence (PL) efficiency is studied in the temperature range from 8 to 300 K for AlGaN multiple quantum well structures containing quantum wells of different width. PL efficiency droop is observed and dependence of the droop effect on the well width and lattice temperature is discussed. Photoluminescence band shape reveals strong carrier heating. It is shown that the heating effect has a substantial influence on the photoluminescence efficiency droop, especially at low lattice temperatures. Fitting of the temperature dependence of the PL band width with that obtained by the Monte Carlo simulation of carrier (exciton) hopping via localized states shows that (i) the potential fluctuations can be fairly accurately described using a double‐scaled potential profile model, (ii) the localization becomes stronger in narrower quantum wells. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Injection characteristics of polar and nonpolar multiple‐QW structures and active region ballistic overshoot
Authors: Kisin Mikhail V. , El‐Ghoroury Hussein S.
Published: April 2011

Electron ballistic overshoot of the active region is shown to dominate the leakage current in light‐emitting III‐nitride multi‐QW diode structures. At high injection levels typical for laser diodes, the overshoot‐assisted leakage is comparable in polar and nonpolar structures whilst in the low injection LED regime nonpolar structures reveal much smaller leakage; this complies with available observations of LED efficiency droop. We show that drift‐diffusion approximation for electron transport noticeably underestimates the leakage, especially in nonpolar structures. Ballistic spill‐over also increases the electron concentration in p ‐side waveguide layers and enhances the nonradiative recombination loss. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry based hair steroid profiling may reveal pathogenesis in hair follicles of the scalp
Authors: Jung Hyun‐Jin , Kim Sun Ju , Lee Won‐Yong , Chung Bong Chul , Choi Man Ho
Published: April 2011

A method of steroid profiling, including androgens, progestins, corticoids and sterols, was developed to evaluate the concentrations of steroids as well as the activities of the enzymes responsible for steroidogenesis in hair by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The extraction efficiencies of steroids from the hair matrix were improved by ultrasonication for 1 h at 50 °C. The overall recoveries ranged from 71 to 132%, with a limit of quantification for all analytes ranging from 1 to 50 ng/g. The devised method was used to identify the metabolic changes for both male‐pattern baldness (MPB) and the drug efficiency of dutasteride, which inhibits 5α‐reductase. Increased dihydrotestosterone levels and the dihydrotestosterone/testosterone (DHT/T) ratio, which is responsible for the 5α‐reductase activity, were observed in the MPB patients. A dutasteride treatment resulted in decreases in the DHT and 5α‐androstanedione concentrations and DHT/T ratio in the hair samples. Hair steroid profiling reflects the sebaceous status in the scalp and may be useful for monitoring the metabolic responses to both the disease and drug actions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Children Come to Understand Sustainable Development: A Contribution to Educational Agenda
Authors: Svetina Matija , Istenič‐Starčič Andreja , Juvančič Matevž , Novljan Tomaž , Šubic‐Kovač Maruška , Verovšek Špela , Zupančič Tadeja
Published: April 2011

This study provides an interdisciplinary account determining how children and adolescents understand urban and architectural aspects of sustainable development. The concept of sustainability implies complex relations between ethical, economical, social, technical and other qualities of our environment. The concept is difficult to understand for children who lack the abilities of abstract reasoning and multi‐dimensional thinking. A new measure of sustainability understanding was formed based on pictorial rather than textual format and was applied to a large sample of over 2000 participants aged 6–19 years. The results indicated that girls had higher levels of appreciation toward sustainability issues than boys. The results also showed that understanding of sustainability issues increased progressively with age, particularly with adolescents from urban environments. The findings are discussed in terms of cognitive changes in adolescence and their implications for educational policy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Target Binding Influences Permeability in Aptamer–Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules
Authors: Sultan Yasir , DeRosa Maria C.
Published: April 2011

Aptamer–polyelectrolyte microcapsules are prepared for potential use as triggered delivery vehicles and microreactors. The hollow microcapsules are prepared from the sulforhodamine B aptamer and the polyelectrolytes poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(sodium 4‐styrene‐sulfonate), using layer‐by‐layer (LbL) film deposition templated on a sacrificial CaCO3 spherical core. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy confirm the formation of spherical CaCO3 cores and LbL‐aptamer microcapsules. Colocalization studies with fluorescently‐tagged aptamer and sulforhodamine B verify the ability of the aptamer to recognize its cognate target in the presence of the K+ ions that are required for its characteristic G‐quadruplex formation. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching studies confirms a significant difference in the permeability of the aptamer–polyelectrolyte microcapsules for the sulforhodamine B dye target compared to control microcapsules prepared with a random oligonucleotide. These results suggest that aptamer‐based ‘smart’ responsive films and microcapsules could be applied to problems of catalysis and controlled release.
Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via an Anterior Chest Approach—A Review of 219 Cases with Benign Tumor
Authors: Huang Xiao‐ming , Sun Wei , Zeng Liang , Liu Xiang , Lu Xing , Xu Yao‐dong , Zhang Zhi‐gang , Xu Geng
Published: April 2011

Background

To get a better cosmetic effect, and to avoid even a small incision and scar in the anterior neck zone, we adapted gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest approach.

Methods

From June 2004 to June 2008, 219 patients with thyroid diseases underwent gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest approach. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of patients, the type of operation, operative time, length of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

All 219 operations were successfully performed endoscopically. Only three patients showed temporary paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), and all of them recovered within 1–3 months after the surgery. One patient showed permanent paralysis of the RLN, one patient developed a postoperative seroma, and one patient suffered a tracheal injury. There were no injuries to the superior laryngeal nerve or any hypoparathyroidism. No further complications, such as irritating cough, tetany, and emphysema developed after the operation. Because of the anterior chest wall approach, none of the patients had a surgical scar on the neck and all were satisfied with the cosmetic effect.

Conclusions

Gasless endoscopic thyroid surgery through anterior chest approach is a feasible and safe method. This technique had better cosmetic results and could constitute a new treatment modality for patients with benign tumors and can also be an effective alternative treatment for the selected patients with thyroid cancer.
Touch Imprint Cytology Evaluation of Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer
Authors: Khanna Rahul , Bhadani Shilpi , Khanna Seema , Pandey Manoj , Kumar Mohan
Published: April 2011

Background

Most centers use lymphoscintiscan for identification of a sentinel lymph node (SLN) and frozen section for its evaluation. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of peritumoral methylene blue dye injection for SLN identification and the technique of touch imprint cytology (TIC) for its evaluation.

Patients and Methods

One hundred and eight fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)–proven breast cancer patients with clinically N0 axilla were recruited for the study. Prior to the induction of anesthesia, 5 ml of 1% methylene blue was injected in the peritumoral region to stain the sentinel node, following which conventional modified radical mastectomy was performed. Touch imprint cytology was obtained from the cut surface of the SLN, and then the SLN along with all nonsentinel nodes were sent for histopathology.

Results

Intraoperative identification of a blue node was possible in 102 of 108 patients (94%). Touch imprint cytology had a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 98%, and overall diagnostic accuracy of 94% for diagnosing metastasis in the SLN. The false positive rate for malignancy of TIC versus histology was 2.5% and the false negative rate 7.8%.

Conclusions

Blue dye lymphatic mapping by peritumoral injection of methylene blue was found to be accurate and cost effective for SLN identification. It avoids the expenses of lymphoscintiscanning, which requires special infrastructure and expertise with a significant learning curve. The identified SLN can, with reasonable accuracy, be assessed for metastasis by TIC. The frequently used method of frozen section requires a cryostat and a pathologist trained in the technique. Additionally scanty SLN tissue can be wasted in the cryostat and freezing artifacts can be introduced in the imprint, both of which are avoided by TIC.
Surgical Care in the Solomon Islands: A Road Map for Universal Surgical Care Delivery
Authors: Natuzzi Eileen S. , Kushner Adam , Jagilly Rooney , Pickacha Douglas , Agiomea Kaeni , Hou Levi , Houasia Patrick , Hendricks Phillip L. , Ba’erodo Dudley
Published: April 2011

Background

Access to surgical care and emergency obstetrical care is limited in low‐income countries. The Solomon Islands is one of the poorest countries in the Pacific region. Access to surgical care in Solomon Islands is limited and severely affected by a country made up of islands. Surgical care is centralized to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) on Guadalcanal, leaving a void of care in the provinces where more than 80% of the people live.

Methods

To assess the ability to provide surgical care to the people living on outer islands in the Solomon Islands, the provincial hospitals were evaluated using the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Emergency and Essential Surgical Care Needs Assessment Tool questionnaire. Data on infrastructure, workforce, and equipment available for treating surgical disease was collected at each provincial hospital visited.

Results

Surgical services are centralized to the NRH on Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands. Two provincial hospitals provide surgical care when a surgeon is available. Six of the hospitals evaluated provide only very basic surgical procedures. Infrastructure problems exist at every hospital including lack of running water, electricity, adequate diagnostic equipment, and surgical supplies. The number of surgeons and obstetricians employed by the Ministry of Health is currently inadequate for delivering care at the outer island hospitals.

Conclusions

Shortages in the surgical workforce can be resolved in Solomon Islands with focused training of new graduates. Training surgeons locally, in the Pacific region, can minimize the “brain drain.” Redistribution of surgeons and obstetricians to the provincial hospitals can be accomplished by creating supportive connections between these hospitals, the NRH, and international medical institutions.
Robotic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery: a cohort study
Authors: Chan Oliver C. Y. , Tang Chung Ngai , Lai Eric C. H. , Yang George P. C. , Li Michael K. W.
Published: April 2011

Background

Robotic surgery has emerged as one of the most promising surgical advances since its launch at the turn of the millennium. Despite its worldwide acceptance in many different surgical specialties, the use of robotic assistance in the field of hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) surgery remains relatively unexplored. This article aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of robotic HBP surgery in a single surgical center.

Methods

Between May 2009 and December 2010, all patients admitted to our unit for robotic HBP surgery were evaluated. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database on clinical outcomes was performed.

Results

There were 55 robotic HBP operations performed during the study period. There were 27 robotic liver resections (left lateral sectionectomiesn = 17, left hepatectomyn = 1, other segmentectomiesn = 2 and wedge resectionsn = 7), 12 robotic pancreatic procedures (Whipple's operationsn = 8, spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomiesn = 2, double bypassn = 1 and cystojejunostomyn = 1) and 16 biliary procedures (biliary enteric bypassn = 9, bile duct exploration and related proceduresn = 7). The median postoperative hospital stays for robotic liver resections, biliary procedures and pancreatic operations were 5.5 days (range 3–11 days), 6 days (range 4–11 days) and 12 days (range 6–21 days), respectively. Morbidities for liver resection, biliary procedures and pancreatic operations were 7.4, 18 and 33%, respectively. There was no mortality in our series.

Conclusions

Robotic surgery is feasible and can be safely performed in patients with complicated HBP pathologies. Further evaluation with clinical trials is required to validate its real benefits.
Average 7-Year Survivorship and Clinical Results of a Newer Primary Posterior Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Ehrhardt Jessica , Gadinsky Naomi , Lyman Stephen , Markowicz Daniel , Westrich Geoffrey
Published: April 2011

We evaluated the average 7-year survivorship and clinical results of a newer primary posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The modifications in this design included a deeper patellar sulcus aimed at reducing contact stresses, improving patellar tracking, and achieving greater maximum flexion. A consecutive group of 137 patients (171 knees) who underwent TKAs using the Optetrak PS knee prosthesis between October 1997 and March 2004 were followed for an average of 6.8 years (range 4.0–11.5 years). Preoperative range of motion (ROM) and Knee Society scores were obtained and compared to that of the patients’ most recent follow-up. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and revision of the implant for any reason were considered endpoints for Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of all knees. Twenty-one knees (12.3%) underwent MUA. Three knees (1.8%) underwent revision, resulting in a 97.2% survival at a mean 10 years follow-up. Pain scores and ROM significantly improved after surgery (from preoperative average of 5.3 and 105° respectively to 44.6 and 120° postoperatively). These findings suggest that this posterior stabilized knee design is both a safe and effective option for patients undergoing primary TKA.
Interactions and Solubilization of Disperse Dye with Modified Gemini Surfactants: Investigation Using the Taguchi Method
Authors: Su Te‐Li , Lai Chiu‐Chun , Tsai Pi‐Chen
Published: April 2011

Since the interaction of a disperse dye with a surfactant in micelles plays an important role in textile industry, the purpose of this study was to find out the optimal conditions that describe the dye–surfactant interaction. The effects of temperature, gemini surfactant concentration and ethylene‐oxide chain length of gemini surfactants were investigated and optimized using the Taguchi method. First, this method was adopted to carry out the parameter design, and the interaction parameters that would affect the absorbance of UV–visible spectrum were chosen as the control factors. After the selection of an appropriate orthogonal array, an analysis of variance was applied to decide upon the optimal conditions of solubilization parameters and determine the significant factors of the UV–visible absorbance. The optimized conditions were as follow: surfactant concentration 5.6 × 10−4 M, length of ethylene oxide chain 20, and temperature 40 °C. Finally, the experimental results of confirmation tests with a confidence interval of 95%, indicated that the experiment is reliable and reproducible. Under these optimum conditions, it was also determined that the solubilization of disperse dye using modified gemini surfactants increased when the surfactant concentration and the ethylene oxide chain length increased.
Astrocytes in the tempest of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Miljković Djordje , Timotijević Gordana , Stojković Marija Mostarica
Published: April 2011

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell population within the CNS of mammals. Their glial role is perfectly performed in the healthy CNS as they support functions of neurons. The omnipresence of astrocytes throughout the white and grey matter and their intimate relation with blood vessels of the CNS, as well as numerous immunity‐related actions that these cells are capable of, imply that astrocytes should have a prominent role in neuroinflammatory disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The role of astrocytes in MS is rather ambiguous, as they have the capacity to both stimulate and restrain neuroinflammation and tissue destruction. In this paper we present some of the proved and the proposed functions of astrocytes in neuroinflammation and discuss the effect of MS therapeutics on astrocytes.
Timing in plants – A rhythmic arrangement
Authors: McWatters Harriet G. , Devlin Paul F.
Published: April 2011

The circadian clock regulates many aspects of plant physiology, growth and development. It produces daily rhythms of growth and metabolism, and interacts with signalling pathways controlling environmental responses over the course of a day or a year. Over the last decade, a combination of empirical research in molecular genetics and mathematical modelling, mostly utilising Arabidopsis thaliana, has led to the identification of many plant clock components and an understanding of their interlocking roles within the biochemical mechanism. The plant clock shares many characteristics of circadian clocks in other taxa, being temperature‐compensated, capable of generating endogenous rhythms, of entraining to environmental cycles and regulated by means of transcription–translation feedback loops; however, few, if any, components of the plant clock appear to be shared with other organisms, indicating an independent evolutionary origin. In this review, we describe our current understanding of the central clockwork and how it receives input and regulates outputs. We also discuss the interaction between the clock and the environment, identifying areas, such as the integration of non‐photic stimuli, where future work will lead to a fuller understanding of how the circadian system is embedded in plant physiology.
Pharmacokinetics of alkylresorcinol metabolites in human urine
Authors: Söderholm Päivi P. , Lundin Johan E. , Koskela Anja H. , Tikkanen Matti J. , Adlercreutz Herman C.
Published: April 2011

Wholegrain cereals are reported to promote beneficial health effects. Wholegrain wheat and rye are almost exclusive sources of alkylresorcinols, and intact alkylresorcinols together with their plasma and urinary metabolites, 3-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-propanoic acid (DHPPA) and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), have been proposed as biomarkers of the intake of these foods in humans. The pharmacokinetics of alkylresorcinols and their metabolites in plasma have been determined but not that of the urinary metabolites. We aimed to characterise the urinary pharmacokinetics of alkylresorcinol metabolites in humans to evaluate their potential as biomarkers of wholegrain wheat and rye. A group of fifteen volunteers followed a low-alkylresorcinol diet for 2 d before ingesting a single dose of rye bread, containing 100 mg alkylresorcinols. Urine was collected between baseline (0 h) and 25 h after administration. Thereafter alkylresorcinol metabolites were quantified by HPLC with coulometric electrode array detection. Maximum excretion rates were observed at 5–6 h for both metabolites, DHPPA being predominant over DHBA and also possessing a greater area under the curve0–25 h. Total urinary recovery between 0 and 25 h yielded 43 % of ingested alkylresorcinols, and at 25 h significant amounts of metabolites were still retained in the body, suggesting that even a spot urine sample may be sufficient to indicate whether or not wholegrain wheat or rye is a daily dietary component. These results support the use of urinary DHPPA and DHBA as biomarkers of wholegrain wheat and rye and enable new potential for studying the association between wholegrain intake and diseases, even in the absence of dietary data.
The nutrition transition in the Republic of Ireland: trends in energy and nutrient supply from 1961 to 2007 using Food and Agriculture Organization food balance sheets
Authors: Sheehy Tony , Sharma Sangita
Published: April 2011

Over the course of the last 50 years the Republic of Ireland has gone from being one of the poorest countries in Europe to one of the richest; however, it is now experiencing increasing rates of obesity and non-communicable chronic disease. Although several national nutrition surveys have been carried out in Ireland since 1990, there is little information on the Irish diet before then. We analysed the FAO food balance sheets for Ireland from 1961 to 2007 in order to characterise the changes in energy and nutrient supply that took place during that period. Food balance sheets were downloaded from the FAOSTAT database and per capita supply of commodities was analysed using dietary analysis software. Energy from carbohydrate as a percentage of total energy fell from 55 % in 1961 to 46 % in 2007, whereas energy from fat increased from 29 % to 34 %; these values are well outside WHO recommendations for the prevention of chronic disease. Energy from alcohol as a percentage of total energy has doubled within the last 20 years. On a nutrient-density basis, vitamins and minerals met or exceeded WHO recommendations, apart from vitamin D, folate, Ca and Fe. Although there are methodological limitations associated with the use of food balance sheets, the present results demonstrate that the current imbalances in the Irish diet were already evident several decades ago. Because they are so long established, they will be difficult to reverse unless major public health nutrition interventions are implemented.