bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of the duodenal manifestations of familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Parc Y , Mabrut J-Y , Shields C
Published: January 2011

Background

Duodenal adenomas develop in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, incurring a risk of carcinoma. When this risk is high, surgery is indicated. The choice of surgical treatment can be difficult as evidence-based data are lacking.

Methods

This is a systematic review of the literature on the non-medical management of duodenal lesions arising in the setting of familial adenomatous polyposis. Studies were identified through searching MEDLINE. Studies published between January 1965 and October 2009 were included. Data regarding number of subjects, complications, length of follow-up, recurrence rate and outcome were extracted.

Results

Transduodenal resection does not differ from an endoscopic approach in terms of recurrence. Ampullectomy has limited application as only papillary lesions are amenable to treatment in this manner. Duodenectomy with pancreas preservation is preferable to pancreaticoduodenectomy unless malignancy is present, or cannot be excluded.

Conclusion

Surgery should be reserved for advanced or malignant polyps.
An interinstitutional review of the value of FNAB in pediatric oncology in resource‐limited countries
Authors: Razack Rubina , Michelow Pamela , Leiman Gladwyn , Harnekar Anwari , Poole Janet , Wessels Glynn , Hesseling Peter , Stefan Cristina , Louw Mercia , Schubert Pawel T. , Clarke Herchel , Wright Colleen A.
Published: January 2011

Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has been widely accepted as a reliable diagnostic modality in the general pediatric population, but its role in pediatric oncology still remains elusive. With new treatment protocols subscribing to preoperative chemotherapy, the need for a quick, minimally invasive, and accurate diagnostic procedure has arisen. This study assesses the feasibility of FNAB in childhood malignancies to render a specific diagnosis on which treatment can be initiated. An 11‐year retrospective study was done on FNABs in patients 19 years and under referred for clinically malignant mass lesions. Cases were confirmed with histology, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, or clinical follow‐up. Of the 357 patients referred for FNABs, 36 patients were lost to follow‐up and 31 FNABS were inadequate. A total of 290 cases were included in the study, of which 68 (23%) cases were benign and 222 (77%) were malignant. The most frequently occurring tumors were nephroblastoma (68), non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (39), rhabdomyosarcoma (22), Hodgkin's lymphoma (22), and neuroblastoma (22). The sensitivity of the procedure for neoplasia was 96.6%, the specificity 97.0%, positive predictive value 99.0%, and negative predictive value 90.1%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 96.7%. The ability of FNAB to enable a specific diagnosis to be made, that is correct and accurate subtyping of the tumor on which chemotherapy or radiotherapy could be commenced was 75.7%. This study shows that FNAB can be used with confidence to confirm malignancy in children. With clinicoradiological correlation and the aid of ancillary techniques, FNAB allows a rapid and accurate preoperative diagnosis for definitive therapy commencement in most cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence‐based review of treatment options for patients with glottic cancer
Authors: Hartl Dana M. , Ferlito Alfio , Brasnu Daniel F. , Langendijk Johannes A. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Silver Carl E. , Wolf Gregory T.
Published: January 2011

Evidence‐based medicine integrates the best available data in decision making, with the goal of minimizing physicians' and patients' subjectivity. In 2006, the American Society of Clinical Oncology edited clinical practice guidelines for the use of larynx preservation strategies. The objective of this review was to evaluate the current levels of evidence for glottic squamous cell carcinoma. Current guidelines for early stage glottic cancer are based on low‐level evidence. Conservation surgery (open or transoral) and radiation therapy are all valid options for T1 and selected T2 lesions. For advanced lesions, surgery and combined chemotherapy and radiation are options. High‐level evidence favors combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy or altered fractionation radiation therapy as nonsurgical strategies for organ preservation, compared with radiation therapy alone. The optimal combination of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy remains to be demonstrated, however, and for high‐volume tumors, total laryngectomy may still be warranted. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Validity of plasma macrophage migration inhibitory factor for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Yi‐Ming , Wang Lu , Dai Zhi , Wang Dan‐Dan , Hei Zhen‐Yu , Zhang Ning , Fu Xiu‐Tao , Wang Xi‐Long , Zhang Shun‐Cai , Qin Lun‐Xiu , Tang Zhao‐You , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia
Published: January 2011

We performed our study to determine whether plasma macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels have diagnostic and prognostic value in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of MIF in plasma and tissues, respectively. Plasma MIF levels were compared to HCC occurrence, clinicopathological features and outcomes. Cutpoints of plasma MIF levels for diagnosis and prognosis were, respectively, determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis and X‐tile in corresponding training cohort, and then were confirmed in the validation cohort. The postoperative plasma MIF levels of HCC patients were detected in an independent cohort (80 HCC patients). As a result, MIF expression in situ was mainly observed in the cytoplasm of HCC cells. Intratumoral MIF expression was positively correlated with plasma MIF levels (r = 0.759, p < 0.001). Compared to serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP), plasma MIF had a higher diagnostic value for discrimination of HCC from controls at 35.3 ng/ml. With determined cutpoints, plasma MIF levels demonstrated a significant association with overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) of HCC patients even in patients with normal serum AFP levels and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage I. In addition, the plasma MIF levels were identified as an independent factor for OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.754; p = 0.012] and DFS (HR = 2.121; p < 0.001). Plasma MIF levels decreased markedly within 30 days after tumor resection (p < 0.001). Therefore, plasma MIF levels have potential as a diagnostic and prognostic factor for HCC.
Nano‐CuO inhibited voltage‐gated sodium current of hippocampal CA1 neurons via reactive oxygen species but independent from G‐proteins pathway
Authors: Liu Zhaowei , Liu Shichang , Ren Guogang , Zhang Tao , Yang Zhuo
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nano‐CuO on voltage‐gated sodium current (INa) in hippocampal CA1 neurons. The results suggested that nano‐CuO inhibited amplitudes of INa currents and prolonged peak rise time of action potential (AP). The responses to nano‐CuO were inhibited by reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. However, the G‐proteins inhibitor did not block the effects of nano‐CuO. The effects of nano‐CuO were mediated through activation of ROS‐INa‐AP signaling cascades and independent from G‐proteins pathway. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicological characterization of N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐induced cataract in rats by LC/MS‐based metabonomic analysis
Authors: Miyazono Yuko , Harada Kazuo , Sugiyama Koji , Ueno Motonobu , Torii Mikinori , Kato Ikuo , Matsuura Hideyuki , Hirata Kazumasa
Published: January 2011

Cataract is one of the most serious drug‐induced side effects that can terminate the development of drug candidates, and pharmaceutical companies consider it important to evaluate cataract‐inducing potential in the early phases. Metabonomics is expected to be a powerful approach for the safety evaluation of drug candidates. In this study, we conducted a toxicological characterization of N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU)‐induced cataract in rats by LC/MS‐based metabonomic analysis. MNU was intraperitoneally administered once to 15‐day old rats at 70 mg kg−1. After that, animals were kept for 3 weeks waiting for cataract formation. Lens samples for metabonomic analysis were collected on 7, 14 and 21 days after MNU administration. Comprehensive analyses of lens metabolites were conducted using an LC/MS system, and multivariate data for each sample were compared by principal component analysis (PCA) to find any changes in lens metabolites. Lens opacity was confirmed by ophthalmoscopy 14 days after dosing, and even by gross observation 21 days after dosing. PCA of the lens samples for the control and MNU‐treated groups revealed that the metabolite profiles of lens differed from each other, and several lens metabolites, such as lots of α‐amino acids and gluthathione, decreased after MNU treatment. In conclusion, metabonomic analysis enabled us to identify new marker candidates for cataract and provided a better understanding of the mechanism related to MNU‐induced cataract. It was considered that metabonomics is a useful approach for the characterization of drug‐induced toxicity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of acute biochemical effects of thallium toxicity in mouse urine by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Tyagi Ritu , Rana Poonam , Khan Ahmad Raza , Bhatnagar Deepak , Devi M Memita , Chaturvedi Shubhra , Tripathi Rajendra P. , Khushu Subash
Published: January 2011

Thallium (Tl) is a toxic heavy metal and its exposure to the human body causes physiological and biochemical changes due to its interference with potassium‐dependent biological reactions. A high‐resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy based metabonomic approach has been applied for investigating acute biochemical effects caused by thallium sulfate (Tl2SO4). Male strain A mice were divided in three groups and received three doses of Tl2SO4 (5, 10 and 20 mg kg−1 b.w., i.p.). Urine samples collected at 3, 24, 72 and 96 h post‐dose time points were analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. NMR spectral data were processed and analyzed using principal components analysis to represent biochemical variations induced by Tl2SO4. Results showed Tl‐exposed mice urine to have distinct metabonomic phenotypes and revealed dose‐ and time‐dependent clustering of treated groups. The metabolic signature of urine analysis from Tl2SO4‐treated animals exhibited an increase in the levels of creatinine, taurine, hippurate and β‐hydroxybutyrate along with a decrease in energy metabolites trimethylamine and choline. These findings revealed Tl‐induced disturbed gut flora, membrane metabolite, energy and protein metabolism, representing physiological dysfunction of vital organs. The present study indicates the great potential of NMR‐based metabonomics in mapping metabolic response for toxicology, which could ultimately lead to identification of potential markers for Tl toxicity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose from cotton stalk using microwave heating
Authors: Zhang GenLin , Zhang Lei , Deng Hui , Sun Ping
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: This paper describes the use of cotton stalk, an agricultural waste, for the preparation of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) using microwave heating. The study includes the optimization of pre‐treatment and preparation processes, and the characterization of product.

RESULTS: The optimal cotton stalk pre‐treatment condition involved the addition of 12% alkali to extract cellulose for 6 min at a microwave power of 200 W using the ratio of cotton stalk to solvent 1:9, giving 87.52% cellulose. Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the preparation of CMC, with the best conditions for preparation predicted by the model: $m_{\rm {cotton stalk cellulose}}:m_{\rm {sodium hydroxide}}:m_{\rm {sodium chloroacetate}} = {1.0:1.1:1.2}$ with etherification at 195.5 W of microwave power for 1.97 min. Under these conditions, CMC with degree of substitution (DS) 0.77, viscosity 498.0 cps and purity 92% was produced. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy indicated that the product had the characteristics of a high DS. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the particles were nearly clava in shape with length ranging from about 12–100 µm. The product met the quality standards of GB/T1904‐2005.

CONCLUSION: Preparation of CMC from cotton stalk using microwave heating can shorten the processing time and may be considered a feasible alternative, contributing to solving environmental problems resulting from cotton stalk. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Inter‐annual and inter‐decadal variability of Kuroshio heat transport in the East China Sea
Authors: Zhang Qilong , Hou Yijun , Yan Tingzhuang
Published: January 2011

High inter‐annual and inter‐decadal variability was identified in the Kuroshio heat transport (KHT), primarily following 5.4‐, 22‐ and 2‐year cycles. The KHT experienced a sharp climatic jump around 1976. Inter‐decadal variability of the KHT was strongly associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). A linear long‐term KHT upward trend was identified from 1956 to 2003, and the KHT increased 0.65 × 1015 W in this period. The northeastward volume transport of the Kuroshio made a greater contribution to the KHT across the PN section than sea temperature did. Correlation and composite analyses showed that the meridional wind anomalies over the Kuroshio area and the southern portion of the South China Sea were responsible for the inter‐annual variability of the KHT in the East China Sea, i.e. the KHT increased (decreased) when the southerly (northerly) anomalies strengthened. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparative evaluation of oxidative enzyme activities during adventitious rooting in the cuttings of grapevine rootstocks
Authors: Kose Cafer , Erdal Serkan , Kaya Ozkan , Atici Okkeş
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: This study investigated changes in peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities through adventitious rooting in hardwood cuttings of grapevine rootstocks. Three grapevine rootstocks with different propensity to produce adventitious roots were selected: recalcitrant (Ramsey), non‐recalcitrant (Rupestris du Lot) and intermediate (99R) cultivars.

RESULTS: The averages of root number at 65 days were 96 in Lot, 76 in 99R and 30 in Ramsey. Both enzyme activities characteristically increased before adventitious rooting, regardless of rooting ability of the rootstocks, and then decreased. POX activity increased in Ramsey cuttings at 22 days, in Lot and 99R cuttings at 14 days after planting, and then decreased gradually until 51 days. The highest POX activity was determined in Ramsey rootstock with the highest rooting ability and the lowest activity was determined in the rootstocks with the lowest rooting ability. PPO activity gradually increased in Ramsey rootstock cuttings from 10 days to 22 days, in Lot and 99R cuttings at 14 days, and then decreased until 51 days. A significant correlation was identified between high POX activity and adventitious rooting capability in rootstocks, but the same result was not determined with PPO activity.

CONCLUSION: A recalcitrant rooting variety cannot increase POX activity sufficiently before rooting. Therefore applications that could increase POX activity in stem cuttings during rooting may facilitate increased rooting in such rootstocks. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐worth mediates the effects of violent loss on PTSD symptoms
Authors: Mancini Anthony D. , Prati Gabriele , Black Sarah
Published: January 2011

Although research has confirmed that violent losses can exacerbate grief reactions, few investigations have explored underlying mechanisms. In this study, the authors used a dataset on bereaved spouses and bereaved parents at 4‐ and 18‐months postloss to examine the mediating effects of self‐worth and worldviews (benevolence and meaningfulness beliefs). Persons bereaved by violent causes had significantly more posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, and depression symptoms at 4‐ and 18‐months postloss than persons bereaved by natural causes. Moreover, self‐worth but not worldviews mediated the effects of violent loss on PTSD and depression symptoms cross sectionally and PTSD symptoms longitudinally. Findings underscore that self‐views are a critical component of problematic reactions to violent loss, but fail to support the role of “shattered” worldviews.
Study of blends of linear poly(ether ether ketone) of high melt viscosity and hyperbranched poly(ether ether ketone)
Authors: Li Xiujie , Zhang Shuling , Wang Hui , Zhang Chunfeng , Pang Jinhui , Mu Jianxin , Ma Gang , Wang Guibin , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: January 2011

Linear poly(ether ether ketone) (LPEEK) with high melt viscosity was blended with hyperbranched poly(ether ether ketone) (HPEEK) to enhance its melt processability without sacrificing its comprehensive performance. The advantage of using HPEEK is due to its unique spherical shape, low melt viscosity and ready availability. Rheological measurements show that blending LPEEK with as little as 1 wt% HPEEK results in about 17% reduction of melt viscosity. LPEEK/HPEEK blends only show one glass transition temperature, indicating complete miscibility, which results from the similar molecular structure of the two components. The HPEEK component, as rheology modifier, accelerates the crystallization rate of LPEEK. Notably, with the addition of 3 wt% HPEEK, the mechanical properties of LPEEK are improved. Good miscibility is proposed to be responsible for the improved mechanical properties. Moreover, the addition of HPEEK does not decrease the thermal stability of LPEEK. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.
The effect of soft‐segment structure on the properties of novel thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers based on an unconventional chain extender
Authors: Kultys Anna , Rogulska Magdalena , Głuchowska Halina
Published: January 2011

Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) are now widely used because of their excellent properties that include high tensile and tear strength, and good abrasion, impact and chemical resistance. TPUs are multiblock copolymers with alternating sequences of hard segments composed of diisocyanates and simple diols (chain extenders) and soft segments formed by polymer diols. Commonly used hard segments for TPUs are derived from 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and aliphatic diols. The aim of our research was to examine the possibility of obtaining TPUs with good tensile properties and thermal stability by using an unconventional aliphatic‐aromatic chain extender, containing sulfide linkages. Three series of novel TPUs were synthesized by melt polymerization from poly(oxytetramethylene) diol, poly(ε‐caprolactone) diol or poly(hexane‐1,6‐diyl carbonate) diol of number‐average molecular weight of 2000 g mol−1 as soft segments, MDI and 3,3′‐[methylenebis(1,4‐phenylenemethylenethio)]dipropan‐1‐ol as a chain extender. The structure and basic properties of the polymers were examined using Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Shore hardness and tensile tests. It is possible to synthesize TPUs from the aliphatic‐aromatic chain extender with good tensile properties (strength up to 42.6 MPa and elongation at break up to 750%) and thermal stability. Because the structure of the newly obtained TPUs incorporates sulfur atoms, the TPUs can exhibit improved antibacterial activity and adhesive properties. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Biocomposites developed using water‐plasticized wheat gluten as matrix and jute fibers as reinforcement
Authors: Reddy Narendra , Yang Yiqi
Published: January 2011

Biocomposites developed from wheat gluten using water without any chemicals as plasticizer and jute fibers as reinforcement have much better flexural and tensile properties than similar polypropylene composites reinforced with jute fibers. Wheat gluten is an inexpensive and abundant co‐product derived from renewable resources and is biodegradable but non‐thermoplastic. Previous attempts at developing biocomposites from wheat gluten have used plasticizers such as glycerol or chemical modifications to make gluten thermoplastic. However, plasticizers have a considerably negative effect on the mechanical properties of the composites and chemical modifications make wheat gluten less biodegradable, expensive and/or environmentally unfriendly. In the research reported, we developed composites from wheat gluten using water as a plasticizer without any chemicals. Water plasticizes wheat gluten but evaporates during compression molding and therefore does not affect the mechanical properties of the composites. The effect of composite fabrication conditions on the flexural, tensile and acoustic properties was studied in comparison to polypropylene composites reinforced with jute fibers. Wheat gluten composites had flexural strength (20 MPa), tensile strength (69 MPa) and tensile modulus (7.7 GPa) values approximately twice those of polypropylene composites. Water is an effective plasticizer for wheat gluten and could be used to develop various types of inexpensive and biodegradable wheat gluten‐based thermoplastics. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Metribuzin transport in undisturbed soil cores under controlled water potential conditions: experiments and modelling to evaluate the risk of leaching in a sandy loam soil profile
Authors: Pot Valérie , Benoit Pierre , Menn Mona Le , Eklo Ole‐Martin , Sveistrup Tore , Kværner Jens
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND: Mobility of pesticides in soils is often evaluated and characterised in the surface soil layers rather than at different depths where soil characteristics such as soil organic matter, microbial biomass or clay contents can strongly change pesticide behaviour. The objective of this work was to characterise the reactivity of the herbicide metribuzin in three main soil horizons found in the 0–80 cm profile of an alluvial soil of southern Norway under dynamic transport conditions.

RESULTS: A laboratory infiltrometer was used to perform percolation experiments in soil cores sampled in the three horizons Ap, Bw and Bw/C, at a fixed matric potential of − 10 cm, thus preventing pores of equivalent radii higher than 0.015 cm from contributing to water flow. The physical equilibrium transport model correctly described the transport of water tracer (bromide). The distribution coefficient Kd values were estimated to be 0.29, 0.17 ± 0.02 and 0.15 ± 0.00 L kg−1 for horizons Ap, Bw and Bw/C respectively, in close agreement with batch sorption data. Degradation was found only for the surface horizon with a short half‐life of about 5 days, in disagreement with longer half‐lives found in batch and field degradation data.

CONCLUSION: For all horizons, a kinetic sorption model was needed for better description of metribuzin leaching. Chemical non‐equilibrium was greatest in the Bw horizon and lowest in the Bw/C horizon. Overall, metribuzin exhibited a greater mobility in the deeper horizons. The risk of metribuzin transfer to groundwater in such alluvial soils should therefore be considered. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Classical design structure of orthogonal designs with six to eight factors and sixteen runs
Authors: Johnson Mark E. , Jones Bradley
Published: January 2011

Most two‐level fractional factorial designs used in practice involve independent or fully confounded effects (so‐called regular designs). For example, for 16 runs and 6 factors, the classical resolution IV design with defining relation I = ABCE = BCDF = ADEF has become the de facto gold standard. Recent work has indicated that non‐regular orthogonal designs could be preferable in some circumstances. Inhibiting a wider usage of these non‐regular designs seems to be a combination of inertia/status quo and perhaps the general resistance and suspicion to designs that are computer generated to achieve ‘X–Y–Z’ optimality. In this paper each of the orthogonal non‐isomorphic two‐level, 16 run designs with 6, 7, or 8 factors (both regular and non‐regular) are shown to have a classical‐type construction with a 24 or a replicated 23 starting point. Additional factor columns are defined either using the familiar one‐term column generators or generators using weighted sums of effects. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Striatal and extrastriatal microPET imaging of D2/D3 dopamine receptors in rat brain with [18F]fallypride and [18F]desmethoxyfallypride
Authors: Constantinescu Cristian C. , Coleman Robert A. , Pan Min‐Liang , Mukherjee Jogeshwar
Published: January 2011

In this study, we compared two different D2/3 receptor ligands, [18F]fallypride and [18F]desmethoxyfallypride ([18F]DMFP) with respect to the duration of the scan, visualization of extrastriatal receptors, and binding potentials (BPND) in the rat brain. In addition, we studied the feasibility of using these tracers following a period of awake tracer uptake, during which the animal may perform a behavioral task. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were imaged with [18F]fallypride and with [18F]DMFP in four different studies using microPET. All scans were performed under isoflurane anesthesia. The first (test) and second (retest) study were 150‐min baseline scans. No retest scans were performed with [18F]DMFP. A third study was a 60‐min awake uptake of radiotracer followed by a 90‐min scan. A fourth study was a 150‐min competition scan with haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg) administered via tail vein at 90‐min post‐[18F]fallypride injection and 60‐min post‐[18F]DMFP. For the test–retest studies, BPND was measured using both Logan noninvasive (LNI) method and the interval ratios (ITR) method. Cerebellum was used as a reference region. For the third study, the binding was measured only with the ITR method, and the results were compared to the baseline results. Studies showed that the average transient equilibrium time in the dorsal striatum (DSTR) was at 90 min for [18F]fallypride and 30 min for [18F]DMFP. The average BPND for [18F]fallypride was 14.4 in DSTR, 6.8 in ventral striatum (VSTR), 1.3 in substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA), 1.4 in colliculi (COL), and 1.5 in central gray area. In the case of [18F]DMFP, the average BPND values were 2.2 in DSTR, 2.7 in VSTR, and 0.8 in SN/VTA. The haloperidol blockade showed detectable decrease in binding of both tracers in striatal regions with a faster displacement of [18F]DMFP. No significant changes in BPND of [18F]fallypride due to the initial awake state of the animal were found, whereas BPND of [18F]DMFP was significantly higher in the awake state compared to baseline. We were able to demonstrate that dynamic PET using MicroPET Inveon allows quantification of both striatal and extrastriatal [18F]fallypride binding in rats in vivo. Quantification of the striatal regions could be achieved with [18F]DMFP. Synapse 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bidirectional synaptic plasticity induced by conditioned stimulations with different number of pulse at hippocampal CA1 synapses: Roles ofN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate and metabotropic glutamate receptors
Authors: Hsu Jui‐Cheng , Cheng Sin‐Jhong , Yang Hsiu‐Wen , Wang Hui‐Ju , Chiu Tsai‐Hsien , Min Ming‐Yuan , Lin Yi‐Wen
Published: January 2011

In the mammlian brain, the hippocampus has been established as a principle structure for learning and memory processes, which involve synaptic plasticity. Althought a relationship between synaptic plasticity and stimulation frequency has been reported in numerous studies, little is known about the importance of pulse number on synaptic plasticity. Here we investigated whether the pulse number can modulate bidirectional plasticity in hippocampal CA1 areas. When a CA1 area was induced by a paired‐pulse (PP) with a 10‐ms interval, the strength of the synapse was altered to form a long‐term depression (LTD), with a 68 ± 4% decrease in expression. The PP‐induced LTD (PP‐LTD) was blocked by the metabotropic glutamate receptors subtype 5 (mGluR5) antagonist MPEP, suggesting that the PP‐LTD relied on the activation of GluR5. In addition, this modulation of LTD was protein kinase C (PKC)‐ and Group II mGluR‐independent. However, when increasing the pulse number to 4 and 6, potentiated synaptic strength was observed, which was N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR)‐dependent but mGluR5‐independent. Surprisingly, when blocking mGluR, the synaptic efficacy induced by triple‐pulse stimulation was altered to form a long‐term potentiation (LTP) with a 142 ± 7% enhancement, and was further blocked by NMDA antagonist APV. Following treatment with APV and PKC blocker chelerythrine, the LTP expression induced by 4‐ and 6‐pulse stimulation was switched to LTD. We suggest that CA1 synaptic plasticity is regulated by the result of competition between NMDA and mGluR5 receptors. We suggest that the pulse number can bidirectionally modulate synaptic plasticity through the activation of NMDA and mGluR5 in hippocampal CA1 areas. Synapse , 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NK3 receptors mediate an increase in firing rate of midbrain dopamine neurons of the rat and the guinea pig
Authors: Werkman Taco R. , Mccreary Andrew C. , Kruse Chris G. , Wadman Wytse J.
Published: January 2011

This in vitro study investigates and compares the effects of NK3 receptor ligands on the firing rate of rat and guinea pig midbrain dopamine neurons. The findings are discussed in the light of choosing suitable animal models for investigating pharmacological properties of NK3 receptor antagonists, which have been proposed to possess therapeutic activity in neuropsychiatric diseases like e.g. schizophrenia. In vitro midbrain slice preparations of both species were used to record (extracellularly) the firing rates of dopamine neurons located in the substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Furthermore, the effect of the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole on guinea pig SN and VTA dopamine neurons was investigated. The efficacy of quinpirole in inhibiting guinea pig dopamine neuron firing activity was much less as compared to that of rat dopamine neurons, suggesting a lower dopamine D2 autoreceptor density on the guinea pig neurons. The NK3 receptor agonist senktide induced in subpopulations of rat SN (55%) and VTA (79%) and guinea pig SN (50%) and VTA (21%) dopamine neurons an increase in firing rate. In responsive neurons this effect was concentration‐dependent with EC50 values of 3–5 nM (for both species). The selective NK3 receptor antagonist osanetant (100 nM) was able to partly block the senktide‐induced increase in firing rates of dopamine neurons and shifted the concentration‐response relation curves for senktide to the right (pA2 values were ∼7.5). The fractional block of the senktide responses by osanetant appeared to be larger in guinea pig dopamine neurons, indicating that osanetant is a more potent blocker of NK3 receptor‐mediated responses with noncompetitive properties in the guinea pig. Synapse 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ca2+ buffering at a drosophila larval synaptic terminal
Authors: He Tao , Lnenicka Gregory A.
Published: January 2011

A quantitative analysis of Ca2+ dynamics requires knowledge of the Ca2+‐binding ratio (κS); this has not been measured at Drosophila synaptic terminals or any invertebrate synaptic terminal. We measured κS at a Ib motor terminal in Drosophila larvae comparing single‐AP Ca2+ transients in synaptic terminals that contained varying concentrations of the Ca2+ indicator, Oregon Green 488 BAPTA‐1 (OGB‐1). Using a linear single‐compartment model, κS was calculated based upon the effect of [OGB‐1] on the time constant (τdecay) for the decay of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). This gave a κS of 77 indicating that nearly 99% of entering Ca2+ is immediately bound by endogenous fast Ca2+ buffers. Extrapolation to zero [OGB‐1] gave a τdecay of 46 ms and a Ca2+‐removal rate constant of 1641 s−1 for single APs. We calculated that a single AP produced an increase in [Ca2+]i of 196 nM and an increase in the total intracellular [Ca2+](free + bound) of 15.3 μM for measurements made in 1.0 mM external Ca2+. The increase in [Ca2+]i for AP trains was 185 nM/ 10 Hz; this gave a Ca2+ extrusion rate constant of 827 s−1, which likely reflects the activity of the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase. Experiments were performed to examine the effect of altering external Ca2+ or Mg2+ on Ca2+ influx at these terminals. Synapse, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal Intake of Fish Oil but not of Linseed Oil Reduces the Antibody Response in Neonatal Mice
Authors: Lauritzen Lotte , Kjær T. M. R. , Porsgaard T. , Fruekilde M. B. , Mu H. , Frøkiær H.
Published: January 2011

Dietary levels of n‐3 PUFA are believed to influence the immune system. The importance of the source of n‐3 PUFA is debated. This study addressed how the content and source of n‐3 PUFA in the maternal diet influenced tissue FA composition and the immune response to ovalbumin (OVA) in mice pups. From the day of conception and throughout lactation, dams were fed diets containing 4% fat from linseed oil (LSO), fish oil (FO) or a n‐3 PUFA‐deficient diet (DEF). Pups were injected with OVA within 24 h of birth and sacrificed at weaning (day 21). Overall, the content of n‐3 PUFA in milk, liver and spleen reflected the source and only minor differences were observed in brain phospholipid 22:6n‐3. The source had only limited influence on the n‐3 PUFA accretion in peripheral tissue, with most pronounced differences in the spleen. The marine PUFA‐group had reduced levels of total OVA‐specific antibodies and OVA‐IgG1 titers in the pup blood, while the response in the LSO‐group did not differ from that in the DEF‐group. There were no statistical differences in the cytokine responses to OVA‐stimulated splenocytes, but the decrease in IgG1 was paralleled by an increase in IFNγ‐production and a decrease in IL‐6‐production. Our results indicate that maternal intake of FO, but not of LSO, changes the offspring's antigen‐specific response and potentially increases Th1‐polarization.
The crazy-paving pattern: a radiological-pathological correlation
Authors: De Wever Walter , Meersschaert Joke , Coolen Johan , Verbeken Eric , Verschakelen Johny A
Published: January 2011

The crazy-paving pattern is a linear pattern superimposed on a background of ground-glass opacity, resembling irregularly shaped paving stones. The crazy-paving pattern is initially described as the pathognomonic sign of alveolar proteinosis. Nowadays this pattern is a common finding on high-resolution CT imaging, and can be seen in a number of acute and chronic diseases. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate different diseases that cause this crazy-paving pattern and to correlate the radiological findings from computed tomography with the histopathological findings.
Autonomic pain responses during sleep: A study of heart rate variability
Authors: Chouchoul F. , Pichotl V. , Perchetl C. , Legrainl V. , Garcia‐Larreal L. , Rochel F. , Bastujil H.
Published: January 2011

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) reacts to nociceptive stimulation during sleep, but whether this reaction is contingent to cortical arousal, and whether one of the autonomic arms (sympathetic/parasympathetic) predominates over the other remains unknown. We assessed ANS reactivity to nociceptive stimulation during all sleep stages through heart rate variability, and correlated the results with the presence of cortical arousal measured in concomitant 32‐channel EEG. Fourteen healthy volunteers underwent whole‐night polysomnography during which nociceptive laser stimuli were applied over the hand. RR intervals (RR) and spectral analysis by wavelet transform were performed to assess parasympathetic (HFWV) and sympathetic (LFWV and LFWV/HFWV ratio) reactivity. During all sleep stages, RR significantly decreased in reaction to nociceptive stimulations, reaching a level similar to that of wakefulness, at the 3rd beat post‐stimulus and returning to baseline after seven beats. This RR decrease was associated with an increase in sympathetic LFWV and LFWV/HFWV ratio without any parasympathetic HFWV change. Albeit RR decrease existed even in the absence of arousals, it was significantly higher when an arousal followed the noxious stimulus. These results suggest that the sympathetic‐dependent cardiac activation induced by nociceptive stimuli is modulated by a sleep dependent phenomenon related to cortical activation and not by sleep itself, since it reaches a same intensity whatever the state of vigilance.
Abdominal irradiation as a rescue therapy for feline gastrointestinal lymphoma: A retrospective study of 11 cats (2001–2008)
Authors: Parshley Dorothy L. , LaRue Susan M. , Kitchell Barbara , Heller David , Dhaliwal Ravinder S.
Published: January 2011

In this retrospective study medical records of 11 cats with gastrointestinal lymphoma were evaluated to determine the efficacy of radiation therapy when used in a rescue therapy setting. All cats had relapsed or resistant lymphoma. Two fractions of radiation were delivered over 2 days for a total of 800 cGy. Acute effects of radiation were not noted, except one cat that had a self-limiting loss of appetite. Response was noted in 10/11 cats. Median survival post-radiation therapy was 214 days and the overall median survival in this study was 355 days. This study suggests that abdominal irradiation for feline gastrointestinal lymphoma was well tolerated and may contribute to a positive clinical response.
Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung und Versichertenstatus: Das Beispiel der ambulanten ärztlichen Versorgung
Authors: Schulze Sabine
Published: January 2011

Einleitung

Der Beitrag untersucht, ob in Deutschland der Zugang zu ambulanter ärztlicher Versorgung vom Versicherungsstatus eines Patienten abhängt und insoweit das Bedarfsprinzip verletzt wird. Studien zeigen z.B. unterschiedlich lange Wartezeiten auf Arzttermine und weitere Versorgungsunterschiede zwischen GKV- und PKV-Versicherten. Die durch die Gesundheitsreform implementierten Neuregelungen der Kosterstattung werfen die Frage auf, ob sich dadurch ein „Privatversicherungsstatus in der GKV“ etablieren wird und welche Folgen das für das Bedarfsprinzip in der GKV haben könnte.
Infection levels of proteocephalidean cestodes inCichla piquiti(Osteichthyes: Cichlidae) of the Volta Grande Reservoir, Minas Gerais, Brazil, relative to host body weight and gender
Authors: Martins M.L. , Pereira J. , de Chambrier A. , Mouriño J.L.P.
Published: January 2011

We evaluated the relationship between infection by proteocephalid cestodes and the sex and weight classes of tucunaré (Cichla piquiti) captured between August 1999 and June 2001 in the Volta Grande Reservoir, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 96 fish, 75.9 ± 9.3% males and 88.9 ± 6.4% females, were parasitized byProteocephalus macrophallusandP. microscopicus, with total mean intensities of 76.6 ± 23.9 and 145.2 ± 36.7, respectively, during this period. In the majority of the months analysed, males showed 71.4–100% prevalence of parasitism and females 80–100%. Although there was no significant difference, females showed a higher mean intensity of infection (145.2 ± 36.7) than males (76.6 ± 23.9). Fish weighing 300–800 g showed a higher mean abundance of parasites (P < 0.05) compared with the biggest specimens weighing 801–2750 g. Analysing both males and females together, the greatest mean intensities of infection were found in October and December (P < 0.05) independent of the year, which coincides with the months of highest rainfall. These results show that fish living in reservoirs may be more susceptible to intermediate hosts than those that live in rivers.
Linear modes in the partially ionized heliosphere plasma
Authors: KELLUM M. E. , SHAIKH DASTGEER
Published: January 2011

The heliosphere is predominantly a partially ionized plasma that consists of electrons, ions and significant neutral atoms. Nonlinear interactions among these species take place through direct collision or charge-exchange processes. These interactions modify linear and nonlinear properties of the plasma. In this work, we develop a one-dimensional linear theory to investigate linear instabilities in such a system. In our model, the electrons and ions are described by a single fluid compressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model and are coupled self-consistently to the neutral fluid via compressible hydrodynamic equations. The coupling is mediated by the charge-exchange process. Based on our self-consistent analysis, we find that the charge-exchange coupling is more effective at larger length scales, and the Alfvén waves are not affected by the charge-exchange coupling. By contrast, the fast and slow waves are driven linearly unstable.
Sovereignty, Governmentality and Development in Ayub's Pakistan: the Case of Korangi Township
Authors: DAECHSEL MARKUS
Published: January 2011

This paper uses a historical ethnography of the construction of Korangi Township outside Karachi to analyse the configuration of power in the post-colonial Pakistani state of the late 1950s and 1960s. Foucault's distinction between ‘sovereign’, ‘disciplinary’ and ‘security’ power helps to reveal how possibilities of non-interventionist control were deliberately discarded in favour of an (often theatrical) exercise of ‘raw’ power. The way in which the township was conceived by the international architect and city planner, C. A. Doxiadis, often stood in contrast and tension with the ways in which it was executed by General Ayub Khan's military regime (1958–1968). Rapid early success—tens of thousands of refugee slum dwellers were resettled within six months—went hand-in-hand with equally-quick failure and abandonment later on. The Pakistani regime was only interested in demonstrating its ability to make decisions and to deploy executive power over its territory, but it made no sustained effort to use spatial control to entangle its subjects in a web of ‘governmentality’. In the final analysis, the post-colonial Pakistani state was a ‘state of exception’ made permanent, which deliberately enacted development failure to underscore its overreliance on sovereign power.
Prevalence of markers for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection in UK military recruits
Authors: BROWN A. E. , ROSS D. A. , SIMPSON A. J. H. , ERSKINE R. S. , MURPHY G. , PARRY J. V. , GILL O. N.
Published: January 2011

An unlinked anonymous survey was conducted to measure the prevalence of selected markers for HIV, hepatitis B and C infection in recruits to the UK Armed Forces to inform future screening and hepatitis B vaccination policies. During 2007, nearly 14 000 left-over samples taken from new recruits for blood typing were collected, unlinked from identifiers and anonymously tested for HIV, hepatitis C and current and past cleared hepatitis B infection. Overall, serological evidence of HIV and hepatitis C was found in 0·06% and 0·06% of recruits, respectively. Evidence of past cleared and current hepatitis B infection was found in 3·63% and 0·37% of recruits, respectively. Overall, prevalence rates were broadly consistent with UK population estimates of infection. However, HIV and hepatitis B prevalence was higher in recruits of African origin than in those from the UK (P<0·0001). Screening for these infections is an option that could be considered for those entering Services from high-prevalence countries.
Performing Lateralized Approach and Avoidance Behaviors: Effects on Perceptual, Affective and Confidence Judgments
Authors: Dru Vincent , Cretenet Joël
Published: January 2011

In recent work, we showed that the judgment of affective stimuli is influenced by the degree of congruence between apparently innate hemispheric dispositions (left hemisphere positive and approach, right hemisphere negative and avoidance), and the type of movement produced by the contralateral arm (flexion-approach; extension-avoidance). Incongruent movements (e.g., right arm extension) were associated with attenuation of affective valuations. In the present study, we replicated these results. We also assessed confidence in judgments as a function of stimulus valence and congruence and determined that confidence is maximal with congruent movements and highly positive or negative stimuli, suggesting that congruence effects on affective valuation could be mediated by confidence effects. However, in a second experiment, involving judgments regarding segmented lines, congruence effects were observed only for bisected lines, for which confidence was lowest. Thus, confidence does not provide a unifying explanation for congruence effects in the performance of these two tasks. (JINS, 2011, 17, 289–294)
Use of mouse models in studying type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lee Angela W.S. , Cox Roger D.
Published: January 2011

The use of mouse models in medical research has greatly contributed to our understanding of the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the mechanisms of disease progression in the context of insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Maintenance of glucose homeostasis involves a complex interplay of many genes and their actions in response to exogenous stimuli. In recent years, the availability of large population-based cohorts and the capacity to genotype enormous numbers of common genetic variants have driven various large-scale genome-wide association studies, which has greatly accelerated the identification of novel genes likely to be involved in the development of type 2 diabetes. The increasing demand for verifying novel genes is met by the timely development of new mouse resources established as various collaborative projects involving major transgenic and phenotyping centres and laboratories worldwide. The surge of new data will ultimately enable translational research into potential improvement and refinement of current type 2 diabetes therapy options, and hopefully restore quality of life for patients.
Genetic resources of lentil and its utilization in India
Authors: Singh Mohar , Sardana Saroj , Kumar Sharma Shyam
Published: January 2011

Lentil is recognised as the most nutritious rabi pulse and, with respect to acreage, it ranks next to chickpea. It is grown throughout northern and central India. A large percentage of Indians are vegetarian and lentil has long been part of India's indigenous diet, and is a common source of protein. Of about 60 varieties released in India to date, 13 have been developed by hybridization, mostly from parents not distantly related. The narrow genetic base of the presently cultivated varieties and losses due to biotic and abiotic stress factors remain the main cause of concern. Introgression of genes betweenmicrospermaandmacrospermagroups of lentil from closely related species likeL. culinarissubspp. Orientalisand use of biotechnological tools, wherever necessary, have been recommended by various workers to broaden the genetic base of this crop. Direct selection for grain yield through important component traits such as pods/plant, seeds/pod, number of clusters/plant, harvest index, biological yield, early maturing and breeding for better yield quality have been suggested. Realizing the significance of plant germplasm, special efforts have been made by the national bureau to collect the genetic resources of lentil from different states of India. A large number of accessions were characterised and evaluated for various agro-morphological traits, using the lentil minimal descriptor. The core collection comprising 287 promising accessions recorded variation for seed yield and its important component traits; variation was also observed for important morphological traits, using mutation breeding approaches. These genetic resources of lentil have also been screened for tolerance to several biotic stresses and a few lines showed immunity against rust, blight and fusarium wilt and these have been utilized as donors in cross-breeding programmes. On the other hand, wildLensspecies revealed substantial genetic diversity for phenological and agro-morphological characters, including some important diseases of lentil. From these genetic resources, potential donors of desirable traits have been selected after evaluation and characterization and have been utilized in the genetic improvement of cultivars.