bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recalcitrant Trichomonas vaginalis infection – a case series
Authors: Waters L J , Dave S S , Deayton J R , French P D
Published: June 2005

The objective of this study was (1) to estimate the prevalence of recalcitrant Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection in a UK genitourinary medicine clinic; (2) to use a case series and literature review to suggest an algorithm for management of recalcitrant TV (rTV). A retrospective review of laboratory records, case-notes and literature review was conducted. Fifteen patients were studied, representing 1.16% of the cases presenting during the study period. A wide variety of therapeutic agents was used, the treatment regimen differed for each patient. No treatment was universally effective in achieving cure, but the use of acetarsol pessaries vaginally appeared to be the most frequently successful strategy. Based on these results, an algorithm for treatment of rTV is presented, although clinical trials will be needed to elucidate the best clinical approaches to this problem.
An audit of Chlamydia trachomatis screening in colposcopy – Hartlepool experience
Authors: Tayal Sarup C , Robertson Alan , Doxford Lynda
Published: June 2005

This study aims to detect the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in women attending the colposcopy clinic. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether routine screening for C. trachomatis should be continued as part of the colposcopy examination. All new patients attending the colposcopy clinic were screened for C. trachomatis during the period January 2000–December 2002. Results indicate a chlamydia infection rate of 3.4%. We suggest that routine screening for C. trachomatis needs to be carried out within the colposcopy clinic.
Lichen sclerosus
Authors: Yesudian P D , Sugunendran H , Bates C M , O'Mahony C
Published: June 2005

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucosa, presenting to genitourinary physicians and dermatologists. It affects both sexes and all age groups. Although the exact aetiology is uncertain, genetic predisposition, infections and autoimmune factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis. Symptoms include pruritis and soreness, but asymptomatic presentations are not uncommon. The classical clinical picture is of atrophic white plaques in the anogenital region. Histopathology is specific with basal cell degeneration, upper dermal oedema, homogenization of collagen and a chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Short courses of potent topical corticosteroids form the mainstay of treatment. The condition tends to be remitting and relapsing, with spontaneous regressions reported in a few. In men, the term balanitis xerotica obliterans is sometimes used to describe late and severe LS of the penis. Scarring and progression to squamous cell carcinomas can occur in chronic LS, resulting in significant morbidity. A multi-disciplinary approach to care and the need for long-term monitoring cannot be over-emphasized.
Coping modes with HIV disease predict loss from HIV study cohort
Authors: Nilsson Schönnesson Lena , Ross Michael W , Bergbrant Ing-Marie
Published: June 2005

The objective of this longitudinal study of 41 Swedish men with HIV disease was to assess what variables or combination of variables might predict loss to retention at 12 months. The variables of focus were of patients' characteristics, quality of life, psychological, and medical characters. It appears that it is psychological variables relating to coping with HIV disease that are the best predictors of failure to retain respondents in this cohort. The responses to two items: 'I have been doing things that I believe will improve my health (e.g. changed my diet)' and 'I feel like giving up' correctly classified over 85% of cases lost to the study. These findings are worthy of replication and may prove useful in maximizing retention rates in longitudinal studies of the course of HIV disease and medication adherence and outcome.
Correlation between Ancillary Community Services with Adolescent Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcome
Authors: Kaminer Yifrah , Burleson Joseph A.
Published: June 2005

Objective

This study explores whether participation in ancillary out-of-program services predicts outcomes of adolescents treated for substance use disorders.

Method

Eighty-eight consenting adolescents, 13–18 years of age recruited at an outpatient program, filled the Teen Treatment Services Review (T-TSR) during eight weekly sessions, and at 3-and 9-Month Post-Treatment. Outcome variables included urinalysis and three subscales of the Teen-Addiction Severity Index (T-ASI) During Treatment (DT) and at follow-ups. The predictor variable was the number of reported Out-of-Program Service Contact Days (OD).

Results

While DT OD did not correlate with DT urinalysis, high DT OD days showed a trend toward predicting negative3-month (3-M) urinalysis. By contrast, high 3-M OD days predicted positive 3-M urinalyses as well as high use on all three T-ASI subscales. Out-of-Program services between 3- and 9-M post-treatment were not correlated with 9-M objective or subjective outcomes.

Conclusion

The more therapeutic services received during treatment, the better the short-term outcome. The more therapeutic services received post-treatment, however, the poorer the short-term outcome. Use of outside services presented a response rather than a cause of substance use.
Regeneration of the proximal tibial epiphysis after infantile osteomyelitis
Authors: Song K. S. , Kim H. K. W.
Published: June 2005

We reviewed three infants with destructive osteomyelitis involving the proximal tibial epiphysis at a follow-up of eight to 22 years. All cases showed early radiographic destructive changes in the medial or lateral aspects of the epiphysis and metaphysis. Despite the ominous early appearance of the epiphysis, all cases showed spontaneous re-ossification of the epiphysis with restoration of the tibial condyle and preservation of joint congruity. The patients, however, developed a valgus or varus deformity which was treated satisfactorily with one to three proximal tibial osteotomies. The potential for regeneration of the epiphysis following infantile osteomyelitis of the proximal tibia suggests these cases should be treated expectantly with regard to joint congruity.
Assessing cognitive representations of mental health problems. I. The illness perception questionnaire for schizophrenia
Authors: Lobban Fiona , Barrowclough Christine , Jones Steven
Published: June 2005

Objective. To design a questionnaire to assess cognitive representations of mental health problems held by people diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Background. Personal beliefs about health problems have been reliably associated with emotional and behavioural responses to those health problems and health outcomes. This area has been extensively explored in relation to physical health, but somewhat neglected in mental health. In this study, a questionnaire designed to assess key beliefs about physical illness (the Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised) was modified for use in exploring beliefs about schizophrenia. The new measure was termed the Illness Perception Questionnaire for Schizophrenia (IPQS).

Method. Participants were 124 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia who completed the IPQS and additional measures to assess symptom severity, emotional state, and attitudes towards medication. The psychometric properties of the IPQS were analysed, including internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and discriminant and concurrent validity.

Results. The IPQS subscales were shown to be internally reliable, and reliable over time. Correlations with measures of symptom severity, emotional state, and attitudes towards adherence to medication showed that the subscales were measuring the constructs that they were designed to measure.

Conclusions. The IPQS is a reliable and valid measure of cognitive representations of mental health problems held by people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Ecological validity of measures of executive functioning
Authors: Odhuba R. A. , van den Broek M. D. , Johns L. C.
Published: June 2005

Objectives. This study aimed to ascertain the ecological validity of the Hayling and Brixton tests of executive functioning, by investigating whether cognitive ‘impairment’ detected by these measures was associated with assessment of ‘disability’ and ‘handicap’.

Design and method. A correlational design was employed to evaluate the degree of association between the executive test results, and behavioural and community integration measures. Participants were 53 people with brain injuries participants who were selected from neuropsychology patient lists and their ‘significant other’. The brain‐injured participant was given the executive tests, together with behavioural and community integration questionnaires, while their ‘significant other’ was given an equivalent behavioural questionnaire and structured interview.

Results. There were moderate relationships between scores on the tests and measures of everyday functioning, suggesting that the tests have modest ecological validity.

Conclusions. The tests contribute to understanding the impact of executive impairment on everyday functioning, but they should be interpreted in combination with other measures of executive functioning.
WAIS III UK: An extension of the UK comparability study
Authors: Wycherley Robert , Lavender Anthony , Holttum Sue , Crawford John R. , Mockler Darren
Published: June 2005

Objectives. To correct and augment the sample on which a previous study, assessing the applicability of USA WAIS III norms to the UK population, was based. To repeat this study using the modified sample.

Design. The WAIS III UK was administered to a supplementary sample, which was used to enhance and correct the original sample, allowing a better match to UK population demographics.

Method. WAIS III UK scores were processed using USA norms.

Results. Distributions of UK IQ, Index, and subtest scores were consistent with USA norms. Means were significantly above USA values and did not show a flat profile. Correlational analysis suggested the presence of an age‐related sampling bias, which was then statistically controlled for using analysis of covariance, with age as covariate, to give corrected means. These means, with the exception of two subtests (block design and picture arrangement), did not differ significantly from USA values.

Conclusion. With a minor proviso concerning the above subtests, it is probable that USA norms can be safely used with the UK population. Future UK samples need to ensure random sampling within demographic categories if sampling bias is to be avoided.
The short‐form version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21): Construct validity and normative data in a large non‐clinical sample
Authors: Henry Julie D. , Crawford John R.
Published: June 2005

Objectives. To test the construct validity of the short‐form version of the Depression anxiety and stress scale (DASS‐21), and in particular, to assess whether stress as indexed by this measure is synonymous with negative affectivity (NA) or whether it represents a related, but distinct, construct. To provide normative data for the general adult population.

Design. Cross‐sectional, correlational and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Methods. The DASS‐21 was administered to a non‐clinical sample, broadly representative of the general adult UK population (N=1,794). Competing models of the latent structure of the DASS‐21 were evaluated using CFA.

Results. The model with optimal fit (RCFI = 0.94) had a quadripartite structure, and consisted of a general factor of psychological distress plus orthogonal specific factors of depression, anxiety, and stress. This model was a significantly better fit than a competing model that tested the possibility that the Stress scale simply measures NA.

Conclusions. The DASS‐21 subscales can validly be used to measure the dimensions of depression, anxiety, and stress. However, each of these subscales also taps a more general dimension of psychological distress or NA. The utility of the measure is enhanced by the provision of normative data based on a large sample.
Students versus locals: Young adults' constructions of the working‐class Other
Authors: Holt Martin , Griffin Christine
Published: June 2005

Following a review of the main approaches to the study of class in the social sciences, a critical/discursive approach is adopted to show how analysing an aspect of everyday life such as leisure and ‘going out’ can reveal the reproduction of dominant discourses about class. Forty‐two middle‐class young adults were taken on ‘nights out’ to bars and pubs and then interviewed later to generate group accounts of the people and places they encountered. An analysis of participants' talk about going out to bars and pubs is used to illustrate the ways in which class was constituted in their dialogue. Focusing on the distinction respondents made between students and locals we consider how working‐class people are simultaneously rejected and desired and how a discourse of territoriality defines and reproduces class relations in commercial leisure spaces. We argue that social psychology has much to offer contemporary understandings of the ways in which social class is constituted and mobilized in everyday accounts of leisure and consumption, and discuss our analysis in the context of existing research. We end by considering the potential value of our distinctive method for the study of class relations in social psychology research.
Panic and perjury: A psychosocial exploration of agency
Authors: Hollway Wendy , Jefferson Tony
Published: June 2005

The aim of this article is to explore the predicament of one man in difficult circumstances, in order to produce a psychosocial analysis that could contribute to a social psychological understanding of agency. After a brief review of the problem of dualism in theorizing agency and relevant developments in theories of self, and a critique of assumptions about unitary rational subjects, we emphasize the effects of unconscious conflict on choice and agency. We also identify the importance of including people's biographically motivated investments in specific discursive positions. Vince, a middle‐aged, working‐class man from the north of England, the subject of our case study, had already been faced with difficult choices in order to hold on to a job that was bad for him. Now the choice appeared to be taken out of his hands by an illness without a discernible organic base and with no prospect of improvement that, for 5 months, had forced him to be on sick leave. Our approach in this paper, based on interpretation of material from two interviews, is to detail the multiple and contradictory meanings of Vince's job to him. In each of three areas – the daily experience of the job, the meaning of having a respectable job, and Vince's relationship with his boss – we illustrate the power of a psychosocial analysis to escape the limitations of both voluntaristic and deterministic accounts of individual action. In conclusion we define the agent of choice in Vince's case as the divided psychosocial subject of unconscious conflict; a subject located in social realities mediated not only by social discourses but by psychic defences.
Minos as a Genetic and Genomic Tool in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Metaxakis Athanasios , Oehler Stefan , Klinakis Apostolos , Savakis Charalambos
Published: June 2005

Much of the information about the function of D. melanogaster genes has come from P-element mutagenesis. The major drawback of the P element, however, is its strong bias for insertion into some genes (hotspots) and against insertion into others (coldspots). Within genes, 5′-UTRs are preferential targets. For the successful completion of the Drosophila Genome Disruption Project, the use of transposon vectors other than P will be necessary. We examined here the suitability of the Minos element from Drosophila hydei as a tool for Drosophila genomics. Previous work has shown that Minos, a member of the Tc1/mariner family of transposable elements, is active in diverse organisms and cultured cells; it produces stable integrants in the germ line of several insect species, in the mouse, and in human cells. We generated and analyzed 96 Minos integrations into the Drosophila genome and devised an efficient “jump-starting” scheme for production of single insertions. The ratio of insertions into genes vs. intergenic DNA is consistent with a random distribution. Within genes, there is a statistically significant preference for insertion into introns rather than into exons. About 30% of all insertions were in introns and ∼55% of insertions were into or next to genes that have so far not been hit by the P element. The insertion sites exhibit, in contrast to other transposons, little sequence requirement beyond the TA dinucleotide insertion target. We further demonstrate that induced remobilization of Minos insertions can delete nearby sequences. Our results suggest that Minos is a useful tool complementing the P element for insertional mutagenesis and genomic analysis in Drosophila.
Premating, Not Postmating, Barriers Drive Genetic Dynamics in Experimental Hybrid Populations of the Endangered Sonoran Topminnow
Authors: Hurt C R , Farzin M , Hedrick P W
Published: June 2005

The timing and pattern of reproductive barrier formation in allopatric populations has received much less attention than the accumulation of reproductive barriers in sympatry. The theory of allopatric speciation suggests that reproductive barriers evolve simply as by-products of overall genetic divergence. However, observations of enhanced premating barriers in allopatric populations suggest that sexual selection driven by intraspecific competition for mates may enhance species-specific signals and accelerate the speciation process. In a previous series of laboratory trials, we examined the strength of premating and postmating barriers in an allopatric species pair of the endangered Sonoran topminnow, Poeciliopsis occidentalis and P. sonoriensis. Behavioral observations provided evidence of asymmetrical assortative mating, while reduced brood sizes and male-biased F1 sex ratios suggest postmating incompatibilities. Here we examine the combined effects of premating and postmating barriers on the genetic makeup of mixed populations, using cytonuclear genotype frequencies of first- and second-generation offspring. Observed genotype frequencies strongly reflect the directional assortative mating observed in behavioral trials, illustrating how isolating barriers that act earlier in the reproductive cycle will have a greater effect on total reproductive isolation and may be more important to speciation than subsequent postmating reproductive barriers.
Comparison of Changes in Metal Toxicity Following Exposure of Water with High Dissolved Organic Carbon Content to Solar, UV‐B and UV‐A Radiation
Authors: Winch Susan , Lean David
Published: June 2005

This study examines the effects of natural solar radiation on the metal‐binding capacity of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Newington Bog water (35.5 mg L−1 dissolved organic carbon [DOC]) was irradiated for 20 days under UV‐B lamps in the laboratory and under natural solar radiation. In the presence of irradiated DOM, IC50 (contaminant concentration required to reduce algal growth by 50%) was significantly decreased with UV‐B treatment for four metals: Pb, 64%; Cu, 63%; Ni, 35% and Cd, 40%. Solar radiation also significantly decreased IC50 of Pb (58%) and Cu (49%), DOC concentration (11%), DOM fluorescence (DOMFL, 33%) and DOC‐specific UV absorbance. Further experiments on Raisin River water (20.7 mg DOC L−1) exposed to 20 days of artificial UVA and UV‐B radiation produced significant decreases in IC50 for Cu (48%) with UV‐A and for Pb (43%) with UV‐B. DOC concentration was decreased 20% by UV‐B and 24% by UV‐A. DOMFL decreased 51.5% in the first 5 days of UV‐A exposure, an effect that was not observed with the UV‐B treatment. The UV‐A treatment decreased UV absorbance more at longer wavelengths and over a broader wavelength band than did the UV‐B treatment. Change in toxicity with UV irradiation was inconsistent among the metals tested in this study, indicating that some organic metal‐binding ligands were more quickly removed or altered than others. The DOM remaining after irradiation appears to be qualitatively different from the unirradiated DOM. The much greater irradiance of UV‐A makes its contribution to the removal and/or alteration of DOM at least as important as the influence of higher energy UV‐B.
Genetic Map Functions
Authors: Speed Terry P.
Published: June 2005

A genetic map function gives a relationr = M(d) connecting recombination fractionsrand genetic map distancesdbetween pairs of loci along a chromosome. They have been widely used in genetics because (a) genetic map distances are additive, whereas recombination fractions are not; and (b) recombination fractions are much easier to estimate from data. In effect, map functions correct for multiple exchanges in chromosomal intervals during meiosis. The most well‐known map function is that due to Haldane,r = 0.5(1 − exp(−2d)), which arises in the Poisson or no‐ interference model for recombination. Another is associated with the name Kosambi. In general, map functions should be regarded as organism specific, as they embody certain assumptions about recombination, in particular, the nature and extent of genetical interference. However, map functions only consider pairs of loci, and do not necessarily correspond to global models of recombination. While genetical interference has some consequences for map functions, it is not well captured by the associated map function. When multilocus mapping is carried out with a full probability model for recombination, map functions are not needed.
Instrument Evaluation
Authors: Cork Steve
Published: June 2005

Instrument evaluation is concerned with the investigation into whether a device is able to meet certain performance criteria under both ideal and nonideal conditions. The results of an evaluation can be used by the instrument manufacturer to improve their designs or manufacturing processes. The benefits to the potential user of the equipment are to make them aware of the positive and negative aspects of the instrument's performance in order that they can make more informed decisions on purchasing and suitable applications.
Analysis of clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangements in ocular lymphoma
Authors: Baehring Joachim M. , Androudi Sofia , Longtine Janina J. , Betensky Rebecca A. , Sklar Jeffrey , Foster C. Stephen , Hochberg Fred H.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

The morphologic diagnosis of primary and metastatic intraocular lymphoma (IOL) was made difficult by the paucicellular specimens with fragile populations of lymphocytes retrieved through pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). The analysis of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangements (AIGHR) was used as an adjunct to cytopathology and flow cytometry in systemic lymphoma. In IOL, the sensitivity and specificity of AIGHR are unknown.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the clinical records of patients who underwent PPV for suspicion of IOL at the Immunology and Uveitis Service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (Boston, MA) between 2000 and 2002. AIGHR was performed as a routine diagnostic test on cell lysates isolated from < 0.5 mL of vitreous fluid. The authors used seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with consensus primers for the VDJ‐region of the IgH gene. PCR products were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (37 specimens) with chronic vitritis and 17 patients (23 specimens) with IOL were included. The specificity of vitreous fluid cytopathology, flow cytometry, and AIGHR was 1.0, and the sensitivity values were 0.24, 0.36, and 0.64, respectively. AIGHR was negative in two patients for whom cytopathology or flow cytometry revealed the diagnosis of lymphoma. Clonal IGHR was found in four specimens classified as negative for lymphoma based on cytopathology and flow cytometry.

CONCLUSIONS

AIGHR supplemented cytopathology and flow cytometry to increase the diagnostic yield in IOL. Cancer 2005;104. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Phase II study of oxaliplatin in patients with recurrent or refractory non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Oki Yasuhiro , McLaughlin Peter , Pro Barbara , Hagemeister Fredrick B. , Bleyer Archie , Loyer Evelyn , Younes Anas
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

Oxaliplatin is a platinum derivative with a broad range of anticancer activity. The objective of the current Phase II trial was to investigate the activity of oxaliplatin in patients with recurrent or refractory non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

METHODS

Patients with recurrent and refractory NHL who received a maximum of 3 previous chemotherapy regimens were considered eligible if they had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–2 and adequate organ function. Oxaliplatin was administered in an outpatient setting at a dose of 130 mg/m2 by 2‐hour intravenous infusion every 21 days for ≤ 6 cycles in the absence of disease progression.

RESULTS

Thirty‐one patients (23 with aggressive NHL and 8 with indolent NHL) were enrolled, of whom 30 were assessable for toxicity, response, and survival. The median patient age was 62 years, and 20% of the patients previously received platinum‐containing therapy. Eighty‐three percent of the patients were refractory to their last treatment regimens. Grade 3 and 4 toxic effects (according to the National Cancer Institute's Common Toxicity Criteria [version 2.0]) included sensory neuropathy (10%), neutropenia (17%), and thrombocytopenia (20%). Objective responses occurred in 8 (27%; 95% confidence interval, 13–47%) of the patients. Responses were observed in platinum‐naive patients as well as in those previously treated with platinum. The overall median failure‐free survival duration was 3.0 months (range, 0.1–18.1 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Oxaliplatin had favorable single‐agent activity in previously treated patients with refractory lymphoma. The favorable safety profile and the ease of its administration in outpatient settings warrant investigating it in combination with other active drugs for the treatment of recurrent and refractory NHL. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Antiemetic efficacy of the neurokinin‐1 antagonist, aprepitant, plus a 5HT3 antagonist and a corticosteroid in patients receiving anthracyclines or cyclophosphamide in addition to high‐dose cisplatin
Authors: Gralla Richard J. , de Wit Ronald , Herrstedt Jorn , Carides Alexandra D. , Ianus Juliana , Guoguang‐Ma Julie , Evans Judith K. , Horgan Kevin J.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

The tendency of chemotherapeutic regimens to cause vomiting is dependent on the individual drugs in the regimen. The authors analyzed data combined from 2 Phase III trials to assess the effect of the neurokinin‐1 (NK1) antagonist aprepitant combined with a 5HT3 antagonist plus a corticosteroid in a subpopulation receiving > 1 emetogenic chemotherapeutic agent.

METHODS

In the current study, 1043 cisplatin‐naive patients (42% were women) receiving cisplatin‐based (≥ 70mg/m2) chemotherapy were assigned randomly to a control regimen (ondansetron [O] 32 mg intravenously and dexamethasone [D] 20 mg orally on Day 1; D 8 mg twice daily on Days 2–4) or an aprepitant (A) regimen (A 125 mg orally plus O 32 mg and D 12 mg on Day 1; A 80 mg and D 8 mg once daily on Days 2–3; and D 8 mg on Day 4). Randomization was stratified for use of concomitant chemotherapy and female gender. The primary end point was complete response (no vomiting and no rescue therapy) on Days 1–5 (0–120 hours). Data were analyzed by a modified intent‐to‐treat approach, and logistic regression was used to make treatment comparisons among patients receiving the most frequently coadministered emetogenic concomitant chemotherapy (Hesketh level ≥ 3).

RESULTS

Among the approximately 13% of patients (n = 81 for A; n = 80 for control) who received additional emetogenic chemotherapy (doxorubicin or cyclophosphamide), the aprepitant regimen provided a 33 percentage‐point improvement in the complete response rate compared with the control regimen. Among the general population, the advantage with aprepitant was 20 percentage points.

CONCLUSIONS

The current analysis of > 1000 patients from 2 large randomized trials showed that in the subpopulation at increased risk of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting due to concomitant emetogenic chemotherapy, the addition of aprepitant to standard antiemetics improved protection to an even greater extent than in the general study population. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Cognitive impairment, fatigue, and cytokine levels in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Meyers Christina A. , Albitar Maher , Estey Elihu
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

The objective of the current study was to assess the correlations between cognitive function, fatigue, quality of life, and circulating cytokine levels in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

METHODS

Fifty‐four patients with AML/MDS were seen for pretreatment evaluation of their cognitive function and symptoms. Fifty percent of the sample was reevaluated 1 month later, when response to protocol chemotherapy was assessed.

RESULTS

A significant proportion of patients had impaired cognitive function prior to the institution of chemotherapy. Sixty‐five percent of patients also experienced significant fatigue. Levels of the circulating cytokines interleukin 1 (IL‐1), IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA), IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were elevated highly compared with normal controls. Higher IL‐6 levels were associated with poorer executive function, whereas higher IL‐8 levels were associated with better memory performance. IL‐6, IL‐1RA, and TNF‐α levels were related to ratings of fatigue. Fatigue and cognitive dysfunction were unrelated. Hemoglobin levels were not associated significantly with either cognitive dysfunction or fatigue. Patients who obtained a complete response tended to have better fine motor control at baseline and lower circulating IL‐1 levels. Treatment did not have a significant impact on cognition, although fatigue levels tended to increase.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AML/MDS are highly symptomatic and experience cognitive impairment and fatigue before the initiation of their treatment. The current results indicated a correlation between these symptoms and levels of circulating cytokines, providing some support to the hypothesis that cancer‐related symptoms are related at least in part to cytokine‐immunologic activation. Elucidation of immunologic correlates of symptoms will allow for targeted interventions. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Pro‐gastrin–releasing peptide as a factor predicting the incidence of brain metastasis in patients with small cell lung carcinoma with limited disease receiving prophylactic cranial irradiation
Authors: Yonemori Kan , Sumi Minako , Fujimoto Naoko , Ito Yoshinori , Imai Atsushi , Kagami Yoshikazu , Ikeda Hiroshi
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) reduces the incidence of brain metastasis with an effect on overall survival in patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). In spite of multidisciplinary intensive treatment approaches, many patients still experience brain metastasis. The authors retrospectively analyzed the characteristics of the first failure event due to brain metastasis (FBM) in patients treated with PCI.

METHODS

Between January 1990 and April 2004, 71 patients with limited disease SCLC were treated with PCI after completing systemic treatment at the National Cancer Center Hospital (Tokyo, Japan). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors related to FBM and survival.

RESULTS

The FBM and overall incidence of brain metastasis (OBM) were 16.9 % (12 of 71) and 26.8% (19 of 71), respectively. Median time to progressive disease and median survival were 8.4 months and 21.6 months, respectively. Elevation of pro‐gastrin–releasing peptide (Pro GRP) level before PCI was found to be a significant predictive and prognostic factor for FBM, OBM, and survival on multivariate analysis (P = 0.007, P = 0.025, and P = 0.009, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

An elevated Pro GRP level before PCI was found to be significantly related to FBM and survival, and should be considered before PCI is performed. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Mass spectrometric map of neuropeptide expression in Ascaris suum
Authors: Yew Joanne Y. , Kutz Kimberly K. , Dikler Sergei , Messinger Lynn , Li Lingjun , Stretton Antony O.
Published: June 2005

A mass spectrometric method was used for the localization and sequence characterization of peptides in the nervous system of the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum. Mass spectrometric techniques utilizing MALDI‐TOF, MALDI‐TOF/TOF, and MALDI‐FT instruments were combined with in situ chemical derivatization to examine the expression of known and putative neuropeptides in the A. suum nervous system. This first attempt at peptidomic characterization in A. suum mapped the expression of 39 neuropeptides, 17 of which are considered to be novel and whose expression has not been previously reported. These analyses also revealed that the peptide expression profile is unique to each nervous structure and that the majority of peptides observed belong to the RFamide family of neuropeptides. In addition, four new peptide sequences with a shared C‐terminal PNFLRFamide motif are proposed based on in situ sequencing with mass spectrometry. J. Comp. Neurol. 488:396–413, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructural study of the primary olfactory pathway in Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Herrera Loren P. , Casas Carlos E. , Bates Margaret L. , Guest James D.
Published: June 2005

Olfactory ensheathing glial cells (OEGs) interact with a wide repertoire of cell types and support extension of olfactory axons (OAs) within the olfactory pathway. OEGs are thought to exclude OAs from contact with all other cells between the olfactory epithelium and the glomerulus of the olfactory bulb. These properties have lead to testing to determine whether OEGs support axonal growth following transplantation. The cellular interactions of transplanted OEGs will probably resemble those that occur within the normal pathway where interactions between OEGs and fibroblasts are prominent. No previous primate studies have focused on these interactions, knowledge of which is important if clinical application is envisioned. We describe the detailed intercellular interactions of OAs with supporting cells throughout the olfactory epithelium, the lamina propria, the fila olfactoria, and the olfactory nerve layer by using transmission electron microscopy in adult Macaca fascicularis. Patterns of OEG ensheathment and variations of the endo‐ and perineurium formed by olfactory nerve fibroblasts are described. OAs mainly interacted with horizontal basal cells, OEGs, and astrocytes. At both transitional ends of the pathway seamless intercellular interactions were observed, and fibroblast processes were absent. Perineurial cells produced surface basal lamina; however, endoneurial, epineurial, and meningeal fibroblasts did not. Perineurial cells contained intermediate filaments and were distinct from other fibroblasts and meningeal cells. OAs had direct contacts with astrocytes near the glia limitans. The properties of OEGs differed depending on whether astrocytic or fibroblastic processes were present. This indicates the importance of the cellular milieu in the structure and function of OEGs in primates. J. Comp. Neurol. 488:427–441, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal granule cell activity and c‐Fos expression during spontaneous seizures in awake, chronically epileptic, pilocarpine‐treated rats: Implications for hippocampal epileptogenesis
Authors: Harvey Brian D. , Sloviter Robert S.
Published: June 2005

The process of postinjury hippocampal epileptogenesis may involve gradually developing dentate granule cell hyperexcitability caused by neuron loss and synaptic reorganization. We tested this hypothesis by repeatedly assessing granule cell excitability after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE) and monitoring granule cell behavior during 235 spontaneous seizures in awake, chronically implanted rats. During the first week post‐SE, granule cells exhibited diminished paired‐pulse suppression and decreased seizure discharge thresholds in response to afferent stimulation. Spontaneous seizures often began during the first week after SE, recruited granule cell discharges that followed behavioral seizure onsets, and evoked c‐Fos expression in all hippocampal neurons. Paired‐pulse suppression and epileptiform discharge thresholds increased gradually after SE, eventually becoming abnormally elevated. In the chronic epileptic state, interictal granule cell hyperinhibition extended to the ictal state; granule cells did not discharge synchronously before any of 191 chronic seizures. Instead, granule cells generated only low‐frequency voltage fluctuations (presumed “field excitatory postsynaptic potentials”) during 89% of chronic seizures. Granule cell epileptiform discharges were recruited during 11% of spontaneous seizures, but these occurred only at the end of each behavioral seizure. Hippocampal c‐Fos after chronic seizures was expressed primarily by inhibitory interneurons. Thus, granule cells became progressively less excitable, rather than hyperexcitable, as mossy fiber sprouting progressed and did not initiate the spontaneous behavioral seizures. These findings raise doubts about dentate granule cells as a source of spontaneous seizures in rats subjected to prolonged SE and suggest that dentate gyrus neuron loss and mossy fiber sprouting are not primary epileptogenic mechanisms in this animal model. J. Comp. Neurol. 488:442–463, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional impact of primary visual cortex deactivation on subcortical target structures in the thalamus and midbrain
Authors: Rushmore R. Jarrett , Payne Bertram R. , Lomber Stephen G.
Published: June 2005

The functional relationships between the primary visual cortex and its major subcortical target structures have long been a subject of interest. We studied these relationships by using localized cooling deactivation to silence portions of primary visual cortex and measuring 2‐deoxyglucose (2DG) uptake to assess neural activity in subcortical and midbrain targets. We focused analysis on the largest subcortical targets of primary visual cortex: the superior colliculus (SC), the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (dLGN), and the lateral division of the lateral posterior nucleus of the thalamus (LPL). We found that localized cooling of different regions of primary visual cortex caused specific decreases in 2DG uptake in target structures such that the location of 2DG decrease varied according to joint retinotopy, and the magnitude of the decreases in target structures was associated with the amount of cooled cortex. In addition, we found that the impact of cortical cooling was more profound on the SC than on the dLGN. The functional impact of cortical deactivations on the LPL was weak for small deactivations but approximated the impact on the SC when deactivations were large. We discuss these findings in terms of neural circuits and in terms of drivers and modulators. J. Comp. Neurol. 488:414–426, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential distribution of hypocretin (orexin) and melanin‐concentrating hormone in the goldfish brain
Authors: Huesa Gema , van den Pol Anthony N. , Finger Thomas E.
Published: June 2005

The orexigenic peptides hypocretin (orexin) and melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) are involved in the control of food intake and in other homeostatic functions including sleep and arousal. In this article we study the distribution of these peptides in the brain of the goldfish (Carassius auratus), focusing on those regions particularly related to feeding, sleep, and arousal. Although the general distribution of these peptides in goldfish shows many similarities to those described previously in other species, we observed some noteworthy differences. As in other vertebrates, the peptidergic somata lie in the anterolateral hypothalamus. In goldfish, both hypocretin and MCH immunoreactive cell bodies project fibers to the ventral telencephalon, thalamus, and hypothalamus. At mesencephalic levels fibers reach the deep layers of the optic tectum and also course sparsely through the mesencephalic tegmentum. In contrast to the strong innervation of locus coeruleus and raphe in mammal, the MCH and hypocretin systems in goldfish barely innervate these aminergic populations related to the regulation of sleep and arousal. MCH, but not hypocretin, immunoreactive fibers terminate substantially in the sensory layer of the vagal gustatory lobe of goldfish, while both peptidergic systems distribute to the primary visceral sensory areas of the medulla and pons. The strong involvement of these peptidergic systems with the hypothalamus and general visceral nuclei, but not with locus coeruleus or raphe nuclei support the view that these peptides originally played a role in regulation of energy balance and evolved secondarily to influence sleep‐wakefulness systems in amniote vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 488:476–491, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance analysis of a dual‐buffer architecture for digital flow cytometry
Authors: Murthi Shiva , Sankaranarayanan Sundararajan , Xia Bo , Lambert Georgina M. , Rodríguez Jeffrey J. , Galbraith David W.
Published: June 2005

Background

Most current commercial flow cytometers employ analog circuitry to provide feature values describing the pulse waveforms produced from suspended cells and particles. This restricts the type of features that can be extracted (typically pulse height, width, and integral) and consequently places a limit on classification performance. In previous work, we described a first‐generation digital data acquisition and processing system that was used to demonstrate the classification advantages provided by the extraction of additional waveform features. An improved version of the system is discussed in this paper, focusing on dual‐buffering to ensure increased pulse capture. A mathematical model of the system is also presented for performance analysis.

Methods

The second‐generation system incorporates fast digitization of analog pulse waveforms, instantaneous pulse detection hardware, and a novel dual‐buffering scheme. A mathematical model of the system was developed to theoretically compute the capture‐rate performance.

Results

The capture rate of the system was theoretically analyzed and empirically measured. Under typical conditions, a capture rate of 8,000 pulses/s was experimentally achieved.

Conclusions

Based on these results, the dual‐buffer architecture shows great potential for use in flow cytometry. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving the biosafety of cell sorting by adaptation of a cell sorting system to a biosafety cabinet
Authors: Lennartz Klaus , Lu Mengji , Flasshove Michael , Moritz Thomas , Kirstein Uwe
Published: June 2005

Background:

The jet‐in‐air cell sorters currently available are not very suitable for sorting potentially biohazardous material under optimal conditions because they do not protect operators and samples as recommended in the guidelines for safe biotechnology. To solve this problem we have adapted a cell sorting system to a special biosafety cabinet that satisfies the requirements for class II cabinets. With aid of this unit, sorting can be performed in conformance with the recommendations for biosafety level 2.

Methods:

After integrating a modified fluorescence‐activated cell sorter (FACS) Vantage into a special biosafety cabinet, we investigated the influence of the laminar air flow (LAF) inside the cabinet on side stream stability and the analytical precision of the cell sorter. In addition to the routine electronic counting of microparticles, we carried out tests on the containment of aerosols, using T4 bacteriophage as indicators, to demonstrate the efficiency of the biosafety cabinet for sorting experiments performed under biosafety level 2 conditions.

Results:

The experiments showed that LAF, which is necessary to build up sterile conditions in a biosafety cabinet, does not influence the conditions for side stream stability or the analytical precision of the FACS Vantage cell sorting system. In addition, tests performed to assess aerosol containment during operation of the special biosafety cabinet demonstrated that the cabinet‐integrated FACS Vantage unit (CIF) satisfies the conditions for class II cabinets. In the context of gene transfer experiments, the CIF facility was used to sort hematopoietic progenitor cells under biosafety level 2 conditions.

Conclusions:

The newly designed biosafety cabinet offers a practical modality for improving biosafety for operators and samples during cell sorting procedures. It can thus also be used for sorting experiments with genetically modified organisms in conformance with current biosafety regulations and guidelines. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flow cytometric immunophenotypic profiles of mature gamma delta T‐cell malignancies involving peripheral blood and bone marrow
Authors: Ahmad Ejaz , Kingma Douglas W. , Jaffe Elaine S. , Schrager Jeffrey A. , Janik John , Wilson Wyndham , Stetler‐Stevenson Maryalice
Published: June 2005

Background

In this study we compared clinical findings with flow cytometric immunophenotypic results in a series of patients with aggressive and indolent gamma delta T‐cell malignancies with peripheral blood and/or bone marrow involvement.

Methods

Gamma delta T‐cell malignancies were detected based on flow cytometric demonstration of an abnormal T‐cell population staining positive with T‐cell receptor gamma delta and confirmed by morphologic and clinical reviews. Clinical data were obtained through chart review and discussion with the patients' physicians.

Results

Blood or bone marrow involvement was present in all patients. Hepatosplenic and cutaneous gamma delta T‐cell lymphomas had an aggressive clinical course, whereas the gamma delta T‐cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemias had an indolent course. Expressions of CD5, CD8, CD16, and CD57 differed in gamma delta T‐cell LGL leukemia compared with hepatosplenic and cutaneous gamma delta T‐cell lymphomas.

Conclusions

Gamma delta T‐cell malignancies have a poor prognosis with the exception of gamma delta T‐cell LGL leukemia (indolent process). Because CD57 expression is specific for gamma delta T‐cell LGL leukemias, expression of this antigen may be associated with a more indolent clinical course. Because cutaneous gamma delta T‐cell lymphoma can present with peripheral blood involvement, flow cytometric evaluation of peripheral blood is important in staging these patients. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental changes in heteromeric P2X2/3 receptor expression in rat sympathetic ganglion neurons
Authors: Dunn Philip M. , Gever Joel , Ruan Huai‐Zhen , Burnstock Geoffrey
Published: June 2005

We have used whole cell patch clamp recording and immunohistochemistry to investigate the expression of P2X2/3 receptors in rat superior cervical ganglion neurons during late embryonic and early post‐natal development. Neurons from E18 and P1 animals responded to the nicotinic agonist dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP), and the purinoceptor agonists ATP and α,β‐meATP with sustained inward currents. Responsiveness to DMPP was maintained at P17, while that to ATP declined dramatically, and responses to α,β‐meATP were rarely detected. Immunohistochemistry for the P2X3 subunit revealed widespread staining in superior cervical ganglia from P1 rats, but little immunoreactivity in ganglia from P17 animals. In neurons from P1 animals, the response to α,β‐meATP exhibited pharmacological properties of the heteromeric P2X2/3 receptor. In conclusion, sympathetic neurons of the rat superior cervical ganglion are more responsive to ATP and α,β‐meATP at birth and during the early post‐natal period, due largely to the expression of the P2X3 subunit, but these responses are much reduced in mature rats. Developmental Dynamics 234:505–511, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.