bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging evidence of tendinopathy in early rheumatoid arthritis predicts tendon rupture at six years
Authors: McQueen Fiona , Beckley Vaughan , Crabbe Jeff , Robinson Elizabeth , Yeoman Sue , Stewart Neal
Published: March 2005

Objective

To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of tendinopathy in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could be used to predict the course of tendon involvement in later disease and specifically the risk of tendon rupture.

Methods

The occurrence, pattern, and progression of tendinopathy were studied prospectively over 6 years in a cohort of patients who had presented with RA. Of 42 patients enrolled, full MRI and clinical data were available for 31 at 6 years. MRI scans of the dominant wrist were scored for tendinopathy by 2 radiologists using a validated system. These data were compared with MRI synovitis, erosion scores, and disease activity measures. Prognostic factors for tendon inflammation and rupture were sought.

Results

Thirty‐four patients (81%) had MRI evidence of tendinopathy at baseline, falling to 59% at 1 year and 68% at 6 years. The most commonly affected site was the extensor carpi ulnaris. MRI tendinopathy and synovitis scores were correlated at baseline (r = 0.37, P = 0.01) and 1 year (r = 0.45, P = 0.003) but not at 6 years (r = 0.11, P = 0.5). The strongest predictor of the 6‐year tendinopathy score was the 1‐year tendinopathy score (R2 = 0.36, P = 0.0003 [β = 1.28, SE = 0.31]). In 4 patients, extensor tendon rupture had occurred by 6 years. Their baseline and 1‐year tendinopathy scores were higher than in the nonrupture group (medians 2.8 versus 1.0 [P = 0.04] and 4.3 versus 0.8 [P = 0.03], respectively), as were their Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (1.33 versus 0.54 [P = 0.02], 1.18 versus 0.25 [P = 0.03], and 0.98 versus 0.37 [P = 0.01] at 0, 1, and 6 years, respectively). For the group as a whole, the baseline tendinopathy score was predictive of rupture at 6 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02–2.32, P = 0.03), as was the 1‐year score (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.03–2.04, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

MRI can be used to quantify tendinopathy at the wrist in RA patients. High scores in early disease were predictive of tendon rupture in a small group of patients, but further studies are required to determine whether this has clinical relevance.
Accelerating effect of an MRL gene locus on the severity and onset of arthropathy in DBA/1 mice
Authors: Oishi Hisashi , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Mizuki Shinichi , Kamogawa Junji , Lu Ling‐Min , Tsubaki Takahito , Arita Norimasa , Ono Masao , Yamamoto Haruyasu , Nose Masato
Published: March 2005

Objective

To analyze the influence of the genetic background of an arthritis‐prone strain of mice, MRL, on the spontaneous development of arthropathy in DBA/1 mice, which histopathologically resembles enthesopathy in humans, and to clarify the strain‐specific gene loci and their interactions that confer susceptibility to arthropathy.

Methods

MRL, DBA/1, (MRL × DBA/1)F1, and (MRL × DBA/1)F2 intercross mice were prepared, and the severity and onset of arthropathy of the ankle joints in individual mice were quantified (0–3 and 0–5 scale, respectively). A genome‐wide scan of 271 male F2 intercross mice with polymorphic microsatellite markers was performed.

Results

Only male DBA/1, (MRL × DBA/1)F1, and (MRL × DBA/1)F2 mice developed arthropathy. The macroscopic and histopathologic findings of arthropathy in the F2 mice were similar to those in the parental DBA/1 mice, but the onset was significantly earlier. In the quantitative trait locus analysis of male F2 mice, 1 susceptibility locus for both the severity and early onset of the disease in the region of an MRL allele, Amd1, was located at marker D10Mit259 (map position 40.0 cM), which was common to 1 of the sialadenitis susceptibility loci in MRL mice, Asm1. Another susceptibility locus for the severity and early onset of arthropathy in the region of a DBA allele, Amd2, was located at D3Mit46 (29.5 cM). These loci manifested an additive effect on the development of arthropathy.

Conclusion

Arthropathy in DBA/1 mice is under the control of an allelic combination of gene loci, one of which is common to the locus for sialadenitis in MRL/MpJ‐lpr/lpr mice.
A two‐year prospective controlled study of bone mass and bone turnover in children with early juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Lien Gunhild , Selvaag Anne M. , Flatø Berit , Haugen Margaretha , Vinje Odd , Sørskaar Dag , Dale Knut , Egeland Thore , Førre Øystein
Published: March 2005

Objective

To explore early changes and predictors of bone mass in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in order to identify patients who will develop bone mass reductions.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 108 children with early JIA (ages 6–18 years; mean disease duration 19.3 months) who were individually matched with 108 healthy children for age, sex, race, and county of residence. Bone mass and changes in total body, spine, femur, and forearm bone mineral density and bone mineral content (BMC), body composition, growth, and biochemical parameters of bone turnover were examined at baseline and at followup a mean of 24 months later. Low bone mass was defined as a Z score >1 SD below the reference population.

Results

Of the 200 children evaluated at followup, the 100 healthy children had greater gains in total body BMC (P = 0.035), distal radius BMC (P < 0.001), and total body lean mass (P < 0.001) than did the 100 JIA patients. Low or very low total body BMC was observed in 24% of the patients and 12% of the healthy children. Bone formation, bone resorption, and weight‐bearing activities were reduced in the patients compared with the healthy children. Multiple regression analysis showed that in patients with JIA, serum bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase, serum C‐telopeptide of type I collagen, and weight‐bearing activities were independent predictors of changes in total body BMC. Total body BMC was lower in patients with polyarticular onset than in those with oligoarticular disease onset.

Conclusion

Patients with JIA have moderate reductions in bone mass gains, bone turnover, and total body lean mass early in the disease course.
Construction, verification and experimental use of two epitope‐tagged collections of budding yeast strains
Authors: Howson Russell , Huh Won‐Ki , Ghaemmaghami Sina , Falvo James V. , Bower Kiowa , Belle Archana , Dephoure Noah , Wykoff Dennis D. , Weissman Jonathan S. , O'Shea Erin K.
Published: March 2005

A major challenge in the post‐genomic era is the development of experimental approaches to monitor the properties of proteins on a proteome‐wide level. It would be particularly useful to systematically assay protein subcellular localization, post‐translational modifications and protein–protein interactions, both at steady state and in response to environmental stimuli. Development of new reagents and methods will enhance our ability to do so efficiently and systematically. Here we describe the construction of two collections of budding yeast strains that facilitate proteome‐wide measurements of protein properties. These collections consist of strains with an epitope tag integrated at the C‐terminus of essentially every open reading frame (ORF), one with the tandem affinity purification (TAP) tag, and one with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag. We show that in both of these collections we have accurately tagged a high proportion of all ORFs (approximately 75% of the proteome) by confirming expression of the fusion proteins. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of the TAP collection in performing high‐throughput immunoprecipitation experiments. Building on these collections and the methods described in this paper, we hope that the yeast community will expand both the quantity and type of proteome level data available. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A system for identifying named entities in biomedical text: how results from two evaluations reflect on both the system and the evaluations
Authors: Dingare Shipra , Nissim Malvina , Finkel Jenny , Manning Christopher , Grover Claire
Published: March 2005

We present a maximum entropy‐based system for identifying named entities (NEs) in biomedical abstracts and present its performance in the only two biomedical named entity recognition (NER) comparative evaluations that have been held to date, namely BioCreative and Coling BioNLP. Our system obtained an exact match F‐score of 83.2% in the BioCreative evaluation and 70.1% in the BioNLP evaluation. We discuss our system in detail, including its rich use of local features, attention to correct boundary identification, innovative use of external knowledge resources, including parsing and web searches, and rapid adaptation to new NE sets. We also discuss in depth problems with data annotation in the evaluations which caused the final performance to be lower than optimal. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New function spaces of BMO type, the John‐Nirenberg inequality, interpolation, and applications
Authors: Duong Xuan Thinh , Yan Lixin
Published: March 2005

In this paper, we introduce and develop some new function spaces of BMO (bounded mean oscillation) type on spaces of homogeneous type or measurable subsets of spaces of homogeneous type. The new function spaces are defined by variants of maximal functions associated with generalized approximations to the identity, and they generalize the classical BMO space. We show that the John‐Nirenberg inequality holds on these spaces and they interpolate withLpspaces by the complex interpolation method. We then give applications onLp‐boundedness of singular integrals whose kernels do not satisfy the Hörmander condition. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What are the Implications of Nonequilibrium in the O+OH and O+HO2 Reactions?
Authors: Varandas A. J. C.
Published: March 2005

Vibrationally excited O2, OH, and HO2 species have been suggested (J. Phys. Chem. A 2004, 108, 758) to provide clues for explaining the “ozone deficit problem” and “HOx dilemma” in the middle atmosphere under conditions of local thermodynamic disequilibrium (LTD), but the question arises of how much LTD will affect the title ozone sink reactions. Besides providing novel kinetic results, it is shown that LTD tends to disfavor ozone depletion relative to traditional atmospheric modeling under Boltzmann equilibration, which is partly due to competition between the various reactive channels. The calculations also suggest that the title LTD processes can be important sources of highly vibrationally excited O2 in the middle atmosphere. Moreover, LTD is shown to offer an explanation for the fact that some down revision of the O+HO2 rate constant, or the ratio of the O+HO2 to O+OH rate constants, is required to improve agreement between the predictions of traditional modeling and observation. This, in turn, provides significant evidence supporting LTD at such altitudes.
CH⋅⋅⋅O Hydrogen Bonds in Cyclohexenone Reveal the Spectroscopic Behavior of CH and CH Donors
Authors: Nolasco Mariela M. , Ribeiro‐Claro Paulo J. A.
Published: March 2005

CH⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds in liquid 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one are studied to assess the vibrational spectroscopic behavior of the CH and CH donors. The presence of a pseudo‐isosbestic point in the νCO region supports the assignment of the two observed bands to two species in equilibrium, considered to be the free and 1:1 associated forms. The values of ΔH°=−18.5±0.6 kJ mol−1 and ΔS°=−76±2 J K−1 mol−1 for the dimerization through CH⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds were obtained from the dimerization constant at different temperatures. The concentrationdependent intensity of the νCH2 band profile is ascribed to the presence of a blue‐shifted band from the hydrogen‐bonded CH group. However, the most surprising result is the absence of concentration‐ or temperature‐dependent intensities in the bands assigned to the stretching modes of the CH donors.
Towards very high‐order accurate schemes for unsteady convection problems on unstructured meshes
Authors: Abgrall R. , Andrianov N. , Mezine M.
Published: March 2005

We construct several high‐order residual‐distribution methods for two‐dimensional unsteady scalar advection on triangular unstructured meshes. For the first class of methods, we interpolate the solution in the space–time element. We start by calculating the first‐order node residuals, then we calculate the high‐order cell residual, and modify the first‐order residuals to obtain high accuracy. For the second class of methods, we interpolate the solution in space only, and use high‐order finite difference approximation for the time derivative. In doing so, we arrive at a multistep residual‐distribution scheme. We illustrate the performance of both methods on several standard test problems. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AML M3 and AML M3 variant each have a distinct gene expression signature but also share patterns different from other genetically defined AML subtypes
Authors: Haferlach Torsten , Kohlmann Alexander , Schnittger Susanne , Dugas Martin , Hiddemann Wolfgang , Kern Wolfgang , Schoch Claudia
Published: March 2005

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with t(15;17) appears in two phenotypes: AML M3, with abnormal promyelocytes showing heavy granulation and bundles of Auer rods, and AML M3 variant (M3v), with non‐ or hypogranular cytoplasm and a bilobed nucleus. We investigated the global gene expression profiles of 35 APL patients (19 AML M3, 16 AML M3v) by using high‐density DNA‐oligonucleotide microarrays. First, an unsupervised approach clearly separated APL samples from other AMLs characterized genetically as t(8;21) (n = 35), inv(16) (n = 35), or t(11q23)/MLL (n = 35) or as having a normal karyotype (n = 50). Second, we found genes with functional relevance for blood coagulation that were differentially expressed between APL and other AMLs. Furthermore, a supervised pairwise comparison between M3 and M3v revealed differential expression of genes that encode for biological functions and pathways such as granulation and maturation of hematologic cells, explaining morphologic and clinical differences. Discrimination between M3 and M3v based on gene signatures showed a median classification accuracy of 90% by use of 10‐fold CV and support vector machines. Additional molecular mutations such as FLT3‐LM, which were significantly more frequent in M3v than in M3 (P < 0.0001), may partly contribute to the different phenotypes. However, linear regression analysis demonstrated that genes differentially expressed between M3 and M3v did not correlate with FLT3‐LM. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of the tumor promoter phenobarbital on the pattern of global gene expression in liver of connexin32‐wild‐type and connexin32‐deficient mice
Authors: Stahl Sabine , Ittrich Carina , Marx‐Stoelting Philip , Köhle Christoph , Ott Thomas , Buchmann Albrecht , Schwarz Michael
Published: March 2005

The antiepileptic drug phenobarbital (PB) is used frequently as a model tumor promoter in rodent liver. It is believed to increase the probability of cancer by accelerating the clonal expansion of cells transformed during tumor initiation. The molecular mechanism underlying this process is only partly understood but seems to require the function of connexin32 (Cx32), one of the 2 gap junction proteins expressed in hepatocytes. PB mediates transcriptional activation of various genes in liver but which of these are relevant for tumor promotion is unknown. We have used oligonucleotide microarrays to identify genes differentially modulated in expression by PB in liver of Cx32‐wild‐type and Cx32‐null mice. Mice of both strains were kept on PB containing (0.05%) or control diet for 2 weeks. Total liver RNA was isolated from 3 mice per experimental group and reverse transcribed; cDNAs were hybridized to oligonucleotide microarrays and a gene‐by‐gene linear model was used for statistical analysis of data. Five genes were identified as induced or repressed in untreated Cx32‐null as compared to untreated Cx32‐wild‐type mice. PB affected the expression of 53 genes, of which 13 code for members of Phase‐I/II of drug metabolism, and 12 genes were differentially affected in expression by PB in Cx32‐null as compared to Cx32‐wild‐type mice. Among the differentially affected genes that could be verified by quantitative RT‐PCR or Western analysis were the insulin like growth factor binding protein‐1, retinol dehydrogenase‐6 and the Y‐chromosomally located gene Dby, among which may be a candidate of relevance for PB‐mediated tumor promotion. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of large intestinal carcinogenicity of 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine at low doses in rats initiated with azoxymethane
Authors: Doi Kenichiro , Wanibuchi Hideki , Salim Elsayed I. , Morimura Keiichirou , Kinoshita Anna , Kudoh Shinzoh , Hirata Kazuto , Yoshikawa Junichi , Fukushima Shoji
Published: March 2005

2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP), an abundant food‐derived heterocyclic amine (HCA), has attracted particular attention as a human colon carcinogen. Humans are in fact exposed to continuous low doses of HCAs during lifetime. Therefore, we focused on rat large intestinal carcinogenicity of PhIP at levels that mimic practical human exposure. A total of 192 6‐week‐old male F344 rats were subcutaneously injected twice with 15 mg/kg body weight azoxymethane (AOM), then continuously fed various doses (0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 50 and 200 ppm) of PhIP in the diet. At week 16, aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were quantitatively analyzed. At week 36, tumor occurrence was pathologically analyzed. Then immunohistochemical examinations were performed. PhIP was found to enhance strongly AOM‐initiated rat large intestinal tumorigenesis at high doses (50 and 200 ppm), while lower doses (0.001–10 ppm) had no apparent effects. High doses also caused variation in tumor histologic types and their distribution throughout the large intestinal segments. Frequencies of ACF/cm2 did not meaningfully vary between the groups. Cellular proliferation activity in normal‐appearing colonic mucosa was significantly increased at high doses. These novel findings may provide evidence of a low‐dose potential for PhIP, with a no‐observed effect level speculated to be 10 ppm in the present initiation‐promotion experimental model. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increase of antioxidant capacity of the lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) during fermentation by a novel bacterium from the fruit microflora
Authors: Martin Luc J , Matar Chantal
Published: March 2005

Members of the genus Vaccinium, such as blueberry and cranberry, are known to be excellent sources of antioxidant phenolic compounds, for example anthocyanins, flavonols and phenolic acids. The fruit also provides a natural habitat for numerous microorganisms. Interaction between the fruit and the microflora might affect the antioxidant phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of wild blueberry fermented by a newly identified bacterium isolated from blueberry‐fruit surface microflora, Serratia vaccinii. Increase in the antioxidant capacity following fermentation of blueberries by the novel bacterium, as determined with the 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl method, was attributed not only to an increase in total phenolics, but also to a change in the phenolic profile, as demonstrated by the production of gallic acid and of a novel compound of phenolic or phenylpropanoic structure. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of dietary humate on the pH, TBARS and microbiological properties of vacuum‐ and aerobic‐packed breast and drumstick meats of broilers
Authors: Aksu Muhammet İrfan , Karaoǧlu Mevlüt , Kaya Mükerrem , Esenbuǧa Nurinisa , Maci̇t Muhlis
Published: March 2005

The current trial determined the influence of dietary humate, including humic, fulvic and ulmic acids and some microminerals on the pH, TBARS and microbiological properties of vacuum‐packed and aerobic‐packed breast fillets and drumsticks of broilers. A total of 240 male broiler chicks (Ross‐308) were randomly allocated into four dietary treatments (H0, H1, H2 and H3 groups). A basal diet (H0), basal diet plus 0.1 (H1), 0.2 (H2) and 0.3% (H3) humate (Farmagulator DRY™, Humate, Farmavet International Inc, Kocaeli 41 400, Turkey) were offered during the experimental feeding period. At the end of the trial all chicks were slaughtered. After standard dissection of carcasses, the breasts and drumsticks were divided into two groups for vacuum packaging or aerobic packaging. Packed breasts and drumsticks were stored at 3 °C for 12 days. The breasts and drumsticks were analyzed for pH, TBARS, total mesophilic, total psychrotrophic, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriacea counts at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 days of storage. The feeding of humate decreased pH values of breast fillets and drumstick muscles (p < 0.01), especially at the 0.1% level. The TBARS value decreased (p < 0.01) when compared with the without‐humate group (H0). Total aerobic mesophilic (p < 0.01), total aerobic psychrotrophic (p < 0.01) and lactic acid bacteria (p < 0.05) counts were lower in the H3 group than the other groups. The effect of meat type on pH, TBARS, total aerobic mesophilic (p < 0.01) and lactic acid bacteria (p < 0.05) and Enterobacteriacea counts was significant. While the pH and TBARS values of breast fillets were lower than those of drumstick meats, the total mesophilic, total psychrotrophic, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriacea counts of drumstick meats were higher than those of breast fillets. The effect of packaging type on pH (p < 0.01), TBARS (p < 0.01), total aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria (p < 0.01) and Enterobacteriacea counts (p < 0.01) was found statistically significant and the maximum values were determined in the aerobic‐packed samples. In addition, investigated parameters were also affected by storage period. While the total aerobic mesophilic count decreased, the other parameters increased when compared with zero day of storage. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Phytic acid in Indian soybean: genotypic variability and influence of growing location
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Rani Anita , Rajpal Sonal , Srivastava Garima , Ramesh Aketi , Joshi Om Prakash
Published: March 2005

Phytic acid, the heat‐stable anti‐nutritional factor, was determined in 80 cultivars/strains of Indian soybean to identify genotypes that possess low concentrations of phytic acid. Variation of values of 28.6–46.4 g kg−1soy flour was observed. Information on the influence of growing locations with widely differing soil types on phytic acid content being scarce, phytic acid in the mature dry seeds of eight Indian soybean cultivars grown over four locations was evaluated. Variation in different varieties at different locations was 27.8–45.0 g kg−1soy flour. Averaged over eight genotypes, the maximum mean value for phytic acid was observed at Pantnagar and the minimum at Palampur. These differences in locational mean values for phytic acid can be explained on the basis of characteristics of the soils and environment. The higher mean value at Pantnagar may be attributed to higher soil organic phosphorus, nearly neutral pH and favorable temperature from flowering to maturity. However, the lower value observed at Palampur can be explained by the acidic nature of its soil, with lower maximum and minimum temperatures prevailing from flowering to maturity. Locational and genotypic × locational effects were found to be significant (p< 0.01). The results indicated that soil characteristics and soil environment play a significant role in the accumulation of phytic acid in soybean seeds. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Serum from Sydenham's chorea patients modifies intracellular calcium levels in PC12 cells by a complement‐independent mechanism
Authors: Teixeira Antonio L. , Guimarães Melissa M. , Romano‐Silva Marco Aurélio , Cardoso Francisco
Published: March 2005

The proposed pathogenesis of Sydenham's chorea (SC) is an autoantibody‐mediated basal ganglia dysfunction. Our study has shown that incubation of PC12 cells with complement‐inactivated serum from SC patients was associated with a significant increase in Ca2+ levels evoked by KCl stimulus (mean ± SEM, 341.0 ± 8.7% of fluorescence intensity, arbitrary units) when compared with incubation with control serum (313.8 ± 8.7% of fluorescence intensity, arbitrary units; P = 0.01). The increase in Ca2+ levels determined by SC patients sera correlated directly with the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay optical density values for anti–basal ganglia antibodies. Our study supports the hypothesis that antibodies against basal ganglia in SC may cause their dysfunction. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Marked amelioration of alcohol‐responsive posthypoxic myoclonus by γ‐hydroxybutyric acid (Xyrem)
Authors: Frucht Steven J. , Bordelon Yvette , Houghton William H.
Published: March 2005

We conducted an open‐label, dose‐finding, blinded‐rating trial of γ‐hydroxybutyric acid (Xyrem) in a single patient with severe alcohol‐responsive posthypoxic myoclonus refractory to treatment with standard antimyoclonic agents. Xyrem was given in divided doses during the day and was well tolerated. Intensity of myoclonus was measured using the Unified Myoclonus Rating Scale, and blinded videotape review demonstrated complete resolution of myoclonus at rest and stimulus‐sensitive myoclonus. Action myoclonus and functional performance also improved in ways that were practically meaningful, allowing her to feed herself, to accomplish daily hygiene tasks, and to walk with assistance. The possible mechanisms of action and potential uses of this agent in other alcohol‐responsive movement disorders are discussed. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Botulinum A toxin injections into the detrusor: An effective treatment in idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity?
Authors: Kessler Thomas M. , Danuser Hansjörg , Schumacher Martin , Studer Urs E. , Burkhard Fiona C.
Published: March 2005

Aims

To assess and compare the effect of botulinum A toxin (BTX‐A) injections into the detrusor in idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity resistant to anticholinergic treatment.

Patients and Methods

In a prospective study, 11 patients with idiopathic and 11 with neurogenic detrusor overactivity resistant to anticholinergic treatment were injected with 300 U of BTX‐A (Botox®) into the detrusor. Clinical and urodynamic parameters were assessed before and after BTX‐A injections.

Results

In idiopathic as well as in neurogenic detrusor overactivity, median daytime frequency decreased significantly from 11 to 4 (P = 0.004) and 12 to 5 (P = 0.001), median nocturia from 3 to 1 (P = 0.004) and 3 to 1 (P = 0.001), and median number of used pads from 5 to 0 (P = 0.001) and 5 to 0 (P = 0.002), respectively. There was a significant increase in median maximum cystometric capacity from 220 to 340 ml (P = 0.001) and 190 to 410 ml (to instead of) (P = 0.001), median bladder compliance from 20 to 55 ml/cmH2O (P = 0.001) and 23 to 60 ml/cmH2O (P = 0.004) and median post void residual from 10 to 140 ml (P = 0.002) and 30 to 240 ml (P = 0.002), respectively. Median maximum detrusor pressure decreased significantly from 45 to 29 cmH2O (P = 0.002) and 40 to 24 cmH2O (P = 0.002), and median detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate from 30 to 14 ml/sec (P = 0.001) and 38 to 21 ml/sec (P = 0.016), respectively. Due to post void residuals >150 ml following BTX‐A injections, de novo clean intermittent self‐catheterization was necessary in nine patients (four with idiopathic and five with neurogenic detrusor overactivity) and in one patient (with idiopathic detrusor overactivity) a suprapubic catheter was placed. The effect of BTX‐A injections lasted for a median time of 5 months in both idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity. There was no significant difference in idiopathic compared to neurogenic detrusor overactivity in regard to clinical and urodynamic parameters assessed before and after BTX‐A injections.

Conclusions

BTX‐A injections into the detrusor have a significant and comparable but temporally limited effect in idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity resistant to anticholinergic treatment. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of the Blaivas–Groutz bladder outlet obstruction nomogram in women with urinary incontinence
Authors: Massolt Elske T. , Groen Jan , Vierhout Mark E.
Published: March 2005

Aims

To test the applicability of the Blaivas–Groutz nomogram for female bladder outlet obstruction in urinary incontinent women presenting in a general gynecologic practice and to determine how the nomogram results related to the presence of obstructive symptoms according to a standardized questionnaire.

Methods

All women with complaints of urinary incontinence underwent multichannel urodynamic testing, free uroflowmetry and were asked to complete a standardized quality of life questionnaire consisting of the urogenital distress inventory (UDI). The patients were classified according to the Blaivas–Groutz nomogram.

Results

One hundred and nine patients were classified according to the nomogram. Thirty‐three patients (30.3%) were classified as unobstructed, 63 patients (57.8%) as mildly, 12 patients (11%) as moderately, and 1 patient (0.9%) was classified as severely obstructed. Fifty patients correctly completed the UDI. There was no significant difference (P = 0.61) in the score on the domain UDI obstruction between, according to the nomogram, obstructed and unobstructed patients. Only 18% of the obstructed patients had isolated voiding symptoms suggestive of obstruction. Forty‐nine percent of the obstructed patients had urgency‐frequency symptoms as well as voiding symptoms suggestive of obstruction. There was no correlation (Pearson, r = −0.06, P = 0.61) between the severity of the symptoms (assessed by the UDI scale) and the degree of obstruction (the four nomogram zones).

Conclusions

Application of the Blaivas–Groutz nomogram gave an unlikely high prevalence of obstruction in our patient group, which showed no correlation with symptoms when measured with the UDI. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biology, clinical characteristics, and management of adrenocortical tumors in children
Authors: Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Figueiredo Bonald C. , Zambetti Gerard P. , Ribeiro Raul C.
Published: March 2005

Childhood adrenocortical tumors (ACT) are very aggressive endocrine neoplasms whose incidence is quite low. Little is known about their pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and optimal treatment. In recent years, however, new information has been derived from the International Pediatric Adrenocortical Tumor Registry (IPACTR), and new clues to its pathogenesis have emerged. To provide an overview of the available data that may apply to pediatric ACT, we reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of ACT in adults and in children. Germline TP53 mutation is almost always the predisposing factor in childhood ACT. A unique germline mutation (TP53–R337H) has been described in Southern Brazil, where the incidence of ACT is 10–15 times the general incidence. Childhood ACT typically present during the first 5 years of life and has female predominance. Hormone hyperproduction is almost universal, and most patients present with virilization. Two‐thirds of patients have resectable tumors. Surgery is the definitive treatment for ACT, and a curative complete resection should always be attempted. Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy with mitotane is indicated for unresectable or metastatic disease, although its impact on overall outcome is slight. In childhood ACT, age, tumor size, and tumor resectability are the most important prognostic indicators. Outcome is stage‐dependent; patients with small, resectable tumors have survival rates in excess of 80%, whereas the outcome for patients with unresectable disease is dismal. Patients with large, resectable tumors have an intermediate outcome. Childhood ACT are rare, but their unique epidemiology appear to implicate novel oncogenic pathways that are unique to the pediatric population. Multi‐institutional and prospective studies are necessary to further our understanding of the pathogenesis and to improve outcomes. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Menopausal hormone therapy: Currently no evidence for cardiac protection
Authors: Wenger Nanette K.
Published: March 2005

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among women of older age. Interest emerged as to whether premenopausal endogenous estrogen conferred cardiac protection and whether menopausal hormone therapy might prove beneficial. The results of pivotal clinical trials including the randomized, placebo‐controlled hormone trial of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) and the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) have led to new Guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) that state that hormone therapy should not be initiated or continued for the primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in menopausal women. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005;44:625–629. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of polyethylene‐octene elastomer/SiO2‐TiO2 nanocomposites via in situ polymerization: Properties and characterization of the hybrid
Authors: Wu Chin‐San
Published: March 2005

In this study, a silicic acid and tetra isopropyl ortho titanate ceramic precursor and a metallocene polyethylene‐octene elastomer (POE) or acrylic acid grafted metallocene polyethylene‐octene elastomer (POE‐g‐AA) were used in the preparation of hybrids (POE/SiO2TiO2 and POE‐g‐AA/SiO2TiO2) using an in situ sol‐gel process, with a view to identifying a hybrid with improved thermal and mechanical properties. Hybrids were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 29Si solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and Instron mechanical testing. Properties of the POE‐g‐AA/SiO2TiO2 hybrid were superior to those of the POE/SiO2TiO2 hybrid. This was because the carboxylic acid groups of acrylic acid acted as coordination sites for the silica‐titania phase to allow the formation of stronger chemical bonds. 29Si solid‐state NMR showed that Si atoms coordinated around SiO4 units were predominantly Q3 and Q4. The 10 wt % SiO2TiO2 hybrids gave the maximum values of tensile strength and glass transition temperature in both POE/SiO2TiO2 and POE‐g‐AA/SiO2TiO2. It is proposed that above this wt %, excess SiO2TiO2 particles caused separation between the organic and inorganic phases. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1690–1701, 2005
Probabilistic model for estimating field mortality of target and non‐target bird populations when simultaneously exposed to avicide bait
Authors: Johnston John J , Holmes Melvin J , Hart Andy , Kohler Dennis J , Stahl Randal S
Published: March 2005

A probabilistic model was developed to estimate target and non‐target avian mortality associated with the application of the avicide CPTH (3‐chloro‐p‐toluidine hydrochloride) to minimize sprouting rice damage in the southern USA. CPTH exposures for individual birds were predicted by random sampling from species‐specific non‐parametric distributions of bait seed consumption and CPTH residues detected on individual bait seeds. Mortality was predicted from the species‐specific exposure versus mortality relationship. Individual variations in this response were captured in the model by Monte Carlo sampling from species‐specific distributions of slopes and median toxicity values (LD50) for each bird. The model was used to simultaneously predict mortality (percentage of exposed population and number of birds killed/weight of consumed bait) for a target (blackbird) and non‐target (mourning dove) species feeding on bait sites for up to five consecutive days. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
III–V layer transfer onto silicon and applications
Authors: Di Cioccio L. , Jalaguier E. , Letertre F.
Published: March 2005

Integration of GaAs and InP with Si technology presents a huge potential interest. When realised, it will combine the superior electrical and optical properties of GaAs and InP with the mechanical and economical advantages of Si, including large integration density. To obtain such hybrid structures, heteroepitaxial growth has been investigated extensively but, up to now, the resulting devices have limited performance due to a high density of threading dislocations. Bonding technologies have also been developed and III–V optical devices on Si have been already demonstrated. In this paper, we review the application of the Smart CutTM technology which allows large diameter GaAs (or InP) thin film to be transferred onto a full silicon (handle) wafer. This technique is fully compatible with the requirements of microelectronics manufacturing and, both, HEMTs and P‐HEMTs structures have been realised. They exhibit electrical characteristics in close comparison to the prototype structures directly grown on a conventional GaAs or InP substrate. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ion beam synthesis of 3C–(Si1–xC1–y)Gex+y solid solutions
Authors: Weih P. , Stauden Th. , Ecke G. , Shokhovets S. , Zgheib Ch. , Voelskow M. , Skorupa W. , Ambacher O. , Pezoldt J.
Published: March 2005

In the present study cubic 3C–(Si1–xC1–y)Gex+y solid solutions were created by using ion beam synthesis. 3C–SiC thin layers grown on on‐axis Si (111) substrates by Molecular Beam Epitaxy were implanted with Ge in order to incorporate Ge atoms in the Silicon Carbide lattice. Two series of experiments were carried out. The implantation energy was chosen to be 140 keV and 200 keV and the implantation dose 1 × 1017 cm–2 and 4.7 × 1016 cm–2 respectively. The samples were annealed under rapid thermal annealing conditions in the temperature range between 800 °C and 1300 °C. X‐ray diffraction measurements indicate an enlargement of the lattice constant. The observed higher absorption in the implanted layers could be a sign of a band gap reduction as a consequence of Ge incorporation. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Certification of the cadmium content in certified reference materials for Cd rice flour
Authors: Zhao Mo‐Tian , Wang Jun , Lu Baikeng , Lu Hai
Published: March 2005

The materials used to prepare the certified reference materials (CRMs) for Cd rice flour described here were taken from Cd‐contaminated rice samples, round‐grained and non‐sticky rice grown in different provinces throughout China. The Cd rice materials were first blown to remove dust and husk, and then were successively ground, sieved, dried and mixed to form homogeneous rice flour. The Cd rice flour was packed in glass bottles, each bottle containing 40 g. All bottled CRMs were subjected to 60Co radiation (2.5 megarads) for long‐term preservation. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine the homogeneity of the cadmium content in each material. The certification of the cadmium content for the three CRMs was performed using isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of post‐excitation radius on ion abundance, mass measurement accuracy, and isotopic distributions in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Hawkridge Adam M. , Nepomuceno Angelito I. , Lovik Stephanie L. , Mason Christopher J. , Muddiman David C.
Published: March 2005

We report an evaluation of a modern Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS) instrument to determine the general trend of post‐excitation radius on total ion abundance, mass measurement accuracy, and isotopic distributions for internally calibrated mass spectra. The optimum post‐excitation radius was determined using total ion abundance, mass measurement accuracy (MMA), and isotope ratios. However, despite the utility of internal calibration for achieving ultimate MMA, the internal calibrant ions were insufficient for compensating for sub‐optimum ICR cell conditions. The findings presented herein underscore the importance of determining the optimal post‐excitation radius in FT‐ICR‐MS to achieve high ion abundance (low limits of detection), high MMA, and valid isotopic distributions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural assignment of isomeric 2‐aminopyridine‐derivatized oligosaccharides using negative‐ion MSn spectral matching
Authors: Takegawa Yasuhiro , Deguchi Kisaburo , Ito Shinya , Yoshioka Shinji , Nakagawa Hiroaki , Nishimura Shin‐Ichiro
Published: March 2005

To investigate the possibility of structural assignment based on negative‐ion MS2 spectral matching, three isomeric pairs of 2‐aminopyridine (PA)‐derivatized non‐fucosylated, fucosylated, and sialylated oligosaccharides (complex type N‐glycans) were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/ITMS) with a sonic‐spray ionization (SSI) source. In the SSI negative‐ion mode the deprotonated molecule [M–2H]2− becomes prominent. Negative‐ion MS2 spectra derived from such ions contain many fragment types (B and Y, C and Z, A, and D) and therefore are more informative than the positive‐ion MS2 spectra derived from [M+H+Na]2+ ions, which usually consist mainly of B and Y fragment ions. In particular the internal ions (D‐ and E‐type ions) provided useful information about the α1‐6 branching patterns and the bisecting GlcNAc residue. Spectral matching based on the correlation coefficients between negative‐ion MS2 spectra was performed in a manner similar to the positive‐ion MS2 spectral matching previously reported. It was demonstrated that negative‐ion MS2 spectral matching is as useful and applicable to the structural assignment of relatively large non‐fucosylated, fucosylated, and sialylated PA‐oligosaccharide isomers as its positive‐ion counterpart. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry determination of amphetamine‐related drugs and ephedrines in plasma, urine and hair samples after derivatization with 2,2,2‐trichloroethyl chloroformate
Authors: Frison Giampietro , Tedeschi Luciano , Favretto Donata , Reheman Aikebaier , Ferrara Santo Davide
Published: March 2005

A new analytical approach, based on derivatization with 2,2,2‐trichloroethyl chloroformate and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), was investigated for qualitative and quantitative analyses of a large range of amphetamine‐related drugs and ephedrines in plasma, urine and hair samples. Sample preparation involved alkaline extraction of analytes from biological samples using Extrelut columns, after addition of the internal standard 3,4‐methylenedioxypropylamphetamine (MDPA), and subsequent derivatization to produce 2,2,2‐trichloroethylcarbamates. GC/MS analyses, in splitless mode using a slightly polar 30‐m capillary column, were performed with quadrupole or ion trap instruments. MS acquisition modes were electron ionization (EI) in full‐scan or selected ion monitoring (SIM) modes (quadrupole), and full‐scan MS or MS/MS modes with chemical ionization (CI) conditions (ion trap). EI spectra of 2,2,2‐trichloroethylcarbamates showed variably abundant molecular ions as well as abundant diagnostic fragment ions, both characterized by ion clusters reflecting the isotope distribution of three chlorine atoms in the derivatized molecules. CI spectra showed abundant protonated molecules. Quantitative studies using EI SIM conditions gave recoveries in the range 74–89%, linear response over ranges of 10–2000 ng/mL (plasma and urine) and 0.20–20 ng/mg (hair), with corresponding limits of detection in the ranges 2–5 ng/mL and 0.1–0.2 ng/mg. Potential applications (following full method validation) include clinical and forensic toxicology, as well as doping control. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cores in random hypergraphs and Boolean formulas
Authors: Molloy Michael
Published: March 2005

We describe a technique for determining the thresholds for the appearance of cores in random structures. We use it to determine (i) the threshold for the appearance of ak‐core in a randomr‐uniform hypergraph for allr, k≥ 2,r+k> 4, and (ii) the threshold for the pure literal rule to find a satisfying assignment for a random instance ofr‐SAT,r≥ 3. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2005
Preparation and Characterization of Aligned Carbon Nanotube–Ruthenium Oxide Nanocomposites for Supercapacitors
Authors: Ye Jian‐Shan , Cui Hui Fang , Liu Xiao , Lim Tit Meng , Zhang Wei‐De , Sheu Fwu‐Shan
Published: March 2005

A novel type of ruthenium oxide (RuO2)‐modified multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposite electrode (RuO2/MWNT) for supercapacitors has been prepared. The nanocomposites were formed by depositing Ru by magnetic‐sputtering in an Ar/O2 atmosphere onto MWNTs, which were synthesized on Ta plates by chemical vapor deposition. Cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and electrochemical impedance measurements were applied to investigate the performance of the RuO2/MWNT nanocomposite electrodes. The capacitance of the MWNT electrodes in 1.0 M H2SO4 is significantly increased from 0.35 to 16.94  mF cm−2 by modification with RuO2. The RuO2 film on the surface of the nanotubes is composed of small crystal grains with tilted bundle‐like microstructures, as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrate a promising route to prepare RuO2/MWNT‐based double‐layer supercapacitors.
Fetal congenital cardiac diverticulum with pericardial effusion: two cases with different presentations in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Prefumo F. , Bhide A. , Thilaganathan B. , Carvalho J. S.
Published: March 2005

Two cases of fetal congenital cardiac diverticula diagnosed at 14 and 12 weeks of gestation are reported. Both presented with a large pericardial effusion. One fetus presented with increased NT which evolved into fetal hydrops. Pericardiocentesis at 16 weeks led to progressive resolution of hydrops. The other showed no hemodynamic compromise, normal nuchal translucency (NT) and spontaneous regression of the effusion. Both children were well at 22 and 17 months of age at the time of writing. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardiac diverticulum with pericardial effusion: report of two new cases treated by in‐utero pericardiocentesis and a review of the literature
Authors: McAuliffe F. M. , Hornberger L. K. , Johnson J. , Chitayat D. , Ryan G.
Published: March 2005

Congenital cardiac diverticula are rare abnormalities that may occur as isolated malformations. They are often associated with pericardial effusions, which may cause both pulmonary hypoplasia and progressive fetal hydrops. Few cases are reported in fetal life. Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, has previously reported two cases of cardiac diverticula complicated with pericardial effusion successfully treated in utero with aspiration of the pericardial fluid. Here a further two cases of isolated apical right ventricular diverticula with large pericardial effusion, one diagnosed at 16 weeks and another at 13 weeks' gestation are described. In‐utero drainage of pericardial effusion was performed once in each case at 16 and 14 weeks' gestation, respectively, with good neonatal outcome. Both had normal karyotype and there was no evidence of maternal or fetal infection. The pericardial effusion did not recur in either case. Given the otherwise favorable prognosis for this lesion, and the excellent response in these cases, prenatal pericardiocentesis should be considered in similar cases. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are splicing mutations the most frequent cause of hereditary disease?
Authors: López-Bigas Núria , Audit Benjamin , Ouzounis Christos , Parra Genís , Guigó Roderic
Published: March 2005

Disease‐causing point mutations are assumed to act predominantly through subsequent individual changes in the amino acid sequence that impair the normal function of proteins. However, point mutations can have a more dramatic effect by altering the splicing pattern of the gene. Here, we describe an approach to estimate the overall importance of splicing mutations. This approach takes into account the complete set of genes known to be involved in disease and suggest that, contrary to current assumptions, many mutations causing disease may actually be affecting the splicing pattern of the genes.