bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of aqueous toxic Hg(II) by functionalized mesoporous silica materials
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Goh Sheena , Hu Xun , Crawford Russell , Yu Aimin
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Hg(II) is one of the most toxic metals and has received particular attention in environmental pollution. Hg(II) pollution is common in water sources, so rapid and efficient methods must be developed for its removal from water samples. Mesoporous silica (MS) is an ideal adsorbent due to its high surface area and biocompatibility. The efficiency and selectivity of MS adsorbents can be improved by surface modification.

RESULTS: A new sorbent for trace Hg(II) removal was developed by grafting 1‐(3‐carboxyphenyl)‐2‐thiourea (CPTU) onto SBA‐15 mesoporous silica. The optimum pH range for Hg(II) adsorption was 3‐7 and the maximum static adsorption capacity was 64.5 mg g−1. An enrichment factor of 150 was obtained with a relative standard deviation < 1.5% (n = 8). Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the adsorption of Hg(II) under optimal conditions. Quantitative recovery was achieved by stripping with a mixed solution of 1 mol L−1 HCl and 5% CS(NH2)2. Efficient adsorption capacity of the recycled material could still be maintained at a level of 95% at the 7th cycle.

CONCLUSION: 1‐(3‐carboxyphenyl)‐2‐thiourea functionalized SBA‐15 mesoporous silica was synthesized and applied for Hg(II) removal from water samples with high efficiency and selectivity. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Every DFS Tree of a 3‐Connected Graph Contains a Contractible Edge
Authors: Elmasry Amr , Mehlhorn Kurt , Schmidt Jens M.
Published: March 2012

Tutte proved that every 3‐connected graph G on more than 4 vertices contains a contractible edge. We strengthen this result by showing that every depth‐first‐search tree of G contains a contractible edge. Moreover, we show that every spanning tree of G contains a contractible edge if G is 3‐regular or if G does not contain two disjoint pairs of adjacent degree‐3 vertices.
Effects of pyridoxine on a high‐fat diet‐induced reduction of cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation depend on cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein in the mouse dentate gyrus
Authors: Yoo Dae Young , Kim Woosuk , Yoo Ki‐Yeon , Nam Sung Min , Chung Jin Young , Yoon Yeo Sung , Won Moo‐Ho , Hwang In Koo
Published: March 2012

In this study, we challenged pyridoxine to mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) and investigated the effects of pyridoxine on HFD‐induced phenotypes such as blood glucose, reduction of cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus using Ki67 and doublecortin (DCX), respectively. Mice were fed a commercially available low‐fat diet (LFD) as control diet or HFD (60% fat) for 8 weeks. After 5 weeks of LFD or HFD treatment, 350 mg/kg pyridoxine was administered for 3 weeks. The administration of pyridoxine significantly decreased body weight in the HFD‐treated group. In addition, there were no significant differences in hepatic histology and pancreatic insulin‐immunoreactive (‐ir) and glucagon‐ir cells of the HFD‐treated group after pyridoxine treatment. In the HFD‐fed group, Ki67‐positive nuclei and DCX‐ir neuroblasts were significantly decreased in the dentate gyrus compared with those in the LFD‐fed mice. However, the administration of pyridoxine significantly increased Ki67‐positive nuclei and DCX‐ir neuroblasts in the dentate gyrus in both LFD‐ and HFD‐fed mice. In addition, the administration of pyridoxine significantly increased the protein levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the immunoreactivity of phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element binding protein (pCREB) compared with the vehicle‐treated LFD‐ and HFD‐fed mice. In contrast, the administration of pyridoxine significantly decreased HFD‐induced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the hippocampus. These results showed that pyridoxine supplement reduced the HFD‐induced reduction of cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus via controlling the levels of GAD67, pCREB, BDNF, and MDA. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender‐specific regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in thymocyte differentiation antigen‐1 knockout mice
Authors: Carkaci‐Salli N. , Battula S. , Wang X. , Connor J.R. , Vrana K.E.
Published: March 2012

Thymocyte differentiation antigen‐1 (Thy‐1) is a cell surface glycoprotein found on T cells and neurons and is involved in cell‐to‐cell interactions. In addition, Thy‐1 knockouts (KO) are a potential mouse model of restless legs syndrome (RLS) based on clinical observations and the role of dopamine in the disease. In this study, we analyzed the activity and quantity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; the rate‐limiting enzyme in dopamine production) and determined phosphorylation levels for the enzyme phosphoserine‐40 (pSer‐40). There was no significant difference in the total TH activity and pSer‐40 TH levels between Thy‐1 KO and control groups; however, TH specific activity was significantly lower (by 26%) in Thy‐1 KO mice. This difference is due in part to increased TH protein levels in this group (increased by 29%). When analyzed by gender, Thy‐1 KO female mouse striata contained less TH specific activity compared with control females (decreased by 41%) and male control or Thy‐1 KO animals (decreased by 30%). TH specific activity and pSer‐40 TH levels in male Thy‐1 KO and control displayed no differences. However, pSer‐40 TH was significantly higher in control females (38%) compared with control or Thy‐1 KO males. The Thy‐1 KO females exhibited significantly lower (28%) pSer‐40 TH (normalized to GAPDH or TH) than control females. Indeed, the Thy‐1 KO females had 50% of the pSer‐40 TH found in controls. Our results suggest a gender effect on TH specific activity, TH protein levels, and serine‐40 phosphorylation of TH in Thy‐1 KO female mice. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altitudinal temperature lapse rates in an Alpine valley: trends and the influence of season and weather patterns
Authors: Kirchner Manfred , Faus‐Kessler Theresa , Jakobi Gert , Leuchner Michael , Ries Ludwig , Scheel Hans‐Eckhart , Suppan Peter
Published: March 2012

The vertical temperature structure in the area of Garmisch‐Partenkirchen between the Loisach river valley and the highest mountain in Germany (Zugspitze, 2962 m a.s.l.) is analysed. Using long time series (1936–2008) of daily mean, minimum and maximum temperatures from two meteorological stations, in the valley floor and on the mountain top, we studied seasonal variations in temperature lapse rates. By using daily data on weather types, significantly different altitudinal temperature lapse rates and daily temperature ranges for low and high pressure weather situations were found. There was no significant influence of snow cover in the valley on the lapse rate. At both stations, there has been an increase in temperature during recent decades. As there was a slight difference between these trends, the lapse rate has tended to become more negative, i.e. the difference between the mountain top and the valley has become more pronounced. In order to investigate the lapse rates in more detail, unpublished temperature data from 1989 to 1990 on slope transects near Garmisch‐Partenkirchen were evaluated. Despite the fact that an exact description of the vertical structure of the atmospheric temperature is possible only from free air measurements, there are some indications that major inversions occur in the first 500 m above the valley ground, depending on season, weather situation and time of day. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Variability of minimum temperature across Libya (1945–2009)
Authors: Ageena I. , Macdonald N. , Morse A. P.
Published: March 2012

Daily and monthly minimum temperature data from 15 meteorological stations were analysed during the period 1945–2009. The spatial and temporal variability in the daily and monthly temperatures were examined, with daily minimum temperature for eight coastal stations during the period 1956–2009 (only monthly data is available for the coastal station at Nalute) and the monthly minimum temperature for the period 1945–2009 from six inland stations. Five distinct 10 year interval blocks (with the exception of the last 9 years for the eight coastal stations and 7 years for inland stations) are analysed to examine temperature patterns across Libya. The annual minimum temperature over the last 27 years (1983–2009) for the majority of coastal stations identified significant warming in the minimum temperature. The mean annual minimum temperature at all study stations (1945–2009) identified significant increases in the minimum temperature, with significant changes in annual minimum temperature over the last 32 years (1978–2009) for the majority of the coastal and inland stations across Libya. Significant changes in minimum seasonal temperature for 33/32 year intervals (1945–1977 and 1978–2009) are identified in the summer (56%) and autumn (67%) at coastal stations (67%) and inland stations (50%). Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Why dry? Investigating the future evolution of the Caribbean Low Level Jet to explain projected Caribbean drying
Authors: Taylor Michael A. , Whyte Felicia S. , Stephenson Tannecia S. , Campbell Jayaka D.
Published: March 2012

Under global warming the Caribbean is projected to be significantly drier by century's end during its primary rainy season from May to November. The PRECIS regional model is used to simulate the end‐of‐century (2071–2100) manifestation of the Caribbean Low Level Jet (CLLJ) under two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) global warming scenarios. The CLLJ is a feature of the Intra‐American seas which during its July peak is dynamically linked to a brief mid‐summer drying and interruption of the Caribbean rainy season. The regional model captures the CLLJ's present‐day spatial and temporal characteristics reasonably well, simulating both the boreal winter (February) and summer (July) peaks. Under global warming there is an intensification of the CLLJ's core strength from May through November. The intensification is such that by October the CLLJ is of comparable core strength to its present‐day peak in July. The persistence of the strong CLLJ beyond July and through November is linked to the perpetuation of a dry pattern in the Caribbean in the future. In contrast, the boreal winter manifestation of the CLLJ is largely unaltered in the future. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Spatial variability of annual precipitation using globally gridded data sets from 1951 to 2000
Authors: Sokol Jurković Renata , Pasarić Zoran
Published: March 2012

This study assesses the variability of the amounts of annual precipitation in global land areas (excluding Greenland and Antarctica) from 1951 to 2000. The analysis is based on 0.5° longitude/latitude gridded data. Three different data sets were analysed (University of East Anglia Climate Research Unit's (UEA CRU) TS 2.1 data set, the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre's (GPCC) Full Data Reanalysis version 5 data set, Variability Analysis of Surface Climate Observations (VASClimO) version 1.1 data set), and all led to very similar results. The results included here correspond to the VasClimO project data. Precipitation variability is examined through the anomaly of the coefficient of variation, which is shown to be a robust concept. It is defined as the departure of the actual coefficient of variation from the value that could be expected ‘on average’, conditioned on the total annual amount of precipitation. A brief discussion of the so‐called Jackknife error is included. The analysis revealed diverse areas of larger‐than‐normal, smaller‐than‐normal and close‐to‐normal variability. Negative anomalies occur more often but have, on an average, lower values than do positive anomalies. Large areas of slightly negative anomalies were found inland for all continents except Australia. A zonal pattern in the distribution of the anomalies was clearly seen at subtropical latitudes, which generally showed positive anomalies. This general picture is modified by various local factors, such as cold ocean currents, monsoon activity and cyclone formation areas. Global modes of climate variability, such as the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO), affect the variability of precipitation either directly or by modifying other relevant atmospheric and oceanic processes. Their influence is seen in many areas with higher‐than‐normal variability and is especially true if the high variability is accompanied by large amounts of mean annual precipitation. The authors believe that the present methodology may be useful in assessing the quality of future global data sets. It is, however, very desirable that such data sets include interpolation error estimates. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Estimating the impacts of warming trends on wheat and maize in China from 1980 to 2008 based on county level data
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Huang Yao
Published: March 2012

This study estimated the past warming impacts on wheat and maize from 1980 to 2008 based on data from 2339 counties in China, providing a finer portrait of climatic effects than earlier assessments that often focused on a provincial scale. We detected an overall negative effect of the average temperature (Tavg) and diurnal temperature range (DTR) on wheat and maize yields on a national level, but our results also indicate notable beneficial effects of the Tavg in the northcentral region for wheat and the eastern parts of northeast for maize that, in most previous studies, were overlooked due to the coarseness of provincial data. Because wheat cultivation is highly intense in the north, the positive Tavg effect in the region has offset losses from warming in other areas, improving national production by up to 1.6% relative to the average level over the study period. For maize, unfortunately, approximately 5.8% production was lost due to increases in the Tavg as the dominant adverse effect. Given the reduced DTR in the major producing regions, the past trends of the DTR have boosted wheat production by up to 2.1% and maize by up to 1.4%. As a result, the combined effects of the Tavg and DTR have increased wheat production by up to 3.7%, but decreased maize production by 4.4%, equivalent to approximately 10% of the actual change in Chinese wheat and maize production from 1980 to 2008. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Teleconnections between tropical‐extratropical oceans and the daily intensity of extreme rainfall over Argentina
Authors: Robledo Federico Ariel , Penalba Olga C. , Bettolli María Laura
Published: March 2012

A Singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis was performed jointly on the daily intensity of extreme rainfall (DIER) over Argentina and the sea surface temperature (SST) of all the oceans from 17.5°N to 90°S in order to identify the large‐scale variability of the SSTs related to extreme rainfall, in the period 1962–2005. The main objective of the article is to objectively recognize regions of the tropical and subtropical oceans that could be related with the extreme rainfall over Argentina. Spring is the season that is best represented by the first mode, accounting for up to 45% of the covariance between the DIER and SST. The first SVD mode of spring, summer and autumn presents a pattern of SST relating to the El Niño‐Southern Oscillations (ENSO) phenomena with an enhanced DIER in different zones of centre and east of Argentina. In the second SVD mode of spring and summer, the SST patterns show cold conditions in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic and near Indonesia with an enhancement of the DIER in the centre and east of Argentina. These modes show a significant decadal variability. In the third SVD mode of spring and summer, the SST patterns present warm and cold conditions in the Indian Ocean and the centre and western Pacific Ocean (PO) with decreased rainfall in the northern and eastern portion of Argentina, respectively. This mode shows a significant period of temporal variability of around 14 years. The third mode of autumn presents warm conditions in the tropical Atlantic and the southwest PO with a low DIER in the centre and east of Argentina. This mode also presents temporal variability of around 14 years. The correlation between each mode derived from analysis of SVD and climate indices related with SST were computed. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Influence of saponins and tannins on intake and nutrient digestion of alkaloid‐containing foods
Authors: Owens Jacob , Provenza Frederick D , Wiedmeier Randall D , Villalba Juan J
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that eating a food containing saponins (SAP), or tannins (TAN) prior to foods containing the alkaloids gramine (GRA) or 5‐methoxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (TRP) would provide benefits not possible when the alkaloid‐containing foods were eaten alone.

METHODS: In Trial 1, four groups of five lambs were first offered food with SAP for 30 min followed by food with either GRA or TRP for 3.5 h in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of a completely randomized design that included alkaloid (GRA or TRP) with or without SAP. In Trial 2 TAN replaced SAP. All foods were isocaloric (3.3 Mcal kg−1) and isonitrogenous (14% crude protein). Foods, fecal and urine samples were collected and analyzed for dry matter intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy (in megajoules, MJ), nitrogen (N), and neutral detergent fiber.

RESULTS: Supplemental SAP did not affect digestibility of the parameters tested (P > 0.10). Supplemental TAN increased digestibility of N (g kg−1, P = 0.04), N retained (g day−1, P = 0.07), N digested (g day−1, P = 0.06), and N retained/N consumed (g kg−1, P = 0.07). However, digestibilities of dry matter (g kg−1, P = 0.0026), energy (MJ 1000 MJ−1, P = 0.003), neutral detergent fiber (g kg−1, P = 0.008), and digested N retained (g kg−1, P = 0.07) were lower for lambs fed TAN than for unsupplemented animals.

CONCLUSIONS: Tannin supplementation can improve retention of nitrogen in animals fed alkaloid‐containing grasses such as reed canarygrass and tall fescue. Combinations of forages with complementary primary and secondary compounds enable animals to maintain intake and improve nutrient utilization. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Continuous‐wave optical parametric oscillator based infrared spectroscopy for sensitive molecular gas sensing
Authors: Arslanov Denis D. , Spunei Marius , Mandon Julien , Cristescu Simona M. , Persijn Stefan T. , Harren Frans J. M.
Published: March 2012

Over the past 10 years, with the advent of new crystals designs and a new generation of pump lasers, continuous‐wave (cw) optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) have developed into mature monochromatic light sources. Nowadays, cw OPOs can fulfill a wide variety of criteria for sensitive molecular gas sensing. It can access the mid‐infrared wavelength region, where many molecules have their fundamental rotational‐vibrational transitions, with high power. This high power combined with wide wavelength tuning and narrow linewidth creates excellent conditions for sensitive, high‐resolution spectroscopy. OPOs combined with robust methods, such as photoacoustic spectroscopy and cavity‐enhanced spectroscopy, are well suited for field measurements and remote‐sensing applications. The wide tunability of cw OPOs allows detection of larger molecules with broad absorption band structures, and its fast scanning capabilities allow rapid detection of trace gases, the latter is a demand for life‐science applications. After a short introduction about the physical principle of cw OPOs, with its most recent physical developments, this review focuses on sensitive molecular gas sensing with a variety of spectroscopic applications in atmospheric and life sciences.
MALDI‐TOF MS Analysis of the Grafting of Clay Nanoparticles with Poly(butyl acrylate)
Authors: Chirowodza Helen , Hartmann Patrice C. , Pasch Harald
Published: March 2012

Polymer/clay hybrid materials are synthesised by grafting polymer chains from the surface of Laponite clay via surface‐initiated RAFT polymerisation of butyl acrylate. The grafted polymer chains are analysed directly from the clay using MALDI‐TOF MS. The polymer‐grafted clay particles are analysed regarding their oligomer distribution using a matrix of dihydroxy‐9,10‐dihydroanthracen‐9‐one (dithranol) without the addition of a cationising salt. The end‐group structures of the free and grafted polymers are also studied. The work presented here expands the application bracket for MALDI‐TOF MS as it shows that the analysis of polymers attached to a solid surface via electrostatic interactions is possible without detaching them. Complimentary results from SEC and NMR are also presented.
Effects of Soy Protein on the Crystallization and Dielectric Properties of PEG/PEG Copolymers
Authors: Ji Jianying , Li Bin , Zhong Wei‐Hong
Published: March 2012

The effects of SP on the crystallization and dielectric properties of PEG and PE‐b‐PEG are studied. POM, SEM, DSC, FTIR, and dielectric spectroscopy are used to analyze the interaction between PEG and SP. The results indicate that the involvement of the nonpolar hydrophobic PE block improves the compatibility between PEG and SP. The melting temperature and crystallinity of the PEG block in the copolymer decrease by 85 and 81%, respectively. In contrast, the melting peak does not show any shift and the crystallinity decreases only slightly (less than 6%) in pure PEG. Concomitant with the increase in the amorphous characteristics of the polymer, there is a strong decrease in the dielectric constant in the blend of copolymer and SP, indicating a strong interaction between SP and copolymer.
Ruthenium(II) Metallo‐Supramolecular Polymers of Click‐Derived Tridentate Ditopic Ligands
Authors: Schulze Benjamin , Friebe Christian , Hoeppener Stephanie , Pavlov Georges M. , Winter Andreas , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: March 2012

New ditopic 2,6‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine ligands featuring a π‐conjugated spacer and clicked‐on solubilizing groups were employed in the synthesis of RuII metallo‐supramolecular polymers that exhibit an intense metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer absorption in the visible light region. The coordination polymers obtained were studied in solution by means of size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation, revealing a comparably high molar mass and moderate rigidity. Investigations in the solid state by atomic force and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of rod‐like polymers. Furthermore, film preparation by drop‐casting showed good film‐forming properties. Thus, the solution‐processable, photoredoxactive polymers might be applicable in solar cells.
The Nonhematopoietic Effects of Erythropoietin in Skin Regeneration and Repair: From Basic Research to Clinical Use
Authors: Sorg Heiko , Harder Yves , Krueger Christian , Reimers Kerstin , Vogt Peter M.
Published: March 2012

Erythropoietin (EPO) is the main regulator of red blood cell production but there exists also a variety of nonhematopoietic properties. More recent data show that EPO is also associated with the protection of tissues suffering from ischemia and reperfusion injury as well as with improved regeneration in various organ systems, in particular the skin. This review highlights the mechanisms of EPO in the different stages of wound healing and the reparative processes in the skin emphasizing pathophysiological mechanisms and potential clinical applications. There is clear evidence that EPO effectively influences all wound‐healing phases in a dose‐dependent manner. This includes inflammation, tissue, and blood vessel formation as well as the remodeling of the wound. The molecular mechanism is predominantly based on an increased expression of the endothelial and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase with a consecutive rapid supply of NO as well as an increased content of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the wound. The improved understanding of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of EPO in the context of wound‐healing problems and ischemia/reperfusion injury, especially during flap surgery, may lead to new considerations of this growth hormone for its regular clinical application in patients.
Proximity ligation assays for isoform‐specific Akt activation in breast cancer identify activated Akt1 as a driver of progression
Authors: Spears Melanie , Cunningham Carrie A , Taylor Karen J , Mallon Elizabeth A , Thomas Jeremy St J , Kerr Gillian R , Jack Wilma JL , Kunkler Ian H , Cameron David A , Chetty Udi , Bartlett John MS
Published: March 2012

The PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway plays an important role in cancer progression and cell survival. Akt activation is associated with poor outcome in endocrine‐treated breast cancer, whereas high levels of cytoplasmic Akt2 are associated with an improved overall survival. Proximity ligation assays (PLAs) were used to determine quantitative expression levels of isoform‐specific activation (phosphorylation) of Akt1 and Akt2 in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded cell lines and breast cancer tumour tissues in situ. PLAs demonstrated a range of expression in breast cancer samples for total pAkt1 and pAkt2. High levels of pAkt1 were associated with reduced DRFS (HR: 1.45, 95% CI 1.14–1.83, p = 0.002) and OS (HR: 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.83, p = 0.007). When PLA results were combined, patients that had high levels of pAkt1 only had a significantly decreased DRFS (HR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.34–2.76, p = 0.005) and OS (HR: 1.94, 95% CI 1.32–2.86, p = 0.008) compared to other patients. Using PLAs to discriminate activation of Akt1 versus Akt2 suggests that Akt1 drives progression in early breast cancers. In cases where both Akt1/Akt2 are activated, Akt2 may act to reverse this effect. Using PLAs, we have measured activation of Akt1 and Akt2 proteins separately in situ in FFPE breast cancer samples. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The pathological roles of BART miRNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lo Angela K‐F , Dawson Christopher W , Jin Dong‐Yan , Lo Kwok‐Wai
Published: March 2012

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct type of head and neck cancer prevalent in south‐east Asia and southern China, where it constitutes a significant health burden. Although the close association of NPC with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection has been known for more than four decades, the exact role that EBV plays in the pathogenesis of this malignancy is still unclear. While NPC tumours are known to express a number of EBV‐encoded proteins, they also express a large number of virus‐encoded microRNAs (miRNAs), the most abundant of which are those encoded from the BamHI‐A region of the viral genome: the so‐called BART miRNAs. miRNAs are small non‐coding mRNAs that negatively regulate the expression of various genes at the post‐transcriptional level. Accumulating evidence suggests that miRNAs play important roles in tumourigenesis. Here, we review the role of EBV‐encoded BART miRNAs in modulating apoptosis and host innate defence mechanisms and their contribution to NPC pathogenesis. The rationale and strategies for therapeutic targeting of BART miRNAs in EBV‐infected NPC are also discussed. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for cisplatin‐associated ototoxicity in pediatric oncology patients
Authors: Yancey Allison , Harris Michael S. , Egbelakin Akinbode , Gilbert Jaimie , Pisoni David B. , Renbarger Jamie
Published: March 2012

Background

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy agent against several pediatric malignancies. One of its side effects is irreversible sensorineural hearing damage that is highly variable with a reported incidence of 22–70%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and identify clinical predictors of cisplatin‐related ototoxicity.

Procedures

We performed a retrospective chart review of 102 pediatric patients who had completed cisplatin therapy for osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, or germ cell tumor. Patients were diagnosed at Riley Hospital for Children between January 1995 and June 2008, were less than 18 years old at diagnosis, and had normal hearing prior to therapy. Audiograms were scored using the Brock scale (0–4), a validated grading system for cisplatin‐related hearing loss.

Results

Forty‐two percent of the patients experienced hearing loss and 28% had moderate to severe ototoxicity (Brock score ≥2). Males were at significantly greater risk for developing hearing loss than were females (P = 0.005, OR 4.812). Age at cancer diagnosis was inversely related to severity of ototoxicity. Patients who suffered Brock grade 3 ototoxicity had a mean age of 4.5 years versus 11.5 years and 7.2 years for grades 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.02). Cumulative cisplatin dose was also identified as a risk factor for development of ototoxicity (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Gender and cumulative dose are important clinical biomarkers of cisplatin ototoxicity. Severity of ototoxicity may be inversely related to age at time of exposure, with very young patients exhibiting higher grades of hearing loss following cisplatin therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 144–148. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuchal translucency screening in triplets: Down syndrome risk calculation taking account of between‐fetus correlations
Authors: Cuckle Howard , Moskovitch Miki , Vaknin Zvi , Levental Sharon , Rosen Hadar , Maymon Ron
Published: March 2012

Objective

To describe a method for calculating fetus‐specific Down syndrome risk in triplets, allowing for nuchal translucency (NT) correlation between fetuses.

Methods

The between‐fetus correlation coefficient of log NT, in multiples of the median, was estimated from a series of 95 unaffected triplets. A trivariate log Gaussian model was used to calculate likelihood ratios for discordant and concordant Down syndrome. Applying these to the prior maternal age‐specific risk yielded risks in monozygous, dizygous and trizygous triplets. The weighted average risk was then computed with weights relating to chorionicity and assisted reproduction. The method was illustrated.

Results

The correlation coefficient in unaffected pregnancies was 0.408 (P < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval 0.30–0.50) and estimated to be 0.205 and 0.107 in triplets pairs with one or two affected fetuses. The illustration showed that very large differences could be obtained in the risks when the extent of correlation in NT between fetuses is taken into account compared with when the measurements are treated as independent.

Conclusion

Fetus‐specific Down syndrome risks in triplets should be calculated using its own NT value and that in the other fetuses, chorionicity, and method of conception. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional ultrasound is an accurate and reproducible technique for fetal crown‐rump length measurement
Authors: Youssef Aly , Salsi Ginevra , Bellussi Federica , Arcangeli Tiziana , Farina Antonio , Contro Elena , Maroni Elisa , Pilu Gianluigi , Rizzo Nicola , Ghi Tullio
Published: March 2012

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of fetal crown‐rump length (CRL) measurement using three‐dimensional ultrasound (3DUS).

Methods

We included a series of women with singleton pregnancy at 6–13 + 6 weeks. Following CRL measurement by the two‐dimensional ultrasound (2DUS), a 3DUS volume was acquired. On the reconstructed midsagittal plane, CRL was measured twice by an operator and once by another. The correlation between CRL measured by 3DUS and 2DUS, as well as the intraobserver and interobserver agreement, was then calculated. Furthermore, the agreement between 2DUS and 3DUS CRL measurements together with intraobserver and interobserver agreement was calculated separately for the groups with a midsagittal acquisition plane (MSAP) and non‐midsagittal acquisition plane (NMSAP).

Results

Overall, 137 pregnancies were included in the analysis. CRL measurements performed using 3DUS showed excellent correlation with 2DUS [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.992]. In addition, the 3DUS showed a high intraobserver and interobserver agreement (ICC = 0.999 and 0.993, respectively). Finally, when we divided the acquired volumes according to the plane of acquisition, excellent 2DUS–3DUS, as well as intraobserver and interobserver agreement, was maintained for both MSAP and NMSAP.

Conclusion

3DUS is a highly accurate and reproducible tool for fetal CRL measurement regardless of the fetal position at the time of 3D volume acquisition. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal Ebstein's anomaly: early and late appearance
Authors: Zimmer Etan Z. , Blazer Shraga , Lorber Avraham , Solt Ido , Egenburg Sandro , Bronshtein Moshe
Published: March 2012

Objective

To present sonographic findings in early and late appearance of fetal Ebstein's anomaly.

Methods

Fetal sonography was performed in 53 447 consecutive pregnant women at 14 to 16 weeks’ gestation.

Results

Ebstein's anomaly was detected in eight fetuses, in four of them additional anomalies were observed. All eight pregnancies were terminated. In an additional fetus, a normal four‐chamber view without valvular regurgitation was visualized at 15 weeks’ gestation. At 24 weeks, a normal four‐chamber view was depicted. No Doppler examination was performed at that time. The newborn was found to have Ebstein's anomaly with pulmonary stenosis. A balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty was performed with a good outcome at three months of age.

Conclusion

Fetal Ebstein's anomaly may be detected in early pregnancy. The incidence is higher than what is reported in newborns. Depiction of a normal fetal heart in early and midpregnancy does not exclude the possibility of subsequent development of Ebstein's anomaly. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of population parameters and mathematical strategies for the calculation of prenatal risk of Down syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Martínez‐Morillo Eduardo , García Belén Prieto , Calvo Francisco Moreno , Álvarez Francisco V.
Published: March 2012

Objective

To evaluate the population parameters applied to the calculation of risk for Down syndrome (DS) in the first trimester screening (FTS) and the comparison of performance obtained including or excluding maternal age from the mathematical algorithm.

Methods

Three different calculation engines for prenatal risk of DS were developed on the basis of the population parameters from the Serum, Urine and Ultrasound Screening Study, the Fetal Medicine Foundation, and a combination of both of them. These calculators were evaluated in 14 645 first trimester pregnant women, including 59 DS affected fetuses, comparing their performance with that obtained by our commercial software Elipse® (Perkin Elmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Turku, Finland). Advanced first trimester screening (AFS) strategy was also analyzed, and a hybrid strategy (FTS + AFS) was evaluated.

Results

By selecting population parameters from the Serum, Urine and Ultrasound Screening Study, the detection rate increased from 76% (Elipse) to 86% with a small increase in the false positive rate (FPR), from 3.3% to 3.7%, respectively. DS screening performance significantly improved by using the hybrid strategy (AFS in pregnant women under 35 years and FTS in pregnant women over 35 years), with a 92% detection rate (FPR: 3.9%).

Conclusions

In the present study, a new hybrid screening strategy has been proposed to achieve DS detection rates higher than 90%, for a convenient <4% FPR. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nasal bone assessment in fetuses with trisomy 21 at 16–24 weeks of gestation by three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Persico Nicola , Molina Francisca , Azumendi Guillermo , Fedele Luigi , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: March 2012

Objective

This study aims to investigate the length and shape of the nasal bones in fetuses with trisomy 21 at 16–24 weeks' gestation.

Method

We acquired three‐dimensional volumes of the fetal profile from 41 fetuses with trisomy 21. The multiplanar mode was used to measure nasal bone length in the exact midsagittal plane and in parasagittal and oblique views of the fetal face and to examine the nasal bones in the coronal plane.

Results

There was bilateral absence of the nasal bones in 11 (26.8%) cases and unilateral absence in one (2.4%). In 29 (70.7%) cases with present nasal bones, there was progressive over‐estimation of nasal bone length when measured in parasagittal and oblique views compared to measurements taken in the exact midsagittal plane. In the coronal plane, in 18 of 29 (62.1%) fetuses with trisomy 21, the nasal bones were divergent, whereas in 131 of 135 (97.0%) euploid fetuses, the bones were entirely fused in the midline.

Conclusion

Parasagittal and oblique scanning planes may produce over‐estimation of nasal bone length in trisomy 21 fetuses because they often have divergent nasal bones. Consequently, it is essential that measurement of nasal bone length is carried out in the exact midsagittal plane of the face. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal smoking and fetal lung signals – an in utero MRI investigation
Authors: Schmid Maximilian , Marschalek Julian , Springer Stephanie , Klein Katharina , Kasprian Gregor , Prayer Daniela
Published: March 2012

Objective

To investigate whether fetal lung signals and fetal lung signal progression over gestation observed on magnetic resonance imaging are different in mothers who reported smoking during pregnancy compared with nonsmoking controls.

Method

Cross‐sectional retrospective study of 100 consecutive singleton pregnancies that underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Fetal lung–liver signal intensity ratios of 18 fetuses of mothers who reported smoking during pregnancy were compared with 82 fetuses of nonsmoking controls.

Results

Average gestational age at magnetic resonance imaging was 26.4 ± 5.2 weeks (Range 18.4–38.2 weeks). Cases reported smoking between 2 and 15 cigarettes per day. The mean number of cigarettes per day for cases was 9.2 ± 3.4. Mean fetal lung‐liver signal intensity ratios did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.8). They showed a linear increase with gestational age (r2 = 0.3). Multiple regression analysis of lung–liver signal intensity ratios using gestational age and smoking status as predictors revealed a significant influence of gestational age (p < 0.0001) but not maternal smoking status (p = 0.8) on fetal lung–liver signal intensity ratios.

Conclusions

Fetuses of mothers who reported smoking during pregnancy show similar lung signals and lung signal progression over gestation on magnetic resonance imaging as nonsmoking controls. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolated corpus callosum agenesis: a ten‐year follow‐up after prenatal diagnosis (How are the children without corpus callosum at 10 years of age?)
Authors: Moutard Marie‐Laure , Kieffer Virginie , Feingold Josué , Lewin Fanny , Baron Jean‐Michel , Adamsbaum Catherine , Gélot Antoinette , Isapof Arnaud , Kieffer François , de Villemeur Thierry Billette
Published: March 2012

Background

Corpus callosum agenesis (CCA) is generally diagnosed in utero. Outcome appears to be better if the malformation is isolated. The aim of this study, which is the first one with a long (10 years) and standardized follow up, was to report cognitive abilities of children with isolated CCA diagnosed prenatally.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 17 children. Clinical examinations, neuropsychological tests were performed each year. School achievement and personal and familial data were collected.

Results

Twelve children completed the entire follow up. One child was finally considered to have associated CCA, because signs of fetal alcohol syndrome had become obvious. Of the 11 other children, three (27%) had borderline intelligence whereas the intelligence levels of eight (73%) were in the normal range, although half of these children experienced some difficulties in scholastic achievement. Neither epilepsy nor intellectual deficiency was noted and intellectual quotient scores correlated strongly with the mother's education level.

Conclusion

Although prenatal diagnosis of isolated CCA is reliable, false postnatal diagnoses remain possible (10–20%) even with complete prenatal screening. Outcome is mostly favorable because intelligence is within the normal range for nearly 3/4 of the children. However, they frequently have mild learning difficulties. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initiation of sulfonylureas versus metformin is associated with higher blood pressure at one year
Authors: Roumie Christianne L. , Liu Xulei , Choma Neesha N. , Greevy Robert A. , Hung Adriana M. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Griffin Marie R.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

To determine if incident oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) use was associated with 12‐month systolic blood pressure (BP) and if this was mediated through body mass index (BMI) changes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of veterans with hypertension who initiated metformin (n = 2057) or sulfonylurea (n = 1494) between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2007 in the Veterans Administration Mid‐South Network was assembled. Patients were included if they had complete covariates, including 12‐month BP and BMI, and persisted on therapy for 12 months. Linear regression was conducted to investigate the effect of OADs on 12‐month systolic BP adjusting for demographics, glycated hemoglobin, creatinine, BMI, health care utilization, and comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). A second analysis examined if these effects were mediated by BMI change. The secondary outcome was the proportion of patients who had a controlled BP (≤140/90 mmHg) at 12 months adjusted for baseline BP and covariates.

Results

Patients were white (82%) males (97%) with median age of 64 years (interquartile range [IQR] 57, 72), and 27% had history of CVD. Sulfonylurea users had a 1.33 mmHg (0.16, 2.50, p = 0.03) higher 12‐month systolic BP than metformin users. The median change in BMI from OAD initiation to 12 months was −0.76 (IQR −1.78, 0.07) and 0.21 (IQR −0.57, 1.03) among metformin and sulfonylurea users, respectively. In a model adjusting for BMI change, the difference in 12‐month systolic BP between sulfonylurea and metformin users became insignificant (0.23 (−1.00, 1.45), p = 0.72), while one BMI unit change was associated with an increase in 12‐month systolic BP of 1.07 mmHg (0.74, 1.40, p < 0.0001). At 12 months, 68.3% of metformin patients had controlled BP versus 64.2% of sulfonylurea patients (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Compared with metformin, sulfonylurea initiation was associated with increased systolic BP at 12 months, which appears to be mediated by the differential effects of these drugs on BMI. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urinary desmosine: A biomarker of structural lung injury during CF pulmonary exacerbation
Authors: Laguna Theresa A. , Wagner Brandie D. , Starcher Barry , Luckey Tarro Heidi K. , Mann Shelley A. , Sagel Scott D. , Accurso Frank J.
Published: March 2012

Rationale

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by structural changes and remodeling in airway architecture and lung parenchyma. Neutrophilic inflammation and infection lead to injury and breakdown of airway matrix constituents, including elastin. The non‐invasive measurement of urinary desmosine (UDes), a breakdown product of elastin, may be reflective of ongoing lung injury and may serve as a biomarker of active short‐term damage during pulmonary exacerbation. Our objectives were to measure desmosine in the urine of CF patients hospitalized for treatment of a pulmonary exacerbation and to explore the correlation between desmosine concentration and other markers of clinical improvement, including lung function and inflammatory mediators.

Methods

Urine and blood samples plus lung function measurements were collected at up to three points during hospitalization for treatment of a CF pulmonary exacerbation. We used a repeated measures model, adjusted for age and time between measurements, to compare log transformed urine desmosine concentrations across multiple time points and to correlate those concentrations with related clinical variables. Change in UDes concentration was investigated using a statistical model that incorporated normalization factors to account for variations in urinary concentration.

Results

Desmosine was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 155 spot urine samples from 53 CF patients hospitalized for 63 pulmonary exacerbations (range of results: 0–235 pmol Des/ml). Specific gravity (SG) adjusted UDes concentration decreased significantly during admission for CF pulmonary exacerbation, P < 0.01 (average length of stay = 11 days). No correlation was observed between UDes concentration and lung function or inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

UDes decreased significantly following treatment for an acute pulmonary exacerbation and may be a useful biomarker of short‐term injury to the CF lung. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the utility of UDes concentration in the long‐term progression of CF lung disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:856–863. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A patient with X‐linked dyskeratosis congenita presenting with bronchiolitis obliterans requiring lung transplantation and immunodeficiency
Authors: Goldfarb Samuel , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Jyonouchi Soma
Published: March 2012

Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) is a syndrome characterized by immunodeficiency, bone marrow (BM) failure, somatic abnormalities, and predisposition to malignancy, resulting from mutations in proteins involved in maintenance of telomeres. Pulmonary fibrosis resulting in respiratory failure is a serious complication affecting approximately 20% of DKC patients. Pediatric pulmonologists should consider this diagnosis in patients with lung fibrosis and concurrent immunodeficiency or BM failure. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:91–93. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective unilateral lung ventilation in preterm infants with acquired bullous emphysema: A series of nine cases
Authors: Jakob André , Bender Christian , Henschen Matthias , Saueressig Ulrich , Uhl Markus , Krüger Marcus , Franck Peter , Hentschel Roland
Published: March 2012

Background and Aims

Immature lungs of preterm infants are particularly prone to overdistension from mechanical ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure. In these infants a localized pulmonary emphysema (PE) can develop. Conventional therapy regimens to resolve this process sometimes fail and especially in the case of bullous emphysema (BE) invasive procedures such as surgical resection of the affected lobe ultimately may be required. In the past few years we have applied selective one‐sided lung ventilation, a nearly forgotten therapeutic option, in these infants with acquired BE.

Methods

Medical charts of preterm infants in two Divisions of Neonatology, born between 1993 and 2010 with acquired BE treated with selective one‐sided ventilation were reviewed. Gestational age, clinical presentation, course of disease, associated treatment, duration of ventilation and outcome of one‐sided lung ventilation are recorded. Therapy was deemed successful if thereafter chest X‐ray showed a permanent resolution of the BE and, in case of BPD, lung appearance was comparable to a grade < III according to Weinstein [Weinstein et al. Pediatr Pulmonol 1994; 18: 284–289].

Results

Overall, nine preterm infants with a gestational age between 24 and 35 weeks and a birth weight between 500 and 3,170 g underwent one‐sided lung ventilation. This intervention was started between day 12 and day 35 after birth and was continued for 24 hr to 7 days. In three cases selective intubation was performed on the left side. Two patients needed a second course of one‐sided ventilation and one had three courses. Therapy was successful in seven patients, who had no recurrence of BE.

Conclusions

Selective one‐sided intubation is technically challenging, in particular for the left bronchus, but seems to be feasible and helpful. If during selective intubation the affected lung lobe shows complete atelectasis for more than 48 hr the overdistension of airways probably will permanently resolve. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:14–19. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.