bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anterior debridement and fusion followed by posterior pedicle screw fixation in pyogenic spondylodiscitis: autologous iliac bone strut versus cage
Authors: Pee Yong Hun , Park Jong Dae , Choi Young-Geun , Lee Sang-Ho
Published: April 2008

Object

An anterior approach for debridement and fusion with autologous bone graft has been recommended as the gold standard for surgical treatment of pyogenic spondylodiscitis. The use of anterior foreign body implants at the site of active infection is still a challenging procedure for spine surgeons. Several authors have recently introduced anterior grafting with titanium mesh cages instead of autologous bone strut in the treatment of spondylodiscitis. The authors present their experience of anterior fusion with 3 types of cages followed by posterior pedicle screw fixation. They also compare their results with the use of autologous iliac bone strut.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 60 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis treated by anterior debridement between January 2003 and April 2005. Fusion using either cages or iliac bone struts was performed during the same course of anesthesia followed by posterior fixation. Twenty-three patients underwent fusion with autologous iliac bone strut, and 37 patients underwent fusion with 1 of the 3 types of cages.

Results

The infections resolved in all patients, as noted by normalization of their erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein levels. Patients in both groups were evaluated in terms of their preoperative and postoperative clinical and imaging findings.

Conclusions

Single-stage anterior debridement and cage fusion followed by posterior pedicle screw fixation can be effective in the treatment of pyogenic spondylodiscitis. There was no difference in clinical and imaging outcomes between the strut group and cage group except for the subsidence rate. The subsidence rate was higher in the strut group than in the cage group. The duration until subsidence was also shorter in the strut group than in the cage group.
Factors associated with cervical instability requiring fusion after cervical laminectomy for intradural tumor resection
Authors: Sciubba Daniel M. , Chaichana Kaisorn L. , Woodworth Graeme F. , McGirt Matthew J. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Jallo George I.
Published: April 2008

Object

The indications remain unclear for fusion at the time of cervical laminectomy for intradural tumor resection. To identify patients who may benefit from initial fusion, the authors assessed clinical, radiological/imaging, and operative factors associated with subsequent symptomatic cervical instability requiring fusion after cervical laminectomy for intradural tumor resection.

Methods

The authors reviewed 10 years of data obtained in patients who underwent cervical laminectomy without fusion for intradural tumor resection and who had normal spinal stability and alignment preoperatively. The association of pre- and intraoperative variables with the subsequent need for fusion for progressive symptomatic cervical instability was assessed using logistic regression analysis, and percentages were compared using Fisher exact tests when appropriate.

Results

Thirty-two patients (mean age 41 ± 17 years) underwent cervical laminectomy without fusion for resection of an intradural tumor (18 intramedullary and 14 extramedullary). Each increasing number of laminectomies performed was associated with a 3.1-fold increase in the likelihood of subsequent vertebral instability (odds ratio 3.114, 95% confidence interval 1.207–8.034, p = 0.02). At a mean follow-up interval of 25.2 months, 33% (4 of 12) of the patients who had undergone a ≥ 3-level laminectomy required subsequent fusion compared with 5% (1 of 20) who had undergone a ≤ 2-level laminectomy (p = 0.03). Four (36%) of 11 patients initially presenting with myelopathic motor disturbance required subsequent fusion compared with 1 (5%) of 21 presenting initially with myelopathic sensory or radicular symptoms (p = 0.02). Age, the presence of a syrinx, intramedullary tumor, C-2 laminectomy, C-7 laminectomy, and laminoplasty were not associated with subsequent symptomatic instability requiring fusion.

Conclusions

In the authors' experience with intradural cervical tumor resection, patients presenting with myelopathic motor symptoms or those undergoing a ≥ 3-level cervical laminectomy had an increased likelihood of developing subsequent symptomatic instability requiring fusion. A ≥ 3-level laminectomy with myelopathic motor symptoms may herald patients most likely to benefit from cervical fusion at the time of tumor resection.
Usefulness of three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography in endovascular treatment of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Matsubara Noriaki , Miyachi Shigeru , Izumi Takashi , Ohshima Tomotaka , Tsurumi Arihito , Hososhima Osamu , Kinkori Takeshi , Yoshida Jun
Published: April 2008

✓The use of 3D digital subtraction (DS) angiography provides a better understanding of spinal vascular lesion architecture. The authors report on 2 cases involving a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) and demonstrate the usefulness of 3D DS angiography for endovascular treatment of these spinal DAVFs. In both cases, middle-aged male patients suffered from bilateral leg hypesthesia, gait disturbance, and urinary dysfunction several months before treatment. Spinal angiography revealed DAVFs that were fed by a radicular artery branching from the intercostal artery and draining veins proceeding superiorly along the perimedullary veins. Endovascular embolization was performed in both cases. Selective 3D DS angiography of the intercostal artery clearly demonstrated the tortuous course of the feeder and the relationship among the feeding artery, fistula point, and draining veins in each case. This information was very useful in selecting a working angle for manipulating the microcatheter and for glue injection. In addition, the maximum intensity projection image from rotational DS angiography data clearly showed the fistula point at the dural sleeve and feeder entering the spinal canal via the intervertebral foramen and the relationship with the bone structure. Successful obliteration of the fistulae was achieved in both cases. Selective spinal 3D DS angiography was very useful in understanding the complex spinal vascular architecture and in choosing the best working angle and therapeutic strategy for endovascular treatment of spinal DAVFs.
Lumbosacral reconstruction for intractable pyogenic spondylitis using a total leg flap with a vascularized tibia graft
Authors: Iwakiri Kentaro , Miyauchi Akira , Okuda Shinya , Matsuda Ken , Yamamoto Tomio , Iwasaki Motoki
Published: April 2008

✓This report describes an effective technique of using a total leg flap for treating a 57-year-old male paraplegic patient with intractable sacral pyogenic spondylitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Spondylitis was accompanied by severe instability of the lumbosacral area, a large lumbosacral ulcer, and a large bone and muscle defect, which made it difficult for the patient to maintain a sitting position. A total leg flap procedure, a modification of the total thigh flap procedure, was performed as a 1-stage salvage surgery. The vascularized tibia and fibula were grafted between the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, and a musculocutaneous flap was used to cover the extensive ulceration in the lumbosacral skin defect. The intractable lesion of the lumbosacral spine, which had not been cured for more than 2 years despite repeated debridement, intravenous antibiotic injections, sugar treatment, pyoktanin treatment, and hyperbaric O2 treatment, subsided and stabilized within 1 year of surgery. The patient returned to activities of daily living using a wheelchair, and was very satisfied with the results. Use of a total leg flap with a vascularized tibia graft is an effective treatment for intractable pyogenic spondylitis accompanied by a large bone defect and large lumbosacral ulcers.
Multilevel bilateral calcified thoracic spinal synovial cysts
Authors: Almefty Rami , Arnautović Kenan I. , Webber Bruce L.
Published: April 2008

✓ Synovial cysts of the thoracic spine are quite rare. Bilateral presentation is even less frequent, and to the authors' knowledge multilevel occurrence and consistent calcification have not been reported so far. The pathogenesis of these cysts is unknown and their histological features have not been studied. They may be overlooked as the cause of myelopathy. The authors report a series of 4 cases of bilateral, multilevel, consistently calcified thoracic synovial cysts. The details of clinical, radiological, and histological findings are presented, along with a review of the literature, and a hypothesis on the pathogenesis of these lesions is formulated based on results of the clinical and pathological studies performed in these patients.
Disseminated intraspinal hydatid disease
Authors: Moharamzad Yashar , Kharazi Homayoun Hadizadeh , Shobeiri Elham , Farzanegan Gholamreza , Hashemi Forough , Namavari Abed
Published: April 2008

✓Spinal echinococcosis is a rare entity, accounting for 1% of all cases of hydatid disease. The authors report the case of a 60-year-old man whom they treated for recurrent nerve root compression due to disseminated intraspinal echinococcosis (hydatid disease). Six years previously he had undergone surgery on an emergency basis at another institution after presenting with acute paraplegia due to a primary extradural hydatid cyst of the thoracic spine. Unfortunately, during surgical removal of the cysts, the echinococcosis disseminated into the spinal canal. This complication was documented by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. In the 4 years before the authors treated him, he was hospitalized 4 times for 4 recurrences of nerve root compression.

The authors treated the disseminated disease successfully with total T7–8 corpectomy, grafting with titanium cage and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital instrumentation, and long-term administration of albendazole (400 mg daily). Early diagnosis, proper utilization of MR imaging, and radical resection of diseased vertebrae and soft tissues followed by anthelmintic treatment are essential to control disseminated spinal hydatidosis and prevent recurrence.
Amelioration of Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats by Tetramethylpyrazine, a Major Constituent of the Chinese Herb Ligusticum wallichi
Authors: Ali B. H. , Al-Moundhri M. , Eldin M. Tag , Nemmar A. , Al-Siyabi S. , Annamalai K.
Published: April 2008

Nephrotoxicity of the anticancer drug, cisplatin (CP) involves enhanced renal generation of reactive oxygen metabolites and lipid peroxidation caused by decreased levels of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is known to act as a strong antioxidant. Therefore, in the present work, we aimed at testing the possible protective or palliative effect of TMP on CP nephrotoxicity in rats. TMP was given orally at a dose of 80 mg · kg− 1 · day− 1 for 7 days. Some of these rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (or vehicle) at a dose of 6 mg/kg on Day 6 of treatment. Animals were sacrificed 6 days after CP (or vehicle) treatment, and blood, urine, and kidneys were obtained. Nephrotoxicity was assessed biochemically by measuring creatinine and urea in serum, reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration in renal cortex, by urinalysis, and histopathologically by light microscopy. CP significantly increased the concentration of urea and creatinine ( P < 0.05) by about 128% and 170%, respectively; increased urine volume and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity; and significantly decreased osmolality and protein concentrations. CP treatment reduced GSH by about 34% ( P < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant activity (TOX) by about 28% and 21%, respectively ( P < 0.05). TMP pretreatment significantly mitigated all of these effects. Sections from saline- and TMP-treated rats showed apparently normal proximal tubules. However, kidneys of CP-treated rats had a moderate degree of necrosis. This was markedly reduced when CP was given after pretreatment with TMP. CP cortical concentration was not significantly altered by TMP treatment. The results suggest that TMP ameliorated the histological, physiological, and biochemical indices of nephrotoxicity in rats. Pending further pharmacological and toxicological studies, TMP may potentially be useful as a nephroprotective agent.
Forced Expression of MMP9 Rescues the Loss of Angiogenesis and Abrogates Metastasis of Pancreatic Tumors Triggered by the Absence of Host SPARC
Authors: Arnold Shanna , Mira Emilia , Muneer Sabeeha , Korpanty Grzegorz , Beck Adam W. , Holloway Shane E. , Mañes Santos , Brekken Rolf A.
Published: April 2008

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is characterized by desmoplasia, local invasion, and metastasis. These features are regulated in part by MMP9 and SPARC. To explore the interaction of SPARC and MMP9 in cancer, we first established orthotopic pancreatic tumors in SPARC-null and wild-type mice with the murine pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line, PAN02. MMP9 expression was higher in tumors from wild-type compared to SPARC-null mice. Coincident with lower MMP9 expression, tumors grown in SPARC-null mice were significantly larger, had decreased ECM deposition and reduced microvessel density compared to wild-type controls. In addition, metastasis was enhanced in the absence of host SPARC. Therefore, we next analyzed the orthotopic tumor growth of PAN02 cells transduced with MMP9 or a control empty vector. Forced expression of MMP9 by the PAN02 cells resulted in larger tumors in both wild-type and SPARC-null animals compared to empty vector controls and further diminished ECM deposition. Importantly, forced expression of MMP9 within the tumor reversed the decrease in angiogenesis and abrogated the metastatic potential displayed by control tumors grown in SPARC-null mice. Finally, contrary to the in vivo results, MMP9 increased cell migration in vitro, which was blocked by the addition of SPARC. These results suggest that SPARC and MMP9 interact to regulate many stages of tumor progression including ECM deposition, angiogenesis and metastasis.
ON NONLINEAR SPECTRA FOR SOME NONLOCAL BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS
Authors: Sergejeva N.
Published: April 2008

We consider a second order nonlinear differential equation with nonlocal (integral) condition. The spectrum of it differs essentially from the known ones.
Combinatorial development of polymer nanocomposites using transient processing conditions in twin screw extrusion
Authors: Kota Arun K. , Murphy Larry , Strohmer Timo , Bigio David I. , Bruck Hugh A. , Powell Dan
Published: April 2008

A new approach is presented for combinatorial development of polymer nanocomposites with compositional gradients (CGs). The CGs were developed using transient processing conditions in twin screw extrusion with small quantities of expensive nanoscale fillers. Convolution of step input with normalized residence volume distributions (RVDs) was used to establish the processing–structure relationship for the CGs. The normalized RVD was established as a process characteristic independent of processing conditions and measured in situ using an optical probe. The CG determined nondestructively using the new combinatorial approach was validated through comparison with more time‐consuming and destructive thermogravimetric analysis. The CG could also be established with relatively inexpensive microscale fillers using the normalized RVD obtained with nanoscale fillers, suggesting that transient effects of the mixing process are independent of the size of the filler. Finally, structure–property relationship of combinatorially developed polymer nanocomposites was established by characterizing their dynamic mechanical behavior (storage modulus, G′, and loss modulus, G″). The dynamic mechanical behavior of the combinatorially developed composites correlated well with the batch‐processed ones, indicating that the transient mixing conditions in extrusion do not affect the material properties. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
The mtDNA ancestry of admixed Colombian populations
Authors: Salas A. , Acosta A. , Álvarez‐Iglesias V. , Cerezo M. , Phillips C. , Lareu M. V. , Carracedo Á.
Published: April 2008

A total of 185 individuals from Colombia were sequenced for the first hypervariable region (HVS‐I) of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome, and a subset of these individuals were additionally genotyped for the second hypervariable segment (HVS‐II). These individuals were collected according to their “self‐reported ethnicity” in Colombia, comprising “Mestizos,” “Mulatos,“ and “Afro‐Colombians.” We used databases containing more than 4,300 Native American lineages, 6,800 Africans, and 15,600 Europeans for population comparisons and phylogeographic inferences. We observe that Mulatos and Afro‐Colombians have a dominant African mtDNA component, whereas Mestizos carry predominantly Native American haplotypes. All the populations analyzed have high diversity indices and there are no signatures of dramatic genetic drift episodes. Central and South America are the main candidate source populations of the Colombian Native American lineages, whereas west‐central, southwest, and southeast Africa are the main original mtDNA sources for the African Colombian mtDNAs. We found that our results differ from those obtained in other studies for the same “population groups” in terms of haplogroup frequencies. This observation leads us to conclude that (i) self‐reported ancestry is not a reliable proxy to indicate an individual's “ethinicity” in Colombia, (ii) our results do not support the use of outmoded race descriptions (Mestizos, Mulatos, etc.) mainly because these labels do not correspond to any genetically homogeneous population group, and (iii) studies relying on these terms to describe the population group of the individual, which then treat them as genetically homogeneous, carry a high risk of type I error (false positives) in medical studies in this country and of misinterpretation of the frequency of observed variation in forensic casework. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 20:584–591, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Discrepant DNA analysis in three patients with inherited arrhythmia: Molecular genetic test results deserve a second glance
Authors: Honeywell Christina R. , Gollob Michael H. , Rutberg Julie , Gow Robert M. , Geraghty Michael T.
Published: April 2008

Molecular results provide a basis for diagnosis, risk assessment, medical management and genetic counseling. Unlike other areas of laboratory medicine, molecular genetic tests are rarely repeated. We describe three patients with suspected inherited arrhythmia in whom genetic testing was arranged via clinical and/or research laboratories. In all three instances, initial test results appeared falsely negative, with no deleterious mutations detected by various methodologies in selected long‐QT or catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia‐related genes. Discordant results emerged upon repeat analysis in separate laboratories. The cases highlight the importance of clinical judgment and assessment of genetic test results and methodology, in addition to the role of re‐testing in molecular genetic medicine, particularly in the case of uninformative negative results. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome‐wide scan in 124 Indonesian sib‐pair families with schizophrenia reveals genome‐wide significant linkage to a locus on chromosome 3p26‐21
Authors: Irmansyah  , Schwab S.G. , Heriani  , Handoko H.Y. , Kusumawardhani A. , Widyawati I. , Amir N. , Nasrun M.W.S. , Holmans P. , Knapp M. , Wildenauer D.B.
Published: April 2008

Variation in incidence of schizophrenia between populations with different ethnical background may reflect population specific differences in nature and composition of genetic and environmental factors. In order to investigate whether there are population specific susceptibility genes for schizophrenia, we collected in Indonesia families with two or more affected siblings and, as far as available, parents and unaffected siblings, suitable for genetic linkage‐ and association studies. After checking extensively for incompatibilities with Mendelian inheritance as well as for errors in sampling, we used 124 families from the sample of 152 originally ascertained families for linkage analysis. Genotyping was performed at the NHLBI Mammalian Genotyping Service at Marshfield Research Organisation using the Screening Set 16, which comprises 402 Short Tandem Repeat Polymorphisms (STRPs). The genotypes of 540 individuals including 267 affected with schizophrenia were used for analysis. Multipoint sib‐pair linkage analysis was carried out by estimation of—allele sharing derived—maximum likelihood LOD scores (MLS) in 154 sib‐pair combinations. We obtained a genome‐wide significant MLS of 3.76 on chromosome 3p26.2‐25.3. Genome‐wide significance was estimated by performing 10,000 simulated genomescans. Additional loci were detected on 1p12, which produced suggestive evidence for linkage (MLS = 2.35), as well as on 5q14.1 (MLS = 1.56), 5q33.3 (MLS = 1.11), and 10q (MLS = 1.17), where linkage had been reported previously. In conclusion, our study detected a region with genome‐wide significant linkage, which will serve as starting point for identification of schizophrenia susceptibility genes in the Indonesian population. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of rubber characteristics in preparing rubber/clay nanocomposites by melt compounding
Authors: Ma Yong , Wu You‐Ping , Zhang Li‐Qun , Li Qi‐Fang
Published: April 2008

Rubber/organic clay (OC) nanocomposites were produced by melt blending. Polar or unsaturated matrices (e.g., NBR and SBR) could easily enter into OC layers, whereas using nonpolar unsaturated rubber (EPDM), without other additives' help, intercalation structure could not be directly obtained. For the EPDM system, an intercalated structure was observed in presence of stearic acid (SA) for composites composed of SA and OC. Transmission electron microscopy observation showed that the dispersion of clay in nonpolar saturated rubber matrix was much poorer than that in polar or unsaturated matrix. The same effect of polar matrix was confirmed by comparison between IIR/OC and BIIR/OC systems. Moreover, using OC pretreated by SA (S‐OC), the dispersion of clay was obviously improved in the investigated nanocomposites, due to the intercalation of SA into OC interlayers. Especially in the nonpolar saturated EPDM system, the intercalation structure could be easily observed. Relative to the corresponding nanocomposites using OC, tensile strengths and the stresses at low strain of NBR and SBR based nanocomposites with S‐OC were significantly improved; while with EPDM nanocomposite, using S‐OC, only tensile strengths were improved but the stresses at low strain were almost the same, which should be related to the different interfacial force between OC and different rubber matrices. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation and evaluation of two kinds of solid polymer electrolytes made from crosslinked poly(ether urethane) elastomers consisting of a comb‐like and a hyperbranched polyether
Authors: Ye Lin , Gao Peng , Zhao Yu‐mei , Feng Zeng‐guo , Bai Ying , Wu Feng
Published: April 2008

Two novel polyethers, one comb‐like and another hyperbranched, were synthesized by the cationic ring‐opening polymerization of 3‐(methoxy(triethylenoxy))methyl‐ and 3‐(hydroxy‐(triethylenoxy))methyl‐3′‐methyloxetane, respectively. The former reacted with a multifunctional isocyanate and the latter with a difunctional isocyanate to give rise to the corresponding crosslinked poly(ether urethane) elastomers, PCEU and PHEU. Accordingly, two kinds of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) were prepared from these two elastomers in situ in the presence of lithium salt trifluoromethanesulfonimide. It was found that the PCEU‐based SPEs shows a higher ionic conductivity than that PHEU‐based ones due to its more mobile pendent chains and appropriate crosslinking density in the polymeric network. The maximum ionic conductivities of 1.4 × 10−5 S/cm at 30°C and 3.5 × 10−4 S/cm at 80°C were attained at the molar ratio of O/Li = 7.5. The DSC measurements clearly demonstrated that PCEU indeed possesses the more flexible chain motion ability than PHEU. The electrochemical stability window of PCEU, which is 1.7–4.0 V was measured by cyclic voltammogram. Additionally, the significantly high decomposition temperature as evidenced by TGA analyses endowed these SPEs a good safe performance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Rate transitions in the fatigue crack growth of elastomers
Authors: Papadopoulos I. C. , Thomas A. G. , Busfield J. J. C.
Published: April 2008

It has been observed previously that cracks in elastomers under repeated strain initially grow rapidly from sharp cuts, but as the cracks proceed, the rate decreases to a steady value. This work examines these transitions from a sharp crack tip, introduced by a razor blade into a pure shear test piece, for a range of elastomers. The changes in the rate of crack growth are also reflected by changes in the fracture surface appearance, which roughens as the crack develops. This phenomenon is of practical significance in engineering applications, in which an initially fast crack growth rate from a sharp cut in a rubber product can result in significantly lower fatigue life than anticipated from the steady‐state value, which is usually presented and quoted. The change in the rate with the number of cycles can be represented by an empirical relation whose parameters are functions of the strain energy release rate. The roughening of the crack can be envisioned as the splitting of a sharp tip into several tips with a consequent sharing of the strain energy release rate between them, leading to a reduction in the crack growth rates. This representation of the roughening process has been analyzed with a FEA approach. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Influence of pH on the specific surface area of polyaniline matrices
Authors: Chowdhury Al‐Nakib , Saleh Farhana Sultana , Rahman Mohammad Rezaur , Rahim Abdur
Published: April 2008

We report the successful measurement of the specific surface area of chemically synthesized and treated polyaniline (PANI) and its composite PANI/silica (SiO2). PANI was synthesized chemically from an aqueous solution of aniline and hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the presence of an oxidant, ammonium peroxydisulfate [(NH4)2S2O8]. In the synthesis of PANI/SiO2, SiO2 was incorporated from its colloidal solution contained in the solution for the polymerization of PANI. PANI and PANI/SiO2 thus synthesized were pretreated with double‐distilled water (pH = 6.95), aqueous HCl (pH = 1.09), and aqueous ammonia (pH = 10.15) solutions to control their pH levels. Surface morphologies of the treated PANI and PANI/SiO2 matrices were investigated with scanning electron microscopy. The successful incorporation of SiO2 into the PANI/SiO2 composite was confirmed by the characteristic infrared absorption band at 1096 cm−1. The adsorption of methylene blue, which was found to follow the Langmuir isotherm, onto the prepared materials was probed to estimate the real surface area. The base‐treated PANI matrix showed a higher surface area than the acidic and neutral ones. The incorporation of SiO2 into the PANI matrix yielded a larger surface area. However, the treated PANI/SiO2 showed the same trend as the treated PANI matrices. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Systematic Morphology and Evolutionary Anatomy of the Autonomic Cardiac Nervous System in the Lesser Apes, Gibbons (Hylobatidae)
Authors: Kawashima Tomokazu , Thorington Richard W. , Kunimatsu Yutaka , Whatton James F.
Published: April 2008

We examined the morphology of the autonomic cardiac nervous system (ACNS) on 20 sides of 10 gibbons (Hylobatidae) of three genera, and we have inferred the evolution of the anatomy of the primate ACNS. We report the following. (1) Several trivial intraspecific and interspecific variations are present in gibbons, but the general arrangement of the ACNS in gibbons is consistent. (2) Although the parasympathetic vagal cardiac nervous system is extremely consistent, the sympathetic cardiac nervous system, such as the composition of the sympathetic ganglia and the range of origin of the sympathetic cardiac nerves, exhibit topographical differences among primates. (3) The vertebral ganglion, seldom observed in the Old World monkeys (Cercopithecidae), was consistently present in gibbons as well as in humans. (4) There are fewer thoracic ganglia contributing to the cervicothoracic ganglion in humans than in gibbons and in gibbons than in Old World monkeys. (5) The superior cardiac nerve originating from the superior cervical ganglion, rarely observed in Old World monkeys but commonly observed in humans, was present in 13 of 20 sides (65%), mostly on the left. Accordingly, the ACNS morphology exhibits evolutionary changes within the primate lineage. These evolutionary differences between Old World monkeys, gibbons, and humans are most parsimoniously interpreted as resulting from regular changes in the lineages leading from their common ancestor to the extant species that we dissected. They include the reduction in the number of thoracic ganglia contributing to the cervicothoracic ganglion and the expansion of the range of the cardiac nervous origin. Anat Rec, 291:939–959, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A balanced approach to health information evaluation: A vocabulary‐based naïve Bayes classifier and readability formulas
Authors: Leroy Gondy , Miller Trudi , Rosemblat Graciela , Browne Allen
Published: April 2008

Since millions seek health information online, it is vital for this information to be comprehensible. Most studies use readability formulas, which ignore vocabulary, and conclude that online health information is too difficult. We developed a vocabularly‐based, naïve Bayes classifier to distinguish between three difficulty levels in text. It proved 98% accurate in a 250‐document evaluation. We compared our classifier with readability formulas for 90 new documents with different origins and asked representative human evaluators, an expert and a consumer, to judge each document. Average readability grade levels for educational and commercial pages was 10th grade or higher, too difficult according to current literature. In contrast, the classifier showed that 70–90% of these pages were written at an intermediate, appropriate level indicating that vocabulary usage is frequently appropriate in text considered too difficult by readability formula evaluations. The expert considered the pages more difficult for a consumer than the consumer did.
Bio‐Inspired Fabrication of Lotus Leaf Like Membranes as Fluorescent Sensing Materials
Authors: Heng Liping , Wang Xinyi , Dong Yongqiang , Zhai Jin , Tang Ben Zhong , Wei Tianxin , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2008

A fluorescent organic small molecule, hexaphenylsilole (HPS), has been used as a sensing material, while a HPS/polymethyl methacrylate composite film with a lotus leaf like structure is prepared by a simple electrospin method. The film shows high stability and excellent sensitivity for the metal ions Fe3+ and Hg2+, respectively. The special surface morphology containing micro‐/nanocomposite structure is attributed to the exhibition of these unusual properties.
Mitochondrial pAL2‐1 plasmid homologs are senescence factors in Podospora anserina independent of intrinsic senescence
Authors: van Diepeningen Anne D. , Debets Alfons J. M. , Slakhorst S. Marijke , Hoekstra Rolf F.
Published: April 2008

Since the first description of a linear mitochondrial plasmid in Podospora anserina, pAL2‐1, and homologous plasmids have gone from being considered beneficial longevity plasmids, via neutral genetic elements, toward mutator plasmids causing senescence. The plasmid has an invertron structure, with terminal inverted repeats and encodes a DNA and a RNA polymerase. Here we test whether pAL2‐1 homologs cause rapid aging independent of intrinsic and external conditions. We first analyzed a natural population of P. anserina and in 40% of the 112 isolates we detected pAL2‐1 homologous plasmids. Though the lifespan varied considerably among the strains, plasmid‐infected wild‐type strains are on average shorter lived than plasmid‐free strains and typically show a reduced lifespan extending effect of calorie restriction (CR). However, interesting exceptions were found, inviting further study. To further investigate the effect of pAL2‐1 homologs under various conditions, we constructed and analyzed isogenic lines with and without the plasmid. We found that the presence of pAL2‐1 homologs did not significantly affect growth rate as suggested by the population analysis, but reduced lifespan under all conditions. This effect was particularly clear for the lifespan extending conditions tested (CR, low temperature, antibiotics) supporting the idea that pAL2‐1 homologs are additional senescence factors independent of the intrinsic senescence determinants.
Native‐DIGE: A new look at the mitochondrial membrane proteome
Authors: Dani Diksha , Dencher Norbert A.
Published: April 2008

Respiratory chain proteins play a pivotal role in mitochondrial metabolism and thereby in the aging process. Differential display of the mitochondrial proteome reveals the abundance changes occurring in proteins as response to complex events such as senescence and aging. However, there is an absolute need to implement a detection technique that could potentially encompass the hydrophobic and very basic membrane proteins, along with the soluble ones. It is also important to assess protein‐protein interactions, besides changes in abundance. Native‐difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) is an approach that facilitates sensitive quantitative assessment of changes in membrane and soluble proteins. It stretches the boundaries of detecting abundance changes to protein‐protein interactions for interpretation of a proteome in a more “meaningful” way. Here we evaluate the benefits of blue‐native fluorescence DIGE as a method in differential quantitative proteomics with a focus on critical issues for application and experimental design.
Clathrate Formation from Octaazaphthalocyanines Possessing Bulky Phenoxyl Substituents: A New Cubic Crystal Containing Solvent‐Filled, Nanoscale Voids
Authors: Makhseed Saad , Ibrahim Fadi , Samuel Jacob , Helliwell Madeleine , Warren John E. , Bezzu C. Grazia , McKeown Neil B.
Published: April 2008

The synthesis of octaazaphthalocyanine (AzaPc) derivatives, with bulky phenoxyl substituents placed at eight peripheral positions and containing either H+, Ni2+ or Zn2+ ions in their central cavity, is described. The required precursors, derivatives of pyrazine‐2,3‐dicarbonitrile, were prepared using a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between 2,6‐diisopropylphenol or 2,6‐diphenylphenol and 5,6‐dichloropyrazine‐2,3‐dicarbonitrile. Analysis of the resulting AzaPcs by UV/Visible and 1H NMR spectroscopy confirms that steric isolation of the AzaPc cores was enforced both in solution and in the solid state. X‐ray diffraction studies of single crystals of the AzaPcs reveal that solvent inclusion takes place in each case. Of particular significance is the finding that the zinc derivative of 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24‐octa‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenoxy)octaazaphthalocyanine provides nanoporous cubic crystals, containing massive (8 nm3) solvent‐filled voids, similar to those of the analogous phthalocyanine derivative. Exchange of the included solvent within the voids can be readily achieved by using a number of alternative solvents including water. Based on the observed loading of included water, the internal volume of this nanoporous cubic crystal appears to be more hydrophilic than its phthalocyanine counterpart.
Diastereo‐ and Enantiomerically Pure Allylboronates: Their Synthesis and Scope
Authors: Pietruszka Jörg , Schöne Niklas , Frey Wolfgang , Grundl Li
Published: April 2008

Allylboronates are highly attractive reagents for allyl additions. Enantiomerically pure, stable reagents with a stereogenic centre in α‐position to boron are especially versatile, albeit often difficult to synthesize. Starting from boron‐containing allyl alcohols 6 and 7, which are discussed in detail herein, a set of reagents were obtained via [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangements and consecutive transformations in the side chain. The configurations could be established first by chemical correlation, but also by X‐ray crystallography (16, 18, 34, and 39). Allyl additions were performed resulting in the formation of predominantly (Z)‐configured homoallylic alcohols (31, 43–45) with high enantiomeric excess. Detailed investigations on the matched–mismatched interaction between the reagents 15/16 (and ent‐15/ent‐16, respectively) and isopropylidene glyceraldehyde 42 d are presented.
Recent Developments in Enantioselective Gold(I) Catalysis
Authors: Widenhoefer Ross A.
Published: April 2008

The use of gold(I) complexes as catalysts for organic transformations has become increasingly common over the past decade, leading to the development of a number of useful carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bond‐forming processes. In contrast, enantioselective catalysis employing gold(I) complexes was, until recently, exceedingly rare, due in large part to the pronounced tendency of gold(I) to form linear, two‐coordinate complexes. However, new approaches and strategies have emerged over the past two years, leading to the development of a number of effective gold(I)‐catalyzed enantioselective transformations, most notably the enantioselective hydrofunctionalization of allenes. Outlined herein is an overview of enantioselective gold(I) catalysis since 2005.
Thymidylate synthase in situ protein expression and survival in stage I nonsmall‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Li Xueli , Schell Michael J. , Chen Tingan , Boulware David , Robinson Lary , Sommers Eric , Bepler Gerold
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND.

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is important for maintenance of the intracellular thymidine pool, which is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair. TS messenger RNA and protein levels are predictive of response to 5‐fluorouracil‐containing therapy for patients with colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. High levels of expression of 2 other genes important in DNA synthesis and repair, RRM1 and ERCC1, are prognostic of survival in early stage nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We hypothesized that intratumoral TS expression would be prognostic of outcome in stage I NSCLC.

METHODS.

Cytoplasmic tumoral TS was determined by automated in situ protein quantification (AQUA) in 160 patients with completely resected NSCLC that had not received chemotherapy or radiation. It was also determined by real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in 85 similar patients. The 2 datasets were partially overlapping (N = 32). The optimal cutpoint was determined by the maximal log‐rank method with adjustment of the P‐values for multiple looks.

RESULTS.

TS protein expression was significantly associated with patient survival (P = .0013, adjusted P = .034). The optimal cutpoint was at the 25% percentile; the group with low expression (≤57.02) had a median overall survival (OS) of 51.7 months, and the high expression group (>57.02) had a median OS of 81.3 months. TS mRNA expression was not significantly associated with patient survival or TS protein expression. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for tumor stage, TS remained significantly prognostic of survival (P = .0013, adjusted P = .032).

CONCLUSIONS.

In situ cytoplasmic TS protein expression in tumors of patients with resected stage I NSCLC is a clinically important determinant of survival. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer
Authors: Lynch Henry T. , Kaurah Pardeep , Wirtzfeld Debrah , Rubinstein Wendy S. , Weissman Scott , Lynch Jane F. , Grady William , Wiyrick Sara , Senz Janine , Huntsman David G.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND.

A subset of patients with diffuse gastric cancer harbor deleterious cancer‐causing germline mutations in the type 1 E‐cadherin (epithelial) gene (CDH1), which predisposes to the autosomal dominantly inherited hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) syndrome. These mutations are associated with a 70% life‐time risk for diffuse gastric cancer (DGC) and an additional 40% risk for lobular breast cancer in women. Management options for unaffected mutation carriers include prophylactic total gastrectomy.

METHODS.

Four HDGC pedigrees from a cohort of 56 CDH1 mutation‐positive families were subjected to further analysis. Cancer diagnoses, whenever possible, were verified with pathology reports and/or slides/tissue block review. Genetic counseling for family members covered the natural history of HDGC, the pros and cons of mutation testing, the lack of effective screening procedures available to CDH1 mutation‐positive individuals, and the option for them of prophylactic total gastrectomy.

RESULTS.

Within the 4 families, carrier testing for mutations in the CDH1 gene was carried out on 52 individuals, including 25 individuals who were positive for mutation. Prophylactic gastrectomies were performed on a total of 17 individuals from 3 of the families, including 11 first cousins from 1 of the families. Occult DGC was diagnosed in gastrectomy specimens from 13 of 17 individuals (76.5%). During follow‐up questioning, each of the 11 cousins stated that the decision for the prophylactic procedure was the “right one” for them.

CONCLUSIONS.

Unaffected mutation carriers from HDGC families face difficult decisions and can be assisted best through education and interactions with counseling by an informed multidisciplinary team. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Postmastectomy radiation therapy for lymph node‐negative, locally advanced breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy
Authors: Yu James B. , Wilson Lynn D. , Dasgupta Tina , Castrucci William A. , Weidhaas Joanne B.
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND.

The role of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) for lymph node‐negative locally advanced breast carcinoma (T3N0M0) after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with regard to improvement in survival remains an area of controversy.

METHODS.

The 1973–2004 National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was examined for patients with T3N0M0 ductal, lobular, or mixed ductal and lobular carcinoma of the breast who underwent MRM, treated from 1988‐2003. Patients who were men, who had positive lymph nodes, who survived ≤6 months, for whom breast cancer was not the first malignancy, who had nonbeam radiation, intraoperative or preoperative radiation were excluded. The average treatment effect of PMRT on mortality was estimated with a propensity score case‐matched analysis.

RESULTS.

In all, 1777 patients were identified; 568 (32%) patients received PMRT. Median tumor size was 6.3 cm. The median number of lymph nodes examined was 14 (range, 1–49). Propensity score matched case‐control analysis showed no improvement in overall survival with the delivery of PMRT in this group. Older patients, patients with ER− disease (compared with ER+), and patients with high‐grade tumors (compared with well differentiated) had increased mortality.

CONCLUSIONS.

The use of PMRT for T3N0M0 breast carcinoma after MRM is not associated with an increase in overall survival. It was not possible to analyze local control in this study given the limitations of the SEER database. The impact of potential improvement in local control as it relates to overall survival should be the subject of further investigation. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Targeted therapy in head and neck cancer
Authors: Langer Corey J.
Published: April 2008

In patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), tumor recurrence, secondary tumors, and comorbidities contribute to therapy failure, and treatment approaches often are limited by their toxicity. With the incorporation of targeted therapies, the number of options available for patients with SCCHN is growing. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is involved in the development and progression of SCCHN and is associated with a poor prognosis. The anti‐EGFR monoclonal antibody (MoAb) cetuximab is the first targeted therapy to be developed for SCCHN. Recent data confirmed a survival advantage and enhanced locoregional control of SCCHN with cetuximab plus radiotherapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced (LA) SCCHN. Single‐agent cetuximab conferred clinical benefits for patients with platinum‐refractory metastatic disease, and a recent phase 3 trial demonstrated a survival benefit with cetuximab and standard platinum‐based therapy in the front‐line treatment of recurrent/metastatic disease. Cetuximab has a toxicity profile milder than that of cytoxic agents and does not exacerbate RT toxicity when it is used in combination. Small‐molecule EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors also have shown promise in combination with chemoradiotherapy or as single agents, although they are in earlier stages of developmental. Other targeted approaches (eg, antiangiogenics) are also under investigation. Ongoing clinical trials will further define targeted treatment roles in all stages of SCCHN. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Parallel processing of remotely sensed hyperspectral imagery: full‐pixel versus mixed‐pixel classification
Authors: Plaza Antonio J.
Published: April 2008

The rapid development of space and computer technologies allows for the possibility to store huge amounts of remotely sensed image data, collected using airborne and satellite instruments. In particular, NASA is continuously gathering high‐dimensional image data with Earth observing hyperspectral sensors such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's airborne visible–infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS), which measures reflected radiation in hundreds of narrow spectral bands at different wavelength channels for the same area on the surface of the Earth. The development of fast techniques for transforming massive amounts of hyperspectral data into scientific understanding is critical for space‐based Earth science and planetary exploration. Despite the growing interest in hyperspectral imaging research, only a few efforts have been devoted to the design of parallel implementations in the literature, and detailed comparisons of standardized parallel hyperspectral algorithms are currently unavailable. This paper compares several existing and new parallel processing techniques for pure and mixed‐pixel classification in hyperspectral imagery. The distinction of pure versus mixed‐pixel analysis is linked to the considered application domain, and results from the very rich spectral information available from hyperspectral instruments. In some cases, such information allows image analysts to overcome the constraints imposed by limited spatial resolution. In most cases, however, the spectral bands collected by hyperspectral instruments have high statistical correlation, and efficient parallel techniques are required to reduce the dimensionality of the data while retaining the spectral information that allows for the separation of the classes. In order to address this issue, this paper also develops a new parallel feature extraction algorithm that integrates the spatial and spectral information. The proposed technique is evaluated (from the viewpoint of both classification accuracy and parallel performance) and compared with other parallel techniques for dimensionality reduction and classification in the context of three representative application case studies: urban characterization, land‐cover classification in agriculture, and mapping of geological features, using AVIRIS data sets with detailed ground‐truth. Parallel performance is assessed using Thunderhead, a massively parallel Beowulf cluster at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The detailed cross‐validation of parallel algorithms conducted in this work may specifically help image analysts in selection of parallel algorithms for specific applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.