bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excitatory neurons in stratum radiatum provide an alternative pathway for excitation flow that escapes perisomatic inhibition
Authors: Lebedeva Julia , Jappy David , Nasretdinov Azat , Vazetdinova Alina , Krut Viktoria , Sokolov Rostislav , Dobryakova Yulia , Eliava Marina , Grinevich Valery , Rozov Andrei
Published: March 2024

For over half a century, it has been postulated that the internal excitatory circuit in the hippocampus consists of three relay stations. Excitation arrives from the entorhinal cortex to the DG granule cells, is transmitted through the mossy fibers to CA3 pyramidal cells, and is then transmitted through Schaffer collaterals to CA1 pyramidal neurons. In all three structures (DG, CA3 and CA1), the activity of the excitatory neurons involved in the synaptic transmission of excitation are under the control of inhibitory basket neurons that are recruited into network activity via feed-forward and feed-back excitation. However, in the late 90s “stratum radiatum giant cells” were described as a novel type of neuron with the anatomical features of excitatory cells. Since then, the role of these cells in the hippocampal circuitry has not been well understood. Here, using optogenetic and electrophysiological techniques we characterized the functional location of these neurons within the hippocampal network. We show that: (i) the main excitatory drive to giant excitatory neurons in stratum radiatum (ExN
R
) comes via Schaffer collaterals; (ii) within the CA1 field, ExN
R
are not directly connected with local pyramidal cells, but provide massive and efficient excitatory input to parvalbumin positive (PV+) interneurons; (iii) ExN
R
are reciprocally innervated by bistratified cells, but not inhibited by backet interneurons; (iv) the efficiency of ExN
R
excitation to PV+ interneurons is sufficient for a single ExN
R
action potential to trigger massive inhibition of downstream CA1 pyramidal cells. Taken together, our data shows that ExN
R
constitute an alternative pathway of excitation for CA1 interneurons that avoids the burden of perisomatic inhibition.
Serum immunoglobulin M is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease in adults
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Qi Xi , Wang Siming , Zhang Wenduo , Yang Ruiyue , Wang Xinyue , Chen Wenxiang , Ji Fusui , Dong Jun , Yu Xue
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and the severity of coronary artery disease in Chinese patients who underwent coronary angiography.

Methods

A total of 2,045 patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) from March 2017 to March 2020 at Beijing Hospital were included in this study. Serum IgM concentration and biochemical indicators were measured before coronary angiography (CAG). The triquartile IgM levels at baseline in the population were analysed. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyse the association between IgM and traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD patients were divided into subgroups by affected area, number of affected vessels, and Gensini score to analyse the relationship between IgM and CAD severity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between IgM and CAD severity.

Results

Serum IgM levels were significantly lower in the CAD group (63.5 mg/dL) than in the non-coronary artery disease (NCAD) group (72.3 mg/dL) (P < 0.001). Serum IgM levels were significantly associated with sex. Serum IgM levels were positively correlated with traditional CAD risk factors such as TG, TC and LDL-C (P < 0.05), and negatively associated with the number of obstructed vessels, the number of affected areas, and Gensini scores. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, stroke, and statin use history, a high IgM level was independently negatively associated with the severity of CAD expressed by the Gensini score.

Conclusion

We determined that serum IgM was independently negatively associated with the severity of CAD diagnosed by angiography in Chinese adults.
Multimodal Sensory Stimulation among Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Newborns: A Quasi-experimental Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Agartala, Tripura, India
Authors: Gowda Abishek , Chakrabarti Sujit Kumar , Das Sribas , Ghosh Tapas
Published: March 2024

Introduction: There is a continuous search for an effective intervention to help preterm low birth weight neonates overcome their poor growth and developmental outcomes. Most researchers have examined the effect of Oromotor Stimulation (OMS) on feeding performance. Studies exploring Multimodal Sensory Stimulation (MSS) on various outcome parameters are sparse and reveal inconsistent results. Aim: To analyse the effectiveness of MSS in improving weight gain, length of hospitalisation, and feeding performance in preterm Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted between June 2021 and December 2022 in the Paediatrics Department of Agartala Government Medical College, Agartala, Tripura, India. A total of 104 hospitalised neonates with gestational age from 28 to less than 37 weeks and birth weight from 1000 to less than 1500 grams (VLBW) were included in the study. All neonates received standard care and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). On the advice of some faculties, several of them also received MSS. All neonates were divided into two groups: those who received MSS and those who did not, and they were monitored until discharge. Mean hospitalisation length, weight gain, and transition time were derived and statistically analysed using Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: In the present study, the mean gestational age was 32.04±1.75 and 32.679±1.19 weeks, and the M:F ratio was 1.43:1 and 1.30:1 in the MSS-given and MSS-not given groups, respectively. Mean weight gain was significantly higher in the MSS-given group (97.00±123.09 g versus- 23.42±43.96 g). Mean hospitalisation length was longer in the MSS-given group, but transition time did not differ significantly across the groups. Conclusion: Multimodal sensory stimulation is effective in promoting weight gain in preterm VLBW neonates.
Acute Cerebrovascular Accident in Pregnancy Due to Hyperhomocysteinaemia Secondary to Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Case Report
Authors: Raghuveer Sudeeptha , Sowmya K , Chaitanya KT , Vidya CS
Published: March 2024

Stroke in pregnancy is rare but is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Pregnancy, as a prothrombotic state, acts as a precursor for stroke. Preeclampsia, eclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism, hypertension, diabetes, and many other factors predispose to the development of stroke. Endothelial cell injury leading to arteriosclerosis, causing a stroke, has been associated with raised homocysteine levels. Hereby, the authors present a case of a 26-year-old Gravida 3 Pregnancy 1 Live 1 Abortion 1 (G3P1L1A1) at 35 weeks gestation with a cephalic presentation who complained of a headache for two days, sudden onset of weakness in the right upper limb and lower limb with an inability to walk without support and inability to speak since 12 hours, associated with one episode of vomiting. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain showed acute infarcts in the left fronto-parietal lobes and capsule region with haemorrhagic transformation in the left frontal lobe. Serum vitamin B12 measured by Electroluminescence Assay (ECLA) was found to be low at 113pg/mL (normal range -191-771pg/mL). Serum homocysteine levels measured by enzymatic method were elevated at 46 umol/L (normal range 3-18 umol/L). A diagnosis at 34 weeks of pregnancy with acute cerebrovascular accident with right hemiparesis with Broca’s aphasia due to hyperhomocysteinaemia secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency was made. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are known to decrease morbidity in women with cerebrovascular accidents. MRI brain with venogram is known to be the gold standard procedure in diagnosing stroke. Thrombolytic therapy has proven beneficial in the treatment of the disease and in preventing its progression. Prenatal and natal supplementation with folic acid/vitamin B12 in the first trimester of pregnancy prevents Vitamin B12 deficiency and raised homocysteine levels in the maternal serum, thereby decreasing the incidence of stroke.
Case of Unicystic Ameloblastoma with Features of Ameloblastic Fibro-dentinoma
Authors: Nagendra Bhavani Sangala , Shailaja Sanjeevareddygari , Ranjan Ritesh , Reddy Eppalapalli Sharath Kumar , Vamshi Vishwakarma Raghu
Published: March 2024

Hybrid odontogenic tumours occur rarely in the oral cavity. The basic histogenesis of these lesions is not clear. Hybrid odontogenic tumours characteristically exhibit two or more distinct morphological features that may lead to a diagnostic dilemma. Unicystic Ameloblastomas (UA) are the second most common odontogenic tumour. Ameloblastic Fibro-dentinoma (AFD) is a rare mixed odontogenic tumour. Both UA and AFD commonly occur in the second decade of life, may be asymptomatic with a slight female predilection, and predominantly occur in the mandibular posterior region. Herein, the authors report a rare case of a 15-year-old female patient complaining of swelling in the right lower posterior jaw region in the last two months. The lesion was surgically enucleated and sent for histopathological examination. On histopathological examination, the lesion exhibits areas of both UA and AFD, representing a rare occurrence of a hybrid odontogenic tumour. The present case report highlights the unique combination of two odontogenic tumours of different origins
Contribution of the Characteristics of the Disaster Affected People to Practice the Disaster Coping Strategies
Authors: Rustom Jahangir Alam , Islam Muhammad Nazrul , Hosna Khandakar Taheratul , Mondol N.A.M. Rasal , Muhammad Noor , Haque Md. Emdadul , Uddin Md. Yousuf
Published: March 2024

A study was conducted in Gangachara Upazila of Rangpur district, Bangladesh from September to December 2018 to determine how the characteristics of affected individuals contribute to the implementation of coping methods during disasters. Information was gathered from a sample of 302 respondents, chosen at random from the population affected by the disaster through both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Among the nineteen personal, economic, and social factors of the disaster-affected individuals, fourteen showed a positive association, two showed a negative relationship, and three showed no significant relationship with their disaster coping strategies. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified six key variables that significantly contributed to explaining 33.6 percent of the total variations: education (23 percent), income generating activities (3.6 percent), awareness about social safety net programme (2.9 percent), disaster affected land (1.2 percent), farm size (1.9 percent), and perception of climate change (1.0 percent). Path analysis indicated that disaster-affected land had the highest direct positive value (0.589), while farm size had the highest overall indirect influence (0.643) on disaster coping strategy practices. The order of importance for the disaster coping strategies practiced by affected people is as follows: disaster affected land, education, participation in income generating activities, awareness about social safety net programme, perception of climate change, and farm size.
Obstetric Outcome in Patients with Previous Abdominal Myomectomy at a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Kasso Terhemen , Ikonwa Christian Obinna , Bassey Goddy
Published: March 2024

Background: Abdominal myomectomy refers to the surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus through an abdominal incision. It is one of the treatment options for uterine fibroids. Women who had this form of treatment may be faced with increased risks and complications during future pregnancies and deliveries.
Aim: To assess the obstetric risk and delivery outcome of pregnancies achieved after abdominal myomectomy.
Methodology: This was a retrospective study of pregnancy outcome in women who had abdominal myomectomy at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) from 2018 to 2022. The case records of the patients were retrieved, and data on socio-demographic characteristics, mode of delivery, obstetric complications, and foetal outcome was extracted and analysed using SPSS version 25.
Results: There were 7,602 antenatal clinic attendees during the study period, out of which 83 of the women had previous myomectomy and were delivered in UPTH. This accounted for 1.1% of booked patients who attended antenatal care and delivered at the hospital. Seventy-two case notes were retrieved, giving a case retrieval rate of 86.7%. The mean age was 34.89 ± 4.27 years (range from 18 to 47 years). The total Live birth post myomectomy was 56 (77.8%). There were 14 (19.4%) miscarriages and 2 (2.8) stillbirths. Patients that conceived spontaneously were 61 (84.7%), while 11 (15.3%) had in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Caesarean section was used in 67 (93.1%) of deliveries with elective caesarean section accounting for 45 (62.5%) of the deliveries. The commonest indication for caesarean section was previous myomectomy with breached endometrium in 53 (79.1%) cases. Forty-one (56.9%) of the deliveries occurred at 38-40 weeks of gestation.
Conclusion: Obstetric outcome after abdominal myomectomies was good with high live birth rate and no maternal mortality recorded. Women who had abdominal myomectomy should be counselled to attend antenatal care and deliver in adequately equipped centres with skilled personnel to avert adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Oxovanadium (IV) Complexes of α-Amino Acid Schiff Bases and Polypyridyl Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Atique , Rahman Hafizur , Haque Md. Masuqul , Islam Md. Nazrul
Published: March 2024

Oxovanadium(IV) complexes of the type [VO(L)(bpy)] (V-1 to V-5) have been synthesized and characterized by FTIR and UV-Vis spectra, molar conductance, melting points, and magnetic susceptibilities measurements, where L= N-salicylidene-β-alanine (sal-ala), N-salicylidene-glycine (sal-gly), N-salicylidene-DL-β-phenylalanine (sal-pheala), N-salicylidene-leucine (sal-leu), and N-salicylidene-DL-methionine (sal-met), and bpy is 2,2´-bipyridine. The infrared spectral data reveals that the tridentate nature of the amino acid-based Schiff base ligand and the coordination of the ligand through azomethine nitrogen, phenolic oxygen and carboxylate oxygen with vanadyl (VO2+) ion. All of these complexes were determined to be non-electrolyte in nature, according to conductivity measurements. The magnetic moment measurements have been attributed that these complexes are paramagnetic and have d1 configuration of vanadium (IV) ion. In Virto antimicrobial activity of the synthesized complexes was evaluated against two gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and two gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris) bacterial strains.
Homestay Development Strategy in Borobudur Temple Area
Authors: Setiawan Budi , Hurdawaty Ramon , Kusumaningrum Dewi Ayu , Respati Rella Dwi
Published: March 2024

The aim of the paper is to formulate a strategy to develop homestays in the Borobudur area that not only benefits tourists but also local communities. Qualitative and quantitative research methods (mixed methods research) with in-depth interviews and observation/survey of homestay representatives in as many as 20 tourist villages in Borobudur District and 1 Mendut village in the Borobudur Temple area. The result formulates several strategies, such as developing local wisdom-based cultural tour packages, determining the centralized management of homestays in one manager, forming homestay associations in each village, empowering local people to run their homestay businesses, building facilities and setting rules about local transportation in Borobudur area villages, and others. Based on the QSPM, the priority strategies are obtained to be sorted, namely, the main one is to determine the centralized management of homestays in one manager, followed by the strategy of forming homestay associations in each village and improving the quality of human resources through homestay training.
Annelerin Kapsayıcı İşlev Düzeyi ile Çocukların Oyun Oynama Eğilimi ve Saldırganlık Yönelimi Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Hilal , KAYILI Gökhan
Published: March 2024

Bu araştırma 48-72 aylık çocukların annelerinin kapsayıcı işlev düzeylerinin, çocukların saldırgan davranışlara yönelimine ve oyun eğilimlerine etkisini incelemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu ilkokul bünyesindeki anasınıflarında, ortaokul bünyesindeki anasınıflarında ve bağımsız anaokullarında öğrenim gören 184 çocuk ve anneleri oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada ilişkisel tarama yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışma grubuna alınan annelerin kapsayıcı işlev düzeylerini ölçmek amacıyla Zabcı vd. (2018), tarafından geliştirilen Ebeveyn Çocuk Kapsayıcı İşlev Ölçeği, çocukların saldırganlık yönelimini ölçmek için Kaynak vd. (2016), tarafından geliştirilen Saldırganlığa Yönelim Ölçeği ve çocukların oyun oynama eğilimini ölçmek amacıyla Barnett (1990) tarafından geliştirilen, Keleş ve Yurt (2017) tarafından Türkçeye uyarlanan Çocuklar İçin Oynama Eğilimi Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada toplanan veriler, SPSS 26 sosyal bilimler için veri analizi paket programıyla analiz edilmiştir. Pearson Korelasyon Analizi sonuçlarına göre çocukların annelerinin kapsayıcı işlev düzeyleri ile oyun oynama eğilimleri arasında bir ilişki bulunamamıştır. Ancak çocukların annelerinin kapsayıcı işlev düzeyleri ile çocukların saldırganlık dürtüleri arasında negatif yönlü yüksek düzeyde anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca annelerin eğitim durumlarının kapsayıcı işlevlerini anlamlı düzeyde etkilediği, çocukların saldırganlık yönelimine ait puanların annelerin kapsayıcı işlevlerine ait puanları anlamlı oranda yordadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Water
Authors: Morgan James J. , Stumm Werner , Hem John D. ,   Updated by Staff
Published: June 2006

The physical‐chemical properties of water as a solvent are tabulated. The magnitude of the main reservoirs and fluxes in the hydrological cycle, with special attention given to the human appropriation of renewable fresh water, are given. The acquisition of solutes in the water is discussed in the context of circulation of water with rocks, atmosphere, and biota, with special attention given to chemical weathering, the biogeochemical cycle, chemical equilibria, and the chemical speciation of the elements.

Factors affecting stream quality and general principles of stream water geochemistry are given. Ideally, water is controlled by the alteration of rock minerals through chemical weathering processes, which liberate soluble products. These processes are controlled or influenced by climatic factors, such as rainfall, air temperature, and evaporation associated with biological or biochemical processes. Human activity impacts water quality in an ever increasing manner. Carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen are present in the hydrologic cycle and their increase or decrease is an indication of water quality.

There are many techniques for water analysis. A great deal, however, can be determined by a few physical and chemical tests. This article deals with fresh water analysis primarily and may not be suitable for saline water.

Tests for physical properties include: temperature, specific conductance, color, turbidity, taste and odor, dissolved solids and suspended solids, and pH.

There are many principal mineral constituents and gases that can be determined. Information is given for the determination of alkalinity, acidity, hardness, sodium and potassium, chloride, sulfate, nitrate and nitrite, fluoride, phosphate, boron and borates, silica and oxygen.

Analysis of minor mineral constituent and gases, BOD, detergents, pesticides, and radioactive materials, both artificial and natural, and identification of bacteria round out the section on analysis.
Purification and characterization of a high specificity polyclonal antibody to the adenomatous polyposis coli tumour suppressor protein
Authors: Catimel Bruno , Nice Edouard C. , Kärrlander Maria , Ross Janine , Catimel Jenny , Burgess Antony W. , Faux Maree
Published: June 2006

Recombinant proteins, commonly expressed in fusion with an affinity tag to facilitate purification, are often used as immunogens for polyclonal antibody production. Careful immunopurification of the antibody product is often the key to obtaining a high‐specificity polyclonal antibody against the protein domain of interest. This study describes the purification and characterization of such an antibody directed against the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumour suppressor. We used a combination of affinity chromatography and biosensor analysis to optimize and monitor antibody purification. This antibody was then characterized by immunoprecipitation, proteomic analyses and immunofluorescence staining and shown to be a valuable reagent for the study of APC biology. Using this antibody we successfully isolated and identified APC, using MS/MS, from transfected cell lines. A novel phosphorylation site on APC was identified at ser 1436. Similar strategies involving multiple immuno‐affinity steps coupled with surface plasmon resonance (SPR), immunoprecipitation proteomic and immunofluorescence analyses should be generally applicable for the purification and characterization of other polyclonal antibodies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism and biochemical/physiological roles of chondroitin sulfates: analysis of endogenous and supplemental chondroitin sulfates in blood circulation
Authors: Lamari Fotini N. , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Asimakopoulou Athanasia P. , Malavaki Christina J. , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: June 2006

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a linear heteropolysaccharide consisting of repeating disaccharide units of glucuronic acid and galactosamine, which is commonly sulfated at C‐4 and/or C‐6 of galactosamine. The administration of CS as a supplement or a drug for the treatment of osteoarthrosis, the prevention of subsequent coronary events, treatment of psoriasis and ophthalmic diseases has been suggested. Much debate on the metabolism of CS and therefore the effectiveness of these treatments, especially after oral administration, has arisen due to the macromolecular nature of CS. Difficulties in analysing CS in blood due to the low endogenous concentrations and the covalent and anionic complexes with proteins have hampered the resolution of these issues. In this review, the information on the pharmacokinetics of CS obtained from studies in experimental animals and in humans is presented. Emphasis has been given to the analytical methods used for the determination of glycosaminoglycans, intact CS and CS‐derived disaccharides in blood serum and plasma. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive multi‐dimensional liquid chromatographic separation in biomedical and pharmaceutical analysis: a review
Authors: Dixon Steven P. , Pitfield Ian D. , Perrett David
Published: June 2006

‘Multi‐dimensional’ liquid separations have a history almost as long as chromatography. In multi‐dimensional chromatography the sample is subjected to more than one separation mechanism; each mechanism is considered an independent separation dimension. The separations can be carried out either offline via fraction collection, or directly coupled online. Early multi‐dimensional separations using combinations of paper chromatography, electrophoresis and gels, in both planar and columnar modes are reviewed. Developments in HPLC have increased the number of measurable analytes in ever more complex matrices, and this has led to the concept of ‘global metabolite profiling’. This review focuses on the theory and practice of modern ‘comprehensive’ multi‐dimensional liquid chromatography when applied to biomedical and pharmaceutical analysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of naproxen in human plasma by chip‐based immunoaffinity capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Phillips Terry M. , Wellner Edward F.
Published: June 2006

An electrokinetic immunoassay performed in a chip‐based capillary electrophoresis system is described for the rapid measurement of naproxen in human plasma. The system employs a fluorescently labeled antibody to capture and detect the analyte of interest within a 5 min total assay time with an LOD of 0.025 µg/mL and a saturation level of 450 µg/mL. The system compared well with a conventional HPLC technique but was found to be much faster. Application of the electrokinetic assay to the study of patients with allergy to naproxen demonstrated increased concentrations of the drug extending past the predicted elimination half‐life. The portability of the system and its ability to process up to 18 samples per hour makes it suitable for use in emergency room situations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and evaluation of fluorogenic reagents for simultaneous detection of peptides and proteins by HPLC in two different samples
Authors: Saimaru Hiroshi , Yasui Eiko , Takamura Norio , Imai Kazuhiro
Published: June 2006

To find the pairs of fluorogenic reagents having similar retention times in HPLC but with different fluorescent characteristics, six fluorogenic reagents bearing benzoxadiazole or benzoselenadiazole skeletons were synthesized. The resultant derivatives obtained from the reaction of peptides and proteins with reagents which have a benzoselenadiazole skeleton showed different fluorescence characteristics from those with a benzoxadiazole skeleton. Since each corresponding derivatives of trypsin inhibitor and BSA with DAABD‐Cl and 7‐fluoro‐N‐[2‐(diethylamino)ethyl]‐2,1,3‐benzoselenadiazole‐4‐sulfonamide (DEAEABSeD‐F) have similar retention times, the pair of reagents was adopted for the sensitive simultaneous detection of proteins in two different samples. When the soluble fraction of mouse hippocampus was divided into the two samples (A and B), each was reacted with DEAEABSeD‐F for A and DAABD‐Cl for B, respectively. The two reaction solutions were combined and subjected to HPLC analysis with two fluorescent detectors in series (excitation and emission at different wavelengths for A and B, respectively). The resultant two chromatograms had quite similar patterns for each other. The new pair of fluorogenic reagents (DAABD‐Cl and DEAEABSeD‐F) would be applicable to proteomics studies using the previously reported FD‐LC‐MS/MS method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of postprostatectomy external beam radiotherapy on quality of life
Authors: Hu Jim C. , Elkin Eric P. , Krupski Tracey L. , Gore John , Litwin Mark S.
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND.

Postprostatectomy salvage radiotherapy may improve prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) progression‐free survival, but little is known about its effect on quality of life.

METHODS.

From the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) data base, 1289 patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) without neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy completed validated health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires. Of these, 69 patients also received salvage radiotherapy at a median of 14 months after RP. The University of California–Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index and the 36‐item short form SF‐36 questionnaire were used to compare HRQOL 12 to 18 months after external beam radiotherapy or 26 to 32 months after RP alone. Those responses also were compared with HRQOL responses from 55 men with data prior to and 12 to 18 months after primary radiotherapy. Multivariate regression identified differences between treatment groups.

RESULTS.

Men who underwent salvage radiotherapy were younger (P = .03) and had lower incomes (P = .01) than men who underwent RP alone; they also were younger than men who underwent primary radiotherapy (P < .01). In addition, men who received salvage radiotherapy were more likely than men who underwent RP alone to have clinically high‐risk prostate cancer (P < .01). Multivariate analyses revealed that men who received salvage radiotherapy experienced more marked decrements in sexual function (P = .01) and bowel function (P = .03) than men who underwent RP alone. Salvage radiotherapy led to less impairment of sexual function (P < .01) and less sexual bother (P = .04) than primary radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS.

Although salvage radiotherapy is associated with unclear survival benefits, it adversely affects sexual and bowel function. Until randomized clinical trials demonstrate disease‐specific survival benefits for salvage radiotherapy, the HRQOL detriments of additional therapy must be weighed against improved PSA progression‐free survival. Cancer 2006;. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Ototoxicity from high‐dose use of platinum compounds in patients with neuroblastoma
Authors: Kushner Brian H. , Budnick Amy , Kramer Kim , Modak Shakeel , Cheung Nai‐Kong V.
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND.

The young age of neuroblastoma patients makes them especially prone to the ototoxic effects of widely used treatments that feature aggressive use of platinum compounds. We present data defining the extent of the problem in a large series of neuroblastoma patients whose induction included high‐dose cisplatin/etoposide (HD‐P/E) as used in both the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center N7 regimen and the Children's Oncology Group A3973 study.

METHODS.

N7/A3973 patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 had hearing tested after induction, that included 2 cycles of HD‐P/E (cumulative cisplatin = 400 mg/m2); Group 2 had hearing tested after induction, that included 3 cycles of HD‐P/E (cumulative cisplatin = 600 mg/m2); and Group 3 had hearing tested following carboplatin‐containing myeloablative therapy administered after induction, that included 2 cycles of HD‐P/E. Ototoxicity was scored by the Brock method.

RESULTS.

All 3 groups had similar clinical characteristics, including median age at diagnosis of about 3 years. Little or no hearing loss in the speech range (Grade 0/1) was documented in 21 (32%) of the 65 Group 1 patients, 5 (10%) of the 50 Group 2 patients, and 9 (15.5%) of the 58 Group 3 patients. Severe (Grade 3/4) deficits affected 25% of Group 1, 54% of Group 2, and 50% of Group 3 patients. Patients < 5 years at diagnosis had greater ototoxicity than older patients had, with adolescents/adults being the least affected. Findings were stable in repeated assessments over 2 or more years.

CONCLUSIONS.

Ototoxicity is a serious and pervasive problem in this patient population. Strategies to ameliorate ototoxicity without compromising on antitumor activity of treatments are urgently needed. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Model of luminance contrast‐sensitivity function for application to image assessment
Authors: Westland Stephen , Owens Huw , Cheung Vien , Paterson‐Stephens Iain
Published: June 2006

The contrast‐sensitivity function (CSF) is a measure of fundamental spatiochromatic properties of the human visual system. It is typically measured at the detection threshold for the psychophysically defined cardinal channels: luminance, red–green, and yellow–blue. Recent measurements of luminance contrast sensitivity show that the sensitivity of the luminance channel is less for chromatic stimuli than for achromatic stimuli. This chromatic effect has important implications for both human and machine vision. The chromatic effect on luminance contrast sensitivity has been modeled in this work based upon an existing model published by Barten. Barten's model was chosen as the starting point for this work because it is analytical, relatively simple, and can predict those effects that are important for image analysis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 315–319, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20230.
A general moment generating function for MRC diversity over fading channels with Gaussian channel gains
Authors: Yen Rainfield Y. , Liu Hong‐Yu
Published: June 2006

For maximal ratio combining (MRC) diversity over correlated fading channels with Gaussian channel gains, we utilize unitary diagonalization of the channel covariance matrix to decorrelate the physical channels into uncorrelated virtual channels to obtain the moment generating function (MGF) of the received signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). The MGF thus obtained has a compact form and can be universally applied to various popular fading models. In addition to the advantage of simple derivation procedure, this general MGF can be readily modified to express various scenarios of channel power distributions as well as joint fading models. To demonstrate these advantages, we use the generalized Ricean fading as a specific example to compare our derivation and our MGF expression with an existing work in the literature. Again, we present numerical simulations for MRC reception of binary phase shift keying (BPSK) signals over Nakagami fading to compare with existing results appearing in the literature. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impaired functional connectivity at EEG alpha and theta frequency bands in major depression
Authors: Fingelkurts Andrew A. , Fingelkurts Alexander A. , Rytsälä Heikki , Suominen Kirsi , Isometsä Erkki , Kähkönen Seppo
Published: June 2006

Recent reports on functional brain imaging in major depression have lead to an assumption that observed psychopathology might be related to an altered brain functional connectivity. Our hypothesis was that an increase in brain functional connectivity occurs in major depression. As a measure of functional connectivity, the electroencephalogram (EEG) structural synchrony approach was used in 12 medication‐free depressive outpatients and 10 control subjects. Differences in the number and strength of structurally synchronized EEG patterns were compared between groups. In depressive patients the number and strength of short cortex functional connections were significantly larger for the left than for the right hemisphere, while the number and strength of long functional connections were significantly larger for the right than for the left hemisphere. Some of the functional connections were positively correlated with the severity of depression, thus being predictive. These were short‐range anterior, posterior, and left hemisphere functional connections for the alpha frequency band and short‐range anterior functional connections for the theta frequency band. The topology of the most representative functional connections among all patients with major depression indicated that the right anterior and left posterior brain parts may discriminate depressive patients from healthy controls. The obtained data support our hypothesis that there is an increase in brain functional connectivity in major depression. This finding was interpreted within the semantic framework, where different specialization of left (monosemantic context) and right (polysemantic context) hemispheres is functionally insufficient in patients with depression. Hum Brain Mapp, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fornix transection impairs exploration but not locomotion in ambulatory macaque monkeys
Authors: Kwok Sze Chai , Buckley Mark J.
Published: June 2006

Prompted by the theoretical prediction that damage to the hippocampal system should abolish exploratory behavior, the present study examined exploratory movements in control monkeys (CON) and monkeys with transection of the fornix (FNX), a major input/output pathway of the hippocampus. CON and FNX monkeys were introduced to a novel octagonal chamber for six daily sessions, each lasting 20 min. Both groups visited, punctuated by stops, the majority of the floor space of the environment in each of the sessions. The exploratory movements of CON and FNX groups were not significantly different on most of the measures taken over six consecutive days. These measures included cumulative distance traveled, number and duration of stops, traveling patterns, and proportion of time spent in each of 12 designated zones of floor space. The high degree of similarity in behavior between CON and FNX groups suggests that an intact hippocampal system is not necessary for the display of normal exploratory movement per se. On the other hand, the CON and FNX groups did behave differently on two measures. First, the CON group exhibited a decrement in distance traversed over consecutive epochs within the first test session, whereas FNX animals did not. Second, on those days in which the chamber was made visually asymmetrical, the CON animals tended to show a predilection for spending proportionally more time within one particular quadrant of the chamber. These observations are consistent with the idea that interrupting normal hippocampal system function by means of fornix transection is detrimental to learning about the spatial layout of environments. We therefore suggest that while monkeys with fornix transection still display intact locomotor and exploratory behavior patterns, their new learning of visuospatial context is impaired. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simple microindentation technique for mapping the microscale compliance of soft hydrated materials and tissues
Authors: Jacot Jeffrey G. , Dianis Scott , Schnall Joshua , Wong Joyce Y.
Published: June 2006

Several recent studies have shown that cells respond to the elastic modulus and elasticity gradients on soft substrates. However, traditional macroscale methods for measuring elastic modulus cannot resolve elastic gradients or differences between the macroscale and microscale elastic modulus of layered tissues. Here, we present a technique for measurement of the microscale elastic modulus of soft, hydrated gels and tissues. This technique requires less equipment than equivalent atomic force microscopy (AFM) and can easily measure larger samples with high adhesiveness. We validate this technique by measuring the microscale modulus of a hydrogel with elasticity that does not depend on measurement scale. We show that the elastic modulus measured using microindentation correlates with measurements using AFM and the macroscale tensile modulus. We verified the ability of this technique to characterize a hydrogel with an elastic gradient of 2.2 kPa/mm across 19 mm and to measure the microscale elastic modulus of the endothelial side of human greater saphenous vein, which is an order of magnitude less than the whole vein macroscale modulus. This simple, inexpensive system allows the measurement of the spatial organization of microscale elastic properties of fully hydrated, soft gels and tissues as a routine laboratory technique. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
A homozygous frameshift mutation in the ESCO2 gene: Evidence of intertissue and interindividual variation in Nmd efficiency
Authors: Resta Nicoletta , Susca Francesco Claudio , Di Giacomo Marilena C. , Stella Alessandro , Bukvic Nenad , Bagnulo Rosanna , Simone Cristiano , Guanti Ginevra
Published: June 2006

Roberts syndrome (RS) is a rare disorder characterized by tetraphocomelia and several other clinical features. Cells from RS patients exhibit characteristic premature separation of heterochromatic region of many chromosomes and abnormalities in cell cycle. Mutations in the ESCO2 gene have recently been identified in 20 RS families. We performed mutational analysis of the ESCO2 gene in two fetuses diagnosed with RS and their normal parents. In both fetuses, we identified homozygosity for the c. 745_746delGT mutation, while the non‐consanguineous parents were both heterozygous for the same mutation. Considering the position of the mutation identified, we carried out qualitative and quantitative real‐time ESCO2 cDNA analysis on RNA isolated from CVS‐stromal cells in one fetus, amniocytes in the second fetus, and lymphocytes from the heterozygous parents. The results of this analysis showed that despite the presence of a premature termination codon (PTC) 112 nucleotides upstream of the next exon3–exon4 junction, the mutant ESCO2 mRNA was present in both fetuses, albeit at low levels, indicating a partial resistance to nonsense mediated decay (NMD). Interestingly, when cells derived from the two fetuses were treated with an inhibitor of translation, they revealed the presence of tissue and individual variability in NMD efficiency, despite the identical mutational status. The existence of such a variation in the NMD efficiency could explain the broad intrafamilial and interfamilial variability in the clinical presentation of RS patients, and in other genetic diseases where nonsense mutations are responsible for most of the mutation load. Moreover, considering that a mutated full length mRNA was produced in both fetuses, we used Western blot analysis to demonstrate the absence of the ESCO2‐truncated protein in cells derived from both fetuses and in a lymphoblastoid cell line derived from the parents. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 67–73, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Implant wear induces inflammation, but not osteoclastic bone resorption, in RANK–/– mice
Authors: Ren Weiping , Wu Bin , Peng Xin , Hua Jing , Hao Hsiao‐Nan , Wooley Paul H.
Published: June 2006

Signaling of RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B) through its ligand RANKL appears critical in osteolysis associated with aseptic loosening (AL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of RANK in a murine osteolysis model developed in RANK knockout (RANK–/–) mice. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) debris was introduced into established air pouches on RANK–/– mice, followed by implantation of calvaria bone from syngeneic littermates. Wild type C57BL/6 (RANK+/+) mice injected with either UHMWPE or saline alone were included in this study. Pouch tissues were collected 14 days after UHMWPE inoculation for molecular and histology analysis. Results showed that UHMWPE stimulation induced strong pouch tissue inflammation in RANK–/– mice, as manifested by inflammatory cellular infiltration, pouch tissue proliferation, and increased gene expression of IL‐1β, TNFα, and RANKL. However, the UHMWPE‐induced inflammation in RANK–/– mice was not associated with the osteoclastic bone resorption observed in RANK+/+ mice. In RANK+/+ mice subjected to UHMWPE stimulation, a large number of TRAP+ cells were found on the implanted bone surface, where active osteoclastic bone resorption was observed. No TRAP+ cells were found in UHMWPE‐containing pouch tissues of RANK–/– mice. Consistent with the lack of osteoclastic activity shown by TRAP staining, no significant UHMWPE particle‐induced bone resorption was found in RANK–/– mice. A well preserved bone collagen content (Van Gieson staining) and normal plateau surface contour [microcomputed tomography (µCT)] of implanted bone was observed in RANK–/– mice subjected to UHMWPE stimulation. In conclusion, this study provides the evidence that UHMWPE particles induce strong inflammatory responses, but not associated with osteoclastic bone resorption in RANK–/– mice. This indicates that RANK signaling is essential for UHMWPE particle‐induced osteoclastic bone resorption, but does not participate in UHMWPE particle‐induced inflammatory response. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1575–1586, 2006
The entrapment of corrosion products from CoCr implant alloys in the deposits of calcium phosphate: A comparison of serum, synovial fluid, albumin, EDTA, and water
Authors: Lewis A. C. , Kilburn M. R. , Heard P. J. , Scott T. B. , Hallam K. R. , Allen G. C. , Learmonth I. D.
Published: June 2006

Physical wear of orthopedic implants is inevitable. CoCr alloy samples, typically used in joint reconstruction, corrode rapidly after removal of the protective oxide layer. The behavior of CoCr pellets immersed in human serum, foetal bovine serum (FBS), synovial fluid, albumin in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), EDTA in PBS, and water were studied using X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Time‐of‐Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF‐SIMS). The difference in the corrosive nature of human serum, water, albumin in PBS and synovial fluid after 5 days of immersion was highlighted by the oxide layer, which was respectively 15, 3.5, 1.5, and 1.5 nm thick. The thickness of an additional calcium phosphate deposit from human serum and synovial fluid was 40 and 2 nm, respectively. Co and Cr ions migrated from the bulk metal surface and were trapped in this deposit by the phosphate anion. This may account for the composition of wear debris from CoCr orthopedic implants, which is known to consist predominantly of hydroxy‐phosphate compounds. Known components of synovial fluid including proteoglycans, pyrophosphates, phospholipids, lubricin, and superficial zone protein (SZP), have been identified as possible causes for the lack of significant calcium phosphate deposition in this environment. Circulation of these compounds around the whole implant may inhibit calcium phosphate deposition. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1587–1596, 2006
Limitations of using aggrecan and type X collagen as markers of chondrogenesis in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Authors: Mwale Fackson , Stachura Dorothy , Roughley Peter , Antoniou John
Published: June 2006

The study was initially designed to differentiate human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into chondrocyte‐like cells, for use in tissue engineering. We cultured MSCs in defined chondrogenic medium as pellet cultures supplemented with transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 or ‐β3 and dexamethazone, as they are commonly used to promote in vitro chondrogenesis. Markers of chondrogenesis used were type II collagen and aggrecan, with type X collagen being used as a marker of late‐stage chondrocyte hypertrophy (associated with endochondral ossification). Our results show that aggrecan is constitutively expressed by MSCs and that type X collagen is expressed as an early event. Furthermore, we found that type X collagen was expressed before type II collagen in some cases. This is surprising because it is understood that stem cells have to be differentiated into chondrocytes before they can become hypertrophic. Thus, caution must be exercised when using aggrecan and type X collagen as markers for chondrogenesis and chondrocyte hypertrophy, respectively, in association with stem cell differentiation from this source. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1791–1798, 2006
Antioxidant capacity and secondary metabolites in four species of Andean tuber crops: native potato (Solanum sp.), mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavón), Oca (Oxalis tuberosa Molina) and ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus Caldas)
Authors: Campos David , Noratto Giuliana , Chirinos Rosana , Arbizu Carlos , Roca Willian , Cisneros‐Zevallos Luis
Published: June 2006

Four species of edible tubers endemic to and domesticated in the Andes, native potato (Solanum sp.), mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavón), oca (Oxalis tuberosa Molina) and ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus Caldas), were studied for their antioxidant capacity and associated secondary metabolites. The antioxidant capacity was measured using ABTS− radicals and total phenolics, carotenoids, anthocyanin, betaxanthin and betacyanin content were also characterized. The antioxidant capacity found in the crops studied ranged from 483 to 9800 µg trolox equiv. g−1, phenolics ranged from 0.41 to 3.37 mg chlorogenic acid equiv. g−1, anthocyanins ranged from 0.08 to 2.05 mg cyanidin 3‐glucoside g−1 and carotenoids ranged from 1 to 25 µg β‐carotene g−1. The content of bioactive compounds was high and variable between crops and within the genotypes studied. In general, mashua tubers showed the highest antioxidant capacity and phenolic, anthocyanin and carotenoid content compared with other crops. Ulluco was the only crop that contained betalains in the acid form of betaxanthins (22–96 µg g−1) and betacyanins (64 µg g−1) with no presence of carotenoids or anthocyanins. This is the first publication regarding the antioxidant capacity of and associated secondary metabolites in Andean tubers. This information can be useful in the identification of Andean tubers species and genotypes with potential value as a novel dietary source of antioxidants for food, and also for medicinal use. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry