bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in situ toxicity assay with the local phytoplankton community
Authors: Moreira-Santos Matilde , Antunes Sara C , Gonçalves Fernando , Soares Amadeu M.V.M , Ribeiro Rui
Published: October 2010

The present study describes an approach for toxicity estimates based on the in situ exposure of the local phytoplankton community immobilized in calcium-alginate beads. The assay was deployed in an acid mine drainage-impacted system, at a reference site and an impacted site. Abundances and growth rates of major taxonomic groups (green algae, flagellates, diatoms, and cyanobacteria) and of the entire community were measured. The ecological relevance of classical toxicity estimates was evaluated by performing in situ and laboratory assays with the standard species Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris. Site waters were tested without and with nutrient enrichment, to discriminate toxic effects from those caused by nutrient limitations. Despite the occurrence of growth-limiting conditions for the local phytoplankton within the alginate matrix, an impact of the mine effluent on the community was detected. The growth of the community and of all taxonomic groups, except for the cyanobacteria, was less at the impacted site than at the reference site, although adding nutrients partially compensated for the effluent detrimental effects. Shifts in the community structure were also provoked by the mine effluent; decreases in the abundance of green algae were paralleled by increases in the abundance of flagellates and diatoms, but mainly of cyanobacteria. Effects on the growth of both standard species of green algae were in conformity with those on the local phytoplankton, probably because the latter was dominated by green algae. Although future improvements regarding the cell immobilization technique should be attempted, the proposed easy and inexpensive approach to assess both the growth and the structure of local phytoplankton communities will allow more environmentally realistic site-specific assessments of water quality. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:196–205. © 2010 SETAC
Environmental risk assessment of three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the aquatic environment: A case study including a cocktail scenario
Authors: Styrishave Bjarne , Halling-Sørensen Bent , Ingerslev Flemming
Published: October 2010

We present an environmental risk assessment of three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; citalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine) in the aquatic environment based on two case scenarios. Abiotic and biotic degradation experiments and sorption estimates were used to predict environmental concentrations of three SSRIs from the wastewater of two psychiatric hospitals, the primary sector, and wastewater entering and leaving wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Assuming a sewage treatment retention time of 8 h, abiotic degradation was low, for all three SSRIs inhibitors, ranging between 0 and 2% for hydrolysis and 0 and 6% for photolysis. The biodegradation was also slow, ranging from 0 to 3% within an 8-h period. In untreated sewage, citalopram (CIT) and sertraline (SER) concentrations may be high enough to exert effects on the aquatic biota (CIT: 0.19–10.3 µg/L; SER: 0.14–17.1 µg/L). Removal of the pharmaceuticals is due primarily to sorption in the WWTP. Sertraline was estimated to have the highest concentrations in the sewage effluents, 4.4 and 19.9 ng/L for the two cases, respectively. In treated wastewater, individual SSRI concentrations are probably too low to exert effects on biota. By using concentration addition, a cocktail exposure scenario was estimated. The predicted concentration in the biota calculated from the cocktail effect was 0.05 and 0.16 nmol/g for the two cases, respectively, and SER was found to give the highest contribution to this cocktail effect. The results indicate that the concentrations in the wastewater effluents are one to two orders of magnitude lower than the concentrations likely to cause an effect in the aquatic biota. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:254–261. © 2010 SETAC
Apple orchard pest control strategies affect bird communities in southeastern France
Authors: Bouvier Jean-Charles , Ricci Benoît , Agerberg Julia , Lavigne Claire
Published: October 2010

Birds are regarded as appropriate biological indicators of how changes in agricultural practices affect the environment. They are also involved in the biocontrol of pests. In the present study, we provide an assessment of the impact of pest control strategies on bird communities in apple orchards in southeastern France. We compared the structure (abundance, species richness, and diversity) of breeding bird communities in 15 orchards under conventional or organic pest control over a three-year period (2003–2005). Pest control strategies and their evolution over time were characterized by analyzing farmers' treatment schedules. The landscape surrounding the orchards was characterized using a Geographic Information System. We observed 30 bird species overall. Bird abundance, species richness, and diversity were all affected by pest control strategies, and were highest in organic orchards and lowest in conventional orchards during the three study years. The pest control strategy affected insectivores more than granivores. We further observed a tendency for bird communities in integrated pest management orchards to change over time and become increasingly different from communities in organic orchards, which also corresponded to changes in treatment schedules. These findings indicate that within-orchard bird communities may respond quickly to changes in pesticide use and may, in turn, influence biocontrol of pests by birds. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:212–219. © 2010 SETAC
Meeting vaccination quality measures for hepatitis A and B virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection
Authors: Kramer Jennifer R. , Hachem Christine Y. , Kanwal Fasiha , Mei Minghua , El-Serag Hashem B.
Published: October 2010

Coinfection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has identified HAV and HBV vaccination as a priority area for quality measurement in HCV. It is unclear to what extent patients with HCV meet these recommendations. We used national data from the Department of Veterans Affairs HCV Clinical Case Registry to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of meeting the quality measure (QM) of receiving vaccination or documented immunity to HAV and HBV in patients with chronic HCV. We identified 88,456 patients who had overall vaccination rates of 21.9% and 20.7% for HBV and HAV, respectively. The QM rates were 57.0% and 45.5% for HBV and HAV, respectively. Patients who were nonwhite or who had elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, cirrhosis, or human immunodeficiency virus were more likely to meet the HBV QM. Factors related to HCV care were also determinants of meeting the HBV QM. These factors included receiving a specialist consult, genotype testing, or HCV treatment. Patients who were older, had psychosis, and had a higher comorbidity score were less likely to meet the HBV QM. With a few exceptions, similar variables were related to meeting the HAV QM. The incidence of superinfection with acute HBV and HAV was low, but it was significantly lower in patients who received vaccination than in those who did not.

Conclusion

: Quality measure rates for HAV and HBV are suboptimal for patients with chronic HCV. In addition, several patient-related factors and receiving HCV-related care are associated with a higher likelihood of meeting QMs. (Hepatology 2011)
The role of recollection and familiarity in the functional differentiation of the medial temporal lobes
Authors: Montaldi Daniela , Mayes Andrew R.
Published: October 2010

The components of the medial temporal lobes (MTL) receive different kinds of input. The perirhinal cortex receives primarily object/item information, the parahippocampal cortex receives contextual information, and the hippocampus receives high‐level inputs that include object/item, context, and other information. Critically, the perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices have similar cytoarchitectonics, which differ considerably from that of the hippocampus and suggest that these cortices process their inputs differently from the way that the hippocampus processes its inputs. Much evidence indicates that the hippocampus is designed to rapidly bind together pattern‐separated representations that support recall/recollectioni well. In contrast, the newer MTL cortices rapidly create poorly pattern‐separated memories that support familiarity well, but recall/recollection very poorly. For over a decade, there has been disagreement about whether recall/recollection is primarily mediated by the hippocampus and familiarity by the evolutionarily newer MTL cortices or whether the MTL mediates these kinds of memory in an integrated, homogeneous fashion. Common misconceptions about familiarity, recollection, item, and associative memory are discussed as are methodological problems with MTL lesion and functional imaging research. The possible confound of familiarity with weaker memory and recollection with stronger memory is discussed and the implications of the Montaldi et al. (2006) functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) study, which matched memory strength between strong familiarity and recollection, finding that only recollection activated the hippocampus, are discussed. A suggestion is made about how the long‐running conflict of findings in the human hippocampal lesion literature may be resolved. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microarray analysis of rat hippocampus exposed to excitotoxicity: Reversal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger NCX3 is overexpressed in glial cells
Authors: Ortuño‐Sahagún Daniel , Rivera‐Cervantes Martha C. , Gudiño‐Cabrera Graciela , Junyent Felix , Verdaguer Ester , Auladell Carme , Pallàs Mercè , Camins Antoni , Beas‐Zárate Carlos
Published: October 2010

Multiple factors are involved in the glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity phenomenon, such as overload of ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, excess Ca2+ influx, nitric oxide synthase activation, oxidative damage due to increase in free radicals, and release of endogenous polyamine, among others. In order to attempt a more integrated approach to address this issue, we established, by microarray analysis, the hippocampus gene expression profiles under glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity conditions. Increased gene expression is mainly related to excitotoxicity (CaMKII, glypican 2, GFAP, NCX3, IL‐2, and Gmeb2) or with cell damage response (dynactin and Ecel1). Several genes that augmented their expression are related to glutamatergic system modulation, in particular with NMDA receptor modulation and calcium homeostasis (IL‐2, CaMKII, acrosin, Gmeb2, hAChE, Slc83a, and SP1 factor). Conversely, among genes that diminished their expression, we found the Syngap 1, which is downregulated by CaMKII, and the MHC II, which is downregulated by glutamate. Changes observed in gene expression induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) neonatal treatment in the hippocampus are consistent with the activation of the mechanisms that modulate NMDA receptor function as well as with the implementation of plastic response to cell damage and intracellular calcium homeostasis. Regarding this aspect, we report here that NCX3/Slc8a3, a Na+/Ca2+ membrane exchanger, is highly expressed in astrocytes, both in vitro and in vivo, in response to glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity. Hence, the results of this analysis present a broad view of the expression profile elicited by MSG neonatal treatment, and lead us to suggest the possible molecular pathways of action and reaction involved under this experimental model of excitotoxicity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The unitary model for estrogen deficiency and the pathogenesis of osteoporosis: Is a revision needed?
Authors: Khosla Sundeep , Melton L Joseph , Riggs B Lawrence
Published: October 2010

Over a decade ago, we proposed a “unitary” model for the pathogenesis of osteoporosis that identified estrogen deficiency as the predominant cause of both the early, accelerated, and late slow phases of bone loss in postmenopausal women and as a contributing cause of the continuous phase of bone loss in aging men. While this was a plausible model then, new data over the intervening years suggest a need to modify these concepts. Indeed, based largely on rodent studies, a “revisionist” view of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis has been proposed recently that attempts a paradigm shift from the estrogen-centric model to one in which bone loss is largely independent of estrogen deficiency and is driven instead by cell-autonomous age-related factors. However, detailed clinical investigative studies using quantitative computed tomography demonstrate that the onset of cortical bone loss in humans is closely tied to estrogen deficiency; thus the estrogen-centric view is likely correct for cortical bone, which comprises over 80% of the skeleton and is the major structural determinant of fracture risk at most skeletal sites. By contrast, these same studies also demonstrate that trabecular bone loss begins in sex hormone–replete young adults of both sexes. This suggests that a significant proportion of trabecular bone loss is either estrogen-independent or, as suggested by some studies, requires higher levels for its regulation. In this perspective, we critically review these and other findings, leading us to conclude that our original model requires modification but not revision. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Serum fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and fracture risk in elderly men
Authors: Mirza Majd AI , Karlsson Magnus K , Mellström Dan , Orwoll Eric , Ohlsson Claes , Ljunggren Östen , Larsson Tobias E
Published: October 2010

A normal mineral metabolism is integral for skeletal development and preservation of bone integrity. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a bone-derived circulating factor that decreases serum concentrations of inorganic phosphorous (Pi) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. Increased FGF-23 expression is a direct or indirect culprit in several skeletal disorders; however, the relation between FGF-23 and fracture risk remains undetermined. We evaluated the prospective relation between serum intact FGF-23 (measured by a two-site monoclonal antibody ELISA) and fracture risk employing the Swedish part of the population-based Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS; n = 2868; mean age 75.4 ± 3.2 years; median follow-up period 3.35 years). The incidence of at least one validated fracture after baseline was 20.4 per 1000 person-years. FGF-23 was directly related to the overall fracture risk [age-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) per SD increase = 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.40] and vertebral fracture risk (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.02–1.75). Spline models revealed a nonlinear relation between FGF-23 and fracture risk, with the strongest relation at FGF-23 levels above 55.7 pg/mL. FGF-23 levels above 55.7 pg/mL also were associated with an increased risk for hip and nonvertebral fractures (HR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.16–4.58, and HR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.01–2.63, respectively). These relations remained essentially unaltered after adjustment for bodymass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), glomerular filtration rate, 25(OH)2D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and other fracture risk factors. In conclusion, FGF-23 is a novel predictor of fracture risk in elderly men. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Growth hormone mediates pubertal skeletal development independent of hepatic IGF-1 production
Authors: Courtland Hayden-William , Sun Hui , Beth-On Mordechay , Wu Yingjie , Elis Sebastien , Rosen Clifford J , Yakar Shoshana
Published: October 2010

Deficiencies in either growth hormone (GH) or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are associated with reductions in bone size during growth in humans and animal models. Liver-specific IGF-1-deficient (LID) mice, which have 75% reductions in serum IGF-1, were created previously to separate the effects of endocrine (serum) IGF-1 from autocrine/paracrine IGF-1. However, LID mice also have two- to threefold increases in GH, and this may contribute to the observed pubertal skeletal phenotype. To clarify the role of GH in skeletal development under conditions of significantly reduced serum IGF-1 levels (but normal tissue IGF-1 levels), we studied the skeletal response of male LID and control mice to GH inhibition by pegvisomant from 4 to 8 weeks of age. Treatment of LID mice with pegvisomant resulted in significant reductions in body weight, femur length (Le), and femur total area (Tt.Ar), as well as further reductions in serum IGF-1 levels by 8 weeks of age, compared with the mean values of vehicle-treated LID mice. Reductions in both Tt.Ar and Le were proportional after treatment with pegvisomant. On the other hand, the relative amount of cortical tissue formed (RCA) in LID mice treated with pegvisomant was significantly less than that in both vehicle-treated LID and control mice, indicating that antagonizing GH action, either directly (through GH receptor signaling inhibition) or indirectly (through further reductions in serum/tissue IGF-1 levels), results in disproportionate reductions in the amount of cortical bone formed. This resulted in bones with significantly reduced mechanical properties (femoral whole-bone stiffness and work to failure were markedly decreased), suggesting that compensatory increases of GH in states of IGF-1 deficiency (LID mice) act to protect against a severe inhibition of bone modeling during growth, which otherwise would result in bones that are too weak for normal and/or extreme loading conditions. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Adolescent knowledge of schizophrenia and social distancing: a province‐wide survey
Authors: Faulkner Guy , Irving Hyacinth , Paglia‐Boak Angela , Adlaf Edward
Published: October 2010

Stigma is a significant barrier to the improvement of the lives of people with schizophrenia. Little is known about the emergence of stigmatizing attitudes developmentally. The purpose of this study was to provide a provincial assessment of adolescent knowledge about schizophrenia and to identify the relationship between adolescent knowledge and social distance toward people with schizophrenia. Data were derived from the 2005 cycle of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. In total, 3,117, 7th‐ to 12th‐graders completed self‐administered questionnaires that included a measure of schizophrenia knowledge and social distancing. Results indicated that the majority of adolescents had some knowledge about schizophrenia and low social distancing toward people with schizophrenia. Greater knowledge, increasing age, being female, and lower parental education were associated with less distancing attitudes. Educational campaigns to reduce stigma may still be warranted as one component of broader multilevel interventions to overcome mental illness stigma. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of resource constraints on the psychological well‐being of survivors of intimate partner violence over time
Authors: Beeble Marisa L. , Bybee Deborah , Sullivan Cris M.
Published: October 2010

This study examined the impact of resource constraints on the psychological well‐being of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), testing whether resource constraints is one mechanism that partially mediates the relationship between IPV and women's well‐being. Although within‐woman changes in resource constraints did not mediate the relationship between change in physical abuse and change in well‐being, change in resource constraints fully explained the relationship between change in psychological abuse and change in psychological well‐being over time. Survivors' resource constraints were fully responsible for the significant mental health consequences that women experienced after psychological abuse. Between‐women differences in initial resource constraints were also examined; however, they did not mediate the relationship between women's earlier experiences of abuse and change in their well‐being over time. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The components of resilience—Perceptions of an Australian rural community
Authors: Buikstra Elizabeth , Ross Helen , King Christine A. , Baker Peter G. , Hegney Desley , McLachlan Kathryn , Rogers‐Clark Cath
Published: October 2010

Resilience, of individuals, is a well‐established concept in the psychology/mental health literatures, but has been little explored in relation to communities. Related theory in the community development and social impact assessment literature provides insight into qualities and assets of communities that enable them to develop effectively or to adapt to major changes. This article reports the components of community and individual resilience identified through a participatory action research study within a rural Australian community. These are social networks and support; positive outlook; learning; early experiences; environment and lifestyle; infrastructure and support services; sense of purpose; diverse and innovative economy; embracing differences; beliefs; and leadership. These components entail interactions between individuals, the community, infrastructure, the environment and the economy in the process of building resilience. The findings extend from previous research by recognizing environmental and economic factors, infrastructure and support services, as enhancing resilience, and expand the limited evidence base for those wishing to promote resilience at the community scale. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and biological screening of 4‐(3,3‐dimethylspiro{bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan‐2,5′‐isoxazoline‐2}‐ 3′‐yl)‐2‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐1,5‐benzodiazepines
Authors: Naqvi Tahira , Mahajan Deepali , Sharma Rattan Lal , Khan Inshad Ali , Kapoor Kamal K.
Published: October 2010

A series of novel 4‐(3,3‐dimethylspiro{bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan‐2,5′‐isoxazoline‐2}‐3′‐yl)‐2‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐1,5‐benzodiazepines were synthesized. These molecules were screenedin vitrofor their antifungal and antibacterial activity, and none of the tested compounds showed promising antimicrobial or antifungal activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2011.
Iron‐catalyzed tandem reactions of aldehydes, terminal alkynes, and primary amines as a strategy for the synthesis of quinoline derivatives
Authors: Zhang Yicheng , Li Pinhua , Wang Lei
Published: October 2010

FeCl3‐catalyzed three‐component tandem condensation/addition/cyclization/oxidation reactions of aldehydes, terminal alkynes, and primary amines have been developed. The processes can provide a diverse range of quinoline derivatives in good yields from simple starting materials. A possible reaction mechanism was proposed. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Synthesis of norcantharidin‐dimer derivatives
Authors: Deng Liping , Yong Zhang , Tao Weifeng , Shen Jianfeng , Wang Wei
Published: October 2010

We use one molecule of ethylene diamine as a connecting arm to combine two molecules of 5,6‐dehydronorcantharidin. Then, ten novel norcantharidin derivatives were synthesized in a single step by the [3 + 2] 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction with oxime or hydrazone in the presence of chloramine‐T, which is simpler than the conventional method. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 2011.
Zinc in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Yang Chao‐Hui , Ko Ming‐Tse , Peng Jyh‐Ping , Hwang Chung‐Feng
Published: October 2010

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The objective of this study was to investigate whether zinc supplementation can enhance the recovery of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Study Design:

Prospective, randomized study.

Methods:

The 66 SSNHL patients who participated in this study were randomly divided into two groups: 33 were given corticosteroid treatment (control group) and 33 were given oral zinc gluconate plus corticosteroid treatment (zinc group). Serum zinc levels were checked before treatment in both groups and after zinc supplementation in the zinc group. Hearing gain and percentage of recovery were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The correlation between the serum zinc level changes and hearing recovery was also analyzed.

Results:

A significantly larger hearing gain, an increased percentage of recovery, and an increased rate of successful recovery were seen in the zinc group compared with the control group (all P < .05). There was a significant correlation between serum zinc level changes and posttreatment hearing thresholds by correlation analysis (P < .05), as well as between changes of serum zinc levels and percentage of recovery in the zinc group (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Zinc supplementation may enhance the hearing recovery of SSNHL patients. Its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects may help reduce the oxidative stress of the cochlea in SSNHL, implying a new direction in the treatment of this disease. Laryngoscope, 2011
High‐resolution satellite imagery for detection of tracks and vegetation damage caused by all‐terrain vehicles (ATVs) in Northern Norway
Authors: Tømmervik H. , Johansen B. , Høgda K.A. , Strann K.B.
Published: October 2010

Use of all‐terrain vehicles (ATVs) in vulnerable environments may cause vegetation and soil erosion that will last for a long time. In northern parts of Norway, the growing use of ATVs off‐road has made considerable damage to the environment. In Troms County, the Norwegian Army has exercise and shooting ranges (battlefields) where there has been extensive use of light, medium and heavy armored military vehicles and ATVs for decades. The main objective of this study has been to test the feasibility of high spatial resolution satellite imagery as Ikonos and Quickbird in combination with fieldwork to detect tracks and damage caused by heavy armoured military vehicles (tanks) as well as medium and light ATVs. Applying simple image processing techniques, this study showed that larger parts of these areas were influenced and even small tracks and minor damage on the vegetation caused by small ATVs were easily detected. The total length of the tracks within the battlefields was calculated to be c. 1000 km. Using a zone of damage/influence of 50 m on each side of the tracks, the damaged and/or influenced area by ATVs was estimated to cover 56 km2 (17 per cent) of the total area of 334 km2. The conclusion of this study is that high‐resolution optical satellite images are well suited for surveying damage on the vegetation caused by terrain vehicles in northern Norway. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term MR cell tracking of neural stem cells grafted in immunocompetent versus immunodeficient mice reveals distinct differences in contrast between live and dead cells
Authors: Berman Stacey Cromer , Galpoththawela Chulani , Gilad Assaf A. , Bulte Jeff W. M. , Walczak Piotr
Published: October 2010

Neural stem cell (NSC)‐based therapy is actively being pursued in preclinical and clinical disease models. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cell tracking promises to optimize current cell transplantation paradigms, however, it is limited by dilution of contrast agent during cellular proliferation, transfer of label from dying cells to surrounding endogenous host cells, and/or biodegradation of the label. Here, we evaluated the applicability of magnetic resonance imaging for long‐term tracking of transplanted neural stem cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide and transfected with the bioluminescence reporter gene luciferase. Mouse neural stem cells were transplanted into immunodeficient, graft‐accepting Rag2 mice or immunocompetent, graft‐rejecting Balb/c mice. Hypointense voxel signals and bioluminescence were monitored over a period of 93 days. Unexpectedly, in mice that rejected the cells, the hypointense MR signal persisted throughout the entire time‐course, whereas in the nonrejecting mice, the contrast cleared at a faster rate. In immunocompetent, graft‐rejecting Balb/c mice, infiltrating leukocytes, and microglia were found surrounding dead cells and internalizing superparamagnetic iron oxide clusters. The present results indicate that live cell proliferation and associated label dilution may dominate contrast clearance as compared with cell death and subsequent transfer and retention of superparamagnetic iron oxide within phagocytes and brain interstitium. Thus, interpretation of signal changes during long‐term MR cell tracking is complex and requires caution. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduction of artifacts in T2‐weighted PROPELLER in high‐field preclinical imaging
Authors: Pandit Prachi , Qi Yi , King Kevin F. , Johnson G. Allan
Published: October 2010

A simple technique is implemented for correction of artifacts arising from nonuniform T2‐weighting of k‐space data in fast spin echo–based PROPELLER (periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction). An additional blade with no phase‐encoding gradients is acquired to generate the scaling factor used for the correction. Results from simulations and phantom experiments, as well as in vivo experiments in free‐breathing mice, demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method. This technique is developed specifically for high‐field imaging applications where T2 decay is rapid. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Depicting adoptive immunotherapy for prostate cancer in an animal model with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Meier Reinhard , Golovko Daniel , Tavri Sidhartha , Henning Tobias D. , Knopp Christiane , Piontek Guido , Rudelius Martina , Heinrich Petra , Wels Winfried S. , Daldrup‐Link Heike
Published: October 2010

Genetically modified natural killer (NK) cells that recognize tumor‐associated surface antigens have recently shown promise as a novel approach for cancer immunotherapy. To determine NK cell therapy response early, a real‐time, noninvasive method to quantify NK cell homing to the tumor is desirable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if MR imaging could provide a noninvasive, in vivo diagnosis of NK cell accumulation in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)‐positive prostate cancers in a rat xenograft model. Genetically engineered NK‐92‐scFv(MOC31)‐ζ cells, which express a chimeric antigen receptor specific to the tumor‐associated EpCAM antigen, and nontargeted NK‐92 cells were labeled with superparamagnetic particles of iron‐oxides (SPIO) ferumoxides. Twelve athymic rats with implanted EpCAM positive DU145 prostate cancers received intravenous injections of 1.5 × 107 SPIO labeled NK‐92 and NK‐92‐scFv(MOC31)‐ζ cells. EpCAM‐positive prostate cancers demonstrated a progressive and a significant decline in contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio data at 1 and 24 h after injection of SPIO‐labeled NK‐92‐scFv(MOC31)‐ζ cells. Conversely, tumor contrast‐to‐noise‐ratio data did not change significantly after injection of SPIO‐labeled parental NK‐92 cells. Histopathology confirmed an accumulation of the genetically engineered NK‐92‐scFv(MOC31)‐ζ cells in prostate cancers. Thus, the presence or absence of a tumor accumulation of therapeutic NK cells can be monitored with cellular MR imaging. EpCAM‐directed, SPIO labeled NK‐92‐scFv(MOC31)‐ζ cells accumulate in EpCAM‐positive prostate cancers. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MRI resolution enhancement: How useful are shifted images obtained by changing the demodulation frequency?
Authors: Tieng Quang M. , Cowin Gary J. , Reutens David C. , Galloway Graham J. , Vegh Viktor
Published: October 2010

Super‐resolution reconstruction is a process by which a set of different low resolution images of the same object are used to create an enhanced, higher resolution image of that object. Recently there has been debate amongst researchers whether it is possible to obtain in‐plane image enhancement using a set of low resolution magnetic resonance images, acquired by making small, independent changes to the demodulation frequency. We show that shifted low‐resolution images contain different information that can be used to obtain denser sampling, leading to image enhancement. We conclude this from specific phantom experiments, applying signal processing sampling theory and taking into consideration the relative sampling of the point spread function with respect to the location of signal sources. Furthermore, the maximum achievable resolution for Fourier encoded MRI data at a boundary or object feature is governed by the effective width of the point spread function or the Fourier pixel size determined by the extent of k‐space; this is verified experimentally. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automated macrovessel artifact correction in dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging using independent component analysis
Authors: Reishofer Gernot , Koschutnig Karl , Enzinger Christian , Ischebeck Anja , Keeling Stephen , Stollberger Rudolf , Ebner Franz
Published: October 2010

Dynamic susceptibility contrast‐MRI is the most commonly used functional MRI‐based method for studying changes in cerebral perfusion. However, several studies indicated a systematic overestimation of perfusion parameters compared with other imaging modalities related to the high sensitivity of dynamic susceptibility contrast‐MRI for blood flow in large vessels. In this study, we therefore suggest an improved, automated, robust, and efficient method allowing for generating hemodynamic parameter maps where signal influence from large vessels is minimized. Based on independent component analysis, this fully automated approach corrects dynamic susceptibility contrast‐MRI data without any user interaction, thus making a clinical applicability possible. The accuracy of the proposed method was tested in 10 patients with cerebrovascular disease. Application of our correction algorithm resulted in a significant reduction of the effect of macrovessel signal on hemodynamic parameters like the cerebral blood flow and the cerebral blood volume compared with uncorrected data. As desired, our method specifically corrected for macrovessel artifacts in cortical grey matter tissue, leaving white matter tissue parameters largely unaffected. This may increase sensitivity and reliability of detecting perfusion abnormalities in patient groups, in particular with regard to stroke and other cerebrovascular disorders. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Confirmation that the specific SSLP microsatellite allele 4qA161 segregates with fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) in a cohort of multiplex and simplex FSHD families
Authors: Spurlock Gillian , Jim Hoi‐Ping , Upadhyaya Meena
Published: October 2010

The molecular defect in fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) has proved difficult to explain. Although contraction within a polymorphic tandem repeat located at 4q35.2 is unequivocally associated with disease expression, the specific biological mechanism involved in the phenotype has yet to be resolved. Several studies have demonstrated that a specific 4q35.2‐located haplotype (4qA161) is also closely associated with FSHD expression. Therefore, in this study we analyzed the haplotype association in a large cohort of sporadic and familial FSHD families from the UK. In all cases the affected individuals displayed the 4qA161 haplotype. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Effects of resistance exercise combined with essential amino acid supplementation and energy deficit on markers of skeletal muscle atrophy and regeneration during bed rest and active recovery
Authors: Brooks Naomi E. , Cadena Samuel M. , Vannier Edouard , Cloutier Gregory , Carambula Silvia , Myburgh Kathryn H. , Roubenoff Ronenn , Castaneda‐Sceppa Carmen
Published: October 2010

Spaceflight and bed rest (BR) lead to muscle atrophy. This study assessed the effect of essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation and resistance training with decreased energy intake on molecular changes in skeletal muscle after 28‐day BR and 14‐day recovery. Thirty‐one men (31–55 years) subjected to an 8 ± 6% energy deficit were randomized to receive EAA without resistance training (AA, n = 7), or EAA 3 h after (RT, n = 12) or 5 min before (AART, n = 12) resistance training. During BR, myostatin transcript levels increased twofold in the AA group. During recovery, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) mRNA increased in all groups, whereas Pax7, MyoD, myogenin, and MRF4 transcripts increased in AA only (all P < 0.05). MAFbx transcripts decreased twofold with AA and RT. Satellite cells did not change during BR or recovery. This suggests that EAA alone is the least protective countermeasure to muscle loss, and several molecular mechanisms are proposed by which exercise attenuates muscle atrophy during BR with energy deficit. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Motor unit properties of biceps brachii during dynamic contractions in chronic stroke patients
Authors: Kallenberg Laura A.C. , Hermens Hermie J.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate motor unit (MU) characteristics of the biceps brachii during sinusoidal contractions in chronic stroke patients using high‐density surface electromyography. Ten sinusoidal elbow flexion and extension movements were performed both passively and actively by 18 stroke patients and 20 healthy subjects. Motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) were extracted, and their root‐mean‐square value (RMSMUAP) was calculated. RMSMUAP was significantly larger in stroke than in healthy subjects. In both groups RMSMUAP was smaller during the stretch phase of passive movement than during active movement. The larger MUAPs indicate enlarged MUs, possibly as a result of reinnervation. The lower RMSMUAP values during passive stretch than during active movement indicates that the stretch reflex mainly activates smaller MUs, while a larger part of the MU pool can be recruited voluntarily. RMSMUAP may have added value for monitoring changes in peripheral MU properties after stroke. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Multifactorial causes of irritating bladder symptoms in patients with sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Lee Kuang‐Lun , Dong Chung Shiu , Chen Mao‐Yuan , Ho Chen‐Hsun , Tai Huai‐Ching , Hung Shun‐Fa , Yu Hong‐Jeng
Published: October 2010

Aims

Patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are reported to have an increased severity of irritating bladder symptoms, including urinary frequency and urgency. The mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study is to elucidate the possible etiologies underlying this problem.

Methods

Data from 23 female patients with SS (15 primary and 8 secondary) who were treated in the urology clinic for chronic, irritating bladder symptoms were studied.

Evaluation of each subject is composed of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), bladder diary entries, and urodynamic studies, which also included an ice water test (IWT) to detect the presence of a C‐fiber mediated micturition pathway. Interstitial cystitis (IC) was diagnosed with post‐hydrodilatation cystoscopic findings of glomerulations and a KCl test.

Results

These patients complained predominantly of overactive bladder symptoms (OAB), including frequency (n = 20, 87%), nocturia (n = 16, 66%), and urgency (n = 12, 52%). Based on the aforementioned evaluations, four patients (17%) had polyuria with normal bladder function, nine patients (39%) had detrusor overactivity (DO), seven patients (32%) had bladder hypersensitivity (including two patients (9%) diagnosed with IC), and three patients (13%) had negative findings. Ice water instillation neither elicited novel involuntary contractions, both in those with or without DO. Five of the six patients (83%) with DO versus one of the four patients (25%) without DO responded to antimuscarinic therapy.

Conclusions

Various factors contribute to the irritating bladder symptoms in patients with SS, with DO being predominant. The LUTS developed in patients with SS are not due to any specific single etiology and that each patient must be individually carefully evaluated. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:97–101, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Secondary changes in bowel function after successful treatment of voiding symptoms with neuromodulation
Authors: Killinger Kim A. , Kangas Jeffrey R. , Wolfert Cheryl , Boura Judith A. , Peters Kenneth M.
Published: October 2010

Aims

Expanded indications for neuromodulation are continually being explored. We evaluated secondary changes in bowel function after successful neuromodulation for voiding symptoms.

Methods

Patients in our prospective neuromodulation database study with comorbid irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation and/or diarrhea, or fecal incontinence (FI) at baseline were evaluated. Pre‐ and 3, 6, and 12 months post‐operative measures included Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Problem Index (ICSI‐PI), bowel diaries (assessing bowel movement frequency; constipation, diarrhea, and FI episodes), and scaled global response assessments (GRA) (“markedly worse” to “markedly improved” bowel function).

Results

Most patients reporting secondary bowel problems (128/199; 64.3%) were female (89%; mean age 56 ± 15.4 years). Primary voiding complaints were urgency/frequency (U/F) with or without urinary incontinence (n = 74), interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS; n = 43), and urinary retention (n = 11). Secondary bowel complaints included constipation and/or diarrhea (49%), IBS (27%), and FI (23%). Urinary (ICSI‐PI) scores improved after treatment (P < 0.0001 for IBS and constipation/diarrhea; P = 0.0021 for FI). Bowel diary data only indicated that mean FI episodes/day increased over time (P = 0.0100) in the FI group. Only the 12‐month value (1.4 ± 2.2; n = 8) was significantly different from baseline (0.3 ± 0.5; n = 18). On the GRA, only the IBS group consistently reported bowel function improvement versus worsening at each time point. Many reported no change.

Conclusions

Studies have indicated that neuromodulation improves FI in carefully selected patients. The impact on other bowel conditions, including IBS, is unclear. Since voiding and bowel symptoms often coexist, it is crucial to fully evaluate all potential treatment benefits. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:133–137, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A fast black‐blood sequence for four‐dimensional cardiac manganese‐enhanced MRI in mouse
Authors: Lefrançois William , Miraux Sylvain , Calmettes Guillaume , Pourtau Line , Franconi Jean‐Michel , Diolez Philippe , Thiaudière Eric
Published: October 2010

The increasing number of mouse models of cardiac diseases requires improvements in the current MRI tools. Anatomic and functional cardiac phenotyping by MRI calls for both time and space resolution in three dimensions. Black‐blood contrast is often needed for the accurate delineation of myocardium and chambers, and is consistent with manganese contrast enhancement. In this article, we propose a fast, three‐dimensional, time‐resolved (four‐dimensional), black‐blood MRI sequence that allows mouse heart imaging at 10 periods of the cardiac cycle within 30 min at an isotropic resolution of 200 µm. Two‐dimensional imaging was possible within 80 s. Blood cancellation was achieved by employing bipolar gradients without the use of a double inversion recovery preparation scheme. Saturation slices were added in two‐dimensional experiments for better blood nulling. The rapidity of the two‐dimensional acquisition protocol allowed the measurement of the time course of contrast enhancement on manganese infusion. Owing to the very high contrast‐to‐noise ratio, manganese‐enhanced MRI in four dimensions made possible the accurate assessment of regional cardiac volumes in healthy animals. In experimentally infarcted mice, the size of the ischemic zone could be measured easily with this method. The technique might be valuable in evaluating mouse heart diseases and their follow‐up in longitudinal studies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic utility of array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in a prenatal setting
Authors: Maya Idit , Davidov Bella , Gershovitz Liron , Zalzstein Yael , Taub Ellen , Coppinger Justine , Shaffer Lisa G. , Shohat Mordechai
Published: October 2010

Objective

Array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a new technique for detecting submicroscopic deletions and duplications. There is limited information regarding its use in the prenatal setting. Here, we present our experience of 269 prenatal aCGHs between 2006 and 2009.

Method

The indications for testing were fetal anomalies on ultrasound (U/S), advanced maternal age (AMA), family history of a disorder of unknown etiology, parental concern, abnormal routine karyotype and abnormal serum biochemical screening for common fetal aneuploidies.

Results

Of 15 cases with a known abnormal karyotype, 11 had a normal aCGH. This enabled us to reassure the families and the pregnancies were continued. The remaining four showed an abnormal aCGH, confirming the chromosomes were unbalanced, and were terminated. Of 254 cases with a normal karyotype, 3 had an abnormal aCGH and were terminated. Overall, new clinically relevant results were detected by aCGH in 18 cases, providing additional information for prenatal genetic counseling and risk assessment.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that prenatal aCGH should be offered particularly in cases with abnormal U/S. We found the rate of detecting an abnormality by aCGH in low‐risk pregnancies was 1:84, but larger studies will be needed to expand our knowledge and validate our conclusions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emotional Eating Moderates the Relationship between Implicit Measures of Attitudes and Chocolate Consumption
Authors: Ayres Karen , Prestwich Andrew , Conner Mark , Smith Paul
Published: October 2010

Emotional eaters tend to eat more when emotionally aroused and their food–related actions are associated with lack of control. Two studies tested the hypothesis that implicit measures of attitudes would be more strongly associated with the dietary behaviour of emotional eaters. In both Study 1 ( N = 32) and Study 2 ( N = 101), participants completed the DEBQ sub–scale of emotional eating and implicit measures of attitude, explicit attitude and behaviour measures concerning chocolate consumption. In both studies, high emotional eaters were more likely than low emotional eaters to eat in line with their implicit measures of attitudes. The relationship between implicit measures of attitudes and food intake varies as a function of emotional eating style. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dense array connections for photovoltaic systems in concentration
Authors: Salemi A. , Eccher M. , Miotello A. , Brusa R. S.
Published: October 2010

Two new types of connections for photovoltaic cells in dense array are presented. These connections, making use of dc–dc converter modules, are shown to increase the power transfer to the load with respect to array realized with series o parallel connections for the same number of cells. The present connections are of particular interest in concentration photovoltaic (CPV) systems where the intensity of the incident light on each cell of the array can be very different causing the cells of the same array working with different current–voltage (I–V) curves. The two types of connection and the classical series and parallel connections are compared on a theoretical basis. Applications of the connections in real working scenarios are illustrated and discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.