bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Construction, and Evaluation of a Specific Chimeric Antigen To Diagnose Chagasic Infection
Authors: Aguirre Sebastián , Silber Ariel M. , Brito Maria Edileuza F. , Ribone María E. , Lagier Claudia M. , Marcipar Iván S.
Published: October 2006

Chagas' disease is routinely diagnosed by detecting specific antibodies (Abs) using serological methods. The methodology has the drawback of potential cross-reactions with Abs raised during other infectious and autoimmune diseases (AID). Fusion of DNA sequences encoding antigenic proteins is a versatile tool to engineer proteins to be used as sensitizing elements in serological tests. A synthetic gene encoding a chimeric protein containing the C-terminal region of C29 and the N-terminal region of TcP2β was constructed. A 236-serum panel, composed of 104 reactive and 132 nonreactive sera to Chagas' disease, was used to evaluate the performance of the chimera. Among the nonreactive sera, 65 were from patients with AID (systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis) or patients infected withLeishmania brasiliensis,Brucella abortus,Streptococcus pyogenes, orToxoplasma gondii. The diagnostic performances of the complete TcP2β (TcP2βFL) and its N-terminal region (TcP2βN) were evaluated. TcP2βFLshowed unspecific recognition toward leishmaniasis (40%) and AID Abs (58%), while TcP2βNshowed no unspecific recognition. The diagnostic utility of the chimera was evaluated by analyzing reactivity and comparing the results with those obtained with TcP2βN. The chimera reactivity was higher than that of the peptide fractions (0.874 versus 0.564 optical density,P= 0.0017). The detectability and specificity were both 100% for the whole serum panel tested. We conclude that the obtained chimera shows an improved selectivity and sensitivity compared with other ones previously reported, therefore displaying an optimized performance forTrypanosoma cruziinfection diagnosis.
Evaluation of Peptide Nucleic Acid-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization for Identification of Clinically Relevant Mycobacteria in Clinical Specimens and Tissue Sections
Authors: Lefmann Michael , Schweickert Birgitta , Buchholz Petra , Göbel Ulf B. , Ulrichs Timo , Seiler Peter , Theegarten Dirk , Moter Annette
Published: October 2006

With fluorescently labeled PNA (peptide nucleic acid) probes targeting 16S rRNA, we established a 3-h fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) procedure for specific visualization of members of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex,
M. leprae
,
M. avium
, and
M. kansasii
. Probe specificity was tested against a panel of 25
Mycobacterium
spp. and 10 gram-positive organisms. After validation, probes were used to identify 52 mycobacterial culture isolates. Results were compared to conventional genotypic identification with amplification-based methods. All isolates (
M. tuberculosis
complex,
n
= 24;
M. avium
,
n
= 7;
M. kansasii
,
n
= 1) were correctly identified by FISH. In addition, the technique was used successfully for visualization of mycobacteria in biopsies from infected humans or animals. In conclusion, PNA-FISH is a fast and accurate tool for species-specific identification of culture-grown mycobacteria and for direct visualization of these organisms in tissue sections. It may be used successfully for both research and clinical microbiology.
Distribution of
hsp65
PCR-Restriction Enzyme Analysis Patterns among
Mycobacterium avium
Complex Isolates in Thailand
Authors: Prammananan Therdsak , Phunpruch Saranya , Tingtoy Nipa , Srimuang Somboon , Chaiprasert Angkana
Published: October 2006

A total of 227 clinical
Mycobacterium avium
complex isolates from Thailand were differentiated into species and types by using PCR-restriction enzyme analysis of
hsp65
. The distribution of types showed the predominance of
M. avium
I (77%) in blood specimens, whereas
M. intracellulare
I was more commonly found in pulmonary specimens (44.2%). In addition, infections with
M. avium
were more likely to be found in younger adults (20 to 39 years old), while infections with
M. intracellulare
were more likely to be found in older adults (≥60 years old). Our results provide the useful epidemiological information that some particular types have more invasive and virulent characters than others.
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a marathon runner
Authors: Townes D A
Published: October 2006

A previously healthy 19 year old male presented to the emergency department complaining of soreness in his neck, difficulty taking a deep breath, and a “crinkly feeling” in his neck and upper chest after running a marathon. He was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. He did not require any intervention or hospitalisation and made a full recovery.
Expression of calcitonin receptor-like receptor in human vascular tumours
Authors: Hagner S , Stahl U , Grimm T , Stürzl M , Lang R E
Published: October 2006

Background:Vascular tumours such as Kaposi’s sarcoma and capillary haemangioma are characterised by abnormal vascularisation and proliferation of endothelial cells or neoplastic cells. Adrenomedullin, a potent vasodilative peptide, and its receptor, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), play an important part in angiogenesis.

Aim:To establish whether this system also plays a part in vascular diseases, showing abnormal proliferation such as vascular tumours.

Methods:CRLR expression was investigated in several specimens of Kaposi’s sarcoma and other vascular tumours, using immunohistochemical analysis with a previously described CRLR-specific polyclonal antibody and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Results:Intense and specific CRLR-immunoreactive staining of neoplastic cells was observed in all specimens, which was of greater intensity than similar staining of adjacent normal endothelium.

Conclusions:CRLR is expressed in vascular tumours and, with adrenomedullin, may have a role in neoplastic vascular growth.
Coeliac disease: an update for pathologists
Authors: Dickson B C , Streutker C J , Chetty R
Published: October 2006

Coeliac disease is the manifestation of an immune hypersensitivity reaction towards gluten and related proteins, in genetically predisposed people. Although the precise pathogenesis of this condition remains to be fully elucidated, it is probably multifactorial in origin. The diagnosis of coeliac disease has traditionally depended on intestinal biopsies alone; nowadays, the diagnosis has been expanded to include an array of serological markers. This review is intended to offer pathologists an update of the relevant history and immunopathology pertaining to coeliac disease and also to offer recommendations on the ongoing responsibilities of the pathologist in the diagnosis and reporting of coeliac disease.
Skeletal muscle fiber type comparison of pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase activity and isoform expression in fed and food-deprived rats
Authors: LeBlanc Paul J. , Harris Robert A. , Peters Sandra J.
Published: October 2006

Fiber type specificity of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) phosphatase (PDP) was determined in fed (CON) and 48-h food-deprived (FD) rats. PDP activity and isoform protein content were determined in soleus (slow-twitch oxidative), red gastrocnemius (RG; fast-twitch oxidative glycolytic), and white gastrocnemius (WG; fast-twitch glycolytic) muscles. When normalized for mitochondrial volume, there was no difference in PDP activity between muscle types or CON and FD. When expressed per gram wet tissue weight, PDP activity was higher in RG compared with soleus and WG in both CON and FD rats. PDP activities from CON muscles were 1.48 ± 0.19, 2.68 ± 0.65, and 1.20 ± 0.33 nmol·min−1·g wet tissue wt−1in soleus, RG, and WG, respectively, and decreased in FD muscles (1.22 ± 0.22, 2.00 ± 0.57, and 0.84 ± 0.18 nmol·min−1·g wet tissue wt−1). This correlated with increased PDP2 protein, however, only in RG, as PDP2 was not detectable in soleus or WG. PDP1 protein was not responsive to food deprivation in all fiber types. In conclusion, PDP activity and protein content were higher in fast-twitch oxidative glycolytic muscles from CON and FD rats, identifying a unique inter- and intramuscular distribution. FD induced a small but significant decrease in PDP activity that was partially due to decreases in PDP2 protein. As a result, coordinate changes to PDP activity opposite to those of the other regulatory enzyme, PDH kinase, during food deprivation would maximize the inactivation of skeletal muscle PDH and enhance carbohydrate conservation during periods of limited carbohydrate supply.
Renal injury in streptozotocin-diabetic Ren2-transgenic rats is mainly dependent on hypertension, not on diabetes
Authors: Hartner Andrea , Cordasic Nada , Klanke Bernd , Wittmann Michael , Veelken Roland , Hilgers Karl F.
Published: October 2006

Induction of streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes in hypertensive rats transgenic for the mouse ren-2 gene (TGR) has been described as a model of progressive diabetic nephropathy. We investigated the long-term course of STZ diabetes in TGR and appropriate Sprague-Dawley control rats (SD) and tested the role of angiotensin-dependent hypertension by treating rats with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker losartan (1 mg·kg−1·day−1) via osmotic minipumps. Five weeks after STZ injection, diabetes developed in TGR and SD. Urinary albumin excretion was increased by diabetes and, to a much higher degree, by hypertension. The effects of hypertension and diabetes were not additive, and only the effects of hypertension were ameliorated by losartan. A similar pattern was observed for cell proliferation and macrophage infiltration in the kidney. In contrast, the effects of hypertension and diabetes on glomerular collagen IV accumulation were additive 5 wk after STZ injection. In a long-term study for 20 wk after STZ, survival was better in STZ-treated TGR than in normoglycemic TGR, whereas all SD survived. Impaired creatinine clearance and increased macrophage infiltration as well as glomerular and interstitial matrix deposition were prominent in TGR compared with SD, regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes. In conclusion, STZ diabetes in TGR may be useful to study glomerular and interstitial matrix deposition early in the course of diabetes. However, the long-term course of this animal model resembles severe hypertensive nephrosclerosis, rather than progressive diabetic nephropathy.
Inhibiting albumin glycation attenuates dysregulation of VEGFR-1 and collagen IV subchain production and the development of renal insufficiency
Authors: Cohen Margo P. , Lautenslager Gregory T. , Hud Elizabeth , Shea Elizabeth , Wang Amy , Chen Sheldon , Shearman Clyde W.
Published: October 2006

Glomerular cells in culture respond to albumin containing Amadori glucose adducts (the principal serum glycated protein), with activation of protein kinase C-β1, increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, the TGF-β type II signaling receptor, and the extracellular matrix proteins α1(IV) collagen and fibronectin and with decreased production of the podocyte protein nephrin. Decreasing the burden of glycated albumin in diabetic db/db mice significantly reduces glomerular overexpression of TGF-β1 mRNA, restores glomerular nephrin immunofluorescence, and lessens proteinuria, mesangial expansion, renal extracellular matrix protein production, and increased glomerular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunostaining. In the present study, db/db mice were treated with a small molecule, designated 23CPPA, that inhibits the nonenzymatic condensation of glucose with the albumin protein to evaluate whether increased glycated albumin influences the production of VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) and type IV collagen subchains and ameliorates the development of renal insufficiency. Renal levels of VEGF and VEGFR-1 proteins and serum creatinine concentrations were significantly higher and renal levels of α3(IV) collagen and nephrin proteins and endogenous creatinine clearance values were significantly lower in control diabetic than in age-matched nondiabetic ( db/m) mice. These changes were significantly attenuated in db/db littermate mice treated from 9 to 18 wk of age with 23CPPA. The findings indicate that inhibiting excess nonenzymatic glycation of serum albumin improves renal molecular biology abnormalities and protects against the development of renal insufficiency in the db/db mouse.
Magnitude of Stromal Hemangiogenesis Correlates with Histologic Subtype of Non–Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Ruan Jia , Hyjek Elizabeth , Kermani Pouneh , Christos Paul J. , Hooper Andrea T. , Coleman Morton , Hempstead Barbara , Leonard John P. , Chadburn Amy , Rafii Shahin
Published: October 2006

Purpose: Tumor stromal microenvironment promotes neoplastic growth and angiogenesis. We have previously shown that recruitment of marrow-derived vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1+ (VEGFR-1+) proangiogenic hematopoietic progenitors contributes instructively and structurally to neoangiogenesis in mouse models. Here, we investigated whether stromal incorporation of CD68+ hemangiogenic cells and α-smooth muscle actin+ (α-SMA+) stromal cells correlates with neoangiogenesis and progression in human non–Hodgkin's lymphoma subtypes.

Experimental Design: Spatial localizations of vascular and stromal cells expressing CD34, VEGFR-1, α-SMA, and CD68 were examined by immunohistochemistry in 42 cases of non–Hodgkin's lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), and compared with benign follicular hyperplasia.

Results: Compared with indolent lymphomas, there was a profound increase in recruitment of CD68+ cells and VEGFR-1+ neovessels in aggressive subtypes (including those transformed from indolent subtypes), where CD68+ cells were localized to the perivascular region of neovessels as well as the stromal compartment. The perivascular CD68+ cells expressed VEGFR-1 and VEGF-A. In contrast, there was a diffuse increase in α-SMA incorporation throughout the stromal compartment of indolent subtype of CLL/SLL compared with the scant perivascular pattern in aggressive subtypes. Overall, there was no correlation between CD34+ microvessel density and lymphoma histologic subtype.

Conclusions: Heightened stromal hemangiogenesis as marked by infiltration of proangiogenic VEGFR-1+CD68+VEGF-A+ cells and their paracrine cross-talk with neovasculature appears to be a distinct feature of aggressive lymphoma, providing novel targets for antiangiogenic therapy, whereas α-SMA+ stromal vascular network may be differentially targeted in CLL/SLL.
Fuzzy Rule–Based Approach for Detection of Bounded Weak-Echo Regions in Radar Images
Authors: Pal Nikhil R. , Mandal Achintya K. , Pal Srimanta , Das Jyotirmay , Lakshmanan V.
Published: October 2006

A method for the detection of a bounded weak-echo region (BWER) within a storm structure that can help in the prediction of severe weather phenomena is presented. A fuzzy rule–based approach that takes care of the various uncertainties associated with a radar image containing a BWER has been adopted. The proposed technique automatically finds some interpretable (fuzzy) rules for classification of radar data related to BWER. The radar images are preprocessed to find subregions (or segments) that are suspected candidates for BWERs. Each such segment is classified into one of three possible cases: strong BWER, marginal BWER, or no BWER. In this regard, spatial properties of the data are being explored. The method has been tested on a large volume of data that are different from the training set, and the performance is found to be very satisfactory. It is also demonstrated that an interpretation of the linguistic rules extracted by the system described herein can provide important characteristics about the underlying process.
Understanding Farmers’ Forecast Use from Their Beliefs, Values, Social Norms, and Perceived Obstacles*
Authors: Hu Qi , Zillig Lisa M. Pytlik , Lynne Gary D. , Tomkins Alan J. , Waltman William J. , Hayes Michael J. , Hubbard Kenneth G. , Artikov Ikrom , Hoffman Stacey J. , Wilhite Donald A.
Published: October 2006

Although the accuracy of weather and climate forecasts is continuously improving and new information retrieved from climate data is adding to the understanding of climate variation, use of the forecasts and climate information by farmers in farming decisions has changed little. This lack of change may result from knowledge barriers and psychological, social, and economic factors that undermine farmer motivation to use forecasts and climate information. According to the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the motivation to use forecasts may arise from personal attitudes, social norms, and perceived control or ability to use forecasts in specific decisions. These attributes are examined using data from a survey designed around the TPB and conducted among farming communities in the region of eastern Nebraska and the western U.S. Corn Belt. There were three major findings: 1) the utility and value of the forecasts for farming decisions as perceived by farmers are, on average, around 3.0 on a 0–7 scale, indicating much room to improve attitudes toward the forecast value. 2) The use of forecasts by farmers to influence decisions is likely affected by several social groups that can provide “expert viewpoints” on forecast use. 3) A major obstacle, next to forecast accuracy, is the perceived identity and reliability of the forecast makers. Given the rapidly increasing number of forecasts in this growing service business, the ambiguous identity of forecast providers may have left farmers confused and may have prevented them from developing both trust in forecasts and skills to use them. These findings shed light on productive avenues for increasing the influence of forecasts, which may lead to greater farming productivity. In addition, this study establishes a set of reference points that can be used for comparisons with future studies to quantify changes in forecast use and influence.
Glucocorticoids induce differentiation of a specifically activated, anti-inflammatory subtype of human monocytes
Authors: Ehrchen Jan , Steinmüller Lars , Barczyk Katarzyna , Tenbrock Klaus , Nacken Wolfgang , Eisenacher Martin , Nordhues Ursula , Sorg Clemens , Sunderkötter Cord , Roth Johannes
Published: October 2006

Monocytes and macrophages may either promote or down-regulate inflammatory reactions depending on their state of activation. The effects of glucocorticoids (GCs), the most widely used immunosuppressive drugs, on monocytes are currently not well defined. By analyzing the GC-induced expression pattern in human monocytes by microarray technology, we identified for the first time GC-dependent regulation of 133 genes, including anti-inflammatory molecules such as adenosine A3 receptor, CD1d, and IL-1 receptor II. The results were independently confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow cytometry. Functional clustering of GC-regulated genes indicated induction of monocytic properties such as phagocytosis and motility as well as repression of adhesion, apoptosis, and oxidative burst. These predictions were confirmed by independent functional assays. GCs up-regulate fMLP receptors and specifically promote chemotaxis to this chemoattractant. Furthermore, GCs promote survival of an anti-inflammatory monocytic phenotype in inflammatory reactions, probably by inhibition of apoptosis because of oxidative stress. GCs limit tissue damage because of induction of antioxidative properties and high capacity for phagocytosis of proinflammatory agents. Thus, GC treatment did not cause a global suppression of monocytic effector functions but results in differentiation of a specific anti-inflammatory phenotype which seems to be actively involved in resolution of inflammatory reactions.
Fusion of the BCL9 HD2 domain to E1A increases the cytopathic effect of an oncolytic adenovirus that targets colon cancer cells
Authors: Fuerer Christophe , Homicsko Krisztian , Lukashev Alexander N , Pittet Anne-Laure , Iggo Richard D
Published: October 2006

Background

The Wnt signaling pathway is activated by mutations in the APC and β-catenin genes in many types of human cancer. β-catenin is stabilized by these mutations and activates transcription in part by acting as a bridge between Tcf/LEF proteins and the HD2 domain of the BCL9 coactivator. We have previously described oncolytic adenoviruses with binding sites for Tcf/LEF transcription factors inserted into the early viral promoters. These viruses replicate selectively in cells with activation of the Wnt pathway. To increase the activity of these viruses we have fused the viral transactivator E1A to the BCL9 HD2 domain.

Methods

Luciferase assays, co-immunoprecipitation and Western blotting, immunofluorescent cell staining and cytopathic effect assays were used to characterize the E1A-HD2 fusion protein and virus in vitro. Growth curves of subcutaneous SW620 colon cancer xenografts were used to characterize the virus in vivo.

Results

The E1A-HD2 fusion protein binds to β-catenin in vivo and activates a Tcf-regulated luciferase reporter better than wild-type E1A in cells with activated Wnt signaling. Expression of the E1A-HD2 protein promotes nuclear import of β-catenin, mediated by the strong nuclear localization signal in E1A. Tcf-regulated viruses expressing the fusion protein show increased expression of viral proteins and a five-fold increase in cytopathic effect (CPE) in colorectal cancer cell lines. There was no change in viral protein expression or CPE in HeLa cells, indicating that E1A-HD2 viruses retain selectivity for cells with activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Despite increasing the cytopathic effect of the virus in vitro, fusion of the HD2 domain to E1A did not increase the burst size of the virus in vitro or the anti-tumor effect of the virus in an SW620 xenograft model in vivo.

Conclusion

Despite an increase in the nuclear pool of β-catenin, the effects on viral activity in colon cancer cells were small, suggesting that factors acting downstream of β-catenin are limiting for viral replication and toxicity in these cells. The approach of fusing E1A to a protein domain implicated in oncogenic signaling could be used to selectively increase the activity of oncolytic viruses targeting several other pathways defective in cancer.
Exercise-Induced Improvement in Vasodilatory Function Accompanies Increased Insulin Sensitivity in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: De Filippis Elena , Cusi Kenneth , Ocampo Gloria , Berria Rachele , Buck Susan , Consoli Agostino , Mandarino Lawrence J.
Published: October 2006

Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine whether improved vasodilatory function accompanies increased insulin sensitivity in overweight, insulin-resistant subjects (OW) and type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) who participated in an 8-wk exercise training regimen.

Design: Before and after training, subjects had euglycemic clamps to determine insulin sensitivity. Brachial artery catheterization was done on another occasion for measurement of vasodilatory function. A lean, healthy, untrained group was studied as nonexercised controls.

Results: Training increased oxygen consumption (VO2) peak [OW, 29 ± 1 to 37 ± 4 ml/kg fat-free mass (FFM)·min; T2DM, 33 ± 2 to 43 ± 3 ml/kg FFM·min; P < 0.05] and improved insulin-stimulated glucose disposal (OW, 6.5 ± 0.5 to 7.2 ± 0.4 mg/kg FFM·min; T2DM, 3.8 ± 0.3 to 4.2 ± 0.3 mg/kg FFM·min; P < 0.05) in insulin resistance. OW and T2DM, before training, had decreased acetylcholine chloride (ACh)- and sodium nitroprusside-mediated vasodilation and decreased reactive hyperemia compared with lean controls. Training increased the vasodilatory response to ACh [OW (30 μg ACh/min), 12.2 ± 3.4 to 19 ± 4.2 ml/100 g·min; T2DM (30 μg ACh/min), 10.1 ± 1.5 to 14.2 ± 2.1 ml/100 g·min; P < 0.05] in both groups without affecting nitroprusside response.

Conclusion: Because vasodilatory dysfunction has been postulated to contribute to insulin resistance, the exercise-induced improvement in vasodilatory function may signify changes in the endothelium that could contribute to the improvement in insulin sensitivity observed after aerobic exercise training.
A Randomized Controlled Study of Effects of Dietary Magnesium Oxide Supplementation on Bone Mineral Content in Healthy Girls
Authors: Carpenter Thomas O. , DeLucia Maria C. , Zhang Jane Hongyuan , Bejnerowicz Gina , Tartamella Lisa , Dziura James , Petersen Kitt Falk , Befroy Douglas , Cohen Dorothy
Published: October 2006

Context: The role of magnesium (Mg) as a determinant of bone mass has not been extensively explored. Limited studies suggest that dietary Mg intake and bone mineral density are correlated in adults, but no data from interventional studies in children and adolescents are available.

Objective: We sought to determine whether Mg supplementation in periadolescent girls enhances accrual of bone mass.

Design: We carried out a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, one-year double-blind trial of Mg supplementation.

Setting: The study was conducted in the Clinical Research Centers at Yale University School of Medicine.

Patients or Other Participants: Healthy 8- to 14-yr-old Caucasian girls were recruited from community pediatricians’ offices. Dietary diaries from over 120 volunteers were analyzed, and those with dietary Mg intake of less than 220 mg/d were invited to participate in the intervention.

Intervention: Magnesium (300 mg elemental Mg per day in two divided doses) or placebo was given orally for 12 months.

Main Outcome Measure: The primary outcome measure was interval change in bone mineral content (BMC) of the total hip, femoral neck, Ward’s area, and lumbar spine (L1–L4) after 12 months of Mg supplementation.

Results: Significantly increased accrual (P = 0.05) in integrated hip BMC occurred in the Mg-supplemented vs. placebo group. Trends for a positive Mg effect were evident in the pre- and early puberty and in mid-late puberty. Lumbar spinal BMC accrual was slightly (but not significantly) greater in the Mg-treated group. Compliance was excellent; 73% of capsules were ingested as inferred by pill counts. Serum mineral levels, calciotropic hormones, and bone markers were similar between groups.

Conclusions: Oral Mg oxide capsules are safe and well tolerated. A positive effect of Mg supplementation on integrated hip BMC was evident in this small cohort.
Otitic hydrocephalus
Authors: Lenz Richard P. , Mcdonald Graeme A.
Published: October 2006

Otitic hydrocephalus is one of the less common intrncraninl complications of infectious ear disease, consisting of elevated intracranial pressure without focal neurologic abnormalities other than those due to the elevated pressure. A representative case is discussed in this report, followed by a review of the literature. The clinical course, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis arc outlined. The etiology and the association with lateral sinus thrombosis remains obscure.
Laryngismus fugax: Transient laryngeal spasm secondary to brain stem ischemia
Authors: Pender Daniel J.
Published: October 2006

Bilateral vocal cord immobility in adduction is an uncommon, yet potentially life threatening, disorder. Endolaryngeal and neuromuscular causes are well known and for the most part readily diagnosed by the otolaryngologist. Central neurologic etiologies are more unusual. A case of transient spastic laryngeal paralysis secondary to cardiac emboli and brain stem ischemia is presented. A mechanistic analysis suggests that this entity occurs in the setting of pseudobulbar paralysis, and that the ultimate ischemic event may be loss of glycine mediated inhibition of laryngeal motoneurons.
Combining Priors and Noisy Visual Cues in a Rapid Pointing Task
Authors: Tassinari Hadley , Hudson Todd E. , Landy Michael S.
Published: October 2006

Statistical decision theory suggests that choosing an ideal action requires taking several factors into account: (1) prior knowledge of the probability of various world states, (2) sensory information concerning the world state, (3) the probability of outcomes given a choice of action, and (4) the loss or gain associated with those outcomes. In previous work, we found that, in many circumstances, humans act like ideal decision makers in planning a reaching movement. They select a movement aim point that maximizes expected gain, thus taking into account outcome uncertainty (motor noise) and the consequences of their actions. Here, we ask whether humans can optimally combine prior knowledge and uncertain sensory information in planning a reach. Subjects rapidly pointed at unseen targets, indicated with dots drawn from a distribution centered on the invisible target location. Target location had a prior distribution, the form of which was known to the subject. We varied the number of dots and hence target spatial uncertainty. An analysis of the sources of uncertainty impacting performance in this task indicated that the optimal strategy was to aim between the mean of the prior (the screen center) and the mean stimulus location (centroid of the dot cloud). With increased target location uncertainty, the aim point should have moved closer to the prior. Subjects used near-optimal strategies, combining stimulus uncertainty and prior information appropriately. Observer behavior was well modeled as having three additional sources of inefficiency originating in the motor system, calculation of centroid location, and calculation of aim points.
Establishment of a Rodent Model of HIV-Associated Sensory Neuropathy
Authors: Keswani Sanjay C. , Jack Christelene , Zhou Chunhua , Höke Ahmet
Published: October 2006

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated sensory neuropathy (SN) is the most common neurological complication of HIV infection in the current highly active antiretroviral therapy era. The painful sensory neuropathy is associated with the use of dideoxynucleoside antiretrovirals, and its development limits the choice of antiretroviral drugs in affected patients. There are presently no effective therapies for HIV-SN, and moreover there has been no robust animal model of HIV-SN in which candidate therapeutic agents can be tested. In this paper, we show that we have established a rodent model of HIV-SN by oral administration of a dideoxynucleoside drug, didanosine, to transgenic mice expressing the HIV coat protein gp120 under a GFAP promoter. The neuropathy in these rodents is characterized by distal degeneration of unmyelinated sensory axons, similar to the “dying back” pattern of C-fiber loss seen in patients with HIV-SN. This model will be useful in examining mechanisms of distal axonal degeneration and testing potential neuroprotective compounds that may prevent development of the sensory neuropathy.
Transmission Network Analysis to Complement Routine Tuberculosis Contact Investigations
Authors: Andre McKenzie , Ijaz Kashef , Tillinghast Jon D. , Krebs Valdis E. , Diem Lois A. , Metchock Beverly , Crisp Theresa , McElroy Peter D.
Published: October 2006

Objective. We examined the feasibility and value of network analysis to complement routine tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation procedures during an outbreak.

Methods. We reviewed hospital, health department, and jail records and interviewed TB patients. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were genotyped. We evaluated contacts of TB patients for latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB, and analyzed routine contact investigation data, including tuberculin skin test (TST) results. Outcomes included number of contacts identified, number of contacts evaluated, and their TST status. We used network analysis visualizations and metrics (reach, degree, betweenness) to characterize the outbreak.

Results.secondary TB patients and more than 1200 contacts. Genotyping detected a 21-band pattern of a strain W variant. No HIV-infected patients were diagnosed. Contacts prioritized by network analysis were more likely to have LTBI than nonprioritized contacts (odds ratio=7.8; 95% confidence interval=1.6, 36.6). Network visualizations and metrics highlighted patients central to sustaining the outbreak and helped prioritize contacts for evaluation.

Conclusions. A network-informed approach to TB contact investigations provided a novel means to examine large quantities of data and helped focus TB control.
ADHD symptoms in children with FXS
Authors: Sullivan Kelly , Hatton Deborah , Hammer Julie , Sideris John , Hooper Stephen , Ornstein Peter , Bailey Donald
Published: October 2006

Parent‐ and teacher‐report of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms were examined using problem behavior and DSM‐IV symptom inventory questionnaires for 63 children with full mutation fragile X syndrome (FXS) and 56 children without disabilities matched on mental age (MA). Prevalence rates of ADHD symptoms varied depending on type of measure (problem behavior or DSM‐IV criteria), subscale (ADHD‐inattentive or ADHD‐hyperactive), scoring method (continuous T‐scores or categorical scores based on DSM‐IV algorithm), and rater (parent or teacher). Overall, 54–59% of boys with FXS met diagnostic behavioral criteria for either ADHD‐inattentive type only, ADHD‐hyperactive type only, or ADHD‐combined type based on parent or teacher report. Boys with FXS were rated as having clinically high scores or met diagnostic criteria at higher rates than expected for the general population and had higher raw scores than their MA‐matched peers. Parent ratings of boys with FXS resulted in higher ADHD‐inattentive type and ADHD‐hyperactive type T‐scores than teachers. Boys who were rated as meeting DSM‐IV criteria were more likely to be taking psychotropic medication and to have younger mental ages. Parents were substantially more likely than teachers to rate boys as meeting DSM‐IV criteria for ADHD‐inattentive type, while teachers were only slightly more likely than parents to rate boys as meeting DSM‐IV criteria for ADHD‐hyperactive type. Teachers were more likely than parents to rate boys as meeting DSM‐IV criteria for ADHD when boys had lower levels of FMRP. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends and racial disparities in muscular dystrophy deaths in the United States, 1983–1998: An analysis of multiple cause mortality data
Authors: Kenneson Aileen , Kolor Katherine , Yang Quanhe , Olney Richard S. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Friedman J.M.
Published: October 2006

To identify trends and patterns associated with muscular dystrophy (MD)‐associated deaths, we analyzed population‐based data from death certificates in the Multiple Cause Mortality Files compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics. From 1983 to 1998, 14,499 deaths in the United States were associated with ICD‐9 codes for MD. The mortality rate for MD in the general U.S. population over this time period was 0.365 per 100,000 persons per year. Stratification by age at death revealed a trimodal distribution with peaks at 0, 17, and 62 years. The male‐to‐female ratio varied with age at death, a pattern consistent with a mixture of autosomal and X‐linked MDs with different prognoses. Deaths related to MD appeared to be equally divided between presumed autosomal and X‐linked MDs. The mortality rate was higher in Whites than in Blacks, for both autosomal and X‐linked MDs. The median age at death was lower in Blacks than Whites for both males and females. Cardiac complications were more commonly noted among MD‐associated deaths in Blacks (38.9%) than Whites (28.6%). Respiratory infections were noted in about 20% of MD‐associated deaths and were more common in winter than summer months. Potential reasons for the racial differences include differences in prevalence rates, rates of diagnosis, and reporting on death certificates. Additional studies are needed to resolve these issues. Challenges in the interpretation of these data include the lack of ICD‐9 codes specific for individual MDs and potential recording biases in underlying cause of death and contributing factors. We also present a method for estimating autosomal and X‐linked contributions to the overall mortality rate of a genetically heterogeneous condition such as MD. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Third-party prospective evaluation of patient outcomes after dynamic graciloplasty
Authors: Tillin T , Gannon K , Feldman R A , Williams N S
Published: October 2006

Background

Dynamic graciloplasty (DGP) is a complex procedure designed to improve bowel function in patients with end-stage faecal incontinence. Outcomes of DGP were examined in comparison with stoma formation or continued medical management.

Methods

This third-party evaluation comprised a prospective case–comparison study of patient-based and clinical outcomes at a London hospital. Forty-nine patients who underwent DGP during 5 years from 1997 were compared with 87 patients with similar bowel disorders who did not undergo DGP. Outcome measures were quality of life (QoL), symptoms, anxiety and depression.

Results

At 2 years after surgery, bowel-related QoL and continence had improved by more than 20 per cent compared with the preoperative status for two-thirds of patients who had DGP (P < 0·001). Two-thirds were continent all or most of the time, although one-third experienced disordered bowel evacuation. Large deteriorations on the Nottingham Health Profile pain score occurred in 11 of 34 patients who had DGP, compared with seven of 57 patients in comparison groups (P = 0·027). Patients in comparison groups experienced no significant changes in measured outcomes over the 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion

Although DGP is associated with a high level of morbidity, it deserves consideration as an alternative to life with severe and refractory faecal incontinence or stoma formation in people in whom conventional treatments have failed.
Musculocutaneous nerve: Histotopographic study and clinical implications
Authors: Macchi Veronica , Tiengo Cesare , Porzionato Andrea , Parenti Anna , Stecco Carla , Bassetto Franco , Scapinelli Raffaele , Taglialavoro Giuseppe , De Caro Raffaele
Published: October 2006

Surgical reconstruction of severe brachial plexus injuries includes nerve grafting and neurotization techniques of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) to recover elbow flexion. In treating recurrent anterior shoulder instability, knowledge of the topography of the MCN is important for the margin of safety available during dissection. The present study evaluates the origin and course of the MCN and its branches, and their relationships to bone landmarks. Twelve unembalmed cadavers (50–82 years old) were dissected. A histological study of the MCN and the coracobrachialis muscle (CB) was also carried out. The mean distance (±SD) of the MCN from the coracoid process to the origin, points of entry to, and exit from the CB were 2.9 ± 0.5 cm, 7.7 ± 2.5 cm, and 11.6 ± 0.8 cm, respectively. The first two findings were also validated during surgical approaches to the shoulder in 59 subjects. The mean distance of the MCN from the acromion to the origin, points of entry to, and exit from the CB were 6.4 ± 0.3 cm, 7.7 ± 0.8 cm, and 10.4 ± 1.9 cm, respectively. The mean length of the MCN from its origin to the points of entry to and exit from the CB were 6.7 ± 1.6 cm and 11.0 ± 1.0 cm, respectively. The mean length of the MCN inside the muscle was 4.4 ± 1.9 cm. The distance from the coracoid process to the point of entry to the CB and the length of the MCN inside the muscle were inversely related (P < 0.05). The distance from the coracoid process to the point of exit of the MCN was positively correlated with the length of the nerve within the CB (P < 0.05). Histology showed that, during the intramuscular course of the MCN, the epineurium is composed of 4–5 concentrically arranged lamina of connective tissue which shows different dispositions along the circumference of the nerve trunk. On the ventral and dorsal aspects of the nerve the lamina are closely packed, but on the medial and lateral sides they are separated by thin layers of adipose tissue. This uneven disposition of the adipose tissue gives the epineurium an oval profile in transverse section (mean circular factor 0.8). The arrangement of the fibroadipose tissue sheaths may be compared to a “telescope” and may allow compliance between variations of length of CB and the constant course of the MCN. Clinically, a decrease in this “sliding system” may expose the nerve to mechanical effects of muscle contraction, with the possibility of a compression syndrome. Clin. Anat. 20:400–406, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of triazines by capillary electrochromatography/electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry using a low‐flow sheath liquid interface
Authors: Chang Chia‐Hao , Chen Chao‐Jung , Chuang Yu‐Chieh , Her Guor‐Rong
Published: October 2006

CEC‐MS has been used for the analysis of eight‐triazine herbicides. It showed significantly better S/N ratio than reversed EOF CE‐MS and MEKC‐MS, due to the lack of a surfactant in the separation buffer. By optimizing the pH, the organic content of the running buffer, and the separation potential, optimal separation was achieved within 18 min using a running buffer of pH 7.0, containing 70% v/v ACN, and an applied voltage of 17 kV. Gradient CEC showed superior separation when compared with isocratic elution. The combination of a tapered CEC column and a low‐flow interface confers several advantages including better sensitivity, low dead volume, and independent control of the conditions used for CEC separation and ESI analysis.
Characterization and in vivo evaluation of sol–gel derived hydroxyapatite coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates
Authors: Balamurugan A. , Rebelo A. , Kannan S. , Ferreira J.M.F. , Michel J. , Balossier G. , Rajeswari S.
Published: October 2006

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) based coatings on titanium alloy Ti6Al4V were attempted by sol–gel process. Precursor sol was dip‐coated onto the substrates and the formation of HAP as the main phase was ensured after the sintering of coatings at 900°C, as confirmed by the characterization studies involving XRD, FT‐IR, Raman, and SEM‐EDXS analysis. The biocompatibility of HAP‐based coated titanium implants was tested by implantation studies in rabbit's tibia for a period of 8 weeks. Bone remodelling and inflammatory responses of the implants were studied during the implantation period. The better tissue–implant interaction of the coated implants with respect to the uncoated implants was observed after a defect healing period of 8 weeks. A coated implant with no evidence of rejection is a further advantage of the sol–gel derived HAP coating. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide‐induced differentiation of embryonic neural stem cells into astrocytes is mediated via the β isoform of protein kinase C
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Ohba Motoi , Ohno Fusako , Kikuyama Sakae , Nakamura Masahisa , Nakaya Kazuyasu , Arimura Akira , Shioda Seiji , Nakajo Shigeo
Published: October 2006

We have found previously that pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) increases the number of astrocytes generated from cultured mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) via a mechanism that is independent of the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A pathway (Ohno et al.,2005). In the present study, the signaling pathway involved in the differentiation process was further investigated. PACAP‐induced differentiation was inhibited by the phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, chelerythrine, and the intracellular calcium chelator, BAPTA‐AM, and was mimicked by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), but not by 4α‐PMA. These results suggest that the PACAP‐generated signal was mediated via the PACAP receptor, PAC1 stimulated heterotrimeric G‐protein, resulting in activation of phospholipase C, followed by calcium‐ and phospholipid‐dependent protein kinase C (cPKC). To elucidate the involvement of the different isoforms of cPKC, their gene and protein expression were examined. Embryonic NSCs expressed α and βII PKC, but lacked PKCγ. When NSCs were exposed to 2 nM PACAP, protein expression levels of the βII isoform transiently increased two‐fold before differentiation, returning to basal levels by Day 4, whereas the level of PKCα increased linearly up to Day 6. Overexpression of PKCβII with adenovirus vector synergistically enhanced differentiation in the presence of 1 nM PACAP, whereas expression of the dominant‐negative mutant of PKCβII proved inhibitory. These results indicate that the β isoform of PKC plays a crucial role in the PACAP‐induced differentiation of mouse embryonic NSCs into astrocytes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An extension of Chaitin's halting probability Ω to a measurement operator in an infinite dimensional quantum system
Authors: Tadaki Kohtaro
Published: October 2006

This paper proposes an extension of Chaitin's halting probability Ω to a measurement operator in an infinite dimensional quantum system. Chaitin's Ω is defined as the probability that the universal self‐delimiting Turing machine U halts, and plays a central role in the development of algorithmic information theory. In the theory, there are two equivalent ways to define the program‐size complexity H (s) of a given finite binary string s. In the standard way, H (s) is defined as the length of the shortest input string for U to output s. In the other way, the so‐called universal probability m is introduced first, and then H (s) is defined as –log2 m (s) without reference to the concept of program‐size.

Mathematically, the statistics of outcomes in a quantum measurement are described by a positive operator‐valued measure (POVM) in the most general setting. Based on the theory of computability structures on a Banach space developed by Pour‐El and Richards, we extend the universal probability to an analogue of POVM in an infinite dimensional quantum system, called a universal semi‐POVM. We also give another characterization of Chaitin's Ω numbers by universal probabilities. Then, based on this characterization, we propose to define an extension of Ω as a sum of the POVM elements of a universal semi‐POVM. The validity of this definition is discussed.

In what follows, we introduce an operator version $ \hat H $(s) of H (s) in a Hilbert space of infinite dimension using a universal semi‐POVM, and study its properties. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multi‐term π‐institutions and their equivalence
Authors: Gil‐Férez José
Published: October 2006

The notion of a multi‐term π‐institution is introduced and a criterion for the equivalence of two multi‐term π‐institutions in terms of their categories of theories is proved. Moreover, a counterexample that shows that this criterion is false for arbitrary π‐institutions is given. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of Mn on the properties of γ‐In2Se3:Mn films
Authors: Amory C. , Guettari N. , Bernède J. C. , Mebarki M.
Published: October 2006

The influence of the insertion of manganese in γ‐In2Se3 thin films on their physico chemical, electrical and optical properties is studied. Samples are obtained by elaborating γ‐In2Se3 by co‐evaporation on a thin layer of manganese, the substrate temperature being T s = 330 °C. The variation of the thickness of the Mn precursor allows to vary the concentration of Mn relatively to In. It is shown that Mn diffuses in all the thin film and that the films crystallize in the γ‐In2Se3, they are single phased, at least when x ≤ 0.0197 with x = [Mn]/([Mn] + [In]). The optical band gap is around 1.91 eV. Low temperature photoluminescence spectra of samples containing Mn show a peak situated at 1.38 eV. The electrical properties of γ‐In2Se3, such as the mobility or the hole carrier concentration are improved with the insertion of Mn. The most valuable result is that the dark conductivity is improved by six orders of magnitude. More generally it is shown that up to x = 0.0125 the Mn doping is very efficient, for higher x value Mn segregates at the grain boundaries. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)