bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KiSS-1 and Reproduction: Focus on Its Role in the Metabolic Regulation of Fertility
Authors: Tena-Sempere Manuel
Published: October 2006

Unraveling of the master role of kisspeptins, the products of the KiSS-1 gene, and their receptor, GPR54, in the control of reproduction has been a major breakthrough in contemporary neuroendocrinology. Indeed, since the disclosure of their reproductive dimension in late 2003, an ever-growing number of genetic, molecular, physiologic and pharmacological studies have defined the crucial role of KiSS-1 neurons as central processors for the dynamic regulation of the gonadotropic axis and its full activation at puberty. Yet, the potential role of the hypothalamic KiSS-1 system as an intermediary factor for the well-known interplay between energy status and reproduction initially received little attention. Recent data, however, strongly suggest a prominent role of KiSS-1 in the metabolic control of fertility, as expression of KiSS-1 gene at the hypothalamus is down-regulated in conditions of negative energy balance and kisspeptin administration is capable of overcoming the hypogonadotropic state observed in undernutrition and disturbed metabolic conditions. Leptin, the adipocyte hormone signaling the size of body energy stores, is likely to play a pivotal role in the metabolic control of the KiSS-1 system, since kisspeptin neurons express leptin receptors and leptin is able to normalize defective KiSS-1 gene expression in models of impaired gonadotropin secretion linked to hypoleptinemia, such as the ob/ob mouse and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. In sum, these data provide strong evidence for a central role of kisspeptins and GPR54 as molecular conduits for the metabolic regulation of reproductive function – a phenomenon with potential physiopathologic and therapeutic implications.
Hypergastrinemia Is Associated with Increased Risk of Distal Colon Adenomas
Authors: Georgopoulos Sotirios D. , Polymeros Dimitrios , Triantafyllou Konstantinos , Spiliadi Charis , Mentis Andreas , Karamanolis Dimitrios G. , Ladas Spiros D.
Published: October 2006

Background/Aims:Helicobacter pylori infection is a recognized cause of hypergastrinemia, but the association of blood gastrin levels with colonic adenomas (CAs) is controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate if hypergastrinemia, H. pylori infection and/or cagA protein are risk factors for CAs. Methods: In this prospective case-control study, fasting serum samples from 78 consecutive patients with CAs and 78 demographically matched colonoscopy-negative controls were assayed for anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G, cagA protein and serum gastrin levels. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for colon adenomas. Results: Though prevalence of H. pylori antibodies was not significantly different, the prevalence of cagA protein was significantly higher in patients with adenomas (42.3%) as compared with controls (25.6%, p < 0.03). Mediangastrin levels were significantly higher in patients with CAs (55, 20–975 pg/ml) than in controls (45.2, 23–529 pg/ml) (p < 0.001). Hypergastrinemia (>110 pg/ml) was commoner in patients with CAs than in controls (29.5 vs. 11.5%, p = 0.006) and was the only independent risk factor for adenomas (odds ratio 3.2, 95% CI 1.4–7.5) by multivariate analysis, but not H. pylori infection or cagA positivity. There was a significant association of hypergastrinemia and distal distribution of adenomas (p < 0.002). Conclusions: Our study shows that hypergastrinemia is a risk factor for CAs, especially of the distal colon.
Haptoglobin Genotype Is a Determinant of Iron, Lipid Peroxidation, and Macrophage Accumulation in the Atherosclerotic Plaque
Authors: Levy Andrew P. , Levy Joanne E. , Kalet-Litman Shiri , Miller-Lotan Rachel , Levy Nina S. , Asaf Roy , Guetta Julia , Yang Chingwen , Purushothaman K. Raman , Fuster Valentin , Moreno Pedro R.
Published: October 2006

Objective—

Intraplaque hemorrhage increases the risk of plaque rupture and thrombosis. The release of hemoglobin (Hb) from extravasated erythrocytes at the site of hemorrhage leads to iron deposition, which may increase oxidation and inflammation in the atherosclerotic plaque. The haptoglobin (Hp) protein is critical for protection against Hb-induced injury. Two common alleles exist at the Hp locus and the Hp 2 allele has been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction. We have demonstrated decreased anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity for the Hp 2 protein. We tested the hypothesis that the Hp 2-2 genotype is associated with increased oxidative and macrophage accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques.

Methods and Results—

The murine Hp gene is a type 1 Hp allele. We created a murine type 2 Hp allele and targeted its insertion to the Hp locus by homologous recombination. Atherosclerotic plaques from C57Bl/6 ApoE
−/−
Hp 2-2 mice were associated with increased iron (
P
=0.008), lipid peroxidation (4-hydroxynonenal and ceroid) and macrophage accumulation (
P
=0.03) as compared with plaques from C57Bl/6 ApoE
−/−
Hp 1-1 mice.

Conclusions—

Increased iron, lipid peroxidation and macrophage accumulation in ApoE
−/−
Hp 2-2 plaques suggests that the Hp genotype plays a critical role in the oxidative and inflammatory response to intraplaque hemorrhage.
Age-related Changes in the Activation of the Intraparietal Sulcus during Nonsymbolic Magnitude Processing: An Event-related Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Ansari Daniel , Dhital Bibek
Published: October 2006

Numerical magnitude processing is an essential everyday skill. Functional brain imaging studies with human adults have repeatedly revealed that bilateral regions of the intraparietal sulcus are correlated with various numerical and mathematical skills. Surprisingly little, however, is known about the development of these brain representations. In the present study, we used functional neuroimaging to compare the neural correlates of nonsymbolic magnitude judgments between children and adults. Although behavioral performance was similar across groups, in comparison to the group of children the adult participants exhibited greater effects of numerical distance on the left intraparietal sulcus. Our findings are the first to reveal that even the most basic aspects of numerical cognition are subject to age-related changes in functional neuroanatomy. We propose that developmental impairments of number may be associated with atypical specialization of cortical regions underlying magnitude processing.
The Frontal Cortex and Exogenous Attentional Orienting
Authors: Snyder Janice J. , Chatterjee Anjan
Published: October 2006

Normal functioning of the attentional orienting system is critical for effective behavior and is predicated on a balanced interaction between goal-directed (endogenous) processes and stimulus-driven (exogenous) processes. Although both systems have been subject to much investigation, little is known about the neural underpinnings of exogenous orienting. In the present study, we examined the early facilitatory effects and later inhibition of return effects of exogenous cues in patients with frontal and parietal lesions. Three novel findings emerged from this study. First, unilateral frontoparietal damage appears not to affect the early facilitation effects of exogenous cues. Second, dorsolateral prefrontal damage, especially lesions involving the inferior frontal gyrus, produces an exogenous disengage deficit (i.e., the sluggish withdrawal of attention from the ipsilesional to the contralesional field). Third, a subset of patients with dorsolateral prefrontal damage, with lesions involving the middle frontal gyrus, have a reorienting deficit that extends in duration well beyond established boundaries of the normal reflexive orienting system. These results suggest that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays an important role in exogenous orienting and that component processes of this system may be differentially impaired by damage to different parts of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Consumers with Allergic Reaction to Food
Authors: Gaivoronskaia Galina , Hvinden Bjørn
Published: October 2006

This article examines perceptions of and response to food risk by consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of certain food types. Food risk in general and risk related to genetically modified (GM) food are discussed, as well as issues of responsibility and judgment regarding food labeling. Eight hundred individuals were recruited for a postal questionnaire study. The response rate was 63% for allergic people and 59% for nonallergic. The results suggest that the experience of personal harm from food in the form of allergic or intolerant reactions can influence how people evaluate food risk. For example, the ranking of food risks demonstrated a difference of perception with respect to naturally occurring food allergens. The allergic group was more disposed to buy genetically modified products that had been engineered not to contain allergens. Allergic consumers also were inclined to take more individual responsibility for risk avoidance than consumers without allergies.
Progress and prospects of integrated physical geography in China
Authors: Fu Bo-Jie , Lu Yi-He , Chen Li-Ding , Li Jimmy
Published: October 2006

There are rich legacies of geographical knowledge in China. However, geography as an independent branch of science was established in the country no earlier than the beginning of the twentieth century. Since 1950s, integrated physical geography as a subdiscipline of physical geography in China has made major theoretical and methodological progress in the areas of physical geographical regionalization, land studies, and the studies of man-nature interactions. Despite this, the discipline as a whole still faces tremendous challenges from the fast changing society in China and scientific advancement in the twenty-first century. The following aims need to be emphasized in order to promote the future development of integrated physical geography: (1) to strengthen long-term monitoring, experiments, surveys and simulations; (2) to improve research on the interactions between geographical patterns and processes; (3) to enhance integrated research on global change effects and regional geographical regimes; and (4) to facilitate the incorporation of the theories and methods of human geography into integrated physical geographical research.
The Moderado Party and the Introduction of Steam Power in the Spanish Navy, 1844-1854
Authors: Zaforteza Carlos Alfaro
Published: October 2006

Steam power was a crucial factor in the reconstruction of the Spanish navy in the mid-nineteenth century. Army requirements for strategic mobility, together with the debate over the relative proportion of steam to sailing ships and the condition of the dockyards, drove the naval policy of this period. However, a weak treasury meant that the government was willing to spend substantially on the navy only in a national crisis, while political instability and internal opposition further hampered the successful implementation of the naval programmes. Nevertheless, the number of steamers was increased considerably and the screw propeller was introduced.
Inclusion Practice in Lung Cancer Trials
Authors: Jaspers Patricia , van der Arend Arie , Wanders Rinus
Published: October 2006

This article presents the results of a qualitative study on the ethical aspects of inclusion practice for radiotherapy patients taking part in clinical research. The study focused on the standards and values of this process. Patients and physicians were interviewed about their views and experiences. Analysis of these interviews showed that candidate research participants need better protection from unwanted factors that could influence their choice about participation. Researchers need proper education about regulation, codes and directives in the field of research ethics, and they should be aware of the underlying ethical concepts of these regulations. A sound institutional ethics policy is necessary in order to guide medical staff in decisions about the inclusion of patients in trials.
Defining the clinical improvement in cancer drug therapy: implications for priority setting in healthcare
Authors: de Lemos Mário L
Published: October 2006

An explicit approach to funding decisions has become increasingly important to ensure fairness and consistency in resource allocation in cancer therapy. Funding decisions are often based on whether a treatment is ‘medically necessary’ and the level of clinical improvement. Currently, there is a lack of consensus on defining different levels of clinical improvement, leading to controversies on the values placed on different outcomes and degrees of clinical improvements during funding evaluation. More information on how clinicians and patients define the levels of clinical improvement can help ensure the evaluation and decision-making processes of funding to become more predictable, consistent, understandable and therefore accountable to providers and consumers of healthcare.
Neuron participation in a synchrony-encoding assembly
Authors: Duret Florence , Shumikhina Svetlana , Molotchnikoff Stéphane
Published: October 2006

Background

Synchronization of action potentials between neurons is considered to be an encoding process that allows the grouping of various and multiple features of an image leading to a coherent perception. How this coding neuronal assembly is configured is debated. We have previously shown that the magnitude of synchronization between excited neurons is stimulus-dependent. In the present investigation we compare the levels of synchronization between synchronizing individual neurons and the synchronizing pool of cells to which they belong.

Results

Even though neurons belonged to their respective pools, some cells synchronized for all presented stimuli while others were rather selective and only a few stimulating conditions produced a significant synchronization. In addition the experiments show that one synchronizing pair rarely replicates the level of synchrony between corresponding groups of units. But when synchronizing clusters of neurons increase in number, the correlation (measured as a coefficient of determination) between unit synchronization and the synchronization between the entire pools of cells to which individual neurons belong improves.

Conclusion

These results prompt the hypothesis that random or spontaneous synchronization becomes progressively less important, whereas coincident spikes related to encoding properties of targets gain significance because a particular configuration of an image biases the excitatory inputs in favor of connections driven by the applied features of the stimulus.
Association of MTHFR gene polymorphisms with breast cancer survival
Authors: Martin Damali N , Boersma Brenda J , Howe Tiffany M , Goodman Julie E , Mechanic Leah E , Chanock Stephen J , Ambs Stefan
Published: October 2006

Background

Two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, C677T and A1298C, lead to decreased enzyme activity and affect chemosensitivity of tumor cells. We investigated whether theseMTHFRSNPs were associated with breast cancer survival in African-American and Caucasian women.

Methods

African-American (n = 143) and Caucasian (n = 105) women, who had incident breast cancer with surgery, were recruited between 1993 and 2003 from the greater Baltimore area, Maryland, USA. Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to examine the relationship betweenMTHFRSNPs and disease-specific survival.

Results

We observed opposite effects of theMTHFRpolymorphisms A1298C and C677T on breast cancer survival. Carriers of the variant allele at codon 1298 (A/C or C/C) had reduced survival when compared to homozygous carriers of the common A allele [Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–4.00]. In contrast, breast cancer patients with the variant allele at codon 677 (C/T or T/T) had improved survival, albeit not statistically significant, when compared to individuals with the common C/C genotype (HR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.31–1.35). The effects were stronger in patients with estrogen receptor-negative tumors (HR = 2.70; 95% CI, 1.17–6.23 for A/C or C/C versus A/A at codon 1298; HR = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.12–1.04 for C/T or T/T versus C/C at codon 677). Interactions between the twoMTHFRgenotypes and race/ethnicity on breast cancer survival were also observed (A1298C,pinteraction= 0.088; C677T,pinteraction= 0.026).

Conclusion

We found that theMTHFRSNPs, C677T and A1298C, were associated with breast cancer survival. The variant alleles had opposite effects on disease outcome in the study population. Race/ethnicity modified the association between the two SNPs and breast cancer survival.
Importance of Melanocortin Signaling in Refeeding-Induced Neuronal Activation and Satiety
Authors: Singru Praful S. , Sánchez Edith , Fekete Csaba , Lechan Ronald M.
Published: October 2006

To identify regions in the hypothalamus involved in refeeding and their regulation by α-MSH, adult rats were subjected to a 3-d fast, and 2 h after refeeding, the distribution of c-Fos-immunoreactive neurons was elucidated. Compared with fed and fasted animals, a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive cells was identified in refed animals in the supraoptic nucleus, magnocellular and ventral parvocellular subdivisions of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVNv), and the dorsal and ventral subdivisions of the dorsomedial nucleus (DMNd and DMNv, respectively). Refeeding shifted the location of c-Fos-labeled neurons from the medial to lateral arcuate where c-Fos was induced in 88.7 ± 2.2% of α-MSH-containing neurons. α-MSH-containing axons densely innervated the PVNv, DMNd, and DMNv and organized in close apposition to the majority of refeeding-activated c-Fos-positive neurons. To test whether the melanocortin system is involved in induction of c-Fos in these regions, the melanocortin 3/4 receptor antagonist, agouti-related protein (AGRP 83–132), was administered to fasting animals just before refeeding. Compared with artificial cerebrospinal fluid, a single intracerebroventricular bolus of agouti-related protein (5 μg/5 μl) not only significantly increased the total amount of food consumed within 2 h but also nearly abolished refeeding-induced c-Fos expression in the PVNv and DMNd and partially reduced c-Fos immunoreactivity in the DMNv. We conclude that refeeding activates a subset of neurons in the PVN and DMN as a result of increased melanocortin signaling and propose that one or more of these neuronal populations mediate the potent anorexic actions of α-MSH.
Shawnee Origins of Their Seven Years' War
Authors: Steele Ian
Published: October 2006

The Ohio Shawnee reversed the trend of their diplomacy in going to war with the British colonies in 1754. This move has been misunderstood as general resentment against settler encroachment and/or an opportunistic acceptance of French incentives. The clear trigger was the imprisonment in South Carolina of six Shawnee warriors who were intent on attacking the Catawba. The death of the most prominent of them, Itawachcomequa, or The Pride, prompted a declaration of a war that became an intermittent duel with the “Long Knives” over the next sixty years. Unfortunately, Shawnee fury at an unjust confinement by allies was not adequately understood by British officials, European contemporaries, or subsequent historians of either the war or the Shawnee.
The Shomvi: A Precursor to Global Ethnoscapes and Indigenization in Precolonial East Africa
Authors: Owens Geoffrey Ross
Published: October 2006

This article examines the precolonial history of the region surrounding Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, through oral traditions and memories about the Shomvi people, who lived in the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. Elite members of Shomvi settlements claimed “foreign” origins in the Middle East, Yemen, and Persia and viewed themselves as highly mobile, continually “founding” settlements throughout the region and moving back and forth between them. Traditions also suggest that the growth, maintenance, and reproduction of coastal communities were premised on a conceptual bifurcation of the community into the foreign and highly mobile Shomvi elite and others claiming to be “indigenous” residents of the region, who drew privilege and prestige from their role as first peoples and hosts to the Shomvi. A discussion of precolonial traditions and memories of the region supports what more and more scholars are recognizing: discourse concerning “globalization” and “indigenous” peoples, usually thought to be characteristic of the post-colonial period, may have had analogues that antecede the penetration of industrial capitalism and the entrenchment of European colonialism.
Sudden hearing loss in the contralateral ear in postoperative acoustic tumor: Three case reports
Authors: Clemis Jack D. , Mastricola Patricia G. , Schuler‐Vogler Maria
Published: October 2006

Careful presurgical otologic assessment of the contralateral ear in acoustic tumor patients is essential, not only to establish baseline data but more importantly to resolve the intense patient anxiety that arises almost immediately when the diagnosis is presented. Any subsequent reduction in hearing acuity in the contralateral ear after the tumor ear has been deafened, poses serious psychological, socio‐economic and medical problems.

Three detailed case reports of sudden hearing loss in the contralateral ear of postoperative acoustic tumor patients are presented. The lesion sites include: the middle ear, cochlear, and retrocochlear. In each case, hearing returned to its previous or near‐previous levels. Allergic factors were implicated in two cases.
Postoperative radiation of open head and neckwounds
Authors: Isaacs John H. , Thompson William B. , Cassisi Nicholas J. , Million Rodney R.
Published: October 2006

Complication rates are lower using postoperative radiation therapy and cure rates at least compatible to preoperative radiation therapy. However, one of the concerns with postoperative radiation treatment is the possibility of delay in beginning the treatment because of an unhealed surgical wound. A delay of more than 6 weeks is detrimental.

In order to study the effect of radiation therapy on incompletely healed wounds, a retrospective chart review of such cases during the period 1977 to 1984 was undertaken. One hundred and eighty‐five patients had planned postoperative radiation therapy, and 13 of these began radiation therapy with an unhealed wound or fistula. Six of 10 wounds closed spontaneously, 4 required surgical closure, and 3 failed to heal. Seven patients in this study died with cancer, 2 died of other causes, 3 are alive without disease, and 1 patient remains alive with disease.

We conclude that giving radiation therapy to an open wound with appropriate precaution can be done without serious complications.
Non‐hodgkin's lymphoma of the head and neck: The university of iowa experience
Authors: Conley Stephen F. , Staszak Christopher , Clamon Gerald H. , Maves Michael D.
Published: October 2006

The evaluation of a patient with a mass in the head and neck may require the consideration of lymphoma in the process of differential diagnosis. Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma is a well‐described heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies characterized by a natural history ranging from indolent to aggressive growth. Little has been written, however, concerning the specific features of this disease in the head and neck.

Between 1974 and 1984, 287 patients were treated for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting in the head and neck. A multivariant analysis of these cases forms the basis of this report. All case material was reviewed and classified according to the working formulation of the National Cancer Institute and the Ann Arbor Classification System for lymphomas. Sites of initial presentation, methods of diagnosis, choice of therapy and subsequent response to treatment were related to the manifestations of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in the head and neck. Of particular interest to the head and neck surgeon is the constellation of presenting signs and symptoms which point one to the possibility of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Neodymium‐yag laser photocoagulation of hemangiomas of the head and neck
Authors: Shapshay Stanley M. , David Laurence M. , Zeitels Steven
Published: October 2006

Hemangiomas of the head and neck region can be a therapeutic challenge depending on their size, flow rate, and location. The neodymium‐yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd‐YAG) laser was used to treat 16 pediatric and adult patients with cavernous, capillary, and mixed hemangiomas as well as hypertrophic port‐wine stains of the head and neck. Low‐power energy and intermittent short exposure accomplished photocoagulation with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Follow‐up study in these patients has ranged from 1 to 3 years with excellent results in 14 of 16 patients. Few complications and no major morbidity or mortality occurred. Photocoagulation of hemangiomas of the head and neck using the Nd‐YAG laser appears to be an exciting new therapeutic option for this difficult problem. Further clinical study and follow‐up appear to be warranted.
Composition and supramolecular organization of the tectorial membrane
Authors: Thalmann I. , Thallinger G. , Comegys T. H. , Crouch E. C. , Barrett N. , Thalmann R.
Published: October 2006

We have shown that collagen accounts for approximately 40% of the total protein of the tectorial membrane (TM) of the guinea pig and have estimated several essential parameters of TM composition including dry weight, wet weight, and water content. The major collagenous protein was definitively identified as type II collagen by SDS‐PAGE, CNBr peptide mapping, and immunoblot assays. Quickfreeze, deep‐etch electron microscopy of the guinea pig TM demonstrated a dense meshwork of fibers embedded in a complex microfibrillar matrix which may consist of proteoglycans; the larger fibers were similar in size and appearance to type II collagen fibers of elastic cartilage. Finally, the comparative free'amino acid profiles of TM strongly suggest that the TM is chemically transparent with respect to endolymph. Thus, the TM appears to consist of a highly hydrated matrix mechanically stabilized by type II collagen fibers.

The possible physicochemical and functional significance of these findings for sound transduction is discussed.
Fibrosarcoma of the head and neck
Authors: Frankenthaler Robert , Goepfert Helmuth , Ayala Alberto G. , Hartwick R. Warren
Published: October 2006

A review of 118 archival cases originally diagnosed as fibrosarcoma of the head and neck is presented. Sites of involvement were the sinonasal region, upper aerodigestive tract, skin, and soft tissues. Review of the pathologic specimens applying strict histopathologic criteria including im‐munohistochemical techniques reclassified many of the tumors as malignant fibrous histiocytoma, monophasic sy‐novial sarcoma‐like neoplasm, or dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Improved clinical outcome correlated significantly with lesser tumor size, lower histologic grade, and negative surgical margins. Location in the skin or soft tissue tended to convey improved survival, although not to a level of statistical significance.
The role of computed tomography in revision sinus surgery
Authors: Katsantonis George P. , Friedman William H. , Sivore Michael C.
Published: October 2006

In this retrospective study, 34 patients with recurrent hyperplastic rhinosinusitis who subsequently underwent further surgical intervention were evaluated with computed tomography scans in order to assess the role of computed tomography in revision sinus surgery. Fourteen of these patients had originally undergone sphenoethmoidectomies, 8 had endoscopic sinus surgeries, 6 had Caldwell‐Luc operations, and 6 had intranasal antrostomies. Computed tomography scan was instrumental in correctly identifying the site and reasons for failure and assisted in localizing further surgical intervention to the appropriate sites in 30 patients. The indications for computed tomography and revision surgery are discussed and defined.
Thyroid carcinoma invading the upper aerodigestive system
Authors: Mccaffrey Thomas V. , Lipton Richard J.
Published: October 2006

Well‐differentiated thyroid carcinoma infrequently invades the upper aerodigestive tract. However, when invasion occurs it is the source of significant morbidity and excess mortality. The most common structures invaded by thyroid carcinoma are the recurrent laryngeal nerves, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus, which can produce symptoms of airway insufficiency, dysphagia, and hemoptysis.

Locally invasive thyroid carcinoma can often be successfully treated while preserving function of the upper airway. If the tumor involves only the wall of the larynx or trachea without intraluminal extension, “shaving” the tumor from the trachea or larynx will produce local control rates comparable to more radical and destructive procedures. Intraluminal extension is a more serious problem that usually requires resection of a portion of the aerodigestive tract. Even in this situation, partial laryngeal or tra‐cheal resection with preservation of function might be possible and should be used.

Adjuvant therapy using radioiodine or external beam radiotherapy should be considered an integral part of any treatment plan for these tumors. These modalities will significantly reduce the rate of local recurrence and control symptomatic local disease.
Nonsurgical correction of auricular deformities
Authors: Millay Donna J. , Larrabee Wayne F. , Dion E. Richard
Published: October 2006

There appears to be a sound physiologic basis reported in the literature for the success of nonsurgical reshaping of the ear shortly after birth. Cartilage is composed of a cellular component, the chondrocytes, and an extracellular matrix, consisting of collagen and proteoglycan aggregate. Proteoglycan is a macro‐molecule with a core of protein surrounded by many glycosaminoglycans (principally chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate) and a hyaluronic acid molecule. The proteoglycan molecule appears to be responsible for cartilage elasticity.6 One of the substances that has been shown to increase cartilage pliability is estrogen, which directly increases hyaluronic acid levels.7–8 At birth, there are very high circulating.
Olfactory neuroblastoma: Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical characterization of four representative cases
Authors: Schmidt Jonathan L. , Zarbo Richard J. , Clark Jack L.
Published: October 2006

Olfactory neuroblastomas are rare tumors whose clinical prognosis is not predictable by assessment of initial stage or grade. The pathologic diagnosis is often difficult because of the wide range of the patients' age and histologies. In this report, we document that the diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma can be clarified by immunohistochemical demonstration of a unique antigenic profile that can be obtained in routinely processed biopsies.

We describe four cases of olfactory neuroblastoma diagnosed and treated from 1979 to 1989, each confirmed by im‐munohistology. One of our patients was misdiagnosed twice at an outside institution, first as having nasopharyngeal carcinoma and then as having small‐cell, undifferentiated “oat cell” carcinoma.

Despite accurate tumor diagnosis and appropriate therapy, we found that there was no apparent correlation of clinical outcome with Kadish clinical stage or histologic grade of tumor.
Lidocaine in the middle ear
Authors: Wilson David F. , Hodgson Richard S.
Published: October 2006

Anesthesia of the ear canal is produced by injection of lidocaine hydrochloride into the skin of the lateral external ear canal. Ear canal, tympanic membrane, and middle ear surgeries are performed with this injection. The fluid found in the middle ear during tympanotomy was collected and analyzed. The percentage of lidocaine in the fluid was calculated by an enzyme immunoassay technique. Fifteen surgical cases were undertaken in which perilymphatic fluid in the middle ear would not be suspected, such as tympanotomy for otosclerosis. Lidocaine was found in all middle ears in which there was sufficient fluid to collect. The authors question the validity of using the presence of clear fluid in the middle ear, even with reaccumulation, as the sole criterion for identifying perilymph and cerebrospinal fluid.
Gentamicin iontophoresis in the treatment of bacterial otitis externa in the guinea pig model
Authors: King III Dana M. , Estrem Scott A.
Published: October 2006

Pseudomonas otitis externa is one of the most common infections treated by otolaryngologists. Infections induced in 30 guinea pigs appeared similar to that seen in humans. The ears were then placed into four treatment groups: group A, which received a single cleaning; group B, which received a single cleaning followed by gentamicin drops 4 times daily; group C, which received a single cleaning followed by a single gentamicin iontophoresis treatment; and group D, the control group, which received no treatment.

Infections were analyzed by grading edema, purulence, and erythema. An average of 10.2 days was required for control group to return to normal appearance. Groups A, B, and C had mean resolution times of 5.9, 4.7, and 4.3 days, respectively.

Gentamicin iontophoresis appears to be promising, with results as good as drop therapy in otitis externa in the guinea pig model.3
Concomitant chemotherapy and split‐course radiation for cure and preservation of speech and swallowing in head and neck cancer
Authors: Hirsch Steven M. , Caldarelli David D. , Hutchinson James C. , Holinger Lauren D. , Showel John L. , Taylor Samuel G. , Murthy Anantha K.
Published: October 2006

To assess the ability of simultaneous cisplatin, 5‐Fluorouracil, and radiation to substitute for surgery and radiation in advanced head and neck cancer, we have retrospectively selected from our phase II study a subgroup of 29 patients having primary disease requiring either more than a hemiglossec‐tomy or a laryngectomy for control. Patients included 22 with stage IV and 7 with stage III disease, 12 tongue, 10 hypopharynx, and 7 larynx primaries. The treatment consisted of concurrent cisplatin, 5‐Fluo‐rouracil, and split‐course radiation every other week for a total of 7 cycles within 13 weeks. With a median follow‐up of 5 years, 86% of patients had preservation of speech and/or swallowing function. Median survival was 45 months, with 14 (48%) patients currently alive and disease free, 11 (38%) dead from their cancer, and 4 (14%) dead of other causes. The overall failure rate was 38%. Advanced‐stage presence of N3 nodal disease and fewer than 7 cycles of chemotherapy received were significantly associated with increasing failure rates. This program of concomitant cisplatin, 5‐Fluorouracil, and radiation produced control rates quite competitive with surgery and radiation and is appropriate for definitive testing in a randomized trial.
Prophylactic antibiotic use in clean, uncontaminated neck dissection
Authors: Slattery William H. , Stringer Scott P. , Cassisi Nicholas J.
Published: October 2006

A recent report in the literature cites a 10% wound infection rate for clean, uncontaminated neck dissections in patients who did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis as compared with a 3.3% infection rate in patients who received prophylactic antibiotics. Although a trend favoring antibiotic prophylaxis was identified, the duration of therapy was not considered. The present analysis addresses this issue. The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 120 patients who underwent clean, uncontaminated neck dissections over a 3‐year period (July 1989 through May 1992) for variables related to wound infections. Radiation therapy had previously been used in 70% of these patients. Group 1 (31 patients) received 24 hours of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, and group 2 (89 patients) received antibiotic prophylaxis until the suction drains were removed (usually 4 or 5 days after surgery). No perioperative wound infections occurred in either group. The authors concluded that perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for 24 hours is sufficient to prevent wound infections in clean, uncontaminated neck dissections.
Tetranucleotides as a scaffold for diporphyrin arrays
Authors: Bouamaied Imenne , Fendt Leslie-Anne , Wiesner Markus , Häussinger Daniel , Amiot Nicolas , Thöni Sandra , Stulz Eugen
Published: October 2006

The incorporation of porphyrin-substituted nucleosides into tetranucleotides using phosphoramidite chemistry on solid support is reported. Both diphenyl and tetraphenyl porphyrin nucleosides were used as building blocks. This method allows the synthesis of chiral homo- and heteroporphyrinic arrays, where the composition and thus the physical properties of the array can be modulated simply by reprogramming the DNA synthesizer. The porphyrin arrays are initially isolated in the free-base form. Remetallation to give the zinc-porphyrins can be achieved using standard procedures in solution. The UV-vis spectra of the arrays are reproducible by a superposition of the absorbance spectra of the individual porphyrins, indicating an undisturbed electronic ground state of the porphyrins in the arrays. The same is true for the steady-state emission spectra of the homoporphyrinic arrays, which are not influenced by the presence of the nucleotide strand. In the mixed porphyrin arrays, large differences in the excited-state properties compared to an equimolar mixture of the building blocks are observed by means that the emission of the diphenyl porphyrin moiety is quenched to a large extent, and the overall emission is dominated by the tetraphenyl porphyrin. The covalent connection of the porphyrins via the DNA-derived backbone therefore substantially alters the excited-state and energy-transfer properties of mixed porphyrin systems. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra show induced negative cotton effects in the region of the porphyrin B-band absorption, which is due to the attachment of the chromophores to the chiral oligonucleotide backbone. Addition of a complementary tetra-adenosine did not alter any of the spectroscopic properties, neither in chloroform nor in acetonitrile solutions. Therefore, it can be concluded that no duplex is formed, which is corroborated by 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Education, outreach, and codes of conduct to further the norms and obligations of the Chemical Weapons Convention (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Pearson Graham S. , Mahaffy Peter
Published: October 2006

The 2002 IUPAC evaluation of scientific and technological advances relevant to the operation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) included a recommendation that greater efforts are required in education and outreach to the worldwide scientific and technical community to increase awareness of the CWC and its benefits. In 2004, the President of IUPAC and the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) agreed on a proposal for a joint project on chemistry education, outreach, and the professional conduct of chemists. This led to a joint IUPAC/OPCW international workshop held in Oxford, UK on 9-12 July 2005 with 27 participants from 18 different countries. This report sets out the background to the workshop, the scope of the presentations and discussions, the outcomes of the workshop, and the recommended steps to further chemical education, outreach, and codes of conduct in regard to the obligations of the CWC.
Signal transduction mechanisms involved in in vitro ram sperm capacitation
Authors: Grasa Patricia , Cebrián-Pérez José Álvaro , Muiño-Blanco Teresa
Published: October 2006

We validate the chlortetracycline (CTC) technique for the evaluation of capacitation and acrosome reaction-like changes in ram sperm, carrying out a double estimation of the acrosome status after treatment with lysophosphatidylcholine, using fluorescein isocyanate (FITC)-RCA/ethidium homodimer 1 (EthD-1) and CTC/EthD-1. Highly consistent results and a positive correlation between the results of acrosome-reacted sperm evaluated with both techniques were obtained. In this study, we evaluate the effects of ram sperm capacitation of BSA, Ca2+, NaHCO3 and cAMP agonists and their influence on the associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation. We found a time-dependent increase in capacitation related to protein tyrosine phosphorylation, either in the absence or the presence of BSA. The addition of an increasing concentration of cholesterol to samples containing BSA did not influence results. The effect of bicarbonate was concentration-dependent, with a significantly lowered value of non-capacitated sperm in the presence 18 and 25 mM. The addition of extracellular calcium did not significantly increase either the proportion of capacitated sperm or the protein tyrosine phosphorylation signalling, although a significantly higher value of acrosome-reacted sperm was found in samples containing 4 mM Ca2+. cAMP agonists increased capacitated sperm and protein tyrosine phosphorylation signalling. The inhibition of protein kinase A by H-89 caused a decrease in sperm capacitation. Addition of a calcium-entry blocker (Verapamil; Sigma) did not influence results, which suggests that the calcium entry blocker was unable to inhibit the calcium influx associated with capacitation in ram sperm. Our findings might benefit our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms involved in mammalian sperm capacitation and ultimately, fertility.
Reprogramming somatic cells into stem cells
Authors: Alberio Ramiro , Campbell Keith H , Johnson Andrew D
Published: October 2006

Recent scientific achievements in cell and developmental biology have provided unprecedented opportunities for advances in biomedical research. The demonstration that fully differentiated cells can reverse their gene expression profile to that of a pluripotent cell, and the successful derivation and culture of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have fuelled hopes for applications in regenerative medicine. These advances have been put to public scrutiny raising legal, moral and ethical issues which have resulted in different levels of acceptance. Ethical issues concerning the use of cloned human embryos for the derivation of stem cells have stimulated the search for alternative methods for reversing differentiated cells into multi/pluripotent cells. In this article, we will review the present state of these reprogramming technologies and discuss their relative success. We also overview reprogramming events after somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), as they may further instruct ex ovo strategies for cellular manipulation.
Open access and connectedness: stimulating unexpected innovation through the use of institutional open archives
Authors: van Reenen Johann
Published: October 2006

The author reviews past work with Ibict and the global progress made by the Open Access Movement. He postulates a theory of open access being an example of a complex adaptive system created by Internet-based scholarly publishing. Open access could be the cause of a cascade of increasing complexity and opportunities that will reshape this system. He has chosen the pervasive and global "Connectedness" created by the internet and the content spaces it provides for open access collections as a "simple disruptive agent". He discusses how connectedness influences infinite variety, creativity, work, change, knowledge, and the information economy. Case studies from the University of New Mexico Libraries are used where appropriate.
Política de equidad en el acceso a la información: avanzando hacia un Chile digital
Authors: Sinay Clara Budnik , Michelson María Luisa de la Maza
Published: October 2006

El mundo digital rompe completamente con la secuencia y linealidad característica en la lectura del texto impreso, incorporando además sonidos e imágenes. Chile, no ha quedado ajeno a este proceso de cambios. Es así como en el año 98' se inició con el trabajo de un grupo de expertos, la definición de políticas públicas asociadas con las nuevas tecnologías a objeto de impulsar la universalización del acceso, el desarrollo de nuevas capacidades competitivas y la modernización del Estado. Otro hito importante fue la elaboración de la denominada Agenda Digital que también fijó medidas concretas en esta materia para el bienio 2004-2006. Dentro de estos documentos, queremos destacar en especial la política de equidad en el acceso a la información. En la ejecución práctica se cita el caso BiblioRedes, programa que ofrece internet y capacitación gratis en 378 bibliotecas públicas distribuidas en todo Chile, cuyos resultados han sido reconocidos internacionalmente.
The Brazilian electronic theses and dissertations digital library: providing open access for scholarly information
Authors: Southwick Sílvia Barcellos
Published: October 2006

This paper describes a project led by the Instituto Brasileiro de Informações em Ciência e Tecnologia (Ibict), a government institution, to build a national digital library for electronic theses and dissertations - Bibliteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD). The project has been a collaborative effort among Ibict, universities and other research centers in Brazil. The developers adopted a system architecture based on the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) in which universities and research centers act as data providers and Ibict as a service provider. A Brazilian metadata standard for electronic theses and dissertations was developed for the digital library. A toolkit including open source package was also developed by Ibict to be distributed to potential data providers. BDTD has been integrated with the international initiative: the Networked Digital Library of Thesis and Dissertation (NDLTD). Discussions in the paper address various issues related to project design, development and management as well as the role played by Ibict. Conclusions highlight some important lessons learned to date and challenges for the future in expanding the BDTD project.
Sistemas e condições de colheita e armazenamento na qualidade de morangos cv. Camarosa
Authors: Malgarim Marcelo Barbosa , Cantillano Rufino Fernando Flores , Coutinho Enilton Fick
Published: October 2006

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de morangos 'Camarosa' submetidos a diferentes sistemas de colheita, luz UV-C, atmosfera modificada e armazenamento por diferentes períodos, visando ao aumento da vida útil e à redução de perdas após a colheita. A colheita foi realizada em dois sistemas: no sistema um, o produtor realizou a colheita sem luvas, em caixas de madeira e sem utilizar o pré-resfriamento das frutas; no sistema dois, a colheita foi realizada por pessoal treinado, com utilização de luvas desinfetadas, em caixas plásticas lavadas e desinfetadas, foi empregado o pré-resfriamento a -3ºC durante 1 hora, até a temperatura da polpa das frutas atingir 4ºC. Os tratamentos foram: T1- controle (frutas sem luz UV-C e sem filme de polietileno); T2- frutas submetidas à luz UV-C durante 6 minutos; T3- frutas acondicionadas em filme de polietileno; T4- frutas submetidas à luz UV-C e acondicionadas em filme de polietileno. O armazenamento foi realizado à temperatura de 0±0,5ºC e UR de 90-95% por períodos de 3; 6 e 9 dias, seguidos de simulação da comercialização por 3 dias, à temperatura de 8±0,5ºC e UR de 75-80%. Na colheita e após o armazenamento, avaliaram-se: perda de massa; cor; firmeza de polpa; sólidos solúveis (SS); acidez total titulável (ATT); relação SS/ATT; ácido ascórbico, e incidência de podridões. A utilização de pré-resfriamento reduziu a perda de massa e a porcentagem de podridões. A perda de massa diminuiu nas frutas tratadas com filme. A luz UV-C reduziu a porcentagem de podridões. Morangos 'Camarosa' colhidos cuidadosamente, submetidos a pré-resfriamento, com utilização de luz UV-C e filme de polietileno, mantêm a qualidade durante nove dias de armazenamento a 0ºC e 3 dias de comercialização a 8ºC.