bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral neuropathy in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ramchandren Sindhu , Leonard Marcia , Mody Rajen J. , Donohue Janet E. , Moyer Judith , Hutchinson Raymond , Gurney James G. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of cancer in children. Recent advances in treatment have led to dramatically improved survival rates. Standard ALL treatment includes multiple administrations of the chemotherapeutic drug vincristine, which is a known neurotoxic agent. Although peripheral neuropathy is a well‐known toxicity among children receiving vincristine acutely, the long‐term effects on the peripheral nervous system in these children are not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of neuropathy and its impact on motor function and quality of life (QOL) among children who survived ALL. Thirty‐seven survivors of childhood ALL aged 8–18 underwent evaluation for neuropathy through self‐reported symptoms, standardized examinations, and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Functional impact of neuropathy was assessed using the Bruininks‐Oseretsky test of Motor Proficiency (BOT‐2). QOL was assessed using the PedsQL. Nerve conduction study abnormalities were seen in 29.7% of children who were longer than 2 years off therapy for ALL. Most children with an abnormal examination or NCS did not have subjective symptoms. Although overall motor function was below population norms on the BOT‐2, presence of neuropathy did not significantly correlate with motor functional status or QOL.
Reverse Problem Formulation for Integrating Process Discharges with Watersheds and Drainage Systems
Authors: Lovelady Eva M. , El‐Baz Amro A. , El‐Monayeri Diaa , El‐Halwagi Mahmoud M. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryThis work introduces a new approach to integrating the discharges of industrial processes with macroscopic watershed systems. The key concept is that environmental quality models (such as material flow analysis) can be inverted and included in an optimization formulation that seeks to determine the maximum allowable target for the process discharges while meeting the overall environmental requirements of the watershed. Because of its holistic nature, this approach simultaneously considers the effects of the inputs and outputs to the watershed (e.g., agricultural, residential, wastewater treatment plants, industrial, and so on) and the various physical, chemical, and biological phenomena occurring within the watershed. An optimization formulation is developed to systematically represent the reverse problem formulation. To illustrate the effectiveness of this approach, a case study is solved to manage phosphorus in Bahr El‐Baqar drainage system leading to Lake Manzala in Egypt. The key environmental and economic aspects are addressed and used to screen plant location and discharges.
Results of Short‐Term and Long‐Term Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Using Duty‐Cycled Bipolar and Unipolar Radiofrequency Energy
Authors: WIECZOREK MARCUS , HOELTGEN REINHARD , AKIN ELVAN , SALILI ALI REZA , ORAL HAKAN , MORADY FRED 
Published: November 2009

PV Isolation Using Bipolar/Unipolar RF Energy. Background: Electrical disconnection of the pulmonary veins (PV) plays an important role in the ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Antral ablation using a conventional steerable ablation catheter often is technically challenging and time consuming.
Methods:
Eighty‐eight patients (mean age 58 ± 11 years) with symptomatic paroxysmal AF underwent ablation with a circular mapping/ablation decapolar catheter (PVAC). Ablation was performed in the antral region of the PVs with a power‐modulated bipolar/unipolar radiofrequency (RF) generator using 8–10 W delivered simultaneously through 2–10 electrodes, as selected by the operator. Seven‐day Holter monitor recordings were performed off antiarrhythmic drugs at 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up, and patients were requested to visit the hospital in the event of ongoing palpitations. All follow‐up patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 with a follow‐up of less than 1 year and group 2 patients completing a 1‐year follow‐up.
Results:
Overall, 338 of 339 targeted PVs (99%) were isolated with the PVAC with a mean of 24 ± 9 RF applications per patient, a mean total procedure time of 125 ± 28 minutes, and a mean fluoroscopy time of 21 ± 13 minutes. Freedom from AF off antiarrhythmic drugs was found in 82 and 79% of group 1 and group 2 patients, respectively. No procedure‐related complications were observed.
Conclusion:
PV isolation by duty‐cycled unipolar/bipolar RF ablation can be effectively and safely performed with a circular, decapolar catheter. Twelve‐month follow‐up data compare favorably with early postablation results, indicating stable effects over time. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 399–405, April 2010)
Transseptal Dispersion of Repolarization and Its Role in the Development of Torsade de Pointes Arrhythmias
Authors: SICOURI SERGE , GLASS AARON , FERREIRO MARCELA , ANTZELEVITCH CHARLES 
Published: November 2009

Transseptal Dispersion and TdP. Objective: This study was designed to quantitate transseptal dispersion of repolarization (DR) and delineate its role in arrhythmogenesis using the calcium agonist BayK 8644 to mimic the gain of function of calcium channel current responsible for Timothy syndrome.
Background:
Amplification of transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) has been shown to contribute to development of Torsade de Pointes (TdP) arrhythmias under long‐QT conditions.
Methods:
An arterially perfused septal wedge preparation was developed via cannulation of the septal artery. Action potentials (APs) were recorded using floating microelectrodes together with a transseptal electrocardiogram (ECG). These data were compared to those recorded from arterially perfused canine left ventricular (LV) wedge preparations.
Results:
Under control conditions, the shortest AP duration measured at 90% repolarization (APD90) was observed in right ventricular (RV) endocardium (181.8 ± 15 ms), APD90 peaked close to midseptum (278.0 ± 32 ms), and abbreviated again as LV endocardium was approached (207.3 ± 9 ms). Transseptal DR averaged 106 ± 24 ms and Tpeak–Tend 84 ± 7 ms (n = 6). TDR and Tpeak–Tend recorded from LV wedge were 36 ± 9 ms and 34 ± 19 ms, respectively (n = 30). BayK 8644 increased transseptal DR to 123.2 ± 35 ms (n = 5) and induced early and delayed afterdepolarizations (3/5), rate‐dependent ST‐T‐wave alternans (5/5), and TdP arrhythmias (3/5).
Conclusions:
Our data indicate that dispersion of repolarization across the interventricular septum is twice that of the LV free wall, predisposing to development of TdP under long‐QT conditions. Our findings suggest that the coronary‐perfused ventricular septal preparation may be a sensitive model in which to assess the potential arrhythmogenic effects of drugs and pathophysiological conditions. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 441–447, April 2010)
Evaluation of photodynamic therapy using topical aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride in the treatment of condylomata acuminata: a comparative, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Liang Jun , Lu Xiao Nian , Tang Hui , Zhang Zhen , Fan Jing , Xu Jin Hua 
Published: November 2009

Objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical application of 20% wt/vol aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (ALA) in the treatment of condylomata acuminata (CA).Study design: Patients with CA were randomly allocated into the ALA‐PDT group and the CO2 laser group in an allocation ratio of 3 : 1. The treatment was repeated weekly if necessary, but no more than 3 times. The primary efficacy endpoint was the wart clearance rate 1 week after the last treatment. The recurrence rate was evaluated at weeks 4, 8 and 12 after the treatment ended. The clinical response to therapy and adverse effects were recorded.Results: A total of 91 patients with CA were enrolled in the clinical trial. Of these 90 (98.9%) patients completed the trial (67 in the ALA‐PDT group, and 23 in CO2 laser group). By 1 week after the last treatment, the complete clearance rate was 95.93% in the ALA‐PDT group and 100% in CO2 laser group (P>0.05). The clearance rate of CA at male urethral orifice was100% in the ALA‐PDT group and 100% in the CO2 laser group (P>0.05). The overall recurrence rate calculated by the end of the entire follow‐up period was significantly lower in the ALA‐PDT group than that in the CO2 laser group (9.38% vs 17.39%, P<0.05). Moreover, there was no systemic adverse event in either group. The proportion of patients with adverse effects in the ALA‐PDT group (8.82%) was also significantly lower than that in the CO2 laser group (100%, P<0.05). The side‐effects in patients treated with ALA‐PDT mainly included mild burning and/or stinging restricted to the illuminated area.Conclusion: The results confirmed that topical application of ALA‐PDT is a simpler and as effective therapy with a lower incidence of adverse effects in the treatment of CA compared with conventional CO2 laser therapy.
A Prospective Study on the Accuracy of Mucosally Supported Stereolithographic Surgical Guides in Fully Edentulous Maxillae
Authors: D'haese Jan , Van De Velde Tommie , Elaut Lucien , De Bruyn Hugo 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTBackground: Flapless implant placement using guided surgery is widespread, although clinical publications on the precision are lacking.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of mucosal‐supported stereolithographic guides in the edentulous maxillae.Materials and Methods: Seventy‐eight OsseoSpeed™ implants (Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) of 3.5 to 5 mm width and 8 to 15 mm length were installed consecutively in 13 patients. Implants were functionally loaded on the day of surgery, and implant location was assessed with a computed tomography scan. Mimics 9.0 software (Materialise N.V., Leuven, Belgium) was used to fuse the images of the virtually planned and actually placed implants, and the locations, axes, and interimplant distances were compared.Results: One implant was lost shortly after insertion because of abscess formation caused by remnants of impression material. Seventy‐seven implant locations were analyzed. The deviation at the entrance point ranged between 0.29 mm and 2.45 mm (SD: 0.44 mm), with a mean of 0.91 mm. Average angle deviation was 2.60° (range 0.16–8.86°; SD: 1.61°). At the apical point, the deviation ranged between 0.32 mm and 3.01 mm, with a mean of 1.13 mm (SD: 0.52 mm). The mean deviation of the coronal and apical interimplant distance was respectively 0.18 mm (range 0.07–0.32 mm; SD: 0.15) and 0.33 mm (range 0.12–0.69 mm; SD: 0.28). These deviations are lower than the global coronal and apical deviations.Conclusion: The present study is the first to investigate the accuracy of stereolithographic, full, mucosally supported surgical guides in the treatment of fully edentulous maxillae. Clinicians should be warned that angular and linear deviations are to be expected. Short implants show significantly lower apical deviations compared with longer ones. Reasons for implant deviations are multifactorial; however, it is unlikely that the production process of the guide has a major impact on the total accuracy of a mucosal‐supported stereolithographic guide.
Structural stability of the cofactor binding site in Escherichia coli serine hydroxymethyltransferase – the role of evolutionarily conserved hydrophobic contacts
Authors: Florio Rita , Chiaraluce Roberta , Consalvi Valerio , Paiardini Alessandro , Catacchio Bruno , Bossa Francesco , Contestabile Roberto 
Published: November 2009

According to their fold, pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐dependent enzymes are grouped into five superfamilies. Fold Type I easily comprises the largest and most investigated group. The enzymes of this group have very similar 3D structures. Remarkably, the location of the cofactor in the active site, between the two domains that form a single subunit, is almost identical in all members of the group. Nonetheless, Fold Type I enzymes show very little sequence identity, raising the question as to which structural features determine the common fold. An important fold determinant appears to be the presence of three evolutionarily conserved clusters of hydrophobic contacts. A previous investigation, which used Escherichia coli serine hydroxymethyltransferase, a well characterized Fold Type I member, demonstrated the involvement of one of these clusters in the stability of the quaternary structure. The present study focuses on the role of the same cluster in the stability of the cofactor binding site. The investigation was carried out by equilibrium denaturation experiments on serine hydroxymethyltransferase forms in which the hydrophobic contact area of the cluster under study was reduced by site‐directed mutagenesis. The results obtained show that the mutations clearly affected the process of pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate dissociation induced by urea, reducing the stability of the cofactor binding site. We suggest that the third cluster promotes the formation of a bridging structural region that stabilizes the overall protein structure by connecting the two domains, shaping the cofactor binding site and participating in the formation of the quaternary structure.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7293394, MINT‐7293405, MINT‐7293418: eSHMT (uniprotkb:P0A825) and eSHMT (uniprotkb:P0A825) bind (MI:0407) by cosedimentation in solution (MI:0028)
Land Transitions in the Tropics: Going Beyond the Case Studies
Authors: Uriarte María , Schneider Laura , Rudel Thomas K. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTEstimates of the percent of Earth's land surface that has either been transformed or degraded by human activity range between 39 and 50 percent, with agriculture accounting for the vast majority of these changes. Although much of the focus of research on land use and cover change in the tropics has been on deforestation, ongoing socioeconomic changes both locally and globally have made land transitions in the tropics extremely fluid. In addition, feedbacks between land cover change and human behavior constrain the extent and trajectories of land transitions. The sustainability of land use systems in the tropics depends on an understanding of coupled human–natural systems that can lead to general frameworks for management and prediction. The unprecedented availability of land use/cover data together with ecological data collected at large spatial scales offer exciting opportunities for advancing our understanding of socioecological systems. We rely on six studies of land transitions in the tropics to illustrate some promising approaches and pose critical questions to guide this body of research.
Litter Decomposition Within the Canopy and Forest Floor of Three Tree Species in a Tropical Lowland Rain forest, Costa Rica
Authors: Cardelús Catherine L. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe rain forest canopy hosts a large percentage of the world's plant biodiversity, which is maintained, in large part, by internal nutrient cycling. This is the first study to examine the effects of site (canopy, forest floor) and tree species (Dipteryx panamensis, Lecythis ampla, Hyeronima alchorneoides) on decay rates of a common substrate andin situleaf litter in a tropical forest in Costa Rica. Decay rates were slower for both substrates within the canopy than on the forest floor. The slower rate of mass loss of the common substrate in the canopy was due to differences in microclimate between sites. Canopy litter decay rates were negatively correlated with litter lignin:P ratios, while forest floor decay rates were negatively correlated with lignin concentrations, indicating that the control of litter decay rates in the canopy is P availability while that of the forest floor is carbon quality. The slower cycling rates within the canopy are consistent with lower foliar nutrient concentrations of epiphytes compared with forest floor‐rooted plants. Litter decay rates, but not common substrate decay rates, varied among tree species. The lack of variation in common substrate decay among tree species eliminated microclimatic variation as a possible cause for differences in litter decay and points to variation in litter quality, nutrient availability and decomposer community of tree species as the causal factors. The host tree contribution to canopy nutrient cycling via litter quality and inputs may influence the quality and quantity of canopy soil resources.
Population Ecology of the Riparian Frog Eleutherodactylus cuneatus in Cuba
Authors: Fong G. Ansel , Hero Jean‐Marc , Viña Rolando , Bignotte‐Giró Irelis 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTA population of the poorly known riparian frog Eleutherodactylus cuneatus was studied for 1 yr along a mountain stream in eastern Cuba. We examined population structure, seasonal and daily activity, growth, and habitat use using mark‐recapture and call‐point counts. Juveniles were observed during all survey periods with a spike in March. Higher numbers of adults were present in May–July, associated with longer day length, warmer temperatures, and the onset of the rainy season. This was coincident with higher calling activity away from the stream, suggesting an increase in both reproductive and nonreproductive activity in the warmer months between May and September. The number of individuals peaked at 2000–2200 h, but high numbers of individuals were visible throughout the night. Lower activity levels were observed throughout the day. Population size estimates were 84–131 adults and 124–304 juveniles, with averages of 110 and 236 individuals, survival rates were high but capture probabilities were low for a 5‐d period in March 2004. Growth rate was negatively related to the size of recaptured individuals, although decreases in growth rate were slight. Frogs were found either in the water (49.7%), or in the banks and on the ground adjacent to the stream where most individuals were found on the ground under the cover of rocks, leaf litter, or large palm fronds. These results provide baseline knowledge of E. cuneatus population dynamics and ecology needed for a rapid detection of any decline this population may undergo in the future.
Infrared identification of 4U1323-619 revisited
Authors: Zolotukhin Ivan Yu. , Revnivtsev Mikhail G. , Shakura Nikolai I. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
We re-examine the infrared counterpart of the dipping low-mass X-ray binary 4U1323-619. New X-ray data available from the XMM and Chandra observatories combined with archival infrared observations from the European Southern Observatory 3.6-m New Technology Telescope allow us to define a new possible counterpart. We present here its photometric properties and compare them with a simple analytical model of an accretion disc illuminated by a hot central corona.
Distribution of Chlorophyll‐ and Bacteriochlorophyll‐derived Photosensitizers in Human Blood Plasma
Authors: Dandler Jörg , Wilhelm Brigitte , Scheer Hugo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractChlorophylla and, in particular, bacteriochlorophyll a derivatives are promising candidates for photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. The distribution of 21 (bacterio)chlorophyll derivatives among human blood plasma fractions was studied by iodixanol gradient ultracentrifugation and in situ absorption spectroscopy. Modifications of the natural pigments involved the central metal (Mg2+, Zn2+, Pd2+, none), the isocyclic ring (closed, open and taurinated), substituents at C‐3 (vinyl, acetyl, 1‐hydroxyethyl) and C‐173 (phytyl ester, free acid). Cellular blood components bound only a small fraction of the pigments. Distribution among low‐density lipoproteins (LDL), high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) and high‐density proteins (HDP) of the plasma was influenced as follows: (1) application in Cremophor® EL slightly altered pigment distribution by lipoprotein modification, (2) only very polar pigments with multiple hydrophilic substituents showed substantial HDP binding, (3) the presence of the esterifying alcohol at C‐173 caused enrichment in LDL, this was more pronounced with bacteriochlorophylls than with chlorophylls, (4) substituents at C‐3 had only little influence on the distribution, (5) Zn2+‐complexes were enriched in HDL compared to Mg2+ and Pd2+ complexes, indicating specific binding of the former. Equilibration of pigments among the different fractions was largely complete within 3 h.
In Vitro Photodynamic Activity of 5,15‐bis(3‐Hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin and Its Halogenated Derivatives Against Cancer Cells
Authors: Serra Arménio , Pineiro Marta , Santos Catarina Isabel , Rocha Gonsalves António Manuel d’A. , Abrantes Margarida , Laranjo Mafalda , Botelho Maria Filomena 
Published: November 2009

Abstract5,15‐Diarylporphyrins (1‐5) with hydroxyl groups and halogens as substituents were prepared by condensation between unsubstituted dipyrromethane and halogenated m‐hydroxybenzaldehydes. Photophysical properties show that the nonhalogenated porphyrin 1 has higher fluorescence yield but lower singlet oxygen formation quantum yield than the halogenated derivatives due to the heavy atom effect. The in vitro activity of these derivatives was tested against WiDr colorectal adenocarcinoma and A375 melanoma cancer cells. All porphyrins present a much higher phototoxicity than Photofrin® with IC50 values lower than the 50 nm level for WiDr cells and 25 nm level for A375 cancer cells. The most photoactive compound is the nonhalogenated porphyrin 1 which also presents the highest uptake. Halogenated derivatives present much lower uptakes than 1. However, their photoactivity is similar to compound 1 showing that their intrinsic photoactivity (ISP) is very high. Iodinated compound 4 presents the highest ISP. The greater ability of these porphyrins to destroy cancer cells could be related to their photophysical and photochemical properties.
Increased UV‐B Radiation Affects the Viability, Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Maize (Zea mays L.) Pollen
Authors: Wang Shiwen , Xie Beitao , Yin Lina , Duan Liusheng , Li Zhaohu , Egrinya Eneji A. , Tsuji Wataru , Tsunekawa Atsushi 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe increase in UV‐B radiation reaching the earth’s surface has prompted extensive studies on the effects of UV‐B on plants. However, most of these studies have not addressed the close characteristics related to future survival of plant populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of UV‐B radiation on reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and antioxidant defense system in relation to germination, tube length and viability of maize pollen. Our results indicate that increased UV‐B radiation decreased the pollen germination rate and tube length in vitro and also its fertilization ability in the field. Production of O2•− and H2O2 increased by UV‐B radiation treatment, and their continuous accumulation resulted in lipid peroxidization. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and DPPH‐radical scavenging were decreased by increased UV‐B radiation. The increased ROS and lipid peroxidization, and decreased activities of the antioxidants may be attributed to the effects of UV‐B radiation on pollen germination, tube growth and fertilization ability.