bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain magnetic resonance imaging of siblings from families with two or more children with learning or intellectual disabilities and need for full-time special education
Authors: Mannerkoski M. , Heiskala H. , Raininko R. , Åberg L. , Sarna S. , Wirtavuori K. , Autti T. 
Published: March 2009

Background: Several factors are involved in determining a child's need for special education (SE). Thus, the value of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for subjects with learning and intellectual disabilities is uncertain. Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of MRI in the diagnostic process of siblings with learning and intellectual disabilities and need for full-time SE. Material and Methods: Altogether, 119 siblings (mean age 11.9 years) from families in which two or more children attended/had previously attended full-time SE underwent prospective brain MRI. SE grouping included three levels, from specific learning disabilities (level 1) to global intellectual disabilities (level 3). Forty-three controls (level 0, mean age 12.0 years) attended mainstream education groups. Signal intensity and structural abnormalities were analyzed, and areas of the cerebrum, posterior fossa, corpus callosum, vermis and brain stem, and diameters of the corpus callosum were measured. In analyses, all area measurements were calculated in proportion to the total inner skull area. Results: Abnormal finding in MRI was more common for siblings ( n=62; 52%) in SE (58% for level 3; 49% for level 2; 35% for level 1) than for controls ( n=13; 16%). The siblings showed enlarged supra- ( P<0.001) and infratentorial ( P=0.015) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces and mild corpus callosum abnormalities ( P=0.003) compared to controls. Siblings in SE had smaller inner skull area than controls ( P<0.001). Further, the relative area of the mesencephalon ( P=0.027) and the diameter of the body of the corpus callosum ( P=0.015) were significantly smaller than in controls. In binary logistic regression analysis, enlarged supratentorial CSF spaces increased the probability of SE (odds ratio 4.2; P=0.023). Conclusion: Subjects with learning and intellectual disabilities commonly have more MRI findings than controls. Enlarged supratentorial CSF spaces were a frequent finding in siblings in full-time SE.
Technical benefits and outcomes of modified upwardly created subcutaneous chest pockets for placing central venous ports: Single-center experience
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon , Chun Ho Jong , Choi Byung Gil 
Published: March 2009

Background: Traditionally, port pockets are created in a surgical fashion, with the chest pocket dissection performed by moving in the caudal direction from the incision site. However, most right-handed operators can more easily make the port pocket by dissecting upward. Purpose: To evaluate the technical benefits and outcomes of modified upwardly created subcutaneous chest pockets to allow for placement of central venous ports. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological records of 756 insertion procedures in 750 patients who were referred for image-guided implantation of chest ports. Of the 121 removal procedures reviewed, a modified chest pocket was created in 104 of them. The technical benefits and outcomes of the modified procedures were evaluated. Results: The technical success rate of the modified method was 99% for implantation and 100% for removal procedures. No patients had major immediate complications related to the procedure. Early mechanical complications were observed in two patients: one was due to a port that turned over following implantation, and the other was due to separation of the catheter and hub-port. Late mechanical complications were observed in six patients: catheter malfunction occurred in three patients due to fibrin sheath formation, and three patients experienced catheter fracture. The rate of early and late infectious complications was 0.10 and 0.09 per 100 catheter days, respectively. There were five patients with symptomatic central venous thrombosis (range 34–167 days). Conclusion: Modified upwardly created chest pockets are useful for implantable central venous port systems, and may be easier to implant and remove than conventional downward pocket methods.
Phylogeny of the Thylacosterninae (Coleoptera, Elateridae)
Authors: Vahtera Varpu , Muona Jyrki , Lawrence John F. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe phylogeny of the Elateridae subfamily Thylacosterninae was studied using morphological characters and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences. Five monophyletic groups were recovered: the Asian Cussolenis, the American Pterotarsus, Balgus and Thylacosternus, and the African “Cussolenis”, which is described here as Lumumbaia new genus Muona & Vahtera (type‐species Cussolenis attenuatus Fleutiaux, 1925). The following new combinations are made: Lumumbaia africanus (Fleutiaux, 1897) [Soleniscus], Lumumbaia praeustus (Fleutiaux, 1926) [Cussolenis], Lumumbaia nigripes (Fleutiaux, 1926) [Cussolenis], Lumumbaia robustus (Fleutiaux, 1925) [Cussolenis], Lumumbaia attenuatus (Fleutiaux, 1925) [Cussolenis] and Lumumbaia notabilis (Fleutiaux, 1926) [Cussolenis]. A key to the genera of the subfamily is provided. The data were efficient in recovering generic limits within the group. At species level the mitochondrial 16S rDNA data seemed to work unpredictably, either agreeing or not with traditional species‐level limits based on male genitalia and body structure. The evolution of bioluminescence is optimized as a feature originating in the ancestors of clicking elateroids. © The Willi Hennig Society 2009.
Predictive value of early 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) during salvage chemotherapy in relapsing/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated with high‐dose chemotherapy
Authors: Castagna Luca , Bramanti Stefania , Balzarotti Monica , Sarina Barbara , Todisco Elisabetta , Anastasia Antonella , Magagnoli Massimo , Mazza Rita , Nozza Andrea , Giordano Laura , Rodari Marcello , Rinifilo Eva , Chiti Arturo , Santoro Armando 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThis retrospective study evaluated whether early 2‐[fluorine‐18]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) after two cycles of salvage chemotherapy (PET2) could predict survival after high‐dose chemotherapy (HDC). Twenty‐four Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients were included. PET2 was negative in 58% and positive in 42% of patients. Ninety per cent of patients (9/10) with positive PET2 relapsed after HDC while all but one patient with negative PET2 maintained a complete remission. The 2‐year progression‐free survival was 93% vs. 10% for patients with negative and positive PET2, respectively (P < 0.001). This study shows that interim PET can predict the outcome after high‐dose chemotherapy in HL patients.
Effects of oestradiol on gonadotrophin levels in normal and castrated men
Authors: De Ronde Willem , Ten Kulve Jennifer , Woerdeman Jorn , Kaufman Jean‐Marc , De Jong Frank H. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryContext  Testosterone inhibits gonadotrophin release in men either directly or after aromatization to oestradiol. We hypothesized that in males the androgen receptor‐mediated effect of testosterone on LH release is negligible relative to that of oestradiol.Objective  To compare the effect of experimentally induced variations of plasma oestradiol levels on LH levels in normal (physiological testosterone levels) and castrated men (very low testosterone levels).Design  Prospective, open label, intervention.Subjects and interventions  We suppressed endogenous oestradiol in 10 young men with letrozole 2·5 mg once daily. In these men and in 10 young healthy castrated men, we restored plasma oestradiol levels with oestradiol patches (first week 100 μg/day, second week 50 μg/day, third week 25 μg/day and fourth week no oestradiol patch).Measurements  The effect of the intervention on plasma levels of LH were monitored and compared between the groups.Results  With the intervention, the mean plasma oestradiol level in the two groups varied from supraphysiological to below the lower reference range. Levels of LH mirrored plasma oestradiol levels in both the groups, as did testosterone in the intact group. Despite similar oestradiol levels, mean levels of LH were significantly higher in the castrated group compared to the intact group for all doses of oestradiol, and supraphysiological levels of oestradiol were unable to suppress LH into the physiological range in the castrated group.Conclusions  Physiological plasma oestradiol levels have a substantial suppressive effect on LH in men. However, low‐normal testosterone levels are a prerequisite for suppression of LH into the normal range.
The value of the oral glucose tolerance test, random serum growth hormone and mean growth hormone levels in assessing the postoperative outcome of patients with acromegaly
Authors: Karavitaki N. , Fernandez A. , Fazal‐Sanderson V. , Wass J. A. H. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryBackground  The nadir GH value following an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the mean GH levels obtained from a GH day curve (GHDC) are among the tools currently used for assessing therapeutic end‐points in surgically treated acromegaly. The latter test, however, is cumbersome and costly.Objectives  To evaluate, by using a modern, two‐site chemiluminescent immunometric GH assay, the degree of discordance between the nadir GH following an OGTT and the mean GH obtained from a GHDC after surgical treatment of acromegaly and to check whether the OGTT can replace reliably the GHDC for the assessment of the disease status postoperatively.Patients and methods  Forty‐nine patients [25 males/24 females, median age 52 years (range 18–70)] with a GH‐secreting pituitary adenoma who had been surgically treated previously underwent hormonal evaluation of their disease status. The GHDC comprised of 9 × 30‐min samples for GH collected in the morning after an overnight fast and rest.Results  Seven per cent of patients with mean GH <1·7 μg/l (5 mU/l) in the GHDC had nadir GH >0·7 μg/l (2 mU/l) in the OGTT, and 10% of those with mean GH >1·7 μg/l had nadir GH <0·7 μg/l in the OGTT (all cases with discrepancies had normal IGF‐I). GH value at time 0 min <0·6 μg/l in the OGTT had positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 75% in predicting nadir GH <0·3 μg/l (1 mU/l) in the OGTT. Nadir GH <0·8 μg/l in the OGTT had positive predictive value 97% and negative predictive value 95% in predicting mean GH <1·7 μg/l in the GHDC. Mean GH in the OGTT <1·4 μg/l had a positive predictive value 90% and negative predictive value 95% in predicting mean GH <1·7 μg/l in the GHDC. Mean GH in the OGTT <2·5 μg/l had positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 81% in predicting normal IGF‐I. GH at time 0 min in the GHDC <2·1 μg/l had positive predictive value 90% and negative predictive value 90% in predicting mean GH <1·7 μg/l in the GHDC.Conclusions  The hormonal data obtained from an OGTT (mean and nadir GH) can provide comprehensive information on the status of acromegaly following surgery and can replace the GHDC cost‐effectively. Furthermore, a morning fasting GH sample has an excellent positive predictive value in predicting biochemical cure and an optimal prognostic profile in predicting “safe” mean GH levels.
Offspring performance and the adaptive benefits of prolonged pregnancy: experimental tests in a viviparous lizard
Authors: While Geoffrey M , Uller Tobias , Wapstra Erik 
Published: March 2009

SummaryOffspring locomotor performance has been shown to influence fitness related traits in a wide range of taxa. One potential mechanism by which viviparous animals can increase the performance (e.g. sprint speed) of their offspring is by prolonging pregnancy (beyond that required for complete development). However, to date studies examining this potentially important maternal effect have been largely descriptive.The skinkEgernia whitiiis an ideal candidate species to examine the consequences of delayed parturition on the performance of offspring as it routinely gives birth asynchronously despite synchronous offspring development.Using correlative data from a natural population and experimental manipulations of birthing asynchrony, we tested the prediction that, within litters, last born offspring have a better locomotor performance than first born offspring.We show that prolonged pregnancy does significantly influence average offspring locomotor performance; however, contrary to predictions, the direction of this effect is dependent on gestation length and thus offspring date of birth. Last born offspring had significantly poorer performance than first born offspring in litters early in the season with this pattern reversed late in the season.These results do not support the hypothesis that prolonged retention of fully formed offspring consistently increases offspring performance; however, they may help us understand the asymmetries in offspring competitive ability generated by birthing asynchrony.
Semen quality, reproductive hormones and fertility of men operated for hypospadias
Authors: Asklund C. , Jensen T. K. , Main K. M. , Sobotka T. , Skakkebæk N. E. , Jørgensen N. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe testicular function of men previously operated for hypospadias has been sparsely investigated. Therefore, we investigated semen quality and reproductive hormones of 92 men with isolated hypospadias (IH) and 20 with hypospadias and additional genital disorders (HAGD) and compared with similar results from young men from the general Danish population. All participants lived the Copenhagen area of Denmark. Additionally, fertility information on 1083 men registered as operated for hypospadias was retrieved from national registries. The semen quality of men with IH did not differ from controls, but was reduced in men with HAGD. Median values for IH and HAGD were, respectively: sperm concentration 52 and 32 million (mill)/mL (p = 0.02), total sperm counts 173 and 101 mill (p = 0.03), motile spermatozoa 70 and 58% (p = 0.007) and morphological normal spermatozoa 9 and 4% (p = 0.004). Men with IH had a slight increase in follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels, whereas men with HAGD had more pronounced disturbances. 24.0% of the 1083 men operated for hypospadias were registered as fathers to at least one child, whereas the corresponding number in the general age‐matched population was 29.4% (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the majority of men with IH had normal semen quality, whereas it was reduced for men with HAGD. However, reproductive hormone levels indicated a subtle impairment of testicular function also in men with IH. An observed lower number of fathers among men with hypospadias may be because of psychosocial aspects, sexual dysfunction or reduced semen quality or a combination of these factors. Our results should be reassuring for patients with mild forms of IH and their relatives. They can be informed that hypospadias in such cases is not generally associated with poor semen quality. Particularly among patients with HAGD, several may, however, need fertility treatment to reproduce.
Improvement of semen quality in an infertile man with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency, suppressed serum gonadotropins and testicular adrenal rest tumours
Authors: Mouritsen Annette , Juul Anders , Jørgensen Niels 
Published: March 2009

SummaryHere, we report improvement of semen quality in a 30‐year‐old man with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) because of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency, bilateral testicular adrenal rest tumours (TART) and a 1.5‐year infertility history. His adrenal substitution therapy was changed from hydrocortisone 10 mg once daily to 10 mg three times daily in combination with dexamethasone, 0.1 mg once daily. Upon this change, the testicular tumours showed regression and his sperm concentration increased from 0.1 to 98 mio/mL and total sperm count from 0.64 to 392 mio. sp., total number of motile spermatozoa increased from 0.23 to 258.72 mio. The total number of morphologically normal spermatozoa increased from 0.01 to 19.6 mio. sp. The patient reported improved well being and did not develop signs of overtreatment. A non‐optimal medical substitution therapy of this CAH patient is the most likely explanation for the presence of TART and disturbed reproductive hormones levels, leading to impaired semen quality. Optimizing the medical treatment may at least in some cases improve fecundity.
Functional asymmetry of the F0 motor in bacterial ATP synthases
Authors: Wiedenmann Alexander , Dimroth Peter , Von Ballmoos Christoph 
Published: March 2009

SummaryF1F0 ATP synthases use the electrochemical potential of H+ or Na+ across biological membranes to synthesize ATP by a rotary mechanism. In bacteria, the enzymes can act in reverse as ATP‐driven ion pumps creating the indispensable membrane potential. Here, we demonstrate that the F0 parts of a Na+‐ and H+‐dependent enzyme display major asymmetries with respect to their mode of operation, reflected by the requirement of ∼100 times higher Na+ or H+ concentrations for the synthesis compared with the hydrolysis of ATP. A similar asymmetry is observed during ion transport through isolated F0 parts, indicating different affinities for the binding sites in the a/c interface. Together with further data, we propose a model that provides a rationale for a differential usage of membrane potential and ion gradient during ATP synthesis as observed experimentally. The functional asymmetry might also reflect an important property of the ATP synthesis mechanism in vivo. In Escherichia coli, we observed respiratory chain‐driven ATP production at pH 7–8, while P‐site pH values < 6.5 were required for ATP synthesis in vitro. This discrepancy is discussed with respect to the hypothesis that during respiration lateral proton diffusion could lead to significant acidification at the membrane surface.
Complex inheritance of the plasmodial surface anion channel in a Plasmodium falciparum genetic cross
Authors: Alkhalil Abdulnaser , Pillai Ajay D. , Bokhari Abdullah A. B. , Vaidya Akhil B. , Desai Sanjay A. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryHuman erythrocytes infected with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum have increased permeabilities to many solutes. The plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC) may mediate these changes. Despite good understanding of the biochemical and biophysical properties, the genetic basis of PSAC activity remains unknown. Functional polymorphisms in laboratory isolates and two mutants generated by in vitro selection implicate a parasite‐encoded channel, although parasite‐induced modifications of endogenous channels have not been formally excluded. Here, we identified stable differences in furosemide efficacy against PSAC activity induced by HB3 and 3D7A parasites. This difference was apparent in both single PSAC patch‐clamp recordings and in sorbitol‐mediated osmotic lysis measurements, confirming that Cl‐ and sorbitol are transported by a single‐channel type. Examination of 19 progeny from a genetic cross between HB3 and 3D7A revealed complex inheritance with some cloned progeny exhibiting furosemide affinities outside the range of parental values. Isolates generated by selfing of the 3D7A clone also exhibited altered furosemide affinities, implicating changes in one or more alleles during meiosis or passage through a primate host. PSAC may be encoded by multiple parasite genes (e.g. a multi‐gene family or multiple genes that encode distinct channel subunits) or a single polymorphic gene under strong selective pressure.
CLINICAL STUDY: Alterations in pituitary‐thyroid axis function among opioid‐dependent subjects after acute and protracted abstinence
Authors: Zhang Guo‐fu , Tang Yi‐lang , Smith Alicia K. , Liu Zhen‐qi , Sheng Li‐xia , Chi Yong , Du Wan‐jun , Guo Song , Jiang Zuo‐ning , Xiao Le , Zhang Hong‐xi , Luo Xiao‐nian 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the pituitary‐thyroid axis (PTA) and the time course of the hormonal alterations in subjects with opioid dependence after abstinence. Blood samples from in‐patients with opioid dependence and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were collected. The severity of opioid abuse and of withdrawal symptoms was assessed. Results were compared between patients with opioid dependence (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30). We found that free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels were comparable with healthy controls while thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) was lower in patients in acute opioid abstinence period. Also, TSH levels in patients remained lower than controls after 30 days of abstinence. These results indicate that PTA function is altered in opioid‐dependent subjects. These data highlight the importance of screening the thyroid function for individuals with chronic opioid dependence.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Long‐term haloperidol treatment (but not risperidone) enhances addiction‐related behaviors in mice: role of dopamine D2 receptors
Authors: Carvalho Rita C. , Fukushiro Daniela F. , Helfer Daniel C. , Callegaro‐Filho Donato , Trombin Thaís F. , Zanlorenci Lineane H. F. , Sanday Leandro , Silva Regina H. , Frussa‐Filho Roberto 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe high prevalence of psychostimulant abuse observed in schizophrenic patients may be related to the development of mesolimbic dopaminergic supersensitivity (MDS) or nigrostriatal dopaminergic supersensitivity (NDS) in response to the chronic blockade of dopamine receptors produced by typical neuroleptic treatment. We compared the effects of withdrawal from long‐term administration of the typical neuroleptic haloperidol (Hal) and/or the atypical agent risperidone (Ris) on MDS and NDS, behaviorally evaluated by amphetamine‐induced locomotor stimulation (AILS) and apomorphine‐induced stereotypy (AIS) in mice, respectively. We further evaluated the duration of MDS and investigated the specific role of dopamine D2 receptors in this phenomenon by administering the D2 agonist quinpirole (Quin) to mice withdrawn from long‐term treatment with these neuroleptics. Withdrawal (48 hours) from long‐term (20 days) Hal (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) (but not 0.5 mg/kg Ris i.p.) treatment potentiated both AILS and AIS. Ris co‐administration abolished the potentiation of AILS and AIS observed in Hal‐withdrawn mice. Ten days after withdrawal from long‐term treatment with Hal (but not with Ris or Ris + Hal), a potentiation in AILS was still observed. Only Hal‐withdrawn mice presented an attenuation of locomotor inhibition produced by Quin. Our data suggest that the atypical neuroleptic Ris has a pharmacological property that counteracts the compensatory MDS and NDS developed in response to the chronic blockade of dopamine receptors imposed by Ris itself or by typical neuroleptics such as Hal. They also indicate that MDS may be long lasting and suggest that an upregulation of dopamine D2 receptors in response to long‐term treatment with the typical neuroleptic is involved in this phenomenon.