bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered phosphorylation and localization of the A‐type channel, Kv4.2 in status epilepticus
Authors: Lugo Joaquin N. , Barnwell Lyndon Forbes , Ren Yajun , Lee Wai Ling , Johnston Lisa Danielle , Kim Rebecca , Hrachovy Richard A. , Sweatt John David , Anderson Anne E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractExtracelluar signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation has been demonstrated following convulsant stimulation; however, little is known about the molecular targets of ERK in seizure models. Recently, it has been shown that ERK phosphorylates Kv4.2 channels leading to down‐regulation of channel function, and substantially alters dendritic excitability. In the kainate model of status epilepticus (SE), we investigated whether ERK phosphorylates Kv4.2 and whether the changes in Kv4.2 were evident at a synaptosomal level during SE. Western blotting was performed on rat hippocampal whole cell, membrane, synaptosomal, and surface biotinylated extracts following systemic kainate using an antibody generated against the Kv4.2 ERK sites and for Kv4.2, ERK, and phospho‐ERK. ERK activation was associated with an increase in Kv4.2 phosphorylation during behavioral SE. During SE, ERK activation and Kv4.2 phosphorylation were evident at the whole cell and synaptosomal levels. In addition, while whole‐cell preparations revealed no alterations in total Kv4.2 levels, a decrease in synaptosomal and surface expression of Kv4.2 was evident after prolonged SE. These results demonstrate ERK pathway coupling to Kv4.2 phosphorylation. The finding of decreased Kv4.2 levels in hippocampal synaptosomes and surface membranes suggest additional mechanisms for decreasing the dendritic A‐current, which could lead to altered intrinsic membrane excitability during SE.
Tyrosine hydroxylase activity is regulated by two distinct dopamine‐binding sites
Authors: Gordon Sarah L. , Quinsey Noelene S. , Dunkley Peter R. , Dickson Phillip W. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate‐limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of the catecholamines dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, is regulated acutely by feedback inhibition by the catecholamines and relief of this inhibition by phosphorylation of serine 40 (Ser40). Phosphorylation of serine 40 abolishes the binding of dopamine to a high affinity (KD < 4 nM) site on TH, thereby increasing the activity of the enzyme. We have found that TH also contains a second low affinity (KD = 90 nM) dopamine‐binding site, which is present in both the non‐phosphorylated and the Ser40‐phosphorylated forms of the enzyme. Binding of dopamine to the high‐affinity site decreases Vmax and increases the Km for the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin, while binding of dopamine to the low‐affinity site regulates TH activity by increasing the Km for tetrahydrobiopterin. Kinetic analysis indicates that both sites are present in each of the four human TH isoforms. Dissociation of dopamine from the low‐affinity site increases TH activity 12‐fold for the non‐phosphorylated enzyme and 9‐fold for the Ser40‐phosphorylated enzyme. The low‐affinity dopamine‐binding site has the potential to be the primary mechanism responsible for the regulation of catecholamine synthesis under most conditions.
Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma during malignant melanoma progression
Authors: Lee Carolyn , Ramirez James A. , Guitart Joan , Diaz Leslie K. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Cancer chemoprevention using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs is frequently attributed to cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibition, although recent studies suggest that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) may also be involved. While surgical excision remains the treatment mainstay for localized malignant melanoma, certain high‐risk patients may benefit from adjunctive chemotherapy. In this study, we compared COX‐2 and PPARγ immunohistological staining in benign nevi, primary melanomas and metastatic melanomas to help predict the effectiveness of compounds targeting these markers.Methods:  COX‐2 and PPARγ immunohistological staining was performed and reviewed in 99 melanocytic lesions, including 38 benign nevi, 32 primary melanomas and 29 metastatic melanomas.Results:  There was a significant increase in both COX‐2 and PPARγ immunostaining in melanomas compared with benign nevi. Metastatic melanomas were more likely to have a higher number of PPARγ‐immunopositive cells. They were also more likely to express COX‐2 than primary melanomas. Neither COX‐2 nor PPARγ expression was associated with a specific pathologic subtype.Conclusions:  COX‐2 and PPARγ may help modulate the progression of melanocytic precursor lesions to disseminated malignant melanoma. As such, they may serve as candidate substrates for targeted cancer therapies and may be particularly useful as adjuncts to surgery.
Intramedullary spinal cord tumors: Patterns of care in Victoria from 1998–2000
Authors: ROSENTHAL Mark A , ASHLEY David M , DRUMMOND Katharine , DALLY Michael , MURPHY Michael , CHER Lawrence , THURSFIELD Vicky , GILES Graham G 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim:  This study describes the management of and outcomes for adult patients with newly diagnosed intramedullary spinal cord tumors during 1998–2000 in Victoria.Methods:  The adult patients were identified in a retrospective cohort study conducted by surveying doctors involved in managing incident glioma cases identified from the population‐based Victorian Cancer Registry.Results:  Sixteen patients were considered eligible for this review. Of these 15 (94%) had a histological diagnosis: an ependymoma was diagnosed in 13 patients (81%). A complete macroscopic resection was achieved in eight patients (50%). A variety of tumor types and grades were observed with surgery and radiotherapy the mainstays of therapy. One patient received chemotherapy (7%). One patient died from disease within six months of diagnosis. Of the remaining 15 patients, all were alive at 5 years and 10 (63%) remain disease free.Conclusion:  This review documents characteristics of a rare condition and suggests that, overall, prognosis is excellent.
Unusual responses to thalidomide in refractory solid tumors
Authors: RANGARAJU Ranga Rao , ANIL Konnpal , VENNIYOOR Ajit , SINGH Harinder , RANJAN Subhash , KAPUR B 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDespite the positive impact of newer chemotherapeutic agents on responses and survival in patients with solid tumors, challenges in recurrent and metastatic solid tumors include acquired drug resistance, poor responses and poor tolerance by the patient. Use of antiangiogenic agents appears to be a logical, rational and effective approach. Of these agents, thalidomide has shown to specifically inhibit endothelial cell growth in various experimental animals. The advantages of thalidomide include the convenience of the oral route of administration and low toxicity profile. Furthermore, thalidomide has been found to be effective in cancer cachexia syndrome, chronic nausea, insomnia, profuse sweating and pain, which are often part of advanced malignancies. In this case report of six patients, we present encouraging responses to thalidomide used in a dose of 200 mg in patients with refractory solid tumors.
Paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis associated with motor neuron disease causing respiratory failure in the setting of occult small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: SIVA Shankar , TALMAN Paul , BROAD Adam , NORDEN Sam 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA 72‐year‐old female smoker presented with widespread wasting, fasciculation, rapidly evolving motor paralysis and respiratory failure. An initial chest X‐ray and thorax computed tomography (CT) failed to demonstrate any lung pathology. Serum Anti‐Hu antibodies were elevated. An occult small cell lung carcinoma and a paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis were detected at autopsy. Paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis associated motor neuron disease is an uncommon association with cryptic small cell carcinoma of the lung that carries poor prognosis. In addition, serum anti‐Hu antibodies are strongly associated with small cell carcinoma. We suggest in the clinical setting of anti‐Hu antibody associated paraneoplastic motor neuron disease that empirical chemotherapy directed against small cell carcinoma be considered.
Ten‐year trends and 20‐year projections of the incidence of lip and tongue cancer in Western Australia
Authors: KRUGER Estie , TENNANT Marc 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim:  Lip and tongue cancer account for about 40 and 14%, respectively, of all oral cancers in Western Australia. The aim of this study is to report on the trends in incidence rates of lip and tongue cancer in Western Australia over the last ten years, and to generate incidence projections up to the year 2025.Methods:  Incidence data for the current analysis were obtained from the Western Australian Cancer Registry for the period 1995 to 2004.Results:  Two projection methods indicate an increase in the numbers and rates of lip and tongue cancer cases over the next 19 years, showing that the number of lip cancer patients will increase from 122 in 1995 to between 395 and 477 in 2025, and the number of tongue cancer patients will increase from 41 in 1995 to between 112 and 135 in 2025.Conclusion:  The projections indicate there will be increasing rates of lip and tongue cancer in Western Australia, especially in older people. With an ageing population this implies significantly increased caseloads of the most common oral cancers and planning future resource allocation should be considered.
EFFECT OF YAM VARIETY ON THE PASTING PROPERTIES AND SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF TRADITIONAL DRY‐YAM AND ITS PRODUCTS
Authors: BABAJIDE J.M. , HENSHAW F.O. , OYEWOLE O.B. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT Six varieties of yam were processed into traditional dry‐yam slices. The pasting properties and sensory attributes of dry‐yam samples, flour and paste from the flour were investigated. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed in the pasting properties of flour from different yam varieties. “Ijedo,” the commonly used variety, had the highest peak, trough and final viscosities. There was no significant difference in the viscosities of “Efuru” (206.04 rapid viscosity analyzer), “Ise‐Osi” (242.75 rapid viscosity unit [RVU]) and “Abuja” (241.25 RVU) varieties. Samples of dry yam made from “Efuru,”“Ise‐Osi” and “Abuja” yams were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from “Ijedo” in terms of instrumental color measurement, as their degree of brownness (100 − L*) were 21.53, 19.21, 20.87 and 22.42, respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in color, taste and moldability of the paste made from “Efuru,”“Ise‐Osi,”“Ijedo” and “Abuja” yams. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the hardness of dry yams made from “Ise‐Osi,”“Ijedo” and “Abuja.” There were positive correlations between the yam paste moldability, peak, trough and final viscosities for the different yam varieties. “Ise‐Osi,”“Efuru” and “Abuja” varieties were found to be suitable for dry‐yam processing in terms of sensory property and pasting of dry‐yam slices and their products, which were not significantly different from those of “Ijedo” variety – the commonly used yam.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe study revealed that dry‐yam processors and potential dry‐yam processors in Nigeria can use other white yam varieties, such as “Abuja,”“Ise‐Osi” and “Efuru,” apart from “Ijedo” variety – the commonly used yam variety. These yam varieties were also acceptable in terms of the sensory and pasting properties of dry‐yam slices and their products. Thus, the general knowledge that white yams are good for dry‐yam processing has been scientifically verified.
SENSORY ATTRIBUTES AND ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF SPANISH HONEYS
Authors: GONZÁLEZ LORENTE MONTSERRAT , DE LORENZO CARRETERO CRISTINA , PÉREZ MARTÍN ROSA ANA 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT Twenty‐two honey samples from Spain have been assayed in relation to (1) their sensory and physicochemical characteristics; and (2) their radical‐scavenging capacity against the stable free radical DPPH. Sensory analysis has been carried out by means of descriptive profiling with a trained panel. In previous studies, a strong correlation of the physicochemical parameters, (1) net absorbance and (2) electrical conductivity, was observed, with the radical‐scavenging capacity. Interestingly, some correlations were also observed between the mentioned radical‐scavenging capacity and some sensory parameters. Statistical analysis showed that sensory parameters of bitterness and color were directly correlated with the honey antioxidant capacity, whereas the parameters sweetness and crystallization degree were negatively correlated. In terms of sensory appreciation, bitterness and dark color are sensory parameters indicative of the honey scavenging capacity, which is greater in dark honeys, mainly honeydews. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe main weight of this work is devoted to the sensory analysis of honeys by the use of objective scales, and to study the relation between these appreciations with the antioxidant properties of artisanal honeys. The main practical application is to improve the knowledge of the consumer about honey, its characteristics and properties, in order to provide criteria for selection. The direct correlation established between some sensory parameters and the antioxidant capacity of honey may enable the consumer to have an idea about the antioxidant capacity of the product. So, the intake of darker and less sweet honeys, which have higher antioxidant activities, in combination with other natural and better‐known foodstuffs rich in antioxidants (fruit, vegetables, olive oil, red wine, among others), can be introduced in the frame of an adequate diet.
3D Reconstruction from temporal bone histological sections – is it now possible?
Authors: Ahmad N. , Tan A.C. , Gardner A. , Wright A. 
Published: June 2008

Objectives.  Current 3D temporal bone models have either lacked the resolution (if volume‐rendered from imaging)1 or lacked the interactivity (if surface‐rendered from sections)2 necessary for surgical training. The objective was to produce a 3D volume‐rendered temporal bone model from serial sections.Method.  High resolution images were acquired from serial histological sections of the temporal bone using a Canon SLR digital 8‐megapixel camera. Image registration was performed by aligning in Adobe Photoshop on a PC with a 256 Mb graphics card. Segmentation of surgically relevant anatomical structures was performed followed by 3D volumetric reconstruction. The model was finally checked for anatomical accuracy and interactivity by practicing otologists.Results.  An anatomically accurate, high resolution 3D volume‐rendered model of the temporal bone was produced, containing many of the surgically relevant structures the otologist may come across during surgery. The course of the facial nerve, the labyrinth, internal carotid artery, jugular vein and all the ossicles where visualised (including the stapes footplate) along with the internal and external auditory meati and even the chorda tympani nerve in some projections. The model was interactive with the ability to rotate it in any plane, zoom into areas of interest and ‘cut’ volume to reveal underlying structures.Conclusions.  To the best of our knowledge, this is the world's first 3D volume‐rendered model of the temporal bone from histological sections. At a time of difficulty in procuring cadaveric bones, this model could be a major aid to improving the future training of surgeons performing procedures on the temporal bone.References.  1 Wiet G.J., Schmalbrock P., Powell K. & Stredney D. (2005) Use of ultra‐high‐resolution data for temporal bone dissection simulation. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 133, 911–9152 Mason T.P., Applebaum E.L., Rasmussen M., Millman A., Evenhouse R. & Panko W. (2000) Virtual temporal bone: creation and application of a new computer‐based teaching tool. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 122, 168–173
Endoscopic dewaxing in primary care – a replacement for syringing?
Authors: Pothier D.D. 
Published: June 2008

Objectives.  To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of endoscopic dewaxing1 in primary care as a replacement for syringing or irrigation of the external auditory meatus.Method.  Case control pilot study. Seven practice nurses from General Practices in the Wiltshire area completed a training course in the technique of endoscopic dewaxing. After training the group dewaxed 100 sequential ears using irrigation followed by 100 ears using endoscopic dewaxing. Data on patient feedback, time and difficulty were recorded. To account for the learning curve associated with the technique, the endoscopically dewaxed ears were analysed in two groups, the first 50 performed and the last 50 performed by the nurses.Results.  There was no significant in difference in pain or satisfaction scores between the first 50 endoscopic dewaxes and irrigation (P = 0.21, P = 0.31). The level of satisfaction with the second group of endoscopic dewaxes was 95.5 (sd = 42.7) compared to irrigation at 65.5 (sd = 28.9) (P < 0.001). The mean time take to perform irrigation was 10.8 min, very similar to both groups of endoscopic dewaxing (11.8 min and 10.3 min respectively, P = 0.3)Conclusions.  Endoscopic dewaxing can be successfully introduced into primary care and represents a technique performed under direct vision. It takes a similar length of time and is associated with greater patient satisfaction. It can be effectively performed without prior wax softening and is likely to be safer than irrigation, particularly where there is undiagnosed tympanic membrane pathology.Reference.  1 Pothier D.D. (2006) How we do it: technical note: endoscopic removal of cerumen. Clin. Otolaryngol. 31, 153–155
Attitudes of Interior Designers toward CADD and CADD Education
Authors: Clemons Stephanie A. , McCullough Jane 
Published: June 2008

Across the nation, institutions that teach interior design are adding computer–aided drafting and design (CADD) classes to their curriculum with the assumption that the courses will enhance their graduates’ marketability. In July 1987, a questionnaire was mailed to practicing interior designers to assess their attitudes toward CADD training for interior design students and toward CADD in general. By understanding the attitudes of practicing interior designers, teaching institutions can better determine if the need for CADD classes exists and what attitudes toward CADD the graduates will encounter when they enter the design field.Responses from a nationwide random sample indicate that practicing interior designers have positive attitudes toward CADD and toward CADD training for students.
Response of Anaerobic Ammonium-Oxidizing Bacteria to Hydroxylamine
Authors: van der Star Wouter R. L. , van de Graaf Maarten J. , Kartal Boran , Picioreanu Cristian , Jetten Mike S. M. , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation is a recent addition to the microbial nitrogen cycle, and its metabolic pathway, including the production and conversion of its intermediate hydrazine, is not well understood. Therefore, the effect of hydroxylamine addition on the hydrazine metabolism of anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria was studied both experimentally and by mathematical modeling. It was observed that hydroxylamine was disproportionated biologically in the absence of nitrite into dinitrogen gas and ammonium. Little hydrazine accumulated during this process; however, rapid hydrazine production was observed when nearly all hydroxylamine was consumed. A mechanistic model is proposed in which hydrazine is suggested to be continuously produced from ammonium and hydroxylamine (possibly via nitric oxide) and subsequently oxidized to N
2
. The electron acceptor for hydrazine oxidation is hydroxylamine, which is reduced to ammonium. A decrease in the hydroxylamine reduction rate, therefore, leads to a decrease in the hydrazine oxidation rate, resulting in the observed hydrazine accumulation. The proposed mechanism was verified by a mathematical model which could explain and predict most of the experimental data.
Rapid Ultrafiltration Concentration and Biosensor Detection of Enterococci from Large Volumes of Florida Recreational Water
Authors: Leskinen Stephaney D. , Lim Daniel V. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT
Monitoring recreational waters for fecal contamination by standard methodologies involves culturing indicator bacteria, such as fecal coliforms and enterococci. Delayed reporting of microbial water quality parameters increases the likelihood of public exposure to pathogens of fecal origin, making the development of rapid methods important for public health protection. A rapid assay for enterococci was developed using a combined ultrafiltration-biosensor procedure. Twelve 100-liter water samples were collected from upper Tampa Bay over a 9-month period. The samples were collected on site by dead-end hollow-fiber ultrafiltration. Postfiltration processing of the initial retentates included sonication and micrometer-level sieve passage to remove interfering particles. Centrifugation was utilized for secondary concentration. Grab samples were collected simultaneously with the ultrafiltered samples. Concentrations of enterococci in all grab and ultrafiltration samples were determined by the standard method (EPA method 1600) for calculation of recovery efficiencies and concentration factors. Levels of enterococci increased twofold in initial retentates and by 4 orders of magnitude in final retentates over ambient concentrations. An aliquot of each final retentate was adsorbed onto polystyrene waveguides for immunoassay analysis of enterococci with a microfluidic fiber optic biosensor, the Raptor. Enterococci were detected when concentrations in the ambient water exceeded the regulatory standard for a single sample (≥105 CFU/100 ml). The combined ultrafiltration-biosensor procedure required 2.5 h for detection compared to 24 for the standard method. This study demonstrated that enterococci can be detected rapidly using on-site ultrafiltration, secondary concentration, and biosensor analysis.
Reduction of Uranium(VI) to Uranium(IV) by Clostridia
Authors: Gao Weimin , Francis Arokiasamy J. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Several different species of clostridia reduced U(VI) to U(IV) to various degrees. The optimal pH for U(VI) reduction is 5 to 6 in most cases; a
Clostridium
sp. showed the highest rate at pH 4. Nitrate did not affect U(VI) reduction, indicating that this process in clostridia is nitrate independent.