bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors correlating with lymph node metastases in patients with T1 ductal invasive breast cancer
Authors: Ivkovic-Kapicl Tatjana , Panjkovic Milana , Nincic Dejan , Knezevic-Usaj Slavica
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Identification of reliable predictors of axillary lymph node metastases (ALNM) may be useful in selecting appropriate management for patients with T1-size breast cancer. This study was undertaken to determine the association between ALNM and several variables, including age, tumor size, grade, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, p53 and c-erbB2 protein expression, and Ki-67 proliferative index. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 74 patients with pT1b and pT1c ductal invasive breast carcinoma and with known nodal status were analyzed. The size of the infiltrating tumor was microscopically evaluated. The histological grading was performed using the modified criteria of Bloom and Richardson, as described by Elston and Ellis. The immunophenotype of the tumor was determined as: the expression of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, p53, c-erbB2 and Ki-67. The patients were grouped by age as follows: <50, 50-70, and >70 years old. RESULTS: Twenty six patients (35%) were node positive. Tumor size was related directly to nodal positivity. Nodal positivity was significantly related to negative PR status, p53 protein overexpression and high Ki-67 index (p<0.05). No significant association was found between nodal positivity and patient age, tumor grade, ER status, and c-erbB2 expression. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that PR status, Ki-67 proliferation index, and p53 protein expression might provide additional information to the lymph node status in T1 ductal breast carcinomas.
Ki-67 expression in squamous intraepithelial lesions of the uterine cervix
Authors: Panjkovic Milana , Ivkovic-Kapicl Tatjana
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled cell proliferation and malignant transformation are the basic elements in the development of malignant disease including cervical cancer and its precursors. The aim of this study was to investigate the proliferative activity by using Ki-67 proliferative marker according to CIN grade. METHODS: We used immunohistochemical methods to study the expression of the proliferative marker Ki-67 in the specimens of 5 patients with normal cervical epithelium, 7 with CIN1, 13 with CIN2, and 25 patients with CIN3 grade of the cervical intraepithelial lesions. RESULTS: All cases with normal cervical epithelium and all those with CIN1 changes had negative proliferative Ki-67 index. Ki-67 positive proliferative index was found in 5 (38.46%) and 17 (68%) of patients with CIN2 and CIN3 changes respectively. There was a clear trend for increasing number of cases with positive Ki-67 index with increasing CIN grade. High significant difference of Ki-67 expression was found between patients with CIN1 and CIN2 lesions (t=2.9; p<0.01). Ki-67 positive cells were distributed only in the lower third of the epithelial layer in CIN1 cases. Seven (53.8%) and 13 (52%) of patients with CIN2 and CIN3 changes respectively, had Ki-67 positive cells in the lower and middle third of the epithelial layer, while 3 (23.1%) and 10 (40%) of cases with the same dysplastic changes had Ki-67 positive cells distributed in lower, middle and upper third of the epithelium. Difference of the Ki-67 positive cells distribution was highly significant between patient with CIN1 and CIN2 epithelial changes. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that there is statistically significant relation between proliferative activity, distribution of Ki-67 positive cells, and CIN grade. Ki-67 antigen could be a tool to identify women who are at higher risk for progression and/or recurrence of cervical squamous precancerous lesions.
Octreotide in the therapy of recurrent medulloblastomas
Authors: Stefanovic Ivan , Stojanovic Nebojsa , Stojanov Dragan , Dimov Dragan
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of medulloblastoma appears after 30% to 40% of the surgeries. Different from primary medulloblastoma, in which five-year survival rate is 50%, the survival time of relapses much shorter and only 20% of the patients manage to survive a year. There is a logical need for additional methods of treatment of recurrent medulloblastomas. The aim of the study is to determine the effects of intracavitary and long-term subcutaneous application of Sandostatin (octreotide) on the recurrent medulloblastomas. METHODS: Fourteen children aged 4 to 9 years, in which, despite of craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy came to a recurrence of medulloblastoma during the first 6 months after the surgery, were treated subcutaneously with Sandostatin (octreotide) in a longer period of time. Cerebellar medulloblastomas with a diameter bigger than 20 mm and spinal over 10 mm were removed operatively and octreotide with Beriplast was applied intracavitary. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance of cranioaxis shows that the application of octreotide has caused the disappearance of spinal drop metastases in all 7 patients and the cerebellar metastases smaller than 5 mm in all 4 patients. Subcutaneous application of octreotide combined with intracavitary expresses an antitumoral effect in 2/3 of the relapses. The application of octreotide results with a transformation of Chang's stage M0 into M1 in 71.43% of the patients. CONCLUSION: In the case of in loco or metastatic recurrence of medulloblastomas, intracavitarily and subcutaneously applied octreotide results with a regression of the tumor in a 3 year time within 2/3 of the treated patients.
Staging of rectal cancer by endorectal ultrasonography
Authors: Radovanovic Zoran , Breberina Milan , Petrovic Tomislav , Golubovic Andrija
Published: October 2006

Endorectal ultrasonography is valuable method for accurate local staging of rectal cancer. Precise evaluation of tumor stage is essential for optimal therapy planning in patients with rectal cancer. Furthermore, it has great influence on the resectability and the risk of recurrence following resection. Endorectal ultrasonography has become the most common diagnostic tool for locally staging rectal cancer due to its advantages over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computer tomography (CT). Among these diagnostic modalities ERUS has been known to be most accurate. Moreover, endorectal ultrasonography is inexpensive and quick diagnostic procedure associated with minimal discomfort to the patient. However, the use of CT, MRI, and more recently magnetic resonance imaging with endorectal coil often remains necessary. These modalities may be useful supplements in patients with suspected T4 lesion, when endorectal ultrasonography is technically unsuccessful and in cases of diagnostic dilemma. Major improvements in diagnostic and staging of rectal cancer have led to stage-oriented surgery, planning of therapy individually for each patient, reduce of local recurrences, and better overall survival. This article reviews the current use of endorectal ultrasonography in preoperative staging of rectal cancer as the most practical and accurate diagnostic modality for preoperative locoregional staging of rectal cancer at this time.
Interstitial brachytherapy with 192Ir in vulvar cancer
Authors: Erak Marko , Mandic Aljosa , Baucal Milutin , Novakovic Petar , Erak Dragica , Bugarcic Biljana
Published: October 2006

Vulvar cancer accounts for 5% of all female genital cancers and 1% of all malignancies in women. A female patient, 78 years old, with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of vulva stage II, was admitted to our Institution in January 2004. An exophytic tumor, size 6 x 3.5 cm which infiltrated subcutis in the area of the upper two-thirds of labia majora dexter was found during gynecological examination. Inguinal nodes were negative. Our choice was to perform interstitial brachytherapy. During the control checkup in September 2005 no tumor was observed and its previous location was transformed in fibrous tissue with shallow post-irradiative crater.
Nasal glioma
Authors: Vuckovic Nada , Vuckovic Dejan , Dankuc Dragan , Jovancevic Ljiljana
Published: October 2006

Congenital midline nasal masses are rather rare anomalies that occur in about one in 20 000- 40 000 live births. Nasal gliomas account for approximately 5% of all congenital nasal swellings. The most common are dermoid/epidermoid tumors, nasal cerebral heterotopias (nasal gliomas), and nasal encephaloceles, with clinical significance that some of them have an actual or potential central nervous system connection. We present a case of an 8-year-old boy who complained of slight hearing loss dating 2 month before. Anterior rhinoscopy showed an oval, elastic, smooth, uncompressible mass, at the upper third of the nasal septum, unchanged in size on the Valsalva test. The mass causes breathing difficulties on that left naris. Clinical diagnosis was hemangioma. In the histopathologic laboratory, on gross examination, the mass measured 1.0 x 0.7 x 0.5 cm, was well demarcated, smooth, elastic, homogeneous, firm and whitish-gray in color. On cut section, the mass was homogenous, firm whitish gray in color. It consisted of astrocytic neuroglial cells with fibrous connective tissue and covered by the normal respiratory mucosa. The diagnosis of a nasal glioma was made.
Cigarette smoking and lung cancer trends in Serbia - a ten-year analysis
Authors: Pesut Dragica , Basara-Hadzi Zorica
Published: October 2006

Cigarette smoking is the single most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, and the most important risk factor for developing lung cancer (LC). LC is the most frequent form of cancer in men worldwide. Almost half of the adult population in Serbia smokes. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence rate (IR) and trend ofLC in Serbia from 1994 to 2003, with special regard to tobacco smoking status (TSS). Referral annual reports of the Institute of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis on newly diagnosed cases of LC, categorized by sex and TSS, have been analyzed. TSS included three categories: smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. LC IR showed an increasing tendency (RR; 0.2859) with 34/100,000 population in 2003, and significant differences among districts (6.3-39.1/100.000). Smokers, ex-smokers, and non-smokers account for 70.3%, 17% and 12.6%, respectvely (p<0.001). An increasing trend of female lung cancer was evident in all three categories, but the most remarcable in smokers. There is a clear and urgent need to inform the population on harmful effects of tobacco smoking on health and risks for lung cancer. .
Spectrum of the Y=2 pentaquarks
Authors: Buccella Franco , Falcone Domenico , Tramontano Francesco
Published: October 2006

Based on an assumed mass formula for the spectrum of the Y=2 pentaquarks, where the chromo-magnetic interaction plays an important role, and identifying the lightest state with the Θ+(1540), we predict a spectrum in good agreement with the few I=0 and I=1 candidates proposed in the past.
The effect of electron irradiation on the optical properties of the natural armenian zeolite-clinoptilolite
Authors: Yeritsyan Hrant , Harutiunian Vachagan , Gevorkyan Volodia , Grigoryan Norair , Hakhverdyan Eleonora , Nikoghosyan Sergey , Sahakyan Aram , Gevorgyan Rudolf , Sargisyan Hakob , Keheyan Yeghis
Published: October 2006

Infrared (IR) absorption and luminescence in chemically and radiation-modified natural Armenian Zeolite (clinoptilolite) samples have been studied. The luminescence was studied in 390–450 nm and 620–710 nm wavelength bands, and the IR measurements were carried out in the 400–5400 cm−1 range. It is shown that the luminescence intensity depends on the content of pure clinoptilolite in the samples and, probably on the distribution of “passive” luminescence centers over Si and Al sites that became “active” under radiation or chemical treatment. The samples of electron irradiated clinoptilolite have higher luminescence intensity than the chemically and thermally treated ones. A decrease in the intensity of IR absorption bands at 3550 cm−1 and 3650 cm−1 was found after irradiation.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Lactams from Cycloalkanes and tert‐Butyl Nitrite by Using N‐Hydroxyphthalimide as Key Catalyst
Authors: Hashimoto Masaharu , Sakaguchi Satoshi , Ishii Yasutaka
Published: October 2006

Lactams were successfully synthesized in the one‐pot reaction of cycloalkanes and tBuONO in the presence of N‐hydroxyphthalimide as a key catalyst. Cyclododecane and cyclohexane were treated with tBuONO followed by triethylamine and then cyanuric chloride in a one‐pot manner to give laurolactam and ε‐caprolactam, respectively, in good yields. The Beckmann rearrangement of oximes by cyanuric chloride was found to be accelerated by the use of 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol as solvent. The method provides the first successful environmentally benign direct synthetic route to lactams from cycloalkanes without the formation of any salt.
Comment on mathematical models which describe transcription and calculate the relationship between mRNA and protein expression ratio
Authors: Kremling A.
Published: October 2006

Mathematical models to describe transcription (Arnold et al. (2001); Biotech Bioeng 72:548–561) and translation (Mehra et al. (2003); Biotech Bioeng 84:822–841) in bacteria are modified in order to improve reaction kinetics and to include the number of polymerase molecules that are active on the DNA, as well as to include the number of ribosomes that are active on the nascent and on the completed mRNA, respectively. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:815–819. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The penicillin G acylase production by B. megaterium is amino acid consumption dependent
Authors: Marina Pinotti Laura , Ribeiro de Souza Vanessa , de Campos Giordano Roberto , de Lima Camargo Giordano Raquel
Published: October 2006

Aiming at to enhance the production of penicillin G acylase (PGA) by Bacillus megaterium, we have performed flasks experiments using different medium composition. Using 51 g/L of casein hydrolyzed with Alcalase® and 2.7 g/L of phenylacetic acid (PhAc), the following carbon substrates were tested, individually and combined: glucose, glycerol, and lactose (present in cheese whey). Glycerol and glucose showed to be effective nutrients for the microorganism growth but delayed the PGA production. Cheese whey always increased enzyme production and cell mass. However, lactose (present in cheese whey) was not a significant carbon source for B. megaterium. PhAc, amino acids, and small peptides present in the hydrolyzed casein were the actual carbon sources for enzyme production. Replacement of hydrolyzed casein by free amino acids, 10.0 g/L, led to a significant increase in enzyme production (app. 150%), with a preferential consumption of alanine, aspartic acid, glycine, serine, arginine, threonine, lysine, and glutamic acid. A decrease of the enzyme production was observed when 20.0 g/L of amino acids were used. Using the single omission technique, it was shown that none of the 18 tested amino acids was essential for enzyme production. The use of a medium containing eight of the preferentially consumed amino acids lead to similar enzyme production level obtained when using 18 amino acids. PhAc, up to 2.7 g/L, did not inhibit enzyme production, even if added at the beginning of the cultivation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 346–353. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical analysis of inter‐observer variability in the determination of luminance thresholds
Authors: Carreño Fernando , Ezquerro José Miguel , Zoido Jesús M.
Published: October 2006

We present an analytical method to analyze, from a theoretical point of view, the influence of color‐matching functions on the perception of luminance thresholds. We show that the thresholds depend on the spectral responsivities of each observer. We also analyze the influence of luminance level on the thresholds: a strong inter‐observer variability is found at low or moderate luminance levels (0.02 < Y < 1 ft−L) whereas at high intensities (1 < Y < 7 ft−L) the thresholds are observer‐independent. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 468–474, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20259
Diabetic hepatosclerosis: A novel entity or a rare form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
Authors: Mendoza Michael , Younossi Zobair
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Objective

This study sought to characterize a noncirrhotic form of hepatic sinusoidal fibrosis in patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus (DM) who underwent liver biopsy. The authors suggest that diabetic hepatosclerosis is distinct from other hepatic manifestations of DM.

Methods

Clinical records, detailed light microscopy results, and immunohistochemical preparations of twelve diabetic patients presenting with characteristic histologic findings were reviewed. Liver biopsy slides were evaluated for the degree of perisinusoidal, perivenular, and portal fibrosis, along with other histologic findings. When available, unstained biopsy sections were used for additional immunohistochemical analyses. Medical records were examined for relevant clinical data. Patients were chosen from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.

Results

All patients presented with a long-standing history of DM and most had evidence of microvascular complications resulting in end-organ damage. Alkaline phosphatase elevation was common. Immunohistochemical staining of liver biopsies showed basement membrane components in a perisinusoidal distribution. Hematoxylin-eosin and trichrome staining of the biopsies revealed dense perisinusoidal fibrosis while lacking other features commonly seen in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Conclusions

These findings suggest a form of diabetic microangiopathy affecting the liver, described as diabetic hepatosclerosis. Further investigation must be done to understand the pathogenesis and clinical significance of this novel entity.
Adrenal insufficiency in patients with cirrhosis and septic shock: Effect of treatment with hydrocortisone on survival
Authors: Fernández Javier , Escorsell Angels , Zabalza Michel , Felipe Vanessa , Navasa Miguel , Mas Antoni , Lacy Antonio M. , Ginès Pere , Arroyo Vicente
Published: October 2006

Relative adrenal insufficiency is frequent in patients with severe sepsis and is associated with hemodynamic instability, renal failure, and increased mortality. This study prospectively evaluated the effects of steroids on shock resolution and hospital survival in a series of 25 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and septic shock (group 1). Adrenal function was evaluated by the short corticotropin test within the first 24 hours of admission. Patients with adrenal insufficiency were treated with stress doses of intravenous hydrocortisone (50 mg/6 h). Data were compared to those obtained from the last 50 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and septic shock admitted to the same intensive care unit in whom adrenal function was not investigated and who did not receive treatment with steroids (group 2). Incidence of adrenal insufficiency in group 1 was 68% (17 patients). Adrenal dysfunction was frequent in patients with advanced cirrhosis (Child C: 76% vs. Child B: 25%,

P

= .08). Resolution of septic shock (96% vs. 58%,

P

= .001), survival in the intensive care unit (68% vs. 38%,

P

= .03), and hospital survival (64% vs. 32%,

P

= .003) were significantly higher in group 1. The main causes of death in group 1 were hepatorenal syndrome or liver failure (7 of 9 patients). In contrast, refractory shock caused most of the deaths in group 2 (20 of 34 patients).

In conclusion

, relative adrenal insufficiency is very frequent in patients with advanced cirrhosis and septic shock. Hydrocortisone administration in these patients is associated with a high frequency of shock resolution and high survival rate.
Human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)1A3 enzyme conjugates chenodeoxycholic acid in the liver
Authors: Trottier Jocelyn , Verreault Mélanie , Grepper Susan , Monté Didier , Bélanger Julie , Kaeding Jenny , Caron Patrick , Inaba Ted T. , Barbier Olivier
Published: October 2006

Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) is a liver-formed detergent and plays an important role in the control of cholesterol homeostasis. During cholestasis, toxic bile acids (BA) accumulate in hepatocytes causing damage and consequent impairment of their function. Glucuronidation, a conjugation reaction catalyzed by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes, is considered an important metabolic pathway for hepatic BA. This study identifies the human UGT1A3 enzyme as the major enzyme responsible for the hepatic formation of the acyl CDCA-24glucuronide (CDCA-24G). Kinetic analyses revealed that human liver and UGT1A3 catalyze the formation of CDCA-24G with similar

K

m values of 10.6 to 18.6 μmol/L, respectively. In addition, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and transient transfection experiments revealed that glucuronidation reduces the ability of CDCA to act as an activator of the nuclear farnesoid X-receptor (FXR). Finally, we observed that treatment of human hepatocytes with fibrates increases the expression and activity of UGT1A3, whereas CDCA has no effect.

In conclusion

, UGT1A3 is the main UGT enzyme for the hepatic formation of CDCA-24G and glucuronidation inhibits the ability of CDCA to act as an FXR activator.

In vitro

data also suggest that fibrates may favor the formation of bile acid glucuronides in cholestatic patients.
Bile acids inhibit interleukin-6 signaling via gp130 receptor-dependent and -independent pathways in rat liver
Authors: Graf Dirk , Kohlmann Caroline , Haselow Katrin , Gehrmann Thor , Bode Johannes G. , Häussinger Dieter
Published: October 2006

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a major regulator of the acute phase reaction in the liver and is thought to mediate protective effects in response to hepatotoxins. In this study, the influence of bile acids on IL-6 signal transduction was analyzed. It was shown that hydrophobic bile acids such as glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) inhibited IL-6–induced tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 in hepatocytes and in perfused rat liver. This inhibition was accompanied by GCDC-mediated downregulation of glycoprotein (gp) 130 expression, whereas gp130 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 messenger RNA and gp80 protein levels remained unaffected. The GCDC-induced downregulation of gp130 protein expression was insensitive to inhibition of proteasomal or lysosomal protein degradation but turned out to be sensitive to inhibition of caspase-3 or caspase-8 activity. Accordingly, treatment of cell extracts with active recombinant caspase-3 led to a decay of immunoreactive gp130. Moreover, activation of caspases by CD95 ligand or hyperosmotic stress also resulted in a downregulation of gp130 levels. This indicates that caspase activation antagonizes IL-6 signaling by decay of gp130 levels. However, caspase inhibition did not prevent GCDC-dependent inhibition of IL-6–induced STAT3 activation, which turned out to be at least partially sensitive to suppression of p38MAPK activation.

In conclusion

, hydrophobic bile acids compromise IL-6 signaling through both a caspase-mediated downregulation of gp130 and a p38MAPK-dependent inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. This may contribute to bile acid–induced hepatotoxicity in cholestasis through counteracting the known hepatoprotective effects of IL-6.
Noninvasive evaluation of liver repopulation by transplanted hepatocytes using 31P MRS imaging in mice
Authors: Landis Charles S. , Yamanouchi Kosho , Zhou Hongchao , Mohan Sankar , Roy-Chowdhury Namita , Shafritz David A. , Koretsky Alan , Roy-Chowdhury Jayanta , Hetherington Hoby P. , Guha Chandan
Published: October 2006

Hepatocyte transplantation (HT) is being explored as a substitute for liver transplantation for the treatment of liver diseases. For the clinical application of HT, a preparative regimen that allows preferential proliferation of transplanted cells in the host liver and a noninvasive method to monitor donor cell engraftment, proliferation, and immune rejection would be useful. We describe an imaging method that employs the creatine kinase (CK) gene as a marker of donor hepatocytes. Creatine kinase is unique among marker genes, because it is normally expressed in brain and muscle tissues and is therefore not immunogenic. Preferential proliferation of transplanted CK-expressing hepatocytes was induced by preparative hepatic irradiation and expression of hepatocyte growth factor using a recombinant adenoviral vector. CK is normally not expressed in mouse liver and its expression by the donor cells led to the production of phosphocreatine in the host liver, permitting 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging of liver repopulation by engrafted hepatocytes.

In conclusion

, this study combined a noninvasive imaging technique to assess donor hepatocyte proliferation with a preparative regimen of partial liver irradiation that allowed regional repopulation of the host liver. Our results provide groundwork for future development of clinical protocols for HT.
Different signaling pathways in the livers of patients with chronic hepatitis B or chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Honda Masao , Yamashita Taro , Ueda Teruyuki , Takatori Hajime , Nishino Ryuhei , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: October 2006

The clinical manifestations of chronic hepatitis B (CH-B) and chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) are different. We previously reported differences in the gene expression profiles of liver tissue infected with CH-B or CH-C; however, the signaling pathways underlying each condition have yet to be clarified. Using a newly constructed cDNA microarray consisting of 9614 clones selected from 256,550 tags of hepatic serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) libraries, we compared the gene expression profiles of liver tissue from 24 CH-B patients with those of 23 CH-C patients. Laser capture microdissection was used to isolate hepatocytes from liver lobules and infiltrating lymphoid cells from the portal area, from 16 patients, for gene expression analysis. Furthermore, the comprehensive gene network was analyzed using SAGE libraries of CH-B and CH-C. Supervised and nonsupervised learning methods revealed that gene expression was correlated more with the infecting virus than any other clinical parameters such as histological stage and disease activity. Pro-apoptotic and DNA repair responses were predominant in CH-B with p53 and 14-3-3 interacting genes having an important role. In contrast, inflammatory and anti-apoptotic phenotypes were predominant in CH-C. These differences would evoke different oncogenic factors in CH-B and CH-C.

In conclusion

, we describe the different signaling pathways induced in the livers of patients with CH-B or CH-C. The results might be useful in guiding therapeutic strategies to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in cases of CH-B and CH-C.

Supplementary material for this article can be found on the HEPATOLOGY website
(http://interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html).
Randomized controlled study of tenofovir and adefovir in chronic hepatitis B virus and HIV infection: ACTG A5127
Authors: Peters Marion G. , Andersen Janet , Lynch Patrick , Liu Tun , Alston-Smith Beverly , Brosgart Carol L. , Jacobson Jeffrey M. , Johnson Victoria A. , Pollard Richard B. , Rooney James F. , Sherman Kenneth E. , Swindells Susan , Polsky Bruce
Published: October 2006

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in subjects coinfected with HIV. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) are licensed for the treatment of HIV-1 and HBV infection, respectively, but both have

in vivo

and

in vitro

activity against HBV. This study evaluated the anti-HBV activity of TDF compared to ADV in HIV/HBV-coinfected subjects. ACTG A5127 was a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of daily 10 mg of ADV versus 300 mg of TDF in subjects with HBV and HIV coinfection on stable ART, with serum HBV DNA ≥ 100,000 copies/mL, and plasma HIV-1 RNA ≤ 10,000 copies/mL. This study closed early based on results of a prespecified interim review, as the primary noninferiority end point had been met without safety issues. Fifty-two subjects were randomized. At baseline, 73% of subjects had a plasma HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL, 86% were HBeAg positive, 94% were 3TC resistant, median serum ALT was 52 IU/L, and 98% had compensated liver disease. The mean time-weighted average change in serum HBV DNA from baseline to week 48 (DAVG48) was −4.44 log10 copies/mL for TDF and −3.21 log10 copies/mL for ADV. There was no difference in toxicity between the 2 treatment arms, with 11 subjects (5 ADV and 6 TDF) experiencing elevations of serum ALT on treatment.

In conclusion

, over 48 weeks, treatment with either ADV or TDF resulted in clinically important suppression of serum HBV DNA. Both drugs are safe and efficacious for patients coinfected with HBV and HIV.
Transfer of bacteria between biomaterials surfaces in the operating room—An experimental study
Authors: Knobben Bas A.S. , van der Mei Henny C. , van Horn Jim R. , Busscher Henk J.
Published: October 2006

Bacterial adhesion to and transfer between surfaces is a complicated process. With regard to the success of biomaterials implants, studies on bacterial adhesion and transfer should not be confined to biomaterials surfaces in the human body, but also encompass surfaces in the operating room, where the origin of many biomaterials related infections is found. The purpose of this study was to quantify the transfer of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes from one operating room material to another, while accounting for surface hydrophobicity and roughness, moistness and application of friction during transfer. The tested operating room materials were gloves, broaches (orthopaedic drills), theatre gowns, and light handles. As a possible clinical intervention method to prevent transfer, it was investigated whether dipping the gloves in a chlorhexidine splash‐basin affected the viability of the transferred bacteria. Transfer (moist and without friction) was demonstrated to some extent with all bacterial strains and with every material, ranging from 17% to 71%, and was influenced by the bacterial strain, moistness of the inoculum, the application of friction, and the characteristics of both the donating and the receiving surface. Dipping the glove material in 4% or 0.4% chlorhexidine solutions killed all bacteria present, regardless of whether surfaces were dried or moist and thus prevented transfer. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Valence bond theory for chemical dynamics
Authors: Truhlar Donald G.
Published: October 2006

This essay provides a perspective on several issues in valence bond theory: the physical significance of semilocal bonding orbitals, the capability of valence bond concepts to explain systems with multireferences character, the use of valence bond theory to provide analytical representations of potential energy surfaces for chemical dynamics by the method of semiempirical valence bond potential energy surfaces (an early example of specific reaction parameters), by multiconfiguration molecular mechanics, by the combined valence bond‐molecular mechanics method, and by the use of valence bond states as coupled diabatic states for describing electronically nonadiabatic processes (photochemistry). The essay includes both ab initio and semiempirical approaches. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Between ends and fibers
Authors: Bonnington C. Paul , Richter R. Bruce , Watkins Mark E.
Published: October 2006

Let Γ be an infinite, locally finite, connected graph with distance function δ. Given a ray P in Γ and a constant C ≥ 1, a vertex‐sequence $\{{{x}}_{{n}}\}_{{{n}}={{0}}}^\infty\subseteq {{VP}}$ is said to be regulated by C if, for all nϵℕ, ${{x}}_{{{n}}+{{1}}}$ never precedes xn on P, each vertex of P appears at most C times in the sequence, and $\delta_{{P}}({{x}}_{{n}},{{x}}_{{{n}}+{{1}}})\leq {{C}}$. R. Halin (Math. Ann., 157, 1964, 125–137) defined two rays to be end‐equivalent if they are joined by infinitely many pairwise‐disjoint paths; the resulting equivalence classes are called ends. More recently H. A. Jung (Graph Structure Theory, Contemporary Mathematics, 147, 1993, 477–484) defined rays P and Q to be b‐equivalent if there exist sequences $\{{{x}}_{{n}}\}_{{{n}}={{0}}}^\infty\subseteq {{VP}}$ and $\{{{y}}_{{n}}\}_{{{n}}={{0}}}^\infty\subseteq {{VQ}}$ VQ regulated by some constant C ≥ 1 such that $\delta({{x}}_{{n}},{{y}}_{{n}})\leq {{C}}$ for all nϵℕ; he named the resulting equivalence classes b‐fibers. Let $F_0$ denote the set of nondecreasing functions from $N$ into the set of positive real numbers. The relation ${{P}}\sim_{{f}} {{Q}}$ (called f‐equivalence) generalizes Jung's condition to $\delta({{x}}_{{n}},{{y}}_{{n}})\leq {{Cf}}({{n}})$. As f runs through $\cal{F}_{{0}}$, uncountably many equivalence relations are produced on the set of rays that are no finer than b‐equivalence while, under specified conditions, are no coarser than end‐equivalence. Indeed, for every Γ there exists an “end‐defining function” ${{f}}\in F_{{0}}$ that is unbounded and sublinear and such that ${{P}}\sim_{{f}} {{Q}}$ implies that P and Q are end‐equivalent. Say ${{P}}\approx {{Q}}$ if there exists a sublinear function ${{f}}\in F_{{0}}$ such that ${{P}}\sim_{{f}} {{Q}}$. The equivalence classes with respect to $\approx$ are called bundles. We pursue the notion of “initially metric” rays in relation to bundles, and show that in any bundle either all or none of its rays are initially metric. Furthermore, initially metric rays in the same bundle are end‐equivalent. In the case that Γ contains translatable rays we give some sufficient conditions for every f‐equivalence class to contain uncountably many g‐equivalence classes (where ${lim}_{{{n}}\to\infty}{{g}}({{n}})/{{f}}({{n}})={{0}}$). We conclude with a variety of applications to infinite planar graphs. Among these, it is shown that two rays whose union is the boundary of an infinite face of an almost‐transitive planar map are never bundle‐ equivalent. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 54: 125–153, 2007
Forcing highly connected subgraphs
Authors: Stein Maya Jakobine
Published: October 2006

A theorem of Mader states that highly connected subgraphs can be forced in finite graphs by assuming a high minimum degree. We extend this result to infinite graphs. Here, it is necessary to require not only high degree for the vertices but also high vertex‐degree (or multiplicity) for the ends of the graph, that is, a large number of disjoint rays in each end. We give a lower bound on the degree of vertices and the vertex‐degree of the ends which is quadratic in k, the connectedness of the desired subgraph. In fact, this is not far from best possible: we exhibit a family of graphs with a degree of order 2k at the vertices and a vertex‐degree of order k log k at the ends which have no k‐connected subgraphs.

Furthermore, if in addition to the high degrees at the vertices, we only require high edge‐degree for the ends (which is defined as the maximum number of edge‐disjoint rays in an end), Mader's theorem does not extend to infinite graphs, not even to locally finite ones. We give a counterexample in this respect. But, assuming a lower bound of at least 2k for the edge‐degree at the ends and the degree at the vertices does suffice to ensure the existence (k + 1)‐edge‐connected subgraphs in arbitrary graphs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 54: 331–349, 2007
3D‐T1ρ quantitation of patellar cartilage at 3.0T
Authors: Pakin S. Kubilay , Schweitzer Mark E. , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: October 2006

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of three‐dimensional (3D) T1ρ‐weighted imaging of human knee joint at 3.0T without exceeding the specific absorption rate (SAR) limits and the measurement of the baseline T1ρ values of patellar cartilage and several muscles at the knee joint.

Materials and Methods

3D gradient‐echo sequence with a self‐compensating spin‐lock pulse cluster of 250 Hz power was used to acquire 3D‐T1ρ‐weighted images of the knee joint of five healthy subjects. Global and regional analysis of patellar cartilage T1ρ were performed. Furthermore, T1ρ of several periarticular muscles were analyzed.

Results

The global average T1ρ value of the patellar cartilage varied from 39 to 43 msec. The regional average T1ρ values varied from 38 to 42 msec, and from 42 to 44 msec for medial and lateral facets, respectively. In vivo reproducibility of average T1ρ of patellar cartilage was found to be 5% (coefficient of variation). Similarly, the global average T1ρ values for biceps femoris, lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, and sartorius varied between 31–46, 29–49, 35–48, and 32–50 msec, respectively.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the feasibility of 3D‐T1ρ‐weighted imaging of the knee joint at 3.0T without exceeding SAR limits. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasonography of the tibial nerve in vasculitic neuropathy
Authors: Ito Takao , Kijima Masanori , Watanabe Takashi , Sakuta Manabu , Nishiyama Kazutoshi
Published: October 2006

Ultrasonography is a new imaging method for visualizing peripheral nerves. In vasculitic neuropathy, pain or axonopathy often can prevent the lesion from being localized during electrophysiological examinations, but the ability of ultrasonography to evaluate it morphologically is unknown. Our aim was to determine whether ultrasonography could be used to detect abnormalities in tibial vasculitic neuropathy at the medial ankle. We evaluated 11 tibial nerves in 8 patients with tibial vasculitic neuropathy, and 35 tibial nerves in 35 control subjects. In the controls, the tibial nerve was successfully visualized as a hyperechoic nodule with multiple round hypoechoic areas transversely; in the patients, the tibial nerve appeared enlarged and hypoechoic. The affected nerve area was significantly larger (13.5 ± 3.7 mm2) than in controls (7.2 ± 1.5 mm2). Our results suggest that ultrasonography is a useful neuroimaging method for evaluation of tibial vasculitic neuropathy, especially when nerve conduction study findings are inconclusive. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Developmental regulation of sensory axon regeneration in the absence of growth cones
Authors: Jones Steven L. , Selzer Michael E. , Gallo Gianluca
Published: October 2006

The actin filament (F‐actin) cytoskeleton is thought to be required for normal axon extension during embryonic development. Whether this is true of axon regeneration in the mature nervous system is not known, but a progressive simplification of growth cones during development has been described and where specifically investigated, mature spinal cord axons appear to regenerate without growth cones. We have studied the cytoskeletal mechanisms of axon regeneration in developmentally early and late chicken sensory neurons, at embryonic day (E) 7 and 14 respectively. Depletion of F‐actin blocked the regeneration of E7 but not E14 sensory axons in vitro. The differential sensitivity of axon regeneration to the loss of F‐actin and growth cones correlated with endogenous levels of F‐actin and growth cone morphology. The growth cones of E7 axons contained more F‐actin and were more elaborate than those of E14 axons. The ability of E14 axons to regenerate in the absence of F‐actin and growth cones was dependent on microtubule tip polymerization. Importantly, while the regeneration of E7 axons was strictly dependent on F‐actin, regeneration of E14 axons was more dependent on microtubule tip polymerization. Furthermore, E14 axons exhibited altered microtubule polymerization relative to E7, as determined by imaging of microtubule tip polymerization in living neurons. These data indicate that the mechanism of axon regeneration undergoes a developmental switch between E7 and E14 from strict dependence on F‐actin to a greater dependence on microtubule polymerization. Collectively, these experiments indicate that microtubule polymerization may be a therapeutic target for promoting regeneration of mature neurons. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of transition metal chelated thiourea‐formaldehyde resin
Authors: Ahamad Tansir , Kumar Vikrant , Nishat Nahid
Published: October 2006

A polymeric ligand (thiourea‐formaldehyde resin ‐ TUFR) bearing nitrogen and sulfur donor groups was synthesized by the polycondensation of thiourea and formaldehyde in acidic medium and its polychelates were prepared in alcoholic solution of metal ions such as Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II). The TUFR polymeric ligand and its TUFR‐M(II) polychelates were characterized with micro‐analytical analysis and spectral studies. The FTIR spectra of polychelates indicated that the metal ions were coordinated through the sulfur of the thionyl (CS) groups and formed a covalent bond with the nitrogen of the NH groups. Electronic spectra, electronic spin resonance (ESR) spectra and magnetic moments revealed that the polychelates of Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) were octahedral; however, Cu(II) and Zn(II) polychelates were square‐planar and tetrahedral, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis data indicated that the polychelates were more stable than the corresponding ligand. The antimicrobial activities of all the compounds against several bacteria and fungi were also investigated by using the agar well diffusion method. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of poly(fluorene‐co‐alt‐phenylene) containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole dendritic pendants
Authors: Wu Chung‐Wen , Sung Hsiao‐Hsien , Lin Hong‐Cheu
Published: October 2006

A series of poly(fluorene‐co‐alt‐phenylene)s containing various generations of dendritic oxadiazole (OXD) pendent wedges were synthesized by the Suzuki polycondensation of OXD‐functionalized 1,4‐dibromophenylene with 9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐2,7‐diboronic ester. The obtained polymers possessed excellent solubility in common solvents and good thermal stability. Photophysical studies showed that the dendronized polymers appended with higher generations of OXD dendrons exhibited enhanced photoluminescence efficiencies and narrower values of the full width at half‐maximum. This was attributed to the shielding effect induced by the bulky dendritic OXD side chains, which prevented self‐quenching and suppressed the formation of aggregates/excimers. The energy transfer from the OXD dendrons to the polymer backbones was very efficient when excitation of the peripheral OXD dendrons resulted mainly in the polymer backbone emission alone. In particular, the photoluminescence emission intensities by the sensitized excitations of OXD dendrons in solid films of the polymers were all stronger than those by the direct excitations of their polymer conjugated backbones. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6765–6774, 2006
Synthesis of graft copolymer by ATRP of MMA from poly(phenylacetylene)
Authors: Miura Yozo , Okada Machiko
Published: October 2006

The present report describes the synthesis of a densely grafted copolymer consisting of a rigid main chain and flexible side chains by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) from an ATRP initiator‐bearing poly(phenylacetylene) [poly(BrPA)]. Poly(BrPA) was obtained by the polymerization of 4‐ethynylbenzyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate using [Rh(NBD)Cl]2 in the presence of Et3N. The 1H NMR spectrum showed that poly(BrPA) was in the cis‐transoid form. Upon heating at 30 °C for 24 h the cis‐transoid form was maintained. ATRP of MMA from the poly(BrPA) was carried out at 30 °C using CuX (X = Br, Cl) as the catalyst and N,N,N′,N′,N′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as the ligand, and the resulting graft copolymers were investigated with 1H NMR and SEC. To analyze the graft structure in more detail, the graft copolymers were hydrolyzed with KOH and the resultant poly(MMA) part was investigated with 1H NMR and SEC. The polydispersity indexes of 1.25–1.45 indicated that the graft copolymers have well‐controlled side chains. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6697–6707, 2006
Cytoreductive Surgery Combined with Intraperitoneal Chemohyperthermia for the Treatment of Advanced Colon Cancer
Authors: Zanon Claudio , Bortolini Massimiliano , Chiappino Isabella , Simone Paolo , Bruno Francesco , Gaglia Piero , Airoldi Mario , DeRiu Leonorda , Mashiah Alon
Published: October 2006

Background

Chemohyperthermic peritoneal perfusion (CHPP) after extensive cytoreductive surgery is a possible choice as a regional treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). The multicentric France EVOCAPE 1 study demonstrated that the median overall survival of patients with colon peritoneal carcinomatosis subjected to conventional surgical and/or chemotherapeutic treatment was 5.2 months. Historically, mitomycin C is the drug of choice in the treatment of intraperitoneal carcinomatosis from colon cancer.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients affected by stage IV colon cancer with only peritoneal involvement and a prior completion of at least a partial first cycle of systemic chemotherapeutic and/or surgical treatment (24 patients) were enrolled. Immediately following extensive cytoreductive surgery, early postoperative closed abdomen CHPP was performed.

Results

Complete surgical cytoreduction (CC0–CC1) was obtained in 22 patients. Postoperative mortality was 1 out of 25 (4%). Major postoperative morbidity was 6 out of 25 (24%). Median overall survival estimated by Kaplan–Meier curve was 30.3 months. Locoregional progression‐free survival was 17.3 months. Of all the patients 64% and 40% were alive after 1 and 2 years respectively.

Conclusions

In referral centers CHPP after optimal surgical debulking is a safe procedure for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colonic cancer. Locoregional control was obtained in the majority of the pretreated patients and 1‐year survival was statistically improved. A closed abdomen CHPP procedure lasting 1 hour and standard mitomycin C at a dosage of 15 mg/m2 is probably as efficacious as other hyperthermic procedures, using higher mitomycin C dosages, with a comparable or lower number of cases of side effects. These results, as in other published phase II studies, justify future randomized trials to assess definitively the role of CHPP in the treatment of locally advanced colon neoplasms in western countries.
Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Versus Open Repair of Incisional Hernia
Authors: Sains Parvinder S. , Tilney Henry S. , Purkayastha Sanjay , Darzi Ara W. , Athanasiou Thanos , Tekkis Paris P. , Heriot Alexander G.
Published: October 2006

Aim

The purpose of this study was to compare short‐ and long‐term outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic or open surgery for incisional hernia repair using meta‐analytical techniques.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify comparative studies reporting outcomes on laparoscopic versus open surgery for incisional hernia repair. A random‐effect meta‐analytical model was used and subgroup analysis performed on high‐quality studies, those reporting on more than 30 patients, and those published since 2000.

Results

Five studies, with a total of 351 patients, satisfied the inclusion criteria. Laparoscopic surgery was attempted in 148 (42.2%) patients. Overall, in the laparoscopic group, operative time was significantly longer—by 12.0 minutes (P = 0.03) and length of stay reduced by 3.3 days (P < 0.003) although this finding was associated with significant heterogeneity between studies (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the short‐term adverse events between the groups, but there were fewer wound infections for laparoscopic patients in high‐quality studies [odds ratio (OR) = 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05, 0.85, P = 0.03] and those reporting on more than 30 patients (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.84, P = 0.03). No difference in hernia recurrence was shown in the overall or subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair was associated with a reduced length of stay and lower wound infection rate. The impact on post‐operative quality of life and financial implications needs further prospective, validated evaluation.