bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variants at APOE influence risk of deep and lobar intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Biffi Alessandro , Sonni Akshata , Anderson Christopher D. , Kissela Brett , Jagiella Jeremiasz M. , Schmidt Helena , Jimenez‐Conde Jordi , Hansen Björn M. , Fernandez‐Cadenas Israel , Cortellini Lynelle , Ayres Alison , Schwab Kristin , Juchniewicz Karol , Urbanik Andrzej , Rost Natalia S. , Viswanathan Anand , Seifert‐Held Thomas , Stoegerer Eva‐Maria , Tomás Marta , Rabionet Raquel , Estivill Xavier , Brown Devin L. , Silliman Scott L. , Selim Magdy , Worrall Bradford B. , Meschia James F. , Montaner Joan , Lindgren Arne , Roquer Jaume , Schmidt Reinhold , Greenberg Steven M. , Slowik Agnieszka , Broderick Joseph P. , Woo Daniel , Rosand Jonathan ,   on behalf of the International Stroke Genetics Consortium
Published: November 2010

Objective

Prior studies investigating the association between APOE alleles ε2/ε4 and risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have been inconsistent and limited to small sample sizes, and did not account for confounding by population stratification or determine which genetic risk model was best applied.

Methods

We performed a large‐scale genetic association study of 2189 ICH cases and 4041 controls from 7 cohorts, which were analyzed using additive models for ε2 and ε4. Results were subsequently meta‐analyzed using a random effects model. A proportion of the individuals (322 cases, 357 controls) had available genome‐wide data to adjust for population stratification.

Results

Alleles ε2 and ε4 were associated with lobar ICH at genome‐wide significance levels (odds ratio [OR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50–2.23, p = 6.6 × 10−10; and OR = 2.20, 95%CI = 1.85–2.63, p = 2.4 × 10−11, respectively). Restriction of analysis to definite/probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy ICH uncovered a stronger effect. Allele ε4 was also associated with increased risk for deep ICH (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.08–1.36, p = 2.6 × 10−4). Risk prediction evaluation identified the additive model as best for describing the effect of APOE genotypes.

Interpretation

APOE ε2 and ε4 are independent risk factors for lobar ICH, consistent with their known associations with amyloid biology. In addition, we present preliminary findings on a novel association between APOE ε4 and deep ICH. Finally, we demonstrate that an additive model for these APOE variants is superior to other forms of genetic risk modeling previously applied. ANN NEUROL 2010
Applications of wittig reactions in dibenzo 18‐crown‐6‐ether substituted phenylenevinylene oligomer—synthesis, photo luminescent, and dielectric properties
Authors: Karpagam Subramanian , Guhanathan Selvam , Sakthivel Pachagounder
Published: November 2010

Novel phenylenevinylene oligomer substituted dibenzo 18‐crown‐6 ether ring (DB‐OPV) was synthesized using dibenzo 18‐crown‐6 with terephthaldicarboxaldehyde via Wittig reaction. Formation of the oligomer was confirmed by spectral (FT‐IR, 1H and13C‐NMR), gel‐permeation chromatography and elemental analysis. The morphology of the oligomer film of one‐dimensional and three‐dimensional architectures was observed using atomic force microscopy. The oligomer showed excellent photoluminescence with bluish green emission maxima at shorter wavelengths of 505 nm. Stability of the oligomer was analyzed using UV spectroscopy with varying time and temperature. The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant and loss factor for the oligomer have also been studied with respect to change of frequency (50 Hz–5 MHz) and temperature (30–60°C). The value of dielectric constant decreased with increasing frequency, which indicates that the major contribution to the polarization comes from orientation polarization. The value of dielectric constant increased with increasing temperature which is due to greater freedom of movement of the dipole molecular chains within the oligomer at high temperature © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of thermosensitive poly(organophosphazene) gels with an amino functional group
Authors: Lee Bae Hoon , Song Soo‐Chang
Published: November 2010

Thermosensitive poly(organophosphazene) gels have been synthesized with a host of side groups, including α‐amino‐ω‐methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol), hydrophobic amino acid esters (PheOEt, LeuOEt, and IleuOEt), depsipeptide ethyl ester (GlyGlycOEt), and lysine ethyl ester (lysOEt). The fraction of the last side group, lysOEt, which possesses two amine functional groups, was designed to be in the range of 0.1–0.3 mol per polymer unit. The poly(organophosphazenes) have been characterized via 1H‐ and 31P‐NMR spectroscopies, GPC, and elemental analysis. The phase transition behavior of the poly(organophosphazenes) in aqueous solution has been determined via viscometry. Some of the poly(organophosphazenes) with amino functional groups exhibit reversible sol–gel transitions at temperatures near those of the human body, when in aqueous solution. These polymers form a sol at lower temperatures, and become gels at higher temperatures. Also, these polymer solutions have been found to behave generally like Newtonian fluids in the sol state, but appear to exhibit pseudoplastic qualities in the gel state. The polymers possessing depsipeptide ethyl esters (ethyl‐2‐(O‐glycyl)glycolate) as a side group tend to exhibit much higher degradation rates under physiological conditions than do those which lack the depsipeptide ethyl ester group. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120:998–1005, 2011
Synthesis of copper–polystyrene nanocomposite particles using water in supercritical carbon dioxide medium and its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Kamrupi Isha R. , Dolui S. K.
Published: November 2010

Copper‐encapsulated polystyrene nanocomposite particles were prepared through ex situ dispersion of Cu nanoparticles into monomer droplets and subsequent polymerization using water in supercritical carbon dioxide (water‐in‐sc‐CO2) at 70°C. First, colloidal dispersion of copper nanoparticles was synthesized by chemical reduction of copper chloride (CuCl2) using sodium borohydrate (NaBH4) as reducing agent. Colloidal dispersion of copper nanoparticles was added slowly during the polymerization of styrene using water‐in‐sc‐CO2 medium at 70°C and 20.68 MPa. Cu nanoparticle encapsulated polymer particles were characterized by UV, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, SEM, and TEM. Cu nanoparticles were uniformly distributed inside the polymer matrix during the polymerization process. This work represents a simple way to prepare a variety of metal nanoparticles encapsulated polymer particles using water‐in‐sc‐CO2 medium. The Cu/polystyrene nanocomposite particles exhibit antimicrobial activity against a number of bacteria. The current work represents a simple, cheap and universal way to prepare a variety of metal–polymer nanocomposite materials. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effects of varying virus‐spiking conditions on a virus‐removal filter Planova™ 20N in a virus validation study of antibody solutions
Authors: Hongo‐Hirasaki Tomoko , Yamaguchi Kazuhito , Yanagida Kouichirou , Hayashida Hirohisa , Ide Shoichi
Published: November 2010

We aimed to investigate the effect of virus‐spiking conditions on the filter performance (flux, flux decay, and parvovirus reduction) of the small virus filter Planova™ 20N. We used three kinds of porcine parvovirus (PPV) stocks: serum, serum‐free, and purified. The flux profile with PPV spiking was similar to that without spiking for normal load filtration of about 250–300 L/m2. High volume (3 vol %) of serum‐free PPV and 1 vol % serum PPV reduced the flux to some extent for high‐load filtration (over 10 h, ca., 500 L/m2, 5 mg/mL IgG solution). Log reduction value (LRV) of PPV was maintained at a high level (>5) over the filtration volume. Flux for Planova™ 20N was only minimally affected by the use of different virus stocks for spiking. Transmission electron microphotography showed that the distribution of PPV particles captured inside the membrane wall was reached until the −60% thickness of the membrane, showing that the membrane of Planova™ 20N has a thick effective layer for virus removal. These results provided evidence for the robustness of the filter performance of Planova™ 20N, showing that it was not easily affected by virus spiking conditions and that it has a large capacity for high‐load conditions. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Efficient production of cellulase in the culture of Acremonium cellulolyticus using untreated waste paper sludge
Authors: Prasetyo Joni , Zhu Jing , Kato Tatsuya , Park Enoch Y.
Published: November 2010

Cellulase was produced by Acremonium cellulolyticus using untreated waste paper sludge (PS) as the carbon source. The clay present in PS did not show any inhibitory effect on cellulase production but did alter the pH during fermentation. On the flask scale, the maleate buffer concentration and pH were key factors that affected the efficiency of cellulase production from PS cellulose. Optimum cellulase production in a 3‐L fermentor of working volume 1.5 L was achieved by controlling the pH value at 6.0 using 2 M NaOH and 2 M maleic acid, and the productivity reached 8.18 FPU/mL. When 40.89 g/L PS cellulose, 2.2 g/L (NH4)2SO4, and 4.4 g/L urea were added to a 48‐h culture, the cellulase activity was 9.31 FPU/mL at the flask scale and 10.96 FPU/mL in the 3‐L fermentor. These values are ∼80% of those obtained when pure cellulose is used as the carbon source. The method developed here presents a new route for the utilization of PS. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Study of in situ 1‐butanol pervaporation from A‐B‐E fermentation using a PDMS composite membrane: Validity of solution‐diffusion model for pervaporative A‐B‐E fermentation
Authors: Li Si‐Yu , Srivastava Ranjan , Parnas Richard S.
Published: November 2010

In this study, the application of a new polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/dual support composite membrane was investigated by incorporating the pervaporation process into the A‐B‐E (acetone‐butanol‐ethanol) fermentation. The performance of the A‐B‐E fermentation using the integrated pervaporation/fermentation process showed higher biomass concentrations and higher glucose consumption rates than those of the A‐B‐E fermentation without pervaporation. The performance of the membrane separation was studied during the separation of 1‐butanol from three different 1‐butanol solutions: binary, model, and fermentation culture solutions. The solution‐diffusion model, specifically the mass transfer equation based on Fick's First Law, was shown to be applicable to the undefined A‐B‐E fermentation culture solutions. A quantitative comparison of 1‐butanol separation from the three different solutions was made by calculating overall mass transfer coefficients of 1‐butanol. It was found that the overall mass transfer coefficients during the separation of binary, model, and fermentation culture solutions were 1.50, 1.26, and 1.08 mm/h, respectively. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Interactions and phase behavior of a monoclonal antibody
Authors: Lewus Rachael A. , Darcy Patricia A. , Lenhoff Abraham M. , Sandler Stanley I.
Published: November 2010

Protein phase behavior is implicated in numerous aspects of downstream processing either by design, as in crystallization or precipitation processes, or as an undesired effect, such as aggregation. An improved understanding of protein phase behavior is, therefore, important for developing rational design strategies for important process steps. This work explores the phase behavior of a monoclonal antibody (mAb), IDEC‐152, which exhibits liquid–liquid separation, aggregation, gelation, and crystallization. A systematic study of numerous factors, including the effects of solution composition and pH, has been conducted to explore the phase behavior of this antibody. Phenomena observed include a significant dependence of the cloud point on the cation in sulfate salts and nonmonotonic trends in pH dependence. Additionally, conditions for crystallization of this mAb are reported for the first time. Protein–protein interactions, as determined from the osmotic second virial coefficient, are used to interpret the phase behavior. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Costs and cost‐effectiveness of carotid stenting versus endarterectomy for patients at increased surgical risk: Results from the SAPPHIRE trial
Authors: Mahoney Elizabeth M. , Greenberg Dan , Lavelle Tara A. , Natarajan Amy , Berezin Ronna , Ishak K. Jack , Caro Jamie J. , Yadav Jay S. , Gray William A. , Wholey Mark H. , Cohen David J.
Published: November 2010

Objectives: To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of carotid stenting vs. carotid endarterectomy using data from the SAPPHIRE trial. Background: Carotid stenting with embolic protection has been introduced as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy for prevention of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events among patients at increased surgical risk. Methods: Between August 2000 and July 2002, 310 patients with an accepted indication for carotid endarterectomy but at high risk of complications were randomized to and subsequently underwent either carotid stenting (n = 159) or endarterectomy (n = 151). Clinical outcomes, resource use, costs, and quality of life were assessed prospectively for all patients over a 1‐year period. Life expectancy, quality‐adjusted life expectancy, and health care costs beyond the follow‐up period were estimated for patients alive at 1 year, based on observed clinical events during the first year of follow‐up. Results: Although initial procedural costs were significantly higher for stenting than for endarterectomy (mean difference: $4,081/patient; 95% CI, $3,849–$4,355), mean post‐procedure length of stay was shorter for stenting (1.9 vs. 2.9 days; P < 0.001) with significant associated cost offsets. As a result, initial hospital costs were just $559/patient higher with stenting (95% CI, $3,470 less to $2,289 more). Neither follow‐up costs after discharge nor total 1‐year costs differed significantly. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for stenting compared with endarterectomy was $6,555 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained, with over 98 percent of bootstrap estimates <$50,000/QALY gained. Conclusions: Although carotid stenting with embolic protection is more costly than carotid endarterectomy, by commonly accepted standards, stenting is an economically attractive alternative to endarterectomy for patients at high surgical risk. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Ping‐pong” guide catheter technique for retrograde intervention of a chronic total occlusion through an ipsilateral collateral
Authors: Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Grantham J. Aaron , Banerjee Subhash
Published: November 2010

We report a novel technique for performing retrograde interventions on a coronary chronic total occlusion through an ipsilateral collateral. Two guiding catheters are used to engage the target coronary artery, one to advance to the retrograde guidewire and the other to externalize the retrograde guidewire and antegrade wiring. Engagement of the target coronary artery is alternating between the antegrade and the retrograde guide catheter in a “ping‐pong” fashion, enabling lesion crossing and equipment delivery. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacoinvasive therapy for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Agarwal Sanjeev Kumar
Published: November 2010

Thrombus remains the bane of interventional cardiology. The use of thrombus extraction devices and distal protection devices has been controversial. Pharmacological modulation using intracoronary (IC) thrombolytic therapy during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also not an established choice although intravenous thrombolytic therapy is widely accepted and applied treatment of choice for acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This case report shows successful management of a patient of STEMI using a combination of IC thrombolytic therapy, thrombectomy device, and PCI. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A randomized two‐by‐two comparison of high‐dose bolus tirofiban versus abciximab and unfractionated heparin versus bivalirudin during percutaneous coronary revascularization and stent placement: The tirofiban evaluation of novel dosing versus abciximab with clopidogrel and inhibition of thrombin (TENACITY) study trial
Authors: Moliterno David J. ,   and the TENACITY Steering Committee and Investigators
Published: November 2010

Background: In the absence of high‐dose thienopyridines, placebo‐controlled trials have demonstrated a reduction in ischemic events with intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). One head‐to‐head trial comparing abciximab and tirofiban among PCI patients found tirofiban to be inferior, and laboratory evidence confirmed that the bolus dose of tirofiban tested in that trial to be less effective than abciximab. Whether a higher bolus dose of tirofiban would be as efficacious as abciximab during PCI is uncertain. Methods and Results: Patients undergoing PCI were randomized equally to abciximab or to tirofiban, given as high‐dose bolus (25 μg/kg) plus 12‐hr infusion (0.15 μg/kg/min). All patients received aspirin and clopidogrel and were additionally randomized to unfractionated heparin or bivalirudin. Approximately 8,000 patients were to be studied, but after 383 were enrolled, the study sponsor discontinued the trial for financial reasons. The primary endpoint of 30‐day death, myocardial infarction, or urgent target vessel revascularization occurred in 8.8% of patients randomized to abciximab and 6.9% of those randomized to tirofiban. The respective rates of major bleeding were 1.5 and 1.6%. Additionally, the primary endpoint occurred in 8.1% of patients randomized to unfractionated heparin and 7.6% of those randomized to bivalirudin. The respective rates of major bleeding were 2.5% and 0.5%. Conclusion: With limited assessment, this direct comparison of high‐dose bolus tirofiban versus abciximab produced encouraging results and suggests that further study of this tirofiban dose regimen is warranted. The limited assessments comparing heparin and bivalirudin are consistent with prior observations. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Timing of administration of bevacizumab chemotherapy affects wound healing after chest wall port placement
Authors: Erinjeri Joseph P. , Fong Abigail J. , Kemeny Nancy E. , Brown Karen T. , Getrajdman George I. , Solomon Stephen B.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

The authors investigated how the timing of administration of bevacizumab, a targeted vascular endothelial growth factor‐inhibiting chemotherapeutic agent, affected the risk of wound healing in patients undergoing chest wall port placement.

METHODS:

The authors performed a retrospective search was performed of an institutional review board approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant database between 2002 and 2008, identifying 1108 port placements in patients who were treated with bevacizumab. One hundred twenty of these ports eventually required explant. Data analyzed included patient demographics, indication for port removal, and schedule of bevacizumab therapy.

RESULTS:

Wound healing complications requiring port explant were seen in 0.9% of placements (10/1108). When bevacizumab was given within 1 day of port placement, the absolute risk (AR) of port removal for wound dehiscence was 2.4% (2/82), compared with 0.3% (3/1021) when 2 or more days had passed between port placement and bevacizumab administration, yielding a statistically significant relative risk (RR) of 8.1 (P < .02). Similarly, when bevacizumab was administered within 7 days of port insertion, there was a significant RR of dehiscence‐related port explant (AR 1.4% vs 0.1%, RR 11.5, P < .028). However, no significant RR for dehiscence‐related port removal was observed when bevacizumab was administered within 14 days (AR 0.9% vs 0.2%, RR 6.2, P < .09) or 30 days (AR 0.7% vs 0.2%, RR 3.7, P < .23) of port placement.

CONCLUSIONS:

The risk of a wound dehiscence requiring chest wall port explant in patients treated with bevacizumab was inversely proportional to the interval between bevacizumab administration and port placement, with significantly higher risk seen when the interval is less than 14 days. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Anatomic location is a risk factor for atypical and malignant meningiomas
Authors: Kane Ari J. , Sughrue Michael E. , Rutkowski Martin J. , Shangari Gopal , Fang Shanna , McDermott Michael W. , Berger Mitchel S. , Parsa Andrew T.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Grade II and III meningiomas have higher rates of tumor recurrence than grade I meningiomas after surgery and/or external irradiation. As the utility of noninvasive treatments for brain tumors increases, it is becoming increasingly important to assess the likelihood that a tumor is not benign before treatment initiation. Hence, the authors have reviewed a large series of their patients to determine risk factors for higher‐grade pathology, with particular interest paid to tumor location.

METHODS:

The authors reviewed 378 patients presenting at their institution from 2000 to 2007 with histologically confirmed meningioma, central pathology grading according to the World Health Organization 2000 guidelines, and tumor location confirmed with preoperative imaging. They performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression on potential risk factors for high‐grade pathology.

RESULTS:

Risk factors for grade II/III pathology included nonskull base location (2‐fold) and male sex (2‐fold). Patients with prior surgery had a 3‐fold increased incidence of higher‐grade meningiomas at presentation at the authors' center. The authors controlled for this referral bias by performing a multivariate regression, and analysis without patients receiving prior treatment. Ninety‐seven percent of operations were performed for tumor size and clinical symptoms, whereas <3% were performed for interval growth or features concerning higher‐grade pathology.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nonskull‐base meningiomas, male sex, and prior surgery impart increased risk for grade II or III pathology. This increased risk translates to probable poorer prognosis and increased likelihood of recurrence after treatment. Thus, it is prudent to take these specific variables into consideration in conjunction with the complete clinical presentation when advising patients regarding their prognosis. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Expectant management versus immediate treatment for low‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Elit Laurie , Levine Mark N. , Julian Jim A. , Sellors John W. , Lytwyn Alice , Chong Sylvia , Mahony James B. , Gu ChuShu , Finch Terri , Zeferino Luiz C.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

The optimal management strategy for women with low‐grade biopsy‐proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is not clear. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of regular colposcopic follow‐up and treatment of progressive disease only versus immediate treatment.

METHODS:

Data were accrued between November 2000 and March 2006 for a noninferiority randomized clinical trial of 415 women with biopsy‐proven grade 1 CIN from 8 Canadian and 2 Brazilian colposcopy clinics. Subjects were randomly assigned to either undergo immediate treatment with a loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP) or receive regular colposcopic follow‐up for 18 months. The primary outcome was progression of disease to CIN 2 to 3 was based on histology obtained during 18 months of follow‐up. Treatments were compared using differences of proportion with a 9% noninferiority margin. Analysis was conducted on the basis of intention‐to‐treat.

RESULTS:

An initial LEEP was performed on 179 women. Disease progression was found in 32. Easily controlled vaginal bleeding occurred in 16 (8.9%). During follow‐up, disease progression was identified in 3 (1.7%) women in the immediate treatment arm and 9 (4.4%) in the colposcopic follow‐up arm—a tolerable difference of 2.7% with 1‐sided 95% confidence interval (CI) upper limit of 6.0%. Compliance with all 3 follow‐up visits was 61% overall, but significantly worse in women ≤30 years of age (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The risk of progression to CIN grade 2 or 3 or cancer over 18 months was similar in the 2 treatment groups. In Canada and Brazil, follow‐up for 18 months is a reasonable management strategy for women with persistent low‐grade cytology who are found to have grade 1 CIN on referral for colposcopy and cervical biopsy. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
DICKKOPF‐4 activates the noncanonical c‐Jun‐NH2 kinase signaling pathway while inhibiting the Wnt‐canonical pathway in human renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hirata Hiroshi , Hinoda Yuji , Majid Shahana , Chen Yi , Zaman Mohd S. , Ueno Koji , Nakajima Koichi , Tabatabai Z. Laura , Ishii Nobuhisa , Dahiya Rajvir
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

To the authors' knowledge, the functional significance of the Wnt antagonist dickkopf homolog 4 (DKK4) has not been investigated previously in renal cancer.

METHODS:

The authors initially observed that the expression of DKK4 was significantly higher in renal cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal kidney tissues. To assess the function of DKK4, stable DKK4‐transfected cells were established, and functional analyses were performed, including a T‐cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) reporter assay and tests for cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasive capability, wound‐healing capability, and in vivo tumor growth.

RESULTS:

The relative TCF/LEF activity was significantly lower in DKK4‐transfected cells compared with empty vector, and nuclear β‐catenin expression was decreased in DKK4 transfectants. In addition, expression levels of the β‐catenin downstream effector proteins cyclin D1 and c‐Myc were decreased in DKK4 transfectants. However, greater invasiveness and migration were observed in stably transfected DKK4 cells. Increased growth of DKK4‐transfected tumors also was observed in nude mice. Members of the Wnt noncanonical/c‐Jun‐NH2 kinase (JNK) signaling pathway also were effected, such as c‐Jun, which had significantly increased expression and phosphorylation in DKK4‐stable transfectants, and matrix metalloproteinase‐2, which had significantly increased expression in DKK4‐stable transfectants.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the first study to indicate that DKK4 expression is increased in renal cancer tissues and that DKK4 activates the noncanonical JNK signaling pathway while inhibiting the Wnt‐canonical pathway. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Venous thromboembolism in the patient with cancer
Authors: Lyman Gary H.
Published: November 2010

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. The risk of VTE varies over the natural history of cancer, with the highest risk occurring during hospitalization and after disease recurrence. Patient and disease characteristics are associated with further increased risk of VTE in this setting. Specific factors include cancer type (eg, pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, lymphoma) and the presence of metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. VTE is a significant predictor of increased mortality during the first year among all types and stages of cancer, with metastatic disease reported to be the strongest predictor of mortality. VTE is also associated with early death in ambulatory patients with cancer. These data highlight the need for close monitoring, prompt treatment, and appropriate preventive strategies for VTE in patients with cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network have issued guidelines regarding the prophylaxis and treatment of patients with cancer. This review summarizes the impact of VTE on patients with cancer, the effects of VTE on clinical outcomes, the importance of thromboprophylaxis in this population, relevant ongoing clinical trials examining the prevention of VTE, and new pharmacologic treatment options. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Effectiveness of a clinic‐based colorectal cancer screening promotion program for underserved Hispanics
Authors: Coronado Gloria D. , Golovaty Ilya , Longton Gary , Levy Lisa , Jimenez Ricardo
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Hispanics in the United States are less likely than other groups to receive screening services for colorectal cancer.

METHODS:

The authors conducted a clinic‐based individual randomized trial that enrolled Hispanic patients ages 50 to 79 years who had been seen in the Seattle‐based community clinic in the past 5 years. A total of 501 patients met the eligibility criteria and were randomized to 1 of 3 conditions: 1) usual care; 2) mailed fecal occult blood test (FOBT) card and instructions on how to complete the test (mailed FOBT only); and 3) mailed FOBT card and instructions on how to complete the test, telephone reminders, and home visits (mailed FOBT and outreach). The authors assessed postintervention differences in rates of FOBT screening in intervention and usual care groups using computerized medical records reviewed from June 2007 to March 2008.

RESULTS:

Data analysis occurred between November 2008 and September 2009. Nine‐month postintervention screening rates were 26% among patients who received the mailed packet only intervention (P < .001 compared with usual care) and 31% in the group that received the mailed packet and outreach intervention (P < .001 compared with usual care). This compared with 2% in the group that received usual care. Screening rates in the mailed FOBT only group and in the mailed FOBT and outreach group were not significantly different (P = .28).

CONCLUSIONS:

Culturally appropriate clinic‐based interventions may increase colorectal cancer screening among underserved Hispanics. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Statistical modeling of the sensory‐perception process of computational driver models for vehicle simulations
Authors: Rah Chongkwan , Park Minyong
Published: November 2010

This article describes a new approach in developing computational driver models in vehicle simulations for evaluating intelligent driving support systems (IDSSs). As IDSSs become more intelligent and provide active safety controls, a more comprehensive understanding of a driver's cognitive processes is required as well as vehicle dynamics. One hundred thirty drivers participated in a psychophysical experiment of velocity estimation at 71 checkpoints on a road section. The perceived velocity, as a dependent variable, was modeled using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with respect to the driver's fundamental human factors (i.e., age, gender, and driving experience) as independent variables. As a result, eight different perceived velocity models were defined as part of the cognitive processes with quantitative covariates in different modalities (i.e., radius of road, level of interior noise, as well as vehicle velocity). Moreover, driver models implemented with different perceptual processes also exhibited considerable changes in the results of vehicle simulations on double lane change maneuvers. The results presented in this study suggest that defining the perceptual processes of different groups of drivers is an essential process in developing vehicle simulation environments for evaluating IDSS. Consequently, the results from this study may provide meaningful data for early stages of new vehicle design. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of different cultivation modes and light intensities using mono‐cultures and co‐cultures of Haematococcus pluvialis and Chlorella zofingiensis
Authors: Oncel Suphi S. , Imamoglu Esra , Gunerken Emre , Sukan Fazilet Vardar
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that microalgal cultivation using organic carbon sources has the potential to provide high yields. Haematococcus pluvialis and Chlorella zofingiensis, two important carotenoid producers, were selected for co‐culture cultivations to utilize the unique advantages of both organisms. A co‐culture production process was investigated in terms of the effects of organic carbon source, co‐cultivation method, and light intensity on carotenoid production.

RESULTS: The addition of 5 g L−1 glucose resulted in a growth rate of 0.60 day−1 for H. pluvialis and 0.59 day−1 for C. zofingiensis, which were higher than those for other carbon sources tested and the control group. Incremental increase of light intensity instead of direct increase to 170 µE m−2s− prevented cell loss in both cultures. Co‐cultivation based on cell numbers (60% H. pluvialis and 40% C. zofingiensis) prevented population domination of one microalgae over the other. The biomass production rate of the co‐culture was higher (0.61 g L−1 day−1) in glucose‐enriched medium. The total carotenoid content of the co‐culture in the control culture was higher (0.83 mg total carotenoids g−1 cell) than that obtained in glucose‐enriched medium (0.54 mg total carotenoids g−1 cell) but not as high as the amounts reached in mono‐cultures.

CONCLUSION: Total carotenoid content of the mono‐cultures gave higher yields in standard bold basal medium (BBM). Preliminary high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) studies indicated a variation in the amounts of astaxanthin isomers produced. Further studies are in progress to determine the effects of carbon‐enriched media and co‐cultivation on the type of isomers and caretenoids produced. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermo‐alkaline pretreatment of lipid‐extracted microalgal biomass residues enhances hydrogen production
Authors: Yang Zhiman , Guo Rongbo , Xu Xiaohui , Fan Xiaolei , Li Xiaoping
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND: The conversion of lipid‐extracted microalgal biomass residues (LMBRs) into hydrogen serves the dual role in renewable energy production and sustainable development of microalgal biodiesel industry. In this work, batch experiments were performed to convert LMBRs pretreated by a thermo‐alkaline method into hydrogen. In addition, repeated batch cultivation was conducted using the pretreated LMBRs as feedstocks under optimal pretreatment condition to further obtain high hydrogen production.

RESULTS: The optimal pretreatment conditions for LMBRs were NaOH dosage of 8 g L−1, pretreatment time of 2.5 h and solid content of 6.7%, which resulted in 160% and 500% improvement in the hydrogen yield and hydrogen production rate, respectively. In addition, it was found that the repeated batch cultivation was a very useful method to improve the hydrogen production and hydrogen production rate.

CONCLUSIONS: The thermo‐alkaline pretreatment resulted in remarkable improvements in LMBR solubilization, which led to an increase in hydrogen production. Repeated batch cultivation was a useful method to adapt and enrich hydrogen‐producing bacteria that could ferment LMBRs with high hydrogen yield. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
The evolution of jumping in frogs: Morphological evidence for the basal anuran locomotor condition and the radiation of locomotor systems in crown group anurans
Authors: Reilly Stephen M. , Jorgensen Michael E.
Published: November 2010

Our understanding of the evolution of frog locomotion follows from the work of Emerson in which anurans are proposed to possess one of three different iliosacral configurations: 1) a lateral‐bending system found in walking and hopping frogs; 2) a fore‐aft sliding mechanism found in several locomotor modes; and 3) a sagittal‐hinge‐type pelvis posited to be related to long‐distance jumping performance. The most basal living (Ascaphus) and fossil (Prosalirus) frogs are described as sagittal‐hinge pelvic types, and it has been proposed that long‐distance jumping with a sagittal‐hinge pelvis arose early in frog evolution. We revisited osteological traits of the pelvic region to conduct a phylogenetic analysis of the relationships between pelvic systems and locomotor modes in frogs. Using two of Emerson's diagnostic traits from the sacrum and ilium and two new traits from the urostyle, we resampled the taxa originally studied by Emerson and key paleotaxa and conducted an analysis of ancestral‐character state evolution in relation to locomotor mode. We present a new pattern for the evolution of pelvic systems and locomotor modes in frogs. Character analysis shows that the lateral‐bender, walker/hopper condition is both basal and generally conserved across the Anura. Long‐distance jumping frogs do not appear until well within the Neobatrachia. The sagittal‐hinge morphology is correlated with long‐distance jumping in terrestrial frogs; however, it evolved convergently multiple times in crown group anurans with the same four pelvic traits described herein. Arboreal jumping has appeared in multiple crown lineages as well, but with divergent patterns of evolution involving each of the three pelvic types. The fore‐aft slider morph appears independently in three different locomotor modes and, thus, is a more complex system than previously thought. Finally, it appears that the advent of a bicondylar sacro‐urostylic articulation was originally related to providing axial rigidity to lateral‐bending behaviors rather than sagittal bending. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Resin gathering in neotropical resin bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae): Functional and comparative morphology
Authors: Forero Dimitri , Choe Dong‐Hwan , Weirauch Christiane
Published: November 2010

Apiomerini (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) collect plant resins with their forelegs and use these sticky substances for prey capture or maternal care. These behaviors have not been described in detail and morphological structures involved in resin gathering, transfer, and storage remain virtually undocumented. We here describe these behaviors in Apiomerus flaviventris and document the involved structures. To place them in a comparative context, we describe and document leg and abdominal structures in 14 additional species of Apiomerini that represent all but one of the 12 recent genera in the tribe. Based on these morphological data in combination with the behavioral observations on A. flaviventris, we infer behavioral and functional hypotheses for the remaining genera within the tribe Apiomerini. Setal abdominal patches for resin storage are associated with maternal care so far only documented for species of Apiomerus. Based on the occurrence of these patches in several other genera, we propose that maternal care is widespread within the tribe. Ventral abdominal glands are widespread within female Apiomerini. We propose that their products may prevent hardening of stored resins thus providing long‐term supply for egg coating. Judging from the diverse setal types and arrangements on the front legs, we predict six different behavioral patterns of resin gathering within the tribe. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary administration of berberine or Phellodendron amurense extract inhibits cell cycle progression and lung tumorigenesis
Authors: James Michael A. , Fu Huijing , Liu Yan , Chen Da‐Ren , You Ming
Published: November 2010

Phellodendron amurense extract is a Chinese herbal remedy that has recently been studied for its antitumor, antimicrobial and other biological activities. It is previously unknown if these agents are bioavailable and effective against tumors when delivered as a dietary component. It is also unknown if the anti‐tumorigenic properties of berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid component of P. amurense, is equally effective when administered alone. There are contrasting reports on the cellular processes involved in anti‐tumorigenesis by P. amurense and berberine. Here we find that berberine, when administered orally through the diet, inhibits in vivo tumorigenesis of both p53 expressing and p53 null lung tumor xenografts equally whether administered in its pure form or as a part of P. amurense extract. We also show that berberine induces G1 cell cycle arrest, inhibits proliferative kinase signaling and arrests the growth of lung tumor cells in culture. Berberine administered in the diet was detectable by HPLC in the lungs of mice fed P. amurense or equivalent doses of berberine at concentrations of 455 and 518 ng/ml respectively and inhibited the growth of xenografted A549 cell tumors, which grew to 9.4 and 6.4 mm3 respectively, compared to 58.9 mm3 in control mice (P < 0.001). Phosphorylation of Akt, CREB and MAPK was inhibited in A549 cells by P. amurense. Demonstration of oral bioavailability and anti‐tumorigenic efficacy of dietary berberine, as well as further demonstration of signaling pathway modulation and cell‐cycle arrest, implicate this relatively safe, natural compound as a potentially important therapeutic and chemopreventive agent for lung cancer. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Why catechol?
Authors: Stern Gerald
Published: November 2010

A brief history of the evolution of the term catechol amine and relationship to the treatment of Parkinson's disease. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with metastases confined to the lungs: Report from the CWS Study Group
Authors: Dantonello Tobias M. , Winkler Peter , Boelling Tobias , Friedel Godehard , Schmid Irene , Mattke Adrian C. , Ljungman Gustaf , Bielack Stefan S. , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa ,   on behalf of the CWS Study Group
Published: November 2010

Background

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma [RME] is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. Whereas the prognosis of localized rhabdomyosarcoma has improved, it remains poor for metastatic disease.

Methods

We analyzed RME‐patients with isolated pulmonary metastases [PRME] treated in four consecutive CWS‐trials. Treatment included multiagent chemotherapy and local treatment of the primary tumor. Therapy of lung metastases after induction chemotherapy depended on response and individual decisions.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients <21 years had PRME. Their median age was six years, the median follow‐up nine years. Twenty‐eight children had their primary tumor located in an unfavorable site and 22 of the primaries were >5 cm. In addition to conventional chemotherapy, seven patients received high‐dose treatment and eight patients oral metronomic chemotherapy. The lung metastases were in remission after induction chemotherapy in 22 individuals. 19 patients received no local treatment of metastases; 3 patients had pulmonary metastasectomy and lung radiation was administered to 9 individuals. In total, 24/29 patients achieved a complete remission [CR]. Actuarial 5‐year event‐free and overall survival for all patients was 37.9 ± 18% and 48.7 ± 18%, respectively; it was 45.8 ± 20% and 58.3 ± 20% for the 24 patients who achieved a CR. Local treatment of metastases had no impact on the failure pattern. Younger age, good response, achievement of CR and maintenance‐treatment were favorable prognostic factors in univariate analysis.

Conclusions

Children with PRME have a fair prognosis. Local treatment of metastases did not improve outcome in our sample. Metronomic treatment may be an attractive option for PREM‐patients. [correction made here after initial online publication]. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:725–732. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effectiveness of school‐based psychotherapy: A meta‐analysis of dissertation research
Authors: Reese Robert J. , Prout H. Thompson , Zirkelback Emily H. , Anderson Charlotte R.
Published: November 2010

A meta‐analysis was conducted with 65 school‐based psychotherapy and counseling dissertations over the last 10 years (1998–2008) to assess if a file‐drawer problem (i.e., studies conducted but not published that, as a whole, have different results than studies in the same area published) exists in the school‐based outcome literature. An overall mean effect size of 0.44 was found for 73 treatment interventions. This effect size is comparable to Prout and DeMartino's 1986 meta‐analysis conducted with published school‐based studies and approximately half a standard deviation smaller than Prout and Prout's 1998 meta‐analysis of school‐based intervention studies. A bias does appear to exist but seems to be smaller than the bias found in the general child and adolescent psychotherapy outcome literature. Most of the dissertation studies evaluated group interventions and used a cognitive–behavioral or skills training intervention. Skills training and interventions with elementary‐school students yielded the largest effect sizes. Comparisons of the current study with previous school‐based intervention meta‐analyses are discussed as are suggestions for future research. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and ring‐opening polymerizations of novel S‐glycooxazolines
Authors: Takasu Akinori , Kojima Hiroshi
Published: November 2010

A new 2‐oxazolines containing S‐galactosyl substituents linked to alkyl chains of different lengths; (S‐glycooxazoline) were prepared relatively in high yields. By using a 1:1 adduct of 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline and methyl triflate, as the initiator, the monomer was polymerized via ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) to give products with relatively narrow molecular weight distributions. Homo‐ and copolymerization were performed, and the kinetics of these new S‐glycooxazolines in the ROP are investigated. After a quantitative deprotection, poly(2‐oxazoline)s having pendant carbohydrate were obtained. The interaction of the poly(S‐glycooxazoline) with RCA120 lectin was investigated, the binding constant between glycopolymer and lectin was increased by 102 times compared with that of the monosaccharide (D‐galactose). The in vivo expression of green fluorescent protein using the synthesized poly(S‐glycooxazoline)s as polymeric inducers in Escherichia coli host were performed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Synthesis of a rare‐metal adsorbing polymer by three‐component polyaddition of diamines, carbon disulfide, and diacrylates in an aqueous/organic biphasic medium
Authors: Nagai Daisuke , Imazeki Tsutomu , Morinaga Hisatoyo , Nakabayashi Hirotoshi
Published: November 2010

Three‐component polyaddition of diamines, carbon disulfide (CS2), and diacrylates in an aqueous/organic biphasic medium produced a polymer capable of adsorbing rare metals. By using a 1:1 mixture of toluene and H2O, the polyaddition reaction of 1,3‐di‐4‐piperidylpropane (1), CS2, and 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate (2) proceeded efficiently in the presence of Et3N to produce a poly(dithiourethane‐amine) with a high proportion of dithiourethane units almost quantitatively. Quantitative formation of 1‐CS2 adducts in the aqueous phase was followed by efficient reaction with diacrylate at the biphasic interface. The resulting poly(dithiourethane‐amine) adsorbed Pd(II) and Pt(IV) efficiently under acidic conditions due to the high affinity of thiocarbonyl sulfur atoms for soft metal ions. The polymers showed highly selective adsorption of Pd(II) from a mixture of metal ions [Pd(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III), Mn(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II)], indicating their potential utilization for selective recovery of rare‐metals. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Modeling differential scanning calorimetry melting curves of ethylene/α‐olefin copolymers
Authors: Kissin Yury V.
Published: November 2010

A procedure is developed for modeling differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) melting curves of linear polyethylene and ethylene/α‐olefin copolymers produced with single‐center and multicenter polymerization catalysts. The modeling demonstrates that the use of the statistical description of random copolymers and the introduction of several assumptions about the crystallization pattern of long ethylene blocks in ethylene copolymers are sufficient for the representation of most characteristic features of DSC melting curves of the polymers. This type of modeling can be applied to ethylene/α‐olefin copolymers containing up to 10 mol % of an α‐olefin. The approach is, in principle, similar to modeling the results of other analytical techniques used for the characterization of copolymer heterogeneity, such as Tref and Crystaf. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011