bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after supratentorial intracranial surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Morad Athir H. , Winters Bradford D. , Yaster Myron , Stevens Robert D. , White Elizabeth D. , Thompson Richard E. , Weingart Jon D. , Gottschalk Allan
Published: February 2009

Object

Opioid administration following major intracranial surgery is often limited by a presumed lack of need and a concern that opioids will adversely affect postoperative outcome and interfere with the neurological examination. Nevertheless, evidence is accumulating that these patients suffer moderate to severe postoperative pain and that this pain is often undertreated. The authors hypothesized that intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) would safely and more effectively treat postoperative supratentorial craniotomy pain than conventional as needed (PRN) therapy.

Methods

Following a standardized course of general anesthesia, adult patients who underwent elective supratentorial intracranial surgery were randomized in the neurosciences intensive care unit to receive either PRN intravenous fentanyl 25–50 μg every 30 minutes or PCA intravenous fentanyl 0.5 μg/kg every 15 minutes (maximum 4 doses/hour). The authors measured pain (self-reported scale score [0–10]), sedation (Ramsay Sedation Scale score), Glasgow Coma Scale score, fentanyl use, and major adverse events (excessive sedation, respiratory depression, pruritus, nausea, or vomiting) hourly.

Results

Sixty-four patients with a mean age of 48 years (range 22–77 years) were randomized to intravenous PCA (29 patients) or PRN fentanyl (35 patients) groups. There were no statistically significant demographic differences between the 2 groups. Patients receiving intravenous PCA had significantly lower pain scores than those receiving intravenous PRN fentanyl (2.53 ± 1.96 vs 3.62 ± 2.11 [p = 0.039]) and received significantly more fentanyl than the PRN group (44.1 ± 34.5 vs 23.6 ± 23.7 μg/hour [p = 0.007]). There were no differences between the 2 groups regarding the number of patients with adverse events.

Conclusions

Intravenous PCA more effectively treats the pain of supratentorial intracranial surgery than PRN fentanyl, and patients in the former group did not experience any untoward events related to the self-administration of opioids.
Flow cytometry and in vitro analysis of human glioma–associated macrophages
Authors: Parney Ian F. , Waldron James S. , Parsa Andrew T.
Published: February 2009

Object

To date, glioma immunotherapy has been focused mostly on stimulating antitumor peripheral lymphocyte responses; however, some data suggest that microglia and/or macrophages (not lymphocytes) are the predominant inflammatory cells infiltrating gliomas. To study this hypothesis further, the authors analyzed inflammatory cell infiltrates in fresh human malignant glioma specimens and primary cultures.

Methods

Single-cell suspensions from fresh operative malignant glioma specimens, obtained by stereotactic localization, were analyzed for CD11b and CD45 by using flow cytometry. A comparison was made with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In a subset of patients, a more detailed flow cytometry analysis of Class I and II major histocompatibility complex, B7-1, B7-2, CD11c, and CD14 expression was performed. Macrophage-like cells in primary glioma cultures were similarly assessed.

Results

Operative samples were obtained from 9 newly diagnosed malignant gliomas. The mean percent of CD45+/CD11b− cells (lymphocytes) was 2.48% (range 0.65–5.50%); CD45dim/CD11b+ cells (microglia), 1.65% (range 0.37–3.92%); and CD45bright/CD11b+ (monocytes/macrophages), 6.25% (range 1.56–15.3%). More detailed fluorescence-activated cell sorting suggested that macrophage-like cells expressed Class I and II major histocompatibility complex, B7-2, and CD11c but not CD14 or B7-1. Primary human glioma cultures contained significant numbers of macrophage-like (CD45bright/CD11b+) cells, but these cells were lost with successive passages. These cells maintained the immunomarker profiles of macrophage-like cells from fresh specimens only if they were cultured in serum-free media.

Conclusions

The CD45+/CD11b+ cells are the predominant inflammatory cell infiltrating human gliomas. Of this type, the CD45bright/CD11b+ cells, a phenotype compatible with circulating macrophages in rodent models, and not microglia, are the most common. Their immunomarker profile is compatible with an immature antigen-presenting cell. They are present in primary glioma cultures but are lost in successive passages. Their role is enigmatic, and they may prove an important target for future glioma immunotherapy studies.
A novel pressure sensor with an optical system for coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Matsubara Noriaki , Miyachi Shigeru , Nagano Yoshitaka , Ohshima Tomotaka , Hososhima Osamu , Izumi Takashi , Tsurumi Arihito , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Sakaguchi Masamichi , Sano Akihito , Fujimoto Hideo
Published: February 2009

Object

In endovascular coil embolization for an intracranial aneurysm, the excessive pressure created during coil insertion into an aneurysm can cause a catastrophic rupture or dislodge a microcatheter tip from the aneurysm dome, resulting in insufficient embolization. Such undue mechanical pressure can only be subjectively detected by the subtle tactile feedback the surgeon experiences. Therefore, the authors of this study developed a new sensor device to measure the coil insertion pressure via an optical system.

Methods

This novel sensor system consists of a hemostatic valve connected to the proximal end of a microcatheter (Y-connector). The sensor principle is based on an optical system composed of a light-emitting diode (LED) and a line sensor. The latter measures how much the coil-delivery wire slightly bends in response to the insertion pressure by detecting the wire shadow. This information is translated into a given force level. Experimental aneurysm embolization was performed using this optical sensor. A silicone aneurysm model and an in vivo model (porcine aneurysm model) were used in this study. Several surgeons manually performed the coil insertions. The sensor continuously monitored the mechanical force during the insertions.

Results

The sensor adequately recorded the coil insertion pressure during embolization. The presence of the sensor did not hinder the embolization procedure in any way. During embolization in the silicone aneurysm model, a sinusoid pattern of pressure occurred, reflecting actual clinical experience. Similar results were obtained in the in vivo study.

Conclusions

This new sensor device adequately measures coil insertion pressure. This system provides potentially safer and more reliable aneurysm embolizations.
Thrombosis and hemorrhage in the acute period following Gamma Knife surgery for arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Celix Juanita M. , Douglas James G. , Haynor David , Goodkin Robert
Published: February 2009

Bleeding of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a known risk during the latency interval, but hemorrhage in the 30-day period following radiosurgery rarely has been reported in the literature. The authors present the case of a 57-year-old man who underwent Gamma Knife surgery for a large AVM, and they provide radiographic documentation of a thrombus in the primary draining vein immediately preceding an AVM hemorrhage within 9 days after radiosurgery. They postulate that the pathophysiology of an AVM hemorrhage in the acute period following SRS is related to an association among tissue irradiation, acute inflammatory response, and vessel thrombosis.

The authors also review the literature on risk factors for hemorrhage due to untreated and radiosurgically treated AVMs. Recent evidence on the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of AVMs and the pathophysiology of AVM rupture is presented. Inflammatory markers have been demonstrated in brain AVM tissue, and the association between inflammation and AVM hemorrhage has been established. There is an acute inflammatory response following tissue irradiation, resulting in structural and functional vascular changes that can lead to vessel thrombosis. Early hemorrhage following radiosurgical treatment of AVMs may be related to the acute inflammatory response and associated vascular changes that occur in irradiated tissue. In the first stage of a planned 2-stage Gamma Knife treatment for a large AVM in the featured case, the superior posteromedial portion of the primary draining vein was included in the treatment field. The authors present the planning images and subsequent CT scans demonstrating a new venous thrombus in the primary draining vein. An acute inflammatory response following radiosurgery with resultant acute venous thrombus formation and venous obstruction is proposed as one mechanism of an AVM hemorrhage in this patient. Radiographic evidence of the time course of thrombosis and hemorrhage supports the hypothesis that acute venous obstruction is a cause of intracranial hemorrhage.
Microsurgery of epileptic foci in the insular region
Authors: Malak Ramez , Bouthillier Alain , Carmant Lionel , Cossette Patrick , Giard Normand , Saint-Hilaire Jean-Marc , Nguyen Dong Bach , Nguyen Dang Khoa
Published: February 2009

Object

The insular region has long been neglected in the investigation and treatment of refractory epilepsy. Surgery in the insular region is rarely performed because of the risk of injury to the opercula, the arteries transiting on the surface of the insula, and the deep structures such as the basal ganglia and the internal capsule. This study was undertaken to report the results of insular surgery using modern microsurgical techniques in patients with epilepsy.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective study of cases involving patients who underwent surgery for insular lesions associated with epilepsy over the last 10 years. In the majority of patients, intracranial electrodes were implanted with neuronavigation guidance to confirm the localization of the epileptic foci.

Results

Nine patients underwent insular surgery: 7 for refractory epilepsy with no tumor and 2 for tumors associated with seizures. Four of the resections were performed in the left hemisphere. After an average follow-up of 54 months (range 14–122 months), Engel Class IA outcome had been achieved in 6 of 7 cases in the Epilepsy Surgery Group. The remaining patient had an Engel Class III outcome after partial insular resection but later became seizurefree (Engel Class IA) following insular Gamma Knife surgery.

Postoperatively, the majority of patients suffered from minor reversible hemipareses that disappeared completely within a few months. There was no surgical mortality.

Conclusions

Insular surgery is both safe and beneficial when it is well planned and performed with modern microsurgical techniques and good anatomical knowledge. Insulectomy is associated with little permanent morbidity and a high rate of seizure control. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first series of insulectomies predominantly performed for refractory epilepsy since those performed by Penfield.
Remembering the Nakba in Hebrew: Return Visits as the Performance of a Binational Future
Authors: Weaver Alain Epp
Published: February 2009

This essay examines the memory practices of the Zochrot Association, an Israeli organisation committed to, in its words, ‘remembering the Nakba in Hebrew’. Giving particular attention to Zochrot's actions at the destroyed village of Miskeh, the essay explores how Zochrot provokes memories in Hebrew about the Nakba, making present through embodied performances what had been rendered absent. These performances of memory, it is contended, might appropriately be called sacramental, in that through memories of the past they embody in the present a hope and vision for a bi-national future.
Michael Prior, The Bible and Anti-Semitism
Authors: Macpherson Duncan
Published: February 2009

Michael Prior raised the issue of Bible texts apparently morally unacceptable and at odds with the “core Gospel message” of the liberating love of God revealed in Jesus Christ. He pointed to Old Testament texts invoked to justify colonialism and, in particular, the colonial oppression of the Palestinians. Others have underlined texts in the New Testament used to justify anti-Semitism. Opinion divides between blaming the interpreters and blaming the texts themselves, usually by questioning their historicity. Both issues impact upon the Israeli-Palestinian confl ict and raise mirror-image questions concerning biblical inspiration demanding the liberationist hermeneutic implicit in Prior's work.
Memory and Remembrance in Patriarchal Traditions: Two Cases of Re-Signification for the Presence of Absence
Authors: Gandulla Bernardo
Published: February 2009

The Old Testament, in the author's opinion, is not a historical document but a constructed fiction from the times of the Greek-Roman domination of Canaan, starting with the manipulation of the collective memory with ideological autolegitimation means. However, this process of intentional re-memoration began by the editors of the text appears in different materials from different sources, in time and space that has some historical elements, similar to the etiological myths. To prove the hypothesis of the memory manipulation, the author analyses the implicit problematic in genealogical traditions in Genesis 10 y 11: 10–27 and the ‘history’ of the sons of Isaac in Genesis 35: 22–29 and Genesis 36.
The Role of Effective Communication to Enhance Participation in Screening Mammography: A New Zealand Case
Authors: Brunton Margaret  A.
Published: February 2009

Changes in the organisation of health care have dominated policy initiatives over the past two decades in many countries. An increasing reliance on public health initiatives to prevent or detect disease early has resulted in an increase in programs that screen for cancer in the community. In turn, this accentuates the need to persuasively communicate the value of such initiatives to encourage continued participation. Merely placing screening programs into a community setting is not sufficient to ensure that adequate numbers will voluntarily participate regularly to achieve anticipated cost and mortality savings in the population. In this research the influence of managing communication in a public screening mammography program was investigated. The results revealed that significant opportunities were overlooked for reassurance and information during the physical mammography process. In turn, this highlights the influence of constraints imposed by the structure of the screening program and the resources allocated to the process. This research suggests that it is important to address multiple influences, including ethnic differences, when asking questions about the effectiveness of public health policy, particularly when considering the choices women make about ongoing participation in breast screening programs.
Surfactant-mediated Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Li Jing-Liang , Chen Bing-Hung
Published: February 2009

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic environmental pollutants that are known or suspected carcinogens or mutagens. Bioremediation has been used as a general way to eliminate them from the contaminated sites or aquifers, but their biodegradation is rather limited due to their low bioavailability because of their sparingly soluble nature. Surfactant-mediated biodegradation is a promising alternative. The presence of surfactants can increase the solubility of PAHs and hence potentially increase their bioavailability. However, inconclusive results have been reported on the effects of surfactant on the biodegradation of PAHs. In this work, surfactant-mediated biodegradation of PAHs is reviewed.
Piezoresistive Sensitivity, Linearity and Resistance Time Drift of Polysilicon Nanofilms with Different Deposition Temperatures
Authors: Shi Changzhi , Liu Xiaowei , Chuai Rongyan
Published: February 2009

Our previous research work indicated that highly boron doped polysilicon nanofilms (≤100 nm in thickness) have higher gauge factor (the maximum is ~34 for 80 nm-thick films) and better temperature stability than common polysilicon films (≥ 200nm in thickness) at the same doping levels. Therefore, in order to further analyze the influence of deposition temperature on the film structure and piezoresistance performance, the piezoresistive sensitivity, piezoresistive linearity (PRL) and resistance time drift (RTD) of 80 nm-thick highly boron doped polysilicon nanofilms (PSNFs) with different deposition temperatures were studied here. The tunneling piezoresistive model was established to explain the relationship between the measured gauge factors (GFs) and deposition temperature. It was seen that the piezoresistance coefficient (PRC) of composite grain boundaries is higher than that of grains and the magnitude of GF is dependent on the resistivity of grain boundary (GB) barriers and the weight of the resistivity of composite GBs in the film resistivity. In the investigations on PRL and RTD, the interstitial-vacancy (IV) model was established to model GBs as the accumulation of IV pairs. And the recrystallization of metastable IV pairs caused by material deformation or current excitation is considered as the prime reason for piezoresistive nonlinearity (PRNL) and RTD. Finally, the optimal deposition temperature for the improvement of film performance and reliability is about 620 °C and the high temperature annealing is not very effective in improving the piezoresistive performance of PSNFs deposited at lower temperatures.
SITHON: An Airborne Fire Detection System Compliant with Operational Tactical Requirements
Authors: Kontoes Charalabos , Keramitsoglou Iphigenia , Sifakis Nicolaos , Konstantinidis Pavlos
Published: February 2009

In response to the urging need of fire managers for timely information on fire location and extent, the SITHON system was developed. SITHON is a fully digital thermal imaging system, integrating INS/GPS and a digital camera, designed to provide timely positioned and projected thermal images and video data streams rapidly integrated in the GIS operated by Crisis Control Centres. This article presents in detail the hardware and software components of SITHON, and demonstrates the first encouraging results of test flights over the Sithonia Peninsula in Northern Greece. It is envisaged that the SITHON system will be soon operated onboard various airborne platforms including fire brigade airplanes and helicopters as well as on UAV platforms owned and operated by the Greek Air Forces.
Flexible Electronics Sensors for Tactile Multi-Touching
Authors: Chang Wen-Yang , Fang Te-Hua , Yeh Shao-Hsing , Lin Yu-Cheng
Published: February 2009

Flexible electronics sensors for tactile applications in multi-touch sensing and large scale manufacturing were designed and fabricated. The sensors are based on polyimide substrates, with thixotropy materials used to print organic resistances and a bump on the top polyimide layer. The gap between the bottom electrode layer and the resistance layer provides a buffer distance to reduce erroneous contact during large bending. Experimental results show that the top membrane with a bump protrusion and a resistance layer had a large deflection and a quick sensitive response. The bump and resistance layer provided a concentrated von Mises stress force and inertial force on the top membrane center. When the top membrane had no bump, it had a transient response delay time and took longer to reach steady-state. For printing thick structures of flexible electronics sensors, diffusion effects and dimensional shrinkages can be improved by using a paste material with a high viscosity. Linear algorithm matrixes with Gaussian elimination and control system scanning were used for multi-touch detection. Flexible electronics sensors were printed with a resistance thickness of about 32 µm and a bump thickness of about 0.2 mm. Feasibility studies show that printing technology is appropriate for large scale manufacturing, producing sensors at a low cost.
New diarylmethanofullerene derivatives and their properties for organic thin-film solar cells
Authors: Sukeguchi Daisuke , Singh Surya Prakash , Reddy Mamidi Ramesh , Yoshiyama Hideyuki , Afre Rakesh A , Hayashi Yasuhiko , Inukai Hiroki , Soga Tetsuo , Nakamura Shuichi , Shibata Norio , Toru Takeshi
Published: February 2009

A number of diarylmethanofullerene derivatives were synthesized. The cyclopropane ring of the derivatives has two aryl groups substituted with electron-withdrawing and -donating groups, the latter with long alkyl chains to improve solubility in organic solvents, an important property in processing cells. First reduction potentials of most derivatives were less negative than that of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), which is possibly ascribed to their electron-withdrawing nature. Organic thin-film photovoltaic cells fabricated with poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as the electron-donor and diarylmethanofullerene derivatives as the electron-acceptor material were examined. The {(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl[bis(octyloxy)phenyl]methano}fullerene showed power conversion efficiency as high as PCBM, but had higher solubility in a variety of organic solvents than PCBM. The Voc value was higher than that of PCBM, which is derived from the electron-donating (octyloxy)phenyl group, possibly raising the LUMO level. Photovoltaic effects of the devices fabricated with the derivatives having some electron-withdrawing groups were also examined.
High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation as a Rescue Therapy for Adult Trauma Patients
Authors: Briggs Steven , Goettler Claudia E. , Schenarts Paul J. , Newell Mark A. , Sagraves Scott G. , Bard Michael R. , Toschlog Eric A. , Rotondo Michael F.
Published: February 2009

Background High-frequency oscillatory ventilation is an alternative ventilation mode that improves oxygenation in trauma patients in whom conventional ventilation strategies have been unsuccessful.

Objective To evaluate the effect of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation on oxygenation, survival, and parameters predictive of survival in trauma patients.

Methods A retrospective case series of 24 adult patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit at a level I trauma center between November 2001 and July 2005 and treated with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. Survivors and nonsurvivors were compared for mechanism and severity of injury, oxygenation parameters related to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and hospital course.

Results Of the 8577 patients admitted during the study period, acute respiratory distress syndrome developed in 103 (1%). Of those 103 patients, 24 (23%) were treated with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. Most of the patients treated with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation had sustained blunt trauma (79%). Oxygenation parameters improved significantly with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in all patients, regardless of survival. Of the 24 patients treated with this ventilation mode, 15 (62%) survived. Survival did not correlate with improved oxygenation parameters but with the number of failed organ systems and injury severity.

Conclusion Although high-frequency oscillatory ventilation improves oxygenation, severity of traumatic injury and organ failure, not respiratory parameters, are predictors of survival. High-frequency oscillatory ventilation should be considered for pulmonary rescue of severely injured patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Maternal mortality
Authors: Jashnani KD , Rupani AB , Wani RJ
Published: February 2009

Background:

The process of audit standardizes protocols in departments and has long-term benefits. Maternal autopsies though routinely performed, deserve a special attention.

Aims:

This study was carried out to calculate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in a tertiary care hospital and to correlate final cause of death with the clinical diagnosis. An audit of maternal autopsies was carried out to evaluate current practices, identify fallacies and suggest corrective measures to rectify them.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty-nine autopsies of maternal deaths in the period 2003 to 2007 were studied in detail along with the clinical details.

Results:

There were 158 maternal deaths and 13940 live births in this five-year period. Maternal mortality rate was found to be very high (1133/ 100000 live births) in our institution with a high number of complicated referral cases (68/89 cases, 76%). Of the 89 autopsies, acute fulminant viral hepatitis was the commonest cause of indirect maternal deaths (37 cases, 41.5%). This was followed by direct causes like pregnancy-induced hypertension (12 cases, 13.4%) and puerperal sepsis (10 cases, 11.2%). Certain fallacies were noted during the audit process.

Conclusion:

During the audit it was realized that in maternal mortality autopsies, special emphasis should be given to clinicopathologic correlation, microbiological studies, identification of thromboembolic phenomenon and adequate sectioning of relevant organs. We found difficulty in identification of placental bed in the uterus in postpartum autopsies. A systematic approach can help us for better understanding of the pathophysiology of diseases occurring in pregnancy.
Acute anterior uveitis as the initial presentation of alkaptonuria
Authors: John SS , Padhan P , Mathews JV , David S
Published: February 2009

Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that may present with multi-system involvement such as ochronotic arthropathy, renal, urethral and prostatic calculi, cardiac valvular lesions and pigmentation of the skin, sclera, cartilage and other connective tissues. An association of the disease with uveitis has never been reported. We report the first case of alkaptonuria with ochronotic arthropathy presenting with recurrent acute anterior uveitis as the initial manifestation. The possible common link with the HLA-B27 gene is discussed.
Venous thromboembolism
Authors: Dutta TK , Venugopal V
Published: February 2009

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been a subject of great interest of late. Since Rudolph Virchow described the famous Virchow's triad in 1856, there have been rapid strides in the understanding of the pathogenesis and factors responsible for it. Discovery of various thrombophilic factors, both primary and acquired, in the last 40 years has revolutionized prognostication and management of this potentially life-threatening condition due to its associated complication of pulmonary thromboembolism. Detailed genetic mapping and linkage analyses have been underlining the fact that VTE is a multifactorial disorder and a complex one. There are many gene-gene and gene-environment interactions that alter and magnify the clinical picture in this disorder. Point in case is pregnancy, where the risk of VTE is 100-150 times increased in the presence of Factor V Leiden, prothrombin mutation (Prothrombin 20210A) and antithrombin deficiency. Risk of VTE associated with long-haul air flight has now been well recognized. Thrombotic events associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are 70% venous and 30% arterial. Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are the most common venous events, though unusual cases of catastrophes due to central vein thrombosis like renal vein thrombosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome (catastrophic APS) may occur.
Maxillonasal dysplasia (Binder's syndrome) and its treatment with costal cartilage graft: A follow-up study
Authors: Bhatt Yogesh C. , Vyas Kinnari A. , Tandale Mangesh S. , Panse Nikhil S. , Bakshi Harpreet S. , Srivastava Rajat K.
Published: February 2009

Maxillonasal dysplasia or Binder's syndrome is an uncommon congenital condition characterized by a retruded mid-face with an extremely flat nose. We report here six patients with maxillonasal dysplasia whose noses were corrected with onlay costal cartilage grafts using a combined oral vestibular and external rhinoplasty approach for nasal dorsal augmentation, columellar lengthening, and premaxillary augmentation. The cartilage graft was dipped in a solution of 100 ml 0.9% NaCl and one vial (80mg) gentamicin for 30 min to prevent warping. L struts made for nasal augmentation, columellar lengthening, and premaxillary augmentation were fixed to one another by slots made in the graft. This technique has been used in children, adults, and for secondary cases with promising results. All patients were of class I dental occlusion. The nasal and premaxillary augmentation which was monitored by serial photography was found to be stable over a follow-up period of three years.
Case report: Subutaneous hemangiomatosis causing Kasabach-Merritt syndrome - MRI features
Authors: Jain Tarun P , Sharma Raju , Gupta Rohini
Published: February 2009

Hemangiomatosis is an uncommon entity in which there is diffuse infiltration of soft tissue or bone by hemangioma. Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is an uncommon complication of large hemangiomas, in which there is thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. Plain radiographs, in addition to showing a soft tissue mass, also show a variety of findings in the bones. MRI is the investigation of choice. A case of a 2-year-old child suffering from hemangiomatosis and a resultant Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is presented.
Case report: Antenatal MRI diagnosis of esophageal duplication cyst
Authors: Rajeswaran Rangasami , Chandrasekharan Anupama , Archana Lal , Santhosh Joseph
Published: February 2009

Esophageal duplication cysts are classified as a subgroup of foregut duplication cysts. They are very rare and are predominantly detected in children. Antenatal detection is very rare. We report a case of an esophageal duplication cyst that was accurately identified antenatally by USG and MRI.
Engaging men in Violence Prevention
Authors: Allen Christopher T. , Wheeler Joshua A.
Published: February 2009

The University of South Carolina offers an innovative academic course about men's roles in violence prevention. Learn how Changing Carolina has successfully changed students' views on men, violence, and prevention.
Read, Listen, and Watch: Media Resources for Conversing about Race
Authors: Keith Anthony R.
Published: February 2009

Facilitating discussions about race can be challenging for even the most experienced educator. In this article, Anthony Keith provides a framework for using multimedia resources to guide student refection and discussion on race.
The Forty-Eight-Hour Rule: Emotional Engagement and the Student Athlete
Authors: Mueller Alan C. R.
Published: February 2009

What educators can learn from students' commitments to sports
Fluorescent Gold Nanoprobe Sensitive to Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Lee Hyukjin , Lee Kyuri , Kim In‐Kyung , Park Tae Gwan
Published: February 2009

Gold nanoprobes immobilized with fluorescein‐hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates are fabricated and utilized for monitoring intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in live cells via nanoparticle surface energy transfer. A bio‐inspired adhesive molecule, dopamine, is used to robustly end‐immobilize HA onto the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for securing intracellular stability against glutathione. ROS induces cleavage and fragmentation of the HA chains immobilized on the surface of the AuNPs allows rapid and specific detection of intracellular ROS by emitting strong fluorescence‐recovery signals. In particular, fluorescence‐quenched gold nanoprobes exhibit selective and dose‐dependent fluorescence‐recovery signals upon exposure to certain oxygen species such as superoxide anion () and hydroxyl radical (·OH). The fluorescent gold nanoprobe is usefully exploited for real‐time intracellular ROS detection and antioxidant screening assay, and has exciting potential for various biomedical applications as a new class of ROS imaging probes.
Zeolitic Boron Imidazolate Frameworks
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wu Tao , Zhou Cong , Chen Shumei , Feng Pingyun , Bu Xianhui
Published: February 2009

Baustein mit B: Kristalline Materialien, die analog zu porösem AlPO4 sind, aber auf Bor‐Imidazolat‐Netzwerken (BIFs) beruhen, können durch das Vernetzen von Bor‐Imidazolat‐Vorstufen mit einwertigen Kationen (wie Li+ und Cu+, siehe Bild) erhalten werden. Diese Synthesemethode führt zu vielfältigen offenen Netzwerken, deren Strukturen vom vierfach verknüpften zeolithischen Sodalith bis zum dreifach verknüpften chiralen (10,3)‐a‐Netz reichen.

magnified image
Cover Picture: Inclusion Behavior of β‐Cyclodextrin with Bipyridine Molecules: Factors Governing Host‐Guest Inclusion Geometries (Chem. Asian J. 3/2009)
Authors: Zhao Yan‐Li , Benítez Diego , Yoon Il , Stoddart J. Fraser
Published: February 2009

A sytematic investigation of the molecular inclusion behavior by β‐cyclodextrin (gold) towards constitutionally different yet structurally similar bipyridine guests, demonstrates that differences of the nitrogen atom positions and the bridge bond linking the two pyridine rings of the bipyridine guests can significantly affect the binding abilities, inclusion geometries, and self‐assembly behavior of β‐cyclodextrin in both the solution and solid states. J. F. Stoddart and co‐workers suggest that these new superstructural and quantitative observations, with judicious constitutional design, allow highly ordered supramolecular arrays to be achieved conveniently in a controllable way. For more information, see their Full Paper on page 446 ff.

magnified image
Caspase‐8: a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic embryopathy
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Yang Peixin , Eckert Richard L. , Reece E. Albert
Published: February 2009

Maternal diabetes causes neural tube defects in embryos, which are associated with increased apoptosis in the neuroepithelium. Many factors, including effector caspases, have been shown to be involved in the events. However, the key regulators have not been identified and the underlying mechanisms remain to be addressed. Caspase‐8, an initiator caspase, has been shown to be altered in diabetic embryopathy, suggesting a role as an upstream apoptotic regulator. Using mouse embryos as a model system, this study demonstrates that caspase‐8 is required for the production of hyperglycemia‐associated embryonic malformations. Caspase‐8 was shown to be expressed in the developing neural tube. Its activity, as evidenced by enhanced cleavage, was increased by hyperglycemia. These changes were associated with increased formation of the active cleavage of Bid. Inhibition of caspase‐8 activity in high glucose–challenged embryos reduced the rate of embryonic malformation and this was associated with decreased apoptosis in the neuroepithelium of the neural tube. Inhibition of caspase‐8 activity also reduced hyperglycemia‐induced Bid activation and caspase‐9 cleavage. These data suggest that caspase‐8 may control diabetic embryopathy‐associated apoptosis via regulation of the Bid‐stimulated mitochondrion/caspase‐9 pathway. Birth Defects Res (Part B)86:72‐77, 2009. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure to a MRI‐type high‐strength static magnetic field stimulates megakaryocytic/erythroid hematopoiesis in CD34+ cells from human placental and umbilical cord blood
Authors: Monzen Satoru , Takahashi Kenji , Toki Tsutomu , Ito Etsuro , Sakurai Tomonori , Miyakoshi Junji , Kashiwakura Ikuo
Published: February 2009

The biological response after exposure to a high‐strength static magnetic field (SMF) has recently been widely discussed from the perspective of possible health benefits as well as potential adverse effects. To clarify this issue, CD34+ cells from human placental and umbilical cord blood were exposed under conditions of high‐strength SMF in vitro. The high‐strength SMF exposure system was comprised of a magnetic field generator with a helium‐free superconducting magnet with built‐in CO2 incubator. Freshly prepared CD34+ cells were exposed to a 5 tesla (T) SMF with the strongest magnetic field gradient (41.7 T/m) or a 10 T SMF without magnetic field gradient for 4 or 16 h. In the harvested cells after exposure to 10 T SMF for 16 h, a significant increase of hematopoietic progenitors in the total burst‐forming unit erythroid‐ and megakaryocytic progenitor cells‐derived colony formation was observed, thus producing 1.72‐ and 1.77‐fold higher than the control, respectively. Furthermore, early hematopoiesis‐related and cell cycle‐related genes were found to be significantly up‐regulated by exposure to SMF. These results suggest that the 10 T SMF exposure may change gene expressions and result in the specific enhancement of megakaryocytic/erythroid progenitor (MEP) differentiation from pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells and/or the proliferation of bipotent MEP. Bioelectromagnetics 30:280–285, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membrane technology for purification of therapeutic proteins
Authors: Zydney Andrew L.
Published: February 2009

Membrane systems are used throughout the downstream purification in the commercial production of high value therapeutic proteins. Over the last two decades, new membranes, modules, and systems have been developed specifically to meet the requirements of the biotechnology industry. These developments have been facilitated by an improved fundamental understanding of: (1) the effects of electrostatic interactions and concentration polarization on protein transmission during ultrafiltration and (2) the role of membrane morphology on protein fouling during both sterile and virus filtration. This perspective highlights some of the key work in this area and provides insights into possible future improvements in membrane technology for the purification of recombinant therapeutic proteins. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 227–230. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening for Cytochrome P450 Reactivity by Harnessing Catalase as Reporter Enzyme
Authors: Rabe Kersten S. , Spengler Mark , Erkelenz Michael , Müller Joachim , Gandubert Valerie J. , Hayen Heiko , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: February 2009

The big screen: We have devised a high‐throughput screening method for organic peroxide‐dependent P450 reactivity by taking advantage of a previously undescribed activity of catalase, which was used as reporter enzyme. This two‐step assay, followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses, allowed the facile identification of several new substrates for bacterial P450 enzymes.

magnified image

Cytochrome P450 enzymes are known to catalyze a variety of reactions that are difficult to perform by standard organic synthesis, such as the oxidation of unactivated CC bonds. Cytochrome P450 enzymes can also be used in artificial systems in which organic peroxides act as cosubstrates. To find substrates that are converted by a certain P450 catalyst in the presence of an organic peroxide, various screening assays have been established, however, most of them are limited to one or only a few specific substrates. Here, we report a simple and rapid screening assay that works independently of the nature of the substrate and utilizes a previously undescribed reactivity of catalase as reporter enzyme. In an initial demonstration of this assay, we screened 180 enzyme/peroxide/substrate combinations for potential bioconversions. As shown by subsequent verification of the screening results with liquid chromatography/multistage mass spectrometry (LC/MSn), we were able to identify three new substrates for the enzyme CYP152A1 and at least two previously undescribed conversions by the enzyme CYP119.
Efficient and Chemoselective Surface Immobilization of Proteins by Using Aniline‐Catalyzed Oxime Chemistry
Authors: Lempens Edith H. M. , Helms Brett A. , Merkx Maarten , Meijer E. W.
Published: February 2009

Site‐specific immobilization of peptides and proteins is crucial to ensure their functionality in surface‐based assays. We report the use of aniline‐catalyzed oxime ligations as a very efficient and broadly applicable method to covalently attach the N terminus of proteins and peptides to a surface functionalized with alkoxy‐amine groups.

magnified image
Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amphidinolide V and Analogues
Authors: Fürstner Alois , Flügge Susanne , Larionov Oleg , Takahashi Yohei , Kubota Takaaki , Kobayashi Jun'ichi
Published: February 2009

The awesome power of metathesis is illustrated by a concise synthesis of the extremely scarce marine natural product amphidinolide V, which hinges on a sequence of ring‐closing alkyne metathesis followed by intermolecular enyne metathesis with ethylene (see scheme). As a complete set of conceivable stereoisomers was prepared, the constitution and absolute configuration of this macrolide could be established and first insights into structure–activity relationships governing its cytotoxicity were obtained.

magnified image

A sequence of ring‐closing alkyne metathesis followed by an intermolecular enyne metathesis of the resulting cycloalkyne with ethene was used to forge the macrocyclic skeleton and to set the vicinal exo‐methylene branches characteristic for the cytotoxic marine natural product amphidinolide V (1). Comparison of the synthetic material with an authentic sample of this extremely scarce metabolite isolated from a dinoflagellate of the Amphidinium sp. eliminated any doubts about its structure and allowed the absolute configuration of amphidinolide V to be determined as 8R,9S,10S,13R. Moreover, the flexibility inherent to the underlying synthesis blueprint also opened access to a comprehensive set of diastereomers of 1 as well as to synthetic analogues differing from the natural lead in the lipophilic chains appended to the macrocyclic core. This set of designed analogues gave first insights into structure–activity relationships, which revealed that the stereostructure of the macrolactone is a highly critical parameter, whereas the examined alterations of the side chain did not diminish the cytotoxicity of the compounds to any notable extent.
Substituent Effect on the Electronic Properties and Morphologies of Self‐Assembling Bisphenazine Derivatives
Authors: McGrath Kelly K. , Jang Kyoungmi , Robins Kathleen A. , Lee Dong‐Chan
Published: February 2009

Tuning electronic properties and morphologies: We report a unique design platform of n‐type organic semiconductors based on asymmetrically substituted bisphenazines that enable tuning of both electronic properties and morphologies of 1D nanostructures (see figure) by using small substituents with various sizes and electronic demands.

magnified image

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of novel self‐assembling n‐type organic semiconductors based on asymmetrically substituted bisphenazines with various functional groups of different size, electron‐withdrawing ability, and conjugation length. The overarching objective of this research is to tune electronic properties and morphologies of self‐assembled structures of this system simultaneously, which offers a potentially useful platform for future optoelectronic applications. The thermal, optical, and electrochemical properties associated with different substituents were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), UV‐visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Electronic properties were calculated using density functional theory, and results were compared to experimental HOMO, LUMO, and energy gaps. The one‐dimensional (1D) self‐assembly properties of these new n‐type molecules are discussed in terms of the type of peripheral substituents, alkyl side group length, and assembly conditions. This study includes extensive investigations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD).
Percutaneous thermal ablation of medium and large hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yin Xiao‐Yu , Xie Xiao‐Yan , Lu Ming‐De , Xu Hui‐Xiong , Xu Zuo‐Feng , Kuang Ming , Liu Guang‐Jian , Liang Jin‐Yu , Lau Wan Yee
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND:

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) were found to be effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) smaller than 3 cm; however, to the authors' knowledge, the usefulness of thermal ablation in treating larger HCC, especially those >5 cm, has not been well documented. The present study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous thermal ablation with curative intention for HCC measuring between 3.0 cm and 7.0 cm.

METHODS:

Percutaneous RFA or MWA were used to treat 109 HCC patients with at least 1 tumor measuring between 3.0 cm and 7.0 cm. Fifty‒eight patients received thermal ablation as the first treatment, and the remaining 51 were treated for posthepatectomy recurrent HCC. A total of 89 patients had a main tumor measuring 3.0 cm to 5.0 cm, and 20 patients had main tumors measuring 5.0 cm to 7.0 cm. Local therapeutic efficacy, long‐term outcome, and prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS:

There were no treatment‐related deaths, and the major complication rate was 9.2%. Complete ablation rate was 92.6%. Local recurrence (LR) occurred in 22% patients, with a median time to LR of 4.6 months. Distant recurrences developed in 53.2% patients. The 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year survival rates were 75.8%, 30.9%, and 15.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that incomplete tumor ablation, posthepatectomy recurrence, and preablation α‐fetoprotein (AFP) ≥200 ng/mL were 3 unfavorable prognostic factors for long‐term survival (P = .000, .015, and .008, respectively). Cox regression analysis confirmed that incomplete tumor ablation, recurrent tumors, and preablation AFP ≥200 ng/mL were independent unfavorable prognostic factors, with an exp(B) of 4.158 (P = .001), 1.568 (P = .082), and 1.593 (P = .082), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Percutaneous thermal ablation was effective and safe in treating HCC between 3 cm and 7 cm, with acceptable local tumor control and long‐term outcomes. Completeness of ablation, previous history of treatment, and preablation AFP level were significant prognostic factors. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.