bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in the management of acquired tracheal stenosis: a case report
Authors: Šuškevičienė Ilona , Bukauskas Tomas , Karbonskienė Aurika , Macas Andrius
Published: October 2012

Nowadays intubation is thought to be a safe, routine and life-saving pro­ cedure. Prolonged endotracheal intubation can result in fibrin deposits and predispose to the development of tracheal stenosis. The most com­ mon site for the occurrence of intubation-induced tracheal damage is at the area in contact with the inflatable cuff. We demonstrate the case re­ port that such injuries may lead to serious complications such as tracheal and laryngeal stenosis. The treatment is quite difficult and associated with significant risk and complications.
New strategies in sepsis diagnosis
Authors: Pieteris Linas , Bakšytė Giedrė , Česnaitis Tadas , Vitkauskienė Astra , Macas Andrius
Published: October 2012

Successful treatment of sepsis begins from early diagnosis and prognosis. In last decades the number of sepsis cases is growing, so establishing early diagnosis of sepsis as well as effectiveness of treatment are very significant. That is why development of new diagnostic sepsis markers is important. In this review we evaluated a new sepsis marker Presepsin (sCD14) and compared it to other markers: Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukine-6 (IL-6).
Acute right ventricular failure
Authors: Bakšytė Giedrė , Pieteris Linas , Macas Andrius
Published: October 2012

Acute right ventricular (RV) failure is a serious clinical challenge not only in cardiology intensive care but in adult critical care in general. It is related not only to left ventricular failure but also to a number of other causes of pulmonary vascular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension (PH), for example, PH due to hypoxia, thromboembolism, mechanical ventilation or portopulmonary hypertension. Acute RV failure is often difficult to manage and it is associated with a worse prognosis. Mortality from cardiogenic shock due to RV infarction (>50%) exceeds that due to left ventricular disease. Acute RV failure is also related to increased mortality after surgical procedures. The general principles of management include pre-load optimization, increase in RV inotropy and after-load reduction by lowering pulmonary vascular resistance. This review focuses on the principles of RV failure management including general measures, vasoactive substances, ventilation strategies, surgical as well as mechanical approaches.
Low-dose ketamine for supplement analgesia during minor day-case gynaecological surgery
Authors: Sondore Antonina , Roga Anita , Vanags Indulis
Published: October 2012

Background. Preemptive low-dose Ketamine IV has been found to reduce anaesthetic drugs requirement, exert an excellent analgesia and may therefore be a useful component of general anaesthesia. Meanwhile, these data in literature are interpreted with caution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preventive low-dose Ketamine as an adjuvant in the multimodal total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA). Materials and methods. In this prospective study 40 women, ASA I-II, undergoing day-case minor gynaecological surgery, were enrolled. After premedication with Droperidol, Midazolam and Fentanyl in the study group (gr.), the patients (pts) received 0.2 mg/kg Ketamine (K gr., n = 20) and in the control gr.  (C gr., n = 20) the patients received isotonic saline 30 sec before the induction of anaesthesia with Propofol. Anaesthesia was maintained with additional intermittent doses of Propofol, if required. The demand for a Propofol initial hypnotic dose and the requirement for additional intermittent doses, respiratory and cardiovascular reactions just after injection of drugs and during the perioperative period; times for response to verbal commands (early recovery) and for late recovery (physical capability), side-effects were registered perioperatively. Results. The results demonstrate that K gr. required significantly less Propofol, necessary for sleep (48.25 ± 12.69 mg vs. 101.50 ± 16.94 mg in C gr. which was by 47% more; t = 11.27, p =
Near-infrared spectroscopy in newborns and infants under general anesthesia
Authors: Šuškevičienė Ilona , ČeslavaRugytė Danguolė , Bukauskas Tomas , Vilkė Alina , Bilskienė Diana , Macas Andrius
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to find out absolute values of cerebral oxygenation during uncomplicated anesthesia in otherwise healthy newborns and infants undergoing general surgery and to correlate them with demographic and clinical variables. We examined 10 term newborns and infants ASA class I or II without any documented neurological and cardiovascular disorders. All patients underwent general anesthesia with sevoflurane, fentanyl and muscle relaxants. After induction of anesthesia, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was started and used throughout the surgery. Overall mean (standard deviation (sd)) rSO2 value was 84 ± 8% and weakly correlated with weight (r = 0.5), postnatal age (r = 0.2), SpO2 (r = 0.3) and arterial blood pressure (r = 0.2), p
Amamentação: um híbrido natureza-cultura
Authors: Almeida João Aprigio Guerra de
Published: October 2012

Amamentar é 'da natureza da mulher'? Então, por que profissionais de saúde, frequentemente, ouvem queixas como 'a mama empedrou', 'o leite secou'? Este livro tenta responder a todas estas perguntas. O autor vai buscar na história e na sociedade as origens para o paradigma atual da amamentação. Ao considerar a amamentação como um híbrido produzido pela natureza e pela cultura, sugere uma abordagem mais completa do fenômeno. Traz, ainda, um histórico dos bancos de leite humano, 'as amas-de-leite do século XX', destacando sua importância.
A responsabilidade pela saúde: aspectos jurídicos
Authors: Dias Hélio Pereira
Published: October 2012

Tomando como base a lei e interpretando-a na melhor tradição e conhecimento jurídicos, o autor examina a responsabilidade legal dos principais 'agentes' do Sistema Único de Saúde - de um lado, o Estado, com seus três níveis de governo; de outro, os profissionais de saúde e os produtores de serviços e insumos - para, finalmente, deter-se na responsabilidade dos servidores públicos do SUS. Apesar do rigor técnico do tratamento destes temas, o livro destina-se não só aos advogados que militam na área, mas a todos os profissionais, administradores e pesquisadores envolvidos com o sistema de saúde.
Laparoscopic Trocar Port Site Endometriosis: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Emre Arif , Akbulut Sami , Yilmaz Mehmet , Bozdag Zehra
Published: October 2012

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue outside the lining of the uterine cavity. It occurs most commonly in pelvic sites such as ovaries, cul-de-sac, and fallopian tubes but also can be found associated with the lungs, bowel, ureter, brain, and abdominal wall. Abdominal wall endometriosis, also known as scar endometriosis, is extremely rare and mainly occurs at surgical scar sites. Although many cases of scar endometriosis have been reported after a cesarean section, some cases of scar endometriosis have been reported after an episiotomy, hysterectomy, appendectomy, and laparoscopic trocar port tracts. To our knowledge, 14 case reports related to trocar site endometriosis have been published in the English language literature to date. Herein, we present the case of a 20-year-old woman (who had been previously operated on for left ovarian endometrioma 1.5 years ago by laparoscopy) with the complaint of a painful mass at the periumbilical trocar site with cyclic pattern. Consequently, although rare, if a painful mass in the surgical scar, such as the trocar site, is found in women of reproductive age with a history of pelvic or obstetric surgery, the physician should consider endometriosis.
Predictors of Successful Outcome After Adrenalectomy for Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Wang Wei , Hu WeiLie , Zhang XiaoMing , Wang BangQi , Bin Chen , Huang Hai
Published: October 2012

The underlying cause of resistant hypertension after adrenalectomy for primary hyperaldosteronism remains controversial. The objective of this study was to identify preoperative factors predictive of resistant hypertension in patients after undergoing retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. Between 2003 and 2009, 124 patients with unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma or unilateral adrenal hyperplasia underwent retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy at our institution. Clinical and biochemical data were reviewed retrospectively at baseline and after a median follow-up time of 59.2 ± 37.2 months. Adrenalectomy cured hypertension in 68 patients (54.8%) and 43 (34.8%) had persistent hypertension that was much easier to control after surgery, whereas 13 patients (10.4%) had continued hypertension and poor blood pressure control. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the main determinants of postoperative cure were duration of hypertension less than 5 years [odds ratio (OR): 6.515, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.278–10.293), number of antihypertensive medications ≤2 (OR: 2.939, 95% CI 1.254–5.235), preoperative response to spironolactone (OR: 3.405, 95% CI 1.681–6.985), the TT genotype of the CYP11B2 gene (344 C/T) (OR: 2.765, 95% CI 1.221–4.986), and the presence of adenoma rather than hyperplasia (OR: 5.274, 95% CI 2.150–8.141). The main determinants of surgical cure or control of hypertension in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism were duration of hypertension, number of antihypertensive medications, preoperative response to spironolactone, the presence of adenoma, and CYP11B2 (344 C/T) genotype. Consideration of these factors may help in the evaluation of patients for surgery and for the identification of patients with continued postoperative hypertension that may require more long-term monitoring and treatment.
Primary Hepatic Cancers With Multiple Pathologic Features in a Patient With Hepatitis C: Report of a Case
Authors: Oshima Go , Shinoda Masahiro , Tanabe Minoru , Masugi Yohei , Ueno Akihisa , Takano Kiminori , Kitago Minoru , Itano Osamu , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Ohara Kentaro , Oda Masaya , Tanimoto Akihiro , Sakamaoto Michiie , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: October 2012

We report a case of multiple primary hepatic cancers exhibiting different pathologic features coexisting in a patient with chronic hepatitis C. Computed tomography showed 2 tumors in segment 8, 20 mm (S8-A) and 5 mm (S8-B) in diameter, and a 10-mm tumor in segment 6 (S6). Based on the images, the S8-A lesion was diagnosed as cholangiocellular carcinoma or combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (combined HCC-CC). The other 2 tumors were diagnosed as HCC. The patient underwent partial resections of segments 6 and 8. We found 2 more tumors (S8-C was 6 mm in diameter and S8-D was 4 mm) in the resected segment 8 specimen. Histopathologic examination revealed that the S8-A and S8-C tumors were combined HCC-CC, the S8-B and S6 lesions were scirrhous HCC, and the S8-D tumor was an early HCC. This is a very rare case in which different hepatic cancers with multiple pathologic features coexisted.
Glyceryl Trinitrate Ointment Did Not Reduce Pain After Stapled Hemorrhoidectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cross Trent , Bartlett Lynne , Mushaya Chrispen , Ashour Mohamed , Ho Yik-Hong
Published: October 2012

Medications, including topical 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), can reduce anal spasm and pain after excisional hemorrhoidectomy. GTN after stapled hemorrhoidopexy was compared with routine postoperative management. Patients with symptomatic grade 3/4 hemorrhoids were recruited. After stapled hemorrhoidopexy, residual perianal skin tags were excised as appropriate. Those requiring double purse-string mucosectomy were excluded. Postoperative pain, pain duration, and complications were assessed. One hundred ten patients (74 men; mean age 50.6 years) were enrolled in the control group and 100 patients (57 men; mean age 49.8 years) in the GTN group. Maximum pain was higher in the GTN group (P  =  0.015). There were no differences between the two groups in residual perianal skin tags requiring excision, postoperative complications, recurrence rates, follow-up period, average pain, duration of pain, or satisfaction scores. Sixteen GTN patients were noncompliant due to side effects. None had persistent perianal skin tags. GTN did not reduce postoperative pain after stapled hemorrhoidectomy.
Difference in Recurrence Patterns Between Anastomosis and Strictureplasty After Surgical Treatment for Crohn Disease
Authors: Hayakawa Shoichiro , Hotokezaka Masayuki , Ikeda Takuto , Uchiyama Shuichiro , Chijiiwa Kazuo
Published: October 2012

This study aimed to investigate whether the initial indication for surgery or type of surgery (strictureplasty or resection) performed determines recurrence patterns in patients with Crohn disease. Recurrence patterns of 41 patients (31 patients: only resection and anastomosis of the intestine, and 10 patients: strictureplasty with/without resection and anastomosis) who underwent operation for recurrent Crohn disease (June 2002–December 2010) were evaluated. Strictureplasty for nonperforating disease was performed at 17 sites, and reoperation was required at 11 sites (10 sites for nonperforating disease and 1 site for perforating disease). There was a significant difference in the recurrence pattern in patients who underwent resection and anastomosis (P < 0.01) and in patients who underwent strictureplasty with resection and anastomosis (P < 0.05) between sites at which resection and anastomosis was performed for nonperforating and for perforating disease. Initial indication for surgery, but not the type of surgery, appeared to determine recurrence patterns.
Thoracic Disk Herniation, a not Infrequent Cause of Chronic Abdominal Pain
Authors: Lara F. J. Pérez , Berges A. Ferrer , Quesada J. Quintero , Ramiro J. A. Moreno , Toledo R. Bustamante , Muñoz H. Oliva
Published: October 2012

This study assesses the proportion of patients presenting with nonvisceral chronic abdominal pain who have thoracic disk herniation as a possible cause. We designed a descriptive transversal study of patients attending our offices between February 2009 and October 2010, with a complaint of chronic abdominal pain of suspected abdominal wall source (positive Carnett sign). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of the spinal column was performed on all patients. When the NMR showed thoracic disk herniation the patients were treated according to their etiology. We also evaluated the symptoms in patients with thoracic disk herniation and their response to the applied treatment. Twenty-seven patients with chronic abdominal pain were evaluated. The NMR results in 18 of these 27 patients (66.66%) showed evidence of disk herniation. We report on the results of these 18 patients, emphasizing that the symptoms are florid and varied. Many patients had been previously diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Thoracic disk herniation may account for chronic abdominal pain in many patients who remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Thus, this possibility needs to be taken into account to achieve a correct diagnosis and a suitable mode of treatment.
Characterization of direct antiglobulin test‐negative autoimmune hemolytic anemia: A study of 154 cases
Authors: Kamesaki Toyomi , Toyotsuji, Tomonori , Kajii Eiji
Published: October 2012

Direct antiglobulin test (DAT)‐negative (DAT‐)autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is empirically thought to show the same clinical conditions as DAT‐positive (DAT+)AIHA, with the exception of an adequate amount of red blood cell (RBC)‐bound immunoglobulin (Ig)G. We investigated the clinical characteristics of DAT−AIHA in comparison with DAT+AIHA. Of the 582 patients referred to our laboratory with undiagnosed hemolytic anemia, AIHA was clinically diagnosed in 216 patients (DAT−AIHA, n = 154; DAT+AIHA, n = 62). The percentage of reticulocytes, mean corpuscular volume, RBC‐IgG levels, white blood cell count, and total protein (TP) levels were significantly higher in patients with DAT+AIHA than patients with DAT−AIHA. The hemoglobin level was significantly lower in patients with DAT+AIHA. No significant differences between patients with DAT−AIHA and DAT+AIHA existed with respect to age, gender, idiopathic/secondary nature, complications such as Evans syndrome, effectiveness of steroid treatment, or survival rate at 1 year following diagnosis. Patients with DAT−AIHA required significantly lower doses of steroids for maintenance therapy. Based on multivariate analysis of idiopathic DAT−AIHA (n = 110), TP and Evans syndrome were associated with the effectiveness of steroids (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.36/[0.1 g/dl]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.84) and survival at the 1‐year follow‐up (aOR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.01–0.88). Our results indicate that patients with DAT−AIHA generally suffer milder anemia and hemolysis than patients with DAT+AIHA, respond equally well to steroids, and have comparable survival at 1‐year. Am. J. Hematol. 88:93–96, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serial evaluations at an indium‐tin oxide production facility
Authors: Cummings Kristin J. , Suarthana Eva , Edwards Nicole , Liang Xiaoming , Stanton Marcia L. , Day Gregory A. , Saito Rena , Kreiss Kathleen
Published: October 2012

Background

We evaluated the effectiveness of workplace changes to prevent indium lung disease, using 2002–2010 surveillance data collected by an indium‐tin oxide production facility.

Methods

We assessed pulmonary function using lower limits of normal. Blood indium concentration and personal air sampling data were used to estimate exposure.

Results

Abnormalities were uncommon at hire. After hire, prevalence of spirometric restriction was 31% (n = 14/45), about fourfold higher than expected. Excessive decline in FEV1 was elevated at 29% (n = 12/41). Half (n = 21/42) had blood indium ≥5 µg/l. More recent hires had fewer abnormalities. There was a suggestion that abnormalities were more common among workers with blood indium ≥5 µg/l, but otherwise an exposure‐response relationship was not evident. Peak dust concentrations were obscured by time averaging.

Conclusions

Evolving lung function abnormalities consistent with subclinical indium lung disease appeared common and merit systematic investigation. Traditional measures of exposure and response were not illustrative, suggesting fresh approaches will be needed. Workplace changes seemed to have had a positive though incomplete impact; novel preventive interventions are warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:300–307, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
International environmental and occupational health: From individual scientists to networked science Hubs
Authors: Rosenthal Joshua , Jessup Christine , Felknor Sarah , Humble Michael , Bader Farah , Bridbord Kenneth
Published: October 2012

For the past 16 years, the International Training and Research in Environmental and Occupational Health program (ITREOH) has supported projects that link U.S. academic scientists with scientists from low‐ and middle‐income countries in diverse research and research training activities. Twenty‐two projects of varied duration have conducted training to enhance the research capabilities of scientists at 75 institutions in 43 countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, and have built productive research relationships between these scientists and their U.S. partners. ITREOH investigators and their trainees have produced publications that have advanced basic sciences, developed methods, informed policy outcomes, and built institutional capacity. Today, the changing nature of the health sciences calls for a more strategic approach. Data‐rich team science requires greater capacity for information technology and knowledge synthesis at the local institution. More robust systems for ethical review and administrative support are necessary to advance population‐based research. Sustainability of institutional research capability depends on linkages to multiple national and international partners. In this context, the Fogarty International Center, the National Institute of Environmental Sciences and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, have reengineered the ITREOH program to support and catalyze a multi‐national network of regional hubs for Global Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (GEOHealth). We anticipate that these networked science hubs will build upon previous investments by the ITREOH program and will serve to advance locally and internationally important health science, train and attract first‐class scientists, and provide critical evidence to guide policy discussions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:1069–1077, 2012. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Skeletal variation among early Holocene North American humans: Implications for origins and diversity in the Americas
Authors: Auerbach Benjamin M.
Published: October 2012

The movement of humans into the Americas remains a major topic of debate among scientific disciplines. Central to this discussion is ascertaining the timing and migratory routes of the earliest colonizers, in addition to understanding their ancestry. Molecular studies have recently argued that the colonizing population was isolated from other Asian populations for an extended period before proceeding to colonize the Americas. This research has suggested that Beringia was the location of this “incubation,” though archaeological and skeletal data have not yet supported this hypothesis. This study employs the remains of the five most complete North American male early Holocene skeletons to examine patterns of human morphology at the earliest observable time period. Stature, body mass, body breadth, and limb proportions are examined in the context of male skeletal samples representing the range of morphological variation in North America in the last two millennia of the Holocene. These are also compared with a global sample. Results indicate that early Holocene males have variable postcranial morphologies, but all share the common trait of wide bodies. This trait, which is retained in more recent indigenous North American groups, is associated with adaptations to cold climates. Peoples from the Americas exhibit wider bodies than other populations sampled globally. This pattern suggests the common ancestral population of all of these indigenous American groups had reduced morphological variation in this trait. Furthermore, this provides support for a single, possibly high latitude location for the genetic isolation of ancestors of the human colonizers of the Americas. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vertebral morphology influences the development of Schmorl's nodes in the lower thoracic vertebrae
Authors: Plomp Kimberly A. , Roberts Charlotte A. , Viðarsdóttir Una Strand
Published: October 2012

Schmorl's nodes are the result of herniations of the nucleus pulposus into the adjacent vertebral body and are commonly identified in both clinical and archaeological contexts. The current study aims to identify aspects of vertebral shape that correlate with Schmorl's nodes. Two‐dimensional statistical shape analysis was performed on digital images of the lower thoracic spine (T10–T12) of adult skeletons from the late medieval skeletal assemblages from Fishergate House, York, St. Mary Graces and East Smithfield Black Death cemeteries, London, and postmedieval Chelsea Old Church, London. Schmorl's nodes were scored on the basis of their location, depth, and size. Results indicate that there is a correlation between the shape of the posterior margin of the vertebral body and pedicles and the presence of Schmorl's nodes in the lower thoracic spine. The size of the vertebral body in males was also found to correlate with the lesions. Vertebral shape differences associated with the macroscopic characteristics of Schmorl's nodes, indicating severity of the lesion, were also analyzed. The shape of the pedicles and the posterior margin of the vertebral body, along with a larger vertebral body size in males, have a strong association with both the presence and severity of Schmorl's nodes. This suggests that shape and/or size of these vertebral components are predisposing to, or resulting in, vertically directed disc herniation. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: Could Kadanuumuu (KSD‐VP‐1/1) and Lucy (AL 288‐1) have walked together comfortably?
Authors: Kramer Patricia Ann
Published: October 2012

The estimated lower limb length (0.761–0.793 m) of the partial skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis from Woranso‐Mille (KSD‐VP‐1/1) is outside the previously known range for Australopithecus and within the range of modern humans. The lower limb length of KSD‐VP‐1/1 is particularly intriguing when juxtaposed against the lower limb length estimate of the other partial skeleton of A. afarensis, AL 288‐1 (0.525 m). A sample of 36 children (age, >7 years, trochanteric height = 0.56–0.765 m) and 16 adults (trochanteric height = 0.77–1.00 m) walked at their self‐selected slow, preferred, and fast walking velocities, while their oxygen consumption was monitored. Lower limb length and velocity were correlated with slow (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.44), preferred (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.55), and fast (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.69) walking velocity. The relationship between optimal velocity and lower limb length was also determined and lower limb length explained 47% of the variability in optimal velocity. The velocity profile for KSD‐VP‐1/1 (slow = 0.73–0.75 m/s, preferred = 1.08–1.11 m/s, and fast = 1.48–1.54 m/s) is 36–44% higher than that of AL 288‐1 (slow = 0.53 m/s, preferred = 0.78 m/s, and fast = 1.07 m/s). The optimal velocity for AL 288‐1 is 1.04 m/s, whereas that for KSD‐VP‐1/1 is 1.29–1.33 m/s. This degree of lower limb length dimorphism suggests that members of a group would have had to compromise their preferences to walk together or to split into subgroups to walk at their optimal velocity. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Statistical Raman Spectroscopy: A Method for the Characterization of Covalently Functionalized Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Hof Ferdinand , Bosch Sebastian , Englert Jan M. , Hauke Frank , Hirsch Andreas
Published: October 2012

Dedicated to Professor François Diederich on the occasion of his 60th birthday
Steady state modeling and simulation of an industrial combustor‐style fluidized catalytic cracking regenerator
Authors: Li Guotao , Sui Hong , Xu Changchun , Li Xingang
Published: October 2012

This study was to develop a detailed steady state model for an industrial combustor‐style fluidized catalytic cracking regenerator consisting of high efficiency combustor and second stage regenerator. A rigorous model was developed for the combustor to predict profiles of important variables such as gas volume fraction, gas/cluster velocity, temperature, pressure, and gas/solid composition. The model for the second stage regenerator was also integrated so that the steady state behaviors of the reactor consisting of two distinct regions (dense bed region and free board region) could be accounted for. The model was programmed using FORTRAN language into five types of custom unit models of AspenPlusTM software. The custom unit models were then solved together on AspenPlusTM user interface level. The plant data of the industrial unit operated by SINOPEC were used to validate the proposed model. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel gastric release PEG‐enclatherated polymethacrylate‐based memblet system
Authors: Cooppan Shivaan , Choonara Yahya E. , du Toit Lisa C. , Kumar Pradeep , Ndesendo Valence M.K. , Pillay Viness
Published: October 2012

A novel polymethacrylate‐based membranous system referred to as a “memblet” was developed for potential application in controlled gastric drug delivery. A polymethacrylate‐based latex, Eudragit® E100, was enclatherated with a 60% w/v and a 30% w/v solution of polyethylene glycol 4000 to form hydrogel formulations A and B, respectively. The hydrogels were subsequently compressed into memblets that were characterized for thermal, rheological, morphological, mechano‐chemical properties, and in vitro gastric drug release analysis. Molecular mechanics (MM) simulations were performed to corroborate the experimental findings. Critical yield values of 15.39 and 5.239 Pa were obtained for hydrogel A and B, respectively. The viscoelastic region was found to be <10.67 and 2.542 Pa for hydrogels A and B, respectively. The storage modulus was greater than the loss modulus for hydrogel A while the inverse was true for hydrogel B. Thermal, mechanical, and surface morphology evaluation revealed that the converse was true for the dried membrane structure with hydrogel B having superior characterization profiles than hydrogel A. Notably, the lower PEG concentration (30% w/v) displayed better characterization profiles than a higher concentration (60% w/v). Through MM simulations, desirable agreement between the theoretical and experimental results was achieved over the given concentration range of PEG. Based on the gastric drug release analysis, memblets formulated with hydrogel B displayed superior control of drug release. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Succinylation of three different lignins by reactive extrusion
Authors: Bridson James H. , van de Pas Daniel J. , Fernyhough Alan
Published: October 2012

Succinate esters of three lignin materials were prepared by reactive extrusion. Reactive extrusion was developed as a facile route to chemically modify lignin with the benefits of being a scalable, solvent‐free, and economic process. Kraft lignin and crude and purified enzyme saccharification lignins were reactively extruded with varying amounts of succinic anhydride. The resulting products were characterized chemically and thermally. Succinylation occurred preferentially at the aliphatic hydroxyl groups of kraft lignin, with phenolic substitution occurring at higher amounts of succinic anhydride addition. The degree of substitution was dependent on the relative amounts of succinic anhydride and lignin substrate. Thermal stability of the products decreased with increasing levels of substitution, primarily due to the loss of succinate groups on heating. The degree of substitution influenced the glass transition temperature, which reflected the melt flow and solubility of the products. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Human Prostate DU145 Carcinoma Cells Implanted in Nude Mice Remove the Peritoneal Mesothelium to Invade and Grow as Carcinomas
Authors: Gilloteaux Jacques , Jamison James M. , Neal D. , Arnold David , Taper Henryk S. , Summers Jack L
Published: October 2012

Implanted human, androgen‐independent prostatic carcinoma cells (DU145) into athymic (NCr nu/nu) mice produce diverse tumors on the peritoneal surfaces of many organs. Light and ultrastructural observations show that the mesothelial covering these surfaces are typically microvilli‐coated, squamous cells or secretory cuboidal cells. The peritoneal regions colonized by tumors lack mesothelial cells and are covered by actively replicating carcinoma cells that grow as poorly differentiated cell clusters made of cell aggregates to somewhat compact spheroids covered with pleiomorphic microvilli and containing an undifferentiated vascular supply. These xenografts clusters invade the diaphragm and develop into tumors with both a basal solid aspect and an upper region of cribriform morphology. Furthermore, each tumor contains two cell types: (1) a poorly differentiated clear cell type, which grows into intraperitoneal tumors and (2) a large, basophilic cell type, which invades the peritoneal stroma of organs, including of the diaphragm. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Assembly of Graphene on Anion Exchange Resin Microspheres for Electrochemical Sensing and Biosensing
Authors: Sheng Shijun , Liu Shuang , Zhang Luyan , Chen Gang
Published: October 2012

Graphene sheets were assembled on anion exchange resin (AER) microspheres based on the electrostatic interactions between graphene oxide and AER and subsequent chemical reduction. The prepared graphene‐coated AER microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. They were then embedded in the bores of pipette tips to fabricate disposable electrodes for electrochemical sensing. The workability and performance of the novel electrodes were examined by analyzing the electrochemical behavior of the electrodes for the sensing of ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, acetaminophen, aniline, and glucose by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The advantages of the electrodes include ease of fabrication, low cost, pronounced electrocatalytic activity, and rapid response. Thus, they hold great promise for a wide range of applications.
Eliminating tyrosine sequence variants in CHO cell lines producing recombinant monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Feeney Lauren , Carvalhal Veronica , Yu X. Christopher , Chan Betty , Michels David A. , Wang Yajun Jennifer , Shen Amy , Ressl Jan , Dusel Brendon , Laird Michael W.
Published: October 2012

Amino acid sequence variants are defined as unintended amino acid sequence changes that contribute to product variation with potential impact to product safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy. Therefore, it is important to understand the propensity for sequence variant (SV) formation during the production of recombinant proteins for therapeutic use. During the development of clinical therapeutic products, several monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) produced from Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells exhibited SVs at low levels (≤3%) in multiple locations throughout the mAbs. In these examples, the cell culture process depleted tyrosine, and the tyrosine residues in the recombinant mAbs were replaced with phenylalanine or histidine. In this work, it is demonstrated that tyrosine supplementation eliminated the tyrosine SVs, while early tyrosine starvation significantly increased the SV level in all mAbs tested. Additionally, it was determined that phenylalanine is the amino acid preferentially misincorporated in the absence of tyrosine over histidine, with no other amino acid misincorporated in the absence of tyrosine, phenylalanine, and histidine. The data support that the tyrosine SVs are due to mistranslation and not DNA mutation, most likely due to tRNATyr mischarging due to the structural similarities between tyrosine and phenylalanine. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1087–1097. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functionalized Soft Nanoporous Materials through Supramolecular Assembly of End‐Functionalized Polymer Blends
Authors: Song Giyoung , Cho Suk Man , Jung Hee Joon , Kim Richard Hahnkee , Bae Insung , Ahn Hyungju , Ryu Du Yeol , Huh June , Park Cheolmin
Published: October 2012

Supramolecular assembly through complementary interaction between molecular subgroups belonging to phase‐separating polymer species offers a great opportunity, not only for constructing nanoscale soft templates reminiscent of conventional block copolymer morphologies, but also for tailoring surface properties by facile removal of one of the structure components by cleaving complementary interactions. Herein we report the fabrication of a novel, organic, nanoporous film through supramolecular assembly of two complementarily, end‐interacting, mono‐end‐functionalized polymers under solvent annealing. The film of end‐functionalized polymer blends under solvent annealing yielded phase‐separated nanodomains that resemble nanoscopically ordered structures of block copolymers, but that are more advantageous due to easily cleavable and exchangeable links between the phase‐separated domains. The removal of one of the components of the precursor structure formed from the end‐functionalized polymers through cleavage of complementary interactions allowed us to fabricate mono‐ or multilayered nanoporous structures in which the chemically useful end‐functionalities of the remnant polymers are rich on the surface of the pores. The resultant, organic, nanoporous films with tailored surface functionality offer a useful platform for various chemical and biological applications.
Receptor‐Based Virtual Screening and Biological Characterization of Human Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease (Ape1) Inhibitors
Authors: Ruiz Federico M. , Francis Sandrea M. , Tintoré Maria , Ferreira Rubén , Gil‐Redondo Rubén , Morreale Antonio , Ortiz Ángel R. , Eritja Ramon , Fàbrega Carmen
Published: October 2012

The endonucleolytic activity of human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (AP endo, Ape1) is a major factor in maintaining the integrity of the genome. Conversely, as an undesired effect, Ape1 overexpression has been linked to resistance to radio‐ and chemotherapeutic treatments in several human tumors. Inhibition of Ape1 using siRNA or the expression of a dominant negative form of the protein has been shown to sensitize cells to DNA‐damaging agents, including various chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, inhibition of the enzymatic activity of Ape1 might result in a potent antitumor therapy. A number of small molecules have been described as Ape1 inhibitors; however, those compounds are in the early stages of development. Herein we report the identification of new compounds as potential Ape1 inhibitors through a docking‐based virtual screening technique. Some of the compounds identified have in vitro activities in the low‐to‐medium micromolar range. Interaction of these compounds with the Ape1 protein was observed by mass spectrometry. These molecules also potentiate the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent methyl methanesulfonate in fibrosarcoma cells. This study demonstrates the power of docking and virtual screening techniques as initial steps in the design of new drugs, and opens the door to the development of a new generation of Ape1 inhibitors.
Influence of Group 10 Metals on the Growth and Subsequent Coulomb Explosion of Small Silicon Clusters under Strong Light Pulses
Authors: Ross Matt W. , Castleman A. W.
Published: October 2012

Growth and ionization patterns of small silicon clusters are studied using ultrafast pulses centered at 624 nm by varying the metal electron source for cluster formation using group 10 transition metals. The silicon‐cluster size was observed to change as the electron source was varied from Pd<Pt<Ni. The smaller silicon‐cluster growth in the palladium system is attributed to the higher work function of palladium metal, producing less collisions of the laser‐induced plasma with the silane. This shows that changing the metal electron source while holding the laser intensity constant affects the degree of dehydrogenation of SiH4 due to the number of collisions in the cluster source. The saturation intensities of each atomic charge state of silicon, resulting from Coulomb explosion of pure silicon clusters, formed with each metal are measured and compared to those calculated by using semi‐classical tunneling theory assuming sequential ionization. The ion signal of silicon atomic charge states produced when using palladium as electron source for cluster formation shows a greater degree of ionization enhancement than that observed for the nickel and platinum systems. This is reflected by the smaller‐size clusters formed in the palladium system. Based on a plot of the ion signal as a function of laser intensity compared to the simulated ion signal from tunneling theory, the ionization enhancement of silicon high‐charge states is found to increase by varying the electron source from Ni<Pt<Pd.
Matrix Isolation‐Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy of 3‐Butyn‐2‐ol and its Binary Aggregates
Authors: Merten Christian , Xu Yunjie
Published: October 2012

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy has a unique specificity to chirality and is highly sensitive to the conformational equilibria of chiral molecules. On the other hand, the matrix‐isolation (MI) technique allows substantial control over sample compositions, such as the sample(s)/matrix ratio and the ratio among different samples, and yields spectra with very narrow bandwidths. We combined VCD spectroscopy with the MI technique to record MI‐VCD and MI‐vibrational absorption spectra of 3‐butyn‐2‐ol at different MI temperatures, which allowed us to investigate the conformational distributions of its monomeric and binary species. Good mirror‐imaged MI‐VCD spectra of opposite enantiomers were achieved. The related conformational searches were performed for the monomer and the binary aggregate and their vibrational absorption and VCD spectra were simulated. The well‐resolved experimental MI‐VCD bands provide the essential mean to assign the associated vibrational absorption spectral features correctly to a particular conformation in case of closely spaced bands. By varying the matrix temperature, we show that one can follow the self‐aggregation process of 3‐butyn‐2‐ol and confidently correlate the MI‐VCD spectral features with those obtained for a 0.1 M CCl4 solution and as a neat liquid at room temperature. Comparison of the aforementioned experimental VCD spectra shows conclusively that there is a substantial contribution from the 3‐butyn‐2‐ol aggregate even at 0.1 M concentration. This spectroscopic combination will be powerful for studying self‐aggregation of chiral molecules, and chirality transfer from a chiral molecule to an interacting achiral molecule and in electron donor–acceptor chiral complexes.
Tailor‐Made Anion‐Exchange Membranes for Salinity Gradient Power Generation Using Reverse Electrodialysis
Authors: Guler Enver , Zhang Yali , Saakes Michel , Nijmeijer Kitty
Published: October 2012

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) or blue energy is a non‐polluting, sustainable technology for generating power from the mixing of solutions with different salinity, that is, seawater and river water. A concentrated salt solution (e.g., seawater) and a diluted salt solution (e.g., river water) are brought into contact through an alternating series of polymeric anion‐exchange membranes (AEMs) and cation‐exchange membranes (CEMs), which are either selective for anions or cations. Currently available ion‐exchange membranes are not optimized for RED, whereas successful RED operation notably depends on the used ion‐exchange membranes. We designed such ion‐exchange membranes and for the first time we show the performance of tailor‐made membranes in RED. More specifically, we focus on the development of AEMs because these are much more complex to prepare. Herein we propose a safe and more environmentally friendly method and use halogenated polyethers, such as polyepichlorohydrin (PECH) as the starting material. A tertiary diamine (1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, DABCO) was used to introduce the ion‐exchange groups by amination and for simultaneous cross‐linking of the polymer membrane. Area resistances of the series of membranes ranged from 0.82 to 2.05 Ω cm2 and permselectivities from 87 to 90 %. For the first time we showed that tailor‐made ion‐exchange membranes can be applied in RED. Depending on the properties and especially membrane thickness, application of these membranes in RED resulted in a high power density of 1.27 W m−2, which exceeds the power output obtained with the commercially available AMX membranes. This shows the potential of the design of ion‐exchange membranes for a viable blue energy process.
Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in epicardium is independent of snail1
Authors: Casanova Jesús C. , Travisano Stanislao , de la Pompa José Luis
Published: October 2012

The epicardium is the outer epithelial covering the heart. This tissue undergoes an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) to generate mesenchymal epicardial‐derived cells (EPDCs) that populate the extracellular matrix of the subepicardium and contribute to the development of the coronary vessels and cardiac interstitial cells. Although epicardial EMT plays a crucial role in heart development, the molecular regulation of this process is incompletely understood. Here we examined the possible role of the EMT regulator Snail1 in this process. Snail1 is expressed in the epicardium and EPDCs during mouse cardiac development. To determine the function of Snail1 in epicardial EMT, we deleted Snail1 in the epicardium using Wt1‐ and Tbx18‐Cre drivers. Unexpectedly, epicardial‐specific Snail1 mutants are viable and fertile and do not display any obvious morphological or functional cardiac abnormalities. Molecular analysis of these mice reveals that epicardial EMT occurs normally, and epicardial derivatives are established in these mutants. We conclude that Snail1 is not required for the initiation and progression of embryonic epicardial EMT. genesis 51:32–40,
2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reversing the Triazole Topology in a Cyclam‐Triazole‐Dye Ligand Gives a 10‐Fold Brighter Signal Response to Zn2+ in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ast Sandra , Rutledge Peter J. , Todd Matthew H.
Published: October 2012

The fluorescence response of a set of cyclam‐triazole‐dye ligands is controlled by the appended dye, but simple reversal of the triazole topology affords a novel probe for Zn2+ with a longer fluorescence lifetime and higher fluorescence quantum yield upon Zn2+ binding (<τ> = 2.0 ns, Φf = 0.76).
Bis(azidophenyl)phosphole Building Block for Extended π‐Conjugated Systems
Authors: Weymiens Wannes , Hartl František , Lutz Martin , Slootweg J. Chris , Ehlers Andreas W. , Mulder Jos R. , Lammertsma Koop
Published: October 2012

Novel bis(azidophenyl)phosphole sulfide building block 8 has been developed to give access to a plethora of phosphole‐containing π‐conjugated systems in a simple synthetic step. This was explored for the reaction of the two azido moieties with phenyl‐, pyridyl‐ and thienylacetylenes, to give bis(aryltriazolyl)‐extended π‐systems, having either the phosphole sulfide (9) or the phosphole (10) group as central ring. These conjugated frameworks exhibit intriguing photophysical and electrochemical properties that vary with the nature of the aromatic end‐group. The λ3‐phospholes 10 display blue fluorescence (λem = 460–469 nm) with high quantum yield (ΦF = 0.134–0.309). The radical anion of pyridyl‐substituted phosphole sulfide 9b was observed with UV/Vis spectroscopy. TDDFT calculations on the extended π‐systems showed some variation in the shape of the HOMOs, which was found to have an effect on the extent of charge transfer, depending on the aromatic end‐group. Some fine‐tuning of the emission maxima was observed, albeit subtle, showing a decrease in conjugation in the order thienyl < phenyl < pyridyl. These results show that variations in the distal ends of such π‐systems have a subtle but significant effect on photophysical properties.
Butyl methacrylate based monoliths with different cross‐linking agents using DMF‐aqueous buffer as porogen
Authors: Gölgelioğlu Çiğdem , Tuncel Ali
Published: October 2012

A simple porogen containing only DMF and aqueous buffer was used for synthesis of monolithic stationary media for CEC). Butyl methacrylate (BMA)‐based capillary monoliths were obtained using proposed porogen together with acrylic/methacrylic cross‐linking agents with different alkyl chain lengths. For this purpose, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, butanediol dimethacrylate and hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) were used. The monoliths with better electrochromatographic separation performance were obtained when the acrylic cross‐linking agent with the longest alkyl chain length (i.e. HDDA) was used with the proposed porogen. The electrochromatographic separation of alkylbenzenes, phenols and benzoic acids were sucessfully performed in CEC particularly using poly(BMA‐co‐HDDA) monolithic stationary phase with the column efficiency up to 270 000 plates/m.