bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Bronchoscopy Assisted by Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation
Authors: Murgu Septimiu D. , Pecson Jocelyn , Colt Henri G.
Published: June 2011

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation is an alternative to intubation in critically ill patients with respiratory insufficiency or poor gas exchange who may require flexible bronchoscopy for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This ventilatory technique might help decrease the risk of bronchoscopy-related complications in patients with refractory hypoxemia, postoperative respiratory distress, severe emphysema, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity hypoventilation syndrome and allows bronchoscopic assessment of patients with severe dyspnea from expiratory central airway collapse. In this review, the physiological rationale, indications, contraindications, techniques, and monitoring requirements for flexible bronchoscopy assisted by noninvasive positive pressure ventilation are described, with an emphasis on the role of critical care nurses in this procedure.
Progressive Care Units: Different but the Same
Authors: Stacy Kathleen M.
Published: June 2011

Progressive care units are increasingly common in hospitals in the United States. These units are often used to bridge the gap between intensive care units and medical-surgical units, with the goal of providing cost-effective, high-quality, safe care. Although progressive care units today may seem to provide care for a wide variety of patients, these patients do share certain typical features: they require a high intensity of nursing care and/or a high level of surveillance. Nurses working in progressive care units all must have certain basic competencies. Those core competencies have been identified and should form the basis for education and training of progressive care nurses.
Nonpharmacological Interventions to Manage Common Symptoms in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Tracy Mary Fran , Chlan Linda
Published: June 2011

Patients receiving mechanical ventilation can experience symptoms such as pain, anxiety, agitation, and lack of sleep while in the intensive care unit, all of which can affect healing. Nonpharmacological complementary therapies can be used as adjuncts to sedatives and analgesics. By incorporating appropriate use of complementary therapies in conjunction with mainstream medical therapies, nurses can decrease patients’ anxiety, promote sleep, and promote a healing environment to improve outcomes. Minimizing noise and providing access to natural light help promote a healing environment. Methods to promote sleep include relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and massage and communication with patients’ and their families to determine the patients’ normal sleep patterns. Complementary therapies to relieve anxiety and agitation include music intervention, imagery, presence, and animal-assisted therapy.
Disposable vs Reusable Electrocardiography Leads in Development of and Cross-contamination by Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Brown Donna Quinton
Published: June 2011

Hospital-acquired infections caused by antibacterial-resistant microorganisms are associated with high mortality and morbidity rates and markedly affect hospital economics. The expense became greater in 2008 when reimbursement for treatment of hospital-acquired infections was no longer provided by Medicare. Infections caused by cross-contamination with resistant bacteria can be eliminated by 3 methods: kill the bacteria before resistance develops, stop bacteria from communicating and acquiring resistance, and eliminate the pathway from one patient to another. Because electrocardiography wires cannot be completely disinfected 100% of the time, they may be contributing to the growth of resistant bacteria. The many pathways provided by reusable wires for cross-contamination with resistant bacteria increase the risk for hospital-acquired infection when these wires are used. Disposable electrocardiography leads eliminate risk of infection through these pathways. Adoption of disposable electrocardiography leads as an adjunct to an overall infection control program can decrease infection rates in acute health care facilities.
3Z, 13Z-octadecadienyl acetate: sex pheromone of the apple clearwing moth in British Columbia
Authors: Judd Gary J.R. , Gries Regine , Aurelian V. Marius , Gries Gerhard
Published: June 2011

The apple clearwing moth, Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkhausen) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), is a European species discovered in Cawston, British Columbia, Canada, in 2005. Using coupled gas chromatographic – electroantennographic detection analyses we identified candidate sex pheromone components in pheromone gland extracts and effluvia from calling females. Analysis of gland extracts using four gas-chromatography (GC) columns (DB-5, DB-17, DB-23, and DB-210) showed three components (A, B, and C) that consistently elicited strong responses from male antennae. Based on previous work, the most antennally stimulatory component, B, was hypothesized to be (3Z,13Z)-octadecadienyl acetate ((3Z,13Z)-18:OAc). Its retention time on the four GC columns and its mass spectrum in a concentrated extract matched those of an authentic standard, thus confirming structural assignment. Components A and C were below the detection threshold of the mass spectrometer, but their retention times on the four GC columns matched those of authentic standards of (3Z,13Z)-octadecadienol ((3Z,13Z)-18:OH) and (2E,13Z)-octadecadienyl acetate ((2E,13Z)-18:OAc), respectively. Synthetic (3Z,13Z)-18:OAc, (3Z,13Z)-18:OH, and (2E,13Z)-18:OAc all elicited strong responses from male antennae, further supporting structural assignments of these three components. Of these antennally active compounds, only (3Z,13Z)-18:OAc and (3Z,13Z)-18:OH were detected in effluvia from calling female moths. In field trapping tests in Cawston, (3Z,13Z)-18:OAc alone was as attractive as, or more attractive than, binary or ternary blends containing this component. (2E,13Z)-18:OAc was behaviourally inactive alone or in combination with (3Z,13Z)-18:OAc, whereas 5% (3Z,13Z)-18:OH appeared antagonistic. Our analysis confirms that (3Z,13Z)-18:OAc is the major pheromone component in S. myopaeformis, and it alone is sufficiently attractive for use in detection surveys and development of pheromone-based controls for this introduced pest in Canada.
Nesting biology and DNA barcode analysis of Ceratina dupla and C. mikmaqi, and comparisons with C. calcarata (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae)
Authors: Vickruck J.L. , Rehan S.M. , Sheffield C.S. , Richards M.H.
Published: June 2011

Using DNA barcode analysis, nest collections, and pan-trapping we compared molecular differences, nesting behaviour, and phenology of three of the four species of Ceratina Latreille present in the Niagara Region of southern Ontario, Canada: C. dupla Say, C. calcarata Robertson, and C. mikmaqi Rehan and Sheffield. Ceratina dupla and C. mikmaqi were separated by five fixed nucleotide differences and an average sequence divergence of 1.86%. In our population, C. mikmaqi and C. calcarata were common and C. dupla was rare. Ceratina dupla nested earlier than C. mikmaqi and C. calcarata, and sometimes produced a second brood in late July – early August. Each species constructed linear nests in the pith of dead twigs, C. mikmaqi and C. dupla usually in Fuller's teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.; Dipsacaceae) and C. calcarata usually in raspberry (Rubus L.; Rosaceae). Genetically distinct, each species occupies a slightly different niche in the Niagara bee assemblage.
Parasitism of adult Poecilus versicolor (Coleoptera: Carabidae) by hymenopteran larvae
Authors: Sasakawa Kôji , Ikeda Hiroshi , Sutou Mitsuaki , Dobata Shigeto , Itô Motomi
Published: June 2011

We report the presence and effects of parasitoid larvae (Hymenoptera) in the carabid beetle Poecilus versicolor (Sturm). Dissection of one female and one male live host found 33 and 25 hymenopteran larvae, respectively. Although eggs were absent in the female host, likely because of consumption by parasitoids, distinct corpora lutea (present in parous females) were observed. In the male host, reproductive organs were undamaged. These observations suggest incomplete “parasitic castration” of the host beetle by the parasitoids. Parasitism rates in specimens from three localities were markedly low (0%–3.2%). At one locality, only one male and three female beetles containing parasitoids were found; those individuals each contained 9–27 larvae (mean 19.3). These results suggest that hymenopterous parasitoids in adult P. versicolor have little effect on the population dynamics of this beetle. The parasitoid larvae included two morphological types belonging to at least two taxa. Mitochondrial DNA analyses suggested that one of the types represented two species of Microctonus Wesmael (Braconidae: Euphorinae). The result of the genus-level identification, however, requires confirmation because the analyzed data set did not cover all braconid genera.
Distribution, species composition, and incidence of egg parasitoids of the forest tent caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), during a widespread outbreak in the Canadian prairies
Authors: Williams Daryl J. , Langor David W.
Published: June 2011

Egg bands of the forest tent caterpillar,Malacosoma disstriaHübner, were sampled across a wide area of the Canadian prairie provinces during a large-scale outbreak in 1989 and 1990 to examine the incidence and distribution of egg parasitoids (Hymenoptera). Data on the parasitoid species found and the incidence and frequency of parasitism in three habitat types is presented. Three species of egg parasitoids were recovered,Telenomus clisiocampaeRiley (Scelionidae),Ooencyrtus clisiocampae(Ashmead) (Encyrtidae), andBaryscapus malacosomae(Girault) (Eulophidae). Differences in the number of species occurring per egg band and the percent of parasitism were found among habitat types. These differences are correlated to the amount of spumaline cover on egg bands, which also varied among habitat types.
Bee diversity in naturalizing patches of Carolinian grasslands in southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Richards M.H. , Rutgers-Kelly A. , Gibbs J. , Vickruck J.L. , Rehan S.M. , Sheffield C.S.
Published: June 2011

The bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of the Niagara Peninsula, at the eastern end of the Carolinian Zone in Ontario, Canada, is poorly known. From April to October 2003, we studied bee abundance and diversity in set-aside grasslands at Brock University and the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site in southern St. Catharines, Ontario. Using three sampling methods (pan traps, sweep nets, and aerial nets), we collected and identified 15 733 specimens of 124 species and morphospecies representing all bee families, except Melittidae, found in North America. Abundance-based diversity estimators suggested bee species richness to be as high as 148 species. There were three seasonal peaks in bee abundance (early spring, late spring, and mid-summer) with a lull in activity shortly after the summer solstice. Several indicators suggested substantial impacts of disturbance on the Niagara bee community, including evidence of high dominance by the most abundant species. Comparison of the sampling methods indicated considerable catch variation among taxa; Halictidae and Apidae were dominant in pan trap samples and in sweep–aerial net samples, respectively. However, bee abundances in pan traps and sweep nets were highly correlated, suggesting that both methods fairly sample local bee abundances.
Commercially Supplied Amine-Modified siRNAs May Require Ultrafiltration prior to Conjugation with Amine-Reactive Compounds
Authors: Lau Shannen , Graham Bim , Boyd Ben J. , Pouton Colin W. , White Paul J.
Published: May 2011

Conjugation of siRNA to macromolecules such as serum albumin has multiple potential benefits, including enhanced extravasation via albumin-mediated transcytosis across endothelial cells and reduced renal clearance. In attempting to conjugate siRNA to albumin, we used commercially sourced amine-modified siRNA and reacted it with the heterobifunctional linker succinimidyl 4-[N-maleimidomethyl]cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC) to introduce a maleimide group suitable for conjugation to the thiol group of the surface-exposed cysteine residue (Cys 34) within albumin. We found the conjugation of the SMCC-treated siRNA to bovine serum albumin (BSA) to be very inefficient and investigated the cause of the low yield of conjugate. Ultrafiltration with phosphate-buffered saline prior to activation with SMCC dramatically increased the yield of siRNA-albumin conjugate (~15-fold). Communication with the commercial supplier revealed that ammonium acetate buffer was used in a desalting step as part of the siRNA purification process prior to supply, likely resulting in ammonium counterions to the siRNA polyanion, which would interfere with conjugation by consuming the SMCC. After ultrafiltration, a greatly reduced amount of SMCC could be used to affect conjugation, without significant reduction in yield. These data indicate that amine-modified siRNA sourced commercially may require ultrafiltration or dialysis prior to use in conjugation reactions.
AnthropometricIndicesAssociated with Variation in Cardiovascular Parameters among Primary School Pupils in Ile-Ife
Authors: Abiodun Adedeji G. , Egwu Michael O. , Adedoyin Rufus A.
Published: May 2011

Purpose. This study investigated the anthropometric indices associated with variations in cardiovascular parameters among primary school pupils in Ile-Ife.Method. One thousand and twenty-six pupils (age range 6–14 years, mean age 10.12 years) from ten schools were recruited with parents' informed consent. Anthropometric (Height (Ht), Weight (Wt), Abdominal Circumference (AC)) and cardiovascular (Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Heart Rate (HR)) parameters were measured using standard instruments and procedures. Blood pressure (BP) was measured after ten minutes of quiet sitting. Body Mass Index (BMI), Rate Pressure Product (RPP) and Pulse Pressure (PP) were estimated.Results. Age, Ht, Wt, BMI, and AC correlated significantly () with BP and PP. AC and BMI were predictors of BP, HR, RPP, and PP.Conclusion. Significant correlations exist between age, Ht, Wt, BMI, AC, and BP with weight being a more viable predictor of SBP and age a more viable predictor of DBP.
Chiral Recognition of Amino Acids by Magnetoelectrodeposited Cu Film Electrodes
Authors: Mogi Iwao , Watanabe Kazuo
Published: May 2011

Chiral behavior of magnetoelectrodeposited (MED) Cu film electrodes was investigated for the electrochemical reactions of amino acids. The Cu films were electrodeposited under a magnetic field of 5 T perpendicular to the electrode surface. Such MED Cu films were employed as an electrode, and cyclic voltammograms were measured for the electrochemical reactions of several kinds of amino acids. Chiral behavior was clearly observed as oxidation current difference between the enantiomers of alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. The MED film electrodes with the thickness of 50~500 nm exhibited such chiral behavior, and their surface morphologies had network structures, which could be induced by the micro-MHD effect.
Conformational-Dependent and Independent RNA Binding to the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein
Authors: Yan Xin , Denman Robert B.
Published: May 2011

The interaction between the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and BC1 RNA has been the subject of controversy. We probed the parameters of RNA binding to FMRP in several ways. Nondenaturing agarose gel analysis showed that BC1 RNA transcripts produced by in vitro transcription contain a population of conformers, which can be modulated by preannealing. Accordingly, FMRP differentially binds to the annealed and unannealed conformer populations. Using partial RNase digestion, we demonstrate that annealed BC1 RNA contains a unique conformer that FMRP likely binds. We further demonstrate that this interaction is 100-fold weaker than that the binding of eEF-1A mRNA and FMRP, and that preannealing is not a general requirement for FMRP's interaction with RNA. In addition, binding does not require the N-terminal 204 amino acids of FMRP, methylated arginine residues and can be recapitulated by both fragile X paralogs. Altogether, our data continue to support a model in which BC1 RNA functions independently of FMRP.
Towards Al3+-Induced Manganese-Containing Superoxide Dismutase Inactivation and Conformational Changes: An Integrating Study with Docking Simulations
Authors: Yang Jiang-Liu , Yin Shang-Jun , Si Yue-Xiu , Lü Zhi-Rong , Shao Xiangrong , Park Daeui , Chung Hae Young , Zhou Hai-Meng , Qian Guo-Ying , Zhang Zi-Ping
Published: May 2011

Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) plays an important antioxidant defense role in skins exposed to oxygen. We studied the inhibitory effects of Al3+ on the activity and conformation of manganese-containing SOD (Mn-SOD). Mn-SOD was significantly inactivated by Al3+ in a dose-dependent manner. The kinetic studies showed that Al3+ inactivated Mn-SOD follows the first-order reaction. Al3+ increased the degree of secondary structure of Mn-SOD and also disrupted the tertiary structure of Mn-SOD, which directly resulted in enzyme inactivation. We further simulated the docking between Mn-SOD and Al3+ (binding energy for Dock 6.3: −14.07 kcal/mol) and suggested that ASP152 and GLU157 residues were predicted to interact with Al3+, which are not located in the Mn-contained active site. Our results provide insight into the inactivation of Mn-SOD during unfolding in the presence of Al3+ and allow us to describe a ligand binding via inhibition kinetics combined with the computational prediction.
Intraoperative Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Williams Norman R. , Pigott Katharine H. , Keshtgar Mohammed R. S.
Published: June 2011

The surgical treatment of early breast cancer has evolved from the removal of the entire breast and surrounding tissues (mastectomy) to the removal of the tumour together with a margin of healthy tissue (lumpectomy). Adjuvant radiotherapy, however, is still mainly given to the whole breast. Furthermore, external beam radiotherapy is often given several months after initial surgery and requires the patient to attend the radiotherapy centre daily for several weeks. A single fraction of radiotherapy given during surgery directly to the tumour bed (intraoperative radiotherapy) avoids these problems. The rationale and level-1 evidence for the safety and efficacy of the technique are reviewed.
Influence of the C/Sn Ratio on the Synthesis and Lithium Electrochemical Insertion of Tin-Supported Graphite Materials Used as Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Mercier Cédric , Schneider Raphaël , Willmann Patrick , Billaud Denis
Published: May 2011

Novel composites consisting of tin particles associated to graphite were prepared by chemical reduction of tin(+2) chloride byt-BuONa-activated sodium hydride in the presence of graphite. The samples obtained using various C/Sn ratios were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental analyses. The largest tin particles associated to graphite layers were observed for the material with a C/Sn ratio of 16. For the materials with C/Sn ratios of 42 and 24, SEM and TEM experiments demonstrated that Sn aggregates of ca. 250 nm length and composed of Sn particles with an average diameter of ca. 50 nm were homogeneously distributed at the surface of graphite. Electrodes prepared from theC/Sn=42material exhibit a high reversible capacity of over 470 mAhg−1up to twenty cycles with stable cyclic performances.
Difficult-to-Treat or Resistant Hypertension: Etiology, Pathophysiology, and Innovative Therapies
Authors: Papademetriou Vasilios , Tsioufis Costas , Gradman Alan , Punzi Henry
Published: June 2011

Despite the many therapeutic options available today for the treatment of hypertension, a sizable number of patients still remain resistant to treatment. The prevalence of resistant hypertension in the general population under optimal conditions is about 3–5%. Although several factors and conditions can be identified and corrected a percentage of hypertensive patients remain with unacceptably high blood pressure levels. The high prevalence of hypertension in the general population renders this small percentage significant, in terms of actual patient numbers. This special issue of the journal expoars a whole spectrum of topics related to resistant hypertension: several articles address pathophysiolog and secondary causes of resistant hypertension and modern approaches to therapy. Of interest is the referance to the newer interventional approaches, that is, Baroreceptor stimulation therapy and catheter based sympathetic renal denervation.
On-Chip DNA Methylation Analysis Using Osmium Complexation
Authors: Sugizaki Kaori , Umemoto Tadashi , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: May 2011

The development of a reaction for detecting the presence/absence of one methyl group in a long DNA strand is a chemically and biologically challenging research subject. A newly designed chemical assay on a chip for the typing of DNA methylation has been developed. A methylation-detection probe fixed at the bottom of microwells was crosslinked with methylated DNA mediated by osmium complexation and contributes to selective amplification of methylated DNA.
Electrochemical Sensing of Nitric Oxide on Electrochemically Reduced Graphene-Modified Electrode
Authors: Wang Yu-Li , Zhao Guang-Chao
Published: May 2011

Graphene-modified electrode was prepared through electrochemically reducing graphene oxide on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode in PBS solution. The as-prepared electrode owns higher stability and stronger catalytic activity towards the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO). At the electrode, an oxidation peak of NO can be observed at about 1.05 V (versus Ag/AgCl), and the electrode reaction of NO is controlled by diffusion process. Under the optimum conditions, the peak currents are dependent linearly on NO concentrations in the range from to  M with a limit of detection of  M. The response time of the as-prepared electrode to NO is less than 3 s, and the sensitivity is about 299.1 μA/mM, revealing that the electrode can be used as an excellent sensor for the determination of NO. With further modification of Nafion, the determination is free from the interference of nitrite and some other biological substances. This investigation provides an alternate way for the determination of NO.
Memory Awareness Influences Everyday Decision Making Capacity about Medication Management in Alzheimer′s Disease
Authors: Cosentino Stephanie , Metcalfe Janet , Cary Mark S. , De Leon Jessica , Karlawish Jason
Published: May 2011

Memory awareness in early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) influences capacity to provide informed consent for a memory treatment. This study investigated the extent to which aspects of memory awareness influence everyday decision‐making capacity about medication management in AD. 42 participants with mild AD and 50 healthy elders underwent clinical ratings of memory awareness, metamemory testing, and an interview of everyday decision‐making capacity regarding medication management. 45% of AD subjects were classified as aware (AAD) and 55% as unaware (UAD) based on clinical ratings and supported by metamemory testing (P = .015). Capacity was impaired in each of the AD groups as compared to the healthy elders F(2, 67) = 17.63, UAD, P < .01; AAD, P = .01). Within the AD group, capacity correlated selectively with awareness as measured with clinical ratings (r = −.41, P = .007) but not objective metamemory testing (r = −.10, P = .60
). Appreciation scores were lower in UAD as compared with AAD F, = 8.36, P = .007. Unawareness of memory loss should heighten clinicians’ concern about everyday decision‐making capacity in AD.
Determination of Mercury (II) Ion on Aryl Amide-Type Podand-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Güney Sevgi , Yıldız Gülcemal , Yapar Gönül
Published: May 2011

A new voltammetric sensor based on an aryl amide type podand, 1,8-bis(o-amidophenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane, (AAP) modified glassy carbon electrode, was described for the determination of trace level of mercury (II) ion by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). A well-defined anodic peak corresponding to the oxidation of mercury on proposed electrode was obtained at 0.2 V versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The effect of experimental parameters on differential voltammetric peak currents was investigated in acetate buffer solution of pH 7.0 containing 1 × 10−1 mol L−1NaCl. Mercury (II) ion was preconcentrated at the modified electrode by forming complex with AAP under proper conditions and then reduced on the surface of the electrode. Interferences of Cu2+, Pb2+, Fe3+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ions were also studied at two different concentration ratios with respect to mercury (II) ions. The modified electrode was applied to the determination of mercury (II) ions in seawater sample.
Factors Influencing Home Death in a Japanese Metropolitan Region
Authors: Akiyama Akiko , Hanabusa Hiroo , Mikami Hiroshi
Published: May 2011

To examine factors influencing home death, an anonymous survey was mailed to 998 home care supporting clinics (HCSCs) in the 23 wards of Tokyo, Japan. We classified the HCSCs into two types (single physician practice and multiple physician practice) and identified factors of each type of practice that predict home death. The factors associated with a greater probability of dying at home were as follows: in the multiple physician practices, collaboration with hospitals and teaching coping skills to the family members and, in the single physician practices, collaboration with clinics. Our findings suggest that home end-of-life care services are unlikely to be achieved without cooperation among service providers and without improvement of the family members' coping skills.
Electrochemical Detection of Sequence-Specific DNA with the Amplification of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Yuzhong , Wang Zhen , Wang Yuehong , Huang Lei , Jiang Wei , Wang Mingzhu
Published: May 2011

A sensitive electrochemical DNA biosensor was prepared based on mercaptoacetic acid (MAA)/gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified electrode. Probe DNA (NH2-DNA) was covalently linked to the carboxyl group of MAA in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxyl-succinimide (NHS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) were used to investigate the film assembly process. The DNA hybridization events were monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and adriamycin was used as the electrochemical indicator. Also the factors influencing the performance of the DNA hybridization were investigated in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the signal was linearly changed with target DNA concentration increased from 5.0 × 10−13to 1.0 × 10−9 M and had a detection limit of 1.7 × 10−13 M (signal/noise ratio of 3). In addition, the DNA biosensor showed good reproducibility and stability during DNA assay.
Non-Invasive Radiofrequency-Induced Targeted Hyperthermia for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Raoof Mustafa , Curley Steven A.
Published: May 2011

Targeted biological therapies for hepatocellular cancer have shown minimal improvements in median survival. Multiple pathways to oncogenesis leading to rapid development of resistance to such therapies is a concern. Non-invasive radiofrequency field-induced targeted hyperthermia using nanoparticles is a radical departure from conventional modalities. In this paper we underscore the need for innovative strategies for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer, describe the central paradigm of targeted hyperthermia using non-invasive electromagnetic energy, review the process of characterization and modification of nanoparticles for the task, and summarize data from cell-based and animal-based models of hepatocellular cancer treated with non-invasive RF energy. Finally, future strategies and challenges in bringing this modality from bench to clinic are discussed.
Beta‐Amyloid Downregulates MDR1‐P‐Glycoprotein (Abcb1) Expression at the Blood‐Brain Barrier in Mice
Authors: Brenn Anja , Grube Markus , Peters Michele , Fischer Andrea , Jedlitschky Gabriele , Kroemer Heyo K. , Warzok Rolf W. , Vogelgesang Silke
Published: May 2011

Neurovascular dysfunction is an important component of Alzheimer′s disease, leading to reduced clearance across the blood‐brain barrier and accumulation of neurotoxic β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides in the brain. It has been shown that the ABC transport protein P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp, ABCB1) is involved in the export of Aβ from the brain into the blood. To determine whether Aβ influences the expression of key Aβ transporters, we studied the effects of 1‐day subcutaneous Aβ1‐40 and Aβ1‐42 administration via Alzet mini‐osmotic pumps on P‐gp, BCRP, LRP1, and RAGE expression in the brain of 90‐day‐old male FVB mice. Our results demonstrate significantly reduced P‐gp, LRP1, and RAGE mRNA expression in mice treated with Aβ1‐42 compared to controls, while BCRP expression was not affected. The expression of the four proteins was unchanged in mice treated with Aβ1‐40 or reverse‐sequence peptides. These findings indicate that, in addition to the age‐related decrease of P‐gp expression, Aβ1‐42 itself downregulates the expression of P‐gp and other Aβ‐transporters, which could exacerbate the intracerebral accumulation of Aβ and thereby accelerate neurodegeneration in Alzheimer′s disease and cerebral β‐amyloid angiopathy.
Small Interfering RNA Efficiently Suppresses Adhesion Molecule Expression on Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelium
Authors: Walker Tobias , Siegel Julian , Nolte Andrea , Hartmann Silke , Kornberger Angela , Steger Volker , Wendel Hans-Peter
Published: May 2011

Background. Adhesion molecules are known to influence postoperative organ function, they are hardly involved in the inflammatory response following the ischemia-reperfusion injury. We sought to investigate the potency of small interfering RNAs to suppress adhesion molecule expression in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells.Methods. Human lung microvascular endothelial cells were transfected with specific siRNA followed by a stimulation of the cells with an inflammatory cytokine. Adhesion molecule expression was determined by FACS-analysis, and reduction of intracellular mRNA was determined by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the attachment of isolated neutrophils on the endothelial layer was determined after siRNA transfection.Results. In summary, siRNA transfection significantly decreased the percentage positive cells in a single cocktail transfection of each adhesion molecule investigated. Adhering neutrophils were diminished as well.Conclusion. siRNA might be a promising tool for the effective suppression of adhesion molecule expression on pulmonary microvascular cells, potentially minimizing leukocyte-endothelial depending interactions of a pulmonary allograft.
Acute Renal Replacement Therapy in Pediatrics
Authors: Basu Rajit K. , Wheeler Derek S. , Goldstein Stuart , Doughty Lesley
Published: June 2011

Acute kidney injury (AKI) independently increases morbidity and mortality in children admitted to the hospital. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is an essential therapy in the setting of AKI and fluid overload. The decision to initiate RRT is complex and often complicated by concerns related to patient hemodynamic and thermodynamic instability. The choice of which RRT modality to use depends on numerous criteria that are both patient and treatment center specific. Surprisingly, despite decades of use, no randomized, controlled trial study involving RRT in pediatrics has been performed. Because of these factors, clear-cut consensus is lacking regarding key questions surrounding RRT delivery. In this paper, we will summarize existing data concerning RRT use in children. We discuss the major modalities and the data-driven specifics of each, followed by controversies in RRT. As no standard of care is in widespread use for RRT in AKI or in multiorgan disease, we conclude in this paper that prospective studies of RRT are needed to identify best practice guidelines.
Functional Inflammatory Genotypes in Ischemic Stroke: Could We Use Them to Predict Age of Onset and Long-Term Outcome?
Authors: Marousi Stella , Antonacopoulou Anna , Kalofonos Haralambos , Papathanasopoulos Panagiotis , Karakantza Marina , Ellul John
Published: May 2011

Functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of inflammatory cytokines have been previously related to the occurrence of an ischemic stroke (IS). We investigated whether five functional SNPs (i.e., TNF-α-308G>A, IL6-174G>C, IL12B 1188A>C, IL4-589C>T, and IL10-1082G>A) might be associated with the age of onset and 6-month outcome of an acute IS. A probe-free real-time PCR methodology was used to genotype 145 consecutively admitted cases with a first-ever IS. Simple Kaplan-Mayer and adjusted Cox regression analyses showed no association between inflammatory genotypes and the age of IS onset. IL6-174G>C, IL12B 1188A>C, IL4-589C>T, and IL10-1082G>A were not found to significantly contribute to the long-term outcome of the disease. However, carriage of the TNF-α-308 GG genotype was significantly associated with reduced odds for an adverse outcome. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results.
Cardiorenal Syndrome: An Unsolved Clinical Problem
Authors: Martínez-Santos Paula , Vilacosta Isidre
Published: May 2011

The clinical relevance of the bidirectional cross-talk between heart and kidney is increasingly recognized. However, the optimal approach to the management of kidney dysfunction in heart failure remains unclear. The purpose of this article is to outline the most plausible pathophysiologic theories that attempt to explain the renal impairment in acute and chronic heart failure, and to review the current treatment strategies for these situations.
Association ofTNF-857C>T,TNFRSF1A36A>G, andTNFRSF1B676T>GPolymorphisms with Ischemic Stroke in a Greek Population
Authors: Markoula Sofia , Chatzikyriakidou Anthoula , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Odysseas Kargiotis , Markou Sofia , Vemmos Konstantinos , Georgiou Ioannis , Kyritsis Athanassios P.
Published: May 2011

Background. The role of genetic factors in the predisposition to develop ischemic stroke has been assessed by previous studies. The main goal of the current study was to determine any possible role ofTNF-857C>T,TNFRSF1A36A>G,andTNFRSF1B676T>Gpolymorphisms in risk for stroke.Materials and Methods. One hundred seventy-three patients with first ever ischemic stroke of solely atherosclerotic etiology in Northwest Greece and a control group of 179 healthy unrelated subjects were evaluated.Results.TNFα-857TT,TNFR136AA, andTNFR2676TTgenotypes were significantly increased in the patient group compared to controls (, OR = 2.47 (1.26–4.84), , OR = 1.97 (1.22–3.17), and , OR = 2.2 (1.43–3.37), resp.). In addition, theTNFR136Aand theTNFR2676Talleles were found significantly increased in patients compared to controls (, OR = 1.48 (1.1–2) and , OR = 1.75 (1.25–2.46), resp.).Conclusion. The high incidence of these genotypes and alleles in patient group suggests that they are potentially predisposing factors for stroke in the Greek population studied. Large-scale multicenter controlled studies are needed to verify these polymorphisms effects on stroke susceptibility.
Impaired Deoxyribonuclease I Activity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Malíčková Karin , Ďuricová Dana , Bortlík Martin , Hrušková Zdenka , Svobodová Barbora , Machková Naděžda , Komárek Viktor , Fučíková Terezie , Janatková Ivana , Zima Tomáš , Lukáš Milan
Published: May 2011

Background and Aims. Deoxyribonuclease I (DNaseI) is an endonuclease that facilitates chromatin breakdown and promotes susceptibility to autoimmune disorders. The aim of current study was to investigate serum DNase I activity in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).Patients and Methods. A cohort of 110 IBD patients was evaluated, aged 35±12 years, 77 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 33 with ulcerative colitis (UC). 50 SLE patients and 50 healthy blood donors were examined as control groups.Results. DNase I activity in IBD patients was significantly lower than in healthy individuals, but higher than in SLE patients (P<.0001). Patients with UC showed higher DNase I activity than CD patients,P=.21. DNase I activity in female patients with IBD was significantly lower than in males,P=.024; however, no differences in DNase I activity were found in relation to gender in healthy individuals. DNase I activity has shown a strong negative correlation with the serum concentration of anti-nucleosomal antibodies in the autoimmune (SLE + IBD) cohort, as well as in the separate IBD cohort.Conclusions. Reduced serum DNase I activity probably has pathogenetic consequences in IBD. Induction of autoantibodies towards nucleosomes could be a reflection of impaired DNase I activity.
DMSO-Free Programmed Cryopreservation of Fully Dissociated and Adherent Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Katkov Igor I. , Kan Natalia G. , Cimadamore Flavio , Nelson Brandon , Snyder Evan Y. , Terskikh Alexey V.
Published: June 2011

Three modes for cryopreservation (CP) of human iPSC cells have been compared:STD: standard CP of small clumps with 10% of CPA in cryovials,ACC: dissociation of the cells with Accutase and freezing in cryovials, andPLT: programmed freezing of adherent cells in plastic multiwell dishes in a programmable freezer using one- and multistep cooling protocols. Four CPAs were tesetd: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), and glycerol (GLY). The cells inACCandPLTwere frozen and recovered after thawing in the presence of a ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 (RI). EG was less toxic w/o CP cryopreservation than DMSO and allowed much better maintenance of pluripotency after CP than PG or GLY. The cells were cryopreserved very efficiently as adherent cultures (+RI) in plates (5-6-fold higher than STD) using EG and a 6-step freezing protocol. Recovery under these conditions is comparable or even higher than ACC+RI.Conclusions. Maintenance of cell-substratum adherence is a favorable environment that mitigates freezing and thawing stresses (ComfortFreeze®concept developed by CELLTRONIX). CP of cells directly in plates inready-to-goafter thawing format for HT/HC screening can be beneficial in many SC-related scientific and commercial applications such as drug discovery and toxicity tests.
OCV Hysteresis in Li-Ion Batteries including Two-Phase Transition Materials
Authors: Roscher Michael A. , Bohlen Oliver , Vetter Jens
Published: May 2011

The relation between batteries' state of charge (SOC) and open-circuit voltage (OCV) is a specific feature of electrochemical energy storage devices. Especially NiMH batteries are well known to exhibit OCV hysteresis, and also several kinds of lithium-ion batteries show OCV hysteresis, which can be critical for reliable state estimation issues. Electrode potential hysteresis is known to result from thermodynamical entropic effects, mechanical stress, and microscopic distortions within the active electrode materials which perform a two-phase transition during lithium insertion/extraction. Hence, some Li-ion cells including two-phase transition active materials show pronounced hysteresis referring to their open-circuit voltage. This work points out how macroscopic effects, that is, diffusion limitations, superimpose the latte- mentioned microscopic mechanisms and lead to a shrinkage of OCV hysteresis, if cells are loaded with high current rates. To validate the mentioned interaction, Li-ion cells' state of charge is adjusted to 50% with various current rates, beginning from the fully charged and the discharged state, respectively. As a pronounced difference remains between the OCV after charge and discharge adjustment, obviously the hysteresis vanishes as the target SOC is adjusted with very high current rate.
Immunolocalization of endocan during the endothelial-mesenchymal transition process
Authors: Carrillo L. M. , Arciniegas E. , Rojas H. R. , Ramirez R. E.
Published: June 2011

Endocan is a dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (DSPG) that has been observed in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells of small and large vessels in lung, kidney, liver, colon, ovary and brain tumors. This DSPG has been implicated in the regulation of cellular activities such as adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Given the important roles played by endocan in such processes, we sought to determine whether this DSPG is present in the chicken embryo aortic wall in embryonic days 12 and 14 when intimal thickening and endothelial transformation are notorious. Immunolabeling of serial paraffin cross-sections revealed endocan immunoreactivity at the endothelium and some mesenchymal cells constituting the intimal thickening but not in the cells arranged in lamellar layers. We also investigated whether endocan was present in monolayers of primary embryonic aortic endothelial cells attached to fibronectin and stimulated with epidermal growth factor. Endocan immunoreactivity was detected at the plasma membrane in arrays typical of focal complexes in the leading edge of the cells that were separating, detaching, and migrating toward cell-free areas. This study demonstrates for the first time the presence of endocan during the aortic wall remodeling, and provides evidence that suggests a possible contribution of this DSPG in the EndoMT process.
New Spectrophotometric Method for Determining Nitrogen Dioxide in Air Using 2,2-Azino-Bis(3-Ethyl Benzothiazoline)-6-Sulfonic Acid-Diammonium Salt and Passive Sampling
Authors: Salem Alaa A. , Soliman Ahmed A. , El-Haty Ismail A.
Published: May 2011

A new simple and highly sensitive spectrophotometric method for determining nitrogen dioxide in air was developed. The method is based on converting atmospheric nitrogen dioxide to nitrite ions within the IVL passive samplers used for samples collection. Acidifying nitrite ions with concentrated HCl produced the peroxynitrous acid oxidizing agent which was measured using 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid-diammonium salt (ABTS) as reducing coloring agent. A parallel series of collected samples were measured for its nitrite content using a validated ion chromatographic method.

The results obtained using both methods were compared in terms of their sensitivity and accuracy. Developed spectrophotometric method was shown to be one order of magnitude higher in sensitivity compared to the ion chromatographic method. Quantitation limits of 0.05 ppm and 0.55 μg/m3were obtained for nitrite ion and nitrogen dioxid, respectively. Standard deviations in the ranges of 0.05-0.59 and 0.63-7.92 with averages of 0.27 and 3.11 were obtained for determining nitrite and nitrogen dioxide, respectively.

Student-t test revealed t-values less than 6.93 and 4.40 for nitrite ions and nitrogen dioxide, respectively. These values indicated insignificant difference between the averages of the newly developed method and the values obtained by ion chromatography at 95% confidence level.

Compared to continuous monitoring techniques, the newly developed method has shown simple, accurate, sensitive, inexpensive and reliable for long term monitoring of nitrogen dioxide in ambient air.
The Relationship between Visuospatial Memory and Coping Strategies in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ayala-Feliciano Michelle , Pons-Valerio Jaime J. , Pons-Madera José , Acevedo Summer F.
Published: June 2011

Background

In the US there are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors (BCSs), most of whom have required some type of intensive treatment. How individuals cope with the treatment process may relate to why neurocognitive problems arise.

Method

We explored the impact of treatment for breast cancer (BC) on performance of the Memory Island task, both on working memory and on the general index of cognitive performance in relation to coping strategies of BCSs compared to age-matched controls.

Results

The evidence obtained suggests a reduced performance in visuospatial memory in BCSs. Those who used emotional coping strategies displayed reduced performance in visuospatial learning and immediate memory. Those women who used problem-focused coping strategies performed better in those tasks measuring psychomotor speed, general intelligence, and delayed visuospatial memory.

Conclusions

It is concluded that further investigation of the relationship between coping strategies and performance on visuospatial tasks may provide useful information on residual levels of neurocognitive deficits and psychosocial adaptation in BCSs.
Changes in Plasma Fibronectin Isoform Levels Predict Distinct Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Peters John H. , Grote Mark N. , Lane Nancy E. , Maunder Richard J.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Concentrations of the total pool of fibronectin in plasma (TFN), and the subset of this pool that contains the alternatively spliced EDA segment (A+FN), are both affected by disease processes, and the latter pool has gained a reputation as a biomarker for vascular injury. We therefore wished to determine if changes in either FN pool correlate with clinical outcomes in critically ill individuals.

Methods

We analyzed a database for 57 patients with major trauma (n = 33) or sepsis syndrome (n = 24) in which plasma levels of TFN and A+FN had been measured at intervals, along with clinical parameters. Logistic regression analysis was performed to detect associations between predictive variables and three clinical outcomes: 1) the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 2) milder acute lung injury designated acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF), and 3) survival to hospital discharge.

Results

An increase in plasma TFN during the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) observation was negatively associated with progression to ARDS (odds ratio 0.98 per 1 microgram (μg)/ml increase, 95% CI (0.97, 1.00)) and AHRF (OR 0.97 per 1 μg/ml increase, (0.95, 0.99)), whereas an increase in A+FN over the first 24 hours was positively associated with progression to AHRF (OR 1.65 per 1 μg/ml increase, (1.04, 2.62)). Additionally, the ratio of the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) to the percentage of oxygen in inspired air (FIO2) after 24 hours was positively associated with survival (OR 1.01 per 1 unit increase in ratio, (1.00, 1.03)), along with change in A+FN (OR 1.30 per 1 μg/ml increase, (0.90, 1.88)).

Conclusions

Different FN isoforms may constitute predictive covariate markers for distinct clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. The data also suggest that early TFN accumulation in the circulation may confer a clinical benefit to patients at risk for acute lung injury.
A Case of Late-Onset Gemcitabine Lung Toxicity
Authors: Sherrod Amanda M. , Brufsky Adam , Puhalla Shannon
Published: May 2011

Gemcitabine is a chemotherapeutic agent used for the treatment of a number of malignancies. Although its major dose-limiting side effect is myelosuppression, many pulmonary toxicities have been described with its use. Severe pulmonary toxicity is rare, but symptoms tend to be rapid in onset and potentially deadly. The average time from initiation of chemotherapy to onset of symptoms is less than two months. The most effective therapy is steroid administration, the efficacy of which has been variable. In this report, we describe a unique case of gemcitabine pulmonary toxicity in a patient who did not experience symptoms of pulmonary dysfunction until after 1 year of treatment. Her symptoms did not improve rapidly with steroids, nor did she rapidly decompensate as has been frequently described. To our knowledge, this is one of the first reported descriptions of late-onset gemcitabine lung toxicity.