bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of UV/H2O2 for the disinfection and treatment of municipal secondary effluents for water reuse
Authors: Souza Bruno S. , Dantas Renato F. , Agulló‐Barceló Míriam , Lucena Francisco , Sans Carme , Esplugas Santiago , Dezotti Márcia
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

In this work, photochemical treatment (UV/H2O2) of a municipal secondary effluent was studied to assess its suitability for preparing water for reuse. Ten water reuse criteria obtained from the legislation of eight countries were used as indicators of water quality. Effluents from the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Gavà‐Viladecans (Barcelona, Spain) were subjected to UV/H2O2 treatment with low H2O2 concentration ([H2O2]o = 5 mg L−1 and UV fluence = 8.04 mW cm−2) and the most common water reuse parameters, such as disinfection indicators, turbidity, total suspended solids and microcontaminant removal (atrazine), were monitored.

RESULTS

Treatment inactivated 100% of the disinfection indicators after 5 min. Afterwards, three levels of treatment corresponding to different reuse applications were defined according to the legislation used. In addition, according to the LuminoTox® bioassay, oxidative treatment of the secondary effluent favoured the formation of less toxic intermediates. Finally, a study was performed to determine the costs of each reuse condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that UV/H2O2 is a suitable method to obtain water of sufficient quality for further reuse. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Defluoridation from aqueous solution by chitosan modified natural zeolite
Authors: Peng Sha , Zeng Qinghui , Guo Yucheng , Niu Beibei , Zhang Xu , Hong Song
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

A novel hybrid material, chitosan‐modified zeolite (Ch‐Z), was synthesized for defluoridation. The structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

RESULTS

The maximum defluoridation capacity onto Ch‐Z was 4.16 mg g−1 from an initial fluoride concentration of 40 mg L‐1, which was almost three times higher than that of unmodified zeolite. The adsorption kinetics of fluoride onto Ch‐Z and zeolite followed pseudo‐second‐order and intra‐particle diffusion models, respectively. Based on a nonlinear method, the adsorption of fluoride onto Ch‐Z fitted the Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models well. Various physicochemical parameters affecting the adsorption of fluoride onto Ch‐Z were investigated. It was observed that the maximum uptake of fluoride occurred in a pH range 4.5–5.5.

CONCLUSION

Although among various ions the presence of high concentration carbonate ions in aqueous solution had the greatest adverse impact on the adsorption of fluoride, Ch‐Z can be successfully used for treatment of real water samples. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Wet process phosphoric acid purification by solvent extraction using N‐octanol and tributylphosphate mixtures
Authors: Ye Changwen , Li Jun
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Solvent extraction using organic extractants is an important technology for purifying wet process phosphoric acid. The purification of the wet process phosphoric acid by liquid–liquid extraction using solvent mixtures of N‐octanol and tributylphosphate has been investigated.

RESULTS

The purification process comprised extraction, scrubbing and stripping operations. The extraction conditions, i.e. shaking time, temperature, composition of solvent mixtures and P2O5 concentration for purification of the wet process phosphoric acid were studied. The phase diagram of the pseudo‐ternary system H3PO4‐H2O‐solvent mixtures at 313.15 K was determined. The McCabe–Thiele diagram showed that three counter‐current stages achieved about 91 wt% P2O5 extraction at 313.15 K. Scrubbing and stripping operations using pure phosphoric acid with 10 wt% P2O5 and doubly distilled water, respectively, were studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The phosphoric acid finally produced was found to be high grade which met the special requirements of the user. Optimization of the extraction conditions and system was capable of providing academic and technical foundations to realize industrial production. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The problem of bone lamellation: An attempt to explain different proposed models
Authors: Marotti Gastone , Ferretti Marzia , Palumbo Carla
Published: January 2013

Collagen texture and osteocyte distribution were analyzed in human woven‐ and lamellar‐bone using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We provide data substantiating the concept that lamellar bone is made up of an alternation of dense‐acellular lamellae and loose‐cellular lamellae, all exhibiting an interwoven texture of collagen fibers. An attempt is also made to explain how the present findings might conform to those of authors whose models propose orderly, geometric arrangements of collagen fibers inside bony lamellae. Such a comparison is possible because the present investigation analyzes split loose lamellae and tangentially‐sectioned dense lamellae. It emerged that only loose lamellae can be dissected, revealing a loose interwoven collagen texture and halved osteocyte lacunae. Dense lamellae cannot be split because of their compactness. The analysis of tangentially sectioned dense lamellae demonstrates that they consist of a network of interwoven collagen fiber bundles. Inside each bundle, collagen fibers run parallel to each other but change direction where they enter adjacent bundles, at angles as described by other authors whose TEM investigations were performed at a much higher magnification than those of the present study. Consequently, what these authors consider to be a lamella are, instead, bundles of collagen fibers inside a lamella. There is discussion of the role played by the manner of osteocyte‐recruitment in the deposition of lamellar‐ and woven‐bone and how the presence of these cells is crucial for collagen spatial arrangement in bone tissues. J. Morphol., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sulindac sulfide inhibits sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, induces endoplasmic reticulum stress response, and exerts toxicity in glioma cells: Relevant similarities to and important differences from celecoxib
Authors: White M.C. , Johnson G.G. , Zhang W. , Hobrath J.V. , Piazza G.A. , Grimaldi M.
Published: January 2013

Malignant gliomas have low survival expectations regardless of current treatments. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prevent cell transformation and slow cancer cell growth by mechanisms independent of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. Certain NSAIDs trigger the endoplasmic reticulum stress response (ERSR), as revealed by upregulation of molecular chaperones such as GRP78 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Although celecoxib (CELE) inhibits the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), an effect known to induce ERSR, sulindac sulfide (SS) has not been reported to affect SERCA. Here, we investigated these two drugs for their effects on Ca2+ homeostasis, ERSR, and glioma cell survival. Our findings indicate that SS is a reversible inhibitor of SERCA and that both SS and CELE bind SERCA at its cyclopiazonic acid binding site. Furthermore, CELE releases additional Ca2+ from the mitochondria. In glioma cells, both NSAIDS upregulate GRP78 and activate ER‐associated caspase‐4 and caspase‐3. Although only CELE upregulates the expression of CHOP, it appears that CHOP induction could be associated with mitochondrial poisoning. In addition, CHOP induction appears to be uncorrelated with the gliotoxicity of these NSAIDS in our experiments. Our data suggest that activation of ERSR is primarily responsible for the gliotoxic effect of these NSAIDS. Because SS has good brain bioavailability, has lower COX‐2 inhibition, and has no mitochondrial effects, it represents a more appealing molecular candidate than CELE to achieve gliotoxicity via activation of ERSR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implant placement increases bone remodeling transiently in a rat model
Authors: Irish John , Virdi Amarjit S. , Sena Kotaro , McNulty Margaret A. , Sumner Dale R.
Published: January 2013

To examine bone remodeling following implant placement, 88 female Sprague–Dawley rats underwent either sham ovariectomy (sham‐ovx) or ovariectomy (ovx) at 4.5 months. At 11 months, 17 baseline control animals were euthanized, while 71 rats received bilateral intramedullary femoral implants. Implanted rats were randomized to 4‐, 8‐, or 12‐week follow‐up times. Microcomputed tomography was used to assess cortical area and trabecular architecture in all rats. Dynamic and static histomorphometry were performed in a subset to examine the trabecular and endocortical bone in the distal femoral metaphysis adjacent to the implant and the periosteal surface at the midshaft superior to the implant (n = 59). Implantation did not affect bone volume in either sham‐ovx or ovx rats compared to baseline controls. Implant placement significantly increased mineralizing surface, mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate in both sham‐ovx and ovx rats at the trabecular and endocortical surfaces at four and sometimes 8 weeks, with a return to baseline values by 12 weeks. At the periosteal surface, implant placement increased bone formation at 4 weeks with a return to baseline levels by 8 weeks. Thus, implant placement increases bone remodeling transiently without affecting bone volume in sham‐ovx and ovx rats. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 800–806, 2013
Effect of return to overuse activity following an isolated supraspinatus tendon tear on adjacent intact tendons and glenoid cartilage in a rat model
Authors: Reuther Katherine E. , Thomas Stephen J. , Sarver Joseph J. , Tucker Jennica J. , Lee Chang‐Soo , Gray Chancellor F. , Glaser David L. , Soslowsky Louis J.
Published: January 2013

Rotator cuff tears are common conditions that can alter shoulder mechanics and may lead to damage of intact joint tissues. These injuries are of particular concern in populations who perform tasks requiring repetitive overhead activity (e.g., athletes and laborers) and who are likely to return to aggressive pre‐injury activity levels despite limited understanding of the potentially damaging effects on the remaining tissues. Therefore, we investigated the effect of returning to overuse activity following a supraspinatus tear on shoulder function and the mechanical properties of the remaining intact tendons and glenoid cartilage. Forty rats underwent 4 weeks of overuse activity to create a tendinopathic condition followed by detachment of the supraspinatus tendon and were then randomized into two groups: continued overuse or cage activity. Ambulatory measurements were performed throughout the 8 weeks prior to euthaniasia, and properties of the adjacent tendons and cartilage were evaluated. Results demonstrated that shoulder function was not compromised in the return to overuse group. However, alterations of the glenoid cartilage and biceps tendon properties occurred. Our results help define the contributory roles of common mechanical injury mechanisms and provide a framework by which physicians could better prescribe long‐term treatment strategies for patients. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 710–715, 2013
Effects of glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, RU486, on the proliferative and differentiation capabilities of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Wei Na , Yu Yang , Schmidt Thomas , Stanford Clark , Hong Liu
Published: January 2013

Glucocorticoids (GCs) potentially regulate the proliferation, differentiation, and premature senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). In the present study we investigated the effects mediated by endogenous GCs and the effects of an antagonist of the glucocorticoid receptor, RU486, on the proliferative and differentiation capabilities of MSCs using an ovariectomized (OVX) animal model. Following ovariectomy and a decrease in systemic estradiol levels, the serum concentration of corticosterone is significantly increased in OVX rats. Compared to sham‐operated controls, the total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in serum of OVX rats and the proliferation of their MSCs are significantly reduced. Furthermore, the osteogenic differentiation capabilities of OVX rat MSCs are significantly decreased, while adipogenic capabilities tend to increase. Subcutaneous administration of RU486 effectively increases the population and proliferative capacity of the MSCs in OVX rats. RU486 treatment also improves osteogenic capabilities and down‐regulates adipogenic capabilities of MSCs. These results strongly indicate that the elevated levels of endogenous GCs induced by estrogen depletion might accelerate the premature senescence of MSCs and reduce their proliferative and osteogenic differentiation capabilities, while the blockage of the effects of endogenous GCs may restore their capabilities. These responses could potentially be developed to protect the capabilities of MSCs from oxidative stress‐induced premature senescence and extend their lifespan in patients with advancing age and estrogen depletion. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 760–767, 2013
Efficacy of leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich plasma gel (L‐PRP gel) in treating osteomyelitis in a rabbit model
Authors: Li Guang‐Yi , Yin Ji‐Min , Ding Hao , Jia Wei‐Tao , Zhang Chang‐Qing
Published: January 2013

Leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich plasma gel (L‐PRP gel), a new autologous product which was previously utilized in several surgical procedures to enhance tissue healing, is now increasingly used as a promising treatment method for infections. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial property of L‐PRP gel against Methicillin‐resistive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, ATCC 43300) in a rabbit model of osteomyelitis. Tibial osteomyelitis was induced in 40 New Zealand white rabbits using the MRSA strain. Three weeks after induction, the rabbits with tibial osteomyelitis were randomly divided into four groups: Control group (no treatment); Van group (debridement and parenteral treatment with vancomycin alone); L‐PRP gel + Van group (debridement and local L‐PRP gel injection, plus parenteral treatment with vancomycin); L‐PRP gel group (debridement and local L‐PRP gel injection). All rabbits were sacrificed 6 weeks after debridement. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated by radiological, microbiological, and histological examinations. Newly formed bone was also quantified. The best therapeutic efficacy, including infection elimination and bone defect repair, was observed in the L‐PRP gel + Van group. Although not comparable to vancomycin, L‐PRP gel also exibited antimicrobial efficacy in vivo. We believe that a combination of L‐PRP gel and antibiotics could be a favorable alternative for the treatment of osteomyelitis. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 949–956, 2013
Platelet‐rich plasma protects rotator cuff‐derived cells from the deleterious effects of triamcinolone acetonide
Authors: Muto Tomoyuki , Kokubu Takeshi , Mifune Yutaka , Sakata Ryosuke , Nagura Issei , Nishimoto Hanako , Harada Yoshifumi , Nishida Kotaro , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro
Published: January 2013

Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections are widely used to treat enthesopathy, but they may induce adverse effects such as tendon impairment and rupture. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is a blood fraction containing high platelet concentrations and various growth factors that play a role in tissue repair processes. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether TA has deleterious effects on human rotator cuff‐derived cells, and if PRP can protect these cells from the effects of TA. Human rotator cuff‐derived cells were cultured with and without TA and PRP, and the culture without any additive served as the control. Cell morphology was assessed at days 7 and 21. Cell viability was evaluated at days 1, 7, 14, and 21 by a water‐soluble tetrazolium salt assay. Induction of apoptosis was measured by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry at day 7. Induction of cleaved caspase‐3 was measured by immunofluorescence staining at day 7. The cells cultured with TA had a flattened and polygonal shape at day 7. The cells cultured with both TA and PRP were similar in appearance to control cells. Exposure to TA also significantly decreased cell viability, but cell viability did not decrease when PRP was added along with TA. The number of apoptotic cells increased with TA exposure, while addition of PRP prevented cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the deleterious effect of TA was prevented by PRP, which can be used as a protective agent for patients receiving local TA injections. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 976–982, 2013
Disruption of thrombospondin‐2 accelerates ischemic fracture healing
Authors: Miedel Emily , Dishowitz Michael I. , Myers Marc H. , Dopkin Derek , Yu Yan‐Yiu , Miclau Ted S. , Marcucio Ralph , Ahn Jaimo , Hankenson Kurt D.
Published: January 2013

Thrombospondin‐2 (TSP2) is a matricellular protein that is highly up‐regulated during fracture healing. TSP2 negatively regulates vascularity, vascular reperfusion following ischemia, and cutaneous wound healing. As well, TSP2‐null mice show increased endocortical bone formation due to an enhanced number of mesenchymal progenitor cells and show increased cortical thickness. Mice deficient in TSP2 (TSP2‐null) show an alteration in fracture healing, that is unrelated to their cortical bone phenotype, which is characterized by enhanced vascularization with a shift towards an intramembranous healing phenotype; thus, we hypothesized that there would be enhanced ischemic fracture healing in the absence of TSP2. We investigated whether an absence of TSP2 would enhance ischemic fracture healing utilizing Laser doppler, µCT and histological analysis. Ischemic tibial fractures were created in wildtype (WT) and TSP2‐null mice and harvested 10, 20, or 40 days post‐fracture. TSP2‐null mice show enhanced vascular perfusion following ischemic fracture. At day 10 post‐fracture, TSP2‐null mice have 115% greater bone volume than WT mice. This is associated with a 122% increase in vessel density, 20% increase in cell proliferation, and 15% decrease in apoptosis compared to WT. At day 20, TSP2‐null mice have 34% more bone volume, 51% greater bone volume fraction, and 37% more bone tissue mineral density than WT. By 40 days after fracture the TSP2‐null mice have a 24% increase in bone volume fraction, but other parameters show no significant differences. These findings indicate TSP2 is a negative regulator of ischemic fracture healing and that in the absence of TSP2 bone regeneration is enhanced. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 935–943, 2013
Anatomic variation of depth‐dependent mechanical properties in neonatal bovine articular cartilage
Authors: Silverberg Jesse L. , Dillavou Sam , Bonassar Lawrence , Cohen Itai
Published: January 2013

Articular cartilage has well known depth‐dependent structure and has recently been shown to have similarly non‐uniform depth‐dependent mechanical properties. Here, we study anatomic variation of the depth‐dependent shear modulus and energy dissipation rate in neonatal bovine knees. The regions we specifically focus on are the patellofemoral groove, trochlea, femoral condyle, and tibial plateau. In every sample, we find a highly compliant region within the first 500 µm of tissue measured from the articular surface, where the local shear modulus is reduced by up to two orders of magnitude. Comparing measurements taken from different anatomic sites, we find statistically significant differences localized within the first 50 µm. Histological images reveal these anatomic variations are associated with differences in collagen density and fiber organization. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 686–691, 2013
Are external knee load and EMG measures accurate indicators of internal knee contact forces during gait?
Authors: Meyer Andrew J. , D'Lima Darryl D. , Besier Thor F. , Lloyd David G. , Colwell Clifford W. , Fregly Benjamin J.
Published: January 2013

Mechanical loading is believed to be a critical factor in the development and treatment of knee osteoarthritis. However, the contact forces to which the knee articular surfaces are subjected during daily activities cannot be measured clinically. Thus, the ability to predict internal knee contact forces accurately using external measures (i.e., external knee loads and muscle electromyographic [EMG] signals) would be clinically valuable. We quantified how well external knee load and EMG measures predict internal knee contact forces during gait. A single subject with a force‐measuring tibial prosthesis and post‐operative valgus alignment performed four gait patterns (normal, medial thrust, walking pole, and trunk sway) to induce a wide range of external and internal knee joint loads. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess how much of the variability in internal contact forces was accounted for by variability in the external measures. Though the different gait patterns successfully induced significant changes in the external and internal quantities, changes in external measures were generally weak indicators of changes in total, medial, and lateral contact force. Our results suggest that when total contact force may be changing, caution should be exercised when inferring changes in knee contact forces based on observed changes in external knee load and EMG measures. Advances in musculoskeletal modeling methods may be needed for accurate estimation of in vivo knee contact forces. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 921–929, 2013
Portal stenting for hepatocellular carcinoma extending into the portal vein in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Vibert Eric , Azoulay Daniel , Sa Cunha Antonio , Adam Rene , Samuel Didier , Castaing Denis
Published: January 2013

Background and Aims

Macroscopic portal vein invasion complicating hepatocellular carcinoma in the setting of cirrhosis is associated with a very low survival. To prevent the malignant progression from a portal branch to the main portal trunk, we have placed noncovered metallic stents extending from the portal trunk to the contralateral tumor free portal pedicle.

Methods

Fifty‐Four patients (age: 60 ± 11 years) were treated. Thirty‐four (60%) patients were Child A and 20 (40%) were Child B–C. Tumoral thrombosis involved 1st or 2nd order branches in 41 (82%) patients and partially the main trunk in 13 (24%). Open surgical insertion (via ileal vein) as an alternative to a percutaneous approach was used in 14 (24%) patients.

Results

Early mortality (<30 days) was 7%. Following stent insertion, a transarterial chemoembolization was performed in 26 (48%) patients. After stenting, overall survival at 6, 12, and 24 months were 47%, 44%, and 36%, respectively. Bilirubin > 30 µmol/L and open surgical insertion were predictive of short‐term mortality. In the good group, overall survival at 6, 12, and 24 months were 69%, 61%, and 46%, respectively.

Conclusions

The transhepatic deployment of metallic stent seems to improve survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by portal vein tumoral thrombosis and could allow subsequent treatments. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:696–701. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of circumferential resection margin status on Loco‐regional recurrence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Park Hae Jin , Kim Hak Jae , Chie Eui Kyu , Kang Chang Hyun , Kim Young Tae
Published: January 2013

Background

To analyze treatment outcomes and patterns of recurrence, and to examine the impact of adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) after esophagectomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) regarding the status of circumferential resection margin (CRM).

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of esophageal cancer patients operated in Seoul National University Hospital between 2003 and 2010. Pathologically proven T3 SqCC patients with written reports mentioning the status of CRM were selected. Fifty‐nine out of 71 patients (83.1%) had CRM+. Twenty‐eight patients had radiotherapy in CRM+ and CRM−, respectively. The median follow‐up period was 17.1 months (range: 5.2–63.1).

Results

Median survival and 2‐year overall survival were 13.8 months and 41.9% in CRM+, and 27.3 months and 74.1% in CRM−, respectively. Loco‐regional relapse‐free survival (LRRFS) rate at 2 years was 33.6% and 74.1% in each groups (P = 0.029). Loco‐regional recurrence was the major pattern of failure in CRM+. PORT did not improve LRRFS.

Conclusion

The esophageal SqCC patients with CRM+ after resection showed worse LRRFS. This finding validated the prognostic value of CRM status. Nevertheless, we failed to demonstrate the benefits of adjuvant PORT in CRM+. This might suggest the necessity of neoadjuvant therapy to decrease the CRM+ rate after esophagectomy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:762–766. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transepidermal retinoic acid delivery using ablative fractional radiofrequency associated with acoustic pressure ultrasound for stretch marks treatment
Authors: Issa Maria Cláudia Almeida , de Britto Pereira Kassuga Luiza Erthal , Chevrand Natalia Stroligo , do Nascimento Barbosa Livia , Luiz Ronir Raggio , Pantaleão Luciana , Vilar Enoi Guedes , Rochael Mayra Carrijo
Published: January 2013

Background

Striae distensae (SD) treatment still remains a therapeutic challenge to dermatologists. Ablative fractional laser and radiofrequency (RF) enhance skin‐drug permeability for SD treatment.

Objective

To clinically evaluate the efficacy and safety as well as patient's satisfaction in relation to a method using ablative fractional RF associated with retinoic acid 0.05% cream and an acoustic pressure wave ultrasound (US) in patients with alba‐type SD on the breast.

Methods and Materials

Eight patients with alba‐type SD on the breast were treated with three step procedure: (1) fractional ablative RF for skin perforation; (2) topical application of retinoic acid 0.05% on the perforated skin; and (3) US was applied to enhance the retinoic acid penetration into the skin. Other eight patients with alba‐type SD on the abdominal area were submitted to RF treatment isolated without retinoic acid or US. Three of them were submitted to skin biopsies.

Results

Three patients with SD on the breast area improved from “severe” to “moderate;” two patients improved from “severe” to “mild;” two patients from “moderate” to “mild;” one patient from “marked” to “mild.” Clinical assessment demonstrated significant improvement in the appearance of SD in all patients treated with RF associated with retinoic acid 0.05% cream and US (P = 0.008), with low incidence of side effects and high level of patient's satisfaction. Among the patients treated only with RF, two patients improved from “severe” to “marked;” one patient from “marked” to “moderate;” and one patient improved from “marked” to “mild.” Four patients did not show any sort of improvement. Clinical assessment demonstrated no significant improvement in the appearance of SD treated with RF isolated with low incidence of side effects, but low‐level of patient's satisfaction.

Conclusion

Ablative fractional RF and acoustic pressure US associated with retinoic acid 0.05% cream is safe and effective for alba‐type SD treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 81–88, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Finite element analysis of thermal and acoustic processes during laser tattoo removal
Authors: Humphries Alexander , Lister Tom S. , Wright Philip A. , Hughes Mike P.
Published: January 2013

Background and Objective

Q‐switched laser therapy is commonly used for the removal of tattoos. However, despite ever increasing demand for this intervention, a better understanding of the mechanisms that result in pigment reduction is required in order to optimise outcomes and reduce the number of treatment episodes.

Study Design

A finite element analysis computer simulation was developed to model the fragmentation response of ink granules during irradiation of a professional black tattoo using a Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser. Thermal and acoustic mechanisms were considered, allowing the optimal laser settings to be predicted throughout the course of treatment. Changes in the thermal properties of the ink during heating were taken into account to improve the reliability of the results obtained.

Results

The simulated results are in close agreement with clinical observations. Thermal fragmentation was shown to be the dominant mechanism in pigment reduction when using a 6 nanoseconds pulse at 1,064 nm. In order to provide maximum clearance whilst maintaining acceptable levels of tissue thermal damage, later treatments were shown to benefit from higher fluence levels than initial treatments. Larger spot diameters were also preferable throughout the course of treatment.

Conclusions

The results from the simulation build upon previous work carried out in the field, applying ink thermal coefficients which vary with temperature for the first time. These results compliment clinical knowledge, suggesting that a proactive increase in fluence during a course of treatments is likely to improve the response to laser therapy. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 108–115, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of increased maximum power output on perioperative and early postoperative outcome in photoselective vaporization of the prostate
Authors: Rieken Malte , Bonkat Gernot , Müller Georg , Wyler Stephen , Mundorff Nicole Ebinger , Püschel Heike , Gasser Thomas , Bachmann Alexander
Published: January 2013

Background and Objective

Preclinical studies suggest an increased vaporization rate and speed of the 532 nm 180‐W XPS GreenLight laser (180‐W) compared with the 120‐W HPS GreenLight laser (120‐W) and the 80‐W PV GreenLight laser (80‐W). To test the clinical relevance of this observation we analyzed intraoperative data and early postoperative results after photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with the 180‐W, 120‐W, and 80‐W laser.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A retrospective pair‐to‐pair comparison was performed including 80 consecutive patients who underwent PVP for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement with the 180‐W, 120‐W, and 80‐W laser. The groups matched concerning age, prostate volume, PSA‐value, and preoperative catheterization. Primary study outcome measurement was PSA‐value reduction at 3 months; intraoperative data, perioperative complications, and early postoperative functional course were secondary study outcome measurements.

Results

Energy application per case (kJ), preoperative prostate volume (kJ/ml) operating time (kJ/minute), and lasing time (kJ/minute) was significantly higher with the 180‐W laser. Prevalence of impaired visibility due to bleeding was comparable between the 180‐W and the 120‐W laser but significantly lower with 80‐W. Duration of hospitalization was shorter with the 180‐W laser compared to the former laser systems. During the postoperative course of 3 months voiding parameters and micturition symptoms significantly improved in all groups, the incidence of postoperative dysuria was comparable. Postoperative PSA‐value reduction was significantly higher after treatment with the 180‐W laser.

Conclusions

With the 180‐W laser, higher energy application and higher speed of tissue vaporization leads to increased tissue vaporization compared to the former 120‐W and 80‐W laser systems. Clinical efficacy and perioperative safety are maintained with the higher powered laser. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 28–33, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MYCN is recruited to the RASSF1A promoter but is not critical for DNA hypermethylation in neuroblastoma
Authors: Charlet Jessica , Szemes Marianna , Malik Karim T.A. , Brown Keith W.
Published: January 2013

Tumor suppressor genes such as RASSF1A are often epigenetically repressed by DNA hypermethylation in neuroblastoma, where the MYCN proto‐oncogene is frequently amplified. MYC has been shown to associate with DNA methyltransferases, thereby inducing transcriptional repression of target genes, which suggested that MYCN might play a similar mechanistic role in the hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes in neuroblastoma. This study tested that hypothesis by using co‐immunoprecipitation and ChIP to investigate MYCN–DNA methyltransferase interactions, together with MYCN knock‐down and over‐expression systems to examine the effect of MYCN expression changes on gene methylation, employing both candidate gene and genome‐wide assays. We show that MYCN interacts with DNA methyltransferases and is recruited to the promoter region of RASSF1A. However, using four model systems, we showed that long‐term silencing of MYCN induces only a small loss of DNA methylation at the RASSF1A promoter in MYCN amplified neuroblastoma cell lines and over‐expression of MYCN does not induce any DNA methylation, suggesting that MYCN is not critical for DNA hypermethylation in neuroblastoma. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Core and Common Members in the Genesis of Farmer Cooperatives in China
Authors: Liang Qiao , Hendrikse George
Published: January 2013

This paper addresses the genesis of farmer cooperatives in China in terms of the actors. Empirical results from a multiple case study indicate that the genesis of cooperatives in China is due to entrepreneurial farmers and the government, rather than a bottom‐up, collective action process of many small farmers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A galenical produced from Ba‐Wei‐Die‐Huang‐Wan (THC‐002) provides resistance to the cold stress‐induced detrusor overactivity in conscious rats
Authors: Imamura Tetsuya , Ishizuka Osamu , Sudha Gautam Silwal , Lei Zhang , Hosoda Tomoka , Noguchi Wataru , Yamagishi Takahiro , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Kurizaki Yoshiki , Nishizawa Osamu
Published: January 2013

Aims

We determined if THC‐002, a galenical produced from Ba‐Wei‐Die‐Huang‐Wan, could increase skin temperature and inhibit detrusor overactivity induced by sudden whole body cooling. Further, we determined if THC‐002 could decrease expression of transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channels associated with the cold responses.

Methods

Hind leg skin temperature of female 10‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley rats was measured by thermal imaging. Experimental rats (n = 12) were given oral 100 mg/kg THC‐002 daily for one week, and controls (n = 12) were similarly treated with THC‐002‐free solution. Afterwards, thermal imaging and cystometric investigations of the freely moving conscious rats were performed at room temperature (RT, 27 ± 2°C) for 20 min. The rats were then transferred to a low temperature (LT, 4 ± 2°C) environment during which thermal imaging and cystometric measurements were taken at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 min. Afterward, the skin tissues were harvested to estimate expression levels of TRPM8 channels by immunohistochemistry and real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The RT skin temperature of THC‐002‐treated rats was significantly higher than controls. During the first 20 min under LT, the control rats exhibited cold stress‐induced detrusor overactivity such as decreased voiding interval and bladder capacity. THC‐002 partially inhibited the detrusor overactivity patterns. During the second 20 min, skin temperature was relatively stable, and the detrusor overactivity of both groups slowly disappeared. THC‐002 significantly reduced expression of TRPM8 channel protein and mRNA.

Conclusions

THC‐002 inhibited cold stress‐induced detrusor overactivity resulting from decreasing skin temperature. Therefore, THC‐002 might provide resistance to cold stress‐exacerbated lower urinary tract symptoms. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 486–492, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pelvic floor muscle injuries 6 weeks post partum—an intra‐ and inter‐rater study
Authors: Stær‐Jensen Jette , Siafarikas Franziska , Hilde Gunvor , Brækken Ingeborg H. , Bø Kari , Engh Marie Ellström
Published: January 2013

Aim

To evaluate intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability when diagnosing major defects, and inter‐rater reliability of diagnosing minor defects and muscle thickness of the pubovisceral muscle in primiparous women 6 weeks after vaginal delivery, using 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound.

Methods

Forty primiparous women were assessed using 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound. Volumes were acquired at maximal pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction, and diagnosis of muscle defects were done using tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) of the axial plane. Thickness was measured in three central levels of TUI. The stored volumes were analyzed offline by two investigators blinded to each others' results and the women's clinical data. Cohen's kappa (κ) and percentual agreement were calculated for defects, intraclass correlations coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for thickness.

Results

Excellent intra‐rater values were found for all major defects. Inter‐rater values for bilateral and right‐sided defects were excellent, and good for left‐sided. Agreement for minor defects was poor. Measuring thickness ICC of 0.72 was found for the left side and 0.48 for the right side, although up to half of the cases had to be excluded owing to poor demarcation of the muscle.

Conclusion

Tomographic ultrasound imaging of the axial plane using three central slices seems to be a reliable tool for detecting major pubovisceral muscle defects shortly after childbirth. Minor defects showed low reliability. Muscle thickness measurements showed moderate reliability, but too many cases had to be excluded for this to be a useful method for determining muscle thinning 6 weeks after delivery. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 993–997, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subject‐controlled stimulation of dorsal genital nerve to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity at home
Authors: Opisso Eloy , Borau Albert , Rijkhoff Nico J.M.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To investigate the effects of subject controlled dorsal genital nerve (DGN) electrical stimulation on neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in subjects at home.

Methods

Subjects underwent a 5‐day study at home with DGN stimulation. Stimulation was provided with surface electrodes placed either on the dorsal penile shaft in males and on or close to the clitoris in females. The days 1 and 5 were with no stimulation whereas days 2–4 were with stimulation. Two urodynamic studies were performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. A bladder diary was obtained.

Results

Eleven subjects with NDO and with urge incontinence were included. One subject stopped the protocol before the end of the 5‐day trial and two did not undergo the second urodynamic study. The subjects showed a statistically significant increase in bladder capacities compared to baseline (P = 0.047). Mean volume per day voided significantly increased over the study within the subjects. Differences between day 1 and day 5 were statistically significant (P = 0.028).

Conclusions

The feasibility and the globally positive outcomes of the study indicate that the stimulation of the dorsal genital nerve can be an option for the treatment of the NDO. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 1004–1009, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of stretch‐induced Rho‐kinase activation in the generation of bladder tone
Authors: Shiomi Homare , Takahashi Norio , Kawashima Yohei , Ogawa Soichiro , Haga Nobuhiro , Kushida Nobuhiro , Nomiya Masanori , Yanagida Tomohiko , Ishibashi Kei , Aikawa Ken , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: January 2013

Aims

The present study investigated the role of the Rho‐kinase (ROK) pathway in the maintenance of bladder tone during the storage phase, and its effects on bladder compliance.

Methods

Muscle strips from isolated rat bladder (detrusor strips) were used to evaluate the effects of the ROK inhibitors Y‐27632 and HA‐1077 on resting tension, which is independent of G‐protein coupled pathways. Stretch‐induced ROK activation was assessed by measuring phosphorylation of MYPT1 (myosin phosphatase targeting subunit) using Western blotting. The effect of ROK inhibitors on bladder compliance during bladder filling was assessed in an in vitro whole bladder model.

Results

Y‐27632 and HA‐1077 caused concentration‐dependent relaxation of detrusor strips. Stretch increased MYPT1‐p[Thr853] levels by approximately 1.5‐fold in normal Krebs buffer. The ROK inhibitor Y‐27632 abolished the stretch‐induced increase and reduced the level of MYPT1‐p[Thr853] to <50% of the basal values in normal Krebs buffer. Stretch‐induced phosphorylation of MYPT1 was independent of Ca2+ originating from either extracellular or intracellular stores. When tested in the isolated whole rat bladder model, HA‐1077 significantly increased bladder compliance at both 3 and 10 µM.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the ROK pathway is constitutively active and stretch further activates the ROK pathway, which contributes to the generation of bladder tone, thereby affecting bladder compliance. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 1019–1025, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of use of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence‐Short Form (ICIQ‐UI‐SF) for impairment rating: A transversal retrospective study of 120 patients
Authors: Timmermans Luc , Falez Freddy , Mélot Christian , Wespes Eric
Published: January 2013

Aims

A urinary incontinence impairment rating must be a highly accurate, non‐invasive exploration of the condition using International Classification of Functioning (ICF)‐based assessment tools. The objective of this study was to identify the best evaluation test and to determine an impairment rating model of urinary incontinence.

Methods

In performing a cross‐sectional study comparing successive urodynamic tests using both the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Urinary Incontinence‐Short Form (ICIQ‐UI‐SF) and the 1‐hr pad‐weighing test in 120 patients, we performed statistical likelihood ratio analysis and used logistic regression to calculate the probability of urodynamic incontinence using the most significant independent predictors. Subsequently, we created a template that was based on the significant predictors and the probability of urodynamic incontinence.

Results

The mean ICIQ‐UI‐SF score was 13.5 ± 4.6, and the median pad test value was 8 g. The discrimination statistic (receiver operating characteristic) described how well the urodynamic observations matched the ICIQ‐UI‐SF scores (under curve area (UDA):0.689) and the pad test data (UDA: 0.693). Using logistic regression analysis, we demonstrated that the best independent predictors of urodynamic incontinence were the patient's age and the ICIQ‐UI‐SF score. The logistic regression model permitted us to construct an equation to determine the probability of urodynamic incontinence. Using these tools, we created a template to generate a probability index of urodynamic urinary incontinence.

Conclusions

Using this probability index, relative to the patient and to the maximum impairment of the whole person (MIWP) relative to urinary incontinence, we were able to calculate a patient's permanent impairment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 974–979, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coping with the urge to smoke: A real‐time analysis
Authors: Merchant Gina , Pulvers Kim , Brooks Richard D. , Edwards Jessica
Published: January 2013

Successfully coping with the urge to smoke is important to achieve smoking cessation. Nicotine‐dependent smokers (N = 123) were placed in a tempting setting in a laboratory, and the effectiveness of various coping strategies for resisting the urge to smoke were evaluated in real time. Latency (time between exposure to lit cigarettes and report of need to smoke) was the primary‐dependent variable, and coping strategies listed by participants after the smoking encounter served as predictors. There was a small positive relationship between cognitive‐specific strategies, such as using positive self‐talk, and latency (r = .19, p < .05), whereas there was a small negative relationship between behavioral‐general strategies, such as looking out the window, and latency (r = −.23, p < .01). Counseling approaches that include teaching cognitive‐specific strategies may help individuals cope with the urge to smoke. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36:3–15, 2013
Malnutrition in pediatric patients with cancer at diagnosis and throughout therapy: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Zimmermann Karin , Ammann Roland A. , Kuehni Claudia E. , De Geest Sabina , Cignacco Eva
Published: January 2013

Background

Malnutrition is a common problem in pediatric patients with cancer. Reported prevalence varies widely and has often been assessed only in a subset of childhood types of cancer. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of malnutrition among pediatric patients newly diagnosed with cancer, to describe the occurrence and course of malnutrition during therapy and to identify factors associated with malnutrition during therapy.

Procedure

In a retrospective cohort study of 327 patients diagnosed from 2003 to 2006 in three Swiss tertiary care hospitals, weight and height measures together with patient‐, disease‐, and treatment‐related characteristics were assessed. Malnutrition was defined as body mass index (BMI) below −2 standard deviation scores (SDS) or a weight loss >10% from diagnosis. Malnutrition was assessed at diagnosis and continuously during anticancer therapy.

Results

At diagnosis, 5.8% of the patients (19) were malnourished based on BMI. During anticancer therapy, the cumulative incidence of malnutrition rose to 22% (70 patients) after 30 days, to 36% (116 patients) after 60 days, and finally to 47% (155 patients). In these 155 patients, the median duration of malnutrition was 60 days (interquartile range, 21–122). Age above 10 years at diagnosis, BMI ≤ −1.0 SDS at diagnosis, and a diagnosis of medulloblastoma were positively associated with a higher proportion of malnutrition time during therapy.

Conclusions

The rapid increase of malnutrition after the start of treatment underlines the need to develop evidence‐based and efficient methods to provide nutritional support for children with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 642–649. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potential role for statins in sickle cell disease
Authors: Adam Soheir S. , Hoppe Carolyn
Published: January 2013

The complex pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD) is remarkably similar to that observed in other chronic vascular diseases and involves multiple biologic pathways triggered by ischemia reperfusion injury, coagulation activation, and inflammation. Statins are potent lipid‐lowering agents commonly used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Independent of their lipid lowering effect, statins have been shown to down‐regulate inflammatory mediators and endothelial adhesion molecules, reduce tissue factor expression and restore nitric oxide bioavailability. The pleiotropic effects of statins make these agents attractive therapeutic candidates for SCD. This article reviews available evidence for the potential role of statins in SCD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 550–557. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Massive splenic infarction in an adolescent with hemoglobin S‐HPFH
Authors: Whyte Donna , Forget Bernard , Chui David H.K. , Luo Hong‐yuan , Pashankar Farzana
Published: January 2013

Hemoglobin sickle‐hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (S‐HPFH) is a condition in which there is compound heterozygosity for the Hb S mutation and the HPFH deletion. These patients have no anemia, little evidence of hemolysis and generally have a benign clinical course compared to other types of sickle cell anemia. We describe a 19‐year‐old male with HbS‐HPFH who had no history of anemia or vaso‐occlusive crisis, who presented with a massive splenic infarct. We conclude that patients with HbS‐HPFH can occasionally present with severe complications and require a high level of clinical suspicion for complications when presenting to the hospital. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: E49–E51. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.