bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of cultivation-dependent and -independent techniques to assess contamination of central venous catheters: a pilot study
Authors: Larsen Mette KS , Thomsen Trine R , Moser Claus , Høiby Niels , Nielsen Per H
Published: October 2008

Background

Catheters are the most common cause of nosocomial infections and are associated with increased risk of mortality, length of hospital stay and cost. Prevention of infections and fast and correct diagnosis is highly important.

Methods

In this study traditional semiquantitative culture-dependent methods for diagnosis of bacteria involved in central venous catheter-related infections as described by Maki were compared with the following culture-independent molecular biological methods: Clone libraries, denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis, phylogeny and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results

In accordance with previous studies, the cultivation of central venous catheters from 18 patients revealed that S. epidermidis and other coagulase-negative staphylococci were most abundant and that a few other microorganisms such as P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae occasionally were found on the catheters. The molecular analysis using clone libraries and sequencing, denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis and sequencing provided several important results. The species found by cultivation were confirmed by molecular methods. However, many other bacteria belonging to the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were also found, stressing that only a minor portion of the species present were found by cultivation. Some of these bacteria are known to be pathogens, some have not before been described in relation to human health, and some were not closely related to known pathogens and may represent new pathogenic species. Furthermore, there was a clear difference between the bacterial species found in biofilm on the external (exluminal) and internal (luminal) side of the central venous catheter, which can not be detected by Maki's method. Polymicrobial biofilms were observed on most of the catheters and were much more common than the cultivation-dependent methods indicated.

Conclusion

The results show that diagnosis based on molecular methods improves the detection of microorganisms involved in central catheter-related infections. The importance of these microorganisms needs to be investigated further, also in relation to contamination risk from improper catheter handling, as only in vivo contaminants are of interest. This information can be used for development of fast and more reliable diagnostic tools, which can be used in combination with traditional methods.
Spanish Ketogenic Mediterranean diet: a healthy cardiovascular diet for weight loss
Authors: Pérez-Guisado Joaquín , Muñoz-Serrano Andrés , Alonso-Moraga Ángeles
Published: October 2008

Background

Ketogenic diets are an effective healthy way of losing weight since they promote a non-atherogenic lipid profile, lower blood pressure and decrease resistance to insulin with an improvement in blood levels of glucose and insulin. On the other hand, Mediterranean diet is well known to be one of the healthiest diets, being the basic ingredients of such diet the olive oil, red wine and vegetables. In Spain the fish is an important component of such diet. The objective of this study was to determine the dietary effects of a protein ketogenic diet rich in olive oil, salad, fish and red wine.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out in 31 obese subjects (22 male and 19 female) with the inclusion criteria whose body mass index and age was 36.46 ± 2.22 and 38.48 ± 2.27, respectively. This Ketogenic diet was called "Spanish Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet" (SKMD) due to the incorporation of virgin olive oil as the principal source of fat (≥30 ml/day), moderate red wine intake (200–400 ml/day), green vegetables and salads as the main source of carbohydrates and fish as the main source of proteins. It was an unlimited calorie diet. Statistical differences between the parameters studied before and after the administration of the "Spanish Ketogenic Mediterranean diet" (week 0 and 12) were analyzed by paired Student's t test.

Results

There was an extremely significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in body weight (108.62 kg→ 94.48 kg), body mass index (36.46 kg/m2→31.76 kg/m2), systolic blood pressure (125.71 mmHg→109.05 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (84.52 mmHg→ 75.24 mmHg), total cholesterol (208.24 mg/dl→186.62 mg/dl), triacylglicerols (218.67 mg/dl→113.90 mg/dl) and glucose (109.81 mg/dl→ 93.33 mg/dl). There was a significant (p = 0.0167) reduction in LDLc (114.52 mg/dl→105.95 mg/dl) and an extremely significant increase in HDLc (50.10 mg/dl→54.57 mg/dl). The most affected parameter was the triacylglicerols (47.91% of reduction).

Conclusion

The SKMD is safe, an effective way of losing weight, promoting non-atherogenic lipid profiles, lowering blood pressure and improving fasting blood glucose levels. Future research should include a larger sample size, a longer term use and a comparison with other ketogenic diets.
Effects of AR7 Joint Complex on arthralgia for patients with osteoarthritis: Results of a three-month study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Xie Qingwen , Shi Rong , Xu Gang , Cheng Lifu , Shao Liyun , Rao Jianyu
Published: October 2008

Background

Osteoarthritis-induced arthralgia is a common cause of morbidity in both men and women worldwide. AR7 Joint Complex is a nutritional supplement containing various ingredients including sternum collagen II and methylsulfonylmethane. The product has been marketed in United States for over a decade, but clinical data measuring the effectiveness of this supplement in relieving arthralgia is lacking. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of AR7 Joint Complex on osteoarthritis.

Methods

A total of 100 patients over the age of 50 who had osteoarthritis were recruited to the double-blind study and randomly assigned into either treatment or placebo control groups. The patients in the treatment group were given AR7 Joint Complex orally, 1 capsule daily for 12 weeks, while the patients in the control group were given a placebo for the same period of time. Prior to and at the end of the study, data including Quality of Life questionnaires (SF-36), visual analog scales (1 to 100 mm), and X-rays of affected joints were collected.

Results

A total of 89 patients completed the study: 44 from the treatment group and 45 from the control group. No significant change in X-ray results was found in either group after the study. However, there was a significant decrease in patients complaining of arthralgia and tenderness (P < 0.01) in the treatment group and there was also a significant difference between the treatment and control groups at the end of the study. In addition, for Quality of Life data, the body pain index (BP) in the treatment group was significantly improved (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. No significant toxicity was noted in either group.

Conclusion

AR7 Joint Complex appears to have short-term effects in relieving pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Whether such an effect is long-lasting remains to be seen.
Phospholipase C beta 4 in mouse hepatocytes: Rhythmic expression and cellular distribution
Authors: Klein Brittany M , Andrews Jane B , Bannan Barbra A , Nazario-Toole Ashley E , Jenkins Travis C , Christensen Kimberly D , Oprisan Sorinel A , Meyer-Bernstein Elizabeth L
Published: October 2008

Background

Circadian regulated physiological processes have been well documented in the mammalian liver. Phospholipases are important mediators of both cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling mechanisms in hepatocytes, and despite a potentially critical role for these enzymes in regulating the temporal aspect of hepatic physiology, their involvement in the circadian liver clock has not been the subject of much investigation. The phospholipase C β4 (PLCβ4) enzyme is of particular interest as it has been linked to circadian clock function. In general, there is no knowledge of the role of the PLCβ4 isozyme in mammalian hepatocytes as this is the first report of its expression in the mammalian liver.

Results

We found that in the liver of mice housed on a light:dark cycle, PLCβ4 protein underwent a significant circadian rhythm with a peak occurring during the early night. In constant darkness, the protein rhythm was more robust and peaked around dusk. We also observed a significant oscillation inplcβ4gene expression in the livers of mice housed in both photoperiodic and constant dark conditions. The cellular distribution of the protein in hepatocytes varied over the course of the circadian day with PLCβ4 primarily cytoplasmic around dusk and nuclear at dawn.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that PLCβ4 gene and protein expression is regulated by a circadian clock in the mouse liver and is not dependent on the external photoperiod. A light-independent daily translocation of PLCβ4 implies that it may play a key role in nuclear signaling in hepatocytes and serve as a daily temporal cue for physiological processes in the liver.
The acute effects of bilateral ovariectomy or adrenalectomy on progesterone, testosterone and estradiol serum levels depend on the surgical approach and the day of the estrous cycle when they are performed
Authors: Flores Angélica , Gallegos Alma I , Velasco Jacqueline , Mendoza Fernando D , Montiel Cristina , Everardo Pamela M , Cruz María-Esther , Domínguez Roberto
Published: October 2008

Bilateral ovariectomy or adrenalectomy are experimental tools used to understand the mechanisms regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. There is evidence that acute unilateral perforation of the dorsal peritoneum in rats results in significant changes in progesterone, testosterone and estradiol serum concentrations. Because different surgical approaches for unilateral or bilateral ovariectomy or adrenalectomy, sectioning the superior ovarian nerve or the vagus nerve are used, we compare the acute effects on hormone serum concentrations resulting from the unilateral or bilateral dorsal approach to performing bilateral ovariectomy or adrenalectomy with those obtained when an unilateral incision is performed in the ventral abdomen. In general, the progesterone, testosterone and estradiol serum concentrations were higher in animals with ventral approach than in those with dorsal surgery, the effects varying depending on the day of the estrous cycle when surgery was performed. The results suggest that the neural signals arising from different zones of the peritoneum and/or the abdominal wall play different roles in the mechanisms regulating steroid hormones concentrations.
Detection and characterization of chicken anemia virus from commercial broiler breeder chickens
Authors: Hailemariam Zerihun , Omar Abdul Rahman , Hair-Bejo Mohd , Giap Tan Ching
Published: October 2008

Background

Chicken anemia virus (CAV) is the causative agent of chicken infectious anemia (CIA). Study on the type of CAV isolates present and their genetic diversity, transmission to their progeny and level of protection afforded in the breeder farms is lacking in Malaysia. Hence, the present study was aimed to detect CAV from commercial broiler breeder farms and characterize CAV positive samples based on sequence and phylogenetic analysis of partial VP1 gene.

Results

A total of 12 CAV isolates from different commercial broiler breeder farms were isolated and characterized. Detection of CAV positive embryos by the PCR assay in the range of 40 to 100% for different farms indicated high level of occurrence of vertical transmission of viral DNA to the progeny. CAV antigen was detected in the thymus and in the bone marrow but not in spleen, liver, duodenum, ovary and oviduct by indirect immunoperoxidase staining. The 12 CAV isolates were characterized based on partial sequences of VP1 gene. Six isolates (MF1A, MF3C, M3B5, NF4A, P12B and P24A) were found to have maximum homology with previously characterized Malaysian isolate SMSC-1, four isolates (M1B1, NF3A, PYT4 and PPW4) with isolate BL-5 and the remaining two (NF1D and NF2C) have maximum homology both with isolates 3-1 and BL-5. Meanwhile, seven of the isolates with amino acid profile of 75-I, 97-L, 139-Q and 144-Q were clustered together in cluster I together with other isolates from different geographical places. The remaining five isolates with amino acid profile of 75-V, 97-M, 139-K and 144-E were grouped under cluster II. All the CAV isolates demonstrated omega values (Ka/Ks) of less than one (the values ranging from 0.07 to 0.5) suggesting the occurrence of purifying (negative) selection in all the studied isolates.

Conclusion

The present study showed that CAV is widespread in the studied commercial broiler breeder farms. The result also indicated the occurrence of genetic variability in local CAV isolates that can be divided at least into two groups based on characteristic amino acid substitutions at positions 75, 97, 139 and 144 of the VP1 protein.
Neutralizing human monoclonal antibody against H5N1 influenza HA selected from a Fab-phage display library
Authors: Lim Angeline PC , Chan Conrad EZ , Wong Steven KK , Chan Annie HY , Ooi Eng Eong , Hanson Brendon J
Published: October 2008

Identification of neutralizing antibodies with specificity away from the traditional mutation prone antigenic regions, against the conserved regions of hemagglutinin from H5N1 influenza virus has the potential to provide a therapeutic option which can be developed ahead of time in preparation for a possible pandemic due to H5N1 viruses. In this study, we used a combination of panning strategies against the hemagglutinin (HA) of several antigenic distinct H5N1 isolates to bias selection of Fab-phage from a naïve human library away from the antigenic regions of HA, toward the more conserved portions of the protein. All of the identified Fab clones which showed binding to multiple antigenically distinct HA were converted to fully human IgG, and tested for their ability to neutralize the uptake of H5N1-virus like particles (VLP) into MDCK cells. Five of the antibodies which showed binding to the relatively conserved HA2 subunit of HA, exhibited neutralization of H5N1-VLP uptake in a dose dependant manner. The inhibitory effects of these five antibodies were similar to those observed with a previously described neutralizing antibody specific for the 140s antigenic loop present within HA1 and highlight the exciting possibility that these antibodies may be efficacious against multiple H5N1 strains.
A Preliminary fMRI Study of Analgesic Treatment in Chronic Back Pain and Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Baliki Marwan N , Geha Paul Y , Jabakhanji Rami , Harden Norm , Schnitzer Thomas J , Apkarian A Vania
Published: October 2008

The effects of an analgesic treatment (lidocaine patches) on brain activity in chronic low back pain (CBP) and in knee osteoarthritis (OA) were investigated using serial fMRI (contrasting fMRI between before and after two weeks of treatment). Prior to treatment brain activity was distinct between the two groups: CBP spontaneous pain was associated mainly with activity in medial prefrontal cortex, while OA painful mechanical knee stimulation was associated with bilateral activity in the thalamus, secondary somatosensory, insular, and cingulate cortices, and unilateral activity in the putamen and amygdala. After 5% lidocaine patches were applied to the painful body part for two weeks, CBP patients exhibited a significant decrease in clinical pain measures, while in OA clinical questionnaire based outcomes showed no treatment effect but stimulus evoked pain showed a borderline decrease. The lidocaine treatment resulted in significantly decreased brain activity in both patient groups with distinct brain regions responding in each group, and sub-regions within these areas were correlated with pain ratings specifically for each group (medial prefrontal cortex in CBP and thalamus in OA). We conclude that the two chronic pain conditions involve distinct brain regions, with OA pain engaging many brain regions commonly observed in acute pain. Moreover, lidocaine patch treatment modulates distinct brain circuitry in each condition, yet in OA we observe divergent results with fMRI and with questionnaire based instruments.
HC-030031, a TRPA1 Selective Antagonist, Attenuates Inflammatory- and Neuropathy-Induced Mechanical Hypersensitivity
Authors: Eid Samer R , Crown Eric D , Moore Eric L , Liang Hongyu A , Choong Kar-Chan , Dima Shelley , Henze Darrell A , Kane Stefanie A , Urban Mark O
Published: October 2008

Background:

Safe and effective treatment for chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain remains a key unmet medical need for many patients. The recent discovery and description of the transient receptor potential family of receptors including TRPV1 and TRPA1 has provided a number of potential new therapeutic targets for treating chronic pain. Recent reports have suggested that TRPA1 may play an important role in acute formalin and CFA induced pain. The current study was designed to further explore the therapeutic potential of pharmacological TRPA1 antagonism to treat inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Results:

The in vitro potencies of HC-030031 versus cinnamaldehyde or allyl isothiocyanate (AITC or Mustard oil)-induced TRPA1 activation were 4.9 ± 0.1 and 7.5 ± 0.2 μM respectively (IC50). These findings were similar to the previously reported IC50 of 6.2 μM against AITC activation of TRPA1 [ 1 ]. In the rat, oral administration of HC-030031 reduced AITC-induced nocifensive behaviors at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Moreover, oral HC-030031 (100 mg/kg) significantly reversed mechanical hypersensitivity in the more chronic models of Complete Freunds Adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain and the spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain.

Conclusion:

Using oral administration of the selective TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031, our results demonstrated that TRPA1 plays an important role in the mechanisms responsible for mechanical hypersensitivity observed in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. These findings suggested that TRPA1 antagonism may be a suitable new approach for the development of a potent and selective therapeutic agent to treat both inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
Optimisation of region-specific reference gene selection and relative gene expression analysis methods for pre-clinical trials of Huntington's disease
Authors: Benn Caroline L , Fox Helen , Bates Gillian P
Published: October 2008

Background

Transcriptional dysregulation is an early, key pathogenic mechanism in Huntington's disease (HD). Therefore, gene expression analyses have biomarker potential for measuring therapeutic efficacy in pre-clinical trials, particularly those aimed at correcting gene expression abnormalities. Housekeeping genes are commonly used as endogenous references in gene expression studies. However, a systematic study comparing the suitability of candidate reference genes for use in HD mouse models has not been performed. To remedy this situation, 12 housekeeping genes were examined to identify suitable reference genes for use in expression assays.

Results

We found that commonly used reference genes are dysregulated at later time points in the R6/2 mouse model of HD. Therefore, in order to reliably measure gene expression changes for use as pre-clinical trial biomarkers, we set out to identify suitable reference genes for use in R6/2 mice. The expression of potential reference genes was examined in striatum, cortex and cerebellum from 15 week old R6/2 and matched wild-type littermates. Expression levels of candidate reference genes varied according to genotype and brain region. GeNorm software was used to identify the three most stably expressed genes for each brain region. Relative quantification methods using the geometric mean of three reference genes for normalisation enables accurate determination of gene expression levels in wild-type and R6/2 mouse brain regions.

Conclusion

Our study has identified a reproducible, reliable method by which we able to accurately determine the relative expression level of target genes in specific brain regions, thus increasing the potential of gene expression analysis as a biomarker in HD pre-clinical trials.
NG2 cells response to axonal alteration in the spinal cord white matter in mice with genetic disruption of neurofilament light subunit expression
Authors: Wu Ya Jun , Tang Ya Fang , Xiao Zhi Cheng , Bao Zhen Min , He Bei Ping
Published: October 2008

Background

Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (NG2) expressing cells, morphologically characterized by multi-branched processes and small cell bodies, are the 4th commonest cell population of non-neuronal cell type in the central nervous system (CNS). They can interact with nodes of Ranvier, receive synaptic input, generate action potential and respond to some pathological stimuli, but the function of the cells is still unclear. We assumed the NG2 cells may play an active role in neuropathogenesis and aimed to determine if NG2 cells could sense and response to the alterations in the axonal contents caused by disruption of neurofilament light subunit (NFL) expression.

Results

In the early neuropathological development stage, our study showed that the diameter of axons of upper motor neurons of NFL-/- mice decreased significantly while the thickness of their myelin sheath increased remarkably. Although there was an obvious morphological distortion in axons with occasionally partial demyelination, no obvious changes in expression of myelin proteins was detected. Parallel to these changes in the axons and their myelination, the processes of NG2 cells were disconnected from the nodes of Ranvier and extended further, suggesting that these cells in the spinal cord white matter could sense the alteration in axonal contents caused by disruption of NFL expression before astrocytic and microglial activation.

Conclusion

The structural configuration determined by the NFL gene may be important for maintenance of normal morphology of myelinated axons. The NG2 cells might serve as an early sensor for the delivery of information from impaired neurons to the local environment.
A large dumbbell glossopharyngeal schwannoma involving the vagus nerve: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhao Hongyu , Li Xiaodong , Lv Qingjie , Yuan Yuhui , Yu Hongwei
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Schwannoma arising from the glossopharyngeal nerve is a rare intracranial tumor. Fewer than 40 cases have been reported. Accurate pre-operative diagnosis and optimal treatment are still difficult.

Case presentation

We present one case of schwannoma originating from the ninth cranial nerve with palsies of the trigeminal nerve, facial-acoustic nerve complex, and vagus nerve in addition to ninth nerve dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging showed tumors located in the cerebellopontine angle with extracranial extension via the jugular foramen, with evident enhancement on post-contrast scan. Surgical management single-staged with the help of gamma knife radiosurgery achieved total removal.

Conclusion

Glossopharyngeal schwannoma is devoid of clinical symptoms and neurological signs. High resolution magnetic resonance imaging may play a key role as an accurate diagnostic tool. A favorable option of approach and appropriate planning of surgical strategy should be the goal of operation for this benign tumor.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms among non insulin treated Greek type 2 diabetic subjects
Authors: Sotiropoulos Alexios , Papazafiropoulou Athanasia , Apostolou Ourania , Kokolaki Anthi , Gikas Aristofanis , Pappas Stavros
Published: October 2008

Background

Depression is common among diabetic subjects. We conducted the present study to estimate the prevalence of depression in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Greece.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 320 T2D subjects without overt macrovascular disease attending the diabetes outpatient clinic of our hospital, from June 2007 to December 2007. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory, modified for use in diabetic subjects.

Results

Of the study subjects 107 (33.4%) reported elevated depressive symptoms. More women than men with diabetes reported symptoms of depression (48.4% vs. 12.7%, P < 0.001). In the female study group, depressive symptoms were correlated with HbA1c (P = 0.04), and duration of diabetes (P = 0.004). In the male study group, univariate linear regression analysis showed no significant relationships between depressive symptoms and the testing variables.

Conclusion

The prevalence of depression in Greek T2D subjects is high. Diabetic female subjects showed increased levels of depressive symptoms compared with male subjects. Independent risk factors of depressive symptoms in diabetic female subjects were diabetes duration and glycemic control.
Dicer regulates Xist promoter methylation in ES cells indirectly through transcriptional control of Dnmt3a
Authors: Nesterova Tatyana B , Popova Bilyana C , Cobb Bradley S , Norton Sara , Senner Claire E , Tang Y Amy , Spruce Thomas , Rodriguez Tristan A , Sado Takashi , Merkenschlager Matthias , Brockdorff Neil
Published: October 2008

Background

X chromosome inactivation is the mechanism used in mammals to achieve dosage compensation of X-linked genes in XX females relative to XY males. Chromosome silencing is triggered in cis by expression of the non-coding RNA Xist. As such, correct regulation of the Xist gene promoter is required to establish appropriate X chromosome activity both in males and females. Studies to date have demonstrated co-transcription of an antisense RNA Tsix and low-level sense transcription prior to onset of X inactivation. The balance of sense and antisense RNA is important in determining the probability that a given Xist allele will be expressed, termed the X inactivation choice, when X inactivation commences.

Results

Here we investigate further the mechanism of Xist promoter regulation. We demonstrate that both sense and antisense transcription modulate Xist promoter DNA methylation in undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells, suggesting a possible mechanistic basis for influencing X chromosome choice. Given the involvement of sense and antisense RNAs in promoter methylation, we investigate a possible role for the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. We show that the Xist promoter is hypomethylated in ES cells deficient for the essential RNAi enzyme Dicer, but that this effect is probably a secondary consequence of reduced levels of de novo DNA methyltransferases in these cells. Consistent with this we find that Dicer-deficient XY and XX embryos show appropriate Xist expression patterns, indicating that Xist gene regulation has not been perturbed.

Conclusion

We conclude that Xist promoter methylation prior to the onset of random X chromosome inactivation is influenced by relative levels of sense and antisense transcription but that this probably occurs independent of the RNAi pathway. We discuss the implications for this data in terms of understanding Xist gene regulation and X chromosome choice in random X chromosome inactivation.
Neurocognitive deficits in a patient with small cell lung cancer: a case report
Authors: Hudhud Kanan H , Masood Ashiq , Oh Yun , Hegazi AZ
Published: October 2008

Introduction

The neurocognitive deficits associated with small cell lung cancer include metastasis to brain and paraneoplastic syndrome. The patients are also predisposed to herpes encephalitis due to immunosuppression and chemotherapy.

Case presentation

We report a case of 72 year old female diagnosed with small cell lung cancer started with memory deficits, ataxia, vertigo, and hearing loss. The paraneoplastic work-up returned as anti-Hu antibody positive. The MRI brain showed area of edema and inflammation right medial temporal lobe as well as enhancement in the underlying meningi. Although PCR/HSV of CSF was negative, the patient was empirically treated with IV acyclovir and showed significant improvement and was discharged in good condition.

Conclusion

The case highlights the importance of keeping broad minded approach in treating patients with serious malignant diseases. The case also call attention to the use of empiric therapy in possible life threatening diseases such as Herpes encephalitis
Association between inflammatory mediators and response to inhaled nitric oxide in a model of endotoxin-induced lung injury
Authors: Trachsel Sebastien , Deby-Dupont Ginette , Maurenbrecher Edwige , Nys Monique , Lamy Maurice , Hedenstierna Göran
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Inhaled nitric oxide (INO) allows selective pulmonary vasodilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome and improves PaO2 by redistribution of pulmonary blood flow towards better ventilated parenchyma. One-third of patients are nonresponders to INO, however, and it is difficult to predict who will respond. The aim of the present study was to identify, within a panel of inflammatory mediators released during endotoxin-induced lung injury, specific mediators that are associated with a PaO2 response to INO.

Methods

After animal ethics committee approval, pigs were anesthetized and exposed to 2 hours of endotoxin infusion. Levels of cytokines, prostanoid, leucotriene and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were sampled prior to endotoxin exposure and hourly thereafter. All animals were exposed to 40 ppm INO: 28 animals were exposed at either 4 hours or 6 hours and a subgroup of nine animals was exposed both at 4 hours and 6 hours after onset of endotoxin infusion.

Results

Based on the response to INO, the animals were retrospectively placed into a responder group (increase in PaO2 ≥ 20%) or a nonresponder group. All mediators increased with endotoxin infusion although no significant differences were seen between responders and nonresponders. There was a mean difference in ET-1, however, with lower levels in the nonresponder group than in the responder group, 0.1 pg/ml versus 3.0 pg/ml. Moreover, five animals in the group exposed twice to INO switched from responder to nonresponder and had decreased ET-1 levels (3.0 (2.5 to 7.5) pg/ml versus 0.1 (0.1 to 2.1) pg/ml, P < 0.05). The pulmonary artery pressure and ET-1 level were higher in future responders to INO.

Conclusions

ET-1 may therefore be involved in mediating the response to INO.
Reliability of continuous cardiac output measurement during intra-abdominal hypertension relies on repeated calibrations: an experimental animal study
Authors: Gruenewald Matthias , Renner Jochen , Meybohm Patrick , Höcker Jan , Scholz Jens , Bein Berthold
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Monitoring cardiac output (CO) may allow early detection of haemodynamic instability, aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Continuous cardiac output (CCO) monitoring is recommended in septic or postoperative patients with high incidences of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). The aim of the present study was to compare the agreement between three CCO methods and a bolus thermodilution CO technique during acute IAH and volume loading.

Methods

Ten pigs were anaesthetised and instrumented for haemodynamic measurements. Cardiac output was obtained using CCO by pulse power analysis (PulseCO; LiDCO monitor), using CCO by pulse contour analysis (PCCO; PiCCO monitor) and using CCO by pulmonary artery catheter thermodilution (CCOPAC), and was compared with bolus transcardiopulmonary thermodilution CO (COTCP) at baseline, after fluid loading, at IAH and after an additional fluid loading at IAH. Whereas PulseCO was only calibrated at baseline, PCCO was calibrated at each experimental step.

Results

PulseCO and PCCO underestimated CO, as the overall bias ± standard deviation was 1.0 ± 1.5 l/min and 1.0 ± 1.1 l/min compared with COTCP. A clinically accepted agreement between all of the CCO methods and COTCP was observed only at baseline. Whereas IAH did not influence the CO, increased CO following fluid loading at IAH was only reflected by CCOPAC and COTCP, not by uncalibrated PulseCO and PCCO. After recalibration, PCCO was comparable with COTCP.

Conclusions

The CO obtained by uncalibrated PulseCO and PCCO failed to agree with COTCP during IAH and fluid loading. In the critically ill patient, recalibration of continuous arterial waveform CO methods should be performed after fluid loading or before a major change in therapy is initiated.
Comparative sequence analyses reveal sites of ancestral chromosomal fusions in the Indian muntjac genome
Authors: Tsipouri Vicky , Schueler Mary G , Hu Sufen ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Dutra Amalia , Pak Evgenia , Riethman Harold , Green Eric D
Published: October 2008

Background

Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis) has an extreme mammalian karyotype, with only six and seven chromosomes in the female and male, respectively. Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) has a more typical mammalian karyotype, with 46 chromosomes in both sexes. Despite this disparity, the two muntjac species are morphologically similar and can even interbreed to produce viable (albeit sterile) offspring. Previous studies have suggested that a series of telocentric chromosome fusion events involving telomeric and/or satellite repeats led to the extant Indian muntjac karyotype.

Results

We used a comparative mapping and sequencing approach to characterize the sites of ancestral chromosomal fusions in the Indian muntjac genome. Specifically, we screened an Indian muntjac bacterial artificial-chromosome library with a telomere repeat-specific probe. Isolated clones found by fluorescence in situ hybridization to map to interstitial regions on Indian muntjac chromosomes were further characterized, with a subset then subjected to shotgun sequencing. Subsequently, we isolated and sequenced overlapping clones extending from the ends of some of these initial clones; we also generated orthologous sequence from isolated Chinese muntjac clones. The generated Indian muntjac sequence has been analyzed for the juxtaposition of telomeric and satellite repeats and for synteny relationships relative to other mammalian genomes, including the Chinese muntjac.

Conclusions

The generated sequence data and comparative analyses provide a detailed genomic context for seven ancestral chromosome fusion sites in the Indian muntjac genome, which further supports the telocentric fusion model for the events leading to the unusual karyotypic differences among muntjac species.
CD44 promotes progenitor homing into the thymus and T cell maturation
Authors: Rajasagi Mohini , Vitacolonna Mario , Benjak Bojan , Marhaba Rachid , Zöller Margot
Published: October 2008

Regain of immunocompetence after myeloablation and bone marrow cell (BMC) reconstitution essentially depends on T progenitor homing into the thymus and intrathymic T cell maturation. CD44 facilitates progenitor homing and settlement in the bone marrow and is known as a T progenitor marker. In search for improving regain of immunocompetence after BMC reconstitution, we explored whether the CD44 standard (CD44 s) and/or variant isoforms CD44v6 and CD44v7 contribute to thymus repopulation and thymocyte maturation. Antibody-blocking studies and cells/mice with a targeted deletion of CD44v6/7 or CD44v7 revealed that CD44s, but not CD44v6 and CD44v7, has a major impact on progenitor cell homing into the thymus. Instead, CD44v6 strengthens apoptosis resistance and expansion of early thymocytes. CD44v6-induced apoptosis resistance, most strong in double-negative (DN) thymocytes, is accompanied by Akt activation. CD44v6-induced proliferation of DN cells proceeds via activation of the MAPK pathway. At later stages of T cell maturation, CD44 acts as an accessory molecule, initiating and supporting TCR/CD3 complex-mediated signal transduction in double-positive and single-positive thymocytes. Thus, CD44 plays a major role in thymus homing. In addition, CD44v6 is important for survival and expansion of early thymocytes. These findings suggest that strengthening CD44v6 expression on lymphoid progenitors could well contribute to accelerated regain of immunocompetence.
Estimating permeability from quasi-static deformation: Temporal variations and arrival-time inversion
Authors: Vasco D. W. , Ferretti Alessandro , Novali Fabrizio
Published: October 2008

Transient pressure variations within a reservoir can be treated as a propagating front and analyzed using an asymptotic formulation. From this perspective, one can define a pressure “arrival time” and formulate solutions along trajectories, in the manner of ray theory. We combine this methodology and a technique for mapping overburden deformation into reservoir volume change as a means to estimate reservoir flow properties, such as permeability. Given the entire “travel time” or phase field obtained from the deformation data, we can construct the trajectories directly, thereby linearizing the inverse problem. A numerical study indicates that, using this approach, we can infer large-scale variations in flow properties. In an application to Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations associated with a [Formula: see text] injection at the Krechba field, Algeria, we image pressure propagation to the northwest. An inversion for flow properties indicates a linear trend of high permeability. The high permeability correlates with a northwest trending fault on the flank of the anticline that defines the field.
Intellectual Property
Authors: Walker David A.
Published: October 2008

The Intellectual Property department in each issue of Geophysics provides U.S. patent abstracts, published patent abstracts of U.S. patent applications, and published abstracts filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Experimental Seismic Response of Base Isolated Pallet-Type Steel Storage Racks
Authors: Filiatrault Andre , Higgins Peter S. , Wanitkorkul Assawin , Courtwright James A. , Michael Robert
Published: October 2008

This paper presents the results of uniaxial and triaxial shake table tests performed on directly anchored and base isolated steel pallet storage racks loaded with simulated and real merchandise. The new base isolation system provides seismic isolation in the cross-aisle direction of a rack only, while providing similar restraints as conventional bolted base plates in the down-aisle direction. The objective of the isolation in the cross-aisle direction is to reduce the horizontal accelerations of the rack in order to reduce content spillage and structural damage during a major seismic event, without interfering with normal material handling operations. Base isolation is not provided in the down-aisle direction since the range of down-aisle natural periods of typical rack structures is already similar to that of typical base isolated structures. The results of the seismic tests clearly demonstrated the improved structural performance of rack structures incorporating the new cross-aisle base isolation system. Cross-aisle absolute accelerations and interstory drifts of the base isolated rack structure were reduced considerably compared to the values measured in the same rack conventionally anchored at its base. The base isolation system also had an effect in reducing the down-aisle accelerations. The base isolated racks met the performance objectives recommended in the FEMA 460 document “Seismic Considerations for Steel Storage Racks Located in Areas Accessible to the Public” both for life safety under the Design Earthquake (DE) and for collapse prevention under the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE).
Assessing the Effectiveness of Soil Parameters for Ground Response Characterization and Soil Classification
Authors: Barani Simone , De Ferrari Roberto , Ferretti Gabriele , Eva Claudio
Published: October 2008

The average shear wave velocity over the top 30 m of a soil profile ( VS,30) represents an usual parameter for soil classification in a modern building code for seismic design. In this work the ground response of about 100 soil profiles in Tuscany and Molise (Italy) is studied through 1-D numerical simulations in order to evaluate the reliability of European and Italian soil classifications based on the VS,30 criterion. The amplification factor, Fa, defined here as the ratio of the pseudo-velocity response spectrum intensity (Housner 1952) at the surface, S Is, to the pseudo-velocity response spectrum intensity at the rock outcrop, S Ir, is related to some soil parameters, such as VS,30, the fundamental frequency of vibration of the soil column, F0, and seismic impedance contrast, Iw. Analyzing the standard deviation of the residual obtained from regression analyses of Fa versus VS,30, F0, and Iw shows that F0 is the most helpful parameter for the prediction of Fa. Hence F0 appears to be more appropriate than VS,30 and Iw for the characterization of the seismic response of a site and, therefore, should not be disregarded in building code soil classifications.
Probability-Based Seismic Assessment of Buildings, considering Post-Earthquake Safety
Authors: Maffei Joe , Telleen Karl , Nakayama Yuki
Published: October 2008

Advanced Seismic Assessment Guidelines, developed by researchers at Stanford University and tested by the authors, offer improvement over previous methods for seismic evaluation of buildings where post-earthquake safety is a concern. This probability-based method allows engineers to quantify expected structural performance in terms that are meaningful to building owners. Performance levels quantified in the Guidelines range from “No Damage” to “Collapse” and include intermediate performance levels based on the post-earthquake occupancy classifications “Green Tag,” “Yellow Tag,” and “Red Tag.” Other features of the Guidelines include an emphasis on correctly identifying the governing mechanism of nonlinear behavior, practical methods for addressing the effects of strength degradation and residual drift, and a probability-based approach that incorporates uncertainty. Based on their studies of example buildings, the authors present recommendations for performing seismic assessments: quantifying post-earthquake occupancy classifications, identifying mechanisms of nonlinear behavior, estimating residual drift, and modeling strength degradation in structures.
Wave Propagation Effects on Buried Pipe at Treatment Plants
Authors: O'Rourke Michael J. , Symans Michael D. , Masek John P.
Published: October 2008

Closed form analytical relations are developed for wave propagation effects on buried pipelines which interconnect tanks and/or buildings. The relations cover the axial strain induced in a pipe with various end conditions, the induced axial force at the pipe/tank interface, and the relative displacement at the tank for a pipe with a free end condition. The relations utilize the concept of a pipe development length, defined as the distance over which soil friction forces must act to induce a pipe strain equal to a given level of ground strain. If the available length is less than this development length, the pipe strain is less than the ground strain. Finally an example illustrates the application of the relations and presents simplified upper bound values for pipe strain, axial force, and relative displacement.
Risk-Based Seismic Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Buildings
Authors: Tesfamariam Solomon , Saatcioglu Murat
Published: October 2008

Seismic resiliency of new buildings has improved over the years due to improved seismic codes and design practices. However, vulnerability of seismically deficient older buildings, designed and built on the basis of older codes of practices, poses a significant threat to life safety and survivability of buildings. It is economically not feasible to retrofit the entire inventory of seismically deficient buildings. Therefore, there is need for a comprehensive plan to identify critical buildings and prioritize their retrofit and upgrading requirements. A risk-based evaluation technique is proposed in this paper to quantify seismic assessment and develop a ranking scheme for reinforced concrete buildings. The seismic hazard, building vulnerability and consequence of failure are handled in hierarchical structures. Some of the input risk parameters, expressed as qualitative and quantitative quantifiers, are transformed into commensurable values. A knowledge-based fuzzy rule base modelling is developed and verified through the use of 1994 Northridge Earthquake data on seismic damage of reinforced concrete buildings.
Impact of Disease Risk on Efficacy of Matched Related Bone Marrow Transplantation for Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia: The Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Horan John T. , Alonzo Todd A. , Lyman Gary H. , Gerbing Robert B. , Lange Beverly J. , Ravindranath Yaddanapudi , Becton David , Smith Franklin O. , Woods William G.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

There is considerable variation in the use of HLA-matched related bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for the treatment of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Some oncologists have argued that BMT should be offered to most patients in first complete remission (CR). Others have maintained that transplantation in first remission should be reserved for patients with high-risk disease. We performed this study to determine how disease risk influences the efficacy of BMT.

Methods

We combined data from four cooperative group clinical trials: Pediatric Oncology Group 8821, Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 2891, CCG 2961, and Medical Research Council 10. Using cytogenetics and the percentage of marrow blasts after the first course of chemotherapy, patients were stratified into favorable, intermediate, and poor-risk disease groups. Patients who could not be risk classified were analyzed separately. Outcomes for patients assigned to BMT and for patients assigned to chemotherapy alone were compared.

Results

The data set included 1,373 pediatric patients with AML in first CR. In the intermediate-risk group, the estimated disease-free survival at 8 years for patients who did not undergo transplantation was 39% ± 5% (2 SE), whereas it was 58% ± 7% for BMT patients. The estimated overall survival for patients who did not undergo transplantation was 51% ± 5%, whereas it was 62% ± 7% for BMT patients. Both differences were significant (P < .01). There were no significant differences for survival in the other two risk groups or in the non–risk-stratified patients.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that HLA-matched related BMT is an effective treatment for pediatric patients with intermediate-risk AML in first CR.