bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voltammetry of Undiluted Red‐Ox Systems. Electrochemical ESR‐ and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Evidence for Formation of Ionic Liquid at Microelectrode Surface
Authors: Donten Mikolaj , Nowicka Anna , Palys Marcin , Szydlowska Jadwiga , Stojek Zbigniew
Published: November 2007

It is believed that voltammetry of undiluted red‐ox liquids can lead to the formation of stable thin layers of ionic liquids at the microelectrode surface. Such situation was postulated for several liquids (solvents), however, so far no hard evidence supporting this expectation was obtained. By using electron spin resonance in combination with voltammetric experiments and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy we have shown that the concentration of the cation radicals at the microelectrode surface may be high (nitrobenzene) and the overall resistance of the solution abruptly drops (methanol) when the potential at the microelectrode corresponds to the wave plateau of the undiluted organic liquid. Both facts constitute a good evidence for the formation of microlayers of ionic liquids at the microelectrode surface during electrolysis of undiluted red‐ox systems.
Detecting Biorecognition Events at Blocked Interface Polymeric Membrane Ion‐Selective Electrodes Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: De Marco Roland , Ng Andrew , Panduwinata Dwi
Published: November 2007

Immobilization of a biorecognition element onto a polymeric membrane ion‐selective electrode (ISE) using a self‐assembly approach may provide scope for a novel biosensor technology platform based on the altered potentiometric response at the blocked ISE interface. In this paper, the authors have investigated the influence of solution adsorption of the model biorecognition element, avidin‐biotin, on the electrode kinetics of a conventional polymeric membrane Ca2+ISE using atomic force microscopy (AFM) coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It is demonstrated that solution adsorption of avidin followed by biotin incorporation leads to a demonstrable biorecognition event characterized by an impediment in the Ca2+ion transfer kinetics of the modified ISE surface. This kinetic principle is amenable to biosensing using pulsed chronopotentiometric polymeric ISEs, which is an established dynamic electrode technique for use with polymeric membrane ISEs.
Further characterization of the first seminoma cell line TCam‐2
Authors: de Jong Jeroen , Stoop Hans , Gillis Ad J. M. , Hersmus Remko , van Gurp Ruud J. H. L. M. , van de Geijn Gert‐Jan M. , van Drunen Ellen , Beverloo H. Berna , Schneider Dominik T. , Sherlock Jon K. , Baeten John , Kitazawa Sohei , van Zoelen E. Joop , van Roozendaal Kees , Oosterhuis J. Wolter , Looijenga Leendert H. J.
Published: November 2007

Testicular germ cell tumors of adolescents and adults (TGCTs) can be classified into seminomatous and nonseminomatous tumors. Various nonseminomatous cell lines, predominantly embryonal carcinoma, have been established and proven to be valuable for pathobiological and clinical studies. So far, no cell lines have been derived from seminoma which constitutes more than 50% of invasive TGCTs. Such a cell line is essential for experimental investigation of biological characteristics of the cell of origin of TGCTs, i.e., carcinoma in situ of the testis, which shows characteristics of a seminoma cell. Before a cell line can be used as model, it must be verified regarding its origin and characteristics. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach was undertaken on TCam‐2 cells, supposedly the first seminoma cell line. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, array comparative genomic hybridization, and spectral karyotyping demonstrated an aneuploid DNA content, with gain of 12p, characteristic for TGCTs. Genome wide mRNA and microRNA expression profiling supported the seminoma origin, in line with the biallelic expression of imprinted genes IGF2/H19 and associated demethylation of the imprinting control region. Moreover, the presence of specific markers, demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, including (wild type) KIT, stem cell factor, placental alkaline phosphatase, OCT3/4 (also demonstrated by a specific Q‐PCR) and NANOG, and the absence of CD30, SSX2‐4, and SOX2, confirms that TCam‐2 is a seminoma cell line. Although mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are rather rare in TGCTs, TCam‐2 had a mutated BRAF gene (V600E), which likely explains the fact that these cells could be propagated in vitro. In conclusion, TCam‐2 is the first well‐characterized seminoma‐derived cell line, with an exceptional mutation, rarely found in TGCTs. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new type of MAML2 fusion in mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Fehr André , Röser Kerstin , Heidorn Klaus , Hallas Cora , Löning Thomas , Bullerdiek Jörn
Published: November 2007

The present study reports for the first time a CRTC3‐MAML2 fusion gene in a mucoepidermoid carcinoma, as determined by RT‐PCR and sequencing. We screened a total of 67 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded mucoepidermoid carcinomas for the presence of chimeric genes. In one of these samples, a CRTC3‐MAML2 fusion gene was detected. Thus, this report demonstrates the existence of a fusion of MAML2 with CREB regulated transcriptional coactivator CRTC3 additional to the already known fusion of MAML2 and CRTC1. Both gene fusions seem to result in an identical tumor phenotype and the fusion genes CRTC1‐MAML2 and CRTC3‐MAML2 may play a similar role in the development of mucoepidermoid carcinomas. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The ‘black marble’ of Denée, a fossil conservation deposit from the Lower Carboniferous (Viséan) of southern Belgium
Authors: Mottequin Bernard
Published: November 2007

The palaeoenvironment of the ‘black marble’ of Denée [Dinant sedimentation area (DSA), southern Belgium], included in the Molignée Formation of Lower Carboniferous (Viséan) age, is discussed. This fossil conservation deposit (‘fossil Lagerstätte’) yielded a rare but remarkably preserved macrofauna (including fishes, echinoderms and brachiopods). It developed in a confined intra‐platform basin progressively filled by distal calcareous turbidites originating from the southward prograding shelf to the north. This basin was bordered to the south by a discontinuous barrier of Waulsortian mud mounds built against a major synsedimentary fault separating the DSA from the southern Avesnois sedimentation area (ASA). The alternations of laminated (‘black marble’ facies) and bioturbated (‘thick‐bedded’ facies) lithofacies occurring within the Molignée Formation imply that the palaeoenvironment recorded several anoxic to dysoxic periods alternating with more oxygenated ones due to sea‐level fluctuations of low magnitude and was strongly influenced by the basin architecture inherited from the late Tournaisian. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mood, cognition and in vivo protein imaging: the emerging nexus in clinical neuroscience
Authors: Kumar Anand , Ajilore Olusola , Kepe Vladimir , Barrio Jorge R. , Small Gary
Published: November 2007

Introduction

Disorders of mood and cognition overlap in the elderly and there is an emerging consensus that both groups of disorders share neurobiological substrates.

Methods

Salient peer reviewed articles focusing on late‐life depression, structural neuroimaging and recent developments in positron emission tomography based in vivo protein imaging.

Results

Epidemiological and clinical evidence indicates that mood and cognition in the elderly are clinically inter‐related and common neurobiological mechanisms may underlie both groups of disorders. Degenerative, vascular and related mechanisms like genetically programmed abnormal protein deposition may provide the underlying neurobiological links between these disorders.

Conclusions

Modern neuroimaging approaches such as positron emission tomography (PET) based in vivo protein binding may help further elucidate common pathophysiological mechanisms and assist in the early identification of patients at risk for developing dementia over time. These developments have important mechanistic and public health significance in the elderly. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmaceutical expenditure, total health‐care expenditure and GDP
Authors: Clemente Jesús , Marcuello Carmen , Montañés Antonio
Published: November 2007

This paper analyses the evolution of pharmaceutical expenditure with respect to GDP for a group of the most important OECD economies. We find that this relationship is not stable across the sample considered (1960–2003), and heterogeneity is found in the temporal evolution of the variables and across countries. Furthermore, we can see differences in the income elasticity estimation when we disaggregate pharmaceutical expenditure into its private and government components or when the total health‐care expenditure (Total HCE) is disaggregated into its pharmaceutical and non‐pharmaceutical components. We conclude that the changes in the elasticity of pharmaceutical expenditure and in the Total HCE elasticity are due to the private component and the pharmaceutical expenditure behaviour, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A roadmap for a methodology to assess, improve and sustain intra‐ and inter‐enterprise system performance with respect to technology‐product life cycle in small and medium manufacturers
Authors: Genaidy Ash , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: November 2007

Increased manufacturing costs are forcing U.S. manufacturing firms to send their operations off shore. Such business practices are greatly impacting the vitality of small and medium manufacturers (SMMs) in the U.S. economy. This article intends to advance the notion of the need for a methodology for assessment, improvement, and sustainability of intra‐ and inter‐enterprise system performance along the technology–product development life cycle. The aims of this article are to: (1) provide an overview of the technology–product development process; (2) document the different states of manufacturing technology readiness levels; (3) present an overview of prior methodologies reported on the subject in the published literature; and (4) establish a road map for assessment, improvement, and sustainability of intra‐ and inter‐enterprise system performance along the path of the technology–product development life cycle. A notion is advanced about the readiness of SMMs with respect to assessment, improvement, and sustainability of intra‐ and inter‐enterprise system performance. A road map is outlined for the deployment of a methodology to address the issues across the supply chain. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of metal ion‐induced DNA damage, apoptosis, and necrosis in human (Jurkat) T‐cells demonstrates Ni2+ and V3+ are more toxic than other metals: Al3+, Be2+, Co2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Mo5+, Nb5+, Zr2+
Authors: Caicedo Marco , Jacobs Joshua J. , Reddy Anand , Hallab Nadim James
Published: November 2007

It remains unclear how metal released from implants affects cells of the immune system and, in particular, cells of the adaptive immune system, that is, T‐helper lymphocytes. In this study, we investigated the effects of aluminum, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, vanadium, and zirconium ions at concentrations from 0.05 to 5.0 mM on human CD4+ T lymphocytes. The DNA damage, apoptosis, necrosis, and proliferation responses of a human T‐helper lymphocyte (Jurkat) cell line were evaluated to test our hypothesis that some metals will preferentially induce genotoxicity (DNA damage). Our results demonstrated that metal ions did not preferentially induce Jurkat T‐lymphocyte DNA damage prior to other forms of toxicity, that is, apoptosis and/or direct necrosis. Nickel and vanadium induced the most DNA damage and were the most apoptotic metals tested, inducing >50% caspase‐9 positive T cells at 0.05 mM and 0.1 mM concentrations, respectively. Cobalt and niobium were the most toxic metals, inducing <50% viability at ∼0.5 mM concentrations. Nickel and vanadium were the only metals to induce DNA damage at nearly the same concentrations that induced >50% apoptosis (i.e., <0.05 mM). All the metals tested induced T‐cell apoptosis at a lower dose than that required to affect DNA damage or toxicity, implying that soluble metals released from implants may not be preferentially genotoxic to lymphocytes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
High‐resolution MRI of deep‐seated atherosclerotic arteries using motexafin gadolinium
Authors: Brushett Chris , Qiu Bensheng , Atalar Ergin , Yang Xiaoming
Published: November 2007

Purpose

To evaluate the potential of using motexafin gadolinium (MGd) to characterize atherosclerotic plaques of deep‐seated arteries with MRI.

Materials and Methods

We exposed vascular endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) in vitro to varying concentrations of MGd. The fluorescence properties of MGd were then exploited using confocal microscopy to image exposed cells. For an in vivo validation study, we performed surface coil–based and intravascular coil–based high‐resolution MRI of the iliac arteries and the abdominal aorta of three atherosclerotic Yucatan pigs. Subsequently, MGd enhancement of the target vessel walls was quantitatively evaluated and MR images were correlated with histology of the target vessels.

Results

The in vitro study confirmed the intracellularization of MGd in both cell types and determined the optimum MGd dosage of 0.004 mmol/kg that produced the sufficiently high intracellular fluorescent intensity. The in vivo study showed a steady increase of MGd enhancement to approximately 25% at three hours postinjection of MGd. MRI showed areas of strong enhancement along the lumen boundary, which corresponded to fibrous tissue seen in histology.

Conclusion

This study provides initial evidence that MGd may enhance MR vessel wall imaging for the characterization of plaque in deep‐seated arteries. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automatic correction of echo‐planar imaging (EPI) ghosting artifacts in real‐time interactive cardiac MRI using sensitivity encoding
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Chul , Nielsen Jon‐Fredrik , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

To develop a method that automatically corrects ghosting artifacts due to echo‐misalignment in interleaved gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging (EPI) in arbitrary oblique or double‐oblique scan planes.

Materials and Methods

An automatic ghosting correction technique was developed based on an alternating EPI acquisition and the phased‐array ghost elimination (PAGE) reconstruction method. The direction of k‐space traversal is alternated at every temporal frame, enabling lower temporal‐resolution ghost‐free coil sensitivity maps to be dynamically estimated. The proposed method was compared with conventional one‐dimensional (1D) phase correction in axial, oblique, and double‐oblique scan planes in phantom and cardiac in vivo studies. The proposed method was also used in conjunction with two‐fold acceleration.

Results

The proposed method with nonaccelerated acquisition provided excellent suppression of ghosting artifacts in all scan planes, and was substantially more effective than conventional 1D phase correction in oblique and double‐oblique scan planes. The feasibility of real‐time reconstruction using the proposed technique was demonstrated in a scan protocol with 3.1‐mm spatial and 60‐msec temporal resolution.

Conclusion

The proposed technique with nonaccelerated acquisition provides excellent ghost suppression in arbitrary scan orientations without a calibration scan, and can be useful for real‐time interactive imaging, in which scan planes are frequently changed with arbitrary oblique orientations. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of pulmonary perfusion in a single shot using SEEPAGE
Authors: Fischer André , Pracht Eberhard D. , Arnold Johannes F.T. , Kotas Markus , Flentje Michael , Jakob Peter M.
Published: November 2007

Purpose

To present a single‐shot perfusion imaging sequence that does not require contrast agents or a subtraction of a tag and a control image to create the perfusion‐weighted contrast. The proposed method is based on SEEPAGE.

Materials and Methods

Experiments with healthy volunteers were performed to qualitatively and quantitatively obtain pulmonary perfusion values in coronal as well as sagittal orientation. In addition, a first experiment with a lung cancer patient was performed to explore the potentials of SEEPAGE in a clinical application.

Results

All experiments clearly showed a perfusion‐weighted contrast, providing clinical quality images with high spatial resolution. The quantified perfusion rates were consistent in the different imaging orientations and covered the interval of 1.00–4.00 mL/min/mL. In addition, the gravitational dependence of pulmonary perfusion, the influence of adiabatic pulse duration on signal intensity, and the tracer saturation effect were examined. In the patient examination the presented technique provided additional information of the lung deficiency compared to a conventional anatomical image.

Conclusion

SEEPAGE has proved to be a robust and reproducible technique for obtaining perfusion‐weighted images in a single measurement and for quantifying pulmonary perfusion using an additional reference scan. Furthermore, the proposed method shows promise for future clinical application. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of a goat model of posterolateral knee instability
Authors: Olson Erik J. , Wentorf Fred A. , McNulty Margaret A. , Parker Josh B. , Carlson Cathy S. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: November 2007

The development of an in vivo animal model of posterolateral knee instability is desired for devising effective interventions for this injury. Sequential sectioning of the popliteus tendon, lateral collateral ligament, and lateral capsule was done in cadaveric goat knees to create knee joint instability, followed by in vivo studies (Studies 1 and 2) of 7 and 3 months duration, respectively. In Study 1, the popliteus tendon and lateral collateral ligament were sectioned; in Study 2, these structures as well as the lateral joint capsule were sectioned. Biomechanical testing and histological assessments were done to determine the severity of the instability and the morphological changes. Sectioning the lateral collateral ligament and popliteus tendon (Study 1) resulted in a significant increase in varus instability at 90°. Sectioning the lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, and lateral capsule (Study 2) resulted in significant varus instability at 30°, 60°, and 90°, and significant internal–external rotation at 60° and 90°; however, the lesions of osteoarthritis in the operated knees were similar to those in unoperated control knees. This study confirms that posterolateral knee instability can be created in a goat model, but we were unable to demonstrate lesions of osteoarthritis that were of sufficient severity to allow evaluation of disease reduction in future intervention procedures. Future studies will determine if further manipulation of the model results in sufficient morphological changes to allow its use in the assessment of intervention strategies. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:651–659, 2008
Prevention of strain‐related osteopenia in aseptic loosening of hip prostheses using perioperative bisphosphonate
Authors: Goodship Allen E. , Blunn Gordon W. , Green Jonathan , Coathup Melanie J.
Published: November 2007

The hypothesis tested in this study was that perioperative administration of the bisphosphonate zoledronate will reduce strain protection‐related calcar osteopenia and maintain functional integration of the femoral component in an ovine hemiarthroplasty model. Twelve sheep received a unilateral cemented hemiarthroplasty where six animals were given nine intravenous infusions of zoledronate (10 µg/kg) pre‐, peri‐, and postsurgery over 8 months. Control animals received physiological saline only. Implants remained in vivo for 9 months. Ground reaction force (GRF) was used to assess functional loading of the implanted limb, bone mineral density (BMD) was quantified using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Cortical bone area, thickness, and viable osteocytes were assessed histologically. No significant differences in GRF data between groups was identified. Results demonstrated a significant drop in BMD values in the control group (9.7%) when compared with the bisphosphonate‐treated group (3.2%) (p = 0.0159). Histological results showed that cortical area, thickness, and the percentage of lacunae with viable osteocytes was significantly greater in the bisphosphonate‐treated group when compared with control (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). The administration of zoledronate reduced cortical osteopenia in the calcar region of the proximal femur and this therapy could be used as a preventive measure to combat strain protection osteopenia and its contribution to associated aseptic loosening in total hip replacement surgery. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:693–703, 2008
Optimizing CO2 normalizes pH and enhances chondrocyte viability during cold storage
Authors: Dontchos Brian N. , Coyle Christian H. , Izzo Nicholas J. , Didiano Deanna M. , Karpie John C. , Logar Alison , Chu Constance R.
Published: November 2007

Fresh osteochondral allografts are an important treatment option for the repair of full‐thickness articular cartilage defects. Viable chondrocytes within the transplanted tissue are considered important to maintaining matrix integrity. The purpose of this study is to determine whether an increase in pH decreases chondrocyte viability during cold storage and whether equilibration of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) in 5% CO2 normalizes pH and increases chondrocyte survival during storage at 4°C. Freshly isolated bovine articular chondrocytes cultured in alginate beads were stored for up to 5 days at 4°C or 37°C in DMEM exposed to ambient air or in DMEM equilibrated with 5% CO2. Chondrocyte viability was determined by flow cytometry. Physiologic pH was maintained when DMEM was equilibrated with 5% CO2, while pH increased in ambient air. After 5 days of storage at 4°C, chondrocyte necrosis was higher when stored in ambient air than if equilibrated with 5% CO2. No decrease in chondrocyte viability was observed with storage at 37°C. In addition, chondrocyte viability in bovine cartilage osteochondral cores was examined after storage for 14 days at 4°C in DMEM with and without HEPES, and with and without 5% CO2. Under these conditions, the superficial layer of chondrocytes was more viable when stored in DMEM with HEPES or DMEM equilibrated with 5% CO2 than when stored in DMEM in ambient air. This data shows that an increase in pH decreased bovine chondrocyte viability when refrigerated at 4°C in DMEM, and that optimization of CO2 normalized pH and improved chondrocyte viability during cold storage in DMEM. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:643–650, 2008
Deep vertical collagen fibrils play a significant role in mechanics of articular cartilage
Authors: Shirazi R. , Shirazi‐Adl A.
Published: November 2007

The primary orientation of collagen fibrils alters along the cartilage depth; being horizontal in the superficial zone, random in the transitional zone, and vertical in the deep zone. Commonly used confined and unconfined (when with no underlying bone) testing configurations cannot capture the mechanical role of deep vertical fibril network. To determine this role in cartilage mechanics, an axisymmetric nonlinear fibril‐reinforced poroelastic model of tibial cartilage plateaus was developed accounting for depth‐dependent properties and distinct fibril networks with physical material properties. Both creep and relaxation indentation models were analyzed which results were found equivalent in the transient period but diverged in post‐transient periods. Vertical fibrils played a significant role at the transient period in dramatically increasing the stiffness of the tissue and in protecting the solid matrix against large distortions and strains at the subchondral junction. This role, however, disappeared both with time and at loading rates slower than those expected in physiological activities such as walking. The vertical fibrils demonstrated a chevron‐type deformation pattern that was further accentuated with time in creep loading. Damages to deep vertical collagen fibril network or their firm anchorage to the bone, associated with bone bruises, for example, would weaken the transient stiffness and place the tissue at higher risk of failure particularly at the deep zone. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:608–615, 2008
Microcomputed tomography imaging in a rat model of delayed union/non‐union fracture
Authors: Dickson G.R. , Geddis C. , Fazzalari N. , Marsh D. , Parkinson I.
Published: November 2007

We aimed to develop a clinically relevant delayed union/non‐union fracture model to evaluate a cell therapy intervention repair strategy. Histology, three‐dimensional (3D) microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) imaging and mechanical testing were utilized to develop an analytical protocol for qualitative and quantitative assessment of fracture repair. An open femoral diaphyseal osteotomy, combined with periosteal diathermy and endosteal excision, was held in compression by a four pin unilateral external fixator. Three delayed union/non‐union fracture groups established at 6 weeks—(a) a control group, (b) a cell therapy group, and (c) a group receiving phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) injection alone—were examined subsequently at 8 and 14 weeks. The histological response was combined fibrous and cartilaginous non‐unions in groups A and B with fibrous non‐unions in group C. Mineralized callus volume/total volume percentage showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Endosteal calcified tissue volume/endosteal tissue volume, at the center of the fracture site, displayed statistically significant differences between 8 and 14 weeks for cell and PBS intervention groups but not for the control group. The percentage load to failure was significantly lower in the control and cell treatment groups than in the PBS alone group. High‐resolution micro‐CT imaging provides a powerful tool to augment characterization of repair in delayed union/non‐union fractures together with outcomes such as histology and mechanical strength measurement. Accurate, nondestructive, 3D identification of mineralization progression in repairing fractures is enabled in the presence or absence of intervention strategies. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:729–736, 2008
Bony impingement affects range of motion after total hip arthroplasty: A subject‐specific approach
Authors: Kessler Oliver , Patil Shantanu , Stefan Wirth , Mayr Eckart , Colwell Clifford W. , D'Lima Darryl D.
Published: November 2007

Hip range of motion after total hip arthroplasty has been shown to be dependent on prosthetic design and component placement. We hypothesized that bony anatomy would significantly affect range of motion. Computer models of a current generation hip arthroplasty design were virtually implanted in a model of pelvis and femur in various orientations ranging from 35° to 55° cup abduction, 0° to 30° cup anteversion, and 0° to 30° femoral anteversion. Four head sizes ranging from 22.2 to 32 mm and two neck sizes ranging from 10‐mm and 12‐mm diameter were tested. Range of motion was recorded as maximum flexion–extension, abduction–adduction, and axial rotation of the femur before any contact between prosthetic components or bone was detected. Bony impingement preceded component impingement in about 44% of all conditions tested, ranging from 66% in adduction to 22% in extension. Range of motion increased as head size increased. However, increasing head size also increased the propensity for bony impingement, which tended to reduce the beneficial effect of increased head size on range of motion. Reducing neck diameter had a greater effect on prosthetic impingement (mean, 3.5° increase in range of motion) compared to bone impingement (mean, 1.9°). This model allowed for a clinically relevant assessment of range of motion after total hip arthroplasty and may also be used with patient‐specific geometry [such as that obtained from preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans] for more accurate preoperative planning. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:443–452, 2008
Dynamic and static mechanical compression affects akt phosphorylation in porcine patellofemoral joint cartilage
Authors: Niehoff Anja , Offermann Michael , Dargel Jens , Schmidt Annette , Brüggemann Gert‐Peter , Bloch Wilhelm
Published: November 2007

Protein kinase B (Akt)–dependent signaling pathways induced by mechanical loading have been identified in a variety of tissue. However, there is no evidence for a potential regulation of Akt in cartilage mechanotransduction. This study was conducted in order to determine whether or not the Akt in chondrocytes is regulated by mechanical loading. Porcine patellofemoral joints were loaded in compression at 500 N for 150 s either dynamically at 12 Hz or 1 Hz or statically using a custom‐designed loading frame. Left‐sided knees served as intervention, right‐sided as unloaded control. Cartilage samples were harvested at different time points after mechanical loading and the phosphorylation of Akt was analyzed immunohistochemically. A downregulation of Akt phosphorylation was seen in cartilage 300 s after mechanical loading whereas Akt phosphorylation remained unchanged in unloaded specimens. In addition, regulation of Akt appeared to change with the frequency of loading, presenting different patterns in Akt phosphorylation with static and dynamic loading. Variations in Akt phosphorylation were detected through different zones of cartilage. Overall, our findings indicate that Akt signaling in porcine patellofemoral joint cartilage is dependent upon frequency of loading, cartilage zone, and the time interval between loading and cartilage harvest. It may be concluded that Akt plays a role in cartilage mechanotransduction. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:616–623, 2008
Altered osteoclast development and function in osteopontin deficient mice
Authors: Franzén Ahnders , Hultenby Kjell , Reinholt Finn P. , Önnerfjord Patrik , Heinegård Dick
Published: November 2007

The role of osteopontin in bone resorption was elucidated by studies of mice with knock out of the osteopontin gene generated by a different approach compared to previous models. Thus, a targeting vector with the promoter region as well as exons 1, 2, and 3 of the osteopontin gene was replaced by a loxP‐flanked Neo‐TK cassette, and this cassette was eliminated through transient expression of Cre recombinase. The recombined ES cells were used to create mice lacking expression of the osteopontin gene. Tissues from these mice were subjected structural and molecular analyses including morphometry and proteomics. The bone of the null mice contained no osteopontin but showed no significant alterations with regard to other bone proteins. The bone volume was normal in young null animals but in the lower metaphysis, the volume and number of osteoclasts were increased. Notably, the volume and length of the osteoclast ruffled border was several folds lower, indicating a lower resorptive capacity. The null mice did not develop the bone loss characteristic for osteoporosis demonstrated in old wild‐type female animals. This quantitative study demonstrates a bone phenotype in the osteopontin null mice of all ages. The data provides further evidence for a role of osteopontin in osteoclast activity. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:721–728, 2008
The quantitative and functional relation between insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF) and IGF‐binding proteins during human osteoarthritis
Authors: Morales Teresa I.
Published: November 2007

A previous hypothesis stated that during osteoarthritis (OA) increased insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins (IGFBPs) sequester IGFs and limit their access to the cell. The objective of this article was to test this by: (1) quantifying IGF and IGFBP‐3 as well as their ratios in human OA cartilages, and (2) measuring the metabolic responses of diseased cartilage to IGF‐I and its IGFBP‐insensitive analogs. Knee or hip OA cartilages were staged for OA by histology. Cartilage slices were either extracted for assays of IGF proteins, or maintained intact as organ cultures. Proteoglycan (PG) metabolism ± IGFs was measured by use of the 35S‐sulfate precursor. IGFBP‐3 (ng/mg protein) was weakly correlated with OA score by regression analysis (R2 = 0.122; p = 0.040; n = 35). IGF‐I (ng/mg protein) was constant across all OA groups (ANOVA; p = .428, n = 18) and the IGF‐I/IGFBP‐3 ratios were > 1 in most samples. All OA cartilages responded to hrIGF‐I by increasing PG synthesis [average 2.29‐fold ± 0.55 (±SD) at saturation, n = 12] irrespective of OA score. The des (1–3) IGF‐I analog (which lacks the three N‐terminal amino acids) had similar maximal effects (average 2.23‐fold stimulation ± 0.71, n = 10), but it was more effective in two out of three samples at suboptimal doses. The effect of hrIGF‐I, des (1–3) IGF‐I, or the B‐chain analog on degradation was minimal. In summary, catabolism was insensitive to IGF‐I, and this was probably not due to IGFBPs. By contrast, IGF‐I exerted a robust stimulation of anabolism at sufficiently high doses, even though IGFBPs could tone down the ligand effect at low doses. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:465–474, 2008
Does sentinel node biopsy improve the management of endometrial cancer? Data from 43 patients
Authors: Bats Anne‐Sophie , Clément Denys , Larousserie Florence , Le Frère‐Belda Marie‐Aude , Pierquet‐Ghazzar Nadia , Hignette Chantal , Lécuru Fabrice
Published: November 2007

Objectives

To map sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) detected by intracervical injection in patients with endometrial cancer and to determine the prevalence of node micrometastases.

Methods

Radionuclide and blue dye injections were used for SLN detection in 43 patients with clinical stage I endometrial cancer. Lymphoscintigraphy was done before surgery. Intraoperatively, the pelvic and para‐aortic territories were examined for blue and/or radioactive nodes. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed with or without para‐aortic lymphadenectomy. SLNs stained with hematoxylin‐eosin‐saffron were examined and, when negative, evaluated using step sectioning and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Feasibility was 100%. No adverse effects occurred. SLNs were identified in 30 patients (69.8%), usually in an interiliac location (28/30 patients, 93.3%). SLNs were found only in the common iliac chain in 1 (3%) patient and in both the common iliac chain and promontory area in another (3%). No patients had para‐aortic SLNs or SLNs confined to the promontory. Node metastases were identified in eight patients and were confined to SLNs in six. In 2 (2/30, 6%) patients, SLNs contained micrometastases. No false‐negatives occurred.

Conclusions

Intracervical injection of radionuclide and blue dye chiefly revealed pelvic SLNs. The prevalence of micrometastases was within the expected range. Comparisons with peritumoral injection are needed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:141–145. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No mortality after 150 consecutive pancreatoduodenctomies with duct‐to‐mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy
Authors: Murakami Yoshiaki , Uemura Kenichiro , Hayashidani Yasuo , Sudo Takeshi , Hashimoto Yasushi , Nakagawa Naoya , Ohge Hiroki , Sueda Taijiro
Published: November 2007

Background and Objectives

The mortality rate after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) remains 0–5% at major surgical centers with the major cause of operative death being a leak at the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety of duct‐to‐mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) at a single institute.

Methods

One hundred fifty consecutive patients with pancreato‐biliary diseases undergoing duct‐to‐mucosa PG following PD between 1995 and 2005 were evaluated. One hundred forty patients underwent a pylorus‐preserving PD and 10 patients underwent a conventional PD (Whipple operation). External drainage of pancreatic juice was performed in 77 cases.

Results

The mean operating time was 378 min and the mean blood loss was 1,640 ml. Blood transfusion was not required in 97 patients (65%). The morbidity rate was 50% (75/150), but the mortality rate was 0%. Pancreatic fistulae occurred in 11 patients (7%). Gender, age, operative procedure, portal vein resection, external drainage of the pancreatic juice, operative time, blood loss and blood transfusion did not affect the rate of pancreatic fistula. The rate of pancreatic fistulae tended to be lower in pancreatic carcinoma (3%) than non‐pancreatic carcinoma (11%).

Conclusions

Duct‐to‐mucosa PG is a safe procedure for reconstruction following PD. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:205–209. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: Prognostic factors and treatment
Authors: Besic Nikola , Pilko Gasper , Petric Rok , Hocevar Marko , Zgajnar Janez
Published: November 2007

Background and Objectives

Within the group of patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), the prognostic factors have not been well defined and the optimal treatment has not been proved. The aim of this study was to find out the factors associated with the tumor recurrence in the patients with PTMC.

Methods

A total of 228 patients with PTMC (189 females, 39 males; age 14–85 years, median 46 years) were treated at our Institute between 1975 and 2006. The data on patients' gender, age, extent of disease, pathomorphological characteristics, therapy, locoregional control, disease‐free survival and disease‐specific survival were collected. Statistical correlation between possible prognostic factors and the duration of disease‐free interval was analyzed by univariate and Cox's multivariate survival analysis.

Results

The tumor diameter ranged from 0.1 to 10 mm (mean 6.1 mm). The median length of observation was 84 months (range 1–385). During the follow‐up period, the recurrence was diagnosed in 7 patients (6 locoregional and 1 distant). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size and lymph node metastases were independent prognostic factors for disease‐free interval.

Conclusions

Longer disease‐free interval was found in the patients with a tumor diameter ≤6 mm and without lymph‐node metastases. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:221–225. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ischemia-Reperfusion of Small Liver Remnant Promotes Liver Tumor Growth and Metastases—Activation of Cell Invasion and Migration Pathways
Authors: Man Kwan , Ng Kevin T. , Lo Chung Mau , Ho Joanna W. , Sun Bai Shun , Sun Chris K. , Lee Terence K. , Poon Ronnie T. P. , Fan Sheung Tat
Published: November 2007

Elucidating the mechanism of liver tumor growth and metastasis after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of a small liver remnant will lay the foundation for the development of therapeutic strategies to target small liver remnant injury, and will reduce the likelihood of tumor recurrence after major hepatectomy or liver transplantation for liver cancer patients. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of hepatic I/R injury of a small liver remnant on liver tumor development and metastases, and to explore the precise molecular mechanisms. A rat liver tumor model that underwent partial hepatic I/R injury with or without major hepatectomy was investigated. Liver tumor growth and metastases were compared among the groups with different surgical stress. An orthotopic liver tumor nude mice model was used to further confirm the invasiveness of the tumor cells from the above rat liver tumor model. Significant tumor growth and intrahepatic metastasis (5 of 6 vs. 0 of 6, P = 0.015), and lung metastasis (5 of 6 vs. 0 of 6, P = 0.015) were found in rats undergoing I/R and major hepatectomy compared with the control group, and was accompanied by upregulation of mRNA levels for Cdc42, ROCK (Rho kinase), and vascular endothelial growth factor, as well as activation of hepatic stellate cells. Most of the nude mice implanted with liver tumor from rats under I/R injury and major hepatectomy developed intrahepatic and lung metastases. In conclusion, hepatic I/R injury of a small liver remnant exacerbated liver tumor growth and metastasis by marked activation of cell adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis pathways. Liver Transpl 13:1669–1677, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Biliary Complications and Outcomes of Liver Transplantation from Donors after Cardiac Death
Authors: Maheshwari Anurag , Maley Warren , Li Zhiping , Thuluvath Paul J.
Published: November 2007

Biliary complications after liver transplantation (LT) using organs retrieved from donors after cardiac death are not well characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of biliary complications and outcomes after donation after cardiac death liver transplantation (DCD-LT). A retrospective evaluation of 20 DCD-LTs from 1997–2006 was performed. The recipient age was 53 ± 8.7, and the donor age was 35 ± 11 years. The warm ischemia time, cold ischemia time, peak alanine aminotransferase level, and peak aspartate aminotransferase level were 33 ± 12 minutes, 8.7 ± 2.7 hours, 1757 ± 1477 U/L, and 4020 ± 3693 U/L, respectively. The bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels at hospital discharge after LT were 3.2 ± 5.4 mg/dL and 248 ± 200 U/L, respectively. During a median follow-up of 7.5 months (range: 1–73), 5 patients (25%; 1 death after re-LT) died (3 from sepsis, 1 from recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma at 4 months, and 1 from a cardiac event at 46 months), and additionally, 4 patients (20%) required re-LT (1 because of hepatic artery thrombosis, 1 because of primary graft nonfunction, and 2 because of biliary strictures). Twelve (60%) developed biliary complications, and of these, 11 (55%) had serious biliary complications. The biliary complications were as follows: a major bile leak for 2 patients (10%; both eventually underwent retransplantation), anastomotic strictures for 5 patients (25%), hilar strictures for 7 patients (35%), extrahepatic donor duct strictures for 9 patients (45%), intrahepatic strictures for 10 patients (50%), stones for 1 patients (5%), casts for 7 patients (35%), and debris for 2 patients (10%). More than 1 biliary complication was seen in most patients, and these were unpredictable and required multiple diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Serious biliary complications are common after DCD-LT, and research should focus on identifying donor and recipient factors that predict and prevent serious biliary complications. Liver Transpl 13:1645–1653, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Alloimmunization to Red Blood Cell Antigens Affects Clinical Outcomes in Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: Boyd Scott D. , Stenard Fabien , Lee Donald K.K. , Goodnough Lawrence T. , Esquivel Carlos O. , Fontaine Magali J.
Published: November 2007

Transfusion therapy of liver transplant patients remains a challenge. High volumes of intraoperative blood transfusion have been shown to increase the risk of poor graft or patient survival. We conducted a retrospective study of 209 consecutive liver transplant cases at our institution. Only patients receiving their first liver transplant, with no other simultaneous organ transplants, were included. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to identify clinical variables correlated with postoperative patient mortality. Statistically significant variables for poor patient survival were the number of red blood cell and plasma units transfused, a history of red blood cell alloantibodies, and the immunosuppressive regimen used. History of pregnancy also approached statistical significance but was less robust than the other 3 variables. Our findings suggest that blood transfusion and immune modulation greatly affect the survival of patients after liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 13:1654–1661, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Experimental and quantum‐chemical studies of 1H, 13C and 15N NMR coordination shifts in Pd(II) and Pt(II) chloride complexes with quinoline, isoquinoline, and 2,2′‐biquinoline
Authors: Pazderski Leszek , Toušek Jaromír , Sitkowski Jerzy , Kozerski Lech , Szłyk Edward
Published: November 2007

1H, 13C, and 15N NMR studies of platinide(II) (M = Pd, Pt) chloride complexes with quinolines (L = quinoline–quin, or isoquinoline–isoquin; LL = 2,2′‐biquinoline–bquin), having the general formulae trans‐/cis‐[ML2Cl2] and [M(LL)Cl2], were performed and the respective chemical shifts (δ1H, δ13C, δ15N) reported. 1H coordination shifts of various signs and magnitudes (Δ1Hcoord = δ1Hcomplex − δ1Hligand) are discussed in relation to the changes of diamagnetic contribution to the relevant 1H shielding constants. The comparison to the literature data for similar complexes containing auxiliary ligands other than chlorides exhibited a large dependence of δ1H parameters on electron density variations and ring‐current effects (inductive and anisotropic phenomena). The influence of deviations from planarity, concerning either MN2Cl2 chromophores or azine ring systems, revealed by the known X‐ray structures of [Pd(bquin)Cl2] and [Pt(bquin)Cl2], is discussed in respect to 1H NMR spectra. 15N coordination shifts (Δ15Ncoord = δ15Ncomplex − δ15Nligand) of ca. 78–100 ppm (to lower frequency) are attributed mainly to the decrease of the absolute value of paramagnetic contribution in the relevant 15N shielding constants, this phenomenon being noticeably dependent on the type of a platinide metal and coordination sphere geometry. The absolute magnitude of Δ15Ncoord parameter increased by ca 15 ppm upon Pd(II) → Pt(II) replacement but decreased by ca. 15 ppm following trans → cis transition. Experimental 1H, 13C, 15N NMR chemical shifts are compared to those quantum‐chemically calculated by B3LYP/LanL2DZ + 6–31G**//B3LYP/LanL2DZ + 6–31G*, both in vacuo and in CHCl3 or DMF solution. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SELOVS: Brain MRSI localization based on highly selective T1‐ and B1‐insensitive outer‐volume suppression at 3T
Authors: Henning Anke , Schär Michael , Schulte Rolf F. , Wilm Bertram , Pruessmann Klaas P. , Boesiger Peter
Published: November 2007

In vivo, high‐field MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) profits from signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) gain and increased spectral resolution. However, bandwidth limitations of slice‐selective excitation and refocusing pulses lead to strong chemical‐shift displacement at high field strength when using conventional MRSI localization based on PRESS. Consequential metabolic information, particularly of border regions such as cortical brain tissue, is distorted. In addition, lipid contamination remains a major confound. To address these problems it is proposed to abandon PRESS selection and rely on a novel scheme of highly selective T1‐ and B1‐insensitive outer‐volume suppression in combination with slice‐selective spin‐echo acquisition for brain MRSI. Multiple cycles of overlapping suppression slabs are applied with flip angles optimized to account for tissue‐dependent T1 relaxation times and band crossings. Broadband frequency modulated saturation pulses with polynomial phase‐response are utilized in order to minimize chemical‐shift displacement. Efficacy of the outer‐volume suppression sequence was simulated and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Brain MRSI localization at 3T was significantly improved and reliable suppression of short‐range lipid contamination enabled, leading to substantial enhancement of spectral quality, particularly in cortical tissue. Hence, the new method holds potential to expand the applicability of high‐field MRSI to the entire brain. Magn Reson Med, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.