bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity of CD80 gene transcription by human keratinocytes to allergens and irritants: relevance to allergic contact dermatitis in vivo
Authors: Wakem Paul , Ramirez Francisco , Zlotnick David , Gaspari Anthony A.
Published: November 2004

Using an in vitro assay for CD80 promoter activity, the transcriptional response of primary cultured human keratinocytes from different donors in response to allergens and irritants was studied. The CD80 promoter activity was increased reproducibly after exposure to certain chemicals. The epithelial cell lines HeLa and HaCaT also increased CD80 transcriptional activity in response to exposure to a panel of different allergens and irritants. Normal or immortalized keratinocytes responded reproducibly with a unique pattern to a panel of chemicals in which the culture increases CD80 transcription after exposure to certain chemicals and has no increase in CD80 transcription after exposure to other chemicals. Some keratinocyte cultures responded positively to certain chemicals whereas others did not respond to the same chemicals. Cultured keratinocytes from 16 of 20 adult donors (80%) responded to nitrochlorobenzene in vitro by increasing CD80 transcriptional activity, thus predicting subsequent sensitization to this same hapten (χ2 = 7.2, P < 0.0073). Thus, a keratinocyte CD80 gene expression assay exhibits good sensitivity in predicting allergic contact dermatitis for sensitizers such as dinitrochlorobenzene. These data suggest that there is a rationale for developing the use of gene‐transcription‐based predictive assays to identify individual susceptibility to cutaneous reactivity after exposure to allergens and irritants. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acetylcholine and choline effects on erythrocyte nitrite and nitrate levels
Authors: Carvalho Filomena A. , Mesquita Rui , Martins‐Silva João , Saldanha Carlota
Published: November 2004

Acetylcholine has been detected in human blood. Acetylcholine receptors and acetylcholinesterase are present in erythrocyte membranes. We tested the acetylcholine and choline effects on nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), namely nitrites and nitrates, and observed if they are dependent on interactions with muscarinic receptors and acetylcholinesterase. Human erythrocyte suspensions were incubated with acetylcholine and choline in the absence or presence of 10 µM atropine or 10 µM velnacrine maleate. The nitrite and nitrate concentrations were determined by the Griess method. Acetylcholine or choline increased NOx control concentrations (P < 0.001). The nitrite concentrations decreased in the presence of atropine or velnacrine maleate (P < 0.03). The nitrate concentrations only decreased when velnacrine maleate was incubated with acetylcholine or choline (10 µM, P < 0.03). These results demonstrated that acetylcholine and choline modulate nitric oxide metabolites on erythrocytes and this effect is mediated by interactions with erythrocyte membrane muscarinic receptors and membrane enzyme acetylcholinesterase. A hypothesis for the signal transduction mechanism has been discussed for acetylcholinesterase and muscarinic receptor (M1) participation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhalation toxicity in mice exposed to sarin (GB) for 20–720 min
Authors: Bide R. W. , Risk D. J.
Published: November 2004

Most of the historical data for the toxicity of sarin (GB) was collected for exposure times of <10 min in attempts to establish the utility of and defence against this agent in offensive military use. However, information concerning the toxicity of GB (and other nerve agents) from longer exposures of 1–12 h is critical for all personnel who must work in or close to low‐level concentrations of chemical for extended periods and for all personnel, dressed in Individual Protective Equipment, who need to know when, and if, it is safe to take off these cumbersome garments.

The data presented for the toxicity of GB to mice for whole‐body exposures of 20 min to 12 h are intended to form part of an ongoing, multi‐species effort aimed at establishing toxicity estimates for humans for these longer exposure times: lct50 values of 430, 540, 900, 1210 and 2210 mg·min m−3 or lc50 values of 21.5, 9.0, 5.0, 3.4 and 3.1 mg m−3 were obtained for mice for 20‐, 60‐, 180‐, 360‐ and 720‐min exposures to GB, respectively. The data for longer exposures do not follow Haber's rule (lct50 = CT). The 20‐ and 60‐min data ﬁt the ‘toxic load model’ involving CnT that was established previously from historical data for 0.17–30 min GB exposures to mice. The lct50 and lc50 values for 3, 6 and 12 h are progressively higher (toxicity lower) than predicted by either Haber's rule or the toxic load model. Copyright © 2004 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relative difference sets in semidirect products with an amalgamated subgroup
Authors: Galati John C. , LeBel Alain C.
Published: November 2004

We call a group G with subgroups G1, G2 such that G = G1G2 and both N = G1 ∩ G2 and G1 are normal in G a semidirect product with amalgamated subgroup N. We show that if Gl is a group with Nl ⊲ Gl containing a relative $({m_l},n,{m_l},{{m_l}\over{n}})$‐difference set relative to Nl for l = 1,2, and if there exists a “compatible coupling” from (G2, N2) to (G1, N1), a notion introduced in the paper, then for any i,j ∈ ℕ there exists at least one semidirect product with amalgamated subgroup N ≅ N1 ≅ N2 containing a relative $(m_1^im_2^j,n, m_1^im_2^j, {{m_1^im_2^j}\over {n}})$‐difference set. We say “at least one” to emphasize that the proof is via recursive construction and that different groups may be obtained depending on the choices made at different stages of the recursion. A special case of this result shows that if K is any finite group containing a normal relative ${(m,n,m,}{{m}\over {n}})$‐difference set, then there exists, for each i ∈ ℕ, at least one semidirect product with amalgamated subgroup N containing a relative $({m^i},n,{m^i},{{m_i}\over {n}})$‐difference set. These results suggest that the class of semidirect products with an amalgamated subgroup provides a rich source of new (non‐abelian) semiregular relative difference sets. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Existence of large sets of disjoint group‐divisible designs with block size three and type 2n41
Authors: Ji L.
Published: November 2004

Large sets of disjoint group‐divisible designs with block size three and type 2n41 (denoted by LS (2n41)) were first studied by Schellenberg and Stinson and motivated by their connection with perfect threshold schemes. It is known that such large sets can exist only for n ≡ 0 (mod 3) and do exist for any n ∉  {12, 36, 48, 144} ∪ {m > 6 : m ≡  6,30 (mod 36)}. In this paper, we show that an LS (212k + 641) exists for any k ≠ 2. So, the existence of LS (2n41) is almost solved with five possible exceptions n ∈ {12, 30, 36, 48, 144}. This solution is based on the known existence results of S (3, 4, v)s by Hanani and special S (3, {4, 6}, 6m)s by Mills. Partitionable H (q, 2, 3, 3) frames also play an important role together with a special known LS (21841) with a subdesign LS (2641). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward a consilient science of psychology
Authors: Rand Kevin L. , Ilardi Stephen S.
Published: November 2004

From its inception, psychology has been characterized by conceptual fragmentation and slow scientific progress (Henriques, 2004; Meehl, 1978). In contrast, the natural sciences have achieved in recent decades a remarkable degree ofconsilience—the linking of fact, theory, and method across disciplines (and subdisciplines) and across nested levels of informational complexity (Wilson, 1998). Although such consilience serves as a potent catalyst of scientific discovery, there exists several barriers to the emergence of a consilient science of psychology (e.g., the persistent influence of dualism, longstanding internecine discord, resistance to perceived reductionism, etc.). We discuss the manner in which the development of metatheoretical frameworks (including Henriques' Tree of Knowledge model) may play an important role in addressing such barriers. Likewise, we describe the hybrid interdisciplinary domain ofcognitive neuroscience, which provides an empirically testable metatheory and a promising consilient bridge between psychology and the natural sciences. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Testing the limits of Henriques' proposal: Wittgensteinian lessons and hermeneutic dialogue
Authors: Slife Brent
Published: November 2004

The limits of Henriques' “overarching conceptions” approach to defining psychology is first tested by comparing and contrasting his conceptions to two burgeoning movements within psychology: qualitative research and spiritual therapy strategies. These movements were selected because they represent many other fragments of a fragmented psychology that could fall outside Henriques' disciplinary matrix. This comparison reveals how the broader discipline of psychology resists propositional definitions, such as Henriques' proposal. As the later work of Wittgenstein (1958) reveals, one cannot unite the various language games of a discipline's discourse communities through common overarching features. Next, another approach to unification and definition is outlined—hermeneutic dialogue. Unlike an overarching framework, hermeneutic dialogue does not require “joint points.” In fact, it assumes that the richness and vitality of a discipline can be drained away by such “unifying” principles. Instead, hermeneutic dialogue is a way of relating and unifying while preserving the integrity and identity of even incommensurable factions within a discipline. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Light emitting diodes and an infrared bulb as light sources of a fixed‐film tubular photobioreactor for conversion of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur
Authors: Syed Murtuza A , Henshaw Paul F
Published: November 2004

The effect of light quality on the performance a fixed‐film continuous‐flow photobioreactor for removal of hydrogen sulfide from synthetic industrial wastewater and conversion of it to elemental sulfur was investigated. Sixteen 150 mm long and 1.6 mm internal diameter (id) Tygon tubes formed the active part of the reactor. At the same light intensity, reactor performance in terms of optimal sulfide loading rates was compared between an infrared bulb and light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs provided light within the peak absorption wavelength range of green sulfur bacteria (GSB) and were used as a light source for the GSB with the goal of reducing the cost of the required light. Though the reactor sustained higher sulfide loading rates using LEDs than when using an infrared bulb at equal light intensities, the infrared bulb has the potential to be more efficient overall. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Sonography of the thoracic and abdominal walls
Authors: Meuwly Jean‐Yves , Gudinchet François
Published: November 2004

Pathologic processes that may involve the thoracic or abdominal wall occasionally raise diagnostic challenges because of the low specificity of physical findings. Congenital and developmental anomalies may mimic soft‐tissue or bone tumors; tumors may mimic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and vice versa. Furthermore, these disorders may produce remote manifestations that are frequently misdiagnosed as visceral pain. Many of these parietal processes have typical sonographic appearances that allow definitive diagnosis. This article reviews characteristic sonographic appearances of thoracic and abdominal wall disorders. Familiarity with these sonographic features facilitates accurate diagnosis and optimal patient treatment. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:500–510, 2004
Spiral phase velocity mapping of left and right coronary artery blood flow: Correction for through‐plane motion using selective fat‐only excitation
Authors: Keegan Jennifer , Gatehouse Peter D. , Yang Guang‐Zhong , Firmin David N.
Published: November 2004

Purpose

To develop a method of correcting both right and left coronary artery flow velocities for the through‐plane motion of the vessel, in order to allow details in the temporal flow profiles to be viewed.

Materials and Methods

The methods developed use selective excitation and velocity mapping of the epicardial fat surrounding the artery, either in a separate acquisition (temporal resolution = 22 msec) or interleaved with the water‐excitation acquisition (temporal resolution = 44 msec) used to determine coronary blood flow velocities. The two methods were compared in 10 right and 13 left coronary arteries in healthy volunteers.

Results

For the right coronary arteries, correction for through‐plane motion significantly reduces the mean systolic flow velocity (75.3 mm/second vs. 90.0 mm/second, P < 0.01), while the mean diastolic flow velocity is unchanged (96.8 mm/second vs. 94.5 mm/second, P = ns). The resulting profiles are biphasic, with approximately equal flow in systole and diastole. For the left arteries, correction for through‐plane motion reduces the mean systolic flow velocity (25.0 mm/second vs. 72.8 mm/second, P < 0.001), resulting in the expected diastolic predominant flow profiles. For the right arteries, there were no significant differences in the mean systolic and mean diastolic velocities after correction with the separate fat‐excitation acquisition, and after correction the poorer temporal resolution combined water excitation/fat excitation acquisition. However, for the left coronary arteries, the combined water excitation/fat excitation acquisition resulted in a slight reduction in the mean diastolic velocity (121.5 mm/second vs. 130.9 mm/second, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Selective excitation of the surrounding epicardial fat enables through‐plane correction of both left and right coronary flow velocities, enabling the temporal details of flow velocity to be viewed.With a combined WE/FE acquisition, this can be performed without extending the study duration; however, the reduced temporal resolution and temporal mismatch of the excitations results in a blunting of rapidly changing flow profiles. As such, it may be less suitable for the left coronary artery, which has a greater range of through‐plane motion than the right, and correction using separate WE and FE acquisitions, or the adjacent myocardium, may be preferable. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:953–960. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving the prediction of final infarct size in acute stroke with bolus delay–corrected perfusion MRI measures
Authors: Rose Stephen E. , Janke Andrew L. , Griffin Mark , Strudwick Mark W. , Finnigan Simon , Semple James , Chalk Jonathan B.
Published: November 2004

Purpose

To investigate whether bolus delay‐corrected dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion MRI measures allowed a more accurate estimation of eventual infarct volume in 14 acute stroke patients using a predictive tissue classifier algorithm.

Materials and Methods

Tissue classification was performed using a expectation maximization and k‐means clustering algorithm utilizing diffusion and T2 measures (diffusion‐weighted imaging [DWI], apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], and T2) combined with uncorrected perfusion measures cerebral blood flow ((CBF) and mean transit time [MTT]), bolus delay–corrected perfusion measures (cCBF and cMTT), and bolus delay–corrected perfusion indices (cCBF and cMTT with bolus delay).

Results

The mean similarity index (SI), a kappa‐based correlation statistic reflecting the pixel‐by‐pixel classification agreement between predicted and 30‐day T2 lesion volumes, were 0.55 ± 0.19, 0.61 ± 0.15 (P < 0.02) and 0.60 ± 0.17 (P <0.03), respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficients, comparing predicted and final lesion volumes were 0.56 (P < 0.05), 0.70 (P < 0.01), and 0.84 (P < 0.001), respectively. We found a more significant correlation between predicted infarct volumes derived from bolus delay–corrected perfusion measures than from conventional perfusion measures when combined with diffusion measures and compared with final lesion volumes measured on 30‐day T2 MRI scans.

Conclusion

Bolus delay–corrected perfusion measures enable an improved prediction of infarct evolution and evaluation of the hemodynamic status of neuronal tissue in acute stroke. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:941–947. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of a combined penetrometer for simultaneous measurement of penetration resistance and soil water content
Authors: Sun Yurui , Schulze Lammers Peter , Ma Daokun
Published: November 2004

A combined penetrometer is an appropriate tool to measure the soil cone resistance and the water‐content profile. As a relatively new technique, a combined capacitance‐penetrometer for the simultaneous measurement of cone index and soil water content was developed at the Department of Agricultural Engineering of Bonn University in 2002. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the effectiveness and applicability of the innovated penetrometer with a focus on three aspects: (1) A capacitance sensor with two electrode configurations was calibrated for silt loam, sandy loam, and sand. The calibration results show that both electrode configurations have sufficient water‐content sensitivity, but soil‐specific calibrations seem necessary. (2) Under laboratory conditions, the dynamic resolution and response of the capacitance‐penetrometer were validated, and its radius of influence was determined. (3) The field measurement results demonstrate that this measurement technique can be used to improve the interpretation quality of soil cone index data.
Using natural 13C abundances to differentiate between three CO2 sources during incubation of a grassland soil amended with slurry and sugar
Authors: Kuzyakov Yakov , Bol Roland
Published: November 2004

This study describes a novel approach to separate three soil carbon (C) sources by one tracer method (here 13C natural abundance). The approach uses the temporal dynamics of the CO2 efflux from a C3 grassland soil amended with added C3 or C4 slurry and/or C3 or C4 sugar to estimate contributions of three separate C sources (native soil, slurry, and sugar) to CO2 efflux. Soil with slurry and/or sugar was incubated under controlled conditions, and concentration and δ13C values of evolved CO2 were measured over a 2‐week period. The main assumption needed for separation of three C sources in CO2 efflux, i.e., identical decomposition of applied C3 and C4 sugars in soil, was investigated and proven. The relative contribution to the CO2 efflux was higher, but shorter with an increased (microbial) availability of the C source, i.e., sugar > slurry > SOM. The shortcomings and limitations as well as possible future applications of the suggested method are discussed.
Contribution of nitrification and denitrification to the emission of N2O in a freeze‐thaw event in an agricultural soil
Authors: Ludwig Bernard , Wolf Inken , Teepe Robert
Published: November 2004

The amounts of N2O released in freeze‐thaw events depend on site and freezing conditions and contribute considerably to the annual N2O emissions. However, quantitative information on the N transformation rates in freeze‐thaw events is scarce. Our objectives were (1) to quantify gross nitrification in a Luvisol during a freeze‐thaw event, (2) to analyze the dynamics of the emissions of N2O and N2, (3) to quantify the contribution of nitrification and denitrification to the emission of N2O, and (4) to determine whether the length of freezing and of thawing affects the C availability for the denitrification. 15NO$ _3^- $ was added to undisturbed soil columns, and the columns were subjected to 7 d of freezing and 5 d of thawing. N2O emissions were determined in 3 h intervals, and the concentrations of 15N2O and 15N2 were determined at different times during thawing. During the 12 d experiment, 5.67 mg NO$ _3^- $‐N (kg soil)–1 was produced, and 2.67 mg NO$ _3^- $‐N (kg soil)–1 was lost. By assuming as a first approximation that production and loss occurred exclusively during thawing, the average nitrate‐production rate, denitrification rate, and immobilization rate were 1.13, 0.05, and 0.48 mg NO$ _3^- $‐N (kg soil)–1 d–1, respectively. Immediately after the beginning of the thawing, denitrification contributed by 83% to the N2O production. The ratios of 15N2 to 15N2O during thawing were narrow and ranged from 1.5 to 0.6. For objective (4), homogenized soil samples were incubated under anaerobic conditions after different periods of freezing and thawing. The different periods did not affect the amounts of N2 and N2O produced in the incubation experiments. Further, addition of labile substrates gave either increases in the amounts of N2O and N2 produced or no changes which suggested that changes in nutrient availability due to freezing and thawing are only small.
The effect of alkaline‐stabilized–sludge application on the microbiological quality of soil and leachate
Authors: Olcay Kocaer Fatma , Alkan Ufuk , Savaş Başkaya Hüseyin
Published: November 2004

The influences of fly ash and fly‐ash–quicklime‐treated‐sludge mixtures (with fly‐ash doses of 40%, 80%, and 120% on dry‐weight basis) on the microbial numbers in soil and leachate were investigated by using 60 cm soil columns. Heterotrophic bacteria and total coliform numbers were determined in soil and leachate samples following an artificial rainfall event.

The results indicated that land application of untreated sludge and fly‐ash–sludge mixtures appear to introduce large numbers of bacteria to leachates and soil. Although the numbers in leachates and soils were found to decrease with increasing ash ratios, they were still all significantly above the control levels. Application of alkaline‐stabilized and pasteurized sludge did not increase bacterial numbers significantly in soil and leachate. Distribution of heterotrophic bacteria through soil profile clearly showed no increase in soils amended with alkaline‐stabilized and pasteurized sludges. Additionally, no significant inhibitory effect of lignite fly ash on soil microbial population was observed.
Alkyl C and hydrophobicity in B and C horizons of an acid forest soil
Authors: Rumpel Cornelia , Seraphin Ariane , Goebel Marc‐Oliver , Wiesenberg Guido , Gonzales‐Vila Francisco , Bachmann Jörg , Schwark Lorenz , Michaelis Walter , Mariotti André , Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid
Published: November 2004

Aliphatic C most probably derived from ester‐bound moieties was found to be present in sandy subsoil horizons. The hydrophobic nature of such compounds may increase their stabilization potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of aliphatic compounds in mineral soil horizons along a Dystric Cambisol profile under beech forest to increase hydrophobicity. The conceptual approach included the analyses of soil samples before and after solvent extraction and base hydrolysis for elemental and isotopic composition. Additionally, the advancing contact angle was measured to quantify hydrophobicity. Curie‐point pyrolysis GC/MS was carried out to characterize the nature of alkyl C present in subsoil samples. A close correlation between the 14C activity and the stable‐C‐isotope ratio (δ13C) indicates isotopic fractionation upon C stabilization in subsoils. Free lipids contributed less than 10% to the organic C found in subsoil horizons. Base hydrolysis revealed very high amounts of hydroxyalkanoic acids in the B horizons of the acid forest soil. Hydrophobicity of SOM was not found to be correlated to esterified‐ or free‐lipid content. The contact angle was in a similar range for all bulk soil horizons, suggesting greater hydrophobicity of organic matter in subsoil horizons considering their very low concentrations of organic C compared to the A horizon. The quantity and nature of pyrolysis products change with increasing depth in the soil profile. Aliphatic products cannot be detected in B and C horizons by Curie‐point pyrolysis GC/MS.
Resolution of alcoholic neuropathy following liver transplantation
Authors: Gane Edward , Bergman Rachael , Hutchinson David
Published: November 2004

Between 10 and 20% of adult liver transplants are performed for end-stage alcoholic liver disease. Severe extrahepatic end-organ damage from alcoholism (cardiomyopathy, pancreatitis, central nervous system injury, and neuropathy) is widely regarded as an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation, despite a lack of data on the effect of transplantation on these complications. We describe such a patient who presented with decompensated alcoholic liver disease and moderately severe peripheral neuropathy. Both his liver failure and neuropathy progressed despite 9 months abstinence and intensive nutritional support. By 12 months post-transplant, however, this patient had regained almost normal muscle strength, with associated recovery in sensory and motor conduction velocities. Direct alcohol toxicity, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, and liver failure were all likely etiologic factors in this patient’s neuropathy. In conclusion, this case suggests that peripheral neuropathy in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis may resolve following liver transplantation and should not constitute a contraindication to transplantation, even when it is disabling. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1545-1548.)
The transplanted liver graft is capable of clearing asymmetric dimethylarginine
Authors: Siroen Michiel P.C. , Warlé Michiel C. , Teerlink Tom , Nijveldt Robert J. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Metselaar Herold J. , Tilanus Hugo W. , Kuik Dirk J. , van der Sijp Joost R.M. , Meijer Sybren , van der Hoven Ben , van Leeuwen Paul A.M.
Published: November 2004

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been recognized as an endogenous inhibitor of the arginine-nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Its concentration is tightly regulated by urinary excretion and degradation by the enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), which is highly expressed in the liver. Considering the liver as a crucial organ in the clearing of ADMA, we hypothesized increased ADMA levels during hepatic failure and, consequently, a decline of ADMA concentrations after successful liver transplantation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the liver in the metabolism of ADMA in patients undergoing liver transplantation. In this prospective study, we investigated the course of ADMA concentrations in 42 patients undergoing liver transplantation and results showed that preoperative ADMA concentrations were higher in patients with acute (1.26 μmol/L, P < .001) and in patients with chronic (.69 μmol/L, P < .001) hepatic failure compared with healthy volunteers (.41 μmol/L). In addition, ADMA concentrations decreased from the preoperative day to the first postoperative day in both the acute (ΔADMA: −.63 μmol/L, P = .005) and the chronic hepatic failure group (ΔADMA: −0.15 μmol/L, P < .001). Furthermore, in patients who experienced acute rejection, ADMA concentrations were higher during the whole first postoperative month compared with nonrejectors (P = .012). Moreover, in 11 of 13 rejectors (85%) a clear increase in ADMA concentration preceded the onset of the first episode of rejection, which was confirmed by liver biopsy. In conclusion, our results indicate that the transplanted liver graft is quickly capable of clearing ADMA, suggesting preservation of DDAH. In addition, increased ADMA concentrations in the posttransplantation period reflect serious dysfunction of the liver graft during acute rejection. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1524-1530.)
Steroid withdrawal at day 14 after liver transplantation: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Pageaux Georges-Philippe , Calmus Yvon , Boillot Olivier , Ducerf Christian , Vanlemmens Claire , Boudjema Karim , Samuel Didier
Published: November 2004

Some clinical studies in liver transplantation have recently reported safety advantages and similar acute rejection rates with early steroid withdrawal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an immunosuppressive regimen with steroid withdrawal at day 14. A multicenter, 1-year, comparative, double blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. Patients undergoing a first cadaveric liver transplantation were recruited and all received basiliximab + cyclosporine + intravenous methylprednisolone. Patients without severe postoperative complications were randomized at day 7 to receive a maintenance regimen with Neoral (cyclosporine) + prednisolone (group 1) or without steroids (Neoral + placebo; group 2), after a 7-day blinded oral steroid tapering period. A total of 174 patients were randomized at day 7 (group 1: n = 90; group 2: n = 84). The incidence of biopsy-confirmed and treated acute rejection at 6 months was 38.1% in group 2 vs. 24.4% in group 1 (P = .03) with a trend for a higher incidence of Grade II / III acute rejection (28.6% vs. 18.9%; P = .12). Changes from baseline were similar with regard to metabolic parameters (glycemia, total cholesterol, and triglycerides). A trend toward a better glucose tolerance was observed, as fewer patients received an antidiabetic treatment in the placebo group (2 vs. 10). In conclusion, this first double-blind, placebo-controlled study of steroid withdrawal at day 14 showed a higher incidence of acute rejection, only balanced by a trend of a lower need of antidiabetic treatment. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1454-1460.)
Cardiac morbidity and mortality related to orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Therapondos George , Flapan Andrew D. , Plevris John N. , Hayes Peter C.
Published: November 2004

This article briefly discusses the cardiac status of liver transplant recipients and their preoperative cardiac evaluation. It describes in detail perioperative and early and late postoperative complications as well as the cardiac problems associated with immunosuppression. The preoperative cardiovascular status of patients is important in determining how they cope with the stresses imposed by liver transplantation. Minor early cardiac events are common and may influence longer term cardiac morbidity. Immunosuppressive therapy may have short term effects but is likely to adversely affect long term cardiac risk. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1441-1453.)
Gene therapy: Lessons learned from liver transplantation for transthyretin-amyloidosis†
Authors: Suhr Ole B. , Holmgren Gösta , Lundgren Erik
Published: November 2004

Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy is the common form of hereditary generalized amyloidosis and is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid fibrils in the peripheral nerves and other organs. Liver transplantation (LTx) has been utilized as a therapy for familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy because the variant transthyretin (TTR) is predominantly synthesized by the liver, but this therapy has several problems. Thus, we need to develop a new treatment that prevents the production of the variant TTR in the liver. In this study, we used HepG2 cells to show in vitro conversion of the TTR gene by single-stranded oligonucleotides, embedded in atelocollagen, designed to promote endogenous repair of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid. For the in vivo portion of the study, we used liver from transgenic mice whose intrinsic wild-type TTR gene was replaced by the murine TTR Val30Met gene. The level of gene conversion was determined by real-time RCR combined with mutant-allele-specific amplification. Our results indicated that the level of gene conversion was approximately 11 and 9% of the total TTR gene in HepG2 cells and liver from transgenic mice, respectively. In conclusion, gene therapy via this method may therefore be a promising alternative to LTx for treatment of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy. (Gene Ther 2004;11:838-846.)
Predictors of survival after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma associated with Hepatitis C
Authors: Shimoda Mitsugi , Ghobrial Rafik M. , Carmody Ian C. , Anselmo Dean M. , Farmer Douglas G. , Yersiz Hasan , Chen Pauline , Dawson Sherfield , Durazo Francisco , Han Steve , Goldstein Leonard I. , Saab Sammy , Hiatt Jonathan , Busuttil Ronald W.
Published: November 2004

The efficacy of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not well defined. This study examines the variables that may determine the outcome of OLT for HCC in HCV patients. From 1990 to 1999, 463 OLTs were performed for HCV cirrhosis. Of these patients, 67 with concurrent HCC were included in the study. Univariate and multivariate analyses considered the following variables: gender, pTNM stage, tumor size, number of nodules, vascular invasion, incidental tumors, adjuvant chemotherapy, preoperative chemoembolization, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker, lobar distribution, and histological grade. Overall OLT survival of HCV patients diagnosed with concomitant HCC was significantly lower when compared to patients who underwent OLT for HCV alone at 1, 3, and 5 years (75%, 71%, and 55% versus 84%, 76%, and 75%, respectively; P < 0.01). Overall survival of patients with stage I HCC was significantly better than patients with stage II, III, or IV (P < .05). Eleven of 67 patients developed tumor recurrence. Sites of recurrence included transplanted liver (5), lung (5), and bone (1). Twenty-four of 67 patients (36%) died during the follow-up time. Causes of deaths included recurrent HCC in 8 of 24 patients (12%) and recurrent HCV in 3 of 24 patients (4.5%), whereas 13 (19.5%) patients died from causes that were unrelated to HCV or HCC. Both univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that pTNM status (I versus II, III, and IV; P < .05) was a reliable prognostic indicator for patient survival. Presence of vascular invasion (P = .0001) and advanced pTNM staging (P = .038) increased risk of recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that pretransplant chemoembolization and adjuvant chemotherapy reduced risk of death after OLT in HCC recipients. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of OLT for patients with HCC in a large cohort of chronic HCV patients. Advanced tumor stage, and particularly vascular invasion, are poor prognostic indicators for tumor recurrence. Early pTNM stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, and preoperative chemoembolization were associated with positive outcomes for patients who underwent OLT for concomitant HCV and HCC. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1478-1486.)
UW is superior to Celsior and HTK in the protection of human liver endothelial cells against preservation injury
Authors: Janβen Hermann , Janβen Petra H.E. , Broelsch Christoph E.
Published: November 2004

Celsior solution (CS), a new preservation solution in thoracic organ transplantation, was evaluated for its efficacy in cold preservation of human liver endothelial cells (HLEC) and was compared to University of Wisconsin solution (UW) and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (HTK, Custodiol). HLEC cultures were preserved at 4°C in CS, UW, and HTK, for 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours, with 6 hours of reperfusion. Levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) were measured after each interval of ischemia and the respective phase of reperfusion. Preservation injury of HLEC as measured by LDH release, intracellular ATP level, and MTT reduction were overall significantly (P ≤ .01, P ≤ .01, P < .05, respectively) lower in UW than in CS and HTK. CS demonstrates a modest superiority to HTK in HLEC preservation. Furthermore, cold preservation remains the main cause of preservation injury of HLEC regardless of the preservation solution used. Additionally, the maintenance of a high intracellular ATP level of HLEC after ischemia and reperfusion, as shown by UW, could be taken as a beneficial effect, particularly in long-term ischemia. In conclusion, our cell culture model reveals the order of efficacy to protect HLEC against preservation injury as: UW ≫ CS > HTK. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1514-1523.)
Binding of bilirubin and bromosulphthalein to albumin: Implications for understanding the pathophysiology of liver failure and its management
Authors: Steiner Christian , Sen Sambit , Stange Jan , Williams Roger , Jalan Rajiv
Published: November 2004

The binding/transporting functions of albumin provide the rationale for using albumin dialysis (e.g., molecular adsorbents recirculating system [MARS]) in liver failure. This study investigates these properties in vitro, validating the findings in vivo. In vitro bromosulphthalein (BSP) and bilirubin-spiked plasma were dialyzed against albumin and sampled. In vivo serum biochemistry was analyzed in: 7 MARS-treated liver failure patients; 98 MARS-treated patients from the MARS Registry; and 8 patients receiving albumin infusion. In vitro BSP concentrations did not equilibrate, but the molar ratio of BSP to albumin (CBSP/Calb) did, with no subsequent transmembrane transport, suggesting that the CBSP/Calb gradient (rather than simple diffusion) drives BSP transport. Bilirubin was transported similarly. In vivo serum bilirubin reduction during MARS sessions (n = 26) correlated with pre-treatment bilirubin (r = 0.42), but better (r = 0.85) with pre-treatment molar ratio of bilirubin to albumin (Cbilirubin/Calb). The strongest correlation was between Cbilirubin/Calb reduction and pre-treatment Cbilirubin/Calb (r = 0.9). A similar pattern was observed in the MARS Registry patients. After albumin infusion (n = 8), both serum albumin and bilirubin increased, while Cbilirubin/Calb remained unchanged. Cbilirubin/Calb appears to be important in albumin dialysis, and generally in liver disease patients, reinforcing the importance of the toxin-binding functions of albumin in liver disease. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:1531-1538.)
Adversarial models for priority‐based networks
Authors: Àlvarez C. , Blesa M. , Díaz J. , Serna M. , Fernández A.
Published: November 2004

In this article, we propose several variations of the adversarial queueing model and address stability issues of networks and protocols in those proposed models. The first such variation is thepriority model, which is directed at static network topologies and takes into account the case in which packets can have different priorities. Those priorities are assigned by an adversary at injection time. A second variation, thevariable priority model, is an extension of the priority model in which the adversary may dynamically change the priority of packets at each time step. Two more variations, namely thefailure modeland thereliable model, are proposed to cope with dynamic networks. In the failure and reliable models the adversary controls, under different constraints, the failures that the links of the topology might suffer. Concerning stability of networks in the proposed adversarial models, we show that the set ofuniversally stablenetworks in the adversarial model remains the same in the priority, variable priority, failure, and reliable models. From the point of view of protocols (or queueing policies), we show that several protocols that are universally stable in the adversarial queueing model remain so in the priority, failure, and reliable models. However, we show that thelongest‐in‐system(LIS) protocol, which is universally stable in the adversarial queueing model, is not universally stable in any of the other models we propose. Moreover, we show that no queueing policy is universally stable in the variable priority model. Finally, we analyze the problem of deciding stability of a given network under a fixed protocol. We provide a characterization of the networks that are stable underfirst‐in‐first‐out(FIFO) and LIS in the failure model (and therefore in the reliable and priority models). This characterization allows us to show that the stability problem under FIFO and LIS in the failure model can be solved in polynomial time. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 45(1), 23–35 2005
Parent–offspring similarity in personality and adolescents' problem behaviour
Authors: van Tuijl Cathy , Branje Susan J. T. , Semon Dubas Judith , Vermulst Ad A. , Van Aken Marcel A. G.
Published: November 2004

Similarity in personality between adolescents and their parents may have considerable implications for adolescent well‐being. We studied how the similarity in personality between 288 adolescents and their parents is linked to adolescent problem behaviour, and whether this link is mediated by warmth and control in the parent–child relationship and moderated by the personality type of the adolescent. Similarity in personality between adolescents and their parents was negatively related to internalizing and externalizing problem behaviour, both concurrently and over time. This relation was not mediated by the parent–child relationship. The effects were present for overcontrolled but not for resilient or undercontrolled adolescents. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On implicit–explicit consistency: the moderating role of individual differences in awareness and adjustment
Authors: Hofmann Wilhelm , Gschwendner Tobias , Schmitt Manfred
Published: November 2004

A moderated process model is presented that attempts to explain the consistency between implicit and explicit indicators as a function of awareness, i.e. the degree to which persons become aware of their implicit attitude, and adjustment, i.e. the degree to which they adjust for the explicit response. In two experiments on attitudes of West Germans toward East Germans and Turks, a number of dispositional moderators pertaining to awareness and adjustment were tested. Concerning moderators affecting awareness, no reliable first‐order effects were found for Private Self‐Consciousness or Attitudinal Self‐Knowledge. However, Attitude Importance generated the expected effect. Concerning moderators influencing adjustment, consistent effects were obtained for Motivation to Control Prejudiced Reactions. Social Desirability and Self‐Monitoring did not moderate the implicit–explicit relationship in the expected direction. Some evidence was found for a second‐order moderator effect between awareness and adjustment, suggesting that adjustment effects may be more pronounced under conditions of high awareness. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decomposing the construct of ambivalence over emotional expression in a Chinese cultural context
Authors: Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Cheung Fanny M. , Bond Michael Harris , Leung Jin‐Pang
Published: November 2004

The present study examined the construct of ambivalence over emotional expression proposed by King and Emmons (1990) in the Chinese context, and identified a factor structure different from those proposed in previous Western studies. The results of this study provided discriminant validity for this newly extracted two‐factor structure of ambivalence, viz., Emotional Rumination and Emotional Suppression. Emotional Rumination was significantly predicted by the personality scales of introversion and inferiority, and the belief dimension of fate control, whereas Emotional Suppression was predicted by the personality scales of diversity, face, and harmony, and the belief dimension of social complexity. The different effects of Emotional Rumination and Emotional Suppression in predicting life satisfaction showed that emotional experience has its own specific characteristics in Chinese culture, and that responding to its emic characteristics will yield a more culturally responsive understanding of emotional experience and expression. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A defence of the lexical approach to the study of personality structure
Authors: Ashton Michael C. , Lee Kibeom
Published: November 2004

In recent years there have been many investigations of personality structure, and much of this research has been based on the lexical strategy for finding the major personality dimensions. However, this approach has frequently been criticized on several grounds, including concerns regarding the use of adjectives as personality variables, the use of lay observers of personality, the limited explanatory power of lexically derived personality dimensions, and the lack of any similar strategies used in other sciences. In this paper, these criticisms are addressed in detail and judged to be invalid. It is argued that the study of personality structure via the lexical approach is an important area of research. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of new amphiphilic and lypophilic polymer networks containing 2‐methyl‐ and 2‐nonyl‐2‐oxazoline by the macroinitiator method
Authors: Rueda Juan Carlos , Komber Hartmut , Voit Brigitte
Published: November 2004

New amphiphilic and lypophilic polymer networks were obtained by the copolymerization of 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline (MeOXA), and/or 2‐nonyl‐2‐oxazoline (NoOXA) and 2,2′‐tetramethylenebis(2‐oxazoline) (BisOXA), respectively, initiating the copolymerization by random copolymers of chloromethylstyrene and methyl methacrylate or of chloromethylstyrene and styrene (macroinitiator method). Potassium iodide was used as an activator agent and the reaction was carried out in benzonitrile at 110 °C. In general, the polymer gels were obtained with a yield of 62 to 88%. The networks were characterized by high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR spectroscopy and by its absorption of polar and nonpolar solvents. In the case of amphiphilic polymer networks, the absorption of solvents depends on the molar ratio of 2‐methyl‐ to 2‐nonyl‐2‐oxazoline inside the polymer network favoring the absorption of polar solvents with a higher content of 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline. These gels showed a maximal swelling degree of 13 mL of water, 20 mL of methanol, and 13 mL of chloroform, respectively, per g of polymer. The lypophilic polymer networks containing only 2‐nonyl‐2‐oxazoline showed a maximal swelling degree of 8 mL of toluene, 14 mL of chloroform, and 2 mL of methanol, respectively, per g of the lypophilic network. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 122–128, 2005
Differential scanning calorimetry study on thermal behaviors of freeze‐dried poly(L‐lactide) from dilute solutions
Authors: Sasaki Takashi , Yamauchi Nobutaka , Irie Satoshi , Sakurai Kensuke
Published: November 2004

Glass transition, cold crystallization, and melting of freeze‐dried poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) prepared from dilute 1,4‐dioxane solutions were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Conventional DSC measurements of heating scans revealed that freeze‐dried PLLA prepared from a 0.07 wt % solution undergoes a two‐step cold crystallization (or reorganization) with a lower exotherm appearing at about 78 °C and with a higher broad exotherm between 110–155 °C. The peak temperature of the former exotherm is about 50 K lower than that observed for a reference bulk sample. Step‐scan mode DSC, which provides information essentially equivalent to that obtained from the temperature‐modulated DSC, revealed that the glass‐transition temperature is about 6 K lower than that of the reference bulk. These findings suggest enhanced chain mobility for freeze‐dried PLLA. Freeze‐dried PLLA that crystallized at 80 °C for 40 min was revealed to contain a rather large amount of rigid amorphous material (42%). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 115–124, 2005