bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postprandial lipemic response to alpha‐linolenic acid rich oil, butter, and olive oil
Authors: Svensson Julia , Rosenquist Anna , Adlercreutz Patrick , Nilsson Åke , Ohlsson Lena
Published: July 2010

Postprandial lipemia varies with composition of dietary fat due to partitioning of fatty acids between β‐oxidation, incorporation into TAG, and tissue lipids. Effects of alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) are poorly characterized. Lipase‐catalyzed transesterification was used to produce a novel ALA‐oil (35% ALA) from rapeseed and linseed oil. We hypothesized a lower postprandial lipemic response with ALA‐oil than with olive oil and butter due to higher β‐oxidation of ALA. A randomized crossover study with 26 healthy men compared the effects on plasma lipids 7 h after a breakfast containing 35 g ALA‐rich oil, butter fat, or olive oil. The incremental area under curve for plasma TAG was lower with butter than with olive oil (34%, p<0.05) and ALA‐oil (25%, ns). After ALA‐oil percentage ALA increased, in TAG to a constant level of 7 mol% and in NEFA to 6% after 7 h. Since total NEFA increased with time the amount of exogenous ALA in NEFA also increased. Butter resulted in lower postprandial lipemia than the oils, the difference exceeding what is expected from the presence of short and medium chain fatty acids in butter. There was a considerable recirculation of ALA into the NEFA pool available for oxidation.

Practical application: Enzymatic transesterification was used to produce a dietary oil rich in ALA. By randomizing the partitioning of ALA more evenly between the TAG molecules the risk of oxidation could be reduced. Analyses showed that the ALA‐oil was stable during storage for at least 3 months. Enzymatic transesterification could be used as an advantageous method to design an ALA rich dietary oil with new properties regarding fatty acid composition, susceptibility to oxidation, and effects on blood lipids.
Nucleophilicities and Nucleofugalities of Organic Carbonates
Authors: Streidl Nicolas , Branzan Ramona , Mayr Herbert
Published: July 2010

The kinetics of the reactions of the methyl carbonate ion with benzhydrylium ions in acetonitrile have been studied by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. Substitution of the resulting second‐order rate constants and the electrophilicity parameters E of the benzhydrylium ions into the linear free energy relationship log k = s(N + E) yielded the nucleophilicity parameters N25 = 16.03 and s25 = 0.64 for methyl carbonate in acetonitrile. The kinetics of the reverse reactions, i.e., of the solvolyses of ring‐substituted benzhydryl alkyl carbonates in different aqueous solvents were followed by conductimetry. The obtained first‐order rate constants and the known electrofugality parameters Ef of benzhydrylium ions were used to determine the nucleofugality parameters Nf and sf of the ROCO2– groups by using the linear free energy relationship log k = sf(Nf + Ef). The leaving group abilities of carbonates decrease by a factor of about 300 from PhOCO2– over MeOCO2– and iBuOCO2– to tBuOCO2– in various alcoholic and aqueous solvents. tert‐Butyl carbonates (tBocO‐R) are, thus, considerably more stable with respect to heterolytic cleavage of the O–R bond than other organic carbonates.
A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study of Anion–π Interactions inN6‐ andN9‐Decyladenine Salts
Authors: Garcia‐Raso Angel , Albertí Francisca M. , Fiol Juan J. , Lagos Yolanda , Torres Marta , Molins Elies , Mata Ignasi , Estarellas Carolina , Frontera Antonio , Quiñonero David , Deyà Pere M.
Published: July 2010

We report the synthesis and X‐ray characterization of N9‐ and N6‐decyladenine hydrochloride salts. The latter exhibits interesting anion–π interactions, which are responsible for crystal packing. In contrast, the former does not present any anion–π interactions; the anion is stabilized by hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Finally, a theoretical study of the different binding modes observed in the solid state is useful to explain the experimental findings.
Functionalized Chiral Ionic Liquid Catalyzed Asymmetric SN1 α‐Alkylation of Ketones and Aldehydes
Authors: Zhang Long , Cui Lingyun , Li Xin , Li Jiuyuan , Luo Sanzhong , Cheng Jin‐Pei
Published: July 2010

Pyrrolidine‐derived functionalized chiral ionic liquids (FCILs) have been found to catalyze asymmetric SN1 α‐alkylations of ketones and aldehydes with up to 99 % yield, >99:1 dr and 87 % ee. The FCIL catalysts enable SN1 α‐alkylations of cyclic ketones, particularly of 3‐ and 4‐substituted cyclohexanones with excellent diastereoselectivity and good enantioselectivity, featuring unprecedented desymmetrization and kinetic resolution processes for these types of asymmetric reaction. Full details of this study as well as the proposed enamine transition‐state are presented.
Inductively Heated Oxides Inside Microreactors – Facile Oxidations under Flow Conditions
Authors: Wegner Jens , Ceylan Sascha , Friese Carsten , Kirschning Andreas
Published: July 2010

Inductively heated iron oxides mixed with solid oxidants like CrO2 and NiO2 efficiently oxidize organic substrates under flow conditions in fixed‐bed reactors.
Metal‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization and Tandem Oxycyclization/Hydroxylation of Alkynols: Synthesis of Nonfused, Spiranic and Fused Oxabicyclic β‐Lactams
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro , Martínez del Campo Teresa , Carrascosa Rocío
Published: July 2010

2‐Azetidinone‐tethered alkynols, readily prepared from the corresponding aldehydes or ketones, were used as starting materials for the oxycyclization reaction catalyzed by precious metals. AgOAc exclusively affords dihydrofurans, methylenetetrahydrofurans, or methylenetetrahydro‐2H‐pyrans through specific 5‐endo, 5‐exo, or 6‐exo pathways, respectively. Interestingly, in the presence of a catalytic amount of PtII or AuIII salts, cyclization reactions occurred preferentially through a tandem oxycyclization/hydroxylation of alkynols to afford a variety of nonfused, spiranic and fused oxabicyclic β‐lactams in moderate to high yields. Besides, it has been observed that the tandem gold‐catalyzed cycloetherification/hydroxylation of a methoxymethyl alkynyl ether can be accomplished.
Elimination Procedure as a Novel and Promising Mathematical Approach in Voltammetric Methods
Authors: Serrano Nuria , Klosova Katerina , Trnkova Libuse
Published: July 2010

In the contribution, it has been demonstrated that Elimination Voltammetry with Linear Scan (EVLS) introduces an enhancement of the linear sweep and/or cyclic voltammetric results, and provides information about the type of the currents involved in the considered process. An extension of EVLS has been developed for any combination of scan rates (integers) for six elimination functions that are capable of conserving or eliminating of some voltammetric current components. Simple procedure to obtain the necessary coefficients from the chosen scan rates has been reported. In addition, the calculation and discussion of the relative error of elimination function (REEF) have been presented. The verification of the presented calculations has been done by studying different ratios of scan rates for reduction and oxidation processes of Cd(II) at a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE).
Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Methylmercury in the Presence of Inorganic Mercury
Authors: Korolczuk Mieczyslaw , Stepniowska Anna
Published: July 2010

A procedure for methylmercury determination in the presence of a large excess of Hg(II) is described. In this procedure to increase the selectivity of methylmercury determination a gold film electrode coated with Nafion and complexation of Hg(II) by DTPA were examined. Gold film was covered with Nafion film using a pneumatic nebulizer from an AAS apparatus. Electrochemical regeneration of a gold film electrode coated with Nafion film was proposed. At optimized conditions the calibration graph for methylmercury in the presence of 2.5×10−5 mol L−1 Hg(II) was linear in the range from 1×10−8 to 5×10−7 mol L−1 for the deposition time of 300 s.
The Impact of Intermetallic Compounds CuxZn in the Determination of Free Zn2+ Concentration with AGNES
Authors: Chito Diana , Galceran Josep , Companys Encarnació
Published: July 2010

Intermetallic compounds can interfere the determination of free Zn with AGNES (Absence of Gradients and Nernstian Equilibrium Stripping). The “trajectory” (plot of the retrieved currents in front of the deposition times) diverges from the “reference current” (i.e. that unaffected by the interference) at a critical time and eventually reaches steady state. Most experimental AGNES results are interpreted with a thermodynamic model, while others require kinetic considerations. We identify safe conditions for AGNES measurements and show that free Zn can be determined with the simplest implementation provided that total Cu concentration is less than 45 times that of free Zn.
Voltammetric Determination of Genotoxic Nitro Derivatives of Fluorene and 9‐Fluorenone Using a Mercury Meniscus Modified Silver Solid Amalgam Electrode
Authors: Vyskočil Vlastimil , Navrátil Tomáš , Polášková Petra , Barek Jiří
Published: July 2010

Voltammetric behavior of selected genotoxic nitro compounds (2‐nitrofluorene, 2,7‐dinitrofluorene, 2‐nitro‐9‐fluorenone and 2,7‐dinitro‐9‐fluorenone) has been investigated using direct current voltammetry (DCV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and adsorptive stripping differential pulse voltammetry (AdSDPV) at a mercury meniscus modified silver solid amalgam electrode (m‐AgSAE). The optimum conditions have been found for their determination in a 1 : 1 mixture of methanol and aqueous Britton–Robinson buffer solution, with the limits of quantification, (LOQ), 2, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.5 μmol L−1 (DCV at m‐AgSAE) and 0.2, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.2 μmol L−1 (DPV at m‐AgSAE) for 2‐nitrofluorene, 2,7‐dinitrofluorene, 2‐nitro‐9‐fluorenone, and 2,7‐dinitro‐9‐fluorenone, respectively. An attempt at increasing the sensitivity using AdSDPV at m‐AgSAE was successful only for 2‐nitrofluorene (LOQ=2 nmol L−1). Practical applicability of the newly developed methods was verified on direct determination of the studied compounds in drinking and river waters with LOQs ~ 10−7 mol L−1 for all the studied compounds.
Elimination Voltammetry of Miniaturized Mercury Drop Electrodes
Authors: Trnkova Libuse , Novotny Ladislav , Serrano Nuria , Klosova Katerina , Polaskova Petra
Published: July 2010

Elimination voltammetry with linear scan (EVLS) in connection with renewed mini‐ drop mercury electrodes provides valuable information about the character and kinetics of processes at electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Based on the experiment related to the hydrogen evolution, it is presented that the EVLS is more sensitive than other voltammetric methods. Using miniaturized mercury electrodes, the EVLS is capable of detecting the effect of spherical diffusion associated with both the scan rates and the size of an electrode drop.
Capillary sieving electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography produce highly correlated separation of tryptic digests
Authors: Dickerson Jane A. , Dovichi Norman J.
Published: July 2010

We perform 2‐D capillary electrophoresis on fluorescently labeled proteins and peptides. Capillary sieving electrophoresis (CSE) was performed in the first dimension and MEKC was performed in the second. A cellular homogenate was labeled with the fluorogenic reagent FQ and separated using the system. This homogenate generated a pair of ridges; the first had essentially constant migration time in the CSE dimension, while the second had essentially constant migration time in the MEKC dimension. In addition, a few spots were scattered through the electropherogram. The same homogenate was digested using trypsin, and then labeled and subjected to the 2‐D separation. In this case, the two ridges observed from the original 2‐D separation disappeared and were replaced by a set of spots that fell along the diagonal. Those spots were identified using a local‐maximum algorithm and each was fit using a 2‐D Gaussian surface by an unsupervised nonlinear least squares regression algorithm. The migration times of the tryptic digest components were highly correlated (r=0.862). When the slowest migrating components were eliminated from the analysis, the correlation coefficient improved to r=0.956.
Different ways to compute temperature return levels in the climate change context
Authors: Parey Sylvie , Hoang Thi Thu Huong , Dacunha‐Castelle Didier
Published: July 2010

The climate change context has raised new problems in the computation of temperature return levels (RLs) in using the statistical extreme value theory. This arises since it is not yet possible to accept the hypothesis that the series of maxima or of high level values are stationary, without at least verifying the assumption. Thus, in this paper, different approaches are tested and compared to derive high order RLs in the nonstationary context. These RLs are computed by extrapolating identified trends, and a bootstrap method is used to estimate confidence intervals. The identification of trends can be made either in the parameters of the extreme value distributions or in the mean and variance of the whole series. Then, a methodology is proposed to test if the trends in extremes can be explained by the trends in mean and variance of the whole dataset. If this is the case, the future extremes can be derived from the stationary extremes of the centered and normalized variable and the changes in mean and variance of the whole dataset. The RL can then be estimated as nonstationary or as stationary for fixed future periods. The work is done for both extreme value methods: block maxima and peak over threshold, and will be illustrated with the example of a long observation time series for daily maximum temperature in France. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation kinetics of azo dye reactive Red SBE wastewater by complex ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide process
Authors: Xu Hang , Xu Wenguo , Wang Jinfu
Published: July 2010

UV/H2O2 was applied to deal with azo dye Reactive Red SBE (RR SBE) in aqueous and effects of hydrogen peroxide dosage, initial dye dosage, pH value, and different anions on color removal were investigated in detail. The online spectrophotometric method was used to detect the change dye absorbance at different reaction time. The results show that RR SBE can be completely decomposed in less than 40 min with 4.412 mM H2O2 dosage, initial dye 17 mg L−1 and neutral ambient. The RR SBE degradation performance follows pseudo first order kinetics and the reaction rate constant of ·OH and RR SBE is 2.32 × 109 M−1 s−1 that is estimated by UV/H2O2 kinetic model. The anions inhibiting effect on dye decolorization follows the order of PO43− > CO32− > Cl− > SO42− > HCO3− > HPO42−. The main intermediate product is phthalic acid dimethyl ester after UV/H2O2 degradation and possible decomposition mechanism of RR SBE is predicted by GC‐MS analysis. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2011
Acute toxicity of fungicide formulations to amphibians at environmentally relevant concentrations
Authors: Jason Belden , McMurry Scott , Smith Loren , Reilley Paris
Published: July 2010

Fungicide use on row crops is increasing dramatically due to promotion of these products for general plant health and increased yield even during low disease pressure. These fungicides are applied aerially, which may lead to amphibian exposure within fields or in nearby habitat. Exposure to three of these fungicides at environmentally relevant conditions resulted in mortality for Bufo tadpoles and juveniles for two of the fungicides. Headline®, the most commonly used on row crops, resulted in >50% mortality for juveniles at corn label application rates and 100% mortality for tadpoles at one-tenth the label rate for corn. Stratego® killed 40% of exposed tadpoles on average at the corn label rate, but only 7% of the juveniles. Overall, Quilt® appeared less toxic than the other fungicides, resulting in 7 to 10% mortality of tadpoles and 4 to 22% mortality of juveniles at all concentrations (from 0.1× to 10× label rate). These fungicides, especially Headline, may pose a major hazard for amphibians exposed as tadpoles and/or juveniles at environmentally relevant concentrations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2477–2480. © 2010 SETAC
A multi‐objective optimization approach for assessment of technical, commercial and environmental performance of microgrids
Authors: Schwaegerl Christine , Tao Liang , Mancarella Pierluigi , Strbac Goran
Published: July 2010

This paper proposes a multi‐objective optimization model to evaluate potential economic, technical and environmental benefits of Microgrid operation. Internalization of external costs such as induced by energy losses (network related) and CO2 emissions (environmentally related) is performed to address the interests of different agents within a single optimization framework. After presenting four reference operation strategies, a multi‐layered scheduling algorithm based on genetic algorithm and linear/quadratic programming is introduced in detail. The algorithm is applied to a UK urban test grid with four different levels of penetration of distributed energy resources. The simulation results lead to the recommendation of a combined dispatch strategy that can simultaneously satisfy all constraints and provide a proper compromise for conflicting objectives of different stakeholders involved in energy supply chain. In particular, a Pareto front representation of the optimization results is also given to further illustrate the multi‐objective nature of the problem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonnige Aussichten mit organischen Solarzellen
Authors: Riede Moritz , Polte Annette , Leo Karl
Published: July 2010

Bei der Umwandlung des Sonnenlichts in elektrische Energie spielen Solarzellen eine Schlüsselrolle. Dabei bieten neuartige Konzepte auf der Grundlage organischer Halbleiter viele Vorteile gegenüber ihren anorganischen Verwandten auf Siliziumbasis, die auf Dächern und in Taschenrechnern verbreitet sind. Noch aber ist ihr Wirkungsgrad zu niedrig für den großflächigen Einsatz. Ein bundesweites Forschungsprogramm will dies ändern.
Chromosomal abnormalities in transformed Ph‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms are associated to the transformation subtype and independent of JAK2 and the TET2 mutations
Authors: Nguyen‐Khac Florence , Lesty Claude , Eclache Virginie , Couronné Lucile , Kosmider Olivier , Andrieux Joris , Collonge‐Rame Marie‐Agnes , Penther Dominique , Lafage Marina , Bilhou‐Nabera Chrystele , Chapiro Elise , Mozziconacci Marie‐Joelle , Mugneret Francine , Gachard Nathalie , Nadal Nathalie , Lippert Eric , Struski Stephanie , Dastugue Nicole , Cabrol Christine , Bernard Olivier A.
Published: July 2010

Evolution to myelofibrosis (MF), acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (AML/MDS) may occur over time in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) patients most likely due to the acquisition of additional mutations. The Groupe Francophone de cytogenetique hematologique (GFCH) has collected and reviewed 82 patients with transformation of MPN (66 AML/MDS and 16 MF). JAK2V617F and TET2 mutations were searched for in 40 and 32 patients, respectively. Significantly more −7/del(7q) (P = 0.004) and −5/del(5q) (P = 0.03) were found in AML/MDS with a higher incidence of dup1q (P = 0.01) in MF. Some specific chromosomal abnormalities occurred together, for example −5/del(5q) and −17/del(17p) (P = 0.0007). In multivariate analysis, two factors were independently associated with an inferior overall survival (OS); AML/MDS transformation (P < 0.0001) and −5/del(5q) abnormality (P = 0.02). Although both giving rise to loss of 7q, der(1;7) differed from other 7q deletions in terms of distribution (lower frequency of AML/MDS, P = 0.02), association with chromosomal abnormalities (absence of −5/del(5q), P = 0.003; increased del(20q), P = 0.05), and longer OS (P = 0.0007). We detected 24/40 (60%) JAK2V617F and 8/25 (32%) TET2 mutations in samples following transformation, ranging from wild‐type to mutated forms of both genes. The mutated and wild‐type forms of the genes were not found to be associated with a specific chromosomal abnormality. There was no evidence that JAK2 or TET2 mutations were associated with the type of MPN transformation, whereas the type of cytogenetic abnormalities were strongly linked, perhaps indicating that they play a specific role in the transformation process. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of genetic alterations in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma in end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Wu Ching‐Fang , Pang See‐Tong , Shee Jia‐Jen , Chang Phei‐Lang , Chuang Cheng‐Keng , Chen Chih‐Shou , Liao Shuen‐Kuei , Weng Wen‐Hui
Published: July 2010

Clinical presentations of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT‐UC) are different from those with normal renal function. The pathogenesis remains unknown. We investigated the pathogenetic influence of chromosomal aberrations in patient on dialysis with UUT‐UC. The chromosomal aberrations of UUT‐UC specimens from seven dialysis patients were assessed by conventional comparative genomic hybridization (cCGH). Subsequently, we further investigated 20 cases by whole genome and fine‐tiling oligonucleotide array‐based CGH to demonstrate gains and losses, and compared with the clinicopathologic background. The chromosomal aberrations in UUT‐UC specimens from dialysis patients were more complex than in bladder urothelial carcinoma (B‐UC). Our data showed that gains at 5p, 7, 19q, and losses at 4q, 9p, and 15q are common in UUT‐UC of ESRD patients. Gains in regions associated with DNA repair genes were noted in this study. High‐stage and high‐grade tumors displayed more copy number variants. In addition, female ESRD patients with UUT‐UC had more frequent chromosomal aberrations than their male counterparts. In conclusion, unique chromosomal aberrations were indentified in UUT‐UC in ESRD patients. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of primary gene targets of TFAP2C in hormone responsive breast carcinoma cells
Authors: Woodfield George W. , Chen Yizhen , Bair Thomas B. , Domann Frederick E. , Weigel Ronald J.
Published: July 2010

The TFAP2C transcription factor is involved in mammary development, differentiation, and oncogenesis. Previous studies established a role for TFAP2C in the regulation of ESR1 (ERα) and ERBB2 (Her2) in breast carcinomas. However, the role of TFAP2C in different breast cancer phenotypes has not been examined in detail. To develop a more complete characterization of TFAP2C target genes, ChIP‐seq with anti‐TFAP2C antibody and expression arrays with TFAP2C knock down were analyzed in MCF‐7 breast carcinoma cells. Genomic sequences common to the ChIP‐seq data set defined the consensus sequence for TFAP2C chromatin binding as the nine base sequence SCCTSRGGS (S = G/C, r = A/G), which closely matches the previously defined optimal in vitro binding site. Comparing expression arrays before and after knock down of TFAP2C with ChIP‐seq data demonstrated a conservative estimate that 8% of genes altered by TFAP2C expression are primary target genes and includes genes that are both induced and repressed by TFAP2C. A set of 447 primary target genes of TFAP2C was identified, which included ESR1 (ERα), FREM2, RET, FOXA1, WWOX, GREB1, MYC, and members of the retinoic acid response pathway. The identification of ESR1, WWOX, GREB1, and FOXA1 as primary targets confirmed the role of TFAP2C in hormone response. TFAP2C plays a critical role in gene regulation in hormone responsive breast cancer and its target genes are different than for the Her2 breast cancer phenotype. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cruziana semiplicata from the Furongian (Late Cambrian) of Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago, Arctic Russia, with a review of the spatial and temporal distribution of this ichnospecies
Authors: Jensen Sören , Bogolepova Olga K. , Gubanov Alexander P.
Published: July 2010

The Furongian (Late Cambrian) Kurchavinskaya Formation of October Revolution Island, Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago, Arctic Russia, contains two distinctive morphotypes of the trace fossil Cruziana, both of which we assign to Cruziana semiplicata. A wider form shows characteristics typical of this ichnospecies with inner and outer lobes and marginal ridges. A narrow form has only an inner lobe with siculate, often interfering scratch‐marks, and rare, narrow marginal ridges. This narrow form, which shows characters in common with Cruziana tortworthi, probably represents burrowing in a strongly head‐down orientation. The record from October Revolution Island provides additional evidence that the palaeogeographical distribution of Cruziana semiplicata is not restricted to Gondwana, but also extend to parts of Baltica and North Kara. Cruziana semiplicata is known from the Furongian and Tremadocian of Gondwana, whereas on Baltica it is known only from the Furongian. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping processes and health‐related quality of life in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bucks R. S. , Cruise K. E. , Skinner T. C. , Loftus A. M. , Barker R. A. , Thomas M. G.
Published: July 2010

Objective

This study investigated the predictive value of various coping processes for the psychological and disease specific aspects of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Method

Cross‐sectional study of 85 participants with PD using the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS‐21), quality of life (PDQ‐39), and socio‐demographic and clinical variables.

Results

Greater use of planful problem solving coping was found to be significantly associated with better HRQoL in relation to cognitive impairment, communication and bodily discomfort. In addition to greater disease duration, greater use of escape‐avoidance coping processes were identified as significant predictors of poorer HRQoL outcomes in the domains of mood and emotional well‐being.

Conclusion

Psychological interventions such as mindfulness training, aimed at reducing the use of escape‐avoidance copying, may help to improve HRQoL in PD. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the head and neck region
Authors: Clark David W. , Moore Brian A. , Patel Shreyaskumar R. , Guadagnolo B. Ashleigh , Roberts Dianna B. , Sturgis Erich M.
Published: July 2010

Background

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is 1 of the most common soft tissue sarcomas in the head and neck.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients with MFH of the head and neck region at a large multidisciplinary cancer center between 1973 and 2005.

Results

Ninety‐five patients were included in the study. The median age at diagnosis was 53 years (range, 3–90 years); 69% of the patients were men. The parotid or neck was the most common subsite (35%), and 23% of the cases were associated with prior radiation exposure. Although there were no significant differences in the distribution of age, sex, year of presentation, tumor location, size, local extension, or treatment between patients with and without prior radiation exposure, those with radiation‐associated tumors were more likely to have positive or unclear surgical margins (p = .037). With a median follow‐up of 34 months, 32 (39%) of the 83 patients treated at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center with curative intent had a recurrence (isolated local recurrence in 18, isolated distant recurrence in 8, both local and distant recurrence in 5, and regional recurrence in 1). For patients treated at our institution with curative intent, 5‐year overall, disease‐free, and disease‐specific survival rates were 55%, 44%, and 69%, respectively. Prior radiation exposure and positive margins were associated with worse survival.

Conclusion

MFH of the head and neck region is often aggressive and characterized by local and/or distant recurrence and poor survival. Radiation‐associated tumors seem to have an especially poor prognosis. Based on a significant body of literature, multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of such high‐grade sarcomas is encouraged. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Transoral robotic‐assisted thyroidectomy: A preclinical feasibility study in 2 cadavers
Authors: Richmon Jeremy D. , Pattani Kavita M. , Benhidjeb Tahar , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: July 2010

Background

Technological advances in thyroid surgery have included various “minimally invasive” thyroidectomy techniques, both open and endoscopic. These include not only minimally invasive video‐associated approaches but also variations of the transaxillary approach. More recently, a transoral technique using video assistance has been reported for thyroidectomy. Use of the robot was also recently published in a transaxillary approach to the thyroid. We hypothesized that the robot in combination with the previously described transoral technique would facilitate this novel surgical approach.

Methods

In 2 human cadavers the da Vinci robot was used to perform a transoral thyroidectomy. The dissection was performed with successful removal of the thyroid gland through the floor of the mouth.

Results

A total thyroidectomy was performed in 2 cadavers using the da Vinci robot transoral technique. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was preserved.

Conclusions

Transoral robotic‐assisted thyroidectomy (TRAT) provides an attractive approach to the central compartment for thyroidectomy in a field of “minimally invasive” and “scarless” techniques. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Tumor volume as prognostic factor in chemoradiation for advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Knegjens Joost L. , Hauptmann Michael , Pameijer Frank A. , Balm Alfons J. , Hoebers Frank J. , de Bois Josien A. , Kaanders Johannes H. , van Herpen Carla M. , Verhoef Cornelia G. , Wijers Oda B. , Wiggenraad Ruud G. , Buter Jan , Rasch Coen R.
Published: July 2010

Background

Tumor volume is an important predictor of outcome in radiotherapy alone. Its significance in concomitant chemoradiation (CCRT) is much less clear. We analyzed the prognostic value of primary tumor volume for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with CCRT.

Methods

Three hundred sixty patients treated with definitive CCRT for advanced HNSCC were selected. The pretreatment MRI or CT scan was used to calculate the primary tumor volume. Median follow‐up was 19.8 months.

Results

The average primary tumor volume was 37.0 cm3 (range, 2.1–182.7 cm3; median, 28.7 cm3). Multivariate analysis showed a significant effect of tumor volume on local control. The hazard ratio for a local recurrence increased by 14% per 10 cm3 volume increase (95% CI, 8% to 21%). There was no significant independent effect of T and N status on local control.

Conclusion

For advanced HNSCC, tumor volume is more powerful for predicting outcome after CCRT than TNM status. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Submandibular salivary gland transfer for the prevention of radiation‐induced xerostomia in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: 5‐Year outcomes
Authors: Liu Xue‐Kui , Su Yong , Jha Naresh , Hong Ming‐Huan , Mai Hai‐Qiang , Fan Wei , Zeng Zong‐Yuan , Guo Zhu‐Ming
Published: July 2010

Background

Our aim in this study was to investigate the value of the submandibular salivary gland transfer procedure in prevention of radiation‐induced xerostomia in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

In all, there were 70 patients, consisting of a test group (36 patients) and a control group (34 patients) in a nonrandomized fashion. In the test group, the submandibular salivary gland was transferred to submental space before radiotherapy (XRT) and shielded. Salivary gland functions were evaluated by the amount of saliva and a quality of life questionnaire before and after XRT and 3 and 60 months after XRT.

Results

At 5 years, the trapping and excretion functions of salivary gland were significantly better in the test group (p = .000 and p = .000). The mean weight of saliva after XRT was heavier (1.65 g vs 0.73 g, p = .000), and the incidence of xerostomia was lower in the test group, with no difference in 5‐year survival and neck nodal recurrence between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Salivary gland transfer procedure prevents XRT‐induced xerostomia and improves quality of life of patients with NPC. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Toward Small Animal Models for the Study of Human Hepatitis Viruses
Authors: Bowen David G.
Published: July 2010

Abstract

A paucity of versatile small animal models of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been an impediment to both furthering understanding of virus biology and testing antiviral therapies. We recently described a regulatable system for repopulating the liver of immunodeficient mice (specifically mice lacking fumaryl acetoacetate hydrolase [Fah], recombination activating gene 2 [Rag2], and the γ-chain of the receptor for IL-2 [Il-2rγ]) with human hepatocytes. Here we have shown that a high transplantation dose (3 × 106 to 5 × 106 human hepatocytes/mouse) generates a higher rate of liver chimerism than was previously obtained in these mice, up to 95% human hepatocyte chimerism. Mice with a high level of human liver chimerism propagated both HBV and HCV, and the HCV-infected mice were responsive to antiviral treatment. This human liver chimeric mouse model will expand the experimental possibilities for studying HBV and HCV infection, and possibly other human hepatotropic pathogens, and prove useful for antiviral drug testing.
Acute exposure of rabbits to diphenyl diselenide: a toxicological evaluation
Authors: Straliotto Marcos Raniel , Mancini Gianni , de Oliveira Jade , Nazari Evelise Maria , Müller Yara Maria Rauh , Dafre Alcir , Ortiz Susana , Silva Edson Luiz , Farina Marcelo , Latini Alexandra , Rocha João Batista Teixeira , de Bem Andreza Fabro
Published: July 2010

The simple organoselenium compound diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2is a promising new pharmacological agent. However, few toxicological evaluations of this molecule have been reported. We evaluated the effects of acute administration of (PhSe)2on toxicological parameters in rabbits. Adult New Zealand rabbits were exposed to (PhSe)2(5–500 µmol kg−1, intraperitoneally) once a day for 5 days. Exposure to 500 µmol kg−1caused 85% mortality. Exposure to 50 µmol kg−1of (PhSe)2increased the glutathione levels in the hippocampus, kidney, heart, muscle and blood, whereas lipoperoxidation (TBARS) decreased in the cerebellum and kidney after exposure to 5 µmol kg−1. The activity of glutathione peroxidase increased in the heart and muscle of rabbits treated with 50 µmol kg−1of (PhSe)2and glutathione reductase activity was reduced in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and kidney. Treatment with (PhSe)2reduced the activity ofδ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase in the hippocampus and increased this activity in the heart, but did not alter the activity of complexes I and II of the respiratory chain in the liver and brain. Hepatic and renal biochemical and histological parameters were not modified by (PhSe)2and apoptosis was not detected in these tissues; however, the hepatic cells tended to accumulate fat vacuoles. These results indicated that acute toxicology to (PhSe)2in rabbit is dependent on the dose, which should motivate further experiments on the therapeutic properties of this compound. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of shell thickness and composition on blinking suppression and the blinking mechanism in ‘giant’ CdSe/CdS nanocrystal quantum dots
Authors: Vela Javier , Htoon Han , Chen Yongfen , Park Young‐Shin , Ghosh Yagnaseni , Goodwin Peter M. , Werner James H. , Wells Nathan P. , Casson Joanna L. , Hollingsworth Jennifer A.
Published: July 2010

We recently developed an inorganic shell approach for suppressing blinking in nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) that has the potential to dramatically improve the utility of these fluorophores for single‐NQD tracking of individual molecules in cell biology. Here, we consider in detail the effect of shell thickness and composition on blinking suppression, focusing on the CdSe/CdS core/shell system. We also discuss the blinking mechanism as understood through profoundly altered blinking statistics. We clarify the dependence of blinking behavior and photostability on shell thickness, as well as on interrogation times. We show that, while the thickest‐shell systems afford the greatest advantages in terms of enhanced optical properties, thinner‐shell NQDs may be adequate for certain applications requiring relatively shorter interrogation times. Shell thickness also determines the sensitivity of the NQD optical properties to aqueous‐phase transfer, a critical step in rendering NQDs compatible with bioimaging applications. Lastly, we provide a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the utility of these unique NQDs for fluorescent particle tracking. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crosslinked urethane doped polyester biphasic scaffolds: Potential for in vivo vascular tissue engineering
Authors: Dey Jagannath , Xu Hao , Nguyen Kytai Truong , Yang Jian
Published: July 2010

In vivo tissue engineering uses the body as a bioreactor for tissue regeneration, thus placing stringent requirements on tissue scaffolds, which should be mechanically robust for immediate implantation without a long in vitro cell culture time. In addition to mechanical strength, vascular grafts fabricated for in vivo tissue engineering approach must have matching mechanical properties to the target tissues to avoid compliance mismatch, which is one of the reasons for graft failure. We recently synthesized a new generation of strong and elastic biodegradable crosslinked urethane‐doped polyesters (CUPE) to address the challenge of developing soft, elastic yet strong biodegradable polymers. This study evaluated the tensile strength, burst pressure, and suture retention of CUPE biphasic scaffolds to determine if the scaffolds met the requirements for immediate implantation in an in vivo tissue engineering approach. In addition, we also examined the hemocompatibility and inflammatory potential of CUPE to demonstrate its potential in serving as a blood‐contacting vascular graft material. Tensile strength of CUPE biphasic scaffolds (5.02 ± 0.70 MPa) was greater than native vessels (1.43 ± 0.60 MPa). CUPE scaffolds exhibited tunable burst pressure ranging from 1500 mmHg to 2600 mmHg, and adequate suture retention values (2.45 ± 0.23 N). CUPE showed comparable leukocyte activation and whole blood clotting kinetics to poly(L‐lactic acid) PLLA. However, CUPE incited a lesser release of inflammatory cytokines and was found to be non hemolytic. Combined with the mechanical properties and previously demonstrated anti‐thrombogenic nature, CUPE may serve as a viable graft material for in vivo blood vessel tissue engineering. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Hemocompatibility of titania nanotube arrays
Authors: Smith Barbara S. , Yoriya Sorachon , Grissom Laura , Grimes Craig A. , Popat Ketul C.
Published: July 2010

Hemocompatibility is a key consideration for the long‐term success of blood contacting biomaterials; hence, there is a critical need to understand the physiological response elicited from blood/nano–biomaterial interactions. In this study, we have investigated the adsorption of key blood serum proteins, in vitro adhesion and activation of platelets, and clotting kinetics of whole blood on titania nanotube arrays. Previous studies have demonstrated improved mesenchymal stem cell functionality, osteoblast phenotypic behavior, localized drug delivery, and the production of endothelial cell ECM on titania nanotube arrays. Furthermore, these titania nanotube arrays have elicited minimal levels of monocyte activation and cytokine secretion, thus exhibiting a very low degree of immunogenicity. Titania nanotube arrays were fabricated using anodization technique and the surface morphology was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystalline phases were identified using glancing angled X‐ray diffraction (GAXRD). Nanoindentation and scratch tests were used to characterize the mechanical properties of titania nanotube arrays. The adsorption of key blood proteins (albumin, fibrinogen, and immunoglobulin‐g) was evaluated using a micro‐BCA assay and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adhesion and activation of platelets was investigated using live‐cell staining, MTT assay, and SEM. Whole blood clotting kinetics was evaluated by measuring the free hemoglobin concentration, and SEM was used to visualize the clot formation. Our results indicate increased blood serum protein adsorption, platelet adhesion and activation, and whole blood clotting kinetics on titania nanotube arrays. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Biological performance of biodegradable amino acid‐based poly(ester amide)s: Endothelial cell adhesion and inflammation in vitro
Authors: Horwitz Joshua A. , Shum Katrina M. , Bodle Josephine C. , Deng MingXiao , Chu Chih‐Chang , Reinhart‐King Cynthia A.
Published: July 2010

Functionalized amino‐acid‐based poly(ester‐amide)s (PEA) are a new family of synthetic biodegradable polymers consisting of three naturally occurring building blocks (amino acids, diols, and dicarboxylic acids) that have been suggested to be promising biomaterials for therapeutic use. However, little is known about their cytotoxicity, ability to support cell growth, inflammatory properties, or mechanical properties, key aspects to most biomaterials designed for in vivo implantation and tissue engineering applications. In this study, we investigated the ability of two functionalized PEA materials (amino‐functionalized and carboxylic acid functionalized) and a neutral PEA control to support endothelial cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion. Additionally, we investigated the inflammatory response elicited by these functionalized PEA materials using a macrophage cell model. Our results indicate that all forms of PEA were noncytotoxic and noninflammatory in vitro. The amino‐functionalized PEA bests supports endothelial cell adhesion, growth, and monolayer formation. Mechanical testing indicates that the elastic moduli of these materials are strongly dependent on the charge formulation, but do exhibit linearly elastic behavior at small strains (<10%). Our data suggest that PEA may be a viable biomaterial for use in tissue engineering applications, particularly for use as a vascular graft. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
Serum prolidase activity in idiopathic and ischemic cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: Sezen Yusuf , Bas Memduh , Altıparmak Halil , Yildiz Ali , Buyukhatipoglu Hakan , Faruk Dag Omer , Kaya Zekeriya , Aksoy Nurten
Published: July 2010

Idiopathic and ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM) are the most common types of DCM, and both exhibit the same histopathological feature of fibrosis. Prolidase is an enzyme that serves a rate‐limiting function in collagen turnover. Several studies have shown increased prolidase activity in fibrosis, though controversy persists. In this study, we measured prolidase enzyme activity in patients with idiopathic or ischemic DCM and in healthy controls, making this, to our knowledge, the first study to do so. What we found is that serumprolidase activity was significantly lower in both DCM groups relative to healthy volunteers and lower in ischemic DCM than idiopathic. These intriguing results could be attributed either to decreased collagen turnover in the heart tissues in which DCM develops, a result of diminished functional heart tissue, or to decreased physical activity levels among DCM patients stemming from their heart failure. Either way, further studies are needed to verify and clarify our results. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:213–218, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid mycoplasma culture for the early diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
Authors: Ma Ling‐di , Chen Baojin , Dong Yanfen , Fan Jing , Xia Lei , Wang Shi‐zhong , Liu Qian , Jiang Lijia
Published: July 2010

Early diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) plays a pivotal role in its management. We evaluated the role of rapid culture method in early diagnosis of Mp infection and discussed the potential impact factors. A total of 2,600 patients with acute respiratory infection were included, and their pharyngeal swab samples were prepared for Mp rapid culture based on selective Mp fluid culture medium. The clinical contributing factors related to Mp infection were also explored. The positive rate of Mp culture in females was 41.75%, which was higher than that for males (37.63%). Mp infections were incidental to the children and elderly. The positive rates of Mp culture were higher in children aged 3–5 years and adults older than 70 years (54.05 and 31.48%, respectively), compared with other ages. In addition, Mp infection frequently occurred in winter (December–February) and spring (March–May), with significantly higher positive rates of Mp culture by 40.02 and 42.89 vs. 32.15 and 33.50% in summer (June–August) and autumn (September–November), respectively. The positive rate of rapid culture for Mp was slightly higher than that by Mp antibody assay, but the diagnostic accordance was well between these two methods (P>0.05). Furthermore, clinical common symptoms of respiratory tract infection, such as fever, cough, and expectoration, were not found specific in Mp infection, suggesting that they were not independent prognostic predictors for Mp infection. Therefore, rapid culture based on the Mp pathogen detection would have important clinical application for the early diagnosis of Mp infection. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:224–229, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of urinary 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2αusing liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry during cardiac valve surgery
Authors: Teng Yun‐Hui , Wang Chih‐Wei , Liao Yun‐Tsan , Yang Min‐Wen , Liu Tsung‐Yun
Published: July 2010

Oxidative stress is an unavoidable event during many complex surgical procedures. 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α(8‐iso‐PGF2α) is a reliable biomarker for the evaluation of oxidative stress in vivo. The aim of this study is to develop simple and accurate liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) methods for the detection of urinary 8‐iso‐PGF2αin samples collected from patients who received a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during cardiac valve surgery. Urine samples of 14 patients with cardiac valve diseases were collected before, during, and after CPB. The level of 8‐iso‐PGF2αwas detected via selected‐reaction monitoring triple quadrupole MS/MS and the result was compared with 12 healthy volunteers. The method's detection limit (3S/N) was 0.25 pg for 8‐iso‐PGF2α, with a linear working range of 0.25–20 ng/ml. For patients with cardiac valve disease, the 8‐iso‐PGF2αlevels before the bypasses were the same as those of healthy individuals (P>0.05) and the 8‐iso‐PGF2αlevels during and after CPB were significantly higher than those before the bypasses (P<0.05). In conclusion, we present a simple and specific protocol for LC‐MS/MS quantification of urinary 8‐iso‐PGF2αcollected during CPB. Using this technique, it would be feasible to assess the levels of oxidative stress during cardiac surgery and thereby helpful for the management of oxidative injury. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:237–245, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.