bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Materials, fluid dynamics, and solid mechanics aspects of coronary artery stents: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Lewis Gladius
Published: January 2008

It is well known that, across all populations (based on geographic location, race, ethnicity, age, and sex), coronary artery disease (CAD) is the single most common cause of death. The commonly performed revascularization procedures for the treatment of symptomatic CAD are percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) by itself or followed by the deployment of either a bare‐metal stent (BMS) or a drug‐eluting stent (DES). In the latter type, a drug that is either embedded in polymeric or nonpolymeric coating(s) on the stent surface or directly attached to the stent surface elutes into the blood stream at a controlled rate over a period of time, typically 14–30 days. Over the years, there has been a steady decline in the use of PTCA and a concomitant sharp increase in the use of stents, with DESs being the predominant choice in the last 3 years. The present contribution represents a critical review of the literature on the materials, fluid dynamics, and solid mechanics aspects of both BMSs and DESs, with special reference to in‐stent restenosis and in‐stent thrombosis, these being risks that present commonly. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2008
Vimentin isoform expression in the human retina characterized with the monoclonal antibody 3CB2
Authors: Pérez‐Álvarez M.J. , Isiegas C. , Santano C. , Salazar J.J. , Ramírez A.I. , Triviño A. , Ramírez J.M. , Albar J.P. , de la Rosa E.J. , Prada C.
Published: February 2008

The antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody 3CB2 (3CB2‐Ag and 3CB2 mAb) is expressed by radial glia and astrocytes in the developing and adult vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates as well as in neural stem cells. Here we identified the 3CB2‐Ag as vimentin by proteomic analysis of human glial cell line U‐87 extracts (derived from a malignant astrocytoma). Indeed, the 3CB2 mAb recognized three vimentin isoforms in glial cell lines. In the human retina, 3CB2‐Ag was expressed in Müller cells, astrocytes, some blood vessels, and cells in the horizontal cell layer, as determined by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. Three populations of astrocytes were distinguishable by double‐labeling immunohistochemistry: vimentin+/GFAP+, vimentin−/GFAP+, and vimentin+/GFAP−. Hence, we conclude that 1) the 3CB2‐Ag is vimentin; 2) vimentin isoforms are differentially expressed in normal and transformed astrocytes; 3) human retinal astrocytes display molecular heterogeneity; and 4) the 3CB2 mAb is a valuable tool to study vimentin expression and its function in the human retina. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation enhances TIMP‐1 in nucleus pulposus cells and MCP‐1 in macrophages in the rat
Authors: Omi Hiroko , Mochida Joji , Iwashina Toru , Katsuno Raijiro , Hiyama Akihiko , Watanabe Takuya , Serigano Kenji , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Sakai Daisuke
Published: February 2008

Recent studies have reported that low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulates cell proliferation and proteoglycan production in rabbit intervertebral disc cells, and moreover promotes the secretion of MCP‐1 (monocyte chemotaxis protein‐1) from macrophages in a disc organ culture model. These findings suggest the possible application of LIPUS for biological repair of disc degeneration and herniation. Although the mechanisms involved are not well understood, several cytokine pathways may play a role. Therefore, in order to evaluate the effect of LIPUS stimulation on cytokine production by nucleus pulposus cells and macrophages, in vitro culture studies were designed. Nucleus pulposus cells and macrophages were collected from Sprague‐Dawley rats, cultured separately in a monolayer, and stimulated with LIPUS for 7 days. After culture, the culture medium and the cells were analyzed by cytokine array, RT‐PCR, and ELISA. Cytokine array showed that LIPUS stimulation significantly upregulated TIMP‐1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1) in the nucleus pulposus and MCP‐1 in macrophages in comparison with the control. This was confirmed at the gene level by RT‐PCR in nucleus pulposus cells and macrophages after stimulation with LIPUS. Quantitative evaluation of these proteins by ELISA showed higher levels in nucleus pulposus cells and macrophages stimulated by LIPUS than in controls. These results showed that LIPUS stimulation significantly activated TIMP‐1 and MCP‐1 in nucleus pulposus cells and macrophages at both the protein and gene levels, suggesting that LIPUS may be a promising supplemental treatment for intervertebral disc herniation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:865–871, 2008
Contribution of dissolved organic matter to carbon storage in forest mineral soils
Authors: Kalbitz Karsten , Kaiser Klaus
Published: January 2008

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is often considered the most labile portion of organic matter in soil and to be negligible with respect to the accumulation of soil C. In this short review, we present recent evidence that this view is invalid. The stability of DOM from forest floor horizons, peats, and topsoils against microbial degradation increases with advanced decomposition of the parent organic matter (OM). Aromatic compounds, deriving from lignin, likely are the most stable components of DOM while plant‐derived carbohydrates seem easily degradable. Carbohydrates and N‐rich compounds of microbial origin produced during the degradation of DOM can be relatively stable. Such components contribute much to DOM in the mineral subsoil. Sorption of DOM to soil minerals and (co‐)precipitation with Al (and probably also with Fe), especially of the inherently stable aromatic moieties, result in distinct stabilization. In laboratory incubation experiments, the mean residence time of DOM from the Oa horizon of a Haplic Podzol increased from <30 y in solution to >90 y after sorption to a subsoil. We combined DOM fluxes and mineralization rate constants for DOM sorbed to minerals and a subsoil horizon, and (co‐)precipitated with Al to estimate the potential contribution of DOM to total C in the mineral soil of a Haplic Podzol in Germany. The contribution of roots to DOM was not considered because of lack of data. The DOM‐derived soil C ranges from 20 to 55 Mg ha–1 in the mineral soil, which represents 19%–50% of the total soil C. The variation of the estimate reflects the variation in mineralization rate constants obtained for sorbed and (co‐)precipitated DOM. Nevertheless, the estimates indicate that DOM contributes significantly to the accumulation of stable OM in soil. A more precise estimation of DOM‐derived C in soils requires mineralization rate constants for DOM sorbed to all relevant minerals or (co‐)precipitated with Fe. Additionally, we need information on the contribution of sorption to distinct minerals as well as of (co‐)precipitation with Al and Fe to DOM retention.
Storage and stability of organic matter and fossil carbon in a Luvisol and Phaeozem with continuous maize cropping: A synthesis
Authors: Flessa Heiner , Amelung Wulf , Helfrich Mirjam , Wiesenberg Guido L. B. , Gleixner Gerd , Brodowski Sonja , Rethemeyer Janet , Kramer Christiane , Grootes Pieter M.
Published: January 2008

Quantitative information about the amount and stability of organic carbon (OC) in different soil organic‐matter (OM) fractions and in specific organic compounds and compound‐classes is needed to improve our understanding of organic‐matter sequestration in soils. In the present paper, we summarize and integrate results performed on two different arable soils with continuous maize cropping (a) Stagnic Luvisol with maize cropping for 24 y, b) Luvic Phaeozem with maize cropping for 39 y) to identify (1) the storage of OC in different soil organic‐matter fractions, (2) the function of these fractions with respect to soil‐OC stabilization, (3) the importance and partitioning of fossil‐C deposits, and (4) the rates of soil‐OC stabilization as assessed by compound‐specific isotope analyses. The fractionation procedures included particle‐size fractionation, density fractionation, aggregate fractionation, acid hydrolysis, different oxidation procedures, isolation of extractable lipids and phospholipid fatty acids, pyrolysis, and the determination of black C. Stability of OC was determined by 13C and 14C analyses. The main inputs of OC were plant litter (both sites) and deposition of fossil C likely from coal combustion and lignite dust (only Phaeozem).
Soil‐carbon preservation through habitat constraints and biological limitations on decomposer activity
Authors: Ekschmitt Klemens , Kandeler Ellen , Poll Christian , Brune Andreas , Buscot Francois , Friedrich Michael , Gleixner Gerd , Hartmann Anton , Kästner Matthias , Marhan Sven , Miltner Anja , Scheu Stefan , Wolters Volkmar
Published: January 2008

We review recent experimental results on the role of soil biota in stabilizing or destabilizing soil organic matter (SOM). Specifically, we analyze how the differential substrate utilization of the various decomposer organisms contributes to a decorrelation of chemical stability, residence time, and carbon (C) age of organic substrates.

Along soil depth profiles, a mismatch of C allocation and abundance of decomposer organisms is consistently observed, revealing that a relevant proportion of soil C is not subjected to efficient decomposition. Results from recent field and laboratory experiments suggest that (1) bacterial utilization of labile carbon compounds is limited by short‐distance transport processes and, therefore, can take place deep in the soil under conditions of effective local diffusion or convection. In contrast, (2) fungal utilization of phenolic substrates, including lignin, appears to be restricted to the upper soil layer due to the requirement for oxygen of the enzymatic reaction involved. (3) Carbon of any age is utilized by soil microorganisms, and microbial C is recycled in the microbial food web. Due to stoichiometric requirements of their metabolism, (4) soil animals tend to reduce the C concentration of SOM disproportionally, until it reaches a threshold level.

The reviewed investigations provide new and quantitative evidence that different soil C pools underlie divergent biological constraints of decomposition. The specialization of decomposers towards different substrates and microhabitats leads to a relatively longer persistence of virtually all kinds of organic substrates in the nonpreferred soil spaces. We therefore propose to direct future research explicitly towards such biologically nonpreferred areas where decomposition rates are slow, or where decomposition is frequently interrupted, in order to assess the potential for long‐term preservation of C in the soil.
Physical carbon‐sequestration mechanisms under special consideration of soil wettability
Authors: Bachmann Jörg , Guggenberger Georg , Baumgartl Thomas , Ellerbrock Ruth H. , Urbanek Emilia , Goebel Marc‐O. , Kaiser Klaus , Horn Rainer , Fischer Walter R.
Published: January 2008

The protective impact of aggregation on microbial degradation through separation has been described frequently, especially for biotically formed aggregates. However, to date little information exists on the effects of organic‐matter (OM) quantity and OM quality on physical protection, i.e., reduced degradability by microorganisms caused by physical factors. In the present paper, we hypothesize that soil wettability, which is significantly influenced by OM, may act as a key factor for OM stabilization as it controls the microbial accessibility for water, nutrients, and oxygen in three‐phase systems like soil. Based on this hypothesis, the first objective is to evaluate new findings on the organization of organo‐mineral complexes at the nanoscale as one of the processes creating water‐repellent coatings on mineral surfaces. The second objective is to quantify the degree of alteration of coated surfaces with regard to water repellence. We introduce a recently developed trial that combines FTIR spectra with contact‐angle data as the link between chemical composition of OM and the physical wetting behavior of soil particles. In addition to characterizing the wetting properties of OM coatings, we discuss the implications of water‐repellent surfaces for different physical protection mechanisms of OM. For typical minerals, the OM loading on mineral surfaces is patchy, whereas OM forms nanoscaled micro‐aggregates together with metal oxides and hydroxides and with layered clay minerals. Such small aggregates may efficiently stabilize OM against microbial decomposition. However, despite the patchy structure of OM coating, we observed a relation between the chemical composition of OM and wettability. A higher hydrophobicity of the OM appears to stabilize the organic C in soil, either caused by a specific reduced biodegradability of OM or indirectly caused by increased aggregate stability. In partly saturated nonaggregated soil, the specific distribution of the pore water appears to further affect the mineralization of OM as a function of wettability. We conclude that the wettability of OM, quantified by the contact angle, links the chemical structure of OM with a bundle of physical soil properties and that reduced wettability results in the stabilization of OM in soils.
Nitrogen release dynamics and transformation of slow release fertiliser products and their effects on tea yield and quality
Authors: Han Wen‐Yan , Ma Li‐Feng , Shi Yuan‐Zhi , Ruan Jian‐Yun , Kemmitt Sarah J
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a perennial leaf harvested crop. It requires more nitrogen than most other crops and preferentially utilises NH4+ to NO3− when both are available in the soil. It is expected that slow release fertilisers coupled with a nitrification inhibitor could improve the N use efficiency and simultaneously reduce environmental pollution. In this study, three slow release fertilisers were developed and tested: CaMg phosphate coated urea with dicyandiamide (DCD) as a nitrification inhibitor and polyolefin coated urea with and without DCD. The main aim was to compare the nitrogen release dynamics and transformation of these fertilisers and their effects on tea yield and quality.

RESULTS: The results showed that the coatings significantly slowed N release and kept mineral N in soils at a higher concentration for a longer time compared to uncoated urea. Polyolefin was a superior coating to CaMg phosphate. DCD was an effective nitrification inhibitor and significantly reduced the ratio of nitrate to total mineral N in a highly acidic tea soil. The 15N use efficiency was 29% where uncoated fertiliser was applied and 46% where polyolefin coated fertiliser with DCD was applied. The application of slow release fertilisers increased the chlorophyll content in mature leaves and enhanced the uptake of mineral elements by tea plants. Bud sprouting, shoot growth and mature leaf longevity were significantly improved, resulting in higher biomass of tea plants. Slow release fertilisers increased the yield of shoots by 51–143% (mean, 106%) in a pot experiment and 4–14% (mean, 9%) in a field experiment compared to uncoated urea. Tea quality parameters, especially free amino acids, were also significantly increased.

CONCLUSION: Slow release fertilisers, especially polyolefin coated urea with DCD could significantly increase the N use efficiency and improve tea growth. Their uses in tea fields not only improved the profit margin, but possibly reduced environmental pollution. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparative isolation and purification of three flavonoid glycosides from Taraxacum mongolicum by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Shi Shuyun , Zhang Yuping , Zhao Yu , Huang Kelong
Published: January 2008

A preparative high‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC) was successively applied to purify three flavonoid glycosides from the aerial part of Taraxacum mongolicum, a traditional Chinese medicine. Subsequent UV, MS, and NMR analyses have led to the characterization of three flavonoid glycosides including two new compounds isoetin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐2′‐O‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside and isoetin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐2′‐O‐α‐D‐glucopyranoside, and a known compound, isoetin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐2′‐O‐α‐D‐xyloypyranoside, which were first isolated from T. mongolicum. The two‐phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate/n‐butanol/water (2:1:3, v/v/v) was performed in HSCCC. Consequently, a total of 25.7 mg isoetin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐2′‐O‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside, 19.1 mg isoetin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐2′‐O‐α‐D‐glucopyranoside, and 10.6 mg isoetin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐2′‐O‐α‐D‐xyloypyranoside were obtained with purity of 98.7, 98.3, and 99.1%, respectively, as determined by HPLC from 500 mg enriched extract after cleaning‐up by polyamide resin.
Parameters affecting electro membrane extraction of basic drugs
Authors: Middelthon‐Bruer Torunn M. , Gjelstad Astrid , Rasmussen Knut E. , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Stig
Published: January 2008

Thirty‐five different basic drugs were extracted by electro membrane extraction (EME), from acidified samples containing HCl as the BGE, through an organic solvent immobilized in the pores in the wall of a porous hollow fiber (supported liquid membrane, SLM), and into an acidified acceptor solution (HCl) in the lumen of the hollow fiber by the application of an electrical potential difference of 50 V. With 2‐nitrophenyl pentyl ether (NPPE) as the SLM, and with 10 mM HCl as BGE in the sample and acceptor solution, singly charged basic drugs with log P >2 were extracted with recoveries in the range 30–81% within 5 min. For doubly charged basic drugs, extraction was effectively enhanced by decreasing the concentration of HCl in the sample from 10 to 0.1 mM, reducing the ionization of the analytes. For medium polar analytes (1 < log P < 2), an ion balance of 0.01 was combined with addition of tris‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) to the SLM, and this provided recoveries in the range 36–70%. The ion balance was defined as the concentration ratio of BGE between the sample and the acceptor solution. For the most polar drugs (log P <1), EME was accomplished with an ion balance of 0.01 and with di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate (DEHP) added to the SLM, but in spite of this, recoveries were in the range of only 4–17%.
Comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry: A review
Authors: Mondello Luigi , Tranchida Peter Quinto , Dugo Paola , Dugo Giovanni
Published: January 2008

Although comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) has been on the scene for more than 15 years, it is still generally considered a relatively novel technique and is yet far from being fully established. The revolutionary aspect of GC × GC, with respect to classical multidimensional chromatography, is that the entire sample is subjected to two distinct analytical separations. The resulting enhanced separating capacity makes this approach a prime choice when GC analysts are challenged with highly complex mixtures. The combination of a third mass spectrometric dimension to a GC × GC system generates the most powerful analytical tool today for volatile and semi‐volatile analytes. The present review is focused on the rather brief, but not scant, history of comprehensive two‐dimensional GC‐MS: the first experiments were carried out at the end of the 1990s and, since then, the methodology has been increasingly studied and applied. Almost all GC × GC‐MS applications have been carried out by using either a time‐of‐flight or quadrupole mass analyzer; significant experiments relative to a variety of research fields, as well as advantages and disadvantages of the MS systems employed, are discussed. The principles, practical and theoretical aspects, and the most significant developments of GC × GC are also described. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 27:101–124, 2008
Development of aberrant crypt foci in the colons of ob/ob and db/db mice: Evidence that leptin is not a promoter
Authors: Ealey Kafi N. , Lu Suying , Archer Michael C.
Published: January 2008

Leptin is elevated in obesity and has been suggested to increase the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), although the evidence is conflicting. The objective of this study was to compare the susceptibility to colon carcinogenesis of db/db mice that have highly elevated circulating leptin and leptin‐deficient ob/ob mice, both of which are obese. Seven‐week‐old male ob/ob, db/db, and WT mice received 4 weekly i.p. injections of 5 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM) and were killed 14 wk later for the analysis of putative preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF). There were no differences in ACF number or multiplicity between ob/ob and db/db mice. Leptin has been shown to induce CYP2E1, the main enzyme that activates AOM, but we observed no differences in hepatic CYP2E1 activity or colonic CYP2E1 protein levels between ob/ob and db/db mice. We also induced ACF with 2 oral doses 3 d apart of 30 mg/kg methylnitrosourea (MNU), a direct‐acting carcinogen. There were no differences in ACF number or multiplicity between the two groups of obese animals 5 wk following the last dose of MNU. The colonic mucosa of db/db mice expressed significantly lower mRNA levels of ObRa, the predominant short form of the leptin receptor, compared to ob/ob mice, and following i.p. injection with 1 mg/kg recombinant mouse leptin, exhibited significantly reduced p44/42 pMAPK compared to saline‐treated controls. These results show that ObRa is functionally active in the colons of db/db mice. We conclude that leptin does not play a significant role in ACF development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of HIF‐1 alpha and VEGF expression by the chemopreventive bioflavonoid apigenin is accompanied by Akt inhibition in human prostate carcinoma PC3‐M cells
Authors: Mirzoeva Salida , Kim Nam Deuk , Chiu Karen , Franzen Carrie A. , Bergan Raymond C. , Pelling Jill C.
Published: January 2008

Progression of cancer leads to hypoxic solid tumors that mount specific cell signaling responses to low oxygen conditions. An important objective of anti‐cancer therapy is the development of new drugs that suppress hypoxic responses in solid tumors. Apigenin is a natural flavone that has been shown to have chemopreventive and/or anti‐cancer properties against a number of tumor types. However, the mechanisms underlying apigenin's chemopreventive properties are not yet completely understood. In this study, we have investigated the effects of apigenin on expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) in human metastatic prostate PC3‐M cancer cells. We found that hypoxia induced a time‐dependent increase in the level of HIF‐1α subunit protein in PC3‐M cells, and treatment with apigenin markedly decreased HIF‐1α expression under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Further, apigenin prevented the activation of the HIF‐1 downstream target gene vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We then showed that apigenin inhibited expression of HIF‐1α by reducing stability of the protein as well as by reducing the level of HIF‐1α mRNA. We also found that apigenin inhibited Akt and GSK‐3β phosphorylation in PC3‐M cells. Further experiments demonstrated that constitutively active Akt blunted the effect of apigenin on HIF‐1α expression. Taken together, our results identify apigenin as a bioflavonoid that inhibits hypoxia‐activated pathways linked to cancer progression in human prostate cancer, in particular the PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3 pathway. Further studies on the mechanism of action of apigenin will likely provide new insight into its applicability for pharmacologic targeting of HIF‐1α for cancer therapeutic or chemopreventive purposes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Results of treatment of patients with superficial facial rhabdomyosarcomas on protocols of the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group (IRSG), 1984–1997
Authors: Raney R. Beverly , Chintagumpala Murali , Anderson James , Pappo Alberto , Qualman Stephen , Wharam Moody , Wiener Eugene , Meyer William
Published: January 2008

Purpose

We analyzed the outcome of 47 patients with superficial facial rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) treated on Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group (IRSG) Protocols‐III, ‐IV‐Pilot, and ‐IV.

Methods

We reviewed patients' records. Clinico‐pathologic features, treatment, and outcome were examined to identify prognostic factors.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were males; 35 patients were 1–9 years old at diagnosis. Tumor sites were buccal/cheek (N = 21), external nasal/nasolabial (N = 12), lip/chin (N = 9), and masseter (N = 5). Patients (46/47) had localized disease: 18 biopsy only (Group III), 17 microscopic residual tumor (Group II), and 11 complete resection without residual tumor (Group I). Eight‐year estimated event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OAS) rates were 61% and 65%. Patients <12 months old had inferior EFS, 21%, compared to ∼68% in older patients (P = 0.077). Eight‐year EFS rates were 80% for females and 50% for males (P = 0.096). Eight‐year EFS rates were 72% in 33 patients without regional lymph‐nodal tumor and 39% in 14 patients with regional nodal tumor (P = 0.07). Eight‐year EFS rates were 72% for 22 patients with embryonal RMS and 53% for 23 patients with alveolar RMS (P = 0.28). Location of the primary tumor was not significantly related to outcome.

Conclusions

Patients with superficial facial RMS often have localized, grossly resectable lesions at the time of presentation. Favorable prognostic factors include age >12 months, female gender, embryonal histology, and no lymph‐nodal tumor. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:958–964. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inherited ADAMTS13 deficiency: Unique presentation and treatment
Authors: Born Hayley , Peters Antoinette , Ettinger Robert
Published: January 2008

A 3‐year‐old male presented with severe thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia in conjunction with severe bilateral otitis media. After laboratory analysis, a diagnosis of inherited ADAMTS13 deficiency was proven. Rather than treating with prophylactic fresh frozen plasma, to date the patient has been successfully treated with single‐donor, directed plasma infusions in response to early signs of relapse. It may be reasonable to consider observational and reactive care rather than prophylactic care in some cases of inherited ADAMTS13 deficiency. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:956–957. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integration of a palliative and terminal care center into a comprehensive pediatric oncology department
Authors: Golan Hana , Bielorai Bella , Grebler Dorit , Izraeli Shai , Rechavi Gideon , Toren Amos
Published: January 2008

Background

The sharp division between curative cancer therapy and palliative care results in the late introduction of palliative care and a high incidence of suffering in children with cancer. We established a Palliative Care Unit (PCU) that is fully integrated with the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department (PHOD). We wished to explore the impact of such integrative model on patterns of hospitalizations and exposure to palliative care of pediatric oncology patients.

Procedures

Retrospective search of medical records of patients admitted to the PHOD since PCU establishment in 1999, and of children who died from progressive disease between 1990 and 2005 was performed. Differences in clinical and prognostic variables between PCU and non‐PCU patients, and differences in location of death before and after PCU establishment were evaluated.

Results

The majority (59%) of patients, who were hospitalized after the PCU establishment, were hospitalized in the PCU, including 49% of the good prognosis patients and 91% of the poor prognosis patients. Poor prognosis patients were hospitalized in the PCU earlier and with higher frequency compared to children with curable disease. After PCU opening there was a significant decline in the percentage of patients who died in the general pediatric ward, hematology‐oncology ward, and at home from 40%, 26% and 28% to 4%, 8%, and 16%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our integrative model results in exposure of the majority of children with cancer to palliative care. For poor prognosis patients, palliative care is introduced early enough to allow gradual transition from symptom control after diagnosis to end of life care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:949–955. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Continuous real‐time glucose monitoring systems: time for a closer look
Authors: Kerr D , Fayers K
Published: January 2008

For some time continuous glucose monitoring has been available, enabling patients to comprehend fully the extent of glycaemic excursions and the knock‐on effects that occur with day‐to‐day diabetes control. However, unlike simple capillary blood glucose measurements, the continuous glucose monitoring sensor (CGMS) has, up until now, provided downloadable, retrospective data. Newer innovations have led to the development of ‘ real‐time’ CGMSs, empowering the patient by providing an effective early warning system and audible alarms. Contrary to initial concerns regarding these devices, patients are not overwhelmed by the data and trial evidence reveals a demonstrable improvement in HbA1c. We identify the monitors available in the UK and summarise trial evidence to date in this newly emerging field. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons.
Long term anoxia in rainbow trout investigated by 2‐DE and MS/MS
Authors: Wulff Tune , Jessen Flemming , Roepstorff Peter , Hoffmann Else K.
Published: January 2008

Twenty‐four hours of N2 induced anoxia induced global perturbations on protein expression in rainbow trout hypodermal fibroblasts cell line. Anoxia was obtained by depleting the medium of O2 by flushing with N2, and protein changes were studied by 2‐DE coupled with MS providing quantitative measurements of a large number of proteins in one single study. The anoxic insult changed the level of 33 protein spots: 22 of these were up‐regulated compared to the control situation and 11 were down‐regulated. Using MS/MS sequencing 19 of the 33 protein spots that changed were identified, corresponding to a success rate of more than 50%. The identified proteins included two proteins involved in energy metabolism namely phosphoglycerate mutase and isocitrate dehydrogenase. In addition we observed the up‐regulation of a cluster of proteins that contribute to cytoskeleton function. These are calpain, EB1, and Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI). The up‐regulation of Rho GDI was shown to develop in a time dependent manner with no significant increase for up to 8 h of anoxia. In conclusion, this study provides a thorough investigation of the effect of anoxia in a cell line from rainbow trout.
Effect of phosphine dose on sorption in wheat
Authors: Daglish Gregory J , Pavic Hervoika
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND: In spite of the extensive use of phosphine fumigation around the world to control insects in stored grain, and the knowledge that grain sorbs phosphine, the effect of concentration on sorption has not been quantified. A laboratory study was undertaken, therefore, to investigate the effect of phosphine dose on sorption in wheat. Wheat was added to glass flasks to achieve filling ratios of 0.25–0.95, and the flasks were sealed and injected with phosphine at 0.1–1.5 mg L−1 based on flask volume. Phosphine concentration was monitored for 8 days at 25 °C and 55% RH.

RESULTS: When sorption occurred, phosphine concentration declined with time and was approximately first order, i.e. the data fitted an exponential decay equation. Percentage sorption per day was directly proportional to filling ratio, and was negatively correlated with dose for any given filling ratio. Based on the results, a tenfold increase in dose would result in a halving of the sorption constant and the percentage daily loss. Wheat was less sorptive if it was fumigated for a second time.

CONCLUSIONS: The results have implications for the use of phosphine for control of insects in stored wheat. This study shows that dose is a factor that must be considered when trying to understand the impact of sorption on phosphine concentration, and that there appears to be a limit to the capacity of wheat to sorb phosphine. Copyright © The State of Queensland (through the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries) 2008.
Comparing syndromic surveillance detection methods: EARS' versus a CUSUM‐based methodology
Authors: Fricker Ronald D. , Hegler Benjamin L. , Dunfee David A.
Published: January 2008

This paper compares the performance of three detection methods, entitled C1, C2, and C3, that are implemented in the early aberration reporting system (EARS) and other syndromic surveillance systems versus the CUSUM applied to model‐based prediction errors. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) performed significantly better than the EARS' methods across all of the scenarios we evaluated. These scenarios consisted of various combinations of large and small background disease incidence rates, seasonal cycles from large to small (as well as no cycle), daily effects, and various types and levels of random daily variation. This leads us to recommend replacing the C1, C2, and C3 methods in existing syndromic surveillance systems with an appropriately implemented CUSUM method. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dendritic morphology on neurons from prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens is altered in adult male mice exposed to repeated low dose of malathion
Authors: Campaña Alba Delia , Sanchez Fremioht , Gamboa Citlalli , Gómez‐Villalobos Ma De Jesús , De La Cruz Fidel , Zamudio Sergio , Flores Gonzalo
Published: February 2008

Malathion is a highly neurotoxic pesticide widely used in daily life. Acute and chronic toxicity from this organophosphorus compound may cause damage to health, especially to the central nervous system. In the present work, we show the effects of chronic exposure of malathion on dendritic morphology of neurons from prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in adult male mice. Animals were injected i.p. with low dose of malathion (40 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days. Control animals were injected with corn oil, used as vehicle. Fourteen days after the last injection, brains were removed and processed by the Golgi‐Cox stain method, and coronal sections were obtained to perform Sholl analysis on pyramidal neurons from the PFC, CA1 area from the hippocampus, and medium spiny cells from the NAcc. Dendritic morphology analysis included the total dendritic length, the maximum branching order, and the dendritic spine density. Results indicated a significant decrement on dendritic morphology in neurons from the hippocampus and the PFC in animals injected with malathion, whereas medium spiny neurons from NAcc showed a significant decrement only on the dendritic spine density in malathion injected mice, as compared to control mice. These results suggest that chronic toxicity of malathion alters the dendritic morphology in adult age, which may affect behavior. Synapse 62:283–290, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plate‐out in PVC extrusion. I. Analysis of plate‐out
Authors: Gilbert Marianne , Varshney Neil , van Soom Koen , Schiller Michael
Published: January 2008

Samples of extruder plate‐out from industrial rigid PVC production lines were investigated by using a number of analytical techniques. The combined use of SEM‐EDX (scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive X‐ray analysis), thermal analysis, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry), and LIMA (laser‐induced mass analysis) enabled most plate‐out components to be identified and linked to likely formulation ingredients. The FTIR and thermal analyses were used to identify organic components. The FTIR analysis was also useful for identifying some inorganic compounds present in sufficient quantities, while EDX detected the elements present. The LIMA was the most sensitive technique, detecting trace quantities of both cations and anions. Calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and lead stabilizers were found in all die plate‐out samples studied, together with small amounts of lubricants. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Influence of regenerated polyurethane on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of polypropylene during multiple processing cycles
Authors: Zhang Shu Ling , Zhang Zhen Xiu , Kim Jin Kuk
Published: January 2008

This work mainly introduces the recyclability of polypropylene (PP) modified by regenerated polyurethane (PU) that was obtained after partial thermochemical decomposition of waste PU. The influence of regenerated PU on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of PP during multiple processing cycles was evaluated by a universal testing machine, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analyses. The data showed that the mechanical properties of the modified PP were dependent on the content of regenerated PU with the increase in the number of processing cycles, whereas the thermal stability of the modified PP was almost independent of the content of regenerated PU. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL, 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of the additive package on the thermal properties of a commercial polyoxymethylene homopolymer
Authors: Lüftl Sigrid , Archodoulaki Vasiliki‐Maria , Koch Thomas , Seidler Sabine
Published: January 2008

The present study worked out the effects of the additive package on both the degradation behavior and the thermal properties of a commercial polyoxymethylene (POM) homopolymer (Delrin® 900P) during an artificial thermooxidative aging. The POM pellets were investigated as received and after a storage duration of 5 weeks at 140°C in an oven. Additionally, the pellets for the initial and aged conditions were purified to remove the additives. The degradation behavior was determined by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while the thermal properties were studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further, optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to follow changes occurring during the artificial aging. Dynamic TGA in nitrogen and air showed that even after a severe aging procedure, some thermooxidative stabilizer was still present. However, its effectiveness was no longer good, as the aged POM showed a lower degradation temperature than the initial material. This result is evidence that thermally sensitive and more volatile compounds were formed. Purification of the aged pellets led to a material that degraded immediately during melting. Isothermal DSC experiments carried out at several temperatures showed that the elimination of the additives increased the crystallization rate. The crystallization kinetics could be described by using the Avrami model. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL, 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of Infra‐Hepatic Inferior Vena Cava Clamping on Bleeding During Hepatic Dissection: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Kato Masato , Kubota Keiichi , Kita Junji , Shimoda Mitsugi , Rokkaku Kyu , Sawada Tokihiko
Published: February 2008

Background

The success of hepatectomy can be associated with intraoperative blood loss because massive blood loss causes a poor prognosis. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) clamping on the bleeding amount during hepatectomy.

Methods

Eighty‐five patients scheduled to undergo hepatic resection were randomly assigned to the IVC clamping or an IVC nonclamping group according to age, indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes, operative procedure, and number of tumors by prospective, randomized method. All analyses were compared by Mann‐Whitney U test.

Results

Forty‐three patients were assigned to the IVC clamping group and 42 to the nonclamping group (IVC clamping group vs. non‐clamping): total blood loss (499 vs. 584 ml; p = 0.567), amount of bleeding during hepatectomy (233 vs. 285 ml; p = 0.474), amount of bleeding during hepatectomy/area of dissection (4.9 vs. 6.6 ml/cm2; p = 0.63), CVP difference (−3 cmH2O vs. −1 cmH2O; p < 0.01), and diameter of the right hepatic vein (−2.2 cm vs. 0; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Although we had speculated that infrahepatic IVC clamping would reduce blood loss during hepatectomy, we failed to demonstrate any beneficial effects in this clinical setting with low CVP.
Separation of Individual Tocopherols from Soybean Distillate by Low Pressure Column Chromatography
Authors: Wan Jianchun , Zhang Weinong , Jiang Bo , Guo Yonghong , Hu Chuanrong
Published: January 2008

α‐Tocopherol, γ‐tocopherol and δ‐tocopherol were successfully separated and purified from soybean vitamin E concentrate (53% purity, from soybean oil deodorizer distillate) using a low‐pressure glass column (500 mm × 25 mm, I.D., packed with silica gel). The effects of eluent, flow‐rate and sample loading on separation efficiency were investigated using product purity and recovery as evaluation indices. On the basis of the single factor experiment results, an orthogonal test was designed to optimize the chromatographic separation conditions. The optimum conditions obtained by using analyses of extreme difference and variance are as follows: cyclohexane‐ethanol 99.7:0.3 (v/v), flow‐rate at 25 ml/min and loading amount being 2 ml (concentration 1 g/ml). Under these optimum conditions, purity of the α‐tocopherol, γ‐tocopherol and δ‐tocopherol were 92.35, 91.23, 89.95%, respectively; the recovery of those products were 35.21, 36.25, 61.25%, respectively. The advantage of this process is that high purity individual tocopherols can be obtained directly from soybean vitamin E concentrate at 53% purity, without additional purification steps.
Relationships between plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases and neurohormonal profile in patients with heart failure
Authors: Yan Andrew T. , Yan Raymond T. , Spinale Francis G. , Afzal Rizwan , Gunasinghe Himali R. , Stroud Robert E. , McKelvie Robert S. , Liu Peter P.
Published: January 2008

Background:

Both neurohormonal derangements and alterations in the myocardial extracellular matrix are thought to contribute to adverse ventricular remodelling that results in worsening heart failure (HF). There is also emerging preclinical information to suggest that these signalling pathways mutually regulate in HF.

Aim:

To assess the relationships between plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and neurohormonal profiles in chronic HF.

Methods and results:

In this substudy of 184 HF patients enrolled in the Randomized Evaluation of Strategies for Left Ventricular Dysfunction (RESOLVD) trial, plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine were measured with HPLC; atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), angiotensin II, aldosterone, and endothelin‐1 were measured with immunoassays; MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and TIMP‐1 were measured with 2‐site sandwich ELISA assays. We used Spearman's rank correlation to examine the relationships between plasma MMP and neurohormone levels. Circulating ANP, BNP, and endothelin‐1 levels were positively correlated with MMP‐2 and TIMP‐1 levels. Plasma level of aldosterone showed a weak positive correlation with MMP‐9, but there was no significant correlation between angiotensin II, epinephrine or norepinephrine and MMP‐2, MMP‐9, or TIMP‐1.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that specific neurohormones and extracellular matrix modulators may play a coordinated role in the pathogenesis of HF.
Book review
Authors: Cullington Damien
Published: January 2008

Heart failure, Oxford Specialist Handbooks in Cardiology by Roy S. Gardner, Theresa A. Mc Donagh, Niki L. Walker, ISBN: ‐13: 978–0199205738
Circulating Stromelysin‐1 (MMP‐3): A novel predictor of LV dysfunction, remodelling and all‐cause mortality after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Kelly D. , Khan S. , Cockerill G. , Ng L.L. , Thompson M. , Samani N.J. , Squire I.B.
Published: January 2008

Introduction:

Changes to cardiac matrix are central to ventricular remodelling after acute MI and matrix metalloproteinase expression is implicated in this process. We investigated the temporal profile of MMP‐3 and its relationship to LV dysfunction and prognosis following AMI.

Methods:

We studied 382 patients with AMI. Plasma MMP‐3 was measured at 0–12, 12–24 h and for subsequent 24 h periods during admission. LV function (LVEF) was assessed by echocardiography pre‐discharge and at a median of 148 days and clinical endpoints at a median of 313 days.

Results:

MMP‐3 peaked prior to discharge thus pre‐discharge levels were used in analyses. MMP‐3 was associated with patient age (p<0.001), creatinine (p<0.001) and was higher in males (p<0.001) and hypertensives (p<0.001). MMP‐3 inversely correlated with LVEF at follow‐up (p=0.043), was higher in subjects with LVEF <40% (p=0.017) and in subjects with increasing EDV (p=0.017) or ESV (p=0.007) compared to those in whom volumes fell between visits. In the 58 patients reaching the endpoint of death or heart failure, MMP‐3 was higher (p<0.001). On Kaplan–Meier analysis, subjects with levels above optimum cut off identified via ROC curves were more likely to suffer a clinical event (p=0.037).

Conclusion:

MMP‐3 is associated with left ventricular dysfunction, adverse left ventricular remodelling and prognosis after AMI.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate induces the association of membrane‐type 1 matrix metalloproteinase with p130Cas in endothelial cells
Authors: Gingras Denis , Michaud Marisol , Di Tomasso Geneviève , Béliveau Eric , Nyalendo Carine , Béliveau Richard
Published: January 2008

Membrane‐type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP) plays an important role in sphingosine‐1‐phosphate(S1P)‐dependent migration of endothelial cells but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Herein, we show that S1P promotes the relocalization of MT1‐MMP to peripheral actin‐rich membrane ruffles that is coincident with its association with the adaptor protein p130Cas at the leading edge of migrating cells. Immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy analyses suggest that this interaction required the tyrosine phosphorylation of p130Cas and also involves S1P‐dependent phosphorylation of MT1‐MMP within its cytoplasmic sequence. The interaction of MT1‐MMP with p130Cas at the cell periphery suggests the existence of a close interplay between pericellular proteolysis and signaling pathways involved in EC migration.
Evaluation of open approach and injection laryngoplasty inrevision thyroplasty procedures
Authors: Andrews Brian T. , van Daele Douglas J. , Karnell Michael P. , McCulloch Timothy M. , Graham Scott M. , Hoffman Henry T.
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

Vocal outcomes after medialization laryngoplasty are variable and may change over time. A revision procedure via open approach or an injection laryngoplasty may be necessary to improve vocal outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty‐nine subjects were identified and stratified into group 1A (n = 9) if the allograft was repositioned/replaced, group 1B (n = 4) if the allograft was removed, and group 2 (n = 16) if an injection laryngoplasty was performed. Statistically significant differences were found between all data prerevision to postrevision (P ≤ 0.05) for group 1A and group 2 when multiple paired‐sample t tests were calculated for patient‐reported voice severity ratings and voice impact ratings as well as clinician‐reported voice ratings of grade, roughness, and breathiness. Results of group 2 were often temporary, with 10 of 16 (62.5%) subjects receiving multiple injections.

CONCLUSION

Both open revision laryngoplasty and injection laryngoplasty are successful at providing improved vocal outcomes. Results are often temporary after injection laryngoplasty and often require multiple procedures.