bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cracking in poly(trimethylene terephthalate) spherulites
Authors: Yao Chenguang , Yang Guisheng
Published: October 2008

The crack behavior of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) spherulites was studied mainly by polarizing optical microscopy, along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition to the effects of temperature and constraining substrate, another important factor, film thickness, on the formation of crack was first put forward and investigated. The emergence of the first crack occurred at 120°C during cooling after crystallization at 190°C for the sample with a thickness of 31.0 μm. For the spherulites growing between glass sheets, it was interesting that the sample with a thickness of 26.0 μm exhibited the largest number of cracks measured per 200 μm of radius, whereas samples thicker than 100 μm or thinner than 1 μm did not induce the formation of crack. Also, spherulites growing between two polyimide and two Teflon sheets showed no crack. Glass sheets lubricated with silicon oil restrained the number of cracks but did not eliminate cracks. SEM revealed that the cracking was about 900 nm in width. In addition, the AFM results suggest that the cracks had a depth of at least 150 nm. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Kinetic analysis and improvement of the Williamson reaction for the synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol) propionaldehyde
Authors: Zhao Yong‐Jiang , Zhai Yan‐Qin , Ma Guang‐Hui , Su Zhi‐Guo
Published: October 2008

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) propionaldehyde is an important polymer derivative used in protein modification; it is usually synthesized by the Williamson reaction of 3‐chloropropionaldehyde diethyl acetal (CPADA) with PEG alkoxide followed by hydrolysis to deprotect the aldehyde group. However, the side reaction of the Williamson reaction has been a severe drawback leading to a low‐aldehyde‐content product. In this study, we established a kinetic model to depict the competition of the Williamson reaction and its side reaction. Based on a kinetic analysis, experiments were performed to systemically investigate the influence of the process parameters on the yield of PEG aldehyde, including the reaction solvents, reaction temperature, and molar equivalents of CPADA. The best reaction solvent was determined to be dioxane because the conversion of methoxy pol(ethylene glycol) in dioxane was higher than that in other solvents and because dioxane has low toxicity and is easily handled. The reaction temperature was set as the refluxing point of dioxane to effectively convert PEG into its alkoxide. The equivalents of CPADA were optimized to be 15 to obtain a quantitative yield of mPEG propionaldehyde and avoid wasting the reagent. The quantitative yield of mPEG propionaldehyde was achieved under these optimum conditions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Fouling reduction of a poly(ether sulfone) hollow‐fiber membrane with a hydrophilic surfactant prepared via non‐solvent‐induced phase separation
Authors: Arahman Nasrul , Maruyama Tatsuo , Sotani Tomohiro , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: October 2008

Membrane fouling is still a crucial problem, especially in applications for water treatment. When fouling takes place on membrane surfaces, it causes flux decline, leading to an increase in production cost due to increased energy demand. The selection of the right membrane material and a special treatment of the membrane are required to avoid membrane fouling. This article reports the fouling resistance of a poly(ether sulfone) (PES) hollow‐fiber membrane modified with hydrophilic surfactant Tetronic 1307. Experiments on several methods of fouling were carried out to investigate the effect of the addition of nonionic surfactant Tetronic 1307 on membrane fouling. The effectiveness of a chemical agent [sodium hypochlorite (NaClO)] in the reduction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) deposition on the membrane surface was also evaluated. Permeation results showed that the fouling of a PES blend membrane with Tetronic 1307 was lower than that of the original PES membrane in the case of BSA filtration. A treatment with a 100 ppm NaClO solution was capable of removing BSA cake formation and effective at improving the relative permeability. The permeability of a PES blend membrane with Tetronic 1307 was almost 2 times higher than the original permeability when the membrane was treated with a 100 ppm NaClO solution because both BSA and Tetronic 1307 could be decomposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
A comparative study of polypropylene nucleated by individual and compounding nucleating agents. I. Melting and isothermal crystallization
Authors: Bai Hongwei , Wang Yong , Zhang Qin , Liu Li , Zhou Zuowan
Published: October 2008

In this study, melting and isothermal crystallization behaviors of polypropylene (PP) nucleated with different nucleating agents (NAs) have been comparatively studied. α‐phase NA 1,3 : 2,4‐bis (3,4‐dimethylbenzylidene) sorbitol (DMDBS, Millad 3988), β‐phase NA aryl amides compound (TMB‐5), and their compounds were introduced into PP matrix, respectively. The crystallization and melting characteristics as well as the crystallization structures and morphologies of nucleated PP were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), and polarized light microscopy (PLM). As indicated by previous work that a few amounts of α‐phase NA (DMDBS) or β‐phase NA (TMB‐5) has apparent nucleation effect for PP crystallization. However, the crystallization of PP nucleated with compounding NAs is dependent on the content of each NA. In the sample of PP with 0.1 wt % DMDBS and 0.1 wt % TMB‐5, the nucleation efficiency of TMB‐5 is much higher than that of DMDBS and PP crystallization is mainly nucleated by TMB‐5, and in this condition, β‐phase PP is the main crystallization structure. For the sample of PP with 0.2 wt % DMDBS and 0.2 wt % TMB‐5, 0.2 wt % DMDBS has higher nucleation efficiency than 0.2 wt % TMB5, and α‐phase is the main crystalline structure in this sample. The isothermal crystallization kinetics and crystallization structure have been analyzed in detail in this work. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Interleukin‐1 drives pathogenic Th17 cells during spontaneous arthritis in interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist–deficient mice
Authors: Koenders Marije I. , Devesa Isabel , Marijnissen Renoud J. , Abdollahi‐Roodsaz Shahla , Boots Annemieke M. H. , Walgreen Birgitte , di Padova Franco E. , Nicklin Martin J. H. , Joosten Leo A. B. , van den Berg Wim B.
Published: October 2008

Objective

Interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist–deficient (IL‐1Ra−/−) mice spontaneously develop an inflammatory and destructive arthritis due to unopposed excess IL‐1 signaling. In this study, the role of Th17 cells and the effect of neutralization of IL‐17, IL‐1, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were investigated in this IL‐1–driven murine arthritis model.

Methods

T cells isolated from IL‐1Ra−/−and wild‐type (WT) mice were stained for IL‐17 and interferon‐γ, with results assessed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis. To investigate the contribution of IL‐1 and IL‐17 in further progression of arthritis in this model, mice were treated with neutralizing antibodies after the onset of arthritis.

Results

Compared with WT mice, IL‐1Ra−/−mice had similar levels of Th1 cells but clearly enhanced levels of Th17 cells; this increase in the number of Th17 cells was evident even before the onset of arthritis, in young, nonarthritic IL‐1Ra−/−mice. The percentage of Th17 cells increased even more after the onset of arthritis and, similar to the serum levels and local messenger RNA levels of IL‐17, the percentage of IL‐17+ Th17 cells clearly correlated with the severity of arthritis. Anti–IL‐17 treatment prevented any further increase in inflammation and bone erosion, whereas blocking of TNFα after the onset of arthritis had no effect. In contrast, neutralization of IL‐1 resulted in a complete suppression of arthritis. Interestingly, this anti–IL‐1 treatment also significantly reduced the percentage of IL‐17+ Th17 cells in the draining lymph nodes of these arthritic mice.

Conclusion

Increased levels of Th17 cells can be detected in IL‐1Ra−/−mice even preceding the onset of arthritis. In addition, the results of cytokine‐blocking studies demonstrated that IL‐17 contributes to the inflammation and bone erosion in this model, which suggests that IL‐1 is the driving force behind the IL‐17–producing Th17 cells.
Predicting the course of juvenile dermatomyositis: Significance of early clinical and laboratory features
Authors: Stringer Elizabeth , Singh‐Grewal Davinder , Feldman Brian M.
Published: October 2008

Objective

Juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of childhood. The clinical course of juvenile DM appears to be variable, and little is known about predictors of the disease course. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical course of juvenile DM and to determine whether early clinical and laboratory features can be used to predict the time to remission and/or the disease course.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data from a cohort of 84 patients with juvenile DM were prospectively entered into a database (1990–2005). Remission was defined as a clinical state of no active skin rash, weakness, or elevated muscle enzyme levels for 6 months off medication. The disease course was defined as monophasic, polyphasic, or chronic. Data were reviewed at the time of diagnosis and at 3 months and 6 months after the diagnosis to determine predictors of the time to remission and/or the disease course.

Results

The median time to remission was 4.67 years. Sixty percent of patients had a chronic course, 37% a monophasic course, and 3% a polyphasic course. The presence of rash (most strongly indicated by Gottron's papules) at 3 months was the earliest predictor of a longer time to remission (relative risk [RR] 0.55 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.37–0.81], P = 0.002). At 6 months, the presence of nailfold abnormalities and rash also predicted a longer time to remission (RR 0.35 [95% CI 0.14–0.74], P = 0.003). We were unable to determine a prediction model of disease course.

Conclusion

The majority of patients in our cohort had a chronic disease course. The persistence of Gottron's papules and nailfold abnormalities early in the disease course was associated with a longer time to remission.
Gene expression in systemic lupus erythematosus: Bone marrow analysis differentiates active from inactive disease and reveals apoptosis and granulopoiesis signatures
Authors: Nakou Magdalene , Knowlton Nicholas , Frank Mark B. , Bertsias George , Osban Jeanette , Sandel Clayton E. , Papadaki Helen , Raptopoulou Amalia , Sidiropoulos Prodromos , Kritikos Iraklis , Tassiulas Ioannis , Centola Michael , Boumpas Dimitrios T.
Published: October 2008

Objective

The cells of the immune system originate from the bone marrow, where many of them also mature. This study was undertaken to examine gene expression in the bone marrow of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in order to better understand the aberrant immune response in this disease.

Methods

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) from 20 SLE patients (11 with active disease and 9 with inactive disease) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 27 patients (16 with active disease and 11 with inactive disease) were studied; BMMCs and PBMCs from 7 healthy individuals and 3 osteoarthritis patients were studied as controls. Samples were analyzed on genome‐scale DNA microarrays, with 21,329 genes represented.

Results

We identified 102 genes involved in various biologic processes that were differentially expressed between patient and control BMMCs; 53 of them are genes that are involved in major networks, including cell death, growth, signaling, and proliferation. Comparative analysis revealed 88 genes that were differentially expressed between bone marrow and blood, the majority of which are involved in cell growth and differentiation, cellular movement and morphology, immune response, and other hematopoietic cell functions. Unsupervised clustering of highly expressed genes revealed 2 major SLE patient clusters (active disease and inactive disease) based on gene expression in bone marrow, but not in peripheral blood. The up‐regulated genes in the bone marrow of patients with active disease included genes involved in cell death and granulopoiesis.

Conclusion

Microarray analysis of the bone marrow differentiated active from inactive SLE and provided further evidence of the role of apoptosis and granulocytes in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Efficacy and safety of golimumab in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: Results of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III trial
Authors: Inman Robert D. , Davis John C. , Heijde Désirée Van Der , Diekman Laura , Sieper Joachim , Kim Sung Il , Mack Michael , Han John , Visvanathan Sudha , Xu Zhenhua , Hsu Benjamin , Beutler Anna , Braun Jürgen
Published: October 2008

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of golimumab in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the GO‐RAISE study.

Methods

Patients with active AS, a Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score ≥4, and a back pain score of ≥4 were randomly assigned in a 1.8:1.8:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous injections of golimumab (50 mg or 100 mg) or placebo every 4 weeks. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with at least 20% improvement in the ASsessment in AS (ASAS20) criteria at week 14.

Results

At randomization, 138, 140, and 78 patients were assigned to the 50‐mg, 100‐mg, and placebo groups, respectively. After 14 weeks, 59.4%, 60.0%, and 21.8% of patients, respectively, were ASAS20 responders (P < 0.001). A 40% improvement in the ASAS criteria at week 24 occurred in 43.5%, 54.3%, and 15.4% of patients, respectively. Patients receiving golimumab also showed significant improvement in the physical and mental component summary scores of the Short Form 36 Health Survey, the Jenkins Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire score, the BASDAI score, and the Bath AS Functional Index score, but not the Bath AS Metrology Index score. Through week 24, 85.6% of golimumab‐treated patients and 76.6% of patients in the placebo group had ≥1 adverse event, and 5.4% and 6.5% of patients, respectively, had ≥1 serious adverse event. Eight golimumab‐treated patients and 1 placebo‐treated patient had markedly abnormal liver enzyme values (≥100% increase from baseline and a value >150 IU/liter), which were transient.

Conclusion

Golimumab was effective and well tolerated in a large cohort of patients with AS during a 24‐week study period.
Novel detection of in vivo HLA–B27 conformations correlates with ankylosing spondylitis association
Authors: Fussell Helen , Nesbeth Darren , Lenart Izabela , Campbell Elaine C. , Lynch Sarah , Santos Susana , Gould Keith , Powis Simon J. , Antoniou Antony N.
Published: October 2008

Objective

The class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule HLA–B27 exhibits a strong association with the autoimmune inflammatory arthritis disorder ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and with other related spondylarthropathies. In the absence of both a defined autoimmune response and a target autoantigen(s), the propensity of HLA–B27 to misfold has been hypothesized to be a major parameter in disease pathogenesis. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that HLA–B27 misfolding is due to exposure of cysteine residues within the heavy chain to the oxidizing environment of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Methods

A rapid acidification and alkylation modification method was used to examine cysteine residue exposure and accessibility within AS‐associated and non‐AS–associated HLA–B27 subtypes.

Results

This novel approach to probing in vivo class I MHC structure revealed that the HLA–B27 heavy chain adopts conformations not previously described. Furthermore, amino acid residues specific to subtypes HLA–B*2706, B*2709, and B*2704 can have an impact on these novel conformations and on cysteine residue exposure.

Conclusion

HLA–B27 can adopt novel conformations, resulting in differential accessibility of cysteine residues, which can explain the propensity to misfold. Cysteine exposure in the HLA–B27 heavy chain is also affected by residues within the 114 and 116 regions, thereby providing a potential biochemical basis for the association of HLA–B27 subtypes with AS.
CD19 regulates the development of bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model
Authors: Komura Kazuhiro , Yanaba Koichi , Horikawa Mayuka , Ogawa Fumihide , Fujimoto Manabu , Tedder Thomas F. , Sato Shinichi
Published: October 2008

Objective

The contribution of CD19 and B lymphocytes to pulmonary fibrosis is controversial. The aim of this study was to address the role of CD19 during the development of pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

Mice lacking or overexpressing the B cell surface molecule CD19, which is known as a positive regulator of B cell activation, were used in a model of bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Ten or sixteen days after intratracheal injection of bleomycin, lung sections from mice were evaluated by histologic analysis. Seven days after instillation, the total leukocyte count and the number of B cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined, using a hemocytometer and flow cytometry. Bleomycin was also administered into selectin‐deficient or intercellular adhesion molecule 1–deficient mouse strains. The level of CXCR3 expression on B cells was determined by flow cytometry.

Results

CD19 deficiency significantly reduced susceptibility to intratracheal bleomycin challenge on day 16, while CD19 overexpression augmented fibrosis even on day 10. Furthermore, the survival rate and number of B cells in BALF also correlated with CD19 expression levels. The accumulation of B cells in BALF was dependent on CD19 levels, whereas there was no association with the levels of selectins or intercellular adhesion molecule 1. Additionally, CXCR3 was up‐regulated in BALF B cells, while it was rarely expressed on circulating B cells. Furthermore, CD19 signaling facilitated B cell CXCR3 up‐regulation in response to stimulation in vitro.

Conclusion

These results suggest that CD19 signaling is associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis by controlling B cell infiltration into lung tissue, which may be associated with CXCR3 up‐regulation.
Patterns of femorotibial cartilage loss in knees with neutral, varus, and valgus alignment
Authors: Eckstein Felix , Wirth Wolfgang , Hudelmaier Martin , Stein Verena , Lengfelder Verena , Cahue September , Marshall Meredith , Prasad Pottumarthi , Sharma Leena
Published: October 2008

Objective

Malalignment is known to alter medial‐to‐lateral femorotibial load distribution and to affect osteoarthritis (OA) progression in the mechanically stressed compartment. We investigated the pattern of cartilage loss in neutral, varus, and valgus knees.

Methods

Alignment was measured from full‐limb radiographs in 174 participants with symptomatic knee OA. Coronal magnetic resonance images were acquired at baseline and a mean ± SD of 26.6 ± 5.4 months later. The weight‐bearing femorotibial cartilages were segmented from paired images. Cartilage volume, surface area, and thickness were determined in total cartilage plates and defined subregions using proprietary software.

Results

The medial‐to‐lateral ratio of femorotibial cartilage loss was 1.4:1 in neutral knees (n = 74), 3.7:1 in varus knees (n = 57), and 1:6.0 in valgus knees (n = 43). The relative contribution of cartilage thickness change tended to be greater in knees with mild cartilage loss, whereas the increase of denuded area was greater in knees with accelerated cartilage loss. In both varus and neutral knees, the greatest changes were observed in the same subregions of the medial femorotibial compartment (central and external medial tibia, and central medial femur). In valgus and neutral knees, the subregions with the greatest changes in the lateral femorotibial compartment were also similar (internal and central lateral tibia, external lateral femur).

Conclusion

The medial‐to‐lateral rate of femorotibial cartilage loss strongly depended on alignment. Subregions of greater‐than‐average cartilage loss within the stressed compartment were, however, similar in neutral, varus, and valgus knees. This indicates that the medial‐to‐lateral loading pattern is different, but that the (sub)regional loading pattern may not differ substantially between neutral and malaligned knees.
Numerisch unterstützte Optimierung von Monitoringsystemen an Gewölbesperren
Authors: Bergmeister Konrad , Strauss Alfred , Zimmermann Thomas
Published: October 2008

Die permanente Beobachtung von dominanten Parametern während der Konstruktion und der Betriebsphase von Sperren und Sperrenanlagen aus Konstruktionsbeton bietet eine quantitative Basis für die Zuverlässigkeits‐ und Gebrauchstauglichkeitsbewertung. Die Beobachtungsdaten können zu einem gewissen Ausmaß eine direkte Auskunft über sich ankündigende bzw. bereits eingetretene Schäden geben, können aber auch zum Teil nur indirekt auf Schäden und Schadensvorgänge Rückschlüsse geben. Ein optimiertes Monitoringsystem in Bezug auf die Vernetzung und Positionierung von Beobachtungspunkten kann mit nichtlinearen Geometrie‐ und Werkstoffmodellen unter Berücksichtigung der stochastischen Verteilung der mechanischen, physikalischen und geometrischen Eingangsdaten erarbeitet werden. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist die Vorstellung einer probabilistischen Bewertungsstrategie im Zusammenhang mit einem optimierten Monitoringsystem aufbauend auf der nichtlinearen Finite Elemente Methode.
Standsicherheit und Brandschutz von Bestandsbauwerken – besondere Herausforderungen für die Planung
Authors: Fingerloos Frank , Schnell Jürgen
Published: October 2008

Bauvorhaben im Bestand werden immer mehr zum Hauptthema für Planer und Bauwirtschaft. Der folgende Beitrag behandelt einige besondere Aspekte, die beim Planen im Bestand in Bezug auf den Bestandsschutz, die Standsicherheit und den Brandschutz zu beachten sind. Dabei werden die Grundlagen des Bestandsschutzes kurz umrissen. Die Besonderheiten bei der Planung werden mit dem Schwerpunkt Tragwerksplanung erläutert. Es werden Möglichkeiten aufgezeigt, Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte auf der Widerstandsseite beim Nachrechnen bestehender Bauteile mit semiprobabilistischen Bemessungsverfahren zu reduzieren sowie Belastungsversuche zweckmäßig einzusetzen. Die Beurteilung der Feuerwiderstandsdauer historischer Bauteile lässt sich am besten bei Berücksichtigung deutlich geringerer realistischer Brandlasten umsetzen.
Konstruktive Besonderheiten beim Bauen im Bestand: Problemstellungen und Speziallösungen am Beispiel eines Hotelprojekts in der Sächsischen Schweiz
Authors: Beecken Christoph A. , Groth Stefan , vom Berg Wiebke
Published: October 2008

Nach jahrelangem Leerstand wurde die historische Elbzeile am Marktplatz des Orts Bad Schandau südlich von Dresden revitalisiert und zu einem 5‐Sterne‐Hotel umgebaut. Das überwiegend drei‐ bis viergeschossige Objekt umfasst rund ein Dutzend Gebäude, die einen zusammenhängenden Häuserblock zwischen dem Marktplatz und dem Elbufer bilden. Nach rund zwei Jahren Bauzeit wurde das Hotel im August 2007 eröffnet.

Der nachfolgende Text behandelt konstruktive Besonderheiten beim Bauen im Bestand und ergänzt somit die Beschreibung der Projektsteuerung und des Bauablaufs in der Ausgabe 04/2008 der Zeitschrift Bautechnik.

Die planerische Herausforderung bei dieser komplexen Bauaufgabe bestand darin, die zahlreichen Einzelhäuser der Elbzeile, die zum Teil unter Denkmalschutz stehen, zu einer Gesamtanlage mit vielen unterschiedlichen Funktionsbereichen zusammenzufassen. Einige der bis zu 350 Jahre alten, am Marktplatz gelegenen Bauten waren nicht mehr zu erhalten und mussten abgebrochen und neu errichtet werden.
Zuschrift zu: Fingerloos, F., Zilch, K.: Einführung in die Neuausgabe von DIN 1045‐1. und Randl, N., Zilch, K., Müller, A.: Bemessung nachträglich ergänzter Betonbauteile mit längsschubbeanspruchter Fuge.
Authors: Lindig Volker
Published: October 2008

Zuschrift zu:

Fingerloos, F., Zilch, K.: Einführung in die Neuausgabe von DIN 1045‐1. Beton‐ und Stahlbetonbau 103 (2008), Heft 4, S. 221–235.

DOI: 10.1002/best.200800607.

Randl, N., Zilch, K., Müller, A.: Bemessung nachträglich ergänzter Betonbauteile mit längsschubbeanspruchter Fuge. Vergleichende Beurteilung aktueller Konzepte für die Baupraxis. Beton‐ und Stahlbetonbau 103 (2008), Heft 7, S. 482–497.

DOI: 10.1002/best.200800627.

Erwiderung der Autoren zur Zuschrift Lindig
Identification of residual ischemia, infarction, and microvascular impairment in revascularized myocardial infarction using 64‐slice MDCT
Authors: Furtado Andre D. , Carlsson Marcus , Wintermark Max , Ordovas Karen , Saeed Maythem
Published: October 2008

This study aimed to assess the potential of 64‐slice MDCT in characterizing revascularized infarcted myocardium at the cellular and microvascular levels. Pigs (n = 7) underwent 2 h left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion/reperfusion. In acute (2–4 h) and subacute (1 week) infarction, first‐pass perfusion (FPP) (1 ml/kg of 300 mg/ml Omnipaque) was performed using a cine (rotation time 60 s/bpm) non‐ECG gated sequence (mAS/kV = 100/120). Delayed contrast enhanced images (DE) (mAS/kV = 650/120) were acquired every 2 min for 10 min to determine the kinetics of Omnipaque and to define infarcted myocardium and microvascular impairment (representing microvascular obstruction and/or no‐ or low‐reflow phenomenon). Maximum upslope, maximum attenuation and time to the peak were measured from FPP plots. 2,3,5‐Triphenyltetrazolium‐chloride (TTC) was used to define true infarction in the excised hearts. Hyperenhanced myocardium on DE was measured and compared with TTC. The contrast media caused minor beam hardening and X‐ray scatter on FPP. The above‐mentioned perfusion parameters significantly differed between remote and acute infarction. Infarcted myocardium showed two patterns of enhancement on DE, hyperenhanced rim representing the perfused infarction and hypoenhanced core representing a microvascular impaired region, with significantly different attenuation. The extent of infarction on DE‐MDCT decreased over the course of 1 week and did not differ from TTC. Post‐processed FPP semi‐quantitative images showed a decline in myocardial blood volume and flow in acute revascularized infarction. In conclusion, modern MDCT has the potential to identify residual ischemia on FPP and microvascular impairment and infarction on DE images. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adrenocortical carcinoma in the United States
Authors: Bilimoria Karl Y. , Shen Wen T. , Elaraj Dina , Bentrem David J. , Winchester David J. , Kebebew Electron , Sturgeon Cord
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor with a relatively poor prognosis. The authors' objectives were to examine treatment utilization and factors associated with long‐term survival after resection of ACC in a large, national, patient population.

METHODS.

Patients diagnosed with ACC from 1985 to 2005 were identified from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Patient, tumor, treatment, and hospital factors associated with survival after resection were examined.

RESULTS.

For the current study, 3982 patients with ACC were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 55 years. Median tumor size was 13 cm. Of the patients with nodes examined, 26.5% had nodal metastases. Distant metastases were found on presentation in 21.6% of patients. A total of 57.4% of patients underwent surgical resection alone, whereas 16.0% underwent resection with adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation. A total of 19.4% had margin‐positive resections. Treatment utilization remained unchanged from 1985 to 2005 (P= .28). Median follow‐up was 24 months. Overall 5‐year survival for all patients who underwent resection was 38.6% (median survival, 31.9 months). Multivariable analysis demonstrated a higher risk of death with increasing age, poorly differentiated tumors, involved margins, and nodal or distant metastases. Overall survival remained unchanged from 1985 to 2000 (P= .08).

CONCLUSIONS.

ACC carries a poor prognosis for patients commonly presenting with large, locally invasive tumors, involved margins, and metastatic disease. Survival is not affected by size but is diminished with increasing age, poorly differentiated tumors, involved margins, and the presence of regional and distant disease. Identification of novel therapies may help to increase survival, which has remained unchanged over the last 20 years. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Plasmalemmal and vesicular γ‐aminobutyric acid transporter expression in the developing mouse retina
Authors: Guo Chenying , Stella Salvatore L. , Hirano Arlene A. , Brecha Nicholas C.
Published: October 2008

Plasmalemmal and vesicular γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporters influence neurotransmission by regulating high‐affinity GABA uptake and GABA release into the synaptic cleft and extracellular space. Postnatal expression of the plasmalemmal GABA transporter‐1 (GAT‐1), GAT‐3, and the vesicular GABA/glycine transporter (VGAT) were evaluated in the developing mouse retina by using immunohistochemistry with affinity‐purified antibodies. Weak transporter immunoreactivity was observed in the inner retina at postnatal day 0 (P0). GAT‐1 immunostaining at P0 and at older ages was in amacrine and displaced amacrine cells in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL), respectively, and in their processes in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). At P10, weak GAT‐1 immunostaining was in Müller cell processes. GAT‐3 immunostaining at P0 and older ages was in amacrine cells and their processes, as well as in Müller cells and their processes that extended radially across the retina. At P10, Müller cell somata were observed in the middle of the INL. VGAT immunostaining was present at P0 and older ages in amacrine cells in the INL as well as processes in the IPL. At P5, weak VGAT immunostaining was also observed in horizontal cell somata and processes. By P15, the GAT and VGAT immunostaining patterns appear similar to the adult immunostaining patterns; they reached adult levels by about P20. These findings demonstrate that GABA uptake and release are initially established in the inner retina during the first postnatal week and that these systems subsequently mature in the outer retina during the second postnatal week. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:6–26, 2009. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interplay among catecholamine systems: Dopamine binds to α2‐adrenergic receptors in birds and mammals
Authors: Cornil Charlotte A. , Ball Gregory F.
Published: October 2008

Dopaminergic and adrenergic receptors are G‐protein‐coupled receptors considered to be different based on their pharmacology and signaling pathways. Some receptor subtypes that are members of one family are actually closer in phylogenetic terms to some subtypes belonging to the other family, suggesting that the pharmacological specificity among these receptors from different families is not perfect. Indeed, evidence is accumulating that one amine can cross‐talk with receptors belonging to the other system. However, most of these observations were collected in vitro using artificial cell models transfected with cloned receptors, so that the occurrence of this phenomenon in vivo as well as its distribution in the central nervous system is not known. In this study the pharmacological basis of possible in vivo interactions between dopamine and α2‐adrenergic receptors was investigated in quail, zebra finches, and rats. Binding competitions showed that dopamine displaces the binding of the selective α2‐adrenergic ligand, [3H]RX821002, in the brain of the three species with an affinity ≈10–28‐fold lower than that of norepinephrine. Dopamine also displaces with an affinity 3‐fold lower than norepinephrine the binding of [3H]RX821002 to human αh2A‐adrenergic receptors expressed in Sf9 cells. The anatomical distribution of this interaction was assessed in brain slices of quail and rat based on autoradiographic methods. Both norepinephrine and dopamine significantly displace [3H]RX821002 binding in all brain nuclei considered. Together, these data provide evidence for an interaction between the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems in the vertebrate brain, albeit with species variations. J. Comp. Neurol. 511:610–627, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 and glutamate receptor 1 mRNA in the central nervous system of the pigeon (Columba livia)
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Atoji Yasuro
Published: October 2008

Glutamate acts as the excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and is mediated largely by the vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUT1–3) and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) types of glutamate receptors (GluR1–4) in mammals. In the present study, we determined the cDNA sequences of pigeon VGLUT2 and GluR1 and mapped the distribution of their mRNA in the pigeon CNS. The predicted amino acids of pigeon VGLUT2 and GluR1 showed a 93% identity to human VGLUT2 and GluR1 both. In situ hybridization autoradiograms showed VGLUT2 mRNA expression exclusively in the pallium of the telencephalon, and no expression in the subpallium. Within the diencephalon, VGLUT2 mRNA was more abundant in the thalamus than in the hypothalamus. Rich VGLUT2 mRNA expression was found in the optic tectum, nucleus mesencephalicus lateralis, pars dorsalis, nucleus isthmi, pars parvocellularis, isthmo‐optic nucleus, pontine nuclei, and granular layer of the cerebellum. Moderate expression was noted in the cerebellar nuclei, vestibular nuclei, cochlear nuclei, inferior olivary nucleus, and gray matter of the spinal cord. GluR1 mRNA was expressed abundantly in the pallium and subpallium of the telencephalon, but it was poor in the diencephalon, midbrain, medulla, cerebellar cortex, and gray matter of the spinal cord. These results suggest that the cDNA sequences of VGLUT2 and GluR1 in the pigeon are comparable to those of VGLUT2 and GluR1 in mammals, respectively. The distribution of pigeon GluR1 mRNA resembles that of mammals, but the distribution of VGLUT2 mRNA resembles that of both VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 511:658–677, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progestin receptor is transiently expressed perinatally in neurons of the rat isocortex
Authors: López Verónica , Wagner Christine K.
Published: October 2008

Steroid hormones influence the development of numerous brain regions, including some that are not classically considered steroid‐sensitive. For example, nuclear receptors for both androgen and estrogen have been detected in neonatal cortical cells. High levels of progestin binding and progestin receptor (PR) mRNA have also been reported in early perinatal isocortex. PR expression coincides with high levels of de novo progesterone produced within the cortex, suggesting that PR and its ligand influence the important developmental cortical processes occurring shortly after birth. In order to better understand the role PR plays in cortical development, we used the cellular‐level resolution of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH) to characterize changes in perinatal PR expression within specific cortical lamina. PR immunoreactivity (PR‐ir) was examined at embryonic days (E) 18, 20, 21, 22, and postnatal days (P) 1, 3, 6, 9, 13, and 27. We find that PR‐ir is transiently expressed in specific lamina of frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital cortex. PR‐ir was observed in subplate cells on E18, in increasingly superficial lamina (primarily lamina V, then II/III) during early postnatal development, and was absent by P27. Double‐labeling immunohistochemistry indicated that PR‐ir colocalizes with the neuronal marker, microtubule associated protein‐2, but not with the glial marker, nestin, nor with γ‐aminobutyric acid. These results suggest that specific subpopulations of cortical neurons may be transiently sensitive to progesterone, and that progesterone and its receptor may play a critical role in the fundamental mechanisms underlying normal cortical development. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:124–139, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time course of pain sensation in rat models of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and exogenous hyperinsulinaemia
Authors: Sugimoto Kazuhiro , Rashid Irena B. , Kojima Keiya , Shoji Masaru , Tanabe Jutaro , Tamasawa Naoki , Suda Toshihiro , Yasujima Minoru
Published: October 2008

Background

Small sensory fibre dysfunction has been recently recognized as a component of impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance (IR) syndrome. However, few studies have investigated whether small sensory fibre dysfunction develops in normoglycaemic or pre‐diabetic animal models of IR and/or hyperinsulinaemia. In addition, scant information is available on the metabolic features of IR in relation to small sensory fibre dysfunction due to the progressive failure of beta cells to compensate for IR during the development of frank diabetes.

Methods

Longitudinal trends for thermal and mechanical nociceptive responses were assessed in 8–36‐week‐old male obese Zucker rats, 8–36‐week‐old male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, and 10–39‐week‐old male Wistar rats that continued to receive exogenous insulin (2–4 U/day) from subcutaneously implanted insulin pellets. Data were compared with the metabolic disorders in these rats.

Results

Both obese Zucker and ZDF rats at 8 weeks of age showed compensatory hyperinsulinaemia and developed thermal hyperalgesia prior to the onset of overt hyperglycaemia. These animals also exhibited progression from thermal hyperalgesia to hypoalgesia, which occurred more rapidly and coincided with a more rapid decline in pancreatic insulin secretion in ZDF rats than in obese Zucker rats. Non‐diabetic rats treated with insulin tended to show thermal and mechanical hypoalgesia that was detectable 12–20 weeks after treatment.

Conclusion

In addition to insulin treatment, IR with or without compensatory hyperinsulinaemia is associated with nociceptive dysfunction of different phenotypes, independent of glycaemic levels. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of elevated EGFR phosphorylation in the induction of structural remodelling and altered mechanical properties of resistance artery from type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Palen Desiree I. , Matrougui Khalid
Published: October 2008

Background

Type 2 diabetes is associated with microvascular complications. We hypothesized that the sustained elevated EGFR phosphorylation produces structural wall remodelling and altered mechanical properties of mesenteric resistance artery (MRA) in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Freshly isolated MRA (80–100 µm diameter) from type 2 diabetic (db−/db−, diabetic) and non‐diabetic (db−/db+, control) mice were subjected to pressure‐passive diameter and wall thickness relationships; western blot analysis and immunohistology.

Results

Data indicated that MRA from diabetic mice have a smaller passive diameter than MRA from control mice under intra‐luminal pressure range from 25 to 125 mmHg. Measurements of wall thickness : lumen diameter ratios (21 ± 1.8 vs 14 ± 1.2 at 75 mmHg diabetic vs control, respectively), wall thickness and remodelling index (38 ± 5% vs control) revealed eutrophic structural remodelling of MRA from diabetic mice, which was strengthened with histology. Mechanical properties revealed a great strain‐stress relationship in MRA from control versus diabetic mice indicating increased stiffness in MRA from diabetic mice. Western blot analysis showed increased collagen type 1 content in a freshly isolated MRA from the type 2 diabetic mice when compared to control mice. Diabetic mice treated with EGFR inhibitor (AG1478, 10 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks showed reduced EGFR phosphorylation, wall thickness, collagen type 1 content, and improved the altered mechanical properties of MRA.

Conclusion

These data provide evidence regarding the role of EGFR in morphological wall remodelling and altered mechanical properties of MRA from type 2 diabetic mice. This may identify new therapeutic targets for the control of vascular structure and therefore have important implications in type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Green tea consumption and risk of stomach cancer: A meta‐analysis of epidemiologic studies
Authors: Myung Seung Kwon , Bae Woo Kyung , Oh Seung Min , Kim Yeol , Ju Woong , Sung Joohon , Lee Yeon Ji , Ko Jeong Ah , Song Jong Im , Choi Hyuck Jae
Published: October 2008

This meta‐analysis investigated the quantitative association between the consumption of green tea and the risk of stomach cancer in epidemiologic studies using crude data and adjusted data. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Review in August 2007. All the articles searched were independently reviewed and selected by 3 evaluators according to predetermined criteria. A total of 13 epidemiologic studies were included. When all the case–control and cohort studies were pooled, the relative risks (RR) of stomach cancer for the highest level of green tea consumption when compared with the lowest level of consumption were shown to be 1.10 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–1.32) using the crude data and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.70–0.96) using the adjusted data. In the meta‐analyses of case–control studies, no significant association was seen between green tea consumption and stomach cancer using the crude data (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.58–1.07), but green tea was shown to have a preventive effect on stomach cancer using the adjusted data (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.64–0.83). In the meta‐analyses of the recent cohort studies, the highest green tea consumption was shown to significantly increase stomach cancer risk using the crude data (RR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16–2.18), but no significant association between them was seen when using the adjusted data (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.93–1.17). Unlike the case–control studies, no preventive effect on stomach cancer was seen for the highest green tea consumption in the meta‐analysis of the recent cohort studies. Further clinical trials are needed. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiology of hepatitis viruses among hepatocellular carcinoma cases and healthy people in Egypt: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lehman Elizabeth M. , Wilson Mark L.
Published: October 2008

Liver cancers are strongly linked to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Egypt has the highest prevalence of HCV worldwide and has rising rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Egypt's unique nature of liver disease presents questions regarding the distribution of HBV and HCV in the etiology of HCC. Accordingly, a systematic search of MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, ScienceDirect and World Health Organisation databases was undertaken for relevant articles regarding HBV and HCV prevalence in Egypt among healthy populations and HCC cases. We calculated weighted mean prevalences for HBV and HCV among the populations of interest and examined differences in prevalence by descriptive features, including age, year and geographic region. Prevalences for HBV and HCV were 6.7% and 13.9% among healthy populations, and 25.9% and 78.5% among HCC cases. Adults had higher prevalences of both infections (Adult HBV = 8.0%, Child HBV = 1.6%; Adult HCV = 15.7%, Child HCV = 4.0%). Geographically, HBV was higher in the south, whereas HCV was greater in the north (North HBV = 4.6%, South HBV = 11.7%; North HCV = 15.8%, South HCV = 6.7%). Among HCC cases, HBV significantly decreased over time (p = 0.001) while HCV did not, suggesting a shift in the relative influences of these viruses in HCC etiology in Egypt. Our results highlight large amounts of heterogeneity among the epidemiological factors associated with liver disease in Egypt and underscore the necessity of an integrated strategy for the successful prevention of viral hepatitis infections and chronic liver disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Higher regular coffee and tea consumption is associated with reduced endometrial cancer risk
Authors: McCann Susan E. , Yeh Michael , Rodabaugh Kerry , Moysich Kirsten B.
Published: October 2008

Several studies have investigated the associations between diet and endometrial cancer, but few have focused specifically on coffee and tea. In a hospital‐based case–control study, we examined the associations between endometrial cancer risk and usual consumption of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and black tea among 541 women with endometrial cancer and 541 women with an intact uterus but without a cancer diagnosis seen at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Buffalo, New York) between 1982 and 1998. Daily frequency of consumption of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and black tea in the few years prior to diagnosis in cases and questionnaire completion in controls was assessed with a self‐administered epidemiologic questionnaire and categorized as none, 0.5 cups/d, 1–2 cups/d and >2 cups/d. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each category referent to nondrinkers were estimated with unconditional logistic regression adjusting for age, endometrial cancer risk factors and each beverage mutually adjusted for other beverages. Compared to nondrinkers, we observed a nonsignificant negative association with endometrial cancer risk among women who reported >2 cups/d regular coffee (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.49–1.03), a significant inverse association with >2 cups/d black tea (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35–0.90) and a significant inverse association with >4 cups/d combined coffee and tea consumption (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.28–0.80). These findings suggest coffee and tea may be important in reducing endometrial cancer risk. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Basic research methods and current trends of dental implant surfaces
Authors: Coelho Paulo G. , Granjeiro José M. , Romanos George E. , Suzuki Marcelo , Silva Nelson R. F. , Cardaropoli Giuseppe , Thompson Van P. , Lemons Jack E.
Published: October 2008

Among dental implant design alterations, surface modifications have been by far the most investigated topic. Regarding implant surface research, the lack of hierarchical approaches relating in vitro, in vivo, clinical trials, and ex vivo analyses has hindered biomaterials scientists with clear informed rationale guidelines for implant surface design. This manuscript provides a critical hierarchical overview of the in vitro, laboratory in vivo, clinical, and ex vivo methodologies used to investigate the performance of novel biomaterials aiming to allow dental professionals to better evaluate the past, present, and future dental implant surface research. This manuscript also contains an overview of the commercially available surface texture and chemistry modifications including novel nanotechnology‐based fabrication processes. Over the last decade, surface texturing has been the most utilized parameter for increasing the host‐to‐implant response. Recently, dental implant surfaces utilizing reduced length scale physico/chemical features (atomic and nanometric) have shown the potential to synergistically use both texture and the inclusion of bioactive ceramic components on the surface. Although surface modifications have been shown to enhance osseointegration at early implantation times, information concerning its long‐term benefit to peri‐implant tissues is lacking due to the reduced number of controlled clinical trials. Given the various implants/surfaces under study, the clinician should ask, founded on the basic hierarchical approach described for the in vitro, laboratory in vivo data, as well as the results of clinical studies to effectiveness before use of any dental implant. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009