bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor as adjunct therapy for septicemia in children with acute leukemia
Authors: Liang Der‐Cherng , Chen Shu‐Huey , Lean Sue‐Fun
Published: November 2012

The granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) has been shown to accelerate recovery from severe neutropenia and to decrease the incidence of documented infections after intensive chemotherapy in cancer patients. However, the routine prophylactic use of G‐CSF is expensive. This study was conducted to determine the role of G‐CSF as adjunct therapy for septicemia following neutropenia caused by chemotherapy in children with acute leukemia. Fifty consecutive episodes of septicemia were studied involving 34 episodes of Gram‐negative, 7 episodes of Gram‐positive, 5 episodes of polymicrobial bacterial septicemia, one episode of fungemia, and 3 episodes of disseminated fungal infection. In the first 25 episodes, G‐CSF was not used (group A). For the next 16 episodes, G‐CSF 200 μg per square meter per day subcutaneously was given immediately after the septicemia was documented until the absolute neutrophil count was maintained at more than 1,500 per cubic millimeter (group B). Thereafter, G‐CSF at the same dose as that of group B was prophylactically used in all the children who received high‐dose cytosine arablnc‐side‐containing regimens. Nine episodes of septicemia occurred (group C). The incidences of mortality per episode of septicemia in groups A, B, and C were 12.0% (3/25), 12.5% (2/16) and 0% (0/9), respectively. Statistically, there was no difference between the three groups overall and in pair‐wise comparisons (all P > 0.5). The durations of G‐CSF administration in group B ranged from 6 to 26 days with a median of 12 days and the durations of G‐CSF administration in group C ranged from 10 to 23 days with a median of 19 days. With or without G‐CSF, there may be no significant difference in the mortality of septicemia following neutropenia caused by chemotherapy in children with acute leukemia.
Genetic interactions in thalassemia intermedia: Analysis of β‐Mutations, α‐Genotype, γ‐Promoters, and β‐LCR hypersensitive sites 2 and 4 in Italian patients
Authors: Camaschella C. , Mazza U. , Roetto A. , Gottardl E. , Parzlale A. , Travl M. , Fattore S. , Bacchlega D. , Fiorelli G. , Cappellinl M.D.
Published: November 2012

In order to verity the genetic factors influencing the clinical expression of β‐thalassemla we have studied 292 Kalian patients, 165 with thalassemia intermedia and 127 with thalassemia major. The β‐globin gene mutations were defined in all cases. The number of α‐globin genes and the integrity of specific control regions of the β‐globin cluster—γ promoters and β‐Locus Control Region (β‐LCR)—were studied in selected cases.

Homozygosity for mild mutations (group I) accounts for 24% of the intermedia patients and it is not represented among major patients. Forty‐four percent of intermedia patients had combinations of mild/severe (group II) mutations and 32% had homozygosity or double heterozygosity for severe mutations (group III). Seventy‐six percent of patients with thalassemia major were classified in group III end 24% in group II.

Deletion type —α3.7 thalassemia, assessed in a part of the cases, was found in 5% of thalassemia major and 19.5% of Intermedia patients in groups II and III. Structural analysis of γ promoters and β‐LCR HS2 and HS4 regions, carried out in order to look for alterations associated with Hb F increase, did not reveal new mutations. Only rare polymorphic changes were observed at the HS2 and HS4 level. The − 158 γ C T change was found with an increased incidence in intermedia patients in groups II and III.

A subset of 10 β‐thalassemia heterozygotes with mild intermedia phenotype resulted from coinheritance of a triplicated α‐locus. We have been unable to find a molecular basis for the benign clinical course in approximately 20% of patients with thalassemia intermedia. Other genetic or acquired factors must be hypothesized which ameliorate the clinical condition.
Molecular cytogenetic analysis of monosomy 7 in pediatric patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Harrison K.J. , Massing B. , McKenna C. , Kalousek D.K.
Published: November 2012

Monosomy 7 is a non‐random cytogenetic abnormality that is frequently associated with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Twenty‐four bone marrow samples from five pediatric patients with MDS were analysed using both traditional and Interphase cytogenetic analysis. The majority of the metaphases were monosomic for chromosome 7 while interphase cytogenetic analysis consistently detected a disomic cell population in nondividing cell populations. This suggests that the monosomy 7 cells have a distinct proliferative advantage compared to the disomic cell population. The results demonstrate that interphase cytogenetic analysis provides important cytogenetic information about non‐dividing cell subpopulations, enhancing our understanding of the cell dynamics of normal and monosomy 7 cells in MDS.
Filgrastim‐mobilized peripheral‐blood stem cells can be stored at 4 degrees and used in autografts to rescue high‐dose chemotherapy
Authors: Ruiz‐Argüelles Guillermo J. , Larregina‐Díez Alejandra , Pérez‐Romano Beatrlz , Marín‐López Antonio , Larregina‐Diez Alejandra , Apreza‐Mollna M. Guadalupe
Published: November 2012

We studied 21 filgrastim (G‐CSF)‐mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) apheresis products obtained from seven patients, and stored at 4°C for periods of up to 96 hr prior to their reinfusion, to rescue high‐dose chemotherapy. The apheresis products contained a median of 106 × 10/L mononuclear cells (MNC), 14.6% of them displaying the CD34 antigen; the viability was over 90% in all samples studied at 24, 48, and 72 hr after harvesting. These PBSC were successfully used to rescue high‐dose chemotherapy; patients received a median of 4.8 × 10/Kg MNC; the median time to achieve >500 granulocytes was 14 days (range 11–26) and the median time to achieve >20,000 platelets was 20 days (range 11–40). Since autologous transplants with nonfrozen PBSC are feasible and less costly than those using frozen PBSC, restrictions to PBSC autotransplant programs may be overcome and costs may be diminished.
Characterization of autoantibodies against the platelet glycoprotein antigens llb/llla in childhood idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura
Authors: Taub Jeffrey W. , Warrier Indira , Holtkamp Christine , Beardsley Diana S. , Lusher Jeanne M.
Published: November 2012

The majority of children with idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP) have an acute self‐limiting course and no diagnostic test has been identified which will predict the course of thrombocytopenia and detect those with the chronic autoimmune form. The detection of autoantibodies directed against the platelet glycoprotein complex llB/llla, may identify patients with chronic ITP. Serum anti‐GP llb/llla antibodies were assessed by the indirect MAIPA assay in 54 children with immune thrompocytopenla at initial presentation along with an additional 7 children previously diagnosed with chronic ITP, to determine if there was a difference in antibody positivity between acute and chronic ITP patients, and whether the identification of antibodies could be used as a predictive test at diagnosis. There was no significant difference in the percentage of antibodies detected in children classified with acute ITP (27/40–68%) compared to children with chronic ITP (13/21‐62%, P > 0.05). Patients with acute ITP had significantly lower mean platelet counts at diagnosis compared to the chronic ITP group (16,225/mm3 vs. 32,250/mm3, P < 0.05), though there was no significant difference in the bleeding manifestations between the acute and chronic ITP groups. Serum anti‐GP llb/llla antibodies are detected in a high percentage of children with ITP and autoantibodies appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic ITP. The detection of anti‐GP llb/llla antibodies at diagnosis, however, does not appear to be a useful prognostic test in childhood ITP. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leukodepleted‐ABO‐identical blood components in the treatment of hematologic malignancies: A cost analysis
Authors: Blumberg Neil , Heal Joanna M. , Kirkley Scott A. , Diperslo John F. , Rapoport Aaron P. , Rowe Jacob M.
Published: November 2012

To assess the effect of ABO‐identical, filtration leukodepleted transfusions on resource consumption and costs of care we performed a cohort study in consecutive adult patients admitted for induction therapy of acute myeloid or lymphoid leukemia during 1985–92 (n = 120) and consecutive adult patients admitted for autologous bone marrow transplantation for Hodgkin's or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma during 1989–1991 in our university hospital. Patients with acute leukemia received either ABO unmatched, unfiltered transfusions (1985–89), ABO identical, unfiltered transfusions (1987–90), or ABO identical, filtered transfusions (1990–92). Patients with lymphoma received either ABO unmatched, unfiltered transfusions (1989–90) or ABO identical, filtered transfusions (1990–91). Mean platelet transfusion requirements per patient decreased with ABO identical platelets and filtered transfusions: from 143 to 71 units in the transplant setting; from 146 to 83 in acute leukemia (P < 0.05). Mean hospital ancillary service charges in 1992 dollars decreased with ABO identical platelets and filtered transfusions approximately $14,000 per patient for acute leukemia and $26,000 for for lymphoma. Per patient actual costs for filters ($643 in transplantation for lymphoma and $875 in leukemia) were offset by savings in actual blood component purchase costs alone ($4,127 in lymphoma and $3,283 in leukemia). In our setting introduction of ABO identical platelets and filtration leukodepletion were implemented with substantial decreases in costs. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma with two distinct clones in the peripheral blood and lymph node
Authors: Shibata Keisuke , Shimamoto Yoshinori , Suga Kenji , Watanabe Masayuki , Kikuchi Masako , Yamaguchi Masaya
Published: November 2012

A case of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) with two different clones in the peripheral blood and lymph nodes is reported here. When cellular DNA from the lymph node was digested with EcoRI, one band larger than 9 Kb was detected. Digestion of the cellular DNA with PstI resulted in one clear band in addition to three internal fragments. In contrast, when cellular DNA from malignant peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) was digested with the same endonucleases, distinct bands at positions different from those observed in the lymph node were detected, indicating two separate malignant clones in the patient. Monoclonality of the tumor cells was shown by T‐cell receptor‐β (TCR‐β) gene rearrangement in both PBL and lymph node. Furthermore, there was a difference in the surface phenotype between tumor cells taken from peripheral blood (CD4+, CD8–) and lymph node (CD4+, CD8+). These findings suggest the presence of two different ATL clones in PBL and lymph node in a single patient simultaneously, which is distinguishable by the integration pattern of human T‐cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I) proviral DNA.
Spurious fibrinogen levels secondary to pyroglobulinemia in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
Authors: Cagnoni Pablo J. , Lenzi Renato , Wisch Nathaniel , Seremetis Stephanie , Rand Jacob H.
Published: November 2012

We report two cases of pyroglobulinemia detected in the course of routine determination of fibrinogen levels measured by the heat‐precipitation method and that led to the diagnosis of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. The Incidence of pyroglobulinemia is briefly discussed, and the potential significance of this laboratory artifact is emphasized.
Estimating the age structure of a buried adult population: A new statistical approach applied to archaeological digs in France
Authors: Séguy Isabelle , Caussinus Henri , Courgeau Daniel , Buchet Luc
Published: November 2012

Paleodemographers have developed several methods for estimating the age structure of historical populations in absence of civil registration data. Starting from biological indicators alone, they use a reference population of known sex and age to assess the conditional distribution of the biological indicator given age. However, the small amount of data available and the unstable nature of the related statistical problem mean that most methods are disappointing. Using the most reliable reference data possible, we propose a simple statistical method, integrating the maximum amount of information included in the actual data, which quite significantly improves age estimates for a buried population. Here the method is applied to a French cemetery used from Late Antiquity to the end of the Early Middle Ages. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Patterns of violence‐related skull trauma in neolithic southern scandinavia
Authors: Fibiger Linda , Ahlström Torbjörn , Bennike Pia , Schulting Rick J.
Published: November 2012

This article examines evidence for violence as reflected in skull injuries in 378 individuals from Neolithic Denmark and Sweden (3,900–1,700 BC). It is the first large‐scale crossregional study of skull trauma in southern Scandinavia, documenting skeletal evidence of violence at a population level. We also investigate the widely assumed hypothesis that Neolithic violence is male‐dominated and results in primarily male injuries and fatalities. Considering crude prevalence and prevalence for individual bones of the skull allows for a more comprehensive understanding of interpersonal violence in the region, which is characterized by endemic levels of mostly nonlethal violence that affected both men and women. Crude prevalence for skull trauma reaches 9.4% in the Swedish and 16.9% in the Danish sample, whereas element‐based prevalence varies between 6.2% for the right frontal and 0.6% for the left maxilla, with higher figures in the Danish sample. Significantly more males are affected by healed injuries but perimortem injuries affect males and females equally. These results suggest habitual male involvement in nonfatal violence but similar risks for both sexes for sustaining fatal injuries. In the Danish sample, a bias toward front and left‐side injuries and right‐side injuries in females support this scenario of differential involvement in habitual interpersonal violence, suggesting gendered differences in active engagement in conflict. It highlights the importance of large‐scale studies for investigating the scale and context of violence in early agricultural societies, and the existence of varied regional patterns for overall injury prevalence as well as gendered differences in violence‐related injuries. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and properties of poly(benzyl glutamate)–poloxamer–poly(benzyl glutamate) and poly(glutamic acid)–poloxamer–poly(glutamic acid) triblock polymers
Authors: Wang Xi Ting , Wang Jing , Sun Hai Long , Yu Du Xiang , Ma Li Fang
Published: November 2012

The novel block copolymer poly(benzyl glutamate) (PBLG)–polomamer–PBLG were synthesized from glutamic acid and poloxamer in six steps with three different molecular weights, and another new block copolymer, poly(glutamic acid) (PGA)–poloxamer–PGA, was obtained by the benzyl deprotection of PBLG–poloxamer–PBLG. The obtained compounds were characterized by IR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and 1H‐NMR. The in vitro biological degradation and water absorption of PBLG showed that a greater proportion of PBLG in the copolymer led to a slower degradation and weaker water absorption, so the speed of degradation and water absorption could be adjusted through adjustment of the ratio of poloxamer. Both PBLG–poloxamer–PBLG and PGA–poloxamer–PGA exhibited lower cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility in the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The results show that both block polymers are promising as drug‐carrier materials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Controllable preparation of uniform polystyrene nanospheres with premix membrane emulsification
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Lu Yangcheng , Zhang Man , Wan Weiming , Luo Guangsheng
Published: November 2012

The expansion of polymer nanosphere applications requires facile and versatile preparation techniques. In this study, combining circled premix membrane emulsification and thermally initiated miniemulsion polymerization, we developed a new strategy for preparing uniform polystyrene nanospheres within a duration as short as 1 h. The size of the nanospheres, ranging from 40 to 120 nm, was dependent on the premix membrane emulsification cycle number, the transmembrane flow rate, and the membrane pore size; this was almost consistent with characterizations of droplet size evolution. The coefficient of variation, around 15%, indicated that the size distribution of the nanospheres was still narrow, even as the monomer‐to‐water ratio was as high as 0.2. This method may be competitive for further applications because of its high production efficiency and low system requirements. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Polybenzimidazole‐graft‐polyvinylphosphonic acid—proton conducting fuel cell membranes
Authors: Sinigersky Vesselin , Budurova Dessislava , Penchev Hristo , Ublekov Filip , Radev Ivan
Published: November 2012

A new method for the preparation of polybenzimidazole (PBI)‐based membranes, containing high concentrations of immobilized phosphonic acid groups, has been developed. The procedure used is carried out in two steps: (1) Synthesis of modified PBIs, containing 1,2‐dihydroxypropyl groups and preparation of films there from; (2) Introduction of vinylphosphonic acid (VPA) and initiator (cerium ammonium nitrate) in the film, subsequent grafting of VPA from the active sites of the PBI backbone. Membranes with different length of the grafted polyvinylphosphonic acid chains were prepared. The molar ratio grafted VPA units per PBI repeating unit reaches 7.8. Proton conductivity was measured at 120°C and relative humidity (RH) 20–100%. For the membrane with highest concentration of phosphonic acid groups the proton conductivity was 35 mS cm−1 at 100% RH and 8 mS cm−1 at 20% RH. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanical, thermal, and electrical conducting properties of CNTs/bio‐degradable polymer thin films
Authors: Rangari Vijaya K. , Samsur Rahman , Jeelani Shaik
Published: November 2012

The objective of this study is to increase mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of plasticizer free thermoplastic bio polymer, BIOPLAST GS 2189 (BP), a blend of poly lactic acid (PLA) and potato starch. This polymer is highly suitable for sheet molding, film processing; blown film extrusion and injection molding and fully biodegradable. Structural, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of these films were manipulated by reinforcement of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in BP. Thin films of various (1–5 wt %) percentages of CNTs/BP were prepared by using a high‐speed spin coating technique. These as‐prepared films are ∼60–100 µm in thickness. The thickness measurements of these films were carried out using micrometry and optical microscopy. The maximum tensile strength (200%) and modulus (150%) was observed for 4 wt % loading of CNTs in BP as compared with the neat BP thin film. The X‐ray diffraction results show that the addition of CNTs in BP increases the crystallinity of BP. Electrical conductivity of this film also increased by 48% as compared with the neat BP polymer films. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Study on poly(D,L‐lactic) microspheres embedded in calcium alginate hydrogel beads as dual drug delivery systems
Authors: Zhong Dagen , Liu Zonghua , Xie Shasha , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yuanming , Xue Wei
Published: November 2012

This work is to develop a novel dual drug delivery system that can simultaneously load and release 18β‐glycyrrhetinic acid (GA, a hydrophobic drug) and bovine serum albumin (BSA, hydrophilic model drug) in a single formulation. The system consists of poly(D,L‐lactic) (PDLLA) microspheres embedded in calcium alginate hydrogel beads. The GA‐loaded microspheres were first prepared and then dispersed in the aqueous solution of sodium alginate and BSA. The resulting suspension was dropped into aqueous calcium chloride solution to obtain the dual drug delivery system. The morphology of the microspheres and beads, the drug content and loading efficiency, the interaction between GA and PDLLA, and the drug release behaviors were studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the PDLLA microspheres were homogeneously distributed in the beads. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement suggested certain interaction between GA and PDLLA, and the crystal structure of GA was influenced by the polymer. The dual release in vitro showed a rapid BSA release but a sustained GA release in all the systems. Furthermore, the release rate of BSA was accelerated by increasing PDLLA/alginate ratio, while the release rate of GA was decreased, and the release of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs could be adjusted by changing the ratio of PDLLA/alginate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 20122
Effects of montmorillonite on the structure and properties of gelatin‐polyethylene glycol composite fibers
Authors: Mu Changdao , Li Xinying , Guo Jimin , Bi Caixia , Li Defu
Published: November 2012

To improve the thermal and mechanical properties of gelatin‐polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite fibers, montmorillonite (MMT) is incorporated into gelatin‐PEG composite fibers during gel‐spinning process. The effects of MMT on the structure and properties of gelatin‐PEG composite fibers are investigated. The viscosimetry analysis and transmission electron microscopy measurements show that MMT has a good dispersion in spinning solution at low loading, while serious aggregation is observed with excess amount of MMT adding. The data of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) show that MMT can be intercalated and exfoliated in gelatin‐PEG‐MMT nanocomposite fibers. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies show the hydrogen bonding interactions between gelatin and MMT. The mechanical properties, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements indicate that the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposite fibers are improved as expected at low loading of MMT. However, excess amount of MMT decreases the mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposite fibers due to poor dispersion and clay cluster induced gelatin chains aggregation. Moreover, it is found that the mechanical properties of gelatin‐PEG‐MMT nanocomposite fibers may be more sensitive to conformational change of gelatin molecules caused by the addition of MMT. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The body donation program at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre: A successful experience in Brazil
Authors: da Rocha Andrea Oxley , Tormes Diane Alícia , Lehmann Natassia , Schwab Rafael Santos , Canto Raphael Teixeira
Published: November 2012

The use of dissection to study human anatomy is the foundation for educational excellence among future health professionals, as it offers an ideal opportunity to learn the body's morphology in three dimensions while also providing students with a more humanistic education. The shortage of bodies for dissection, combined with the Brazilian population's lack of knowledge concerning the possibility of voluntarily donating their own bodies, led to the creation of the Body Donation Programs for Education and Research in Anatomy at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA). The program is based on three pillars: Informing the general public about the program, donor registration, and donation itself. Since the creation of the donor program in 2008, there has been an increase in both the number of donations made during donor's lifetime and the number of bodies received by the university. There has also been a shift in relation to the origin of these bodies, as before the creation of the program most bodies were unclaimed cadavers, while today most of the bodies are sourced from voluntary donations. The initial results regarding the public's acceptance of the possibility of making body donations have been encouraging, as shown by the annual growth in donor registrations. Consequently, the quality and quantity of the material available for educational purposes have greatly improved. Anat Sci Educ. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Synthesis of 1‐Arylnaphthalenes by Gold‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Sequential Epoxide to Carbonyl Rearrangement and Cyclization with Arylalkynes
Authors: Gudla Vanajakshi , Balamurugan Rengarajan
Published: November 2012

Intermolecular and intramolecular reactions of a one‐pot gold‐catalyzed epoxide rearrangement followed by an electrophilic addition to arylalkynes to synthesize 1‐arylnaphthalenes have been reported. The intramolecular reaction has been applied to synthesize 1‐arylnaphthalenes fused with saturated furan, pyran, pyrrole, and cyclopentane ring systems.
Gold‐catalyzed Reactions of 3‐Alkynyloxireno[2, 3‐b]chromenones to Form 3(2H)‐Furanones via a Domino Pathway
Authors: Hu Feng , Yan Jianwei , Cheng Ming , Hu Youhong
Published: November 2012

3(2H)‐Furanones are efficiently generated from 3‐alkynyl oxireno[2,3‐b]chromenones by an Au/DDQ‐catalyzed domino reaction through a pathway composed of cyclization, CC cleavage, nucleophilic addition, oxidation, and nucleophilic addition. It was found that stoichiometric AuCl3 or catalytic Au with stoichiometric DDQ can oxidize the benzylic sp3 CH bond to facilitate nucleophilic addition.
Forebrain and hindbrain development in zebrafish is sensitive to ethanol exposure involving agrin, Fgf, and sonic hedgehog function
Authors: Zhang Chengjin , Ojiaku Princess , Cole Gregory J.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND: Ethanol is a teratogen that affects numerous developmental processes in the nervous system, which includes development and survival of GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons. Possible molecular mechanisms accounting for ethanol's effects on nervous system development include perturbed fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. In zebrafish, forebrain GABAergic neuron development is dependent on Fgf19 and Shh signaling. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that ethanol affects GABAergic and glutamatergic neuron development by disrupting Fgf, Shh, and agrin function. METHODS: Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of ethanol during a range of developmental stages, in the absence or presence of morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs) that disrupt agrin or Shh function. In situ hybridization was used to analyze glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD1) gene expression, as well as markers of glutamatergic neurons. RESULTS: Acute ethanol exposure results in marked reduction in GAD1 gene expression in forebrain and hindbrain, and reduction of glutamatergic neuronal markers in hindbrain. Subthreshold ethanol exposure, combined with agrin or Shh MO treatment, produces a similar diminution in expression of markers for GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons. Consistent with the ethanol effects on Fgf and Shh pathways, Fgf19, Fgf8, or Shh mRNA overexpression rescues ethanol‐induced decreases in GAD1 and Atonal1a gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: These studies demonstrate that GABAergic and glutamatergic neuron development in zebrafish forebrain or cerebellum is sensitive to ethanol exposure, and provides additional evidence that a signaling pathway involving agrin, Fgfs and Shh may be a critical target of ethanol exposure during zebrafish embryogenesis. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prophylactic central neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Barczyński M , Konturek A , Stopa M , Nowak W
Published: November 2012

Background

Prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to examine whether prophylactic CND for PTC affected long-term survival and locoregional control.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) with bilateral prophylactic CND. They were compared with patients who had TT without CND. Personalized adjuvant radioiodine treatment was used in both groups. Primary outcomes were overall and disease-specific survival, and locoregional control. Secondary outcomes were number of patients with negative serum thyroglobulin levels, and morbidity.

Results

Of 640 patients with PTC included in this study, 282 (treated in 1993–1997) had TT without CND and 358 (treated in 1998–2002) underwent TT with CND. The 10-year disease-specific survival rate for patients who had TT without CND was 92·5 per cent compared with 98·0 per cent in patients with CND (P = 0·034), and the locoregional control rate was 87·6 and 94·5 per cent respectively (P = 0·003). In multivariable analysis, extrathyroidal extension was an independent predictive factor for locoregional recurrence (odds ratio 12·47, 95 per cent confidence interval 6·74 to 23·06; P < 0·001), whereas CND was an independent predictive factor for improved locoregional control at 10 years after surgery (odds ratio 0·21, 0·11 to 0·41; P < 0·001). No differences were seen in the rates of permanent hypoparathyroidism or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury between the groups.

Conclusion

Bilateral prophylactic CND for staging of the neck in PTC, followed by personalized adjuvant radioiodine treatment, improved both 10-year disease-specific survival and locoregional control, without increasing the risk of permanent morbidity. Registration number: NCT01510002 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Assessment of the selection process for myocutaneous flap repair and surgical complications in pelvic exenteration surgery
Authors: Jacombs A S W , Rome P , Harrison J D , Solomon M J
Published: November 2012

Background

This study aimed to explore and quantify the selection process to guide the decision on closure type (myocutaneous flap repair (MFR) or primary closure) for people undergoing pelvic exenteration.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database with review of hospital records for verification and capture of missing data. Associations between four risk factors (previous radiotherapy, previous abdominoperineal resection, need for total exenteration, need for sacrectomy) were assessed individually and collectively as predictors of closure type and wound complications.

Results

A total of 203 pelvic exenteration procedures were reviewed (75 primary and 122 recurrent cancers). Thirty-nine patients (19·2 per cent) had MFR and 164 (80·8 per cent) primary closure. Patients who had MFR were significantly more likely to exhibit each risk factor, confirming the selective decision process. MFR had higher rates of complications across all four risk factors, individually and combined. In the primary closure group, there was a significant correlation between the number of risk factors and the proportion of patients with a complication (r = 0·25, P = 0·008). In contrast, no such relationship was found for the MFR group (r = 0·01, P = 0·973). Among patients who had any complication, the primary closure group had significantly lower rates of any wound dehiscence (15 of 64 versus 17 of 28; P < 0·001) and total infection (16 of 64 versus 14 of 28; P = 0·019) compared with the MFR group.

Conclusion

Rates of wound and septic complications after pelvic exenteration were low in patients with fewer than two risk factors who had a primary closure. MFR had significantly higher complication rates, and should be reserved for patients with two or more risk factors or extensive skin involvement.
Randomized clinical trial of single-port, minilaparoscopic and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Saad S , Strassel V , Sauerland S
Published: November 2012

Background

This three-armed randomized clinical trial, with blinding of patients and outcome assessors, tested the hypothesis that single-port (SP) and/or minilaparoscopic (ML) cholecystectomy are superior to conventional laparoscopic (CL) cholecystectomy.

Methods

Patients eligible for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to SP, ML or CL procedures. The primary outcome was pain measured on a visual analogue scale twice daily during the blinded period. Secondary outcomes included duration of operation, technical performance score, complications, quality of life, cosmesis and patient satisfaction. Postoperative follow-up lasted 1 year.

Results

A total of 105 patients were randomized, 35 in each group. One conversion from a SP to a CL technique was necessary in a patient with chronic cholecystitis. Pain intensity was similar in the three groups, both during the blinded period (day 0 to 3; P = 0·865) and over the whole 7-day evaluation period (P = 0·911). The presence of clinically relevant between-group differences was ruled out (95 per cent confidence interval + 1·0 to − 0·5 for difference in pain scores between SP and CL groups, and − 0·8 to + 0·6 between ML and CL groups). Operating time was significantly longer for SP and ML than for CL cholecystectomy (P = 0·001). Postoperative complications included injury to the diaphragm (1), choledocholithiasis (1), wound infection (5) and hernia (1), all after SP cholecystectomy (P = 0·001). Twelve-month follow-up was complete in 99 patients (94·3 per cent). Cosmesis as rated by patients was significantly better at 6 months after SP and ML procedures (P = 0·043), but no difference was observed at 12 months (P = 0·229).

Conclusion

SP and ML cholecystectomy had no advantage over the CL approach in terms of postoperative outcome. Registration number: DRKS00000302 (German Registry of Clinical Trials).
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery approach for rectal stump resection as an alternative to transperitoneal stump resection
Authors: Bremers A J , van Laarhoven K J , van der Kolk B M , de Wilt J H , van Goor H
Published: November 2012

Background

Transperitoneal rectal stump resection is a complicated procedure with risk of inadvertent bowel, vascular and nerve injury. This study analysed the feasibility and safety of the use of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) to excise rectal stumps that would otherwise require a combined transabdominal and perineal approach.

Methods

Rectal stump resection was performed by a transanal approach using TEM. Stumps were removed by complete rectal wall resection and intersphincteric resection of the anus, leaving the mesorectum in place.

Results

The study included nine patients with a rectal stump ranging in length from 8 to 20 cm after previous surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (6), Lynch syndrome (1), collagenous colitis (1) or anastomotic leakage (1). The median duration of operation was 161 (range 107–239) min. The median postoperative length of hospital stay was 5 (range 2–71) days. One patient required an additional small-incision laparotomy to remove a stump extending up to the promontory and another developed a postoperative abscess. There were no perioperative complications.

Conclusion

TEM appeared to be a useful and safe approach for close rectal dissection and removal of a rectal stump while avoiding an abdominal approach for pelvic dissection.
Can Phosphate‐Branched RNA Persist under Physiological Conditions?
Authors: Lönnberg Tuomas A.
Published: November 2012

A 2′‐O‐methyl‐RNA oligonucleotide containing a single free 2′‐OH group flanking a branching phosphotriester linkage was prepared as a model for phosphate‐branched RNA by using an orthogonally protected dimeric phosphoramidite building block in solid‐phase synthesis. The strategy allows the synthesis of phosphate‐branched oligonucleotides, the three branches of which may be of any desired sequence. Hydrolytic reactions of the phosphotriester linkages in such oligonucleotides were studied at physiological pH in the presence (and absence) of various complementary oligonucleotides. The fully hybridized oligonucleotide model is an order of magnitude more stable than its single‐stranded counterpart, which, in turn, is an order of magnitude more stable than its trinucleoside phosphotriester core lacking any oligonucleotide arms. Furthermore, kinked structures obtained by hybridizing the phosphate‐branched oligonucleotide with partially complementary oligonucleotides are three to five times more stable than fully double‐stranded ones and only approximately three times less stable than the so‐called RNA X structure, which has been postulated to incorporate an RNA phosphotriester linkage. The results indicate that when the intrinsically unstable RNA phosphotriester linkage is embedded in an oligonucleotide of appropriate tertiary structure, its half‐life can be at least several hours.
Selective Hydroalkoxylation of 1‐Hexene with 1‐Propanol and 1‐Butanol over Zeolite Beta Catalyst
Authors: Radhakrishnan Sambhu , Thoelen Grete , Franken Joris , Degrève Jan , Kirschhock Christine E. A. , Martens Johan A.
Published: November 2012

Etherification of 1‐hexene with 1‐propanol and 1‐butanol representative of bioalcohols was performed in a liquid‐phase continuous‐flow process over a fixed bed of zeolite beta catalyst. Contact time and reaction temperature were optimized to maximize conversion and limit deactivation. The catalyst was stable for at least 14 h on stream. In the conversion of 1‐hexene with 1‐propanol, zeolite beta catalyst showed over 90 % selectivity for 2‐propoxyhexane. In the conversion of 1‐hexene and 1‐butanol, 2‐butoxyhexane was selectively formed. Dialkyl ether from the alcohol and dodecenes and hexanol from 1‐hexene were the main side products. As 1‐alkenes and terminal alcohols can be synthesized from biomass, this hydroalkoxylation process could be used for grading up green chemicals to high‐boiling solvents and renewable ethers for the diesel pool.
Functionalization of Mesoporous MCM‐41 (Nano)particles: Preparation Methodologies, Role on Catalytic Features, and Dispersion Within Polyethylene Nanocomposites
Authors: Bento A. , Lourenço J. P. , Fernandes A. , Cerrada M. L. , Rosário Ribeiro M.
Published: November 2012

MCM‐41 micro‐ and nanoparticles are prepared and functionalized with silane coupling agents. These pristine and silane‐decorated mesoporous MCM‐41s are further used in the synthesis of MCM‐41/ethylene nanocomposites by in situ polymerization, utilizing either supported or non‐supported catalytic systems. The catalytic behavior of those systems is discussed, taking into consideration the effects of the particle size, surface characteristics, and functionalization. The results have shown that the initial surface state of MCM‐41 is of paramount importance to achieve high catalytic activity if a polymerization catalyst is to be supported. Functionalization changes the surface chemistry, thus, a positive or negative effect may be observed, depending on the previous features of the surface. The particle size of MCM‐41 and its functionalization affect its final dispersion within the polymeric matrix, this distribution is evaluated by SEM, TEM, and microhardness measurements.
Analysis of Potential Molecular Catalysts for the Hydroamination of Ethylene with Ammonia: A DFT Study with [Ir(PCP)] and [Ir(PSiP)] Complexes
Authors: Uhe Andreas , Hölscher Markus , Leitner Walter
Published: November 2012

Very few cases of oxidative addition of NH3 to transition‐metal complexes forming terminal amide hydrides have been experimentally observed. Here, two examples with the iridium pincer complexes [Ir(PCP)(NH3)] A1 with PCP=[κ3‐(tBu2P‐C2H4)2CH]− and [Ir(PSiP)(NH3)] B1 with PSiP=[κ3‐(2‐Cy2P‐C6H4)2SiMe]− were investigated by DFT calculations applying the M06L density functional to successfully reproduce the trend of the experimentally observed thermochemical stabilities. According to the calculations, the corresponding hydrido‐amido complexes A2 and B2 are more stable than the corresponding ammine complexes by ΔG=−2.8 and −2.6 kcal mol−1, respectively. Complexes such as A2 and B2 are ideally suited entry points to catalytic cycles for the hydroamination of ethylene with ammonia. Therefore, the relevant stationary points of the potentially available cycles were studied computationally to verify if these complexes can catalyze the hydroamination. As a result, complex A2 will clearly not catalyze the hydroamination as all energy spans calculated range close to 40 kcal mol−1 or higher. The energy spans obtained with B2 are significantly lower in some cases and range around 35 kcal mol−1, further indicating that no turnover can be expected. By systematically varying the structure of B2, the energy span could be reduced to 28.8 kcal mol−1 corresponding to a TOF of 17 h−1 at a reaction temperature of 140 °C. A reoptimization of relevant structures under the inclusion of cyclohexane as a typical solvent reduces the calculated TOF to 6.0 h−1.
One‐Step Synthesis of Racemic α‐Amino Acids from Aldehydes, Amine Components, and Gaseous CO2 by the Aid of a Bismetal Reagent
Authors: Mita Tsuyoshi , Higuchi Yuki , Sato Yoshihiro
Published: November 2012

α‐Amino acids are essential resources for human life and are highly useful as building blocks for organic synthesis. The core framework of an α‐amino acid can be divided into three basic components: an aldehyde, an amine, and carbon dioxide (CO2). We report herein that a one‐step synthesis of α‐amino acids has been successfully achieved from these three basic and inexpensive chemicals with a single operation, in which the mixture of an aldehyde, a sulfonamide, and gaseous CO2 was heated at 100 °C in the presence of Bu3Sn‐SnBu3 and CsF. In this one‐pot sequential protocol, two important intermediates (imine and α‐amino stannane) are involved and the stannyl anion generated in situ plays a crucial role, particularly for the efficient stannylation of the imine in the presence of proton sources and for promoting retrostannylation of the undesired α‐alkoxy stannane owing to its high stability and tolerance of the presence of proton sources. This methodology enabled the synthesis of a wide range of racemic arylglycine derivatives in high yields.
Small Changes Have Consequences: Lessons from Tetrabenzyltitanium and ‐zirconium Surface Organometallic Chemistry
Authors: Popoff Nicolas , Espinas Jeff , Pelletier Jérémie , Macqueron Benoît , Szeto Kai C. , Boyron Olivier , Boisson Christophe , Del Rosal Iker , Maron Laurent , De Mallmann Aimery , Gauvin Régis M. , Taoufik Mostafa
Published: November 2012

Homoleptic benzyl derivatives of titanium and zirconium have been grafted onto silica that was dehydroxylated at 200 and 700 °C, thereby affording bi‐grafted and mono‐grafted single‐site species, respectively, as shown by a combination of experimental techniques (IR, MAS NMR, EXAFS, and elemental analysis) and theoretical calculations. Marked differences between these compounds and their neopentyl analogues are discussed and rationalized by using DFT. These differences were assigned to the selectivity of the grafting process, which, depending on the structure of the molecular precursors, led to different outcomes in terms of the mono‐ versus bi‐grafted species for the same surface concentration of silanol species. The benzylzirconium derivatives were active towards ethylene polymerization in the absence of an activator and the bi‐grafted species displayed higher activity than their mono‐grafted analogues. In contrast, the benzyltitanium and neopentylzirconium counterparts were not active under similar reaction conditions.
Investigation of the Time Response of a Fluidized Bed with Inductive Heating and the Influencing Variables
Authors: Stresing Antje , Mörl Lothar , Khaidurova Aleksandra , Jacob Michael , Walther Klaus
Published: November 2012

Mit einer neuen Methode wird berührungslos Energie in eine fluidisierte Schüttung eingebracht. Mithilfe eines elektromagnetischen Feldes wird eine Leistung auf elektrisch leitfähige Inertpartikel übertragen. Diese Methode zeichnet sich durch eine hohe Energiedichte und kurze Aufheizzeiten sowie einen guten Wirkungsgrad aus. In der Metallindustrie kann in vielen Bereichen auf diese Technologie nicht mehr verzichtet werden. Die experimentellen Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die Vorteile der Induktion auch für Anwendungen in Wirbelschichten nutzen lassen. Der Fokus der Untersuchung ist die Bestimmung des Zeitverhaltens und der Einflussgrößen, die diesen Prozess bestimmen.
Surveillance after resection for colorectal cancer
Authors: Brawarsky Phyllis , Neville Bridget A. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Earle Craig , Haas Jennifer S.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND:

Professional societies recommend posttreatment surveillance for colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. This study describes the use of surveillance over time, with a particular focus on racial/ethnic disparities, and also examines the role of area characteristics, such as capacity for CRC screening, on surveillance.

METHODS:

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare data were used to identify individuals aged 66 to 85 years who were diagnosed with CRC from 1993 to 2005 and treated with surgery. The study examined factors associated with subsequent receipt of a colonoscopy, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing, primary care (PC) visits, and a composite measure of overall surveillance.

RESULTS:

Of eligible subjects, 61.0% had a colonoscopy, 68.0% had CEA testing, 77.1% had PC visits, and 43.0% received overall surveillance. After adjustment, blacks were less likely than whites to undergo colonoscopy (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69‐0.83) and to receive CEA testing and overall surveillance, whereas white/Hispanic rates did not differ. Rates for all outcomes increased from 1993 to 2005, but black/white disparities remained. Individuals in areas with greatest capacity for CRC screening were more likely (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02‐1.18) to receive colonoscopy, and those in areas with the greatest percentage of blacks were less likely (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83‐0.95) to receive colonoscopy. Those living in areas with shortage of PC were less likely to receive PC visits (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.48‐0.64) and overall surveillance (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71‐0.98).

CONCLUSIONS:

Many CRC survivors do not get recommended surveillance, and black/white disparities in rates of surveillance have not improved. Characteristics of the area where an individual lives contribute to the use of surveillance. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.