bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficits in Baseball Players with Ulnar Collateral Ligament Insufficiency
Authors: Dines Joshua S. , Frank Joshua B. , Akerman Meredith , Yocum Lewis A.
Published: December 2008

Background

The kinetic chain of the throwing motion functions to optimize efficiency of proximal segments to decrease force loads seen at smaller, distal segments such as the ulnar collateral ligament. Several studies have shown that shoulder internal rotation forms the physiologic counter to the valgus torque generated during the late cocking phase of throwing. Previous studies have implicated decreased glenohumeral internal rotation as a cause of shoulder internal impingement. To date, an association between pathologic glenohumeral internal rotation deficit and elbow injury has not been exhibited.

Hypothesis

Throwers with ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency will exhibit significantly increased glenohumeral internal rotation deficit.

Study Design

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Twenty-nine baseball players with ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency were demographically matched with 29 control baseball players who had no history of shoulder, elbow, or cervical spine injury. The investigators measured passive glenohumeral internal and external rotation, elbow flexion and extension, and forearm pronation and supination. The Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze continuous variables.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of demographics. There was a significant difference in dominant arm internal rotation, with injured players having significantly less (P <. 004), and in glenohumeral internal rotation deficit between players with ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency and those who were asymptomatic (28.5° vs 12.7°; P <. 001). Also, total range of motion was significantly decreased in the injured group. There were no significant differences in elbow or forearm range of motion between the groups.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that pathologic glenohumeral internal rotation deficit may be associated with elbow valgus instability. This has important clinical implications both in terms of preventing ulnar collateral ligament injury and with regard to rehabilitating throwers after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.
Alternative Financing Models for Transportation
Authors: Chapman Jeffrey I. , Cornia Gary C. , Facer Rex L. , Walters Lawrence C.
Published: December 2008

Recent events have highlighted the consequences of inadequate attention to infrastructure funding. Current funding strategies focus on fuel taxes, transfers from general funds, user fees, toll roads, congestion pricing, and using technology to enhance the fee structure of the current system. This article examines another alternative, a property tax focused on the value of land, known as land tax. A land tax would be economically efficient, in that it would not distort economic decision making. The authors review the feasibility of implementing a land tax and the revenue that could be raised from this tax. They conclude that a land tax is administratively feasible and that it could generate significant revenue to help fund much-needed infrastructure.
Interleukin-23 secretion by donor antigen-presenting cells is critical for organ-specific pathology in graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Das Rupali , Chen Xiao , Komorowski Richard , Hessner Martin J. , Drobyski William R.
Published: December 2008

Damage to the gastrointestinal tract during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) from the conditioning regimen in conjunction with alloreactive donor T cells plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of this disease. In this study, we have identified secretion of interleukin-23 (IL-23) by donor antigen-presenting cells (APCs) as a critical event in the induction of GVHD of the colon linking conditioning regimen-induced mucosal injury and lipopoly-saccharide (LPS) translocation to subsequent proinflammatory cytokine production and GVHD-associated pathologic damage. In the absence of donor APC-derived IL-23 secretion, there is a selective and profound reduction in pathologic damage as well as a marked reduction in LPS and proinflammatory cytokine production in the colon microenvironment. The downstream proinflammatory effects of IL-23 are dependent upon donor-derived secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), but are independent of donor IL-17 production. These findings define a novel organ-specific role for IL-23 in the pathophysiology of GVHD and demonstrate that IL-23 can direct tissue-specific pathology within the context of a systemic inflammatory disorder. Furthermore, these studies also identify IL-23 as a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of this life-threatening disorder.
In vivo efficacy of anti-MPL agonist antibody in promoting primary human hematopoietic cells
Authors: Kai Masayuki , Hagiwara Tetsuya , Emuta Chie , Chisaka Yukiko , Tsuruhata Kumi , Endo Chisato , Inagaki Yoshimasa , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Kataoka Shiro
Published: December 2008

In a previous study, we generated novel antithrombopoietin receptor agonist antibodies as therapeutic candidates. In this report, we investigated the in vivo effects of one of these antibodies, MA01G4344U, on primary human hematopoietic cells using xenotransplantation. NOD/Shi-scid, IL-2Rγnull (NOG) mice were pretreated by total-body irradiation and received a transplant of human cord blood–derived CD34+ cells. Weekly intraperitoneal injection of MA01G4344U (100 μg/mouse per week) or Peg-rhMGDF (5 μg/mouse per week) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was performed. Human cells in peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry and bone marrow cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and colony assay. MA01G4344U successfully increased the number of human CD41+ platelets and human CD45+ cells in peripheral blood. In the bone marrow, MA01G4344U increased the number of human CD45+/CD34+ cells, which resulted in more multilineage progenitor cells. The efficacy of MA01G4344U in promoting primary human hematopoietic cells in vivo suggests its therapeutic potential for thrombocytopenic and pancytopenic disorders.
Comparison of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay efficiency in various murine tissues
Authors: Zetoune Almoutassem B , Fontanière Sandra , Magnin Delphine , Anczuków Olga , Buisson Monique , Zhang Chang X , Mazoyer Sylvie
Published: December 2008

Background

The Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD) pathway detects and degrades mRNAs containing premature termination codons, thereby preventing the accumulation of potentially detrimental truncated proteins. Intertissue variation in the efficiency of this mechanism has been suggested, which could have important implications for the understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations in various genetic disorders. However, compelling evidence in favour of this hypothesis is lacking. Here, we have explored this question by measuring the ratio of mutant versus wild-type Men1 transcripts in thirteen tissues from mice carrying a heterozygous truncating mutation in the ubiquitously expressed Men1 gene.

Results

Significant differences were found between two groups of tissues. The first group, which includes testis, ovary, brain and heart, displays a strong decrease of the nonsense transcript (average ratio of 18% of mutant versus wild-type Men1 transcripts, identical to the value measured in murine embryonic fibroblasts). The second group, comprising lung, intestine and thymus, shows much less pronounced NMD (average ratio of 35%). Importantly, the extent of degradation by NMD does not correlate with the expression level of eleven genes encoding proteins involved in NMD or with the expression level of the Men1 gene.

Conclusion

Mouse models are an attractive option to evaluate the efficiency of NMD in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, given that it is much easier to obtain these from a mouse than from a single individual carrying a germline truncating mutation. In this study, we have uncovered in the thirteen different murine tissues that we examined up to a two-fold difference in NMD efficiency.
A cross-species transcriptomics approach to identify genes involved in leaf development
Authors: Street Nathaniel Robert , Sjödin Andreas , Bylesjö Max , Gustafsson Petter , Trygg Johan , Jansson Stefan
Published: December 2008

Background

We have made use of publicly available gene expression data to identify transcription factors and transcriptional modules (regulons) associated with leaf development inPopulus. Different tissue types were compared to identify genes informative in the discrimination of leaf and non-leaf tissues. Transcriptional modules within this set of genes were identified in a much wider set of microarray data collected from leaves in a number of developmental, biotic, abiotic and transgenic experiments.

Results

Transcription factors that were over represented in leaf EST libraries and that were useful for discriminating leaves from other tissues were identified, revealing that the C2C2-YABBY, CCAAT-HAP3 and 5, MYB, and ZF-HD families are particularly important in leaves. The expression of transcriptional modules and transcription factors was examined across a number of experiments to select those that were particularly active during the early stages of leaf development. Two transcription factors were found to collocate to previously published Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for leaf length. We also found that miRNA family 396 may be important in the control of leaf development, with three members of the family collocating with clusters of leaf development QTL.

Conclusion

This work provides a set of candidate genes involved in the control and processes of leaf development. This resource can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as informing the selection of candidate genes for association mapping or for the selection of targets for reverse genetics studies to further understanding of the genetic control of leaf size and shape.
Possible contribution of endogenous carbon monoxide to the development of allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs
Authors: Shaoqing Yu , Ruxin Zhang , Yinjian Chen , Jianqiu Chen , Chunsheng Zhu , Jiangfeng Tang , Genhong Li
Published: December 2008

Background

The mechanisms responsible for the development of allergic rhinitis(AR) are not fully understood. The present study was designed to explore the possible roles of carbon monoxide(CO) on the pathogenesis of AR.

Methods

AR guinea pig model was established by nasal ovalbumin sensitization. Twenty-four AR guinea pigs were divided into four groups, 6 in each: Saline control group, AR sensitized group, Hemin treated group, and Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) treated group. The frequency of sneezing and nose rubbing was recorded. Leukocyte infiltration in nasal lavage fluid, serum IgE level and plasma CO were measured. Expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA in nasal mucosa was determined by real time RT-PCR, and expression of HO-1 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The frequency of sneezing and nose rubbing, leukocyte infiltration, serum IgE, plasma CO, and HO-1 mRNA levels in sensitized guinea pigs were higher than those of control (P < 0.05). Except for serum IgE level, all above parameters were even higher (P < 0.05) when treated with Hemin, a heme oxygenase-1 inducer; but significantly decreased (P < 0.05) when treated with ZnPP, a heme oxygenase inhibitor. Immunohistochemical results showed that positive staining of HO-1 was present in the lamina of mucosa of sensitized guinea pigs, and there was an increase of HO-1 immunoreactivity with Hemin administration (P < 0.05) and a decrease with ZnPP treatment.

Conclusion

The endogenous CO may take part in the inflammation process of AR and is positively correlated with expression of HO-1 in nasal mucosa. Endogenous CO plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of AR.
First isolation of two colistin-resistant emerging pathogens, Brevundimonas diminuta and Ochrobactrum anthropi, in a woman with cystic fibrosis: a case report
Authors: Menuet Magalie , Bittar Fadi , Stremler Nathalie , Dubus Jean-Christophe , Sarles Jacques , Raoult Didier , Rolain Jean-Marc
Published: December 2008

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis afflicted lungs support the growth of many bacteria rarely implicated in other cases of human infections.

Case presentation

We report the isolation and identification, by 16S rRNA amplification and sequencing, of two emerging pathogens resistant to colistin, Brevundimonas diminuta and Ochrobactrum anthropi, in a 17-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis and pneumonia. The patient eventually responded well to a 2-week regime of imipenem and tobramycin.

Conclusion

Our results clearly re-emphasize the emergence of new colistin-resistant pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Nolz1 is induced by retinoid signals and controls motoneuron subtype identity through distinct repressor activities
Authors: Ji Sheng-Jian , Periz Goran , Sockanathan Shanthini
Published: December 2008

The acquisition and maintenance of final neuronal identity depends in part upon the implementation of fate-specification programs in postmitotic neurons;however, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. In the developing spinal cord, retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathways specify the columnar and divisional identities of postmitotic motoneurons (MNs). Here we show that RA signals induce expression of the NET transcriptional regulator Nolz1 in differentiated chick MNs, where it regulates the progressive specification of prospective Lim3-negative motor columns. Nolz1 controls the initial formation of forelimb and thoracic Lim3-negative motor columns by downregulating Lim3 expression and maintaining the expression of key homeodomain proteins necessary for MN identity and survival. At forelimb levels, Nolz1 specifies lateral motor column (LMC) identity by inducing the expression of the postmitotic LMC determinant Hoxc6, and implements the partial specification of lateral LMC identity through Lim1 induction. The specificity of Nolz1 function depends upon distinct repressor activities that require, in part, the modulatory activity of Grg5, an atypical member of the Gro-TLE family of co-repressors. Thus, RA signals regulate diverse events in MN subtype specification by inducing the expression of a key transcriptional regulator that controls multiple developmental pathways via functionally distinct repressor complexes.
Facile Carbolithiation of Bent Alkyne without Catalyst. Tandem Route to Dibenzo[b,f]pentalenes from Dibenzocyclooctadiyne
Authors: Babu Govindarajulu , Orita Akihiro , Otera Junzo
Published: December 2008

Nucleophilic addition of RLi to a triple bond of dibenzocycloocta[a,e]diyne provides dibenzo[b,f]pentalene motif through trans-annulation of the resulting vinyllithium. Dibenzopentalene anion thus formed reacts with various electrophiles such as aldehydes, alkyl halides, acid halide, and Me3SiCl to give the corresponding products.
Catalytic Enantioselective Reformatsky Reaction of Alkyl Iodoacetate with Aldehydes Catalyzed by Chiral Schiff Base
Authors: Tanaka Takanori , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: December 2008

The catalytic enantioselective Reformatsky reaction with aldehydes catalyzed by chiral Schiff base 1 in the presence of Me2Zn under Ar–O2 atmosphere was achieved (up to 72% ee). This process provides a potential method for the synthesis of chiral β-hydroxy esters in high enantiomeric excess.
Convenient Synthesis of Linear-extended Bipyridines Involving a Central Phenyl Linking Group
Authors: Gan Zhibin , Okui Ayaka , Kawashita Yuka , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: December 2008

Linear-extended bipyridines were synthesized via the Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis, subsequent oxidative aromatization with molecular oxygen in the presence of activated carbon, and decarboxylation. 4,4″-p-Terphenyldicarboxaldehyde was prepared by the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction.
Successful Low-Risk Hematopoietic Cell Therapy in a Mouse Model of Type 1 Gaucher Disease
Authors: Enquist Ida Berglin , Nilsson Eva , Månsson Jan-Eric , Ehinger Mats , Richter Johan , Karlsson Stefan
Published: December 2008

Hematopoietic stem cell-based gene therapy offers the possibility of permanent correction for genetic disorders of the hematopoietic system. However, optimization of present protocols is required before gene therapy can be safely applied as general treatment of genetic diseases. In this study we have used a mouse model of type 1 Gaucher disease (GD) to demonstrate the feasibility of a low-risk conditioning regimen instead of standard radiation, which is associated with severe adverse effects. We first wanted to establish what level of engraftment and glucosylceramidase (GCase) activity is required to correct the pathology of the type 1 GD mouse. Our results demonstrate that a median wild-type (WT) cell engraftment of 7%, corresponding to GCase activity levels above 10 nmoles/hour and mg protein, was sufficient to reverse pathology in bone marrow and spleen in the GD mouse. Moreover, we applied nonmyeloablative doses of busulfan as a pretransplant conditioning regimen and show that even WT cell engraftment in the range of 1%–10% can confer a beneficial therapeutical outcome in this disease model. Taken together, our data provide encouraging evidence for the possibility of developing safe and efficient conditioning protocols for diseases that require only a low level of normal or gene-corrected cells for a permanent and beneficial therapeutic outcome.
High Concordance of KRAS Status Between Primary Colorectal Tumors and Related Metastatic Sites: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Santini Daniele , Loupakis Fotios , Vincenzi Bruno , Floriani Irene , Stasi Irene , Canestrari Emanuele , Rulli Eliana , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Andreoni Francesca , Masi Gianluca , Graziano Francesco , Baldi Giacomo Giulio , Salvatore Lisa , Russo Antonio , Perrone Giuseppe , Tommasino Maria Rosa , Magnani Mauro , Falcone Alfredo , Tonini Giuseppe , Ruzzo Annamaria
Published: December 2008

Purpose.

Several studies have suggested that KRAS somatic mutations may predict resistance to cetuximab- and panitumumab-based treatments in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Nevertheless, most experiences were conducted on samples from primaries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the grade of concordance in terms of KRAS status between primaries and related metastases.

Patients and Methods.

We analyzed KRAS codon 12 and 13 mutations from formalin-fixed sections of 107 CRC primaries and related metastases. Eight pairs were excluded from the analysis because of the low amount of tumor tissue in the available samples. The main characteristics were: 50 men, 49 women; median age at diagnosis, 71 years (range, 41–84). The metastatic sites analyzed were the liver in 80 patients (80.8%), lung in seven patients (7.1%), and other sites in 12 patients (12.1%).

Results.

A KRAS mutation was found in 38 (38.4%) primary tumors and in 36 (36.4%) related metastases. The rate of concordance was 96.0% (95% confidence interval, 90.0%–98.9%). Discordance was observed in only four (4%) patients.

Conclusions.

Our results indicate that the detection of KRAS mutations in either primary or metastatic tumors from patients with CRC is concordant and this assessment could be used to predict response to targeted therapies such as cetuximab and panitumumab.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Describe the importance of KRAS mutations in CRC patients.Explain the relevance to cancer treatment of concordance of KRAS status between primary tumors and metastases in CRC patients.Discuss the impact of KRAS mutations as a predictive/prognostic factor in CRC patients.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at http://CME.TheOncologist.com
Neighborhood Context and Infant Birthweight Among Recent Immigrant Mothers: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Urquia Marcelo L. , Frank John W. , Glazier Richard H. , Moineddin Rahim , Matheson Flora I. , Gagnon Anita J.
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We compared the influence of the residential environment and maternal country of origin on birthweight and low birthweight of infants born to recent immigrants to urban Ontario.

Methods. We linked delivery records (1993–2000) to an immigration database (1993–1995) and small-area census data (1996). The data were analyzed with cross-classified random-effects models and standard multilevel methods. Higher-level predictors included 4 independent measures of neighborhood context constructed by factor analysis and maternal world regions of origin.

Results. Births (N = 22 189) were distributed across 1396 census tracts and 155 countries of origin. The associations between neighborhood indices and birthweight disappeared after we controlled for the maternal country of origin in a cross-classified multilevel model. Significant associations between world regions and birthweight and low birthweight persisted after we controlled for neighborhood context and individual characteristics.

Conclusions. The residential environment has little, if any, influence on birthweight among recent immigrants to Ontario. Country of origin appears to be a much more important factor in low birthweight among children of recent immigrants than current neighborhood. Findings of neighborhood influences among recent immigrants should be interpreted with caution.
Association Between Residential Exposure to Outdoor Alcohol Advertising and Problem Drinking Among African American Women in New York City
Authors: Kwate Naa Oyo A. , Meyer Ilan H.
Published: December 2008

We evaluated the association between residential exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising and current problem drinking among 139 African American women aged 21 to 49 years in Central Harlem, New York City. We found that exposure to advertisements was positively related to problem drinking (13% greater odds), even after we controlled for a family history of alcohol problems and socioeconomic status. The results suggest that the density of alcohol advertisements in predominantly African American neighborhoods may add to problem drinking behavior of their residents.
Questioning the Consensus: Managing Carrier Status Results Generated by Newborn Screening
Authors: Miller Fiona Alice , Robert Jason Scott , Hayeems Robin Z.
Published: December 2008

An apparent consensus governs the management of carrier status information generated incidentally through newborn screening: results cannot be withheld from parents. This normative stance encodes the focus on autonomy and distaste for paternalism that characterize the principles of clinical bioethics.

However, newborn screening is a classic public health intervention in which paternalism may trump autonomy and through which parents are—in effect—required to receive carrier information. In truth, the disposition of carrier results generates competing moral infringements: to withhold information or require its possession.

Resolving this dilemma demands consideration of a distinctive body of public health ethics to highlight the moral imperatives associated with the exercise of collective authority in the pursuit of public health benefits.
Petrogenesis of the augen gneisses from Mahesh Khola section, Central Nepal
Authors: Regmi Kamal Raj
Published: December 2008

In Mahesh Khola section, Central Nepal the augen gneisses are exposed within the rocks of the Kulikhani Formation of the Bhimphedi Group, Kathmandu Complex. Major and trace element were analysed in this study. The gneisses show peraluminous Stype nature with high mol. A/CNK ratios. Mantle normalised trace element patterns have similar character with the Early Paleozoic S-type granite of the Lachlan Fold Belt of Australia and the Paleozoic granites of the Tso-Morari Crystalline Complex, Lakadh, India. Hence most probably the protoliths of these gneisses are the porphyritic S-type granite that intruded in the rocks of the Bhimphedi Group during Caledonian Orogeny. However the granite is sheared, deformed and metamorphosed.   doi: 10.3126/bdg.v11i0.1429   Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 11, 2008, pp. 13-22
Petrology of Rapti River sand, Hetauda-Chitwan Dun Basin, Central Nepal; an example of recycled provenance
Authors: Tamrakar Naresh Kazi , Maharjan Surendra , Shrestha Madhusudan Bhakta
Published: December 2008

The Rapti River in the Central Nepal drains fold-thrust belts of the Lesser and the Sub-Himalayas as demarcated by four major thrusts, and is located in humid sub-tropical climatic zone. Within the Sub-Himalaya (Siwalik Group), a wide Dun Valley gives way the long low-gradient Rapti River in the northeast region, therefore, forming a characteristic piggy-back basin within the foldthrust belts. Sands from the Rapti River were obtained and analysed to characterise composition and texture, to verify its provenance, and to compare with modern and ancient sands/sandstones from different basins having similar tectonic setting. The Rapti River sand is quarto-lithic in composition. It plots on recycled orogeny provenance field in the QFL and QmFLt triangle diagrams showing no major difference in provenance with other sands/ sandstones from different climates. However, the Rapti River sand is remarkably poorer in feldspar but richer in lithic fragments and quartz compared to the other sands/sandstones.   doi: 10.3126/bdg.v11i0.1539 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 11, 2008, pp. 23-30
Feasibility of recharging aquifer through rainwater in Patan, Central Nepal
Authors: Joshi Hiterndra Raj , Shrestha Suresh Das
Published: December 2008

Water is a basic need of lives. Like other aggressively growing town of developing Asian countries, Patan in Lalitpur district of Nepal is also facing water scarcity problem. Since so many people of Patan depend upon groundwater, extraction rate of groundwater in this area is perhaps higher compared to recharge and hence, water table is declining. Urbanization is focused in the central part of Patan on the gravel deposit (Chapagaon Formation) which is the main recharge zone of groundwater, therefore recharge of groundwater could not take place naturally. Encroachment of ponds which were helping to groundwater recharge is also a reason for declining the water table. This study deals with infiltration rates recorded from six different localities of Patan using a single ring percolimeter. The results show that the infiltration rates are higher (10.5 x 10-5 m/s) at core areas of Patan (Guita aquifer, Khwayebahi aquifer and Emu Dva aquifer) compared to the peripheral areas (1.5 x 10-5 m/s) such as Naricha and Nayekyo aquifers. The infiltration rate increases remarkably during dry winter and pre-monsoon periods at the core area of Patan. Infiltration rate decreases during summer and early winter periods. The infiltration rates correlate well with subsurface lithology, i.e., the rates are higher at gravel and lower at clayey sediment (Kalimati Clay). The Patan area is underlain by gravel and sand of the Chapagaon Formation which inturn is underlain by thick clay of the Kalimati Formation. The zone above the clay is the shallow aquifer zone and the zone below the clays is the deep aquifer zone. There are 39 ponds and more than 218 shallow dug wells which may be utilised for recharging shallow aquifers through rainwaters. Most of the ponds and shallow dug wells which lie on the Chapagaon Formation are suitable for recharge purpose due to good infiltration rate in the formation. Historical stone spouts can also be utilized as a recharge medium. Adequate rainfall, good infiltration rate, and distribution of many recharge media allow aquifer recharge in Patan through rainwater.   doi: 10.3126/bdg.v11i0.1541   Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 11, 2008, pp. 41-50
Stratigraphy and depositional environments of basin-fill sediments in southern Kathmandu Valley, Central Nepal
Authors: Paudel Mukunda Raj , Sakai Harutaka
Published: December 2008

Quatenary fluvio-lacustrine basin-fill sediments in the southern part of the Kathmandu Basin was studied in order to clearify the stratigraphy and reconstruct the sedimentary environment during the initial stage of the Paleo-Kathmandu Lake. Six stratigraphic units; Tarebhir, Lukundol, Itaiti, Kalimati, Sunakothi Formations and Terrace gravel deposits, have been described based on field observation of lithology and sediment distribution. The Tarebhir Formation is the basal unit which is overlained by alluvial fan of the Itaiti Formation in the southern part and by the marginal lacustrine deposit of the Lukundol Formation towards the northern part. Further 3 km toward the north from the basin margin at Jorkhu the the Lukundol Formation is overlain by the open lacustrine facies of the Kalimati Formation. At the same locality the latter is overlain by fluvio-lacustrine facies of the Sunakothi Formation. Moreover, the Terrace gravel deposits erosionally cover the Sunakothi Formation. The Kalimati Formation thickens northward, while the Sunakothi Formation thickens between the central and southern part of the basin. The study shows that the Sunakothi Formation is of fluvio-lacustrine (fluvial, deltaic and shallow lacustrine) origin and extends continuously from the southern margin (~1400m amsl) to the central part (~1300m amsl) of the basin. It also indicates that sediments of this formation were deposited at the time of lake level rise and fall. Thick gravel sequence in the southern margin represents the alluvial fan before the origin (before 1 Ma) of the Paleo-Kathmandu Lake, while thick gravel sequence situated above the Sunakothi Formation is the Terrace gravel deposits of the late Pleistocene age (14C method), deposited during and after the shrinkage of the Paleo-Kathmandu Lake from south to north.   doi: 10.3126/bdg.v11i0.1544 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 11, 2008, pp. 61-70
Brain abscess caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Guinand Vives Carlos H. , Monsalve Duarte Guillermo A. , Beltrán Sandra Valderrama , Pinzón Johanna Osorio
Published: December 2008

This 24-year-old soldier had a history of polytrauma caused by firearm missiles of a fragmentation weapon. He was referred to the Hospital Militar Central, where multiple shrapnel wounds in the head, face, thorax, and extremities were found. A brain abscess was documented and drained, and a culture grew a multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. An appropriate antibiotic treatment was started but did not lead to a good response, and the patient died. The clinical course of the illness is presented, as is its treatment and the role of A baumannii as an etiological agent of a brain abscess. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no reported cases in the worldwide literature of brain abscess by this infectious agent.
Association between factor XIII single nucleotide polymorphisms and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Ladenvall Claes , Csajbok Ludvig , Nylén Karin , Jood Katarina , Nellgård Bengt , Jern Christina
Published: December 2008

Object

Family studies have suggested a role of genetic factors in susceptibility to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), but the underlying genetic risk factors remain poorly defined. There is an activation of the fibrinolytic system in aSAH, and fibrinolytic markers may be useful in predicting outcome. The authors investigate associations between putative functional variants in genes of importance for fibrinolysis and aSAH and/or outcome following aSAH.

Methods

One hundred eighty-three patients presenting with aSAH at a neurointensive care unit were consecutively recruited. Two healthy controls per case, matched for age, sex, and geographic region, were randomly recruited. Outcome was assessed after 1 year according to the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), and factor XIII (FXIII) genes were investigated.

Results

Participants carrying the FXIII 34Leu allele showed an increased risk of aSAH. When adjusting for smoking and hypertension, 2 haplotypes, differing on either the FXIII Val34Leu or the Pro564Leu position, showed an association to aSAH. No significant association was observed for the tPA -7351 C > T, PAI-1 -675 4G > 5G, or TAFI Ala147Thr SNPs. No specific SNP or haplotype was associated with outcome after aSAH, whereas a weak association was observed for a tPA/PAI-1 genotype combination.

Conclusions

Polymorphisms in the FXIII gene showed association to aSAH. The finding of an increased risk of bleeding in FXIII 34Leu carriers is biologically plausible.
ANALYSIS OF THE HOUSING MARKET IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Ivanauskas Feliksas , Eidukevičius Rimantas , Marčinskas Albinas , Galinienė Birutė
Published: December 2008

Cointegration and Granger causality tests were used for the statistical analyses of the housing market in Lithuania. The relationship between the cost of housing and afford‐ability on the one hand, and interest rates, GDP and average incomes on the other was not proven to exist using the given statistical methods. The period of increase in the cost of housing in Lithuania over the last five years is exceptional and difficult to explain using fundamental economic factors and their fluctuation trends alone. The cost of housing has made a clear departure from the economic (business) cycle; the economy has grown, however at a much slower rate than rising costs in the housing market. The reasons for this situation are record lows in interest rates, good conditions to gain financing, the liberalisation of financial markets, speculative attitudes in expectation of the introduction of the Euro, and a divide between the supply and demand of housing that is available. It should be noted that the evaluation of the influence of these factors on fluctuations in costs in the housing market is more hypothetical in nature. Santrauka Nekilnojamojo turto rinkos Lietuvoje statistinei analizei buvo naudojami kointegravimo ir Grangerio priežastingumo testai. Taikant esamus statistinius metodus nebuvo įrodyta, kad egzistavo ryšys tarp nekilnojamojo turto kainos ir įperkamumo, viena vertus, ir palūkanų normų, BVP bei vidutinių pajamų, kita vertus. Nekilnojamojo turto kainos Lietuvoje didėjimo per pastaruosius penketą metų laikotarpis yra išskirtinis ir sunkiai paaiškinamas remiantis vien pagrindiniais ekonominiais veiksniais ir jų svyravimų tendencijomis. Nekilnojamojo turto kaina aiškiai nukrypo nuo ekonomikos (verslo) ciklo; ekonomika išaugo, tačiau gerokai lėtesniu tempu nei augančios kainos nekilnojamojo turto rinkoje. Šios situacijos priežastys – rekordiškai mažos palūkanų normos, geros sąlygos gauti fi nansavimą, fi nansų rinkos liberalizavimas, spekuliaciniai požiūriai tikintis įsivesti eurą ir takoskyra tarp esamo nekilnojamojo turto pasiūlos ir paklausos. Pažymėtina, kad šių veiksnių įtakos kainų svyravimo nekilnojamojo turto rinkoje įvertinimas yra labiau hipotetinis.
The Mid-Range of the Adjusted Level of Ferritin Can Predict the Chronic Course in Patients with Adult Onset Still’s Disease
Authors: LEE SANG-WON , PARK YONG-BEOM , SONG JUNG-SOO , LEE SOO-KON
Published: December 2008

Objective.

To find a measure that can predict the disease course in patients with adult onset Still’s disease (AOSD).

Methods.

We retrospectively investigated the medical records of 71 hospitalized patients with AOSD. Patients were divided according to chronic and nonchronic disease course. The initial laboratory results were defined as those at the time of admission, the extremely deviated laboratory results as the highest or the lowest results, and the adjusted laboratory results as area under the curve divided by the days of hospitalization. All measures were compared and the odds ratio (OR) for the chronic disease pattern was assessed.

Results.

The mean age was 39.7 ± 13.5 years and women accounted for 63 of the total 71 (88.7%). Thirty patients (42.3%) had self-limited disease, 9 (12.7%) intermittent disease, and 23 (32.4%) the chronic disease pattern (32.4%). Nine patients (12.7%) died. The initial levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ferritin, the highest levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ferritin, and the adjusted level of ferritin in patients with chronic disease were significantly higher than those with nonchronic disease. Among them, only the middle range of the adjusted ferritin level (784.1~4120.0 ng/ml) was found to have a significant predictive value for the chronic disease pattern (OR 81.7, p = 0.007).

Conclusion.

A novel measure, the adjusted level of ferritin during the first hospitalization, might be useful to predict progression to chronic disease in patients with AOSD.
One pot synthesis of xanthan gum‐g‐N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and study of their metal ion sorption behavior and water swelling property
Authors: Srivastava Abhishek , Mishra Dinesh Kumar , Tripathy Jasaswini , Behari Kunj
Published: December 2008

In this article, graft copolymerization of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone onto xanthan gum initiated by potassium peroxydiphosphate/Ag+ system in an aqueous medium has been studied under oxygen free nitrogen atmosphere. Grafting ratio, grafting efficiency, and add on increase on increasing the concentration of potassium peroxydiphosphate (2.0 × 10−3 to 12 × 10−3 mol dm−3), Ag+(0.4 × 10−3 to 2.8 × 10−3 mol dm−3), and hydrogen ion concentration from 2 × 10−3 to 14.0 × 10−3 mol dm−3. Maximum grafting has been obtained when xanthan gum and monomer concentration were 0.4 g dm−3 and 16 × 10−2 mol dm−3, respectively, at 35°C and 120 min. Water swelling capacity, swelling ratio, metal ion uptake, and metal retention capacity have also been studied, and it has been found that graft copolymer shows enhancement in these properties than pure xanthan gum. The graft copolymer has been characterized by FTIR and thermal analysis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Stability of Colicin Plasmids in Continuous Culture: Mathematical Model and Analysis
Authors: Lauffenburger Douglas A.
Published: December 2008

Bacteriocin plasmids may be useful in preventing plasmid instability because the bacteriocin they produce selectively kills otherwise identical bacterial cells lacking the plasmid. This capability may allow plasmid‐bearing cells to persist despite the problems of growth rate depression and segregational plasmid loss which often lead to displacement by plasmid‐free cells.

In order to determine the conditions under which bacteriocin plasmids can prevent instability, we develop and analyze a mathematical model for the growth of colicin plasmid‐bearing E. coli in continuous culture. Model behavior compares successfully with experimental results of Adams et al. (1979) [1]. Dependence of the system dynamic behavior on key parameters is elucidated and a simple parameter criterion for prevention of plasmid instability is derived. The possibility of instability prevention is found to be extremely sensitive to dilution rate.
Segregation in Food Powders
Authors: Barbosa‐Canovas G. , Malave‐Lopez J. , Peleg M.
Published: December 2008

Segregation tendency in food powder mixtures can be monitored by simple vibration or flow tests. It is shown that segregation can occur not only in free flowing powders but also in cohesive powders. The intensity of the phenomenon depends not only on the composition, size and mechanical history of the powder but also on whether the mixture is “ordered“ or not.
A Correlation for Heat Transfer Coefficients in Food Extruders
Authors: Levine Leon , Rockwood Jeffrey
Published: December 2008

A dimensionless correlation of heat transfer coefficient for heat flow between the extruder barrel wall and extrudate is presented. The standard error of estimate of the correlation is 12.4%. The correlation is useful for the design and scale‐up of food extruders and the design of associated temperature control systems.
Microbial Solubilization of Coal
Authors: Scott Charles D. , Strandberg Gerald W. , Lewis Susan N.
Published: December 2008

Several different strains of fungi have been shown to solubilize some types of low‐ranked coal, apparently by an extracellular process. Oxidative pretreatment enhances the microbial action, allowing the use of a variety of coal feedstocks. The resulting product, which is primarily a mixture of polar organic compounds with moderate to high molecular weights and a high degree of aromaticity, is water‐soluble. Possible processing concepts include the use of continuous bioreactors configured as either fixed or fluidized beds.
Plant Cell Bioreactors: Present Status and Future Trends
Authors: Kargi Fikret , Rosenberg Morris Z.
Published: December 2008

Various reactor configurations for suspension, immobilized and surface culture of plant cells are presented. Relative advantages and disadvantages of various reactor configurations and selection criteria for different applications are discussed.
On the Optimization of Process Chromatography of Proteins
Authors: Janson Jan‐Christer , Hedman Per
Published: December 2008

In process scale chromatography, the efficacy of the separation is dependent on column packing characteristics such as selectivity, efficiency, dynamic capacity and flow resistance, as well as on the column design and the optimization of the running conditions. In general, it is more profitable to increase the selectivity of the process rather than the efficiency.
Metal Ion — Hydrophobic, Thiophilic and II‐Electron Governed Interactions and their Application to Salt‐Promoted Protein Adsorption Chromatography
Authors: Porath Jerker
Published: December 2008

The concept of salt‐promoted adsorption is discussed and illustrated by fractionation of serum proteins on adsorbents developed recently in the author's laboratory.
Large Scale Purification of Heparinase
Authors: Yang Victor C. , Bernstein Howard , Langer Robert
Published: December 2008

Isoelectric points of the glycosaminoglycan‐degrading enzymes in Flavobacterium heparinum were determined by a recently developed method, the pH‐dependent binding analysis. Based upon these data, we developed a facile method that was conducive to producing gram quantities of heparinase that was nearly free from the other enzymes. The method includes a combination of batch procedures of hydroxylapatite and QAE‐Sephadex chromatography. The resulting heparinase preparation contains less than 1% of each of the above enzymes, except for heparitinase, which is present at a maximum level of about 3%. It also shows identical kinetic properties to those of a completely purified heparinase. The strategy described in this paper may be useful in developing other large‐scale protein purification methods.
Mathematical Modelling and Response Characteristics of Runaway Replication For Temperature Shift‐up
Authors: Mizutani Satoru , Iijima Shinji , Shimizu Kazuyuki , Matsubara Masakazu , Soda Kenji , Kobayashi Takeshi
Published: December 2008

Responses of runaway replication to various rates of temperature change were studied both experimentally and theoretically. When the temperature shift was completed within 30 minutes, maximum plasmid replication rate and production of gene products were observed as in the stepwise temperature change. Runaway replication could be induced fairly well, as long as the temperature‐shift was completed within 2 hours. A kinetic model of the runaway replication was proposed and it expressed the characteristics of a recombinant containing a plasmid very well. These results indicate that a runaway‐replication plasmid can be applied to industrial production of gene products.
Are Microbes Optimal Strategists?
Authors: Ramkrishna Doraiswami , Kompala Dhinakar S. , Tsao George T.
Published: December 2008

Several published experiments in the literature have provided main guidelines for a quantitative modeling approach called “cybernetic modeling.” Cybernetic models have correlated bacterial growth with mixed substrate systems with remarkable accuracy.
Extractive Fermentation of Acetone and Butanol: Process Design and Economic Evaluation
Authors: Roffler Steven , Blanch Harvey W. , Wilke Charles R.
Published: December 2008

The economics of producing butanol by extractive fermentation were examined. Capital cost and energy requirements were significantly reduced by the use of extractive fermentation.
Metabolic Pathway Rates and Culture Fluorescence in Batch Fermentations of Clostridium Acetobutylicum
Authors: Reardon Kenneth F. , Scheper Thomas‐Helmut , Bailey James E.
Published: December 2008

Stoichiometric relationships in the metabolic pathway of Clostridium acetobutylicum are used to formulate a framework for the analysis of pathway rates. This analytical tool, alone and in conjunction with intracellular NAD(P)H fluorescence measurements, is applied to two batch fermentations, one acidogenic and one solventogenic, to provide information on intracellular activities not readily obtainable by other methods.
Affinity Chromatography for Cell Separation: Mathematical Model and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Hammer Daniel A. , Linderman Jennifer J. , Graves David J. , Lauffenburger Douglas A.
Published: December 2008

A model for cell affinity chromatography, a separation technique that exploits the differential adhesion of cells to ligand‐coated surfaces, is presented. This adhesion is mediated by specific, noncovalent binding between cell surface macromolecules and ligand. Our model predicts how bound cell levels and selectivity depend on rates of deposition and reen trainment, as well as on the degree of adhesive interactions between the cell and surface, which is characterized by an adhesion efficiency, P. Both transport rates and adhesion efficiencies critically affect the degree of cell retention and separation. Two modes of column operation are considered: cell enrichment, in which we wish to retain a large pure fraction of cells in the column, and cell depletion, in which we wish to remove a large fraction of a particular subpopulation from a cell mixture. Our analysis indicates that each method should work satisfactorily only under restricted parameter conditions, and the requirements are different in the two modes.

We also use our model to analyze several sets of experiments. The results of this analysis indicate how adhesion efficiencies vary as a function of flow rate and temperature.

This work provides the first quantitative engineering studies of proper operating conditions for successful cell separation using affinity chromatographic methods.
Alginate‐Polylysine Microcapsules of Controlled Membrane Molecular Weight Cutoff for Mammalian Cell Culture Engineering
Authors: King G. A. , Daugulis A. J. , Faulkner P. , Goosen M. F. A.
Published: December 2008

The search for more productive mammalian cell culture techniques has been primarily driven by the need to increase both the cell density and product concentration. In the technique used in our laboratory, microencapsulation, hybridoma cells were grown and monoclonal antibody was entrapped within microcapsules, which had a controlled membrane molecular weight cutoff. In our studies it was shown that using the alginate‐poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) microcapsule system and protein diffusion experiments, the capsule membrane molecular weight cutoff could be controlled from 20 × 103 to 300 × 103. This was achieved by increasing the viscosity average molecular weight (Mv) of the LL, used in the encapsulation procedure, from 14 × 103 to 525 × 103 and by decreasing the alginate — PLL reaction time from 40 minutes to 6 minutes. Cell culture studies with microencapsulated mouse hybridoma cells indicated that while the conventional (single‐membrane) microcapsules produced a maximum intracapsular cell density of about 2 × 107 cells/mL and a monoclonal antibody concentration of 1250 μg/mL, a modified (multiple‐membrane) capsule resulted in intracapsular cell densities of about 6 × 107 cells/mL and monoclonal antibody concentrations of 5300 μg/mL. These significant improvements in cell density and monoclonal antibody concentration were attributed to a lower (22%) intracapsular alginate content as well as better retention of the cell product by the modified capsule membrane.