bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematopoietic bone marrow cells participate in endothelial, but not epithelial or mesenchymal cell renewal in adult rats
Authors: Odörfer Kathrin I. , Egerbacher Monika , Unger Nina J. , Weber Karin , Jamnig Angelika , Lepperdinger Günter , Kleiter Miriam , Sandgren Eric P. , Erben Reinhold G.
Published: November 2010

The extent to which bone marrow (BM) contributes to physiological cell renewal is still controversial. Using the marker human placental alkaline phosphatase (ALPP) which can readily be detected in paraffin and plastic sections by histochemistry or immunohistochemistry, and in ultrathin sections by electron microscopy after pre‐embedding staining, we examined the role of endogenous BM in physiological cell renewal by analysing tissues from lethally irradiated wild‐type inbred Fischer 344 (F344) rats transplanted (BMT) with unfractionated BM from ALPP‐transgenic F344 rats ubiquitously expressing the marker. Histochemical, immunohistochemical and immunoelectron microscopic analysis showed that the proportion of ALPP+ capillary endothelial cells (EC) profoundly increased from 1 until 6 months after BMT in all organs except brain and adrenal medulla. In contrast, pericytes and EC in large blood vessels were ALPP–. Epithelial cells in kidney, liver, pancreas, intestine and brain were recipient‐derived at all time‐points. Similarly, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, striated muscle and smooth muscle cells were exclusively of recipient origin. The lack of mesenchymal BM‐derived cells in peripheral tissues prompted us to examine whether BMT resulted in engraftment of mesenchymal precursors. Four weeks after BMT, all haematopoietic BM cells were of donor origin by flow cytometric analysis, whereas isolation of BM mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) failed to show engraftment of donor MSC. In conclusion, our data show that BM is an important source of physiological renewal of EC in adult rats, but raise doubt whether reconstituted irradiated rats are an apt model for BM‐derived regeneration of mesenchymal cells in peripheral tissues.
Infarcted myocardium‐like stiffness contributes to endothelial progenitor lineage commitment of bone marrow mononuclear cells
Authors: Zhang Shuning , Sun Aijun , Ma Hong , Yao Kang , Zhou Ning , Shen Li , Zhang Chunyu , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: November 2010

Optimal timing of cell therapy for myocardial infarction (MI) appears during 5 to 14 days after the infarction. However, the potential mechanism requires further investigation. This work aimed to verify the hypothesis that myocardial stiffness within a propitious time frame might provide a most beneficial physical condition for cell lineage specification in favour of cardiac repair. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and myocardial stiffness of MI mice were consecutively detected. Isolated bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) were injected into infarction zone at distinct time‐points and cardiac function were measured 2 months after infarction. Polyacrylamide gel substrates with varied stiffness were used to mechanically mimic the infarcted myocardium. BMMNCs were plated on the flexible culture substrates under different concentrations of VEGF. Endothelial progenitor lineage commitment of BMMNCs was verified by immunofluorescent technique and flow cytometry. Our results demonstrated that the optimal timing in terms of improvement of cardiac function occurred during 7 to 14 days after MI, which was consistent with maximized capillary density at this time domains, but not with peak VEGF concentration. Percentage of double‐positive cells for DiI‐labelled acetylated low‐density lipoprotein uptake and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐UEA‐1 (ulex europaeus agglutinin I lectin) binding had no significant differences among the tissue‐like stiffness in high concentration VEGF. With the decrease of VEGF concentration, the benefit of 42 kPa stiffness, corresponding to infarcted myocardium at days 7 to 14, gradually occurred and peaked when it was removed from culture medium. Likewise, combined expressions of VEGFR2+, CD133+ and CD45– remained the highest level on 42 kPa substrate in conditions of lower concentration VEGF. In conclusion, the optimal efficacy of BMMNCs therapy at 7 to 14 days after MI might result from non‐VEGF dependent angiogenesis, and myocardial stiffness at this time domains was more suitable for endothelial progenitor lineage specification of BMMNCs. The results here highlight the need for greater attention to mechanical microenvironments in cell culture and cell therapy.
The novel Aurora A kinase inhibitor MLN8237 is active in resistant chronic myeloid leukaemia and significantly increases the efficacy of nilotinib
Authors: Kelly Kevin R. , Ecsedy Jeffrey , Medina Ernest , Mahalingam Devalingam , Padmanabhan Swaminathan , Nawrocki Steffan T. , Giles Francis J. , Carew Jennifer S.
Published: November 2010

Novel therapies are urgently needed to prevent and treat tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). MLN8237 is a novel Aurora A kinase inhibitor under investigation in multiple phase I and II studies. Here we report that MLN8237 possessed equipotent activity against Ba/F3 cells and primary CML cells expressing unmutated and mutated forms of breakpoint cluster region‐Abelson kinase (BCR‐ABL). Notably, this agent retained high activity against the T315I and E255K BCR‐ABL mutations, which confer the greatest degree of resistance to standard therapy. MLN8237 treatment disrupted cell cycle kinetics, induced apoptosis, caused a dose‐dependent reduction in the expression of the large inhibitor of apoptosis protein Apollon, and produced a morphological phenotype consistent with Aurora A kinase inhibition. In contrast to other Aurora kinase inhibitors, MLN8237 did not significantly affect BCR‐ABL activity. Moreover, inhibition of Aurora A with MLN8237 significantly increased the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of nilotinib. Targeted knockdown of Apollon sensitized CML cells to nilotinib‐induced apoptosis, indicating that this is an important factor underlying MLN8237’s ability to increase the efficacy of nilotinib. Our collective data demonstrate that this combination strategy represents a novel therapeutic approach for refractory CML that has the potential to suppress the emergence of T315I mutated CML clones.
MicroRNA‐196: critical roles and clinical applications in development and cancer
Authors: Chen Changyi , Zhang Yuqing , Zhang Lidong , Weakley Sarah M. , Yao Qizhi
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Gene structure and regulation

Target molecules

Role in development

Role in cancer

Other biological    functions

Summary and perspectives

The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) represents one of the most significant advances in biological and medical sciences in the last decade. Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in plants, viruses, animals and human beings, and these tiny, non‐coding RNA transcripts have been found to play crucial roles in important biological processes involved in human health and disease. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that miR‐196 plays critical roles in normal development and in the pathogenesis of human disease processes such as cancer. Several investigations have implemented cell culture and animal models to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of miR‐196. This review provides updated information about the structure of the miR‐196 gene and the roles of miR‐196 in development, cancer and disease formation. Importantly, we discuss the possible molecular mechanisms whereby miR‐196 regulates cellular functions including targeting molecules and gene regulation pathways; potential clinical applications are addressed, as well as future directions for investigation. miR‐196a may prove to be a novel therapeutic target for several cancers.
Incidental maxillary sinus findings in orthodontic patients: a radiographic analysis using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT)
Authors: Pazera P , Bornstein MM , Pazera A , Sendi P , Katsaros C
Published: November 2010

To cite this article:
 Pazera P, Bornstein MM, Pazera A, Sendi P, Katsaros C: Incidental maxillary sinus findings in orthodontic patients: a radiographic analysis using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:17–24

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Pazera P, Bornstein MM, Pazera A, Sendi P, Katsaros C

Objectives –  To determine the frequency of incidental maxillary sinus findings using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images made for orthodontic purposes.

Setting and Sample Population –  One hundred thirty‐nine consecutive CBCTs from 134 patients treated at the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. Indications for CBCT imaging included the localization of impacted teeth and root resorption related to impacted teeth.

Material and Methods Population –  Two experienced observers reviewed the CBCT scans (fields of view: 4 × 4/6 × 6/8 × 8 cm) and recorded all incidental maxillary sinus findings according to standardized categories. The patient’s age and gender, the size of the field of view, the season of CBCT image taking, and the thickness of the Schneiderian membrane were evaluated to identify potential influencing factors.

Results –  In 65 CBCTs (46.8%), incidental maxillary sinus findings were found (interrater classification agreement of 95.7%/95% CI: 90.9–97.9%). Three types of incidental findings were diagnosed: flat mucosal thickening (23.7%), polypoid mucosal thickening (19.4%), and signs of acute sinusitis (3.6%). There was no correlation between the field of view of the CBCT and the number of incidental findings inside the field. There was no correlation between the season during which the CBCT was made and the number of incidental findings. The mean thickness of the mucosal lining in the maxillary sinus was 1.58 mm (95% CI: 1.17–1.98 mm).

Conclusions –  A high percentage of the CBCTs made for orthodontic diagnostic purposes exhibit incidental maxillary sinus findings not associated with the primary indication.
Long-Term Psychological and Sexual Outcomes of Severe Penile Hypospadias Repair
Authors: Kiss Andras , Sulya Balint , Szász A. Marcell , Romics Imre , Kelemen Zsolt , Tóth József , Merksz Miklós , Kemény Sandor , Nyírády Péter
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Hypospadias is the most common penis malformation, and there exist a variety of surgical approaches used to correct the abnormal position of the meatus. Although the long-term outcomes of surgery are considered important for psychosexual development, only a few attempts have been made to evaluate patient satisfaction.

Aim

The aim of our study was to evaluate surgical results and psychosocial adaptations in a homogeneous group of subjects with severe penile hypospadias who underwent the same types of surgical repairs during childhood and compare the results to data obtained from age-matched healthy controls.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 104 men (between 24 and 42 years old) who underwent an uncomplicated two-stage hypospadias repair in their childhood and 63 age-matched healthy men without genital malformations completed the questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

Difference in self-perception assessed by a 15-item questionnaire regarding psychosexual well-being and penile appearance between subjects with corrected hypospadias and healthy participants.

Results

On average, subjects with a hypospadias repair were less satisfied with their genital appearance; however, they were more satisfied with their sex lives compared to healthy controls. The meatus distance was approximately 1.5 cm from the tip of the penis after surgical correction. None of the postoperative surgical results correlated with patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the small percentage of patients (11%) who were very unsatisfied with their surgical outcomes had no significant differences in surgical outcomes compared to satisfied patients. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups in almost all psychological outcome measures.

Conclusions

In adults who underwent an uncomplicated ventral repair of a severe penile hypospadias 20–30 years earlier, healthy psychosexual development was achieved despite the lack of a glanular meatus. Early identification of unsatisfied patients is important for appropriate long-term follow-up and counseling.
Revision of Penile Prosthesis Surgery After Use of Penile Traction Therapy to Increase Erect Penile Length: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Moskovic Daniel J. , Pastuszak Alexander W. , Lipshultz Larry I. , Khera Mohit
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction, a common consequence of radical prostatectomy (RP), can be managed with placement of a penile prosthesis. Patient satisfaction and functional outcomes have been related to penile length after prosthesis placement.

Aim

We report a case demonstrating the impact of daily penile traction therapy in a patient with a previously placed penile prosthesis with the goal of enabling revision with a longer device.

Methods

A post-RP patient who underwent inflatable penile prosthesis placement 6 years ago complained of inability to maintain partner penetration with his device. The patient underwent vacuum erection device therapy twice daily for 10 minutes per session for approximately 1 year as well as 8 hours of penile traction therapy daily for 8 months. A revision implant surgery was subsequently attempted.

Main Outcome Measure

Patient reported functional outcome.

Results

Stretched penile length increased 2.3 cm after 6 months of traction therapy. A revision surgery enabled the placement of a prosthesis that was 20% longer in length (15 cm to 18 cm), and erect penile length increased by 4.4 cm. The patient reported that the new prosthesis enabled satisfactory maintenance of partner penetration.

Conclusions

This case suggests that the use of a penile traction device increases penile corporal length, and thus the length of a penile prosthesis that can be implanted in a patient with an unsatisfactory prosthesis already in place. Importantly, this patient experienced a substantial improvement in erect penile length after surgery. It is unknown whether these results are generalizable, either to all patients with a previously placed prosthesis or pre-prosthesis patients, representing an opportunity for further investigation.
Stability of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Solutions After Phosphate Addition: An Experimental Study
Authors: Santiago Maria José , López‐Herce Jesús , Muñoz Rafael , del Castillo Jimena , Urbano Javier , Solana Maria José , Botrán Marta
Published: November 2010

The incidence of hypophosphatemia is high in critically ill children on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and the addition of phosphate supplements to the replacement and dialysis fluids reduces the frequency of hypophosphatemia. The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro stability of the CRRT solutions after phosphate addition. Three different concentrations of phosphate, 2.5, 4.6 and 7.7 mg/dL, in the replacement and dialysis fluids were analyzed. The pH, glucose, total calcium, phosphate, and magnesium were determined before adding the phosphate and at 2, 24, and 48 h after its addition. The bags were macroscopically observed for possible precipitation. After addition of the phosphate, its concentration remained stable and there were no significant changes in the concentrations of the other components. There were no visible signs of precipitation up to 48 h. The addition of phosphate to the CRRT fluids at concentrations of up to 7.7 mg/dL does not cause problems with precipitation or instability of the mixture.
The role of SAP and SLAM family molecules in the humoral immune response
Authors: Ma Cindy S. , Deenick Elissa K.
Published: November 2010

Effective B cell–mediated immunity, including the formation of germinal centers and the generation of high‐affinity memory B cells and long‐lived plasma cells, is dependent on CD4+ T cells. Immunodeficiencies that present with defects in the antibody response have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of B cell responses and the provision of T cell help. One such immunodeficiency is X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), which results from mutations in SH2D1A, the gene encoding SLAM‐associated protein (SAP). Patients with XLP present with humoral defects characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia. We now know that SAP, through its signaling downstream of multiple members of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family of cell surface receptors, plays a crucial role in many aspects of this immune response. Here, we discuss the role of SAP in the generation of humoral immunity, particularly T cell–dependent antibody responses and the generation of germinal centers.
Life‐threatening infectious diseases of childhood: single‐gene inborn errors of immunity?
Authors: Alcaïs Alexandre , Quintana‐Murci Lluis , Thaler David S. , Schurr Erwin , Abel Laurent , Casanova Jean‐Laurent
Published: November 2010

The hypothesis that inborn errors of immunity underlie infectious diseases is gaining experimental support. However, the apparent modes of inheritance of predisposition or resistance differ considerably among diseases and among studies. A coherent genetic architecture of infectious diseases is lacking. We suggest here that life‐threatening infectious diseases in childhood, occurring in the course of primary infection, result mostly from individually rare but collectively diverse single‐gene variations of variable clinical penetrance, whereas the genetic component of predisposition to secondary or reactivation infections in adults is more complex. This model is consistent with (i) the high incidence of most infectious diseases in early childhood, followed by a steady decline; (ii) theoretical modeling of the impact of monogenic or polygenic predisposition on the incidence distribution of infectious diseases before reproductive age; (iii) available molecular evidence from both monogenic and complex genetics of infectious diseases in children and adults; (iv) current knowledge of immunity to primary and secondary or latent infections; (v) the state of the art in the clinical genetics of noninfectious pediatric and adult diseases; and (vi) evolutionary data for the genes underlying single‐gene and complex disease risk. With the recent advent of new‐generation deep resequencing, this model of single‐gene variations underlying severe pediatric infectious diseases is experimentally testable.
The genetics of type 2 diabetes: what have we learned from GWAS?
Authors: Billings Liana K. , Florez Jose C.
Published: November 2010

Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been at the forefront of human diseases and phenotypes studied by new genetic analyses. Thanks to genome‐wide association studies, we have made substantial progress in elucidating the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes. This review summarizes the concept, history, and recent discoveries produced by genome‐wide association studies for type 2 diabetes and glycemic traits, with a focus on the key notions we have gleaned from these efforts. Genome‐wide association findings have illustrated novel pathways, pointed toward fundamental biology, confirmed prior epidemiological observations, drawn attention to the role of β‐cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, explained ∼10% of disease heritability, tempered our expectations with regard to their use in clinical prediction, and provided possible targets for pharmacotherapy and pharmacogenetic clinical trials. We can apply these lessons to future investigation so as to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes.
Fluoroscopic stent placement for the relief of malignant urethral obstruction in a cat
Authors: Christensen NI , Culvenor J , Langova V
Published: November 2010

The clinical features and interventional therapy in the case of a female cat with urinary tract obstruction secondary to neoplasia are presented. This form of neoplasia in cats is rare and therapeutic intervention to relieve urinary tract obstruction caused by malignancy has been described only once. This is the first report of a self‐expandable metallic stent placed in a feline urethra to relieve obstruction caused by malignancy and the first report of the use of a unique composite metallic stent (Platinol™) in a cat. In conclusion, the palliative stenting of the feline urethra may be a valid therapeutic intervention for malignancies. Further studies are required to determine the optimal size and type of stent that will provide the greatest benefit.
Use of pressor therapy in 34 hypotensive critically ill neonatal foals
Authors: Dickey EJ , McKenzie III HC , Johnson A , Furr MO
Published: November 2010

Background  Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is used in human medicine in the management of vasodilatory shock and cardiac arrest, but it is not widely used in equine neonatal intensive care because of concerns about potential side effects and suboptimal efficacy. This retrospective study reports the clinical use of AVP and norepinephrine (NE) in foals with refractory hypotension.

Objectives  To report the cardiovascular responses and fluid balance in critically ill, hypotensive foals receiving either NE or AVP.

Design  The medical records of neonatal foals (<7 days of age) from 2000 to 2007 admitted to the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center were reviewed.

Results  The use of exogenous AVP infusion was associated with a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and urinary output, and a significant decrease in heart rate. NE administration was also associated with a significant increase in MAP.

Conclusions  The findings of this first report of the clinical treatment of foals with refractory hypotension support the use of AVP and NE.
Upregulated mRNA expression of major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related gene A in colon and activated natural killer cells of Chinese patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: GE Liu Qing , JIANG Ting , ZHAO Jie , CHEN Zhi Tao , ZHOU Feng , XIA Bing
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE:  To explore the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related gene A (MICA) and its ligand in colonic mucosa and the role of MICA‐natural killer (NK) group 2D (NKG2D) interaction in activating NK cells in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.

METHODS:  Intestinal mucosal biopsies were obtained from patients with UC and the controls. The expression of major histocompatibility complex class I‐related gene (MIC) genes was determined by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and the imaging of MICA expressed on colonic mucosa was measured by confocal microscopy resonance scanning. NKG2D and intracellular interferon (IFN)‐γ expressions on NK cells were assayed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS:  The relative amount of MICA mRNA in the colonic mucosa of UC patients was significantly higher than in that of the controls (3.5408 ± 2.6658 vs 1.0477 ± 0.7201, P = 0.001), as were the major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related gene B (MICB) (8.9879 ± 3.2893 vs 4.6293 ± 1.2616, P < 0.001) and NKG2D mRNA expression (2.4395 ± 0.8147 vs 1.1624 ± 0.3954, P < 0.001). Confocal microscopy resonance scanning had shown that MICA was localized predominantly on the basolateral membranes of the epithelium. Further flow cytometry confirmed that the percentage of IFN‐γ producer NK cells that expressed NKG2D in peripheral blood lymphocytes was higher in UC patients than in the healthy controls (45.36% ± 12.47% vs 27.45% ± 9.30%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:  MICA, MICB and NKG2D were upregulated in the colonic mucosa of UC and were associated with activating NK cells with promoted NKG2D and IFN‐γ production.
The Dose Proportionality of Telcagepant after Administration of Single Oral and Intravenous Doses in Healthy Adult Subjects
Authors: Han Tae H. , Blanchard Rebecca L. , Palcza John , Martucci Ashley , Miller‐Stein Cynthia M. , Gutierrez Maria , Panebianco Deborah , Rippley Ronda K. , Lines Christopher , Murphy M. Gail
Published: November 2010

Introduction.  Telcagepant (MK‐0974) is a novel, orally active and selective CGRP receptor antagonist being investigated for acute treatment of migraine. Early clinical data suggested greater than dose proportional increases in exposure following oral administration. The aim of the present studies was to definitively characterize the oral and IV dose proportionality of telcagepant.

Methods.  Healthy adult subjects were enrolled in two separate open‐label randomized dose proportionality studies: 1) single oral dose crossover from 50 to 600 mg (N = 19); 2) single IV dose parallel group from 5 to 250 mg (N = 10 per dose). Blood samples were collected at time points from 0 to 48 hours postdose.

Results.  Telcagepant was rapidly absorbed with a Tmax of approximately 1 to 2 hours after oral administration. The terminal half‐life was approximately 8 to 9 hours after IV dosing and approximately 4 to 7 hours after oral dosing. Oral administration of telcagepant resulted in greater than dose proportional increases in exposure, while IV administration resulted in approximately dose proportional increases in exposure.

Conclusions.  Telcagepant was generally well tolerated. Oral telcagepant exhibits non‐linear pharmacokinetics.
Juvenile psammomatoid cemeto‐ossifying fibroma: Two cases
Authors: Seo Ja Hee , Han Doo Hee , Rhee Chae‐Seo , Park Sung‐Hye
Published: November 2010

Juvenile ossifying fibroma is a variant of ossifying fibroma, commonly involving sinunasal tract of children. It is an aggressive condition that leads to the destruction of adjacent structures. Distinction from other fibro‐osseous lesions is important. Juvenile ossifying fibroma has two histologic subtypes that are psammomatous and trabecular type. We present herein two cases of juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma occuring in a 22 month old and a 5 year old child, which arose in the bilateral maxillary sinuses and led to bulging of the cheek and nasal obstruction. The tumor in case 1 could not be completely excised due to its huge size and massive destruction of the bilateral maxilla. The tumor in case 2 was completely excised through staged operations. Tumors in both cases were diagnosed as juvenile pammomatoid cement‐ossifying fibroma by the histology. Here, we report two cases from Korea and describe psammomatoid morphology and how to differentiate it from other fibro‐osseous lesions.
Impact of a care pathway in acute pancreatitis: Table 1
Authors: McCallum Iain J D , Hicks Gareth J , Attwood Stephen , Seymour Keith
Published: November 2010

Background

Previous studies have shown that accurate process of care predicts quality of care. Few examples currently exist for process of care for the acute surgical patient. A recent region wide audit had identified good outcomes for patients with acute pancreatitis at our institution but aspects of care that could be improved.

Methods

For this re-audit, a simple written care pathway for the management of those presenting with acute pancreatitis was introduced in our institution from February to July 2009. The audit standards were set against the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines for management of acute pancreatitis and were compared with the previous region wide audit.

Results

Marked improvements were noted in the rates of abdominal imaging achieved within 24 h of diagnosis (35.2% vs 47.7%), severity stratification within 48 h of diagnosis (28.7% vs 75%), critical care admission for those classified as severe (39.3% vs 63.6%) and definitive treatment during index admission (22.2% vs 38.5%). Survival rates were 100% for this audit cycle and 95% for all patients within the region wide audit. Despite these improvements, care still does not reach the standards set out by BSG.

Conclusion

Predefined processes of care may help to recognise those developing or likely to develop severe pancreatitis, ensure accurate documentation of severity, expedite critical care review and/or admission, and help to encourage the timely management of those with a treatable underlying cause of their pancreatitis.
Predicting what can go wrong at endoscopic ultrasound: a large series experience
Authors: Kalaitzakis Evangelos , Varytimiadis Konstantinos , Meenan John
Published: November 2010

Objective

Although prior studies have evaluated complications following endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), data on the incidence of unplanned events at EUS, defined as any deviation from the preprocedure plan, are lacking. The aim of this study was to define the incidence, nature, clinical predictors and implications of unplanned events at EUS.

Design

Case control study.

Setting

Tertiary referral centre.

Patients

4624 consecutive patients undergoing EUS during a 6 year period were enrolled. For each patient with an unplanned event, two patients with a successful EUS in the same calendar year were randomly selected as controls.

Main outcome measurements

Unplanned events occurring prior to, during or after EUS procedures were prospectively recorded in a database.

Results

192/4624 patients had an unplanned event (4.1%). In all, 2.1% had a failed procedure for anatomical reasons, 1.3% because of restlessness despite standard sedation and 0.5% for technical reasons. Adverse events occurred in 0.2%. There was no mortality but 4/6 patients with adverse events had to be admitted to hospital (2/4 operated). Eighty-two per cent of patients with an unplanned event had incomplete examinations, 14% had no procedure performed and 4% had complete procedures. In a multivariate analysis, only Afro-Caribbean patient origin, inpatient procedure and cancer staging procedure were independently related to unplanned events (p<0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Unplanned events at EUS are mainly due to anatomical reasons and restlessness, despite sedation. They commonly result in incomplete examination and are related to Afro-Caribbean origin, inpatient procedure and cancer staging.
Development and roll out of the JETS e-portfolio: a web based electronic portfolio for endoscopists
Authors: Mehta T , Dowler K , McKaig B C , Valori R M , Dunckley P
Published: November 2010

The JAG Endoscopy Training System (JETS) e-portfolio was designed to provide an electronic log of endoscopic experience, improve the effectiveness of training, streamline the JAG certification process and support the quality assurance of trainers, units and regional training programmes. It was piloted in 2008 with an 82.6% uptake in trainees offered the system. The system was released in the UK in September 2009. Steady adoption across the UK demonstrates the service finds it a valuable tool. In time it will be the only vehicle through which a trainee can achieve certification through JAG to practise independently.
Analysis of the IgVH genes in T cell-mediated and antibody-mediated rejection of the kidney graft
Authors: Bellan Cristiana , Amato Teresa , Carmellini Mario , Onorati Monica , D'Amuri Alessandro , Leoncini Lorenzo , del Vecchio Maria Teresa
Published: November 2010

Aims

Grafts have been shown to be sites where the alloimmune response develops in a direct interaction between the targeted tissue and the immune effectors. An important issue in renal rejection is B cell infiltrate that may contribute to the development or persistence of rejection. Analysis of gene-expression patterns also provides a window on the biology and pathogenesis of renal allograft rejection.

Methods

To better understand the role exerted by B cells in a renal acute rejection, the authors analysed the IgVH gene repertoire in six cases of transplanted kidneys with acute T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), three of which were associated with antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR).

Results

The authors found mutated and unmutated sequences, without any evidence of clonal relationships, in all patients with TCMR alone and in two of the three cases with both acute TCMR and ABMR. The remaining patient showed glomerular inflammation and thrombosis, with diffuse C4d glomerular and peritubular capillary deposition, and hypermutated V region genes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that there is more than one pathway to the onset and perpetuation of CD20 (+) B cells infiltration in acute rejection; furthermore, the CD20 (+) B cells' clonal expansion may be responsible for a more severe pattern of ABMR, through immune-mediated tissue damage.
Conservative management of screen-detected radial scars: role of mammotome excision
Authors: Rajan Sabrina , Wason Anne-Marie , Carder Pauline J
Published: November 2010

Aims

Traditionally, a core biopsy diagnosis of radial scar will prompt diagnostic surgery because of the risk of associated malignancy. However, in the absence of atypia, the risk of malignancy is low. The recent introduction of the mammotome device facilitates vacuum-assisted large-volume sampling of a lesion, such that a benign diagnosis may be accepted more confidently, and if the lesion has been entirely removed, it effectively becomes a therapeutic procedure. The aim of this study was to review the role of mammotome excision in the management of non-atypical radial scars in the screening population.

Methods

Screen-detected radial scars diagnosed on core biopsy between July 2004 and September 2008 were identified from pathology records. From January 2006, the mammotome device was used to excise non-atypical radial scars on core biopsy, as an alternative to surgery.

Results

22 core biopsy samples containing radial scars without atypia were included in the study; 14 were planned for mammotome excision and eight for diagnostic surgical excision. In the mammotome group, 78% (11/14) of patients had confirmation of non-atypical radial scars and thus avoided an operation. Three of the 14 cases planned for mammotome excision required surgery; in one case, the mammotome cores contained lobular in situ neoplasia, and, in two cases, attempts to sample the lesion with the mammotome were unsuccessful. Only one of the 22 cases ultimately proved malignant. This was a case of ductal carcinoma in situ arising within a radial scar, where the patient proceeded straight to surgery in view of discordance between radiological and pathological features.

Conclusion

Utilisation of mammotome excision in the management of non-atypical radial scars successfully avoided surgery in 78% of eligible patients. Pathologists have an important role in selecting patients for mammotome excision by excluding the presence of atypia.
NOVEL METHOD FOR CANCER CELL APOPTOSIS BY LOCALIZED UV LIGHT WITH GOLD NANOSTRUCTURES: A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: SASANPOUR PEZHMAN , RASHIDIAN BABAK , RASHIDIAN BIZHAN , VOSSOUGHI MANOUCHEHR
Published: November 2010

A novel approach for phototherapy is proposed. The proposed method is based on cell apoptosis according to halting activation of cancer cell membrane receptor by exposure to UV light pulses without any side effect. In the proposed method, gold nanoparticles are directed to cancerous cells by conjugating their surface with specific ligands. UV light is created locally adjacent to cells around the gold nanoparticles. UV light is generated due to nonlinear interaction of visible light with gold nanoparticles because of enhancement in third order nonlinear effects. For example, by using 780 nm laser, 260 nm UV will be generated around the nanoparticle because of third harmonic generation process. As the generated UV is localized around the cell, there will be no side effect for other cells. We have numerically analyzed the proposed method by solving Maxwell's equation considering third order nonlinear susceptibility and dispersion behavior of permittivity by 3D nonlinear finite difference time domain using Newton–Raphson method. Simulation results for different geometries show that UV light will be generated around gold nanoparticle and it is maximum in hot spots where electric field enhancement occurs. Simulation results illustrate that there is neither UV irradiation side effect to healthy cells, nor harmful temperature rise.
INFLUENCE OF Co DOPING ON STRUCTURAL, OPTICAL AND MAGNETIC STUDIES OF Co-DOPED CeO2 NANOPARTICLES
Authors: KUMAR SHALENDRA , KOO B. H. , SHARMA S. K. , KNOBEL M. , LEE C. G.
Published: November 2010

We have used the co-precipitation technique to synthesize nanocrystalline Co -doped CeO2 dilute magnetic semiconductors with Co concentrations ranging from 0.0–0.07. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) demonstrate that all the samples display single phase cubic structure without any impurity phase. Average particle sizes calculated from XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed a gradual decrease with increase in Co ions concentration. UV–visible optical spectroscopy measurements reflect an energy band gap, which decreases with the increasing concentration of dopant (x ≤ 0.03). Raman spectra show an intensity loss of classical CeO2 vibration modes, which is an indication of considerable structural modifications and disorder in CeO2 lattice. Magnetic measurements revealed that all the samples exhibit a weak ferromagnetism at room temperature.
FLUORESCENCE STUDY OF CdSe QUANTUM DOTS SUSPENDED IN LIQUID PARAFFIN
Authors: DEY S. C. , DAS R. , NATH S. S. , BHATTACHERJEE R.
Published: November 2010

Here we report a safer, easier, and quicker chemical route for synthesis of CdSe quantum dots (QDs), followed by their characterizations by UV/vis Spectroscopy (UV/vis), X-ray diffraction study (XRD), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and fluorescence (FL) spectroscopy. The average size of the quantum dots is 7.5 nm. Fluorescence study reveals that CdSe quantum dots emit green light when excited by optical source of wavelength of 550 nm or less.
Creation and Control of Spin Current in Solids
Authors: Takanashi Koki
Published: November 2010

Research on the flow of spin, i.e., spin current, has been attracting much attention along with the recent developments in spintronics research. Spin current is a fundamental concept in the transformation and control of various physical signals related to spin. Understanding spin current means the clarification of the mechanisms underlying the transformation and control of various physical signals, which is expected to result in further progress in spintronics research, the discovery of new physical phenomena, and the development of new devices. In this report, the concept of spin current and its historical background are first explained, and then the current status and future prospects of the research on spin current are overviewed by discussing its creation, physical properties and functions, as well as its application to devices.
Method of Low-Temperature Conversion of Pehydropolysilazane into Amorphous SiOx in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Jung Sung-Ho , Lee Jae-Seo , Oh Jung-Hun , Moon Sung-Woon , Kim Sam-Dong
Published: November 2010

We investigated low-temperature SiO
x
conversion methods for the spin-coated perhydropolysilazane (a diluted dibutyl-ether solution) films prepared on (100) Si substrates under different curing schemes. From the Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and refractive index (RI) measurements, conversion to high-density SiO
x
was observed for the curing methods of dipping the coatings into various aqueous solutions such as H2O2, NH4OH, and deionized water with or without 405-nm ultraviolet irradiation at near room temperature. The SiO
x
films cured in H2O2 solution at 80 °C for 10 min exhibited a high conversion efficiency for the SiO
x
network, as observed from FTIR spectra, RI measurement (∼1.46), O/Si stoichiometry (∼1.5), surface smoothness (roughness <1.1 nm), and mechanical property (nanoindenter elastic modulus ≃42 GPa), which are comparable to those of the conventional chemical-vapor-deposited SiO
x
films.
Structural Investigation of Hybrid Organic Photovoltaic Devices with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kim Kyung Min , Lee Keun Woo , Moujoud Abderrafia , Oh Sang Hoon , Heo Kon Yi , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: November 2010

In this work, we investigated the effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the device performance of organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) according to the location of the added SWNTs. When SWNTs were incorporated in OPVs, we found that the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of OPVs depended on the device structure, resulting in improved PCE of 1.89% in SWNTs network layer cell (SNC) at 0.5 wt % SWNTs (37% increase) and 1.57% in SWNTs doped cell (SDC) at 0.25 wt % SWNTs (14% increase) compared to that of 1.38% in the reference device. We concluded that superior performance of SNC was due to more efficient carrier extracting and improved transport behaviors by suppressing the recombination losses without disturbing the intimate conformations of photoactive materials.
Numerical Analysis of Random Lasing Properties of a Waveguide Defect within a Random Structure
Authors: Fujiwara Hideki , Ikeda Takumi , Sasaki Keiji
Published: November 2010

We numerically examined the random lasing properties of a waveguide embedded in randomly distributed dielectric cylinders by employing a two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method including rate equations. From the numerical results, we confirmed that, by optimizing the structure conditions, laser oscillations can be primarily induced in the long-lived modes bound in the waveguide and waveguide defects play important roles in manipulating the lasing properties of internal long-lived modes as well as the directional outputs via the waveguide in a random structure, even when multimode lasing occurs as a result of a high pumping rate.
Thin Film Solar Cells Prepared on Low Thermal Budget Polycrystalline Silicon Seed Layers
Authors: Jaeger Christian , Matsui Takuya , Takeuchi Masayoshi , Karasawa Minoru , Kondo Michio , Stutzmann Martin
Published: November 2010

In this work, we present data from solar cells with Si grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition as the absorber material prepared on polycrystalline silicon seed layers. For the seed layer preparation, the reverse aluminum-induced layer exchange (R-ALILE) process is used. In contrast to the conventional ALILE process, the R-ALILE results in a smooth top surface of the polycrystalline silicon and to the automatic formation of an Al-back contact, which both are beneficial for solar cell preparation. We found that the proper treatment of the seed layers prior to the absorber layer deposition is crucial for a good solar cell performance. Here, we investigated different wet chemical methods (HF-solution, Al-etch) and the influence of an H2-plasma treatment. Furthermore, we studied the influence of an additional Ag/indium tin oxide (ITO)-back contact on the solar cell performance. We find that solar cell efficiencies over 5% can be obtained using the presented seed layer concept. The results obtained in this work can help to improve the epitaxial overgrowth of seed layers.
Retinal Oximetry with 510–600 nm Light Based on Partial Least-Squares Regression Technique
Authors: Arimoto Hidenobu , Furukawa Hiromitsu
Published: November 2010

The oxygen saturation distribution in the retinal blood stream is estimated by measuring spectral images and adopting the partial-least squares regression. The wavelengths range used for the calculation is from 510 to 600 nm. The regression model for estimating the retinal oxygen saturation is built on the basis of the arterial and venous blood spectra. The experiment is performed using an originally designed spectral ophthalmoscope. The obtained two-dimensional (2D) oxygen saturation indicates the reasonable oxygen level across the retina. The measurement quality is compared with those obtained using other wavelengths sets and data processing methods.
Multiple Optical Traps with a Single-Beam Optical Tweezer Utilizing Surface Micromachined Planar Curved Grating
Authors: Kuo Ju-Nan , Chen Kuan-Yu
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we present a single-beam optical tweezer integrated with a planar curved diffraction grating for microbead manipulation. Various curvatures of the surface micromachined planar curved grating are systematically investigated. The planar curved grating was fabricated using multiuser micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) processes (MUMPs). The angular separation and the number of diffracted orders were determined. Experimental results indicate that the diffraction patterns and curvature of the planar curved grating are closely related. As the curvature of the planar curved grating increases, the vertical diffraction angle increases, resulting in the strip patterns of the planar curved grating. A single-beam optical tweezer integrated with a planar curved diffraction grating was developed. We demonstrate a technique for creating multiple optical traps from a single laser beam using the developed planar curved grating. The strip patterns of the planar curved grating that resulted from diffraction were used to trap one row of polystyrene beads.
Time Dependent Electric Fields Generated DC Currents in a Large Gate-Defined Open Dot
Authors: Liu Kai-Ming , Umansky Vladimir , Hsu Shih-Ying
Published: November 2010

We present the study of DC currents of an open dot generated from two time dependent electric fields in the absence of external bias. Two electrical setups were applied. In one configuration, two fast oscillating voltages were applied on two side gates; in the other, one of the oscillating biases was directly applied to the source lead. The DC current as a function of frequency, coupling strength, and magnetic field was investigated. The current is sinusoidally dependent with the phase shift and bilinearly dependent with the excitation voltage for both configurations. However, the current as a function of frequency, coupling strength, and magnetic fields behaves differently in these two setups. The results indicate that the currents generated in different setups originate from different mechanisms, and moreover, not from any classical circuitry effect.
Strain-Controlled Laterally Diffused Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Transistor Utilizing Buried-Polysilicon Sinker as Stressor
Authors: Miyamoto Masafumi , Sugii Nobuyuki , Kumagai Yukihiro , Kimura Yoshinobu
Published: November 2010

We have developed a new laterally diffused metal–oxide–semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor, which is designed from the viewpoint of mechanical stress to reduce on-state resistance. A critically low resistance substrate has been developed to reduce the resistance from the surface source to the backside of the transistor, avoiding compressive stress due to high boron doping in the substrate. A buried-polysilicon sinker is utilized to apply tensile stress to the channel and the offset-drain region. The polysilicon sinker is deposited as amorphous silicon and crystallized through a thermal process after deposition. The existing mechanical stress distribution is confirmed by two-dimensional UV-Raman spectroscopy. The transconductance of the LDMOS transistor is increased by 12% owing to the tensile stress and the total on-state resistance is reduced by 16% owing to the channel and source resistance reduction, which directly leads to a higher efficiency of analog power circuits.
New Compact and Time-Efficient Reliability Physics Model for p-Type Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Sheu Chorng-Jye
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we present a new compact and time-efficient reliability physics model of drain, substrate, and gate currents for p-type metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (pMOSFETs). The pre-stress drain current and channel electric field are first calculated, and the spatial distribution of electron temperature along the channel is then derived using a simplified energy balance equation. Having calculated the nonlocal impact ionization coefficient and electron temperature, and modified the lucky-electron concept, the nonlocal electron substrate and gate currents can be derived. We use an oxide-trapping mechanism for calculating the spatial distribution of oxide-trapping charges, which are substituted into the damaged pMOSFETs drain current model; then we can model the hot-carrier-damaged drain current. This model is a time-saving computer-aided-design (CAD) model and is physics transparent for pMOSFETs.