bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Doppler in a Hispanic–Mestizo population with neurological diseases: a study of sonographic window and its determinants
Authors: Brunser Alejandro M. , Silva Claudio , Cárcamo Daniel , Muñoz Paula , Hoppe Arnold , Olavarría Verónica V. , Díaz Violeta , Abarca Juan
Published: April 2012

Between 5% and 37% of patients are not suitable for transtemporal insonation with transcranial Doppler (TCD). This unsuitability is particularly frequent in elderly females and non‐Caucasians. We aim to evaluate TCD efficiency in a mixed Hispanic population in Santiago, Chile and to determine whether factors associated with the presence of optimal windows depend exclusively on patient‐related elements. Seven hundred forty‐nine patients were evaluated with power mode TCD. Optimal temporal windows (TWs) included detection of the middle, anterior, posterior cerebral arteries and terminal carotid. The patient's age and sex, the location of the examination, the time of day, whether the test was conducted on weekends and whether mechanical ventilation was used were recorded. Percentages of optimal windows were calculated. Examinations were deemed ideal if both TWs were optimal. TWs were obtained in 82% of cases. In univariate analyses, male sex (P < 0.001), an age below 60 years (P < 0.0001) and mechanical ventilation (P= 0.04) correlated with ideal TWs. Using logistic regression where dependent variable was a non‐ideal window only male sex odds ratio (OR) 2.3 (1.51–3.45) and age below 60 OR 13.8 (7.8–24.6) were statistically significant. Our findings indicate that Hispanic populations have detection rates for TWs similar to Europeans and are affected by patient‐related elements.
Benjamin Alcock (1801–?) and his canal
Authors: Oelhafen Kim , Shayota Brian J. , Muhleman Mitchel , Klaassen Zachary , Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios
Published: April 2012

Benjamin Alcock (1801–?) was a prominent anatomist from Ireland who is remembered most for his description of the pudendal canal. He was privileged to train under the great Irish anatomist, Abraham Colles. Following his training and several early teaching engagements, he was appointed as the first Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at Queen's College, Cork. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. After several years of teaching at Queen's College, Alcock was forced to resign after a dispute over the Anatomy Act of 1832, during which he conveyed his disapproval of participation in the procurement of corpses for the school. Several years after his resignation, he left for the United States and removed himself from the view of the profession. His anatomical contributions were published in The Cyclopaedia of Anatomy and Physiology. The description he gave of the sheath enclosing the pudendal nerve and internal pudendal vessels is his most famous contribution to the literature. He is remembered eponymously for Alcock's canal. This article's intent is to clearly and concisely depict the life and contribution of Benjamin Alcock. Clin. Anat. 26:662–666, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new reduced reaction mechanism of a surrogate fuel for kerosene
Authors: Zeng Wen , Liu Jing‐chen , Chen Xiao‐Xiao , Ma Hong‐An
Published: April 2012

The introduction of detailed chemical reaction mechanisms for aviation fuels into complex multidimensional fluid dynamics problems is not practical at the present time. Simplified reaction mechanisms that have been thoroughly evaluated must be developed to address specific issues arising in realistic combustor configurations. A reduced chemical kinetic mechanism features 210 elemental reactions (including 92 reversible reactions and 26 irreversible reactions) and 50 species for the ignition and combustion of n‐decane was compiled and validated for a wide range of combustion regimes. Validations were performed using experimental measurements on a premixed flame of Jet‐A1, O2 and N2, stabilised at 1 atm on a flat‐flame burner, as well as from n‐decane shock‐tube ignition experiments. Numerical calculations were performed using this reduced mechanism and the detailed mechanism respectively for n‐decane surrogate fuel. The calculated values of ignition delay times at pressures of 12, 50 bar and equivalence ratio is 1.0, 2.0, respectively and the main reactants and main products mole fractions agree well with experimental data. The present study shows that this reduced mechanism for the n‐decane surrogate can be employed to predict premixed combustion of kerosene. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Lipoprotein(a), Interleukin‐10, C‐Reactive Protein, and 8‐Year Outcome After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kardys Isabella , Oemrawsingh Rohit M. , Kay I. Patrick , Jones Gregory T. , McCormick Sally P.A. , Daemen Joost , Van Geuns Robert Jan , Boersma Eric , Van Domburg Ron T. , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: April 2012

Background:

This prospective study investigated the association between preprocedural biomarker levels and incident major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in complex patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with sirolimus‐eluting stenting.

Hypothesis:

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP) have long‐term prognostic value in patients undergoing PCI.

Methods:

Between April 2002 and February 2003, 161 patients were included in the study. Blood was drawn before the procedure, and biomarkers were measured. Patients were followed‐up for MACE (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization). Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine risk of MACE for tertiles of biomarkers. Both 1‐year and long‐term follow‐up (median, 6 years; maximum, 8 years) were evaluated.

Results:

Mean age was 59 years, and 68% were men. During long‐term follow‐up, 72 MACE occurred (overall crude cumulative incidence: 45% [95% confidence interval (CI): 37%‐52%]). Lp(a) was associated with a higher 1‐year risk of MACE, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 3.1 (95% CI: 1.1‐8.6) for the highest vs the lowest tertile. This association weakened and lost significance with long‐term follow‐up. IL‐10 showed a tendency toward an association with MACE. The 1‐year HR was 2.1 (95% CI: 0.92‐5.0). Long‐term follow‐up rendered a similar result. The association of CRP with MACE did not reach statistical significance at 1‐year follow‐up. However, CRP was associated with long‐term risk of MACE, with an HR of 1.9 (95% CI: 1.0‐3.5).

Conclusions:

In this prospective study, preprocedural Lp(a) level was associated with short‐term prognosis after PCI. The preprocedural CRP level was associated with long‐term prognosis after PCI. Clin. Cardiol. 2012 DOI: 10.1002/clc.21988

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Adaptation to larval crowding in Drosophila ananassae leads to the evolution of population stability
Authors: Dey Snigdhadip , Bose Joy , Joshi Amitabh
Published: April 2012

Density‐dependent selection is expected to lead to population stability, especially if r and K tradeoff. Yet, there is no empirical evidence of adaptation to crowding leading to the evolution of stability. We show that populations of Drosophila ananassae selected for adaptation to larval crowding have higher K and lower r, and evolve greater stability than controls. We also show that increased population growth rates at high density can enhance stability, even in the absence of a decrease in r, by ensuring that the crowding adapted populations do not fall to very low sizes. We discuss our results in the context of traits known to have diverged between the selected and control populations, and compare our results with previous work on the evolution of stability in D. melanogaster. Overall, our results suggest that density‐dependent selection may be an important factor promoting the evolution of relatively stable dynamics in natural populations.
Fine scale relationships between sex, life history, and dispersal of masu salmon
Authors: Kitanishi Shigeru , Yamamoto Toshiaki , Koizumi Itsuro , Dunham Jason B. , Higashi Seigo
Published: April 2012

Identifying the patterns and processes driving dispersal is critical for understanding population structure and dynamics. In many organisms, sex‐biased dispersal is related to the type of mating system. Considerably, less is known about the influence of life‐history variability on dispersal. Here we investigated patterns of dispersal in masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) to evaluate influences of sex and life history on dispersal. As expected, assignment tests and isolation by distance analysis revealed that dispersal of marine‐migratory masu salmon was male‐biased. However, dispersal of resident and migratory males did not follow our expectation and marine‐migratory individuals dispersed more than residents. This may be because direct competition between marine‐migratory and resident males is weak or that the cost of dispersal is smaller for marine‐migratory individuals. This study revealed that both sex and migratory life‐history influence patterns of dispersal at a local scale in masu salmon.
Circulating specific antibodies enhance systemic cross‐priming by delivery of complexed antigen to dendritic cells in vivo
Authors: van Montfoort Nadine , Mangsbo Sara M. , Camps Marcel G. M. , van Maren Wendy W. C. , Verhaart Ingrid E. C. , Waisman Ari , Drijfhout Jan Wouter , Melief Cornelis J. M. , Verbeek J. Sjef , Ossendorp Ferry
Published: April 2012

Increasing evidence suggests that antibodies can have stimulatory effects on T‐cell immunity. However, the contribution of circulating antigen‐specific antibodies on MHC class I cross‐priming in vivo has not been conclusively established. Here, we defined the role of circulating antibodies in cross‐presentation of antigen to CD8+ T cells. Mice with hapten‐specific circulating antibodies, but naϊve for the T‐cell antigen, were infused with haptenated antigen and CD8+ T‐cell induction was measured. Mice with circulating hapten‐specific antibodies showed significantly enhanced cross‐presentation of the injected antigen compared with mice that lacked these antibodies. The enhanced cross‐presentation in mice with circulating antigen‐specific antibodies was associated with improved antigen capture by APCs. Importantly, CD11c+ APCs were responsible for the enhanced and sustained cross‐presentation, although CD11c− APCs had initially captured a significant amount of the injected antigen. Thus, in vivo formation of antigen‐antibody immune complexes improves MHC class I cross‐presentation, and CD8+ T‐cell activation, demonstrating that humoral immunity can aid the initiation of systemic cellular immunity. These findings have important implications for the understanding of the action of therapeutic antibodies against tumor‐associated antigens intensively used in the clinic nowadays.
Stable antigen‐specific T‐cell hyporesponsiveness induced by tolerogenic dendritic cells from multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Raϊch‐Regué Dàlia , Grau‐López Laia , Naranjo‐Gómez Mar , Ramo‐Tello Cristina , Pujol‐Borrell Ricardo , Martínez‐Cáceres Eva , Borràs Francesc E.
Published: April 2012

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Current therapies decrease the frequency of relapses and limit, to some extent, but do not prevent disease progression. Hence, new therapeutic approaches that modify the natural course of MSneed to be identified. Tolerance induction to self‐antigens using monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy in autoimmunity. In this work, we sought to generate and characterize tolerogenic MDDCs (tolDCs) from relapsing‐remitting (RR) MSpatients, loaded with myelin peptides as specific antigen, with the aim of developing immunotherapeutics for MS. MDDCs were generated from both healthy‐blood donors and RR‐MSpatients, and MDDCmaturation was induced with a proinflammatory cytokine cocktail in the absence or presence of 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin‐D3, a tolerogenicity‐inducing agent. tolDCs were generated from monocytes of RR‐MSpatients as efficiently as from monocytes of healthy subjects. The RR‐MStolDCs expressed a stable semimature phenotype and an antiinflammatory profile as compared with untreated MDDCs. Importantly, myelin peptide‐loaded tolDCs induced stable antigen‐specific hyporesponsiveness in myelin‐reactive T cells from RR‐MS patients. These results suggest that myelin peptide‐loaded tolDCs may be a powerful tool for inducing myelin‐specific tolerance in RR‐MS patients.
T cells interact with T cells via CD40‐CD154 to promote autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Baker Rocky L. , Mallevaey Thierry , Gapin Laurent , Haskins Kathryn
Published: April 2012

We have investigated the role of CD40 signaling in islet‐reactive, diabetogenic CD4+ Th1 T‐cell clones. Using multispectral flow cytometry, we showed that CD40 and CD154 are co‐expressed and form complexes on the surface of activated T cells. We also demonstrate that activated Tcells can transactivate CD4+CD40+ T cells through the CD40‐CD154 pathway. To investigate the role of CD40 signaling on Th1 cells, we used the diabetogenic clone BDC‐5.2.9 retrovirally transduced with a truncated form of the CD40 molecule to produce a CD40 dominant‐negative T‐cell clone. Upon challenge with antigen in vitro, the production of IFN‐γ by BDC‐5.2.9 CD40DN was greatly reduced and, in vivo, the dominant‐negative variant was unable to induce diabetes. Transduction with the CD40DN vector was also effective in preventing transfer of disease by primary NOD CD4+ T cells. Ex vivo analysis of pancreatic infiltrates after transfer of BDC‐5.2.9 CD40DN cells revealed an overall reduction of cell numbers and cytokine production by both T cells and macrophages. These data indicate that CD40 is an important signaling molecule on autoreactive CD4+ T cells and contributes to their pathogenic effector function.
An additional piece in the puzzle of neutrophil‐derived IL‐1β: The NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Tamassia Nicola , Zimmermann Maili , Cassatella Marco A.
Published: April 2012

The notion that neutrophils play a pivotal role in orchestrating ongoing inflammatory immune responses has been bolstered by several fairly newly described effector mechanisms, particularly their capacity to serve as a source of cytokines. This frequently neglected phenomenon is acquiring more and more credit and, as a result, our understanding of the molecular basis of neutrophil‐derived cytokines has grown tremendously in the past 20 years. It is now clear that cytokine secretion by neutrophils is controlled by sophisticated regulatory mechanisms. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Mankan et al. (Eur. J. Immunol. 42: 710‐715) further extend our knowledge by reappraising the role of the inflammasome pathway, specifically the NLRP3 sensor, in the secretion of mature IL‐1β by murine neutrophils. Accordingly, Mankan et al. (Eur. J. Immunol. 42: 710‐715) identify the neutrophil expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, and by using specific knockout mice, they also show that, in LPS‐primed neutrophils, the NLRP3/ASC/caspase‐1 axis plays a nonredundant role for IL‐1β processing in response to typical NLRP3 inflammasome stimuli.
Mutation analysis of ASXL1, CBL, DNMT3A, IDH1, IDH2, JAK2, MPL, NF1, SF3B1, SUZ12, and TET2 in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Brecqueville Mandy , Rey Jérôme , Bertucci François , Coppin Emilie , Finetti Pascal , Carbuccia Nadine , Cervera Nathalie , Gelsi‐Boyer Véronique , Arnoulet Christine , Gisserot Olivier , Verrot Denis , Slama Borhane , Vey Norbert , Mozziconacci Marie‐Joelle , Birnbaum Daniel , Murati Anne
Published: April 2012

Since the discovery of the JAK2V617F tyrosine kinase‐activating mutation several genes have been found mutated in nonchronic myeloid leukemia (CML) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which mainly comprise three subtypes of “classic” MPNs; polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF). We searched for mutations in ASXL1, CBL, DNMT3A, IDH1, IDH2, JAK2, MPL, NF1, SF3B1, SUZ12, and TET2 genes in 149 non‐CML MPNs, including 127 “classic” MPNs cases. JAK2 was mutated in 100% PV, 66% ET and 68% MF. We found a high incidence of ASXL1 mutation in MF patients (20%) and a low incidence in PV (7%) and ET (4%) patients. Mutations in the other genes were rare (CBL, DNMT3A, IDH2, MPL, SF3B1, SUZ12, NF1) or absent (IDH1). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SNP array analysis of acute promyelocytic leukemia may be of prognostic relevance and identifies a potential high risk group with recurrent deletions on chromosomal subband 1q31.3
Authors: Nowak Daniel , Klaumuenzer Marion , Hanfstein Benjamin , Mossner Maximilian , Nolte Florian , Nowak Verena , Oblaender Julia , Hecht Anna , Hütter Gero , Ogawa Seishi , Kohlmann Alexander , Haferlach Claudia , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Braess Jan , Seifarth Wolfgang , Fabarius Alice , Erben Philipp , Saussele Susanne , Müller Martin C. , Reiter Andreas , Buechner Thomas , Weiss Christel , Hofmann Wolf‐Karsten , Lengfelder Eva
Published: April 2012

To search for new copy number alterations (CNAs) in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), we analyzed DNA from leukemic blasts of 93 acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients with Genome‐Wide SNP 6.0 arrays (SNP‐A). We identified 259 CNAs consisting of 170 heterozygous deletions, 82 amplifications, and 7 regions of copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity. One of the most common CNAs was a deletion on chromosomal subband 1q31.3 in 13 of 93 (14%) patients encompassing the coding regions for the microRNAs mir181a1/b1. In multivariable analysis with the covariates age, white blood cell count, platelet count, and FLT3‐ITD/FLT3 D835 mutations we found that after adjustment for patients' age (P < 0.0001), patients with 2 or more CNAs detected by SNP‐A had a higher risk of death (hazard ratio = 5.942, P = 0.0015) than patients with 0 or 1 CNA. Deletions of 1q31.3 were associated with a higher number of CNAs (median 2 vs. 8, P < 0.0001) and were a strong independent prognostic factor for an increased risk of relapse (hazard ratio = 28.9, P = 0.0031). This study presents a comprehensive assessment of new CNAs as pathomechanistically relevant targets and possible prognostic factors which could refine risk stratification of APL. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Native American Voice in Multicultural Psychology: Finding Healing in an Interpersonal Tapestry
Authors: Robbins Rockey R.
Published: April 2012

The tribal‐cultural milieu in which the author was raised incited awareness that Native American people live in a great tapestry of life where everything and everyone is interconnected. It is an awareness that cannot be taught through lectures or books. It is an awareness of connectedness that Native American people had in early childhood but was trained out of them as they were integrated into Western society.

El entorno tribal‐cultural en el que creció el autor fomentó su conciencia de que el pueblo Americano Nativo vive en un gran tapiz de vida donde todo y todos los humanos están interconectados. Es una conciencia que no puede ser enseñada en clases o libros. Es una conciencia de conexión que los individuos Americanos Nativos tenían durante su infancia temprana, pero fueron adiestrados hasta perderla al ser integrados en la sociedad occidental.
Cultural Validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 Empirical Correlates: Is This the Best We Can Do?
Authors: Hill Jill S. , Robbins Rockey R. , Pace Terry M.
Published: April 2012

This article critically reviews empirical correlates of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI‐2; Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989), based on several validation studies conducted with different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups, and argues for the urgent development of culturally derived measures that would illuminate culturally relevant empirical correlates for use in validating the MMPI‐2.

Este artículo examina críticamente correlatos empíricos del Test de Personalidad Multifásico de Minnesota‐2 (MMPI‐2, por sus siglas en inglés), basándose en varios estudios de validación conducidos con distintos grupos raciales, étnicos y culturales, y razona a favor del desarrollo urgente de medidas derivadas culturalmente que puedan ilustrar correlatos empíricos culturalmente relevantes para su uso en la validación del MMPI‐2.
Correlates and Predictors of Binge Eating Among Native American Women
Authors: Clark Julie Dorton , Winterowd Carrie
Published: April 2012

Among a sample of Native American/American Indian women, this study explored the linear relationship of historical loss, acculturation, racism, and emotional distress to binge‐eating behavior and level of obesity as determined by body mass index. Emotional distress, experiences of racism, and feelings about historical loss were significantly related to binge‐eating behaviors, with emotional distress being the most significant predictor.

Este estudio exploró entre Indios Americanos la relación linear de la pérdida histórica, la aculturación, el racismo y la angustia emocional con el comportamiento de atracones compulsivos y la obesidad, determinada por el índice de masa corporal. La angustia emocional, las experiencias de racismo y los sentimientos de pérdida histórica estuvieron significativamente relacionados con los comportamientos de atracones compulsivos, siendo la angustia emocional el vaticinador más significativo.
Maintenance plasma exchange therapy for steroid‐refractory neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Khatri Bhupendra O. , Kramer John , Dukic Mary , Palencia Mauricio , Verre William
Published: April 2012

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with exacerbations involving the optic nerves, spinal cord, or both. This study explores the utility of maintenance plasma exchange (mTPE) as a therapy in patients with relapsing, corticosteroid‐refractory, NMO. This retrospective case series presents data on patients who were diagnosed with NMO using currently accepted criteria. These patients were refractory to high‐dose corticosteroids and received mTPE. Seven patients met the criteria for NMO diagnosis and all were positive for antibodies against aquaporin‐4. Over a mean of 7.1 years (range, 2–16), these patients received between 21 and 154 TPE treatments (mean, 76). Although treated with mTPE, five out of the seven patients improved by more than one point on the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Interruption in mTPE in five patients resulted in clinical worsening. When mTPE was restarted in three out of the five patients who experienced a cessation of mTPE, these patients either stabilized or improved. The two patients who did not restart the mTPE protocol died. Patients treated with mTPE also experienced a reduction in the number of NMO exacerbations. Finally, stabilization of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was observed while on mTPE. In this preliminary study, mTPE appeared safe and may bring about improvement in disability and sustained stabilization of the clinical course in patients with steroid‐refractory relapsing forms of NMO. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 inhibits human immunodeficiency virus‐1 tat‐induced monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1/CCL2 production by blocking the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 signaling pathway independently of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ and heme oxygenase‐1 in rat hippocampal slices
Authors: Kim Sang Eun , Lee Eun Ok , Yang Ji Hye , Kang Ji Hee Lee , Suh Yoo‐Hun , Chong Young Hae
Published: April 2012

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐induced inflammation, and its consequences within the central nervous system (CNS), must be countered by multiple pharmacologic agents, and 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) may hold promise in the treatment of pathologies associated with this inflammatory response. 15d‐PGJ2 can repress the inflammatory response by means of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ)‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms. However, its precise role and antiinflammatory mechanism in the hippocampus remain poorly understood. In the present study, rat hippocampal slices were stimulated with full‐length HIV‐1 Tat protein to investigate the role of 15d‐PGJ2 8in the hippocampal inflammatory response. Pretreatment of slices with 15d‐PGJ2 markedly reduced Tat‐induced monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1/CCL2) production. Interestingly, the PPARγ antagonist GW9662 did not inhibit action of 15d‐PGJ2, confirming the latter's PPARγ‐independent mechanism of mediating antiinflammatory effects. Despite 15d‐PGJ2's increasing the expression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), its action was not abrogated by the HO‐1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX), nor was it recapitulated by HO‐1 inducers such as cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP). Moreover, short interfering RNA (siRNA)‐directed knockdown of HO‐1 did not abolish the antiinflammatory action of 15d‐PGJ2 against Tat‐induced MCP‐1 production in human microglia‐like THP‐1 cells. Conversely, 15d‐PGJ2 suppressed Tat‐induced ERK1/2 activation, decreasing MCP‐1 production upon Tat stimulation. The NADPH oxidase inhibitors DPI and apocynin also abrogated Tat‐stimulated ERK1/2 activation, reducing MCP‐1 production. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the antiinflammatory effects of 15d‐PGJ2 on the hippocampus are exerted through inhibition of Tat‐mediated ERK1/2 activation, coupled with that of a redox‐sensitive pathway, independent of PPARγ and HO‐1. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Orthotopic model of SHG‐44 in the enhanced green fluorescent protein nude mouse
Authors: Zhou You‐Xin , Chen Xiong‐Hui , Xie Xue‐Shun , Huang Yu‐Lun , Xue Zhi‐Mou , Chen Gui‐Lin , Wang Zhong , Chen Jin‐Ming , Su Zuo‐Peng , Du Zi‐Wei
Published: April 2012

Naturally fluorescent proteins have been widely used in biological research. In this study, we found that the simple and effective way to obtain enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) nude mice is to cross transgenic EGFP C57BL/6J mice with nude (nu/nu) mice. EGFP expression is identified by tail genotyping. Establishment of the orthotopic EGFP nude mouse model used surgical orthotopic implantation. The morphology and human glioma cell markers, such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S‐100, remain unchanged in this mouse model. The tumor blood vessels obtained from the orthotopic model show brilliant EGFP fluorescence as observed by fluorescence microscopy. These findings suggested that this is an ideal mouse model with which to study interaction among host, tumor, and tumor microenvironment; the findings also suggested that the host (EGFP nude mouse) was involved in tumor angiogenesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma combined with allograft bone in the management of displaced intra‐articular calcaneal fractures: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wei Li‐Cheng , Lei Guang‐Hua , Sheng Pu‐yi , Gao Shu‐Guang , Xu Mai , Jiang Wei , Song Yang , Luo Wei
Published: April 2012

To investigate whether platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) when used with allograft bone improves the management outcome of displaced intra‐articular calcaneal fractures. Over a 7‐year period, all displaced type III calcaneal fractures admitted in our department (276 fractures in 254 patients) were randomly divided into three groups according to the plan of management: autograft alone (n = 101), allograft combined with PRP (n = 85), or allograft alone (n = 90). Radiographic imaging and three‐dimensional computed tomography were used to assess the thalamic portion, Bohler's angle, the crucial angle of Gissane, and the height, width and length of the calcaneum. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle‐hind‐foot scoring system was used to evaluate the hind foot function at 12, 24, and 72 months postsurgery. At 12 months no significant difference existed in outcome amongst the treatment groups (p > 0.05). However, at 24 and 72 months the results of the autograft, and the allograft combined with PRP, were similar and both were significantly better than that of the allograft alone (p < 0.05). PRP augmented the favorable outcome of allografts in the management of displaced calcaneal fractures, and matched that of autograft used alone. The findings of this study thus support the clinical use of PRP in conjunction with allograft in the treatment of displaced intra‐articular calcaneal fractures. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1570–1576, 2012
Relationship between limb length discrepancy and load distribution across the sacroiliac joint—a finite element study
Authors: Kiapour Ali , Abdelgawad Amr A. , Goel Vijay K. , Souccar Adham , Terai Tomoya , Ebraheim Nabil A.
Published: April 2012

We assessed the relationship between leg length discrepancy (LLD) and the load distribution across the sacro‐iliac joint (SIJ). A finite element model of the spine–pelvis was developed with different amounts of LLD by increasing the length of the right femur in the model. Peak stresses and contact loads across the SIJ were computed for different amounts of LLD (1, 2, and 3 cm). The load and the peak stresses across the SIJ articular surfaces progressively increased with the increase in the LLD. Trying to offset the LLD surgically by lengthening of the short side, shortening or stunting the growth (epiphysiodesis) of the long side, or by shoe lifts should decrease the load across the SIJ and should theoretically decrease SIJ pain. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1577–1580, 2012
Clinical impact of tumor infiltration at the transected surgical margin during gastric cancer surgery
Authors: Lee Ju‐Hee , Ahn Sang‐Hoon , Park Do Joong , Kim Hyung‐Ho , Lee Hyuk‐Joon , Yang Han‐Kwang
Published: April 2012

Background

When transected surgical margins are involved by tumor cells during gastrectomy for gastric cancer, dissemination of tumor cells to the peritoneal cavity may be a concern.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of tumor infiltration at the transected surgical margin during gastrectomy.

Methods

A total of 1,717 patients with gastric cancer who underwent R0 gastrectomy were included. The relationship between positive margins on frozen biopsy during gastrectomy and clinicopathologic data was examined. The prognostic impact of this intraoperative event was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The intraoperative positive resection margin occurred in 69 patients (4.01%). Tumor size >5 cm, tumor located in the upper third or whole stomach, Bormann type IV gastric cancer, and signet ring cell histology were independent factors associated with that intraoperative event. pT and pN stages were significant prognostic factors associated with locoregional and/or peritoneal recurrence and overall recurrence. Tumor infiltration at the transected margin was not an independent prognostic factor associated with any recurrence.

Conclusions

Microscopic tumor involvement at the margin during gastric cancer surgery does not increase locoregional and/or peritoneal recurrence or overall recurrence independently if R0 resection is achieved by re‐resection of the margin. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:772–776. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Apparent seed use by ducks in moist‐soil wetlands of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley
Authors: Hagy Heath M. , Kaminski Richard M.
Published: April 2012

Scientists, conservation planners, and resource managers who estimate energetic carrying capacity of foraging habitats for wintering waterfowl require accurate data on food availability and use. We estimated seed and tuber abundance in moist‐soil wetlands commonly used and foraged in by dabbling ducks (Anas spp.) in and near the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV). To identify foods potentially used by dabbling ducks, we surveyed food‐use literature from studies conducted in or near the MAV and compared estimated seed decline rates from core samples to predicted decline rates using published and measured estimates of decomposition. We inferred seed use when observed declines in mass exceeded that predicted by decomposition. In our analyses, we identified 15 taxa of moist‐soil seeds apparently used and 6 taxa apparently not used by dabbling ducks. From our analyses and literature review, we identified 25 taxa of moist‐soil seeds and tubers commonly consumed and apparently used by dabbling ducks in or near the MAV. Removal of seeds apparently not used by dabbling ducks resulted in a 30.9% (SE = 1.3) reduction in estimates of seed and tuber mass in managed moist‐soil wetlands in the MAV. When we retained 3 seed taxa reported by previous studies as consumed by dabbling ducks, but which did not decline faster than predicted in our experimental wetlands, seed and tuber estimates were reduced by 26.8% (SE = 1.3). Inclusion of seeds not consumed by dabbling ducks in models of carrying capacity would result in overestimation of existence energy days by the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture and underestimation of moist‐soil habitat requirements in the MAV. We suggest scientists conduct food‐use and selection studies by collecting actively foraging ducks in the MAV to confirm our results and increase accuracy of carrying capacity estimates for dabbling ducks in autumn and winter. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of salvage logging of beetle‐killed forests on avian species and foraging guild abundance
Authors: Kroll Andrew J. , Giovanini Jack , Jones Jay E. , Arnett Edward B. , Altman Bob
Published: April 2012

Evaluating spatial and temporal variation in abundance due to anthropogenic and environmental disturbances is a central aspect of wildlife ecology and management. We conducted an experiment to evaluate the effects of salvage logging on the abundance of 22 avian species and 6 foraging guilds in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests affected by beetle outbreaks, south‐central Oregon, USA, 1996–1998. Treatments consisted of the removal of lodgepole pine snags only; live trees and ponderosa pine snags were not harvested. Our hierarchical model requires replicated count data from multiple sample units across several time periods, during which the population is closed, to estimate abundance as a function of logging treatment and management district while accounting for imperfect and variable detection probability. We fit the model to point counts from 12 control and 12 treatment plots with 3 surveys during each breeding season, 1996–1998. We found evidence for a large, but imprecise, effect of salvage logging in all 3 years for only 1 species, the gray flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii). The abundance of the remaining species either did not change or displayed weak positive responses to the treatment. Although 3 foraging guilds increased in total abundance, 2 guilds did not change and the response of 1 guild changed direction in different years. Our results suggest that, unlike most postfire salvage logging prescriptions, selective harvesting after beetle outbreaks may meet multiple management objectives, including the maintenance of avian population sizes comparable to those found in unharvested stands. Future research should consider different sampling programs for those species with large home ranges (e.g., woodpeckers) that may not be sampled adequately using commonly employed programs (e.g., point count stations). © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Temporal dynamics of roost snags of long‐legged myotis in the Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Lacki Michael J. , Baker Michael D. , Johnson Joseph S.
Published: April 2012

Snags are used as roosting sites by many bats living in coniferous forests of western North America. Thus, providing sufficient numbers of snags both spatially and temporally in forested landscapes is critical to sustaining populations of these species. One aspect that remains poorly understood is length of time that roost snags persist on the landscape in a form suitable for use by bats. This information is critical for forest‐planning efforts in ensuring long‐term availability of snag resources on forested landscapes. We monitored condition of 339 snags used as roosting sites by long‐legged myotis (Myotis volans) 1–5 years post‐discovery from 2001 to 2006 across 6 watersheds in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, USA. Persistence rates (i.e., probability a snag remains standing from yearxtox + 1) of roost snags declined with year post‐discovery in all study areas. Fir snags (Abiesspp.) exhibited lower persistence rates than other conifer species. Data for the Washington area indicated only 4.3% of roost snags likely remain standing 10 years post‐discovery, with half‐lives of all snag species <3 roost‐years. Model ranking of habitat models predicting fall year of roost snags revealed that snag condition models were the most parsimonious in all geographic locations. Roost snags larger in diameter, shorter in height, and with fewer branches on the bole were likely to persist for more years. These data indicate that snags used as roosts by long‐legged myotis are suitable as roosting sites for only a few years before falling. We recommend management policies for coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest, USA, that promote sufficient leave‐trees in set‐aside areas to provide for future suitable, large‐diameter snags for bats in managed, forested landscapes. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Spring snow goose hunting influences body composition of waterfowl staging in Nebraska
Authors: Pearse Aaron T. , Krapu Gary L. , Cox Robert R.
Published: April 2012

A spring hunt was instituted in North America to reduce abundance of snow geese (Chen caerulescens) by increasing mortality of adults directly, yet disturbance from hunting activities can indirectly influence body condition and ultimately, reproductive success. We estimated effects of hunting disturbance by comparing body composition of snow geese and non‐target species, greater white‐fronted geese (Anser albifrons) and northern pintails (Anas acuta) collected in portions of south‐central Nebraska that were open (eastern Rainwater Basin, ERB) and closed (western Rainwater Basin, WRB; and central Platte River Valley, CPRV) to snow goose hunting during springs 1998 and 1999. Lipid content of 170 snow geese was 25% (57 g) less in areas open to hunting compared to areas closed during hunting season but similar in all areas after hunting was concluded in the ERB. Protein content of snow geese was 3% (14 g) less in the region open to hunting. Greater white‐fronted geese had 24% (76 g;n = 129) less lipids in the hunted portion of the study area during hunting season, and this difference persisted after conclusion of hunting season. We found little difference in lipid or protein content of northern pintails in relation to spring hunting. Indirect effects of spring hunting may be considered a collateral benefit regarding efforts to reduce overabundant snow goose populations. Disrupted nutrient storage observed in greater white‐fronted geese represents an unintended consequence of spring hunting that has potential to adversely affect reproduction for this and other species of waterbirds staging in the region. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Diversity of Bacteria and Archaea in hypersaline sediment from Death Valley National Park, California
Authors: Kim Jong‐Shik , Makama Mfundi , Petito Janine , Park Nyun‐Ho , Cohan Frederick M. , Dungan Robert S.
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study was to phylogenetically analyze microorganisms from the domains Bacteria and Archaea in hypersaline sediment from Death Valley National Park. Using domain‐specific primers, a region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the product was subsequently used to create a clone library. A total of 243 bacterial clones, 99 archaeal clones, and 209 bacterial isolates were examined. The 243 clones from Bacteria were affiliated with the following groups: the Bacilli (59 clones) and Clostridia (1) of the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes (90), Proteobacteria (27), Cyanobacteria (18), Gemmatimonadetes (41), candidate division OP1 (5), Actinobacteria (1), and the Deinococcus‐Thermus division (1). Within the class Bacilli, 46 of 59 clones were tentatively identified as 10 unclassified species. The majority of bacterial isolates (130 of 209) were more closely related to the Bacillus subtilis–B. licheniformis clade than to any other recognized taxon, and an Ecotype Simulation analysis of B. subtilis relatives identified four previously unknown ecotypes. Several new genera were discovered within the Bacteroidetes (4) and the Gemmatimonadetes (2). Of the 99 archaeal clones, 94 were tentatively identified as belonging to 3 new genera within the Halobacteriaceae; other clones represented novel species within each of 4 established genera.
Synthesis and reversible hydration–dehydration system of copolymers bearing a vicinal tricarbonyl structure
Authors: Dei Takehito , Morino Kazuhide , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi
Published: April 2012

Novel copolymers composed of a styrene (St) derivative bearing a vicinal tricarbonyl moiety and various vinyl monomers such as St, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and N‐vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) were synthesized by (1) radical copolymerization of a St derivative with a 1,3‐diketone structure with St, MMA, and NVP and (2) successive oxidation of the resulting copolymers with N‐bromosuccinimide in DMSO to convert their 1,3‐diketone moieties in the side chains into the corresponding vicinal tricarbonyl moieties. Their tricarbonyl moieties were readily hydrated in water‐containing acetone to generate the corresponding copolymers bearing geminal diol structures in the side chains. On the other hand, heating the resulting copolymers bearing the geminal diol structures in vacuo‐enabled successful recovery of the vicinal tricarbonyl moieties to demonstrate the reversible nature of this system. The hydration behavior in powdery state under air atmosphere saturated by water was also investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis and self‐assembly of amphiphilic brush‐dendritic‐linear poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate]‐b‐ polyamidoamine‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) copolymers
Authors: He Xiaohua , Zhong Liang , Wu Xiaomeng , Cai Xin , Xie Meiran , Lin Shaoliang , Yan Deyue
Published: April 2012

A series of novel amphiphilic brush‐dendritic‐linear poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate]‐b‐polyamidoamine‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) copolymers (PPEGMEMA‐b‐Dm‐b‐PCL) (m = 1, 2, and 3: the generation number of dendron) were synthesized by the combination techniques of click chemistry, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and ring‐opening polymerization (ROP). The brush‐dendritic copolymers bearing hydrophilic brush PPEGMEMA and hydrophobic dendron polyamidoamine protected by the tert‐butoxycarbonyl (Boc) groups [Dm‐(Boc) (m = 1, 2, and 3)] were for the first time prepared by ATRP of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate monomer (PEGMEMA) initiated with the dendron initiator, which was prepared from 2′‐azidoethyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate (AEBIB) and Dm‐(Boc) terminated with a clickable alkyne by click chemistry. Then, the brush‐dendritic copolymers with primary amine groups (PPEGMEMA‐b‐Dm) were obtained from the removal of the protected Boc groups of the brush‐dendritic copolymers in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid. The brush‐dendritic‐linear PPEGMEMA‐b‐Dm‐b‐PCL copolymers were synthesized from ROP of ε‐caprolactone monomer using PPEGMEMA‐b‐Dm as the macroinitiators and stannous octoate as catalyst in toluene at 130 °C. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that integrates hydrophilic brush polymer PPEGMEMA with hydrophobic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendron and PCL to form amphiphilic brush‐dendritic‐linear copolymers. The amphiphilic brush‐dendritic‐linear copolymers can self‐assemble into spherical micellar structures in aqueous solution. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Intratracheal budesonide supplementation in addition to surfactant improves pulmonary outcome in surfactant‐depleted newborn piglets
Authors: Yang Chia‐Feng , Lin Chih‐Hsueh , Chiou Shr‐Yun , Yang Yi‐Chiang , Tsao Pei‐Chen , Lee Yu‐Sheng , Soong Wen‐Jue , Jeng Mei‐Jy
Published: April 2012

Severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is still a major cause of mortality and morbidity in premature infants. The combined use of intratracheal corticosteroid and surfactant in severe RDS, which bypasses the systemic circulation, may not only help recruit the lungs but also alleviates pulmonary inflammation without an increase in systemic adverse effects. Twelve newborn piglets received repeated pulmonary saline lavage to create surfactant‐depleted lungs that mimic neonatal RDS, and then were randomly grouped into a control group (standard intratracheal instillation of surfactant‐Survanta 100 mg/kg); and a budesonide (Bude) group (intratracheal instillation with the mixed suspension of Budesonide 0.25 mg/kg and Survanta 100 mg/kg). Blood samples were examined, and the observation period was 24 hr. The results showed that oxygenation was significantly better in Bude group compared to the control group over time (P = 0.016). The proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1 β showed a reduced trend in the Bude group, but was not significantly different from the control group (P > 0.05). Comparing the histological lung injury scores, the Bude group had a significantly lower score than the control group at both dependent and non‐dependent sites (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in piglets with severe RDS, intratracheal instillation of budesonide in addition to surfactant seems to results in a sustained improvement in pulmonary outcome over 24 hr. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:151–159. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative Analysis of the Functionalization of Gallium Phosphide With Organic Azides
Authors: Richards David , Luce Philip , Zemlyanov Dmitry , Ivanisevic Albena
Published: April 2012

Gallium phosphide (GaP) surfaces were functionalized with two different molecules that contain an azide moiety at their terminus. Compound 4‐azidophenacyl bromide (4AB) is an aryl azide with a bromine group at its opposite terminus that provides easy identification of the molecule's presence on the surface with x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). O‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐O′‐(2‐azidoethyl)pentaethylene glycol (AAP) is a small poly(ethylene glycol) molecule with an amine group at its opposite terminus. Atomic force microscopy was used to identify the uniformity of the clean and functionalized GaP surfaces. Water contact angle revealed a more hydrophobic surface with AAP functionalization (33°) and even more hydrophobic (53°) with the 4AB functionalized surface compared to a clean surface (16°). XPS confirmed the presence of each of the organic azides on the surface. XPS was further used to calculate the adlayer thickness of each functionalization. This analysis revealed an adlayer thickness of about 8 Å for the 4AB functionalized surfaces compared to 1 Å for the AAP adlayer, which led to the conclusion that AAP functionalization only provided partial coverage. A stability study using 4AB‐functionalized surfaces showed good stability in saline solutions with varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Finally, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the gallium concentration in the stability solutions. While the functionalization with the organic azides did not provide complete suppression of gallium leaching, both of the azides decreased the leaching by 10–50%. SCANNING 34: 332–340, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.