bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(1↠3)‐β‐D‐Glucan in culture fluid of fungi activates factor g, a limulus coagulation factor
Authors: Miyazaki Takashige , Kohno Shigeru , Mitsutake Kotaro , Maesaki Shigefumi , Tanaka Ken‐Ichi , Hara Kohei
Published: March 2007

Two well‐known polysaccharides, (1→3)‐b̃‐D‐glucan and mannan, are major structural components of the fungus cell wall. The G test is a direct method to measure (1→3)‐b̃‐D‐glucan using a (1→3)‐b̃‐D‐glucan‐sensitive component, factor G, fractionated from the limulus lysate. The concentration of (1→3)‐b̃‐D‐glucan in culture supernatants of Candida albicans increased to 1,390.0 pg/ml at 24 hours. The concentration of mannan also increased parallel with fungal growth. However, after digestion of supernatants with endo‐(1→3)‐b̃‐D‐glucanase, the reactivity to factor G disappeared, although titers of anti‐mannan monoclonal antibody‐based latex agglutination were unchanged. Our study demonstrated that cell suspensions of both C. albicans and Cryptoccocus neoformans activated the limulus factor G, and that not only the conidia form but also the filamentous form of Aspergillus fumigatus reacted with factor G. Various Candida spp. (C. paraspilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula rubra, Trichosporon beigelii, and A. fumigatus released soluble (1→3)‐b̃‐D‐glucan into their culture supernatants, but C. neoformans and Cunninghamella bertholletiae showed only a small reaction to the G test during their culture. Our results indicate that the G test is a good method for serodiagnosis of deep mycosis and also as a screening tool for contamination of medical devices, drugs, and experimental materials with (1→3)‐b̃‐D‐glucan.
Noncompetitive enzyme immunoassay (hetero‐two‐site enzyme immunoassay) for γ‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (γ‐msh) and measurement of immunoreactive γ‐msh in plasma of healthy subjects
Authors: Yogi Yoshikuni , Hashida Seiichi , Ekman Rolf , Setoguchi Toshiaki , Ishikawa Eiji
Published: March 2007

A noncompetitive enzyme immunoassay (hetero‐two‐site enzyme immunoassay) for γ‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (γ‐MSH) was developed. γ‐MSH (1–12) was biotiny‐lated, trapped onto an anti‐γ‐MSH (1–12) IgG‐coated polystyrene bead, eluted at pH 1 after washing to eliminate other biotiny‐lated substances, and measured using two streptavidin‐coated polystyrene beads and affinity‐purified anti‐γ‐MSH (1–12) Fab'‐per‐oxidase conjugate. The detection limit of γ‐MSH (1–12) was 10–30 amol (16–48 fg)/assay and 130–400 fmol (210–630 pg)/L of plasma. There was little or only slight cross reaction with α‐MSH, b̃‐MSH, and ‐MSH. By this immunoassay, the concentration and molecular size of immunoreactive γ‐MSH in plasma of healthy subjects were examined, and the results were compared with those by competitive enzyme immunoassay. Immunoreactive γ‐MSH measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay was a mixture of substances with high molecular weights (100–500 kDa), and its concentration was calculated to be 50–60 pmol/L using γ‐MSH (1–12) as standard. Immunoreactive γ‐MSH detected by the noncompetitive enzyme immunoassay after removal of high molecular weight substances was not homogeneous and smaller than γ‐MSH (1–12), and its concentration was ∼ 1 pmol/L. The exact nature of these immunoreactive γ‐MSHs remains to be elucidated. γ‐MSH (1–12) added to plasma was degraded rapidly, and the concentration of γ‐MSH (1–12) was very low, if any, in plasma of healthy subjects.
Schwann cells express IP prostanoid receptors coupled to an elevation in intracellular cyclic AMP
Authors: Muja Naser , Nelson Julie K. , DeVries George H.
Published: March 2007

We have shown previously that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) are each produced in an explant model of peripheral nerve injury. We report that IP prostanoid receptor mRNA and protein are present in primary rat Schwann cells. IP prostanoid receptor stimulation using prostacyclin produced an elevation in intracellular cyclic AMP concentration ([cAMP]i) in primary Schwann cells. Peak [cAMP]i was observed between 5–15 min of stimulation followed by a gradual recovery toward basal level. Phosphorylation of cyclic AMP‐response element binding protein (CREB) on Ser133 was also detected after IP prostanoid receptor stimulation and CREB phosphorylation was inhibited completely by the protein kinase A inhibitor, H‐89. Intracellular calcium levels were not affected by IP prostanoid receptor stimulation. Unlike forskolin, IP prostanoid receptor stimulation did not significantly augment Schwann cell proliferation in response to growth factor treatment. However, IP prostanoid receptor stimulation increased the number of Schwann cells that were able to generate a calcium transient in response to P2 purinergic receptor activation. These findings suggest that signaling via the IP prostanoid receptor may by relevant to Schwann cell biology in vivo. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multivariate analysis of flavour terms used by experts and non‐experts for describing teas
Authors: Palmer Donald H.
Published: March 2007

Three multivariate methods of analysis were applied to the problem of selecting the most important descriptions of tea from a list of 11 relevant ones. Principal component analysis gave useful information with data from homogeneous groups of experts but not with data from an heterogeneous group of non‐experts. When cluster analysis was used to give homogeneous groups of non‐experts from the heterogeneous one then principal component analysis again gave useful and similar information. Stepwise discriminant analysis gave different results from that of principal component analysis, a quite logical solution. The value of using more than one method of multivariate analysis is stressed.
Assessment of field performance and fruit quality of a range of strawberry clones
Authors: Maclachlan James , Gormley Ronan
Published: March 2007

Twenty strawberry cultivars/selections were screened to determine the most satisfactory ones for commercial production in Ireland and also to find suitable parents for crossing in a breeding programme. Factors evaluated were yield, fruit size, earliness and shelf life. Fruit was tested for acidity, soluble solids, colour, firmness and suitability for freezing. Canned fruit was tested for colour and jam samples for flavour, colour and quantity of whole fruit.

The cultivar Cambridge Favourite was ranked best for the fresh market on the basis of high yield, long shelf life and a high soluble‐solids content. Fruits of Cambridge Vigour, 68/5, IVT 6032 and Templar were also suitable for the fresh market on a similar basis. These high yielding cultivars/selections had a poor flesh colour and were therefore not ideally suited for processing. In particular, the lack of redness was noticeable in jams and in the canned product. In addition, freezing performance, based on drip loss, was generally unsatisfactory.

In contrast, the cultivars Africa, Kristina and Domanil had a good flesh colour but the yield was uneconomically low.
Nutrient composition of australian fresh retail sausages and the effects of cooking on fat content
Authors: Greenfield Heather , Kosulwat Somkiat
Published: March 2007

Three types of fresh sausages (beef, thick and thin; and pork, thick) were purchased in ten Sydney suburbs and analysed as composite samples for proximate principles, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and cholesterol. Fat, moisture and meat species were also analysed in individual purchases. In a controlled experiment replicate samples of sausages were analysed for moisture and fat, raw and after cooking by grilling, dry‐frying, shallow‐frying and deep‐frying. Results indicated widespread use of cow, pig and sheep meat in all types of sausages regardless of label identification. Some purchased sausages exceeded regulation limits for fat and starch content. Fat retention was lowest in beef sausages cooked by frying rather than grilling. Pork sausages retained most of their fat on cooking, regardless of method.
Splitting and dehulling lentil (Lens culinaris): Effects of seed size and different pretreatments
Authors: Erskine William , Williams Philip C , Nakkoul Hani
Published: March 2007

A conservative estimate of 800 000 T of red‐cotyledon microsperma lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) is consumed annually after postharvest processing into split dehulled seed. This process consists of cleaning the seed of foreign matter, brief immersion in water, spin‐drying, standing to temper, separation into seed size fractions, dehulling/splitting and final separation. The effects of seed size (4 and 4.5 mm fractions), immersion times (1, 5, 10 and 30 min), temperature (19° and 36°) and duration (0, 30, 60 and 120 min) of air drying, and tempering time (0 and 24 h), on the efficiency of dehulling and splitting lentil were examined. Dehulling efficiency (%) was estimated as the sum of split dehulled seed, whole dehulled seed, and whole hulled seed (whole seeds are separated for recycling to the dehuller). Dehulling efficiency was best with the small seed fraction (4 mm), an immersion time of 1 min, no air drying, and a tempering time of 24 h. The drying air temperature did not have a significant effect on dehulling efficiency. Dehulling efficiency was highest with a low seed moisture content.
Effect of long‐term intra‐ruminal infusion of the glucosinolate metabolite allyl cyanide on the voluntary food intake and metabolism of lambs
Authors: Duncan Alan J , Milne John A
Published: March 2007

The possible role of allyl cyanide (ACN), the nitrile breakdown product of prop‐2‐enyl glucosinolate, in reducing the voluntary food intake (VFI) of a dried grass pellet diet in sheep was examined in a ruminal infusion experiment. Voluntary food intake of Scottish Blackface wether lambs, infused intraruminally with allyl cyanide (0 mmol day−1, C; 4.8 mmol day−1 L; 9.6 mmol day−1, H) for 9 weeks was significantly depressed (P < 0.05) on H and L treatments compared with the C treatment. Clinical indicators of liver function (plasma gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) activity) and kidney function (plasma urea and creatinc concentrations) indicated minor liver damage but no effects on renal function. Plasma GGTP activity was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the H than in the C group. Liver cytochrome oxidase activity at the end of the infusion period was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the H than in the C group indicating effects on cellular respiration. In general, sheep showed considerable tolerance to administration of ACN in comparison with previously demonstrated toxicity in monogastrics.
Steam distillation of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil
Authors: Johns Michael R , Johns Julia E , Rudolph Victor
Published: March 2007

The steam distillation of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) oil was investigated in a small batch still to ascertain the effect of operating variables on the yield, composition and rate of recovery of oil. Provided suitable distillation times (2–3 h) were used, the oil yield and composition did not vary with steam rate or pretreatment of the leaves by maceration. However, the rates of recovery of individual oil components were markedly affected.

The results demonstrate that the oil components can be divided into two main groups according to their distillation behaviour. Oxygenated components, particularly terpinen‐4‐ol and 1,8‐cineole, are recovered the most rapidly, despite their high boiling points relative to other components. Their rates of recovery are increased with increasing steam rate, but are insensitive to leaf maceration. A second group of components, characterised by either a hydrophobic structure (the monoterpenes) or a larger molecular size (sesquiterpenes), exhibited the opposite behaviour. The rates of recovery of these components were unaffected by steam rate and improved by leaf maceration. It is hypothesised that the rate‐limiting processes for oxygenated and hydrophobic components are different. For the former, recovery is mass‐transfer film controlled, whereas the latter are diffusion controlled. This understanding provides the basis for manipulating oil quality by process conditions.
The mechanism of formation of gels from myosin molecules
Authors: Sharp Alan , Offer Gerald
Published: March 2007

Heat‐set myosin gels form the basis of the adhesive that binds particles of meat together in meat products. The manner in which a gel network is formed from myosin has been investigated by studying the aggregates produced when dilute solutions of rabbit skeletal myosin molecules in 0.6 M KCI, 20 mM potassium phosphate, pH 6.5, were heated at a single temperature between 30 and 60°C. The aggregates have been examined by transmission electron microscopy after either negative staining or rotary shadowing.

After heating at 30°C for 30 min. no change in structure is detected. After heating at 35°C for 30 min, the two heads of some myosin molecules coalesce and some dimers are formed by aggregation through the heads. After heating at 40°C for 30 min. up to about 13 myosin molecules aggregate through their heads to form a globular mass up to 60 nm across with the tails radiating outwards. At higher temperatures such head‐linked oligomers aggregate further. At 48°C oligomers coexist with aggregates formed by the coalescence of two or more oligomers. In such aggregates the globular masses are in close proximity and tails radiate from them. After heating myosin at 50°C, aggregates are formed by the coalescence of more oligomers and the tails are seen only indistinctly. At 60°C the particles formed contain a large number of globular masses and are typically 100 to 200 nm across, occasionally up to 1 μm. It is possible that the globules making up the strands of the gel networks in scanning electron micrographs are composed of similar particles. It is suggested that these globules are formed by head‐head interactions but that tail‐tail interactions may be important in forming the strands and cross‐links of the gel network.

When a heat‐set myosin gel is compacted by centrifugation, the supernate contains essentially all the LC1 and LC3 light chains of the parent molecule but only a small fraction of the LC2 light chains. We suppose that dissociation of the LC1 and LC3 chains from the heads creates hydrophobic patches which cause intramolecular and intermolecular head association.
Rancidity in hazelnuts due to volatile aliphatic aldehydes
Authors: Kinderlerer Judith L , Johnson Stuart
Published: March 2007

Hazelnut kernels became rancid on storage under ambient conditions in the presence of air. The kernels have a high oil content. The oil contains approximately 75 g per 100 g oleic acid (18:1) and 9 g per 100 g linoleic acid (18:2). Rancidity was detected organoleptically, by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of the volatile off‐flavour compounds and by reduction in both the total fatty acid content (g per 100 g oil) and the iodine value (g per 100 g oil). There was an accumulation of volatile alkanals, 2‐alkenals and alkanoic acids on storage of the kernels at ambient temperature in the presence of oxygen. Hexanal (derived from oxidation of linoleic acid) and octanal (derived from oxidation of oleic acid) increased over tenfold on storage, whilst there was concomitant decrease in fatty acid content (83 g per 100 g oil) and iodine value (79) during the same period. It is suggested that analysis of volatile aldehydes such as hexanal and octanal could be used to assess rancidity in foods or oils rather than relatively nonspecific tests such as iodine or peroxide value. There was no evidence in this work that the rancidity was due to microbial spoilage.
Factors in the protein enrichment of cassava by solid state fermentation
Authors: Noomhorm Athapol , Ilangantileke S , Bautista M B
Published: March 2007

The enrichment of cassava protein content using solid substrate fermentation was studied on both laboratory and on‐farm scales using Aspergillus niger as a starter. The effects of cassava particle size and of various nitrogen source ratios and mixing methods were investigated. Ammonium sulphate and urea as sources at respective levels of addition (g N kg−1 substrate) of 10:10, 20:10 and 20:20 were used in combination with cassava alone and cassava mixed with rice bran and soya bean each having mixing levels of 50, 100 and 150 g kg−1. The mixture was fermented for 84 h at 35°C and 90–95% RH on the laboratory scale and 29–31°C and 95–99% RH at the on‐farm scale. The results indicated that cube sizes ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 cm3 gave good mycelial growth. Pure cassava alone at the 10:10 nitrogen addition level produced the highest protein yield of about 145 g kg−1. The on‐farm technique yielded higher protein enrichment compared with laboratory experiments. Cassava alone yielded 230 g kg−1 protein while cassava with rice bran and cassava with soya bean each produced 210 g kg−1 protein.
Seed protein, fat and fatty acid profile of Amaranthus species
Authors: Prakash Dhan , Pal M
Published: March 2007

The protein, fat and fatty acid composition in the seeds of 41 lines of amaranth Amaranthus spp including both the grain and vegetable types were analysed. Protein varied from 103 to 183 g kg−1 and fat from 8 to 68 g kg−1. Hexadecanoic, octadecenoic and octadecadienoic acids were the major fatty acids of the oil.
Quantitative changes in anthocyanin pigments of Vitis vinifera cv monastrell during maturation
Authors: Fernández‐López Jose A , Hidalgo Venancio , Almela Luis , Roca Jose M López
Published: March 2007

The evolution of anthocyanin pigments of a Monastrell grape (Vitis vinifera L) cultivar during maturation has been assessed by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Only anthocyanin 3‐glucosides and their p‐coumaryl esters were detected in the skin extracts of this cultivar. Total anthocyanin content increased from 310.25 mg kg−1 fresh weight at the beginning of ripening (20 August) to 1139.83 mg kg−1 when the grapes reached physiological maturity (24 September). Monoglucoside pigments accounted for between 87 and 82% of the total pigment content, and malvidin‐3‐glucoside was the most abundant anthocyanin throughout the sampling period. Peonin‐derived pigments were least abundant at the beginning of ripening, but at maturity the cyanidin derivative content was the lowest.
Effect of storage and cooking on the dose response of 2‐dodecylcyclobutanone, a potential marker for irradiated chicken
Authors: Crone Anne V J , Hamilton John T G , Stevenson Mary H
Published: March 2007

Results are presented indicating a linear relationship between irradiation dose (1–10 kGy) and the amount of 2‐dodecylcyclobutanone produced in chicken meat. After storage for 18 days at 4°C this linear relationship with dose persisted although there was a slight decrease in the concentration of the compound. 2‐Dodecylcyclobutanone was not generated by cooking and, despite a reduction in the amount of the compound in chicken meat cooked either before or after irradiation, it still proved to be a useful marker for the irradiated product. The compound was not detected in spoiled chicken meat.
Utilisation of a yeast pectinase in olive oil extraction and red wine making processes
Authors: Servili Maurizio , Begliomini Alberto L , Montedoro Gianfrancesco , Petruccioli Maurizio , Federici Federico
Published: March 2007

The possibility of using an endo‐polygalacturonase produced by the yeast Cryptococcus albidus var albidus (yeast pectinase) in the mechanical olive oil extraction process and in the production of red wine was investigated.

Compared with the control and olive pastes treated with a commercial enzyme preparation, an increase in oil yield was achieved by treatment with the yeast pectic preparation. Also, the finished oil quality (turbidity, oxidation induction time, chlorophyll, and the content of polyphenols and aromatic compounds) was generally better.

Treatment of red musts with yeast pectinase resulted in an improved aromatic profile in the wines, even in the absence of an increase in colour intensity. Moreover, the use of the yeast pectinase did not cause any particular increase in the methanol content of the finished wines.
Participatory soil and water conservation planning using an erosion mapping tool in the central highlands of Kenya
Authors: Okoba B. O. , Tenge A. J. , Sterk G. , Stroosnijder L.
Published: March 2007

Despite several approaches that aimed at mobilising East African farmers to embrace soil and water conservation (SWC) activities, farmers hardly responded since they were seldom involved in the planning of SWC activities. Two tools that employ farmers' participation were developed and applied at Gikuuri catchment in Kenya. The first tool involved farmers to map soil erosion using their own indicators and determine the soil erosion status at catchment scale. This formed the basis upon which they undertook to plan for SWC measures at catchment scale. Farmers also predicted crop yield losses based on the soil erosion status. Farmers widely approved the soil erosion status map since their own indicators and perceptions were used. The second tool provided cash flow trends for a variety of SWC activities and farmer situations. Farmers can use land with a high, moderate or low erosion status and often have rather different socio‐economic settings. The net benefits over 5 yr for bench terraces, fanya juu terraces and grass strips were illustrated to assist farmers in making informed decisions on SWC adoption. The two tools increased awareness on the need for collective actions among farmers and showed fields that cause run‐on on downslope fields. The improved awareness of erosion problems and the related financial consequences increased farmers' willingness to share the investment costs for cut‐off drains. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New burst test method for comparing strengths of blood vessel repairs
Authors: Klein Sanford L. , Israel Jaimie E. , Kronengold Russell T.
Published: March 2007

An in vivo system was developed which allows researchers to determine the intraluminal pressures necessary to burst anastomosed blood vessels. Rat femoral arteries underwent standard microsurgical anastomoses and sham surgeries. After 6 min of leak‐free blood flow, the vessels were ligated and cannulated with PE 50 tubing. The catheter was tied into position with 6–0 suture, constructing a water‐tight balloon of tissue inclusive of the repair site around the tubing, then attached via a “Y” adapter to a pressure transducer with a digital readout and to a saline filled syringe in an infusion pump. The digital readout from the transducer accurately expressed the pressure on the anastomosis. The highest pressure recorded when the anastomosis ruptured was taken to be the anastomotic burst pressure. Mean burst pressure for 9 suture anastomoses was 326 mm mercury. All vessel burst pressures exceeded rat mean systolic pressure; 90% exceeded rat maximum systolic pressure. All sham surgeries failed to burst, even at pressures exceeding 1,500 mm Hg. The burst pressure test clearly provides researchers with a valid quantitative measure for in vivo comparison of the efficacies of various anastomotic techniques. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rat tail: A useful model for microvascular training
Authors: Bao Joseph Yue‐Se
Published: March 2007

The rat femoral vessel model is widely used as the basic model for microvascular training; however, it offers only a limited number of anastomoses and vessel sizes. Rat tail vessels provide long length, almost as long as the tail; adequate diameters, from about 1 mm to 0.2 mm; as well as the economy and a convenient location for practicing microvascular anastomoses. It is also the best choice for anastomosing vessels smaller than 0.5 mm diameter. Using stored, frozen tails harvested from sacrificed rats of other projects makes it even more frugal and convenient. Hence, it is an ideal model for microvascular training. The related anatomy and dissecting method are described and discussed. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modified trichrome staining technique of the nerve to determine proximal nerve viability
Authors: Meyer Richard , Claussen Gwendolyn C. , Oh Shin J.
Published: March 2007

Normal myelinated fibers are stained “red” by modified trichrome staining of the frozen section of the nerve. We have used this technique for rapid assessment of the anatomical integrity of the proximal nerve stump by identifying well‐preserved myelinated fibers. This technique can also identify degenerating and degenerated myelinated fibers, fibrosis, and inflammatory cells. We report three cases in which the practical usefulness of this technique is demonstrated. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can quantitative 99mTc‐MDP bone scans be used to predict longitudinal growth of epiphyseal plate allografts after microvascular transplantation? An experimental study
Authors: Boyer Martin I. , Gilday David , Kiral Ahmet , Nolan Liana , Bowen C. Vaughan A.
Published: March 2007

Allograft and autograft microvascular proximal tibial epiphyseal plate transplants were performed in female New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits to quantify the growth rate and total growth potential of immunosuppressed and nonimmunosup‐pressed rabbits. The purpose of this experiment is to examine whether the 99mTc‐MDP radionuclide uptake of the transplanted epiphyseal plate at 1 week postoperatively, done to assess anastomotic patency of the transplant, could also serve as a predictor of eventual longitudinal growth of the transplant or replant. All transplants and replants demonstrating positive 99mTc‐MDP uptake in the proximal tibial epiphyseal plate at 1 week showed continued longitudinal growth. The precise amount of 99mTc‐MDP uptake, however, did not correlate with the amount of growth at 3 and 5 weeks follow‐up. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of isovolemic hemodilution with dextran and albumin on thrombus formation in artificial vessel grafts inserted into the abdominal aorta of the rabbit
Authors: Frost‐Arner Lieselotte , Bergqvist David
Published: March 2007

The effects of isovolemic hemodilution with dextran‐70 and albumin on thrombus formation in artificial arterial grafts were investigated. A polytetrafluoroethylene graft (PTFE, length 13 mm, inner diameter 3 mm) was inserted into the abdominal aorta of rabbits. Three groups of animals were studied; 1) animals receiving isovolemic hemodilution with dextran‐70 (10 ml/kg body weight), 2) animals receiving isovolemic hemodilution with albumin (10 ml/kg body weight), and 3) non‐hemodiluted controls. The blood flow increased by about 70% and 60% after the hemodilution with dextran and albumin, respectively, and remained high in the hemodiluted animals, after insertion of the graft. After 2 days the vessel graft was removed and weighed. The thrombus mass was separately weighed. The results suggest that isovolemic hemodilution with both albumin and dextran is associated with a marked increase in blood flow in the rabbit. Hemodilution with dextran also reduced the amount of thrombus formation on the inner wall of the graft. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reinnervation and neovascularisation in prefabricated free muscle flaps
Authors: Kostakoglu Naci , Terenghi Giorgio , Manek Sanjiv , Batchelor Andrew G. , Polak Julia M. , Green Colin J.
Published: March 2007

In this study, immediate muscle reinnervation in flap prefabrication was investigated and compared with those flaps which were reinnervated after prefabrication. Using the flowthrough wrap‐around technique for neovascularisation, denervated external abdominal oblique random muscle flaps in Lewis rats were either immediately reinnervated by implantation of the epigastric nerve or reinnervated late after free transfer, following the prefabrication period of 15 days. Half of the flaps from each group were microsurgically transferred to isogeneic rats. Thirty days later, the flaps were harvested, and neovascularisation and reinnervation were studied with microangiography and immunohistochemistry using antibodies to protein gene peptide (PGP) 9.5, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Microangiography and quantification of the vWF‐stained vessels in the flaps confirmed increased neovascularisation over a longer time course. Reinnervation was found to have no influence over neovascularisation. Nerve sprouting was present 15 days after nerve implantation to the muscle and became widespread by 30 days. CGRP immunoreactivity, which is thought to have some role in trophic and regulatory processes, was observed only after 30 days of reinnervation. Regardless of the timing and extent of reinnervation, a considerable amount of muscle atrophy was observed in the flaps. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of luminal pore size on the patency rate and endothelialization of polymeric microvenous prostheses
Authors: Hermens R. A. E. C. , Doorn V. A. B. , van der Lei B. , Schakenraad J. M. , Bartels H. L. , Pennings A. J. , Robinson P. H.
Published: March 2007

In microvenous prosthetic surgery a continuous search for better patency rates is necessary to enable a clinical application. In this search for better patencies, modifications in the wall structure are being made. Directions found in the literature suggest that pore size plays an important role in achieving better patencies. Thus far, no study has been conducted to evaluate the influence of pore size on the patency rate of polyurethane microvenous prostheses. Since polyurethane is known to yield good patency rates, we conducted this study in which we compared different luminal pore sizes with regard to patency. Pore size varied from 0.6 to 20 μm in microvenous polyurethane‐based prostheses (length 5–6 mm, internal diameter 1 mm). The results showed a favorable patency rate in the pore sizes larger than 5.0 μm (patency 75%) when compared to pore sizes smaller than 2.0 μm (patency 50%). This study demonstrates that microvenous polyurethane‐based prostheses with a luminal pore size larger than 5.0 μm may yield better patency rates than prostheses with a luminal pore size smaller than 5.0 μm. Further studies are currently being performed to elucidate the very reasons for this effect. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study on microvascular anastomosis of arteries with absorbable polyglyconate suture
Authors: Huang Gong‐Kang , Li Hao‐Qing , Wu Xiao‐Ming
Published: March 2007

A synthetic, monofilament, slowly absorbing suture material, polyglyconate suture was tested to determine its suitability for use in microarterial anastomoses under ordinary tension and under undue tension. Microvascular repair of 34 rat femoral arteries averaging 0.63 mm in diameter using 8–0 polyglyconate suture on an atraumatic needle gave an immediate patency rate of 100% and a late patency rate of 94.1% after 1 to 24 weeks. Microanastomoses of 30 rabbit femoral arteries averaging 1.43 mm in diameter using 8–0 polyglyconate suture on an atraumatic needle gave an immediate patency rate of 100% and a late patency rate of 96.7% when a vessel segment of 3 to 7 mm was resected. Morphological studies included light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that polyglyconate suture retains tensile strength for an adequate period to allow vascular healing and causes a less pronounced tissue response than nonabsorbable nylon suture. Complete absorption of the suture material was followed by a complete regeneration of the vessel wall. These results demonstrated that absorbable polyglyconate suture might be suitable for microvascular anastomosis of arteries under ordinary tension and under tension to a certain degree. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histopathology of muscle flap microcirculation following prolonged ischemia
Authors: Siemionow Maria , Manikowski Wladyslaw , Gawronski Mieczyslaw
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate histological changes occurring in the microcirculation of a muscle flap following prolonged ischemia and to correlate them with the flow hemodynamics. The cremaster muscle flap model was used for direct in vivo studies of the microcirculation. In 45 rats, vascular clamps were applied to the iliac and femoral vessels following flap isolation. Flaps were subjected to various periods of ischemia, ranging from 4 to 6 hours, and 2 hr of reperfusion. In vivo observations of the microcirculation and vessel diameter measurements were taken at 1 hour intervals for an 8 hr period. With prolonged ischemia, return of circulation to the flap was delayed and no flow was observed following 6 hr of ischemia. Morphologic changes at 6 hr revealed red cell and platelet thrombi formation within the capillaries, marked dilatation of postcapillary venules, endothelial swelling in the capillaries, and microhemorrhage formation around the venules. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of postischemic reperfusion on microcirculation and lipid metabolism of skeletal muscle
Authors: Lee Yi‐Hsuan , Wei Fu‐Chan , Lee Jay , Su Min‐Sheng , Chang Yu‐Cheng
Published: March 2007

To study the effect of ischemia reperfusion injury on microvascular reactivity and tissue metabolism in skeletal muscle, a Sprague‐Dawley rat cremaster muscle was prepared as a tourniquet ischemia model and subjected to 2 hr ischemia followed by 1 hr reperfusion to simulate the timing of ischemia during microvascular surgery. The dose‐response curve of arteriolar reactivity to norepinephrine, lipid peroxidation, and ultrastructure of capillaries was determined in both the control and postischemic reperfusion stages. Judging from the results, we summarize our observations as follows: (1) Postischemic reperfusion significantly increased arteriolar reactivity to norepinephrine, in which the EC50 for vasoconstriction decreased in all three orders of arterioles. These results suggest that reperfusion could have impaired the vasodilation control mechanism, possibly being endothelium dependent. (2) Lipid peroxidation increased sixfold in the reperfusion group, suggesting that oxygen free radicals have produced significant tissue damage under the created conditions. (3) Significant endothelial damage in the capillaries shown by electron microscope observation supports these studies, indicating that ischemia/reperfusion in clinically transplanted skeletal muscles could cause significant damage to the tissue microcirculation both physiologically and metabolically. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intercostal nerve crossing to restore elbow flexion and sensibility of the hand for a root avulsion type of brachial plexus injury
Authors: Ogino Toshihiko , Naito Takafumi
Published: March 2007

Ten patients with a root avulsion type of brachial plexus injury were treated with simultaneous intercostal nerve crossing to the musculocutaneous and median nerves, and nine cases were followed for more than 40 months. The average interval from injury to surgery was 2.7 months. The average age at operation was 18.6 years. The elbow flexor was M4 in six patients, M3 in two patients, and M1 in one patient. The wrist flexor was more than M3 in six patients and less than M2 in four patients. The finger flexor was more than M3 in four patients and less than M2 in five patients. Protective sensation in the areas innervated by the musculocutaneous and median nerves was restored in all cases. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two immediate synchronous free flap transfers in a severe traumatic mid‐hand defect: A case report
Authors: Lin Chih‐Hung , Wei Fu‐Chan
Published: March 2007

A 66‐year‐old patient sustained a severe right hand injury resulting in a thumb pulp defect and unreplantable amputation of the index, long, and ring fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joint with joint exposure. There was also an 8 cm defect of the radial digital nerve of the little finger. Immediate one‐stage total reconstruction of all of the defects was accomplished by a free groin flap and a free glabrous skin flap from the foot. Opposable function of the hand was thus preserved. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Replantation of a large amputated segment of the face: A new technique
Authors: Tanaka Yoshio , Tajima Sadao , Byen Mie , Byen Katsuto , Terao Khoichi , Chikamori Masayuki
Published: March 2007

A microvascular replantation of an amputated large facial segment, using a segment of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and its venae comitantes instead of interpositional vein grafts, is presented, and the advantages of this procedure are discussed. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Harvesting of the latissimus dorsi muscle: A small animal model for seroma formation
Authors: Bacilious Norma , Kulber David A. , Peters Eric D. , Gayle Lloyd B. , Chen Ming J. , Harper Alice D. , Hoffman Lloyd
Published: March 2007

A common complication of soft tissue dissection and muscle harvesting is seroma formation. In order to manage and understand the formation of seromas, we developed a small animal model for seromas in the Sprague Dawley rat. Skin flaps and subcutaneous tissue were elevated and the latissimus dorsi muscle was harvested in 20 animals. Eighteen of the 20 rats (90%) formed clinically significant seromas. Sixteen animals had associated skin flap necrosis and 12 required serial drainage for recurrent seromas. At necropsy, gross capsular formation occurred in all animals who developed seromas. Microscopically, a fibrous capsule enveloping the seroma was seen associated with a focal chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate. We conclude: (1) Elevation of the latissimus dorsi muscle in the rat is a reliable and practical animal model for seroma formation; (2) Sequelae of clinically significant seromas are often as severe as skin flap necrosis; (3) An inflammatory reaction may be associated with seromas. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatoprotective effects of lupeol and mango pulp extract of carcinogen induced alteration in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Prasad Sahdeo , Kalra Neetu , Shukla Yogeshwer
Published: March 2007

Lupeol, a triterpene present in mango and other fruits, is known to exhibit a number of pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antilithiatic, and antidiabetic effects. In the present study, chemopreventive properties of lupeol and mango pulp extract (MPE) were evaluated against 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced alteration in liver of Swiss albino mice. Lupeol (25 mg/kg body weight, bw) or 1 mL of 20% w/v aqueous MPE/mouse were daily given once for 1 wk after a single dose of DMBA (50 mg/kg bw). Lupeol/MPE supplementation effectively influenced the DMBA induced oxidative stress, characterized by restored antioxidant enzyme activities and decrease in lipid peroxidation. A reduction of apoptotic cell population in the hypodiploid region was observed in lupeol and MPE supplemented animals. The inhibition of apoptosis was preceded by decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and restoration of mitochondrial transmembrane potential followed by decreased DNA fragmentation. In DMBA treated animals, downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 and upregulation of proapoptotic Bax and Caspase 3 in mouse liver was observed. These alterations were restored by lupeol/MPE, indicating inhibition of apoptosis. Thus, lupeol/MPE was found to be effective in combating oxidative stress induced cellular injury of mouse liver by modulating cell‐growth regulators.
Spatial mapping of the chemical shift in NMR
Authors: Mansfield P.
Published: March 2007

In many biological systems, nuclear magnetic resonance chemical‐shift studies of 31P, 13C, and 1H can be of great value as a means of studying metabolic processes in vivo. This information is likely to be of great clinical value in the diagnosis of disease and in the study and monitoring of the effect of drug treatment. This paper discusses two new techniques, based on the echo‐planar imaging (EPI) method. One is the echo‐planar shift mapping (EPSM) technique and the other is a hybrid projection reconstruction‐echo‐planar (PREP) method. Both methods may be used to obtain complete chemical‐shift spectra at each point of a specified grid in a chosen plane through the subject. A major attraction of the EPSM method is the very high speed at which this information is obtained. The major attraction of the PREP hybrid method is its simplicity. Both techniques have the advantage of speed and efficiency over both the point‐by‐point topical magnetic resonance (TMR) and 3D Fourier transform approaches. The new mapping techniques may also be used to measure magnetic field spatial inhomogeneities, caused by either the presence of magnetic material or simply nonalignment of the magnet.
Studies of factors affecting the design of NMR contrast agents: manganese in blood as a model system
Authors: Kang Young S. , Gore John C. , Armitage Ian M.
Published: March 2007

Some factors affecting the performance of paramagnetic ions as contrast agents for proton NMR imaging have been studied. It is demonstrated that the relaxation rate of an aqueous solution of the ion is not reliably predicted by its magnetic moment, but that significant relaxation enhancement may result when the ion is complexed with large molecules, which increases the dominant correlation time. This enhancement in turn can be altered by factors such as pH and competition for binding. Chelation of the paramagnetic ion, which may be implemented to lower its toxicity, can considerably reduce its efficacy by not only limiting its access to water but also by preventing the enhancement from associations and macromolecules. For manganese the ratio T1/T2 is a useful parameter which is sensitive to the degree of metal binding. These features of paramagnetic relaxation enhancement in tissue are demonstrated in a series of experiments on systems consisting of blood components and manganese.
In vivo measurements of NMR relaxation times
Authors: Kroeker Randall M. , Mcveigh Elliot R. , Hardy Peter , Bronskill Michael J. , Mark Henkelman R.
Published: March 2007

A series of solenoidal NMR probes were built to measure T1 and T2 relaxation times in vivo in the mouse, over the frequency range of 5 to 60 MHz, using inversionrecovery and spin‐echo pulse sequences. KHT tumors growing in the legs of C3H mice were studied and compared with normal mouse legs. The tumor relaxation times were studied at 10 MHz during the course of tumor growth and as a function of frequency when the course of tumor growth and as a function of frequency when the tumor had a mass of approximately 0.9 g. Mouse legs with tumors have higher T1 and T2 values than those without tumors over the frequency range of 5 to 60 MHz. Significant changes in both relaxation times were detected before a palpable mass could be detected. T1 contrast between normal and tumor‐bearing legs decreased with increasing frequency, while T2 contrast remained nearly constant. A comparison between in vivo and in vitro measurements was done using four different types of sample preparation: live mouse, dead mouse, excised whole mouse leg, and tissue sample. These studies showed small but significant differences between the relaxation times measured in vivo and those measured in vitro.
The slotted cylinder: An efficient probe for NMR imaging
Authors: Leroy‐Willig Anne , Darrasse Luc , Taquin Jacques , Sauzade Michel
Published: March 2007

The slotted cylinder, and inductive structure with low self‐inductance, low electric field, has been studied as a probe for NMR imaging applications. A theoretical calculation allows us to map the magnetic field and to evaluate electrical parameters of the structure. Several implementations, including new designs, have been experimentally tested over a wide range of frequencies (4–40 MHz), and compared to a classical coil probe. This study demonstrates the efficiency of the slotted cylinder for NMR imaging. It is optimized for large conductive samples when imaging at high frequencies (for human head, above 20 MHz).
Theoretical description of depth pulse sequences, on and off resonance, including improvements and extensions thereof
Authors: Bendall M. Robin , Pegg David T.
Published: March 2007

A general mathematical description of depth pulse sequences in terms of rotation matrices permits a single matrix, known as a cycle matrix, to be written down for each phase‐cycled pulse in the overall sequence, such that the result for the total phase‐cycled sequence is the product of the individual cycle matrices. It is straightforward to include the effect of the tilted rf axis off resonance and obtain exact solutions. The two types of phase‐cycled pulse used in a depth pulse scheme are 2θ[±x] and 2θ[±x, ± y] and for the general off‐resonance case, four of the off‐diagonal elements in the 2θ[±x] cycle matrix, and all of the off‐diagonal elements in the 2θ[±x, ± y] cycle matrix, are zero. These simplifications enable important improvements of depth pulse schemes for the elimination of high‐flux signals, the reduction of signals from sample regions experiencing pulse angles differing from 90°, and the avoidance of deletrious off‐resonance effects such as the production of dispersion signals. In all cases, the dependence of signal intensity off resonance can be easily and exactly calculated. There are important applications in in vivo spectroscopy.
Shielded solenoidal probe for in Vivo NMR studies of solid tumors
Authors: Ng Thian C. , Glickson Jerry D.
Published: March 2007

A shielded solenoidal probe, suitable for in vivo NMR studies of subcutancous solid tumors, is described. The 31P NMR spectra obtained from phantom samples and in vivo subeutaneous solid tumors in mice show that spurious signals from the body are totally eliminated if the proper shield is used.
The placing of many large superconducting magnets in a limited space
Authors: Patz S. , Moore W. S.
Published: March 2007

The problem of minimizing the space needed to house two or three superconducting magnets was studied. Dipolar fields were used to approximate the stray fields. Field contours of a single dipole μ are reviewed. The three‐dimensional contour surface is discussed in terms of its intersection with planes parallel to a base plane containing μ. The area within a field contour H in the base plane was numerically determined to be 142.55 m2{(m̈/m̈0)(H0/H)}2/3 where μ0 = 109 erg/G and H0 = 5 G. For the contours within planes parallel to the base plane, the contour area and its intercepts with the planar x and y axes are given as a function of the distance from the base plane. For two dipoles at one site and for a given mechanical stress, the torque‐free orientations allow closer spacing. Field contours for the four torque‐free orientations are given for μ1 = μ2. For one zero‐torque configuration (μ1 and μ2 antiparallel, but perpendicular to the line joining them) and for a mutual force of 667 N (150 lb), the 5‐G contour area is only 36% greater than that for a single dipole. General expressions for the forces, torques, and field gradients for two dipoles are given. Torque‐free cases of three superconducting magnets (two of which are identical) at one site are described. Contour plots of the linear arrangements of the magnets as well as of two symmetrical triangular arrangements (corner angle is either 70.5 or 109.50) are given.
The magnetic field dependence of transverse water proton relaxation induced by Nitroxide Radicals
Authors: Polnaszek Carl F. , Bryant Robert G.
Published: March 2007

The magnetic field dependence of the water proton T2 is calculated for aqueous solutions of nitroxides based on a detailed analysis of early T1 measurements on nitroxide solutions made as a function of magnetic field. The results parallel those for T1 closely and, unlike metal systems, the implications for magnetic imaging are similar.
Present clinical status of magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Margulis Alexander R. , Fisher Madeleine R.
Published: March 2007

Magnetic resonance imaging has achieved clinical importance and has become the primary tool in the investigation of head, spinal cord, pelvis, cancellous bone, pericaridium (with gating), gallbladder, lymph node masses, and very soon, in the evaluation of joints. In many areas, particularly with respiratory and ECG gating, this method promises to replace all other imaging modalities with the precision of information obtained. Today the exceptions are the alimentary tube and its mesentery, between the esophagus and rectum, and the peripheral lung.