bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of immortalized choroid plexus epithelial cell lines for studies of transport processes across the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier
Authors: Kläs Juliane , Wolburg Hartwig , Terasaki Tetsuya , Fricker Gert , Reichel Valeska
Published: August 2010

Background

Two rodent choroid plexus (CP) epithelial cell lines, Z310 and TR-CSFB, were compared with primary rat CP epithelial cells and intact CP tissue with respect to transport protein expression, function and tight junction (TJ) formation.

Methods

For expression profiles of transporters and TJ proteins, qPCR and western blot analysis were used. Uptake assays were performed to study the functional activity of transporters and TJ formation was measured by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and visualized by electron microscopy.

Results

The expression of known ATP-binding cassette (Abc) transporter and solute carrier (Slc) genes in CP was confirmed by qPCR. Primary cells and cell lines showed similar, but overall lower expression of Abc transporters and absent Slc expression when compared to intact tissue. Consistent with this Mrp1, Mrp4 and P-gp protein levels were higher in intact CP compared to cell lines. Functionality of P-gp and Mrp1 was confirmed by Calcein-AM and CMFDA uptake assays and studies using [3H]bis-POM-PMEA as a substrate indicated Mrp4 function. Cell lines showed low or absent TJ protein expression. After treatment of cell lines with corticosteroids, RNA expression of claudin1, 2 and 11 and occludin was elevated, as well as claudin1 and occludin protein expression. TJ formation was further investigated by freeze-fracture electron microscopy and only rarely observed. Increases in TJ particles with steroid treatment were not accompanied by an increase in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER).

Conclusion

Taken together, immortalized cell lines may be a tool to study transport processes mediated by P-gp, Mrp1 or Mrp4, but overall expression of transport proteins and TJ formation do not reflect the situation in intact CP tissue.
Testicular fusocellular rhabdomyosarcoma as a metastasis of elbow sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma: A clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical and molecular study of one case
Authors: Martorell Miguel , Ortiz Cristian M , Garcia Jose Angel
Published: August 2010

Sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (SRMS) is an infrequent variant of rhabdomyosarcoma characterized by extensive intercellular hyaline fibrosis. We report the case of a 37 year-old male with a 9 × 6 cm SRMS on the right elbow. Histologically, the tumor showed an abundant extracellular hyaline matrix with extratumoral vascular emboli and microscopic foci of fusocellular embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (FRMS) separated by a fibrotic band from the sclerosing areas. One year later the patient presented with a right intratesticular tumor of 1.2 × 0.8 cm, which was reported as pure FRMS. Immunohistochemically, SRMS was positive only for MyoD1 and Vimentin and negative for Myogenin and Desmin. Both the elbow emboli with the extratumoral foci of FRMS and the intratesticular tumor were positive for Myogenin, MyoD1, Vimentin and Desmin. Using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), the SRMS and the FRMS tumor cells of the elbow and the FRMS tumor cells of the testis were found to be negative for FOXO1A translocation in chromosome 13. PCR chimeric transcriptional products PAX3-FKHR and PAX7-FKHR were not found. Six months following testicular resection, the patient died of multiple metastases in the mediastinum, lung and right thigh.
Radiosensitization and growth inhibition of cancer cells mediated by an scFv antibody gene against DNA-PKcs in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Du Li , Zhou Li-Jun , Pan Xiu-Jie , Wang Yu-Xiao , Xu Qin-Zhi , Yang Zhi-Hua , Wang Yu , Liu Xiao-Dan , Zhu Mao-Xiang , Zhou Ping-Kun
Published: August 2010

Background

Overexpression of DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is commonly occurred in cancers and causes radioresistance and poor prognosis. In present study, the single-chain variable antibody fragments (scFv) targeting DNA-PKcs was developed for the application of radiosensitization in vitro and in vivo. A humanized semisynthetic scFv library and the phage-display antibodies technology were employed to screen DNA-PKcs scFv antibody.

Methods

DNA-PKcs epitopes were predicted and cloned. A humanized semisynthetic scFv library and the phage-display antibodies technology were employed to screen DNA-PKcs scFv antibody. DNA damage repair was analyzed by comet assay and immunofluorescence detection of γH2AX foci. The radiosensitization in vivo was determined on Balb/c athymic mice transplanted tumours of HeLa cells.

Results

Four epitopes of DNA-PKcs have been predicted and expressed as the antigens, and a specific human anti-DNA-PKcs scFv antibody gene, anti-DPK3-scFv, was obtained by screening the phage antibody library using the DNA-PKcs peptide DPK3. The specificity of anti-DPK3-scFv was verified,in vitro. Transfection of HeLa cells with the anti-DPK3-scFv gene resulted in an increased sensitivity to IR, decreased repair capability of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) detected by comet assay and immunofluorescence detection of γH2AX foci. Moreover, the kinase activity of DNA-PKcs was inhibited by anti-DPK3-scFv, which was displayed by the decreased phosphorylation levels of its target Akt/S473 and the autophosphorylation of DNA-PKcs on S2056 induced by radiation. Measurement of the growth and apoptosis rates showed that anti-DPK3-scFv enhanced the sensitivity of tumours transplanted in Balb/c athymic mice to radiation therapy.

Conclusion

The antiproliferation and radiosensitizing effects of anti-DPK3-scFv via targeting DNA-PKcs make it very appealing for the development as a novel biological radiosensitizer for cancer therapeutic potential.
Organ failure and tight glycemic control in the SPRINT study
Authors: Chase J Geoffrey , Pretty Christopher G , Pfeifer Leesa , Shaw Geoffrey M , Preiser Jean-Charles , Le Compte Aaron J , Lin Jessica , Hewett Darren , Moorhead Katherine T , Desaive Thomas
Published: August 2010

Introduction

Intensive care unit mortality is strongly associated with organ failure rate and severity. The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score is used to evaluate the impact of a successful tight glycemic control (TGC) intervention (SPRINT) on organ failure, morbidity, and thus mortality.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 371 patients (3,356 days) on SPRINT (August 2005 - April 2007) and 413 retrospective patients (3,211 days) from two years prior, matched by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) III. SOFA is calculated daily for each patient. The effect of the SPRINT TGC intervention is assessed by comparing the percentage of patients with SOFA ≤5 each day and its trends over time and cohort/group. Organ-failure free days (all SOFA components ≤2) and number of organ failures (SOFA components >2) are also compared. Cumulative time in 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L band (cTIB) was evaluated daily to link tightness and consistency of TGC (cTIB ≥0.5) to SOFA ≤5 using conditional and joint probabilities.

Results

Admission and maximum SOFA scores were similar (P = 0.20; P = 0.76), with similar time to maximum (median: one day; IQR: [1, 3] days; P = 0.99). Median length of stay was similar (4.1 days SPRINT and 3.8 days Pre-SPRINT; P = 0.94). The percentage of patients with SOFA ≤5 is different over the first 14 days (P = 0.016), rising to approximately 75% for Pre-SPRINT and approximately 85% for SPRINT, with clear separation after two days. Organ-failure-free days were different (SPRINT = 41.6%; Pre-SPRINT = 36.5%; P < 0.0001) as were the percent of total possible organ failures (SPRINT = 16.0%; Pre-SPRINT = 19.0%; P < 0.0001). By Day 3 over 90% of SPRINT patients had cTIB ≥0.5 (37% Pre-SPRINT) reaching 100% by Day 7 (50% Pre-SPRINT). Conditional and joint probabilities indicate tighter, more consistent TGC under SPRINT (cTIB ≥0.5) increased the likelihood SOFA ≤5.

Conclusions

SPRINT TGC resolved organ failure faster, and for more patients, from similar admission and maximum SOFA scores, than conventional control. These reductions mirror the reduced mortality with SPRINT. The cTIB ≥0.5 metric provides a first benchmark linking TGC quality to organ failure. These results support other physiological and clinical results indicating the role tight, consistent TGC can play in reducing organ failure, morbidity and mortality, and should be validated on data from randomised trials.
RET-Mediated Cell Adhesion and Migration Require Multiple Integrin Subunits
Authors: Cockburn Jessica G. , Richardson Douglas S. , Gujral Taranjit S. , Mulligan Lois M.
Published: August 2010

Context: The RET receptor tyrosine kinase is an important mediator of several human diseases, most notably of neuroendocrine cancers. These diseases are characterized by aberrant cell migration, a process tightly regulated by integrins.

Objective: Our goals were to investigate the role of integrins in RET-mediated migration in two neoplastic cell models: the neural-derived cell line SH-SY5Y, and the papillary thyroid carcinoma cell line TPC-1. We also evaluated whether multiple integrin subunits have a role in RET-mediated cell migration.

Design: We evaluated the expression and activation of integrins in response to RET activation using standard cell adhesion and migration (wound-healing) assays. We examined focal adhesion formation, using integrin-paxillin coimmunoprecipitations and immunofluorescence, as an indicator of integrin activity.

Results: Our data indicate that β1 integrin (ITGB1) is expressed in both SH-SY5Y and TPC-1 cell lines and that these cells adhere strongly to matrices preferentially associated with ITGB1. We showed that RET can activate ITGB1, and that RET-induced cell adhesion and migration require ITGB1. Furthermore, we showed that β3 integrin (ITGB3) also plays a role in RET-mediated cell adhesion and migration in vitro and ITGB3 expression correlates with RET-mediated invasion in a mouse tumor xenograft model, suggesting that RET mediates the activity of multiple integrin subunits.

Conclusions: Our data are the first to show that multiple integrin subunits contribute to cell adhesion and migration downstream of RET, suggesting that coordinated signaling through these pathways is important for cell interactions with the microenvironment during tumor invasion and progression.
Sall1-dependent signals affect Wnt signaling and ureter tip fate to initiate kidney development
Authors: Kiefer Susan M. , Robbins Lynn , Stumpff Kelly M. , Lin Congxing , Ma Liang , Rauchman Michael
Published: August 2010

Development of the metanephric kidney depends on precise control of branching of the ureteric bud. Branching events represent terminal bifurcations that are thought to depend on unique patterns of gene expression in the tip compared with the stalk and are influenced by mesenchymal signals. The metanephric mesenchyme-derived signals that control gene expression at the ureteric bud tip are not well understood. In mouse Sall1 mutants, the ureteric bud grows out and invades the metanephric mesenchyme, but it fails to initiate branching despite tip-specific expression of Ret and Wnt11. The stalk-specific marker Wnt9b and the β-catenin downstream target Axin2 are ectopically expressed in the mutant ureteric bud tips, suggesting that upregulated canonical Wnt signaling disrupts ureter branching in this mutant. In support of this hypothesis, ureter arrest is rescued by lowering β-catenin levels in the Sall1 mutant and is phenocopied by ectopic expression of a stabilized β-catenin in the ureteric bud. Furthermore, transgenic overexpression of Wnt9b in the ureteric bud causes reduced branching in multiple founder lines. These studies indicate that Sall1-dependent signals from the metanephric mesenchyme are required to modulate ureteric bud tip Wnt patterning in order to initiate branching.
The role ofDrosophilaLamin C in muscle function and gene expression
Authors: Dialynas George , Speese Sean , Budnik Vivian , Geyer Pamela K. , Wallrath Lori L.
Published: August 2010

The inner side of the nuclear envelope (NE) is lined with lamins, a meshwork of intermediate filaments that provides structural support for the nucleus and plays roles in many nuclear processes. Lamins, classified as A- or B-types on the basis of biochemical properties, have a conserved globular head, central rod and C-terminal domain that includes an Ig-fold structural motif. In humans, mutations in A-type lamins give rise to diseases that exhibit tissue-specific defects, such as Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. Drosophila is being used as a model to determine tissue-specific functions of A-type lamins in development, with implications for understanding human disease mechanisms. The GAL4-UAS system was used to express wild-type and mutant forms of Lamin C (the presumed Drosophila A-type lamin), in an otherwise wild-type background. Larval muscle-specific expression of wild type Drosophila Lamin C caused no overt phenotype. By contrast, larval muscle-specific expression of a truncated form of Lamin C lacking the N-terminal head (Lamin C ΔN) caused muscle defects and semi-lethality, with adult ‘escapers’ possessing malformed legs. The leg defects were due to a lack of larval muscle function and alterations in hormone-regulated gene expression. The consequences of Lamin C association at a gene were tested directly by targeting a Lamin C DNA-binding domain fusion protein upstream of a reporter gene. Association of Lamin C correlated with localization of the reporter gene at the nuclear periphery and gene repression. These data demonstrate connections among the Drosophila A-type lamin, hormone-induced gene expression and muscle function.
BMP-mediated inhibition of FGF signaling promotes cardiomyocyte differentiation of anterior heart field progenitors
Authors: Tirosh-Finkel Libbat , Zeisel Amit , Brodt-Ivenshitz Miriam , Shamai Ayelet , Yao Zhong , Seger Rony , Domany Eytan , Tzahor Eldad
Published: August 2010

The anterior heart field (AHF) encompasses a niche in which mesoderm-derived cardiac progenitors maintain their multipotent and undifferentiated nature in response to signals from surrounding tissues. Here, we investigate the signaling mechanism that promotes the shift from proliferating cardiac progenitors to differentiating cardiomyocytes in chick embryos. Genomic and systems biology approaches, as well as perturbations of signaling molecules, in vitro and in vivo, reveal tight crosstalk between the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways within the AHF niche: BMP4 promotes myofibrillar gene expression and cardiomyocyte contraction by blocking FGF signaling. Furthermore, inhibition of the FGF-ERK pathway is both sufficient and necessary for these processes, suggesting that FGF signaling blocks premature differentiation of cardiac progenitors in the AHF. We further revealed that BMP4 induced a set of neural crest-related genes, including MSX1. Overexpression of Msx1 was sufficient to repress FGF gene expression and cell proliferation, thereby promoting cardiomyocyte differentiation. Finally, we show that BMP-induced cardiomyocyte differentiation is diminished following cranial neural crest ablation, underscoring the key roles of these cells in the regulation of AHF cell differentiation. Hence, BMP and FGF signaling pathways act via inter- and intra-regulatory loops in multiple tissues, to coordinate the balance between proliferation and differentiation of cardiac progenitors.
Experimental evidence for the ectodermal origin of the epithelial anlage of the chicken bursa of Fabricius
Authors: Nagy Nándor , Oláh Imre
Published: August 2010

The bursa of Fabricius (BF) is a central lymphoid organ of birds responsible for B-cell maturation within bursal follicles of epithelial origin. Despite the fundamental importance of the BF to the birth of B lymphocytes in the immune system, the embryological origin of the epithelial component of the BF remains unknown. The BF arises in the tail bud, caudal to the cloaca and in close association with the cloacal membrane, where the anal invagination (anal sinus) of ectoderm and the caudal endodermal wall of the cloaca are juxtaposed. Serial semi-thin sections of the tail bud show that the anal sinus gradually transforms into the bursal duct and proctodeum, which joins the distal part of the cloaca during late embryogenesis. These anatomical findings raise the possibility that the ectoderm may contribute to the epithelial anlage of the BF. The expression of sonic hedgehog and its receptor in the embryonic gut, but not in the BF, further supports an ectodermal origin for the bursal rudiment. Using chick-quail chimeras, quail tail bud ectoderm was homotopically transplanted into ectoderm-ablated chick, resulting in quail-derived bursal follicle formation. Chimeric bursal anlagen were generated in vitro by recombining chick bursal mesenchyme with quail ectoderm or endoderm and grafting the recombination into the chick coelomic cavity. After hematopoietic cell colonization, bursal follicles formed only in grafts containing BF mesenchyme and tail bud ectoderm. These results strongly support the central role of the ectoderm in the development of the bursal epithelium and hence in the maturation of B lymphocytes.
Accounting for health-care outcomes: implications for intensive care unit practice and performance
Authors: Sorensen Roslyn , Iedema Rick
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to understand the environment of health care, and how clinicians and managers respond in terms of performance accountability. A qualitative method was used in a tertiary metropolitan teaching intensive care unit (ICU) in Sydney, Australia, including interviews with 15 clinical managers and focus groups with 29 nurses of differing experience. The study found that a managerial focus on abstract goals, such as budgets detracted from managing the core business of clinical work. Fractures were evident within clinical units, between clinical units and between clinical and managerial domains. These fractures reinforced the status quo where seemingly unconnected patient care activities were undertaken by loosely connected individual clinicians with personalized concepts of accountability. Managers must conceptualize health services as an interconnected entity within which self-directed teams negotiate and agree objectives, collect and review performance data and define collective practice. Organically developing regimens of care within and across specialist clinical units, such as in ICUs, directly impact upon health service performance and accountability.
From bed-blocking to delayed discharges: precursors and interpretations of a contested concept
Authors: Manzano-Santaella Ana
Published: August 2010

Delayed hospital discharges have been identified as a problem for the English National Health Service and have prompted several policy and service development responses in the last decade. However, bed-blocking is an issue surrounded by rival interpretations on how and why hospital delays occur and the way in which they are measured. To better understand this contested concept, this paper provides a brief description of the historical accounts that framed the emergence of delayed hospital discharges as a phenomenon. Three key features of the bed-blocking concept are also analysed: the reduction of patients' length of stay to improve efficiency, the intrinsic methodological difficulties of measuring hospital delays and the most common reasons for delayed discharges. A description of the characteristics of the patients frequently labelled as delayed discharge, their common traits and how these have been examined by previous research is also provided. Finally, this paper argues that the presence of hospital delays in a health system tends to be considered as an indicator of two possible system inefficiencies: a failure in the discharge planning process, which generally blames social services departments for not ensuring timely services, or a shortage of alternative forms of care for this group of patients.
Effect of the Iranian hospital grading system on patients' and general practitioners' behaviour: an examination of awareness, belief and choice
Authors: Aryankhesal Aidin , Sheldon Trevor
Published: August 2010

There is considerable international interest in the use of performance measurement and their public release in order to improve the quality of care. However, few studies have assessed stakeholders' awareness and use of performance data. Iranian hospitals have been graded annually since 1998 and hospital hotel charges vary by grade, but this system has never been evaluated. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 104 outpatients at eight Teheran hospitals and 103 general practitioners (GPs) to assess the awareness of and attitudes towards hospital grading system. Only 5.8% of patients (95% CI: 1.3–10.3%) and 11.7% of GPs (95% CI: 5.5–17.9%) were aware of grading results. Patients' awareness was positively associated with their education level ( P = 0.016). No patient used the grading results for choosing a hospital and only one GP (1%, 95% CI: 0–2%) reported using hospital grade to influence referral decisions. Patients were more influenced by hospitals' public reputation and that of their specialists. GPs believed that the grading system did not reflect the quality of care in hospitals. When developing performance measurement systems, public release of data should be accompanied by evaluation of its impact on awareness and health-care choices
The Sealed-Bid Abstraction in Online Auctions
Authors: Zeithammer Robert , Adams Christopher
Published: August 2010

This paper presents five empirical tests of the popular modeling abstraction that assumes bids from online auctions with proxy bidding can be analyzed “as if” they were bids from a second-price sealed-bid auction. The tests rely on observations of the magnitudes and timings of the top two proxy bids, with the different tests stemming from different regularity assumptions about the underlying distribution of valuation signals. We apply the tests to data from three eBay markets—MP3 players, DVDs, and used cars—and we reject the sealed-bid abstraction in all three data sets. A closer examination of these rejections suggests that they are driven by less experienced bidders. This consistent rejection casts doubt on several existing theories of online auction behavior and suggests some demand estimates based on the abstraction can be biased. To assess the direction and magnitude of this bias, we propose and estimate a new model in which some bidders conform to the abstraction while other bidders bid in a reactive fashion. Because reactive bidding can be at least partially detected from the data, we are able to estimate the underlying distribution of demand and compare it to what the sealed-bid abstraction implies. We find that our proposed model fits the data better, and our demand estimates reveal a large potential downward bias were we to assume the second-price sealed-bid model instead.
Alternate-Day Statin Therapy for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Reindl Erin K , Wright Bradley M , Wargo Kurt A
Published: August 2010

Objective:

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and cost of alternate-day statin therapy in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Data Sources:

Systematic searches were conducted for primary literature sources involving alternative statin regimens using PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (January 1966-March 2010). Articles selected were limited to those published in the English language. Reference citations from relevant publications identified were also reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All English-language articles identified were reviewed and 17 trials (14 prospective and 3 retrospective) involving alternate-day statin dosing were included. Studies involving alternative statin dosing regimens other than alternating days were excluded from this review.

Data Synthesis:

Daily administration of statins is the standard of therapy used to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels as well as atherosclerosis that may lead to coronary events. Through LDL-C lowering and pleiotrope effects, statins decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, due to cost and adverse effects of statins, some patients are nonadherent to statin therapy. Several small studies have found alternate-day statin therapy to be as effective at reducing LDL-C as daily administration, while also lowering the incidence of adverse reactions and potentially lowering cost.

Conclusions:

Alternate-day statin therapy may decrease cost and therapy-limiting adverse reactions while potentially increasing regimen adherence and positively affecting the lipid panel. Further research is needed to determine whether this alternative regimen produces similar cardiovascular outcomes as those with daily statin therapy,
Health-Care Reform's Great Expectations and Physician Reality
Authors: Mol Andre Van
Published: August 2010

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will not prove to be the reform for which physicians were long hoping. Private insurance rates will climb sharply, forcing people onto government programs; physician reimbursement will plummet; the physician shortage will worsen; rationing in the form of waiting lists is certain; health care as a whole will worsen; and once fully engaged, nationalization of health care will be irreversible.
The Influence of the Addition of Oils in the Diesel Fuel Density
Authors: Santo Filho Dalni Malta do Espirito , De Abreu Fernando Luiz Barbuda , Pereira Roberto Guimarães , dos Santos Júnior José Júlio Pinheiro , Siqueira José Renato Real , Ferreira Paulo Lyra Simões , Barbosa Thales de Paula , Lima Leandro Santos , Baldner Felipe de Oliveira
Published: August 2010

The world is looking for changes in its energetic matrix through the use of biofuels to reduce the dependence on oil derivatives. Currently, the number of studies concerning mixtures of triglycerides from animals or plants with diesel fuel has risen due to efforts to reduce the consumption of diesel oil. This paper studies the behavior of the density of plant oils mixed with diesel fuel in relation to temperature, which is essential to guarantee engine efficiency. The density is related to the mass and to the volume being a critical property to the assessment of the subministered energy to the engine by the injection system, which behaves like a pump of positive displacement. Samples of the diesel fuel mixture were made with plant triglycerides in proportion and range of ∼5–20%. The densities of the samples were measured in a density meter with temperature varying between 18 and 25°C, as well as at 15°C, according to ASTM standard. Afterwards, the uncertainties of measurement were calculated, and the density change with respect to temperature is presented and shown in density variation curves. An analysis of the density variation curves shows that.
Cabergoline monotherapy in the long-term treatment of Cushing's disease
Authors: Godbout Ariane , Manavela Marcos , Danilowicz Karina , Beauregard Hugues , Bruno Oscar Domingo , Lacroix André
Published: August 2010

Background

Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine receptor agonist used to treat prolactinomas. Identification of D2 receptors in corticotroph tumors led to clinical trials of cabergoline therapy in limited cases of Nelson's syndrome, ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors, and recently Cushing's disease (CD).

Objective

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of cabergoline monotherapy in patients with CD.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of non-randomized clinical therapy with cabergoline in 30 patients with CD treated in academic centers of Buenos Aires and Montreal. Cabergoline was initiated at 0.5–1.0 mg/week and adjusted up to a maximal dose of 6 mg/week based on urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels. Complete response to cabergoline was defined as a sustained normalization of UFC with at least two normal values measured at 1–3 months interval; partial response was defined as a decrease of UFC to <125% of the upper limit of normal, and treatment failure as UFC ≥125% of it.

Results

Within 3–6 months, complete response was achieved in 11 patients (36.6%) and partial response in 4 patients (13.3%). After long-term therapy, nine patients (30%) remain with a complete response after a mean of 37 months (range from 12 to 60 months) with a mean dose of 2.1 mg/week of cabergoline. Two patients escaped after 2 and 5 years of complete response, but one patient transiently renormalized UFC after an increase in cabergoline dosage. No long-term response was maintained in four initial partial responders.

Conclusions

Cabergoline monotherapy can provide an effective long-term medical therapy for selected patients with CD, but requires close follow-up for dose adjustments.
Controle da calogênese do pau-brasil in vitro
Authors: Werner Elias Terra , Cuzzuol Geraldo Rogério Faustini , Pessotti Kamila Vilas , Lopes Fernando Pinto , Roger Jéssica de Almeida
Published: August 2010

A indução da calogênese é a primeira etapa para obtenção de embriões e sementes. Para o controle da calogênese de Caesalpinia echinata, foram usados discos de foliólolos do pau-brasil em diferentes fases de desenvolvimento combinados com os fitorreguladores 2,4-D (0, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 mg/L) e 6-BAP (2,0 mg/L), cultivados em meio de cultura de Murashige e Skoog (1962) acrescido de sacarose (30 g/L), mioinositol (100 mg/L) e ágar (7,5 g/L). Foi testado, também, o efeito de 6-BAP (0, 0,5, 1,0, 2,0, 5,0 e 10 mg/L) no crescimento de ápices meristemáticos. Foliólolos juvenis cultivados com baixa concentração de 2,4-D (5 e 20 mg/L) e foliólolos jovens tratados com altas concentrações de 2,4-D (50 e 100 mg/L) geraram calos sem diferenças significativas entre luz e escuro. Quanto ao controle da oxidação, melhores resultados foram proporcionados pelo carvão ativado, porém inibidores da calogênese. A transferência dos calos do meio de cultura MS com altas concentrações de 2,4-D (5,0; 10,0; e 20,0 mg/L) para meio sem fitorreguladores estimulou a formação de massas pró-embrionárias (MPEs). Os meios livres de fitorreguladores, 2,0 mg/L de 2,4-D e 0,5 mg/L de 2,4-D elevaram o número de calos embriogênicos e de massas pré-embrionárias. Somente em 0,5 mg/L 2,4-D se verificaram algumas estruturas semelhantes a embriões somáticos nas fases globular e codiforme.
Micropropagation of Maclura tinctoria L.: an endangered woody species
Authors: Gomes Guilherme Augusto Canella , Paiva Renato , Herrera Rairys Cravo , Paiva Patrícia Duarte de Oliveira
Published: August 2010

Some native species produce seeds with low germination percentage and in most cases with dormancy, which makes the appearance of new individuals by sexual propagation difficult. The Maclura tinctoria has been considered an endangered species due to the indiscriminate use of its wood and low rate of seed germination. In this context, the objective of the present study was to establish an in vitropropagation methodology for this species. Combinations of NAA + BAP, different concentrations of GA3 and combinations IBA + activated charcoal were evaluated for shoot induction, shoot growth and root formation, respectively. The results indicated that the maximum shoot formation was obtained when 5.37 µM NAA + 4.45 µM BAP was used. The use of 5.48 µM GA3 promoted shoot growth. Root formation was observed on explants inoculated in WPM with a pH adjusted to 7.0 and supplemented with 23.62 µM IBA + 4.7 g L-1 activated charcoal. The use of a 70% light screen for 7 days followed by the use of 50 and 30% light screens also for 7 days each provided 97% plantlet survival.
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: the current incidence and staging based on the WHO and European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society classification: an analysis based on prospectively collected parameters
Authors: Niederle Martin B , Hackl Monika , Kaserer Klaus , Niederle Bruno
Published: August 2010

As incidence data on gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) have so far only been retrospectively obtained and based on inhomogeneous material, we conducted a prospective study in Austria collecting all newly diagnosed GEP-NETs during 1 year. Using the current WHO classification, the tumor, nodes, metastases (TNM) staging and Ki67 grading and the standard diagnostic procedure proposed by the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS), GEP-NETs from 285 patients (male: 148; female: 137) were recorded. The annual incidence rates were 2.51 per 100 000 inhabitants for men, 2.36 per 100 000 for women. The stomach (23%) was the main site, followed by appendix (21%), small intestine (15%) and rectum (14%). Patients with appendiceal tumours were significantly younger than patients with tumours in any other site. About 46.0% were classified as benign, 15.4% as uncertain, 31.9% as well differentiated malignant and 6.7% as poorly differentiated malignant. Patients with benign or uncertain tumours were significantly younger than patients with malignant tumours. Among the malignant tumours of the digestive tract, 1.49% arose from neuroendocrine cells. For malignant gastrointestinal NETs, the incidence was 0.80 per 100 000: 40.9% were ENETS stage I, 23.8% stage II, 11.6% stage III and 23.8% stage IV. The majority (59.7%) were grade 1, 31.2% grade 2 and 9.1% grade 3. NETs of the digestive tract are more common than previously reported; the majority show benign behaviour, are located in the stomach and are well differentiated. G3 tumours are very rare.
Fracturing in Tight Gas Reservoirs: Application of Special-Core-Analysis Methods To Investigate Formation-Damage Mechanisms
Authors: Bazin B.. , Bekri S.. , Vizika O.. , Herzhaft B.. , Aubry E..
Published: August 2010

Gas-well productivity in tight reservoirs is greatly impeded by fracturing-fluid interactions with the formation. New simulators introduce formation-damage mechanisms to calculate gas-well productivity. However, equations describing formation damage must be supported by experimental data obtained in conditions representative of fracturing operations.

The purpose of this work is to derive absolute-permeability and multiphase-flow damages upon return gas permeability after core invasion by a fracturing fluid by methods used in the Special Core Analysis Laboratory (SCAL). The core permeability is in the microdarcy range with significant illitic content. Absolute-permeability damages caused by fracturing-fluid filtration and water sensitivity are measured. Water-saturation profiles recorded by X-ray in two-phase-flow experiments are interpreted. The methodology of interpretation provides the petrophysical data specific to the rock/fluid system: absolute permeability, relative permeability damage caused by hysteresis, and capillary pressure.

In addition, simulations are presented for the evaluation of the effect of various operational parameters, such as pressure drawdown, on gas productivity. It is shown that permeability hysteresis is the determinant factor to explain low gas recoveries at short term. In the long term, the natural cleanup is very slow. The results, derived from a real rock/fluid system, are used to provide recommendations for improving backflow procedures. This methodology can be applied to any case of damage caused by the alteration of rock/fluid properties.
Characteristics of Oilwell Cement Slurry Using CMC
Authors: Roshan H.. , Asef M.R.. R.
Published: August 2010

The effects of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymer with some other additives on Class G cement were investigated to design a slurry for a field in the south of Iran subject to tectonically induced horizontal in-situ stress. For a number of alternative slurries, characteristics such as compressive strength, permeability, free water, and fluid loss were examined. Fundamental theoretical studies and laboratory experiments were conducted using a system-based approach, endeavoring to minimize undesired properties progressively. The result was a cement slurry with specifications of early and high compressive strength, low permeability, suitable rheological properties, and a wide range of thickening time and suitable slurry for this case. Accordingly, the major contributions of this research lie in two aspects. First, a new package of additives is introduced to be used in similar cases in the oilwell-drilling industry. Second, a systematic experimental/theoretical approach for optimization of cement slurry in accordance with functional requirements is documented.
How To Use and Misuse Proppant Crush Tests: Exposing the Top 10 Myths
Authors: Palisch Terry , Duenckel R.. , Chapman Mark , Woolfolk Scott , Vincent M.C.. C.
Published: August 2010

When the American Petroleum Institute (API) established standardized crush-testing procedures (API RP-56 1983), the committee indicated that the test results should "provide indications of the stress level where proppant crushing is excessive and the maximum stress to which the proppant material should be subjected." However, over time, many have forgotten not only how the test is conducted, but also its original intent. As such, many now unintentionally misapply the results of crush testing as they select proppants for their fracture designs.

This paper will review the top 10 myths associated with crush testing and its interpretation, addressing such common questions as Do standard test conditions (high proppant concentration and low temperature) provide realistic predictions of proppant performance?Should proppant be tested wet or dry?Does the loading procedure affect crush?What happens if proppant is not distributed uniformly in a fracture?Do all proppants fail in the same manner?Are all proppant types equally damaged by 5% crush?How can the industry misuse the test to report "superior" results?

Readers of this paper will be armed with a better understanding of how crush testing is performed, how crush results can be misapplied, and the correct use of crush-test results. In addition, the authors will present an alternative methodology for evaluating proppant that incorporates all of the benefits gained from crush testing, but avoids the common pitfalls. Armed with this information readers can improve the design of fracture treatments, thereby achieving increased production rates and superior economic returns.
A New Well-Path Design Using Clothoid Spiral Curvature Bridging for Ultra-Extended-Reach Drilling
Authors: Samuel Robello
Published: August 2010

Drilling ultra-extended-reach (UERD) wells and extending their reach to greater depths requires both improved models and comprehensive analysis. Wellbore friction is an important factor in drilling ultralong wells, and optimizing the well-path design is an effective means for reducing torque and drag. This paper describes a new well-path design that will enable extending the reach of a well to a greater depth. Usually, well trajectories are designed with constant curvature with well-defined arcs connecting the transition between the tangent sections. Even though the transition between the tangent and build sections or tangent and drop sections appears to be smooth, there will be some discontinuity that will result in high stresses on the tubulars, will increase torque and drag, and will result in poor hole cleaning and other problems. To avoid curvature and geometrical torsion discontinuities between sections, curvature-bridge curves, or transition curves called clothoid spirals, can be used.

This paper presents a new mathematical formulation for well-path designs using curvature bridges. Results show that the essential elements in planning a proposed well path are determining the shape and position of the bridged section, the characteristic parameter describing its shape, and its position in the well profile. To provide a quantitative means for measuring the complexity of well-path designs, a coupled analytical criterion based on the minimum energy of the curve is proposed. The proposed approach is a superior method and a more effective tool for describing and comparing the minimum energies used in well-path designs. This paper compares simulated well-path designs created with the new method with actual conventional well-path designs and describes the accuracy and applicability of the new well-path model. The results of this study demonstrate that well-path designs using curvature bridges are superior to the existing well-path designs used for drilling extended-reach-drilling (ERD) and UERD wells.
A Mechanistic Model for Gas/Liquid Flow in Upward Vertical Annuli
Authors: Yu T.T.. T. , Zhang H.-Q.. -Q. , Li M.X.. X. , Sarica C..
Published: August 2010

In this study, a mechanistic model is developed to predict flow patterns, pressure gradient, and liquid holdup for gas/liquid flow in upward vertical annuli. The flow-pattern-transition model consists of a modified Zhang et al. (2003a) unified model for dispersed- bubble flow and annular-flow-pattern transitions, a Caetano (1986) model for bubbly-flow transition, and a modified Kaya et al. (2001) model for slug- to churn-flow transition. The hydrodynamic models are developed on the basis of the dynamics of slug flow, and the film zone is used as the control volume. The two liquid films are taken into account in the annulus-slug-flow and annular-flow model developments. The churn-flow model is developed on the basis of the Zhang et al. (2003a) unified model for pipe flow by using a much shorter slug length.
Predicting Flow Profile of Horizontal Well by Downhole Pressure and Distributed-Temperature Data for Waterdrive Reservoir
Authors: Li Zhuoyi , Zhu Ding
Published: August 2010

Downhole pressure and temperature data are important information that helps us understand the bottomhole flow condition. Today, the data are readily available from permanent monitoring systems such as downhole gauges or fiber-optic sensors. In a previous study, we showed that using temperature and pressure data, water entry along a horizontal wellbore can be detected by a semianalytical model. Flow in the wellbore is well-defined, but flow in the reservoir is described by a single-phase, 1D model. The assumptions limited application of the model to mostly a single-phase condition.

In this paper, we present an improved model that is more flexible. We use a streamline-simulation method to solve the flow problem in the reservoir for fast tracking of reservoir flow. We developed a transient, 3D, multiphase reservoir thermal model to calculate reservoir temperature. We integrated the reservoir flow model and thermal model with a horizontal-well temperature model to predict the pressure and temperature distribution in a horizontal-well system. We apply the model to a synthetic example. The example is an infinite waterdrive case. The results of simulation show that the temperature features in a horizontal well can detect the location and amount of water breakthrough successfully. Meanwhile, even the pressure trend does not reflect the water entrance as clearly as the temperature curve, the capability of which to indentify the reservoir permeability distribution is very helpful in temperature calculation. We apply the model to a field case: a horizontal well in the Sincor field for heavy-oil production. The results showed that we can successfully identify where and how much water enters the horizontal well in this field example.

We use an inversion method to interpret the pressure and temperature data to obtain a flow-rate profile along horizontal wells. The inversion method is the traditional Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. This stochastic method searches for the possible solution in the parameter space and uses the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm to judge the acceptance. We discuss how to reduce the parameters to make the inversion method work more efficiently according to the downhole pressure and temperature data.
Valuation of Producing Properties for Loan Purposes
Authors: Terry Lyon F. , Hill Kenneth E.
Published: August 2010

Introduction

There are several methods of valuing producing properties and numerousconcepts of value, and they all have their purpose. From the standpoint of thelender on oil properties, the primary objective is to judge what might berealized from the sale of the property if it should become necessary toforeclose. For this purpose, the most significant concept of value is the "fairmarket value" - the price at which the property would be sold by a willingseller to a willing buyer, neither being under any compulsion to buy or tosell, and both being competent and having reasonable knowledge of thefacts.

The method of valuation generally used by the institution with which theauthors are associated is the estimation of the present worth of future profitsat that discount rate which it is believed will result in the fair marketvalue. This is often termed the engineering or analytic appraisal method andfor several reasons is found most useful in valuing properties submitted ascollateral for loan purposes. Most important is to ascertain by our ownappraisal that the amount of the loan outstanding at any time could berecovered, if necessary, by foreclosure and sale. Another important factor injudging the goodness of a loan is the ability of the property to generatesufficient net cash income, after all necessary operating, development, andincome tax requirements, to amortize the loan within a reasonable time. This isascertained from a payout schedule which is readily derived by a cut-and-tryprocess from the forecast of net profits used in calculating the value, asshown in Tables IV and V. In addition, when the purchase of a property ispartially financed by a loan, the lender and the buyer are in effect acquiringthe property jointly. Prudent lenders will avoid participating in a projectwhere the expenses may become so high that the operator might be unable to meethis obligations. And good bankers should avoid being a party to a transactionat a price so high that the customer later finds he has made an unprofitable purchase.
Valuation Reports and Security Analysis
Authors: Kennedy Edwin L.
Published: August 2010

Every professional group in American life seeks to find rules and formulaeby which correct decisions can be made easily. Any schoolboy likes to be ableto look in the back of the book for the answers to his problems - at least, forthe tough ones. There are no answers in the back of the investor's book; nofoolproof rules to put money to work in any industry, particularly in thedynamic oil industry, in order to achieve the goals desired by "the typicalAmerican investor." We define "the typical American investor" as one who wantsto buy something that has the strength of a Government bond; that yields 10 percent; and that will, at the very least, double in price within six months andone day.

Sometime ago a series of valuation reports were prepared for my firm. Theyhad been prepared for investment guidance a a sufficient number of yearspreviously to permit their conclusions to be tested in the market place. It wasdisillusioning to find no important relationship between the conclusions ofthese valuation reports and the subsequent market performance of the commonstocks involved. In fact, one of the issues looked upon with the greatest favorbecause its market price bore an unusually low ratio of about 30 per cent toits then appraised value has had over the years, since the reports wereprepared, one of the smallest price gains of any of the major oil issues. It istoday selling for about 40 per cent of its appraised value. Of course, theissue's appraised value has increased along with all values in the industry, particularly in the post war period of inflation. This stock entered thisperiod with an abnormally low ratio between market price and appraised value, and this low ratio has continued without making it a good purchase at anytime.