bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residual disease after re‐excision lumpectomy for close margins
Authors: Sabel Michael S. , Rogers Kendra , Griffith Kent , Jagsi Reshma , Kleer Celina G. , Diehl Kathleen A. , Breslin Tara M. , Cimmino Vincent M. , Chang Alfred E. , Newman Lisa A.
Published: December 2008

Introduction

While a positive margin after an attempt at breast conservation therapy (BCT) is a reason for concern, there is more controversy regarding close margins. When re‐excisions are performed, there is often no residual disease in the new specimen, calling into question the need for the procedure. We sought to examine the incidence of residual disease after re‐excision for close margins and to identify predictive factors that may better select patients for re‐excision.

Methods

Our IRB‐approved prospective breast cancer database was queried for all breast cancer patients who underwent a re‐excision lumpectomy for either close or positive margins after an attempt at BCT. Close margins are defined as ≤2 mm for invasive carcinoma and ≤3 mm for DCIS. Clinicopathologic features were correlated with the presence of residual disease in the re‐excision specimen.

Results

Three hundred three patients (32%) underwent re‐operation for either close (173) or positive (130) margins. Overall, 33% had residual disease identified, 42% of DCIS patients and 29% of patients with invasive disease, nearly identical to patients with positive margins. For patients with DCIS, only younger age was significantly related to residual disease. For patients with invasive cancer, only multifocality was significantly associated with residual disease (OR 3.64 [1.26–10.48]). However, patients without multifocality still had a substantial risk of residual disease.

Discussion

The presence of residual disease appears equal between re‐excisions for close and positive margins. No subset of patients with either DCIS or invasive cancer could be identified with a substantially lower risk of residual disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99: 99–103. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating Olympic‐related investment and expenditure
Authors: Li ShiNa , Blake Adam
Published: December 2008

The analysis of the impact of mega events has included frameworks that evaluate different impacts under different criteria, for example, separating impacts according to whether they occur before, during or after the event itself. Analysis of the economic impacts of such events has shown that the distributional effects between the host city and the rest of an economy can be important, and can have opposite signs. This paper introduces frameworks to show the origin of the economic scale, that is, Olympic‐related investment and expenditure, and shows how the frameworks can be used with reference to the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular responses on anodized titanium discs after laser irradiation
Authors: Lee Joo‐Hee , Heo Seong‐Joo , Koak Jai‐Young , Kim Seong‐Kyun , Lee Shin‐Jae , Lee Seok‐Hyung
Published: December 2008

Background and Objectives

Although the laser is one of the widely used systems in dental field, literature about the biological effects of laser irradiation on the titanium surface is rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the responses of osteoblast‐like cells seeded onto laser irradiated anodized titanium discs, using a CO2 (carbon dioxide) and Er,Cr:YSGG (erbium chromium‐doped yttrium scandium gallium garnet) laser, with reference to cellular proliferation and differentiation in vitro.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Osteoblast‐like HOS cells were cultured on four differently treated anodized titanium disc surfaces. Group 1, anodized (control); group 2, CO2 laser irradiated; group 3, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiated (150 J/cm2); group 4, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiated (300 J/cm2). MTS‐based cell proliferation assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity test were used to compare cellular responses after 1 and 3 days. Three‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc method were carried out to determine the statistical significance of the differences.

Results

The cells proliferated actively on all substrates; greatest cellular proliferation was observed in group 4, followed by groups 2, 3, and 1, respectively (P<0.05). The test groups also presented significantly higher ALP activities than the control group (P<0.05) except group 3. For both tests, measured optical densities at 3 days were greater than that of 1 day in control and all test groups (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The data shows that irradiation with a CO2 laser or Er,Cr:YSGG laser may induce a measurable positive effect on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:738–742, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasound guidance and monitoring of laser‐based fat removal
Authors: Shah Jignesh , Thomsen Sharon , Milner Thomas E. , Emelianov Stanislav Y.
Published: December 2008

Background and Objectives

We report on a study to investigate feasibility of utilizing ultrasound imaging to guide laser removal of subcutaneous fat. Ultrasound imaging can be used to identify the tissue composition and to monitor the temperature increase in response to laser irradiation.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Laser heating was performed on ex vivo porcine subcutaneous fat through the overlying skin using a continuous wave laser operating at 1,210 nm optical wavelength. Ultrasound images were recorded using a 10 MHz linear array‐based ultrasound imaging system.

Results

Ultrasound imaging was utilized to differentiate between water‐based and lipid‐based regions within the porcine tissue and to identify the dermis‐fat junction. Temperature maps during the laser exposure in the skin and fatty tissue layers were computed.

Conclusions

Results of our study demonstrate the potential of using ultrasound imaging to guide laser fat removal. Lasers Surg. Med. 40:680–687, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Getting a feel for price affect: A conceptual framework and empirical investigation of consumers' emotional responses to price information
Authors: Peine Klaus , Heitmann Mark , Herrmann Andreas
Published: December 2008

Behavioral pricing research is cognitively biased. Therefore, the research agenda for this paper is to examine consumers' emotional responses to price information, or price affect. A conceptual framework of price affect based on appraisal theory is proposed. Moreover, a psychometric measure of price affect capturing positive and negative emotions is derived. A field experiment involving N = 1533 consumers reveals that a price increase leads to changes in price affect. Also, negative price affect is related to passive consumer behavior, whereas positive price affect is associated with proactive consumer behavior. Yet, a price increase reduces the importance of price affect in predicting consumer behavior. In addition, both price cognitions and price affect mediate the effect of a price increase on consumer behavior. Consistent with appraisal theory, a price increase exerts its causal influence on price affect through changes in price cognitions. Similarly, price affect mediates the effect of price cognitions on consumer behavior. Finally, price affect improves the prediction of consumer behavior beyond price cognitions. Results suggest that price affect is a stand alone, previously overlooked predictor of consumer behavior. Implications are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The perfect gift card: An exploration of teenagers' gift card associations
Authors: Tuten Tracy L. , Kiecker Pamela
Published: December 2008

This study provides new insights into the meaning and value of gift cards in gift exchange among teenagers who gave and/or received gift cards during the Christmas/Hanukkah season. From their reflections of the reasons for giving gift cards and their feelings about receiving gift cards from others, the social roles played out in buying gift cards as a gift selection strategy are assessed and the values associated with gift cards explored. The results suggest that givers playing the roles of acknowledger and pleaser are heavy gift card givers when buying gifts for difficult recipients. Acknowledgers incorporate gift cards into existing strategies for gift selection (especially “settle,” “pawn off,” and “buy relationship affirming gifts”), but for pleasers, buying gift cards may be part of a new gift selection strategy—“play it safe.” Importantly, although gift cards can reflect economic, social, and functional value, the giving of gift cards seems to result in a new form of value for the recipients—the value of choice, which occurs when the control over gift selection is transferred from giver to receiver. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enniatins A1, B and B1 from an endophytic strain of Fusarium tricinctum induce apoptotic cell death in H4IIE hepatoma cells accompanied by inhibition of ERK phosphorylation
Authors: Wätjen Wim , Debbab Abdessamad , Hohlfeld Anke , Chovolou Yvonni , Kampkötter Andreas , Edrada Ru Angelie , Ebel Rainer , Hakiki Abdelhak , Mosaddak Mahjouba , Totzke Frank , Kubbutat Michael H. G. , Proksch Peter
Published: December 2008

Enniatins are mycotoxins which have important impact on human health, e.g. as contaminants of cereals, but also are discussed as possible anticancer agents. We investigated toxic effects of enniatins A1, B and B1 isolated from Fusarium tricinctum on different cancer cell lines. The enniatins showed moderate activity in HepG2 and C6 cells (EC50‐values approximately 10–25 μM), but were highly toxic in H4IIE cells (EC50‐values approximately 1–2.5 μM). In H4IIE cells, all enniatins increased caspase 3/7 activity and nuclear fragmentation as markers for apoptotic cell death. Enniatin A1, enniatin B1, and, to a lesser extent, also enniatin B decreased the activation of extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) (p44/p42), a mitogen‐activated protein kinase which is associated with cell proliferation. Furthermore, enniatins A1 and B1, but not enniatin B were able to inhibit moderately tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α)‐induced NF‐κB activation. Screening of 24 additional protein kinases involved in signal transduction pathways (cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and metastasis) showed no inhibitory activity of enniatins. We conclude that enniatins A1 and B1 and, to a lesser extent, enniatin B may possess anticarcinogenic properties by induction of apoptosis and disruption of ERK signalling pathway. Further analysis of these substances is necessary to analyse their usefulness for cancer therapy.
Oxidative in vitro metabolism of the Alternaria toxins altenuene and isoaltenuene
Authors: Pfeiffer Erika , Herrmann Carina , Altemöller Martina , Podlech Joachim , Metzler Manfred
Published: December 2008

The mycotoxins altenuene (ALT) and isoaltenuene (iALT) frequently occur in food and feed items infested by fungi of the genus Alternaria, but nothing is known about their oxidative metabolism in mammals. We have therefore incubated ALT and iALT with microsomes from rat liver in the presence of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)‐generating system and analyzed the extracted metabolites with HPLC and GC‐MS after trimethylsilylation. Both toxins formed a major metabolite, which was tentatively identified as the 8‐hydroxylation product by GC‐MS analysis and by its methylation by the enzyme catechol‐O‐methyltransferase. Three minor metabolites were tentatively identified as 10‐hydroxy‐ and two stereoisomers of 4‐hydroxy‐ALT and –iALT. The same metabolic pattern was observed in microsomes from different rat strains and from pigs and humans. Moreover, incubation of ALT with rat liver slices provided evidence that the same oxidative metabolites were formed under in vivo‐like conditions. Thus, ALT and iALT exhibit a considerable propensity for undergoing metabolic hydroxylation reactions, and the toxicological properties of the oxidative metabolites should now be studied.
The effects of green tea (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate on reactive oxygen species in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes depend on the glutathione and 67 kDa laminin receptor pathways
Authors: Wang Chih‐Ting , Chang Hsin‐Huei , Hsiao Chiao‐Hsin , Lee Meng‐Jung , Ku Hui‐Chen , Hu Yu‐Jung , Kao Yung‐Hsi
Published: December 2008

Green tea (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is known as to regulate obesity and fat cell activity. However, little information is known about the effects of EGCG on oxidative reactive oxygen species (ROS) of fat cells. Using 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes, we found that EGCG increased ROS production in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. The concentration of EGCG that increased ROS levels by 180–500% was approximately 50 μM for a range of 8–16 h of treatment. In contrast, EGCG dose‐ and time‐dependently decreased the amount of intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. EGCG was more effective than (–)‐epicatechin, (–)‐epicatechin‐3‐gallate, and (–)‐epigallocatechin in changing ROS and GSH levels. This suggests a catechin‐specific effect. To further examine the relation of GSH to ROS as altered by EGCG, we observed that exposure of preadipocytes and adipocytes to N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (a GSH precursor) blocked the EGCG‐induced increases in ROS levels and decreases in GSH levels. These observations suggest a GSH‐dependent effect of EGCG on ROS production. While EGCG was demonstrated to alter levels of ROS and GSH, its signaling was altered by an EGCG receptor (the so‐called 67 kDa laminin receptor(67LR)) antiserum, but not by normal rabbit serum. These data suggest that EGCG mediates GSH and ROS levels via the 67LR pathway.
Monodemethylated polymethoxyflavones from sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) peel Inhibit growth of human lung cancer cells by apoptosis
Authors: Xiao Hang , Yang Chung S. , Li Shiming , Jin Huanyu , Ho Chi‐Tang , Patel Trusha
Published: December 2008

Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) are almost exclusively found in the Citrus genus, particularly in the peels of sweet orange (Citrus sinensisL. Osbeck) and mandarin (C. reticulateBlanco). We studied the effects of two major PMFs, namely, nobiletin and 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′‐heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), and two major monodemethylated PMFs, namely 5‐hydroxy‐3,7,8,3′,4′‐pentamethoxyflavone (5HPMF), and 5‐hydroxy‐3,6,7,8,3′,4′‐hexamethoxyflavone (5HHMF), on the growth of human lung cancer H1299, H441, and H460 cells. Monodemethylated PMFs were much more potent in growth inhibition of lung cancer cells than their permethoxylated counterpart PMFs. In H1299 cells, cell cycle analyses further revealed that monodemethylated PMFs caused significant increase in sub‐G0/G1 phase, suggesting possible role of apoptosis in the growth inhibition observed, whereas the permethoxylated counterpart PMFs did not affect cell cycle distribution at same concentrations tested. These results strongly suggested that the phenolic group is essential for the growth inhibitory activity of monodemethylated PMFs. Further studies in H1299 cells demonstrated that monodemethylated PMFs downregulated oncogenic proteins, such as iNOS, COX‐2, Mcl‐1, and K‐ras, as well as induced apoptosis evidenced by activation of caspase‐3 and cleavage of PARP. Our results provide rationale to develop orange peel extract enriched with monodemethylated PMFs into value‐added nutraceutical products for cancer prevention.
Probiotic bacteria are antagonistic to Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter jejuni and influence host lymphocyte responses in human microbiota‐associated immunodeficient and immunocompetent mice
Authors: Wagner Robert Doug , Johnson Shemedia J. , Kurniasih Rubin Dedeh
Published: December 2008

A defined human microbiota‐associated (HMA) mouse model in BALB/c and immunodeficient Tgε26 mice was used to assess the ability of probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria to enhance colonization resistance to gastrointestinal (GI) tract pathogens. Probiotic bacteria (1×108 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL) successfully excluded Campylobacter jejuni from both strains of mice 7 days after challenge. The probiotic bacteria also reduced the number of Salmonella in the large intestines of both mouse strains. The nylon wool fractionated spleen lymphocyte populations were incubated with Salmonella or C. jejuni antigens. The probiotic treatments did not affect lymphocyte proliferation to C. jejuni antigens, but significantly increased proliferation of lymphocytes to Salmonella antigens by 68 and 55%, respectively, over untreated mice. Caspase 3/7 activation was significantly reduced 33 and 38% in the T and B lymphocyte fractions, respectively, of probiotic‐treated, Salmonella‐challenged HMA BALB/c mice, suggesting that lymphocyte rescue from apoptosis was occurring as a result of probiotic bacteria activity. These results revealed an immunosuppressive activity by Salmonella that was inhibited by the presence of probiotic bacteria. In summary, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria competitively excluded C. jejuni from immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and antagonized an observable Salmonella‐induced immunosuppression in immunocompetent mice.
A quantitative comparison of metabolite signals as detected by in vivo MRS with ex vivo1H HR‐MAS for childhood brain tumours
Authors: Wilson Martin , Davies Nigel P. , Grundy Richard G. , Peet Andrew C.
Published: December 2008

1H MRS provides a powerful method for investigating tumour metabolism by allowing the measurement of metabolites in vivo. Recently, the technique of 1H high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HR‐MAS) has been shown to produce high‐quality data, allowing the accurate measurement of many metabolites present in unprocessed biopsy tissue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement between the techniques of in vivo MRS and ex vivo HR‐MAS for investigating childhood brain tumours. Short‐TE (30 ms), single‐voxel, in vivo MRS was performed on 16 paediatric patients with brain tumours at 1.5 T. A frozen biopsy sample was available for each patient. HR‐MAS was performed on the biopsy samples, and metabolite quantities were determined from the MRS and HR‐MAS data using the LCModel™ and TARQUIN algorithms, respectively. Linear regression was performed on the metabolite quantities to asses the agreement between MRS and HR‐MAS. Eight of the 12 metabolite quantities were found to correlate significantly (P < 0.05). The four worst correlating metabolites were aspartate, scyllo‐inositol, glycerophosphocholine and N‐acetylaspartate, and, except for glycerophosphocholine, this error was reflected in their higher Cramer–Rao lower bounds (CRLBs), suggesting that low signal‐to‐noise was the greatest source of error for these metabolites. Glycerophosphocholine had a lower CRLB implying that interference with phosphocholine and choline was the most significant source of error. The generally good agreement observed between the two techniques suggests that both MRS and HR‐MAS can be used to reliably estimate metabolite quantities in brain tumour tissue and that tumour heterogeneity and metabolite degradation do not have an important effect on the HR‐MAS metabolite profile for the tumours investigated. HR‐MAS can be used to improve the analysis and understanding of MRS data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WPA ISSPD Educational Program: Module II. Advances in research and understanding of personality disorders
Authors: Ronningstam Elsa , Simonsen Eric , Millon Theodore
Published: December 2008

Recent advances in research, clinical observations and treatment have contributed to several major changes in the conceptualization of personality disorders. Featured in an educational programme on personality disorders prepared by the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Section on Personality Disorders and the International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders, this paper reviews new perspectives, significant interfaces, and areas of ambiguity and controversy that presently influence the study and treatment of personality disorders. Included are, among other things, discussions of their heritability and aetiological origin, variability over time and between cultures, and change and remission. A curriculum suggesting different educational approaches to the programme, now available on the Internet, aims at promoting integrative learning and discussion among clinicians and educators in study groups or workshops. The programme can be downloaded from the WPA web sitehttp://www.wpanet.org. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A metal free blue emission by the protonated 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine hexafluorophosphate
Authors: Yoshikawa Naokazu , Yamabe Shinichi , Kanehisa Nobuko , Takashima Hiroshi , Tsukahara Keiichi
Published: December 2008

Mono‐protonated 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine (terpy) compound, 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridinium hexafluorophosphate {[terpyH]PF6}, was prepared and characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, UV–Vis and emission spectroscopies, cyclic voltammogram (CV), and X‐ray crystallography. The proton is located at the central pyridine nitrogen atom of terpy and was found in electron density difference map, which is completely different from the previously reported mono‐protonated species, such as [terpyH]ReO4 and [terpyH]CF3SO3. The H+ in the latter species is located at the terminal pyridine nitrogen. A small difference of proton positions was found to give a drastic difference of crystal patterns. For [terpyH]PF6 in CH3CN, a new π–π* band in the UV region and a blue emission (Φ = 0.052 at room temperature) appeared whose maxima were red‐shifted relative to those of the corresponding neutral terpy ligand. CV for the proton adduct showed the first reduction wave at around −0.6 V, being more positive than that of the neutral species. Finally, the density‐functional theory (DFT) approach was used to investigate isomerization processes of the protonated terpy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulatory elements and functional implication for the formation of dimeric visinin‐like protein‐1
Authors: Chen Ku‐Chung , Wang Li‐Kuan , Chang Long‐Sen
Published: December 2008

Size exclusion chromatographic analyses showed that Ca2+‐free VILIP‐1 contained both monomeric and dimeric forms, while no appreciable dimerization was noted with Ca2+‐free VILIP‐3. Swapping of EF‐hands 3 and 4 of VILIP‐1 with those of VILIP‐3 caused the inability of the resulting chimeric protein to form dimeric protein. Nonreducing SDS‐PAGE analyses revealed that most of the dimeric VILIP‐1 was noncovalently bound together. Reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) treatment notably enhanced the formation of disulfide‐linked VILIP‐1 dimer, while Ca2+ and Mg2+ enhanced disulfide dimerization of VILIP‐1 marginally in the presence of thiol compounds. Cys‐187 at the C‐terminus of VILIP‐1 contributed greatly to form S‐S‐crosslinked dimer as revealed by mutagenesis studies. The ability of GSH/GSSG‐treated VILIP‐1 to activate guanylyl cyclase B was reduced by substituting Cys‐187 with Ala. Together with disulfide dimer of VILIP‐1 detected in rat brain extracts, our data may imply the functional contribution of disulfide dimer to the interaction of VILIP‐1 with its physiological target(s). Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structures at high pressure from random searching
Authors: Pickard C. J. , Needs R. J.
Published: December 2008

An approach to searching for the structures of crystals is described. We choose an ensemble of “random” starting structures and relax them, often constraining the starting structures and/or relaxation to bias the search in some manner. The methodology is illustrated by applications to high‐pressure phases of group IV hydrides, especially silane (SiH4), and to solid hydrogen, using first‐principles density‐functional‐theory methods. We discuss the issue of possible decomposition of group IV hydrides into their constituent elements under pressure. A new molecular‐hydrogen structure is described whose enthalpy is calculated to be slightly lower than all other known structures in the pressure range 75–108 GPa, and we mention its possible relevance to phase II of hydrogen. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Induction of apoptosis by a synergistic lignan composition from Cedrus deodara in human cancer cells
Authors: Sharma Parduman R. , Shanmugavel M. , Saxena Ajit K. , Qazi Ghulam N.
Published: December 2008

AP9‐cd, a synergistic lignan mixture from Cedrus deodara (Pinaceae) consisting of (−)‐wikstromal, (−)‐matairesinol and dibenzyl butyrolactol, depicted cytotoxic effects against numerous human cancer cell lines reported previously. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of cell death in human cancer cells. The viability, morphological and ultrastructural changes in Molt‐4 cells were investigated. Using the trypan blue exclusion assay, we demonstrated that AP9‐cd significantly reduced the viability of Molt‐4 cells in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Apoptotic assays using light microscopy revealed that this agent induced Molt‐4 cell apoptosis at varied concentrations. The treatment causes a loss in cell viability by activating the apoptotic process as identified by light and electron microscopy. The morphological changes of intracellular organelles in Molt‐4 cells treated with 30 µg/ml of AP9‐cd revealed the disruption of mitochondrial cristae. Other features included the vacuolization, chromatin condensation and formation of micronuclei. Surface ultrastructural studies of four different tumor cell lines (Molt‐4, HL‐60, PC‐3 and A‐549) treated with AP9‐cd depicted loss of surface projections, condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies. AP9‐cd treatment to transgenic fruit fly, Drosophila, carrying human adenomatous polpyposis coli (hAPC) gene enhanced eye phenotypes and therefore may inhibit Wnt/Wg pathway which is important in the aetiology of a number of human cancers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo protective effect of crocetin on benzo(a)pyrene‐induced lung cancer in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Magesh Venkatraman , DurgaBhavani Konga , Senthilnathan Palaniyandi , Rajendran Peramaiyan , Sakthisekaran Dhanapal
Published: December 2008

The objective of this investigation was to determine the efficacy of crocetin in preventing lung tumorigenesis in mice. We evaluated crocetin in Swiss albino mice treated with the tobacco‐specific carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] for their ability to inhibit pulmonary adenoma formation and growth. Male Swiss albino mice (7 weeks old) were given 100 mg/kg B(a)P by i.p. injection, and 4 or 14 weeks later, they were given crocetin 50 mg/kg by i.p. injection 3 days/week. Crocetin (50 mg/kg body weight) reduced proliferating cells by 68% and 45% in 18 and 8 weeks of treatment respectively. The levels of glycoproteins and polyamines were significantly altered in the B(a)P‐induced animals than in crocetin treatment groups. The activity of crocetin was more pronounced in the cancer. Taken together, these results indicate that crocetin was capable of inhibiting proliferation cells by inhibiting proliferating cells, glycoprotein and polyamine synthesis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apoptosis of BGC823 cell line induced by p‐hydroxymethoxybenzobijuglone, a novel compound from Juglans mandshurica
Authors: Li ZhiBo , Wang JingYun , Yang Jun , Zhang XiuLi , An LiJia , Bao YongMing
Published: December 2008

p‐Hydroxymethoxybenzobijuglone (HMBBJ), a new quinone compound isolated from Juglans mandshurica (by bioassay‐guided fractionation), showed cytotoxic activity in the gastric carcinoma cell line BGC823. The growth of BGC823 cells was inhibited as demonstrated by MTT assay and several cellular characteristic changes, such as cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and apoptotic body formation with programmed cell death. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the BGC823 cell cycle was arrested at G2/M phase by HMBBJ, and the apoptotic rate of BGC823 cells increased with respect to HMBBJ in a dose‐dependent manner. HMBBJ also activated caspase‐3, decreased the expression of Bcl‐2 and caused a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). These findings suggest that HMBBJ could significantly induce apoptosis in BGC823 cells and should be considered as a potential candidate for a chemotherapeutic drug against cancer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adulterant profile of illicit street heroin and reduction of its precipitated physical dependence withdrawal syndrome by extracts of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Authors: Subhan Fazal , Khan Nematullah , Sewell Robert D. E.
Published: December 2008

The study evaluated the adulterants in a specimen of illicit street heroin supplied under strict control by the Pakistan Anti‐Narcotic Force. It also examined the effects ofHypericum perforatumL. extracts on the naloxone‐induced heroin withdrawal syndrome.

The GC‐MS analysis of the specimen showed that in addition to heroin (37.8%), the sample also contained caffeine (8.4%), phenobarbitone (12.7%), 6‐acetyl codeine (5.3%), 6‐acetyl morphine (10.9%) and noscapine (15.8%).

Administration of the heroin to rats for 8 days induced physical withdrawal signs of abdominal constriction, diarrhoea and vocalization on touch after naloxone treatment. AqueousHypericum perforatumextracts (20 mg/kg twice daily chronically or as a single acute dose 90 min before naloxone) given orally to the heroin dependent rats attenuated abdominal constrictions both acutely and chronically while the hydroethanol and ethanol extracts were only effective in acutely treated animals. Diarrhoea was ameliorated by the hydroethanol and ethanol extracts following acute or chronic heroin treatment while the aqueous extract failed to show any effect. Vocalization on touch during withdrawal was reduced by all the extracts either chronically or acutely with the exception of chronic treatment with hydroethanol extracts. The findings suggest thatHypericum perforatumis capable of reducing the physical signs of opiate withdrawal. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro effects of glycyrrhetinic acid on the growth of clinical isolates of Candida albicans
Authors: Pellati Donatella , Fiore Cristina , Armanini Decio , Rassu Mario , Bertoloni Giulio
Published: December 2008

Compounds derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root have been used widely for centuries for their numerous therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to test the in vitro activity against Candida albicans strains of the compound 18‐β glycyrrhetinic acid (18‐β GA), derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza species. This antimicrobial activity was assessed using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) method on C. albicans strains that were isolated from patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). The in vitro growth of the C. albicans strains was markedly reduced, in a pH‐dependent manner, by relatively low doses (6.2 µg/mL) of 18‐β GA. The results demonstrate that 18‐β GA is a promising biological alternative for the topical treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling conditional dependence between diagnostic tests: A multiple latent variable model
Authors: Dendukuri Nandini , Hadgu Alula , Wang Liangliang
Published: December 2008

Applications of latent class analysis in diagnostic test studies have assumed that all tests are measuring a common binary latent variable, the true disease status. In this article we describe a new approach that recognizes that tests based on different biological phenomena measure different latent variables, which in turn measure the latent true disease status. This allows for adjustment of conditional dependence between tests within disease categories. The model further allows for the inclusion of measured covariates and unmeasured random effects affecting test performance within latent classes. We describe a Bayesian approach for model estimation and describe a new posterior predictive check for evaluating candidate models. The methods are motivated and illustrated by results from a study of diagnostic tests for Chlamydia trachomatis. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of the copper sensitivity of two economically important saltwater mussel species and a review of previously reported copper toxicity data for mussels: Important implications for determining future ambient copper saltwater criteria in the USA
Authors: Arnold W. Ray , Cotsifas Jeffrey S. , Smith D. Scott , Le Page Steven , Gruenthal Kristen M.
Published: December 2008

Saltwater bivalves of the genus Mytilus are among the most copper sensitive taxa listed in both the current and recently proposed U.S. EPA ambient saltwater copper criteria documents. The copper saltwater quality criteria are somewhat unique in that the criteria were set specifically to protect Mytilus. However, there is considerable uncertainty in the reported taxonomy of Mytilus species in the criteria database and it has recently been demonstrated the copper toxicity to M. galloprovincialis is dependent on the organic matter content of the test water. A review of the toxicity and biogeography literature was conducted to rationalize the existing criteria database. Elimination of some data is suggested due to the uncertainty of test organism genotype. Moreover, due to the lack of reported dissolved organic matter content of the test waters in tests included in the criteria database, it is impossible to determine if the difference in species mean acute values reported in the criteria documents for Mytilus was due to differences in water chemistry or differences in species sensitivity. Experiments were designed and conducted with M. galloprovincialis and M. edulis (genetically confirmed) to determine if copper toxicity is a function of organic matter content for these two species and if there is a significant difference in species copper sensitivity. Results showed that copper toxicity is a function of organic matter concentration for both species and copper sensitivity of each species was statistically similar. Results support the normalization of the saltwater copper criteria database with respect to dissolved organic matter when developing ambient saltwater copper criteria. The USEPA toxicity database would benefit from future testing of M. trossulus and M. californianus. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Flexible block‐wise loading algorithm for effective resource allocation and reduction of uplink feedback information in OFDMA systems
Authors: Sun TaeHyoung , Wang YuPeng , Chang KyungHi
Published: December 2008

Adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) is a well‐known technique that selects a suitable modulation level and coding rate according to the user's channel quality. The utilization of AMC in downlink (DL) requires the channel information of each user on DL to properly select the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level. However, under a practical OFDMA system environment, it is unsuitable to feedback all the channel information over the whole frequency resources due to the limited uplink bandwidth. In this paper, to optimize the performance of the AMC system and to reduce the uplink feedback requirement, we propose a flexible block‐wise loading (FBL) algorithm combined with a novel channel quality information (CQI) feedback scheme requiring less number of CQI feedback bits, which is suitable for the general OFDMA system with AMC. The proposed FBL algorithm dynamically allocates groups of sub‐carriers to each user in DL based on the channel quality information encapsulated in a newly defined feedback signal format. As a result, the sector throughput and outage performance is improved due to the flexibility on the sub‐channel allocation and increased accuracy on the CQI feedback information by the proposed FBL algorithm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors that Influence 12 or More Harvested Lymph Nodes in Early‐Stage Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hsu Chao‐Wen , Lin Chieh‐Hsin , Wang Jui‐Ho , Wang Hsin‐Tai , Ou Wen‐Chieh , King Tai‐Ming
Published: December 2008

Background

The number of lymph nodes required for accurate staging is a critical component in early‐stage (stage A and B) colorectal cancer (CRC). Current guidelines demand at least 12 lymph nodes to be retrieved. Results of previous studies were contradictory in factors, which influenced the number of harvested lymph nodes. This study was designed to determine the factors that influence the number of harvested lymph nodes (≥12) in early‐stage CRC in a single institution.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2007, data on patients who underwent surgery for early‐stage CRC were analyzed retrospectively. Data for a total of 470 patients were collected and all the tumor‐bearing specimens were fixed with node identification performed. Several possible factors that influence 12 or more harvested lymph nodes were investigated and classified into four aspects: (1) operating surgeon, (2) examining pathologist, (3) patient (age, sex, and body mass index), and (4) disease (maximal length of tumor, length of specimen, tumor localization, tumor cell differentiation, Dukes stage, type of resection, and type of tumor).

Results

A total of 289 patients (61.5%) with 12 or more harvested lymph nodes and 181 patients (38.5%) with < 12 lymph nodes were analyzed. The results demonstrate that within a single institution the maximal length of tumor, tumor localization, and depth of tumor invasion according to Dukes stage were independent influencing factors of 12 or more harvested lymph nodes. Maximal length of tumor was associated with more harvested lymph nodes (P < 0.001). Neither the operating surgeon nor the examining pathologist had significant influence on the number of harvested lymph nodes.

Conclusions

The number of harvested lymph nodes was highly variable in patients who underwent resection of early‐stage CRC. Neither the operating surgeon nor the examining pathologist had significant influence on the number of harvested lymph nodes. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the surgeons, disease itself is the most important factor influencing the number of harvested lymph nodes.
Improved Diagnosis of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Using Haptoglobin and Serum Amyloid A in a Panel Screen
Authors: Firpo Matthew A. , Gay David Z. , Granger Steven R. , Scaife Courtney L. , DiSario James A. , Boucher Kenneth M. , Mulvihill Sean J.
Published: December 2008

Background

Timely, accurate diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is hampered by the lack of effective circulating biomarkers. No single test has emerged that improves upon the commonly used biomarker cancer antigen 19–9 (CA 19–9) to discriminate PA from benign conditions effectively. The goals of this study were to validate two acute‐phase proteins, haptoglobin and serum amyloid A (SAA), as biomarkers for PA and determine if the combination of haptoglobin, SAA, and CA 19–9 would improve PA diagnosis over CA 19–9 alone.

Methods

Levels of haptoglobin, SAA, and CA 19–9 were measured in pretreatment sera from 75 PA patients, 32 patients with chronic pancreatitis, 42 patients with other benign pancreatic disease or biliary stricture, and 150 healthy control subjects by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or colorimetric binding assay. Relative levels of haptoglobin or SAA were compared between groups using analysis of variance. The diagnostic accuracy of serum haptoglobin and SAA levels were investigated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Using classification tree analysis, an algorithm was developed that used haptoglobin, SAA, and CA 19–9 in a diagnostic screening panel.

Results

Both haptoglobin and SAA were significantly elevated in sera from PA patients compared to healthy control subjects (p < 0.0001) and patients with chronic pancreatitis (p = 0.01). Haptoglobin was significantly elevated in sera from PA patients relative to patients with other benign diseases (p = 0.0015), whereas SAA fell short of significance in the same comparison (p = 0.0508). ROC analysis indicated that haptoglobin [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.792] was a better diagnostic marker than SAA (AUC = 0.691) over multiple threshold cutoffs. Using specific cutoffs that minimized overall misclassification, haptoglobin yielded a sensitivity of 82.7% and a specificity of 71.1%, and SAA yielded a sensitivity of 34.7% and a specificity of 90.2% when discriminating PA cases from all non‐PA controls. In the same sample set, CA 19–9 yielded a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 91.1%. Combining data from haptoglobin, SAA, and CA 19–9 in a diagnostic screening panel improved the overall accuracy when compared to CA 19–9 alone, yielding a sensitivity of 81.3% and a specificity of 95.5%.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that haptoglobin and SAA are useful for discriminating PA from benign conditions as well as healthy controls when used in a diagnostic screening panel. This study supports the use of combined biomarkers for improved accuracy in the diagnosis of PA.
Effect of Rikkunshito, a Chinese Herbal Medicine, on Stasis in Patients After Pylorus‐Preserving Gastrectomy
Authors: Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Endo Shunji , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Souma Yoshihito , Nishida Toshirou
Published: December 2008

Background

Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus‐preserving gastrectomy (PPG) have been employed for gastric cancer, with PPG having been reported to be superior to DG in regard to postoperative quality of life. Some patients with these operations still suffer from gastric stasis, however. In this study, we aimed to examine the clinical effects of rikkunshito on patients who were to undergo PPG.

Methods

A total of 11 patients who were scheduled to undergo PPG for early gastric cancer at the Osaka University Hospital were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to the crossover study with and without rikkunshito 7.5 g/day. Questionnaires and emptying tests using 111In‐labeled liquid scintigraphy and 99mTc‐labeled solid scintigraphy were performed at the end of each treatment period.

Results

Stasis‐related symptoms were significantly reduced during rikkunshito treatment (p = 0.043). The emptying test showed that rikkunshito improved emptying of solid meals (p = 0.0003) from the remnant stomach but did not accelerate gastric empting of liquid meals.

Conclusions

Rikkunshito improved gastric emptying and ameliorated postoperative symptoms of patients who had undergone a PPG.
Effect of Growth Temperature on Bamboo-shaped Carbon–Nitrogen (C–N) Nanotubes Synthesized Using Ferrocene Acetonitrile Precursor
Authors: Yadav RamManohar , Dobal PramodSingh , Shripathi T , Katiyar RS , Srivastava ON
Published: December 2008

This investigation deals with the effect of growth temperature on the microstructure, nitrogen content, and crystallinity of C–N nanotubes. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) study reveals that the atomic percentage of nitrogen content in nanotubes decreases with an increase in growth temperature. Transmission electron microscopic investigations indicate that the bamboo compartment distance increases with an increase in growth temperature. The diameter of the nanotubes also increases with increasing growth temperature. Raman modes sharpen while the normalized intensity of the defect mode decreases almost linearly with increasing growth temperature. These changes are attributed to the reduction of defect concentration due to an increase in crystal planar domain sizes in graphite sheets with increasing temperature. Both XPS and Raman spectral observations indicate that the C–N nanotubes grown at lower temperatures possess higher degree of disorder and higher N incorporation.
Removal and Degradation of Phorbol Esters during Pre‐treatment and Transesterification of Jatropha curcas Oil
Authors: Makkar Harinder , Maes Jeroen , De Greyt Wim , Becker Klaus
Published: December 2008

Phorbol esters present in Jatropha curcas oil are toxic when consumed and are co‐carcinogens. These could be a potential constraint in the widespread acceptance of Jatropha oil as a source of biodiesel. Phorbol esters were quantified in the fractions obtained at different stages of oil pre‐treatment and biodiesel production. During degumming some phorbol esters were removed in the acid gums and wash water. This implies that the use of these acid gums in animal feed is not possible and care should be taken when disposing the wash water into the environment. Silica treatment did not decrease the phorbol esters, while stripping/deodorization at 260 °C at 3 mbar pressure with 1% steam injection completely degraded phorbol esters. Phorbol esters were not detected in stripped oil, fatty acid distillate, transesterified oil (biodiesel) and glycerine. The presence of possibly toxic phorbol ester degradation products in these fractions could not be ruled out.
Degradation and Nutritional Quality Changes of Oil During Frying
Authors: Aladedunye Felix A. , Przybylski Roman
Published: December 2008

The changes in regular canola oil as affected by frying temperature were studied. French fries were fried intermittently in canola oil that was heated for 7 h daily over seven consecutive days. Thermo‐oxidative alterations of the oil heated at 185 ± 5 or 215 ± 5 °C were measured by total polar components (TPC), anisidine value (AV), color components formation, and changes in fatty acid composition and tocopherols. Results showed that TPC, AV, color and trans fatty acid content increased significantly (P < 0.05) as a function of frying temperature and time. The oil polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decreased in direct proportion to frying temperature and time. After 7 days of frying, the amount of PUFA was reduced by half and the trans isomers contribution increased 2.5 times during frying at 215 °C. Of the parameters assessed, total polar component and color had the highest correlation, with correlation coefficients of 0.9650 and 0.9302 for frying at 215 and 185 °C, respectively. TPC formation correlated inversely with the reduction of tocopherols.
Complications with flexible nailing of femur fractures more than double with child obesity and weight >50 kg
Authors: Weiss Jennifer M. , Choi Paul , Ghatan Christine , Skaggs David L. , Kay Robert M.
Published: December 2008

Background

Previous studies report that children above the 95th percentile in weight for their age had an increased risk for complications following titanium elastic nailing for femur fractures. The purpose of this study is to examine whether obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) > 95th percentile, and/or simple weight correlates with an increased rate of complications.

Methods

The incidence of complications was compared between obese and non-obese patients and also between patients who weighed ≥50 kg and those <50 kg.

Results

The overall complication rate was 23% (16/71). The complication rate was 17% (10/58) for “non-obese” patients and 46% (6/13) for “obese” patients. This difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.03). The complication rate was 46% (6/13) in children who weighed ≥50 kg and 17% (10/58) in children who weighed <50 kg. This difference was also statistically significant ( P = 0.03).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that obesity (BMI > 95th percentile) and weight over 50 kg predispose patients to increased risk of surgical complications when undergoing flexible elastic nailing for femur fractures. Both obese children and children weighing ≥50 kg were two times more likely to have a complication when undergoing this procedure.