bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of carbamate and organophosphorous pesticide export from a South Florida (USA) agricultural watershed: Implications of sampling frequency on ecological risk estimation
Authors: Wilson P. Chris , Foos Jane Ferguson
Published: October 2006

The objectives of the present study were to characterize the presence of selected carbamate and organophosphorous pesticides in Ten Mile Creek (Fort Pierce, FL, USA) and to evaluate the implications of sampling frequency on ecological risk estimates. Ten Mile Creek originates in a predominately agricultural watershed that is drained by an extensive network of crosslinked canals. Water samples were collected daily or every other day and were analyzed for azinphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dimethoate, ethion, fenamiphos, malathion, methidathion, carbaryl, carbofuran, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, methiocarb, methomyl, oxamyl, and propoxur. A total of 457 samples were analyzed for the carbamate suite, and a total of 332 samples were analyzed for the organophosphorous suite. Carbaryl was detected in eight samples; half of these detections occurred on four consecutive days (October 26–29, 2001) at concentrations ranging from 0.33 to 0.95 μg/L. Methomyl was detected in samples collected on five consecutive days (March 30–April 3, 2002) at concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 2.2 μg/L. Oxamyl was detected in four samples, three of which occurred on three consecutive days (February 17–19, 2002) at concentrations ranging from 6.2 to 6.8 μg/L. The carbamates propoxur, 3-hydroxycarbofuran, carbofuran, and methiocarb were not detected. Diazinon and ethion were the only organophosphorous pesticides detected. Diazinon was detected at 0.9 and 0.7 μg/L on January 5, 2002, and on January 6, 2002, respectively. Ethion was detected in 18 consecutive samples (August 3–20, 2001). The mean, maximum, minimum, and median detected concentrations were 0.38, 0.61, 0.30, and 0.33 μg/L, respectively. Results indicate that frequent sampling is necessary to characterize the presence of these pesticides in this intensively drained watershed. This conclusion also may apply to similar canalized watersheds.
Synthesis of low and high chlorinated toxaphene and comparison of their toxicity by zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo test
Authors: Kapp Thomas , Kammann Ulrike , Vobach Michael , Vetter Walter
Published: October 2006

Toxaphene, also known as camphechlor, is a persistent organochlorine pesticide of complex composition. It is technically produced by photochlorination of camphene with elemental chlorine gas under ultraviolet irradiation. In the present work, a novel, laboratory-scale synthesis using sulfuryl chloride as a chlorinating reagent is described. This approach allowed the degree of chlorination of the resulting mixtures to be arbitrarily adjusted by varying the reaction conditions. Both the compositions and the chlorine contents of the low- and high-chlorinated mixtures acquired using this method were similar to those of environmentally altered toxaphene and technical toxaphene, respectively. For comparison of these mixtures regarding toxicity, they were subjected to the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo test. Median effective concentrations (EC50s) were calculated based on the presence of lethal and nonlethal embryonic malformations. Surprisingly, low-chlorinated toxaphene, comprising compounds that also are present in environmentally transformed toxaphene, exhibited a twofold-higher toxicity (according to the EC50 for nonlethal effects) toward the test organisms compared with high-chlorinated toxaphene, the composition of which resembled that of the technical product. Although the effective concentrations in the embryo test were much higher than those in aquatic ecosystems burdened with toxaphene, the present results lead to the assumption that toxaphene is becoming more toxic during transformation in the environment. A decrease in the total amount of toxaphene during environmental breakdown would then be compensated for, at least in part, by the higher toxicity of weathered toxaphene in sediments, soils, and biota of contaminated ecosystems.
Effects of an organophosphorous insecticide on survival, fecundity, and development of Hylyphantes graminicola (Sundevall) (Araneae: Linyphiidae)
Authors: Deng Lingling , Dai Jiayin , Cao Hong , Xu Muqi
Published: October 2006

The effects of an organophosphorous insecticide, methamidophos, on fecundity and development of the spider Hylyphantes graminicola (Sundevall) (Araneae: Linyphiidae) were assessed under laboratory conditions. Susceptibility of adults of both sexes to the insecticide and its influence on fecundity of females and development of offspring were investigated. At 48 h after topical application in adults, the median lethal dose (LD50) and 10% lethal dose (LD10) were 0.35 and 0.12 μg/spider, respectively, for males and 0.52 and 0.16 μg/spider, respectively, for females. Methamidophos had detrimental effects on fecundity of females; number of eggs per clutch, total egg mass, and clutch size decreased significantly. The hatching rate of eggs from LD10-treated females was slightly higher than the rate in the controls, but the hatching rate of eggs from LD50-treated females was lower than the rate in the controls. However, no significant differences were observed in hatching time and development time across treatments. Development time of spiderlings from LD50-treated females was significantly longer than the time in the controls, and body sizes of the first spiderlings from insecticide-treated females were larger than those in the controls. However, matured offspring were smaller than those in the controls. It was concluded that methamidophos has long-term effects on H. graminicola, and that this may affect the development of spider populations in the field.
Multi‐model statistical process monitoring and diagnosis of a sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Yoo Chang Kyoo , Villez Kris , Lee In‐Beum , Rosén Christian , Vanrolleghem Peter A.
Published: October 2006

Biological processes exhibit different behavior depending on the influent loads, temperature, microorganism activity, and so on. It has been shown that a combination of several models can provide a suitable approach to model such processes. In the present study, we developed a multiple statistical model approach for the monitoring of biological batch processes. The proposed method consists of four main components: (1) multiway principal component analysis (MPCA) to reduce the dimensionality of data and to remove collinearity; (2) multiple models with a posterior probability for modeling different operating regions; (3) local batch monitoring by theT2‐ andQ‐statistics of the specific local model; and (4) a new discrimination measure (DM) to identify when the system has shifted to a new operating condition. Under this approach, local monitoring by multiple models divides the entire historical data set into separate regions, which are then modeled separately. Then, these local regions can be supervised separately, leading to more effective batch monitoring. The proposed method is applied to a pilot‐scale 80‐L sequencing batch reactor (SBR) for biological wastewater treatment. This SBR is characterized by nonstationary, batchwise, and multiple operation modes. The results obtained for the pilot‐scale SBR indicate that the proposed method has the ability to model multiple operating conditions, to identify various operating regions, and also to determine whether the biosystem has shifted to a new operating condition. Our findings show that the local monitoring approach can give more reliable and higher resolution monitoring results than the global model. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:687–701. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth of Rhodospirillum rubrum on synthesis gas: Conversion of CO to H2 and poly‐β‐hydroxyalkanoate
Authors: Do Young S. , Smeenk Jerod , Broer Karl M. , Kisting Clint J. , Brown Robert , Heindel Theodore J. , Bobik Thomas A. , DiSpirito Alan A.
Published: October 2006

To examine the potential use of synthesis gas as a carbon and energy source in fermentation processes, Rhodospirillum rubrum was cultured on synthesis gas generated from discarded seed corn. The growth rates, growth and poly‐β‐hydroxyalkanoates (PHA) yields, and CO oxidation/H2 evolution rates were evaluated in comparison to the rates observed with an artificial synthesis gas mixture. Depending on the gas conditioning system used, synthesis gas either stimulated or inhibited CO‐oxidation rates compared to the observations with the artificial synthesis gas mixture. Inhibitory and stimulatory compounds in synthesis gas could be removed by the addition of activated charcoal, char‐tar, or char‐ash filters (char, tar, and ash are gasification residues). In batch fermentations, approximately 1.4 mol CO was oxidized per day per g cell protein with the production of 0.75 mol H2 and 340 mg PHA per day per g cell protein. The PHA produced from R. rubrum grown on synthesis gas was composed of 86% β‐hydroxybutyrate and 14% β‐hydroxyvalerate. Mass transfer of CO into the liquid phase was determined as the rate‐limiting step in the fermentation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 279–286. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effective immobilization of subunit protein in mesoporous silica modified with ethanol
Authors: Itoh Tetsuji , Ishii Ryo , Ebina Takeo , Hanaoka Takaaki , Ikeda Takuji , Urabe Yoko , Fukushima Yoshiaki , Mizukami Fujio
Published: October 2006

Ethoxylated FSM‐type mesoporous silica (folded‐sheet mesoporous material) with a pore diameter of 6.2 nm (FSM6.2) remarkably enhances rigidly of the structure in aqueous solutions. The esterified material could be used successfully as an adsorbent to accommodate subunit protein, methemoglobin (Fe3+). Furthermore, methemoglobin (Fe3+) in the pores of ethoxy‐FSM is maintained a peroxidase activity similar to the native, indicating methemoglobin retains its fore subunit structure in the pores of FSM6.2. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 200–205. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced high copy number plasmid maintenance and heterologous protein production in an Escherichia coli biofilm
Authors: O'Connell Heather A. , Niu Chen , Gilbert Eric S.
Published: October 2006

Escherichia coli has been widely used for heterologous protein production (HPP). To determine whether a biofilm environment could benefit E. coli HPP using high copy number plasmids, we compared plasmid maintenance and HPP by E. coli ATCC 33456 containing plasmid pEGFP (a pUC family vector) cultivated in biofilms and in suspended culture. Cells were grown with or without antibiotic selective pressure in flow cells or chemostats for up to 6 days. In biofilms, antibiotic selective pressure increased the plasmid copy number (PCN), but by 144 h, biofilms grown in antibiotic‐free media had comparable plasmid concentrations. In the chemostat, the PCN declined steadily, although 100 ppm ampicillin in the medium slowed the rate of plasmid loss. Production of green fluorescent protein (GFP), a representative heterologous protein, was quantified by flow cytometry. In biofilms, at ampicillin concentrations ≥33 ppm, strongly fluorescent cells comprised more than half of the population by 48 h. In the chemostat, more than 50% of the population was non‐fluorescent by 48 h in media containing 100 ppm ampicillin, and strongly fluorescent cells were <10% of the population. Biofilm structure was determined by confocal microscopy. Maximum biofilm thickness ranged from 30 to 45 microns, with no significant changes in biofilm structure after 48 h. Plasmid multimer percentages were similar to inocula for cells cultivated in either biofilms or the chemostat. The results indicate that the biofilm environment enhanced both plasmid maintenance and cellular GFP concentrations, and that low levels of antibiotic increased the beneficial effect. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 439–446. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting sentinel node status in AJCC stage I/II primary cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Kruper Laura L. , Spitz Francis R. , Czerniecki Brian J. , Fraker Douglas L. , Blackwood‐Chirchir Anne , Ming Michael E. , Elder David E. , Elenitsas Rosalie , Guerry DuPont , Gimotty Phyllis A.
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) status is an important prognostic factor for survival for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. To address the issue of selecting patients at high and low risk for a positive SLN, prognostic factors were sought that predict SLN involvement by examining characteristics of both the primary tumor and the patient within the context of a biological model of melanoma progression.

METHODS.

The study included 682 patients with primary vertical growth phase (VGP) melanoma and no clinical evidence of metastatic disease who underwent SLN biopsy (1995–2003). Logistic regression and classification tree analyses were used to investigate the association between SLN positivity and Breslow thickness, Clark level, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), ulceration, mitotic rate (MR), lesion site, gender, and age.

RESULTS.

In all, 88 of the 682 patients had ≥1 positive SLN (12.9%). In the multivariate analysis, MR, TIL, and thickness were found to be independent prognostic factors for SLN positivity. In the classification tree, four different risk groups were defined, ranging from minimal risk (2.1%) to high risk (40.4%). In lesions ≤2.0 mm, MR was important in risk‐stratifying patients, and in lesions >2.0 mm TIL was important.

CONCLUSIONS.

By incorporating biologically based variables such as VGP, TIL, and MR along with thickness into a prognostic model, both patients at high risk and minimal risk for SLN positivity can be identified. If validated, this model can be used in patient management and trial design to select patients to undergo or be spared SLN biopsy. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
A simple noninvasive index for predicting long-term outcome of chronic hepatitis C after interferon-based therapy
Authors: Yu Ming-Lung , Lin Shi-Ming , Lee Chuan-Mo , Dai Chia-Yen , Chang Wen-Yu , Chen Shinn-Cherng , Lee Li-Po , Lin Zu-Yau , Hsieh Ming-Yuh , Wang Liang-Yen , Chuang Wan-Long , Liaw Yun-Fan
Published: October 2006

Changes in hepatic fibrosis after interferon-based therapy may be important in determining the long-term outcome of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The use of liver biopsy for posttreatment assessment is not a viable option as a routine follow-up procedure. This study evaluated the predictive value of a simple noninvasive index, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index assessed 6 months after end of treatment (APRI-M6). We evaluated APRI-M6, platelet-M6, AST-M6, and α-fetoprotein-M6 of 776 CHC patients with interferon-based therapy as well as the parameters at baseline of 562 untreated patients who were evaluated to predict the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and mortality, during a mean follow-up period of 4.75 (1.0–12.2) and 5.15 (1.0–16) years, respectively. Based on analysis of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and using optimized cutoff point, the APRI-M6 and platelet-M6 had superior prediction models for long-term outcome with area under the curve of 0.870–0.875 and 0.824–0.847, respectively, and accuracy of 78%–81% and 76%–78%, respectively, for interferon-based-treated patients. The predictive values of all 4 parameters were poor in untreated patients. In subgroup analysis, the APRI-M6 provided a more consistent prediction ratio than platelet-M6 for sustained responders and cirrhosis-free subgroups; both parameters had similar prediction power for nonresponders and were unsatisfactory in patients with cirrhosis. According to Cox proportional hazards analysis, cirrhosis and APRI-M6 were the 2 most important factors for predicting HCC.

In conclusion

, APRI-M6 can accurately predict the long-term outcome of patients subjected to interferon-based treatment. Nevertheless, the data needs further validation, particularly since the predictive accuracy for patients with cirrhosis is low.
Upregulation of the tumor suppressor gene menin in hepatocellular carcinomas and its significance in fibrogenesis
Authors: Zindy Pierre J. , L'Helgoualc'h Annie , Bonnier Dominique , Le Béchec Antony , Bourd-Boitin Katia , Zhang Chang Xian , Musso Orlando , Glaise Denise , Troadec Marie Bérangère , Loréal Olivier , Turlin Bruno , Léger Jean , Clément Bruno , Théret Nathalie
Published: October 2006

The molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of cirrhosis toward hepatocellular carcinoma were investigated by a combination of DNA microarray analysis and literature data mining. By using a microarray screening of suppression subtractive hybridization cDNA libraries, we first analyzed genes differentially expressed in tumor and nontumor livers with cirrhosis from 15 patients with hepatocellular carcinomas. Seventy-four genes were similarly recovered in tumor (57.8% of differentially expressed genes) and adjacent nontumor tissues (64% of differentially expressed genes) compared with histologically normal livers. Gene ontology analyses revealed that downregulated genes (n = 35) were mostly associated with hepatic functions. Upregulated genes (n = 39) included both known genes associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, cell communication, metabolism, and post-transcriptional regulation gene (

e.g.

, ZFP36L1), as well as the tumor suppressor gene menin (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1; MEN1). MEN1 was further identified as an important node of a regulatory network graph that integrated array data with array-independent literature mining. Upregulation of MEN1 in tumor was confirmed in an independent set of samples and associated with tumor size (

P

= .016). In the underlying liver with cirrhosis, increased steady-state MEN1 mRNA levels were correlated with those of collagen α2(I) mRNA (

P

< .01). In addition, MEN1 expression was associated with hepatic stellate cell activation during fibrogenesis and involved in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)–dependent collagen α2(I) regulation.

In conclusion

, menin is a key regulator of gene networks that are activated in fibrogenesis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma through the modulation of TGF-β response.

Supplementary material for this article can be found on the HEPATOLOGY website
(http://interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html).
Plasma cholesterol is hyperresponsive to statin in ABCG5/ABCG8 transgenic mice
Authors: Tang Weiqing , Ma Yinyan , Yu Liqing
Published: October 2006

Interindividual variation exists in response to statin therapy. It has been hypothesized that subjects with higher baseline cholesterol synthesis rates are more sensitive to statins. To directly test this hypothesis, mice overexpressing the heterodimeric ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter G5/G8 (

G5G8

Tg mice) were treated with lovastatin because they have a compensatory increase in cholesterol biosynthesis as a result of increased cholesterol excretion into bile and feces. As expected, lovastatin treatment did not alter plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels in wild-type mice. Interestingly, this treatment significantly reduced plasma concentration and hepatic content of cholesterol by 42% and 17.3%, respectively, in the statin-treated versus untreated

G5G8

Tg mice despite a greater feedback upregulation of genes in the pathway of cholesterol biosynthesis in the lovastatin-treated

G5G8

Tg mice. The reduced plasma cholesterol concentration is unlikely to be attributed to LDL and HDL receptors because the protein levels of both receptors remained unchanged. Surprisingly, statin treatment resulted in an increase in biliary cholesterol concentration, which was associated with an upregulation in hepatic mRNA and protein levels of ABCG5 and ABCG8, and in hepatic mRNA levels of Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), a gene that is required for intestinal cholesterol absorption.

In conclusion

, mice with higher endogenous cholesterol synthesis rates are more sensitive to statin. A synergistic hypocholesterolemic effect could be potentially achieved in humans by simultaneously inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis and promoting ABCG5/ABCG8-mediated cholesterol excretion.

Supplementary material for this article can be found on the HEPATOLOGY website
(http://interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html).
Biliary papillary tumors share pathological features with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Zen Yoh , Fujii Takahiko , Itatsu Keita , Nakamura Koichi , Minato Hiroshi , Kasashima Satomi , Kurumaya Hiroshi , Katayanagi Kazuyoshi , Kawashima Atsuhiro , Masuda Shinji , Niwa Hideki , Mitsui Takeshi , Asada Yasuyuki , Miura Shouji , Ohta Tetsuo , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: October 2006

Recently, attention has been drawn to papillary neoplasm of the pancreatobiliary systems. In the pancreas, the disease entity of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN-P) is widely recognized. In contrast, the pathological characteristics of biliary papillary tumors, such as biliary papilloma(tosis) and papillary cholangiocarcinoma, have not yet been well documented. In this study, we compared the pathological features and post-operative prognosis among biliary papillary tumors (10 cases of biliary papilloma(tosis) and 22 cases of papillary cholangiocarcinoma), conventional non-papillary cholangiocarcinoma (15 cases), and IPMN-P (31 cases). Macroscopically, all biliary papillary tumors were characterized by the prominent intraductal papillary proliferation, and macroscopic mucin-hypersecretion was seen in 9 of 32 cases (28%). Histologically, biliary papillary tumors consisted of three types of tumor cells (pancreaticobiliary, intestinal and gastric types), whereas only the pancreaticobiliary type was observed in non-papillary cholangiocarcinoma. Immunohistochemically, biliary papillary tumors were characterized by the common expression of MUC2, CDX2 and cytokeratin 20. In addition, biliary papillary tumors could be associated with two types of invasive lesions: tubular adenocarcinoma (9 cases) and mucinous carcinoma (5 cases). Patients with tubular adenocarcinoma had a poor prognosis compared to non-invasive papillary tumor or papillary tumor with mucinous carcinoma. These pathological characteristics and the survival status of biliary papillary tumors were different from those of non-papillary cholangiocarcinoma, and rather closely resembled those of IPMN-P.

In conclusion

, biliary papillary tumors may be the biliary counterpart (intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct) of IPMN-P.

Supplementary material for this article can be found on the HEPATOLOGY website
(http://interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0270-9139/suppmat/index.html).
Fabrication and characterization of PLLA–chitosan hybrid scaffolds with improved cell compatibility
Authors: Jiao Yanpeng , Liu Zonghua , Zhou Changren
Published: October 2006

To combine the individual advantages of synthetic and natural polymers, poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)–chitosan hybrid scaffolds were fabricated. PLLA sponges were prepared by particulate‐leaching, and then PLLA–chitosan hybrid scaffolds were obtained by dipping the PLLA sponges in chitosan solution and subsequently freeze–drying. Physicochemical properties of the scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water uptake test, and mechanical strength measurement. Moreover, cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and cell viability on the scaffolds were evaluated through osteoblast‐like cell culture. The experimental results indicated that, PLLA sponges exhibited macroporous structure and the interconnected microporous structure of chitosan was formed within the macropores of PLLA sponges. The incorporation of chitosan reinforced PLLA sponges in dependence on chitosan content. The hybrid scaffolds had higher water uptake ability compared with PLLA sponges. Particularly, the hybrid scaffolds exhibited excellent cell attachment efficiency, cell proliferation, and cell viability. This study suggests that the hybrid scaffolds obtain good mechanical strength from PLLA and excellent cell compatibility from chitosan. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Changes in desmoglein 1 expression and subcellular localization in cultured keratinocytes subjected to anti‐desmoglein 1 pemphigus autoimmunity
Authors: Cirillo Nicola , Gombos Fernando , Lanza Alessandro
Published: October 2006

The complexity of pemphigus acantholysis together with the weak expression of desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) in cultured keratinocytes have made the study on the pathogenic action of anti‐Dsg1 antibodies quite difficult. The pathophysiology of the acantholytic phenomenon could depend on the reduction of Dsg1 adhesion function occurring after its massive internalization or decrease of its synthesis. Here, we have investigated this hypothesis by using sera of patients having antibodies against Dsg1 or monoclonal anti‐Dsg1 antibodies to simulate pemphigus autoimmunity in Dsg1‐rich keratinocytes. Similar to pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and vulgaris (PV) sera, monoclonal anti‐Dsg1 antibodies induced transient internalization of Dsg1 and reduced the adhesion strength among keratinocytes. However, binding of IgG to Dsg1 did not determine its early depletion from the adhesion complexes but reduced the amount of Dsg1 found in the Triton X‐100 soluble pool of proteins. Taken together, our results represent the first demonstration that anti‐Dsg1 antibodies induce similar alterations on the subcellular distribution of Dsg1 irrespective of the disease where they come from. Furthermore, the present study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying epithelial blistering observed in the skin type of pemphigus. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 411–416, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complete graphs with no rainbow path
Authors: Thomason Andrew , Wagner Peter
Published: October 2006

Motivated by questions in Ramsey theory, we consider colorings of the edges of the complete graph Kn that contain no rainbow path Pt+1 of length t. If fewer than t colors are used then certainly there is no rainbow Pt+1. We show that, if at least t colors are used, then very few colorings are possible if t ≤ 5 and these can be described precisely, whereas the situation for t ≥ 6 is qualitatively different. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 54: 261–266, 2007
Identification of certain chemical agents in complex organic solutions by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Mei‐ling Lei , Hai‐ling Xi , Da‐nian Xu , Zhi‐sheng Chen
Published: October 2006

Analytical methods that are used for the detection and identification of chemicals related to the Chemical Weapons Convention in complex organic solutions were developed. A matrix modified by the addition of complex diesel oil background compounds and interferences was used for the development of a gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry or gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS or GC‐MS/MS) method for unambiguous identification of the scheduled chemicals. Co‐elution of diethyl N,N‐dimethylphosphoramidate and ethyl N,N‐dimethylphosphoramidocyanidate, which are not separated by GC, was identified by GC‐MS. Although GC‐MS can identify the compounds, GC‐MS/MS identification has greater accuracy and sensitivity in the case of complex matrixes. Four scheduled chemicals were accurately and selectively identified against numerous interfering substances by GC‐MS/MS. The fragmentation chemistry of these compounds using MS/MS analysis was investigated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mediators of Rat Ischemic Hepatic Preconditioning After Cold Preservation Identified by Microarray Analysis
Authors: Navarro-Sabaté Àurea , Peralta Carmen , Calvo Maria Nieves , Manzano Anna , Massip-Salcedo Marta , Roselló-Catafau Joan , Bartrons Ramon
Published: October 2006

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury associated with liver transplantation is an as yet unresolved problem in clinical practice. Preconditioning protects the liver against the deleterious effects of ischemia, although the mechanism underlying this preconditioning is still unclear. To profile gene expression patterns involved in hepatic ischemic preconditioning, we analyzed the changes in gene expression in rat livers by DNA microarray analysis. Approximately 116 genes were found to have altered gene expression after 8 hours of cold ischemia. Moreover, the expression of 218 genes was modified by classic preconditioning followed by the same ischemia process. Given the importance of the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IP) in minimizing the liver damage induced by sustained ischemia before reperfusion, this study analyzed the putative genes involved in the beneficial role of IP in liver grafts undergoing cold ischemia before its implantation in the recipient (IP+I). Great differences were found in the gene expression pattern of ischemic preconditioning + long cold ischemia (IP+I) group when compared with the long cold ischemia alone condition (I), which could explain the protective regulatory mechanisms that take place after preconditioning. Twenty-six genes that were downregulated in cold ischemia were found upregulated after preconditioning preceding a long cold ischemia period. These would be genes activated or maintained by preconditioning. Heat shock protein genes and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase are among the most markedly induced transcripts.
Liver Transpl. 12:1615–1625, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
Successful Salvage Therapy With Tigecycline After Linezolid Failure in A Liver Transplant Recipient With Mrsa Pneumonia
Authors: Saner Fuat H. , Heuer Matthias , Rath Peter-Michael , Gensicke Julia , Radtke Arnold , Drühe Nina , Rüngeler Eva-Marija , Nadalin Silvio , Malagó Massimo , Broelsch Christoph E.
Published: October 2006

Pulmonary infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation. Infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have increased in the last 10 years. Mortality may exceed 80% in liver transplant recipients who develop MRSA pneumonia. A 57-year-old male following living-donor liver transplantation developed a right-sided MRSA pneumonia 6 weeks after transplantation, which required artificial ventilation for 14 weeks. Initially, pneumonia was treated with linezolid. However, after 12 days under current therapy, the infection spread out to both lungs. At that time. we initiated the treatment with tigecycline. Under this therapy, the patient could be cured from MRSA pneumonia and was extubated. We detected no tigecycline related hepatotoxic effect. In conclusion, this case suggests that tigecycline may be useful in the salvage therapy of pneumonia due to MRSA after linezolid failure.
Liver Transpl 12:1689–1692, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
Systemic Fungemia and Hepatic Localizations of Fusarium Solani in A Liver Transplanted Patient: An Emerging Fungal Agent
Authors: Lodato Francesca , Tamé Maria Rosa , Montagnani Marco , Sambri Vittorio , Liguori Giovanna , Azzaroli Francesco , Costigliola Paolo , Grazi Gianluca , Roda Enrico , Mazzella Giuseppe
Published: October 2006

The incidence of invasive fungal infection is increasing especially in the field of transplantation, affecting as many as 50% of bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients with neutropenia and 5-20% of solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Fusarium species are soil saprophytes and plant pathogens. They may cause superficial mycoses or important opportunistic infections in patients with bone marrow suppression and neutropenia, they have been rarely described in solid organ recipients, and up to now there have been no reports of such infection in isolated liver transplanted patients. We describe a case of disseminated Fusarium solani infection with hepatic localization in a liver transplanted patient that resolved with the administration of amphotericin B. Our observation confirms that Fusarium spp. are emerging pathogens that may most frequently affect not only BMT patients and patients with hematological malignancies, but also SOT patients. They may cause both localized and disseminated infection. In conclusion, Fusarium spp. etiology should be considered in the context of infectious diseases following liver transplantation.
Liver Transpl 12:1711–1714, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
Fluordeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Contributes To Management of Pediatric Liver Transplantation Candidates With Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Sturm Ekkehard , Rings Edmond H.H.M. , Schölvinck Elisabeth H. , Gouw Annette S.H. , Porte Robert J. , Pruim Jan
Published: October 2006

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) frequently complicates the management of pediatric patients with terminal chronic liver failure during the pretransplantation period and may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Nonhepatic origins of systemic infections may render the patient unsuitable for transplantation whereas infections within the liver may require organ resection for a cure. Therefore, accurate localization of the infection focus is critical for optimal management of children on the waiting list for liver transplantation. Here we report our experience using [18 F]fluordeoxyglucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography (PET) to detect the origin of infection in 11 children with biliary cirrhosis presenting with FUO during the waiting period for liver transplantation. In 5 children, positive intrahepatic FDG-PET signals correlated with bacterial cultures of the excised liver and/or anatomic or histologic signs of infection. Based on the FDG-PET findings, these patients underwent transplantation after continuous antibiotic treatment with ongoing, recurrent episodes of fever. In 6 children, no abnormal hepatic FDG-PET signals were found and no infections could be detected in the liver. Transplantation in these patients was performed only after becoming afebrile. Standard imaging techniques did not reveal abnormalities compatible with infection in any of the children. In conclusion, in children with biliary cirrhosis and FUO on the waiting list for liver transplantation, information obtained by FDG-PET imaging may be useful for decisions on therapy and suitability for liver transplantation.
Liver Transpl 12:1698–1704, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
the Role of Trans-Oesophageal Echocardiography for Perioperative Cardiovascular Monitoring During Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Burtenshaw Andrew J. , Isaac John L.
Published: October 2006

Patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation frequently display considerable physiological changes during the procedure as a result of both the disease process and the surgery. Anaesthesia is often challenging and relies upon advanced monitoring techniques to provide data pertinent to peri-operative management. Traditionally the pulmonary artery flotation catheter has been regarded as the gold standard for cardiac output and right heart monitoring. This review examines whether trans-oesophageal echocardiography merits a place in the continuing evolution of this technically advanced and challenging anaesthetic field.
Liver Transpl 12:1577–1583, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
Changes in blink reflex excitability after globus pallidus internus stimulation for dystonia
Authors: Tisch Stephen , Limousin Patricia , Rothwell John C. , Asselman Peter , Quinn Niall , Jahanshahi Marjan , Bhatia Kailash P. , Hariz Marwan
Published: October 2006

A pathophysiological feature of dystonia is reduced inhibition at various levels of the nervous system, which may be detected in clinically unaffected body parts. Chronic deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) has emerged as an effective treatment for primary torsion dystonia (PTD), although its mechanism of action and impact on inhibitory abnormalities in dystonia are unknown. We sought to understand the effect of GPi DBS on brainstem excitability in patients with PTD. We measured the blink reflex from orbicularis oculi in response to paired electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve at interstimulus intervals of 500 and 1,000 milliseconds in 10 patients with PTD before and at intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months after bilateral GPi DBS and in 10 healthy subjects. Patients were clinically evaluated using the Burke–Fahn–Marsden dystonia rating scale. We found R2 inhibition was significantly decreased in PTD patients compared with control subjects and progressively increased after GPi DBS, which correlated with clinical improvement in dystonia. We conclude that GPi DBS for PTD results in functional reorganization of the nervous system, which includes a long‐term increase in brainstem inhibition. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Early condition, song learning, and the volume of song brain nuclei in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Gil Diego , Naguib Marc , Riebel Katharina , Rutstein Alison , Gahr Manfred
Published: October 2006

Songbirds are an important model system for the study of the neurological bases of song learning, but variation in song learning accuracy and adult song complexity remains poorly understood. Current models of sexual selection predict that signals such as song must be costly to develop or maintain to constitute honest indicators of male quality. It has been proposed that reductions of nestling condition during song development might limit the expression of song learning. Adult song could thus act as an indicator of early stress as only males that enjoy good condition during development could learn accurately and sing long songs or large repertoires. We tested this hypothesis in the zebra finch by modifying early condition through cross‐fostering chicks to small, medium, and large broods. Song learning was very accurate and was found to reflect very closely tutor song characteristics and to depend on the number of males in the tutoring group. Although the brood size manipulation strongly affected several measures of nestling condition and adult biometry, we found no relationship between early condition and song learning scores or song characteristics. Similarly, brain mass and high vocal center (HVC), robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA), and lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN) volumes did not covary with nestling condition and growth measurements. We found no significant relationship between song repertoire size and HVC and RA volumes, although there was a nonsignificant trend for HVC to increase with increasing proportion of learnt elements in a song. In conclusion, the results provide no evidence for song learning to be limited by nestling condition during the period of nutritional dependence from the parents in this species. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Preparation of narrow‐disperse or monodisperse poly{[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate]‐co‐(acrylic acid)} microspheres with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker by distillation precipitation polymerization
Authors: Dai Zhao , Yang Xinlin , Huang Wenqiang
Published: October 2006

Narrow‐disperse or monodisperse poly{[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate]‐co‐(acrylic acid)} (poly(PEGMA‐co‐AA)) microspheres were prepared by distillation precipitation polymerization with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator in neat acetonitrile in the absence of any stabilizer, without stirring. The diameters of the resultant poly(PEGMA‐co‐AA‐co‐EGDMA) microspheres were in the range 200–700 nm with a polydispersity index of 1.01–1.14, which depended on the comonomer feed of the polymerization. The addition of the hydrogen bonding monomer acrylic acid played an essential role in the formation of narrow‐disperse or monodisperse polymer microspheres during the polymerization. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Homogeneous tandem catalysis of the bis‐(diphenylphosphino)‐amine/chromium tetramerization catalyst with metallocene catalysts
Authors: Wet‐Roos Deon DE , Toit Aletta DU , Joubert Dawie J.
Published: October 2006

Homogeneous tandem catalysis of the bis(diphenylphoshino)amine‐chromium oligomerization catalyst with the metallocenes Ph2C(Cp)(9‐Flu)ZrCl2 and rac‐EtIn2ZrCl2, is discussed. GC, CRYSTAF, and 13C NMR analysis of the products obtained from reactions at constant temperatures show that during tandem catalysis, α‐olefins, mainly 1‐hexene and 1‐octene, are produced from ethylene by the oligomerization catalyst and subsequently built into the polyethylene chain. At 40 °C the Cr/PNP catalyst acts as a tetramerization catalyst while the polymerization catalyst activity is low. Copolymerization of ethylene and the in situ produced α‐olefins have also been carried out by increasing the temperature from 40 °C, where primarily oligomerization takes place, to above 100 °C, where polymerization becomes dominant. The melting temperature of the polymer is dependent on the catalyst and cocatalyst ratios as well as on the temperature gradient followed during the reaction, while the presence of the oligomerization catalyst reduces the activity of the polymerization catalyst. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6847–6856, 2006
Surface covalent encapsulation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with poly(acryloyl chloride) grafted poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Liu Yan‐Xin , Du Zhong‐Jie , Li Yan , Zhang Chen , Li Cong‐Ju , Yang Xiao‐Ping , Li Hang‐Quan
Published: October 2006

Multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) was grafted with polyacrylate‐g‐poly (ethylene glycol) via the following two steps. First, hydroxyl groups on the surface of acid‐treated MWNT reacted with linear poly(acryloyl chloride) to generate graft on MWNT; secondly, the remaining acryloyl chloride groups were subjected to esterification with poly(ethylene glycol) leading the grafted chains on the surface of MWNTs. Thus obtained grafted MWNT was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the weight fraction of grafted polymers amounted to 80% of the modified MWNT. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6880–6887, 2006
Polystyrene microspheres having epoxy functional dangling chains linked by hydrolytically stable bonds via ATRP
Authors: Bicak Niyazi , Gazi Mustafa , Galli Giancarlo , Chiellini Emo
Published: October 2006

We report application of copper‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization in graft copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) from N‐bromosulfonamide groups on polystyrene‐divinyl benzene (PS‐DVB) microspheres (210–420 μm). The surface initiator groups were introduced by simple modification of crosslinked PS‐DVB (10% mol/mol) beads in three steps: (i) chlorosulfonation, (ii) sulfamidation with propylamine, and (iii) bromination. Initiation from surface‐bound N‐bromosulfonamide groups showed first‐order kinetics (k = 1.04 × 10−4 s−1 in toluene at 70 °C) and gave poly(GMA) graft chains linked to the surface by hydrolytically stable sulfonamide bonds. High graft yields were attained (up to 294.4% within 21 h) while retaining the epoxy groups. Epoxy content of the resulting product (5.41 mmol g−1) revealed an average 17 GMA repeating units in the graft per initiation site. Taking advantage of the hydrolytic stability of sulfonamide linkages and well‐known reactivity of the epoxy groups on dangling chains, “the hair‐like structure” of the polymer beads prepared can be considered when devising more efficient functional polymers as catalysts or reagent carriers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6708–6716, 2006
Reduction of the shrinkage of thermosets by the cationic curing of mixtures of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and 6,6‐dimethyl‐(4,8‐dioxaspiro[2.5]octane‐5,7‐dione)
Authors: González Lidia , Ramis Xavier , Salla Josep Maria , Mantecón Ana , Serra Angels
Published: October 2006

Ytterbium and lanthanum triflates were used as initiators to cure mixtures of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and 6,6‐dimethyl‐(4,8‐dioxaspiro[2.5]octane‐5,7‐dione) in several proportions. The evolution of the epoxy and 6,6‐dimethyl‐(4,8‐dioxaspiro[2.5]octane‐5,7‐dione) bands during curing and the linear ester groups in the final materials were evaluated with Fourier transform infrared in the attenuated‐total‐reflection mode. The use of a conventional cationic initiator, boron trifluoride monoethylamine, was also studied to test the advantages of lanthanide triflates. The shrinkage after curing and the thermal degradability of the materials with variations in the comonomer ratio and the initiator were evaluated and related to the chemical structure of the final network. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6869–6879, 2006
Development of novel phosphorus‐containing epoxy resins from renewable resources
Authors: Lligadas G. , Ronda J. C. , Galià M. , Cádiz V.
Published: October 2006

Novel biobased epoxy resins were prepared from two fatty acid derivatives; epoxidized 10‐undecenoyl triglyceride and epoxidized methyl 3,4,5‐tris(10‐undecenoyloxy)benzoate, with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane as a crosslinking agent. The flame retardancy of these epoxy resins was improved by the addition of 10‐[2′, 5′‐bis(9‐oxiranyl‐nonayloxy)phenyl]‐9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide and by crosslinking with a phosphorus‐containing curing agent, bis(m‐aminophenyl)methylphosphine oxide. The thermal, thermomechanical, and flame‐retardant properties of the cured materials were measured with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and the limiting oxygen index. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6717–6727, 2006
Rectus Sheath Hematoma: A Series of Unfortunate Events
Authors: Luhmann Andreas , Williams Eiffon Vaughn
Published: October 2006

Introduction

Rectus sheath hematoma is rare. It can present to physicians in many specialties, but invariably the surgeon is contacted regarding management. It is frequently difficult to diagnose, which can result in delay of treatment or unnecessary surgery. Its incidence is on the rise.

Methods

We present a series of four cases of rectus sheath hematoma that presented to our hospital within a 5‐month period. A comprehensive up‐to‐date review of the literature was undertaken.

Results

Our research highlights the diagnostic dilemmas, the spectrum of severity (all three grades are represented), the complications, and the need for interdisciplinary awareness.

Conclusions

Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare but important entity in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain. Interdisciplinary awareness of this condition is essential, as it is frequently difficult to diagnose, leading to delay in treatment or unneeded surgery. Grade 3 hematomas can lead to abdominal compartment syndrome and can be fatal.