bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dry jet‐wet spinning of bagasse/N‐methylmorpholine‐N‐oxide hydrate solution and physical properties of lyocell fibres
Authors: Yamamoto Atsushi , Uddin Ahmed Jalal , Gotoh Yasuo , Nagura Masanobu , Iwata Mahito
Published: September 2010

Sugarcane bagasse, a cheap cellulosic waste material, was investigated as a raw material for producing lyocell fibers at a reduced cost. In this study, bagasse was dissolved in N‐methylmorpholine‐N‐oxide (NMMO) 0.9 hydrate, and fibers were prepared by the dry jet‐wet spinning method with coagulation in an aqueous NMMO solution. The effects of NMMO in 0 to 50% concentrations on the physical properties of fibers were investigated. The coagulating bath contained water/NMMO (10%) solution produced fiber with the highest drawability and highest physical properties. The cross‐section morphology of these fibers reveals fibrillation due to the high degree of crystallinity and high molecular orientation. In the higher NMMO concentrated baths (30 to 50%), the prepared fibers were hollow inside, which could be useful to make highly absorbent materials. The lyocell fibers prepared from bagasse have a tensile strength of 510 MPa, initial modulus of 30 GPa, and dynamic modulus of approximately 41 GPa. These properties are very comparable with those of commercial lyocell fibers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Mapping macrophytic vegetation in shallow lakes using the Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI)
Authors: Hunter P. D. , Gilvear D. J. , Tyler A. N. , Willby N. J. , Kelly A.
Published: September 2010

The ecological status of shallow lakes is highly dependent on the abundance and composition of macrophytes. However, large‐scale surveys are often confined to a small number of water bodies and undertaken only infrequently owing to logistical and financial constraints.

Data acquired by the Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager‐2 (CASI‐2) was used to map the distribution of macrophytes in the Upper Thurne region of the Norfolk Broads, UK. Three different approaches to image classification were evaluated: (i) Euclidean minimum distance, (ii) Gaussian maximum likelihood, and (iii) support vector machines.

The results show macrophyte growth‐habits (i.e. submerged, floating‐leaved, partially‐emergent, emergent) and submerged species could be mapped with a maximum overall classification accuracy of 78% and 87%, respectively. The Gaussian maximum likelihood algorithm and support vector machine returned the highest classification accuracies in each instance.

This study suggests that remote sensing is a potentially powerful tool for large‐scale assessment of the cover and distribution of aquatic vegetation in clear water shallow lakes, particularly with respect to upscaling field survey data to a functionally relevant form, and supporting site‐condition monitoring under the European Union Habitats (92/43/EEC) and Water Framework (2000/60/EC) directives. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A window to the past: documenting the status of one of the last remaining ‘megapopulations’ of the threatened staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Lirman D. , Bowden‐kerby A. , Schopmeyer S. , Huntington B. , Thyberg T. , Gough M. , Gough T. , Gough R. , Gough Y.
Published: September 2010

Acropora cervicornis (staghorn coral) and Acropora palmata (elkhorn coral), once common features of shallow Caribbean reefs observed growing as large stands or thickets, are now found mainly as remnant pockets or isolated colonies at a fraction of their historical areal extent.

In February 2010, a large, surviving population of A. cervicornis was surveyed at Cabezos del Cayo, Punta Rusia, Dominican Republic to document its present condition and potential threats to its persistence.

The A. cervicornis surveyed at Cabezos del Cayo provides a rare glimpse of the habitat structure that these keystone components of coral reefs once provided. The staghorn population covers an area of 2 ha and is formed by interlocking skeletons of unusually large and thick A. cervicornis colonies.

The large size of its colonies (maximum branch length 250 cm; average linear length of live tissue 471 cm; maximum number of branch tips 141 per colony; maximum branch diameter 5 cm) and the complex open canopy of these colonies, have not been described, to our knowledge, in the recent literature.

The site is within Montecristi National Park but there is no active protection in this area and signs of overfishing are evident based on low fish abundance and complete lack of fish >20 cm in length.

The stressors associated with this population include significant predation by gastropods and fireworms, overgrowth by macroalgae, damselfish ‘gardening’ activities, and white band disease.

The management priority for the staghorn population at Cabezos del Cayo, Dominican Republic, should be to enforce the legal framework that is already in place for the protection of Montecristi National Park, limiting unsustainable and damaging fishing practices, and limiting land‐based sources of pollution associated with increasing population numbers and future coastal development. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Facile Chemoenzymatic Approach: One‐Step Syntheses of Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids
Authors: Zou Hong‐Bin , Zhu Hua‐Jian , Zhang Liang , Yang Liu‐Qing , Yu Yong‐Ping , Stöckigt Joachim
Published: September 2010

Facile chemoenzymatic syntheses of cytotoxic monoterpenoid indole alkaloids with novel skeletons and multiple chiral centers are described. Synthesis of these alkaloids was achieved by a simple one‐step reaction using strictosidine and 12‐aza‐strictosidine as the key intermediates. Strictosidines were prepared by coupling of secologanin with tryptamine and 7‐aza‐tryptamine, respectively, using the immobilized recombinant Rauvolfia strictosidine synthase. A detailed stereochemical analysis is presented herein. The results provide an opportunity for a chemoenzymatic approach that leads to an increased diversification of complex alkaloids with improved structures and activities.
Simulation of an intermodal container center served by air, rail, and truck
Authors: Harris Gregory A. , Schroer Bernard J. , Anderson Michael , Moeller Dietmar P.F.
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a simulation model to evaluate the operations of the container facility at the International Intermodal Center in Huntsville, AL. The simulation was used to determine if throughput can satisfy anticipated demand and if sufficient resources are available to meet anticipated growth in demand. The current throughput of the intermodal center can be met with considerably fewer resources than originally estimated and with no reduction in container throughput. Furthermore, the container throughput can be increased considerably without any deterioration in entity times at the terminal. Included in the paper are a description of the conceptual framework, the simulation model written in ProcessModel, an analysis of the simulation results, and conclusions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of a hybrid Logit–Fratar and neural network models for trip distribution: case of the city of Isfahan
Authors: Shir‐mohammadli M. , Shetab‐Bushehri S. N. , Poorzahedy H. , Hejazi S. R.
Published: September 2010

This paper introduces a new procedure to forecast the future O/D demand. It is a hybrid of logit and Fratar model. The hybrid model has the long run, policy sensitive, characteristic of a logit model, calibrated at sector‐level with little/no zero O/D cells. This feature, joint with a Fratar‐type operation at zonal level within a sector, gives a better performance to this model than either of the two types of the models alone. The performance of the hybrid model is contrasted with a neural network model, and shows encouraging results in a real case. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maneuvers of motorcycles in queues at signalized intersections
Authors: Minh Chu Cong , Sano Kazushi , Matsumoto Shoji
Published: September 2010

The maneuvering models of motorcycles in previous studies often considered motorcycles' traveling in terms of movements in a physical static lane and not in terms of dynamic virtual lane‐based movements. For that reason, these models are not able to imitate motorcyclists' behavior well. This paper proposes a maneuverability model framework for motorcycles in queues at signalized intersections with considering the dynamic motorcycle's lane. The model includes (i) a dynamic motorcycle's lane to identify the current, left, and right lanes of the subject motorcycle, (ii) a threshold distance to determine when a motorcyclist starts to consider maneuvering, (iii) a lane selection model to identify the lane preferred by a motorcyclist, and (iv) a gap acceptance model to describe whether or not the lead and lag gaps are acceptable for maneuvering. The model framework captures the variation across the motorcyclist population and over time observations. The models were applied to Hanoi and Hochiminh city, Vietnam, based on microscopic data collected from video images. All of the parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood method with the statistical estimation software GAUSS. The results show that 77.88% of the observed maneuvers – either staying in the current lane or turning left or right – could be modeled correctly by the proposed models. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of red light cameras on the right‐angle crash involvement of motorcycles
Authors: Chin Hoong Chor , Haque Md. Mazharul
Published: September 2010

Red light cameras (RLCs) have been used to reduce right‐angle collisions at signalized intersections. However, the effect of RLCs on motorcycle crashes has not been well investigated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of RLCs on motorcycle safety in Singapore. This is done by comparing their exposure, proneness of at‐fault right‐angle crashes as well as the resulting right‐angle collisions at RLC with those at non‐RLC sites. Estimating the crash vulnerability from not‐at‐fault crash involvements, the study shows that with a RLC, the relative crash vulnerability (RCV) or crash‐involved exposure of motorcycles at right‐angle crashes is reduced. Furthermore, field investigation of motorcycle maneuvers reveal that at non‐RLC arms, motorcyclists usually queue beyond the stop line, facilitating an earlier discharge, and hence become more exposed to the conflicting stream. However at arms with a RLC, motorcyclists are more restrained to avoid activating the RLC and hence become less exposed to conflicting traffic during the initial period of the green. The study also shows that in right‐angle collisions, the proneness of at‐fault crashes of motorcycles is lowest among all vehicle types. Hence motorcycles are more likely to be victims than the responsible parties in right‐angle crashes. RLCs have also been found to be very effective in reducing at‐fault crash involvements of other vehicle types which may implicate exposed motorcycles in the conflicting stream. Taking all these into account, the presence of RLCs should significantly reduce the vulnerability of motorcycles at signalized intersections. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary oleic acid as a control fatty acid for polyunsaturated fatty acid intervention studies: A transcriptomics and proteomics investigation using interleukin‐10 gene‐deficient mice
Authors: Knoch Bianca , Barnett Matthew P. G. , Cooney Janine , McNabb Warren C. , Barraclough Diane , Laing William , Roy Nicole C.
Published: September 2010

Oleic acid (OA) has been used as a control fatty acid in dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intervention studies due to its lack of effect on eiconasoid biosynthesis. Since the effect of OA as a control fatty acid has not yet been investigated for transcriptomics and proteomics studies, this study aimed to test whether colonic transcriptome and proteome profiles associated with colitis development in mice fed a linoleic acid‐rich corn oil‐AIN‐76A diet (Il10–/– compared to C57 mice) where similar to those of OA‐fed Il10–/– compared to C57 mice (genotype comparison). A close clustering of colonic gene and protein expression profiles between the mice fed the AIN‐76A or OA diet was observed. Inflammation‐induced regulatory processes associated with cellular and humoral immune responses, cellular stress response and metabolic processes related to energy utilization were identified in Il10–/– compared to C57 mice fed either diet. Thus OA was considered as a suitable control unsaturated fatty acid for use in multi‐omics PUFA studies. The second aim of this study was to test the effect of an OA‐enriched AIN‐76A diet compared to a linoleic acid‐rich corn oil‐AIN‐76A diet on colonic transcriptome and proteome changes within Il10–/– or C57 mice (diet comparison). Overall, there was a limited concordance observed between measureable transcriptomics and proteomics profiles for genotype and diet comparisons. This underlines the importance and validity of a systems biology approach to understand the effects of diet on gene expression as a function of the genotype.
Sucrose phosphorylase as cross‐linked enzyme aggregate: Improved thermal stability for industrial applications
Authors: Cerdobbel An , De Winter Karel , Desmet Tom , Soetaert Wim
Published: September 2010

Sucrose phosphorylase is an interesting biocatalyst that can glycosylate a variety of small molecules using sucrose as a cheap but efficient donor substrate. The low thermostability of the enzyme, however, limits its industrial applications, as these are preferably performed at 60°C to avoid microbial contamination. Cross‐linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of the sucrose phosphorylase from Bifidobacterium adolescentis were found to have a temperature optimum that is 17°C higher than that of the soluble enzyme. Furthermore, the immobilized enzyme displays an exceptional thermostability, retaining all of its activity after 1 week incubation at 60°C. Recycling of the biocatalyst allows its use in at least ten consecutive reactions, which should dramatically increase the commercial potential of its glycosylating activity.
CD measurements of β‐amyloid (1–40) and (1–42) in the condensed phase
Authors: Harada Takunori , Kuroda Reiko
Published: September 2010

Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy of proteins/peptides in thin films can provide valuable information on the structures in the aggregated states; however, it is difficult to estimate the secondary structure content quantitatively due to artifact signals arising from macroscopic anisotropies which is unique to the solid phase. Using a Universal Chiroptical Spectrophotometer (UCS‐1) together with the measurement and analytical procedures we have developed, we could obtain artifact‐free CD spectra of cast and Langmuir‐Blodgett (L‐B) films of synthetic peptides, Aβ (1–40) and (1–42) which are related to Alzheimer's disease. The work gave insights into the mechanisms for structural transformation and amyloid‐like aggregation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 127–134, 2011.
A structure–activity relationship study of small‐molecule inhibitors of GLI1‐mediated transcription
Authors: Actis Marcelo , Connelly Michele C. , Mayasundari Anand , Punchihewa Chandanamali , Fujii Naoaki
Published: September 2010

We have previously reported ketoprofen amide compounds as inhibitors of GLI1‐mediated transcription, an essential down‐stream element of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. These compounds inhibited Gli‐luciferase reporter in C3H10T1/2 cells that were exogenously transfected with GLI1 and in Rh30 cells that endogenously overexpress GLI1. Here we have designed new derivatives of these compounds aiming to explore the structure–activation relationship (SAR). By replacing the ketone carbonyl group of the ketoprofen moiety with an ether, amide, sulfonamide, or sulfone, we found several new compounds that are equipotent to the ketoprofen amide compounds. Among them, sulfone 30 inhibited Gli‐luciferase reporter in C3H10T1/2 cells that were exogenously transfected with GLI1 and in Rh30 cells that endogenously overexpress GLI1. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 24–30, 2011.
Cell cultures in microsystems: Biocompatibility aspects
Authors: Fischer R. , Steinert S. , Fröber U. , Voges D. , Stubenrauch M. , Hofmann G.O. , Witte H.
Published: September 2010

Bio‐Micro‐Electro‐Mechanical Systems (BioMEMS) are a new tool in life sciences, supporting cell biology research by providing reproducible and miniaturized experimental platforms. In order to cultivate cells in such systems, appropriate microenvironmental conditions are required. Due to the multitude and variety of microbioreactors and cultivated cell types available, standardized cell handling methods and comprehensive biocompatibility data are sparse. The bioreactor developed at Ilmenau University of Technology features BioMEMS consisting of silicon, glass, and polymers, supplied by peripheral components. To verify the system's suitability for cell cultivation, it was necessary to prove whether materials and surfaces are biocompatible. Custom‐tailored biocompatibility test procedures along with adequate cell seeding and handling methods had to be developed. According to this, proper positive and negative control samples had to be identified. The cultivation procedures were carried out using osteoblast‐like murine fibroblasts (MC3T3‐E1) and primary human osteoblasts (hOB). We could provide evidence that cultivation of these cells in our BioMEMS is feasible. In this context the relevant materials and the system's structure can be regarded as to be biocompatible. We could show that cell seeding and handling methods possess a strong impact on growth, development, and cellular activity of cell cultures in BioMEMS. Statistical biocompatibility data for the materials used is given. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:687–693. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biphenyl and ethylbenzene dioxygenases of Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 transform PBDEs
Authors: Robrock Kristin R. , Mohn William W. , Eltis Lindsay D. , Alvarez‐Cohen Lisa
Published: September 2010

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardants that have been widely used in consumer products, but that are problematic because of their environmental persistence and endocrine‐disrupting properties. To date, very little is known about PBDE degradation by aerobic microorganisms and the enzymes involved in PBDE transformation. Resting cells of the polychlorinated biphenyl‐degrading actinomycete, Rhodococcus jostii RHA1, depleted nine mono‐ through penta‐BDEs in separate assays. Extensive depletion of PBDEs occurred with cells grown on biphenyl, ethylbenzene, propane, or styrene, whereas very limited depletion occurred with cells grown on pyruvate or benzoate. In RHA1, expression of bphAa encoding biphenyl dioxygenase (BPDO) and etbAa1 and etbAc encoding ethylbenzene dioxygenase (EBDO) was induced 30‐ to 3,000‐fold during growth on the substrates that supported PBDE depletion. The BPDO and EBDO enzymes had gene expression profiles that matched the PBDE‐depletion profiles exhibited by RHA1 grown on different substrates. Using the non‐PBDE‐degrading bacterium Rhodococcus erythropolis as a host, two recombinant strains were developed by inserting the eth and bph genes of RHA1, respectively. The resultant EBDO extensively depleted mono‐ through penta‐BDEs, while the BPDO depleted only mono‐, di‐, and one tetra‐BDE. A dihydroxylated‐BDE was detected as the primary metabolite of 4‐bromodiphenyl ether in both recombinant strains. These results indicate that although both dioxygenases are capable of transforming PBDEs, EBDO more potently transforms the highly brominated congeners. The availability of substrates or inducing compounds can markedly affect total PBDE removal as well as patterns of removal of individual congeners. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 313–321. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osteoconductivity and growth factor production by MG63 osteoblastic cells on bioglass‐coated orthopedic implants
Authors: Tan Fei , Naciri Mariam , Al‐Rubeai Mohamed
Published: September 2010

We have produced Bioglass coatings for Orthopedic implants by using a novel coating technique, CoBlast. The two resultant surfaces, designated BG and hydroxyapatite (HA)/BG, were compared with their HA counterpart, OsteoZip in terms of osteoblastic cell attachment, adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and growth factor production. BG and HA/BG were demonstrated by goniometry to be more hydrophilic than OsteoZip. This corresponded to enhanced protein adsorption, cell attachment, and cell adhesion documented by both quantitative and qualitative assessments. BG and HA/BG surfaces had a significant initial release of Si and Ca ions, and this was consistent with elevated cell proliferation and basic fibroblast growth factor levels. However, OsteoZip, being similar to HA/BG, exhibited better osteogenic differentiation than BG did, shown by augmented differentiation marker activity at both protein and mRNA levels. Sandwich ELISA was used to quantify angiopoietin and inducible nitric oxide synthase which are involved in peri‐prosthetic angiogenesis and aseptic loosening of total hip replacement, respectively. Both Bioglass‐derived coatings provide superior initial osteoconductivity to OsteoZip, and HA/Bioglass composite coating outruns in long‐term osteogenic differentiation and prognostic bioprocesses. The novel coatings discovered in this study have significant potential in providing both orthopedic and therapeutic functions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 454–464. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiple mechanisms of uranium immobilization by Cellulomonas sp. strain ES6
Authors: Sivaswamy Vaideeswaran , Boyanov Maxim I. , Peyton Brent M. , Viamajala Sridhar , Gerlach Robin , Apel William A. , Sani Rajesh K. , Dohnalkova Alice , Kemner Kenneth M. , Borch Thomas
Published: September 2010

Removal of hexavalent uranium (U(VI)) from aqueous solution was studied using a Gram‐positive facultative anaerobe, Cellulomonas sp. strain ES6, under anaerobic, non‐growth conditions in bicarbonate and PIPES buffers. Inorganic phosphate was released by cells during the experiments providing ligands for formation of insoluble U(VI) phosphates. Phosphate release was most probably the result of anaerobic hydrolysis of intracellular polyphosphates accumulated by ES6 during aerobic growth. Microbial reduction of U(VI) to U(IV) was also observed. However, the relative magnitudes of U(VI) removal by abiotic (phosphate‐based) precipitation and microbial reduction depended on the buffer chemistry. In bicarbonate buffer, X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy showed that U in the solid phase was present primarily as a non‐uraninite U(IV) phase, whereas in PIPES buffer, U precipitates consisted primarily of U(VI)‐phosphate. In both bicarbonate and PIPES buffer, net release of cellular phosphate was measured to be lower than that observed in U‐free controls suggesting simultaneous precipitation of U and PO. In PIPES, U(VI) phosphates formed a significant portion of U precipitates and mass balance estimates of U and P along with XAFS data corroborate this hypothesis. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) of samples from PIPES treatments indeed showed both extracellular and intracellular accumulation of U solids with nanometer sized lath structures that contained U and P. In bicarbonate, however, more phosphate was removed than required to stoichiometrically balance the U(VI)/U(IV) fraction determined by XAFS, suggesting that U(IV) precipitated together with phosphate in this system. When anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonate (AQDS), a known electron shuttle, was added to the experimental reactors, the dominant removal mechanism in both buffers was reduction to a non‐uraninite U(IV) phase. Uranium immobilization by abiotic precipitation or microbial reduction has been extensively reported; however, the present work suggests that strain ES6 can remove U(VI) from solution simultaneously through precipitation with phosphate ligands and microbial reduction, depending on the environmental conditions. Cellulomonadaceae are environmentally relevant subsurface bacteria and here, for the first time, the presence of multiple U immobilization mechanisms within one organism is reported using Cellulomonas sp. strain ES6. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 264–276. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermodynamic parameters for salt‐induced reversible protein precipitation from automated microscale experiments
Authors: Ahmad Shahina S. , Dalby Paul A.
Published: September 2010

Reversible precipitation can be used as an efficient purification tool for proteins. In addition, identifying conditions under which precipitation or aggregation occurs is of key importance in the bioprocessing and pharmaceutical industry, as this can aid in better formulations and hinder aggregation in chromatography. We have evaluated the precipitation of proteins as determined by light scattering in microplates as a tool for the high‐throughput determination of thermodynamic parameters for protein precipitation, with the potential for screening of formulation additives and relevant bioprocess conditions such as pH. This provides a useful complementary technique to existing microplate‐based protein thermostability measurements. Using hen egg‐white lysozyme and alcohol dehydrogenase as model proteins we have determined the extent of reversible precipitation as a function of ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride concentrations, and also demonstrated global fitting of the data to generate a model where the fraction precipitated can be predicted for any given condition. The global fit provided thermodynamic parameters, including the free energy for protein precipitation, and also allowed an approximate determination of the average size of the structural nucleus that contributes to the free energy of precipitation for each protein. The rapid collection of thermodynamic parameters for protein precipitation, in parallel with protein thermostability measurements, will provide a powerful platform for protein formulation, and also lead to datasets useful for testing theoretical predictions of reversible precipitation based on the molecular modeling of specific protein structure interactions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 322–332. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single-incision laparoscopic right hemicolectomy
Authors: Keshava A , Young C J , Mackenzie S
Published: September 2010

Background

The results of a prospective consecutive series of single-incision laparoscopic right hemicolectomy procedures are presented.

Methods

Right colonic resections were performed by a single-incision laparoscopic technique between February and December 2009. Surgical outcomes were recorded in a prospective database.

Results

Twenty-two consecutive procedures were completed by single-incision laparoscopic colorectal surgical resection. All patients were alive at 30 days. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days. Morbidity was encountered in six patients. Pathological examination of the resected specimen showed adenocarcinoma in 13 patients, adenoma in five, carcinoid in two, Crohn's disease in one patient and an intussuscepting lipoma in one. Clearance from the pathology was greater than 5 cm in all cases and the median lymph node harvest in patients with cancer was 17 (range 10–30).

Conclusion

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is a possible approach to right colonic resection with potential for minimal access advantages.
Complications of intestinal stomas
Authors: Nastro P , Knowles C H , McGrath A , Heyman B , Porrett T R C , Lunniss P J
Published: September 2010

Background

Stomal complications are prevalent and associated with considerable morbidity. This study examined the incidence and potential risk factors for their development.

Methods

The time of onset and presence of ten specific complications were recorded for patients with an intestinal stoma over 10 years at two urban hospitals. A database was established with 20 explanatory variables (such as common medical co-morbidities) derived from the stomatherapy and medical records. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for the development of complications.

Results

Some 1216 patients (mean age 64 years) with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up were included, of whom 544 (44·7 per cent) underwent surgery for malignancy and 647 (53·2 per cent) had a colostomy formed. There were 1219 complications in total; 807 major complications (excluding excoriation and slough) occurred in 564 patients (46·4 per cent), of which the commonest was parastomal hernia (171, 14·1 per cent). On multivariable analysis, musculoskeletal co-morbidity (odds ratio (OR) 1·79, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·05 to 3·07; P = 0·032), cancer (OR 1·48, 1·13 to 1·93; P = 0·004) and high American Association of Anesthesiologists score (OR = 3·80, 2·14 to 6·75; P < 0·001) were associated with an increased risk of complications. Preoperative siting was associated with a reduced risk (OR 0·59, 0·39 to 0·90; P = 0·014).

Conclusion

Intestinal stomal complications are common, occurring in almost half of patients. There are certain irremediable risk factors, allowing appropriate preoperative counselling.
National surveillance of surgical-site infection through register-based analysis of antibiotic use after inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Stridh Ekman G , Ringbäck Weitoft G , Nyrén O , Dickman P W , Ericsson Ö , Struwe J
Published: September 2010

Background

Systematic surveillance of surgical-site infections is not standard. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the feasibility of using existing national health registers for surveillance of postoperative antibiotic treatment suggestive of surgical-site infection.

Methods

Data from national registers on hospital admissions and drug use were combined. Antibiotic purchases by 8856 patients subject to ambulatory care for inguinal hernia repair in Sweden during 2006 were ascertained during a 30-day interval immediately after surgery (postsurgical period) and in an 11-month control period (6 months before and 5 months after the postsurgical period).

Results

The incidence of first purchases of skin and soft tissue antibiotics was 245 per 8697 person-months in the first postoperative month and 180 per 52 612 person-months in the preoperative control period, representing a 1-month risk difference of 2·4 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 2·0 to 2·7) per cent. Hence, a 1-month risk of 2·4 per cent could be attributed tentatively to the surgery. The rate of episodes with antibiotics used mainly for skin and soft tissue infection was sevenfold higher in the first postoperative month than in the control period (rate ratio 7·01, 95 per cent c.i. 5·94 to 8·27).

Conclusion

The risk of antibiotic treatment during the postsurgical period was of the same order of magnitude as infection rates reported in the Swedish Hernia Register and review studies. Surveillance of postoperative antibiotic use may be considered as a resource-saving surrogate marker for surgical-site infections or an indicator of inappropriate use.
Multi-institutional experience of diffuse intra-abdominal multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma
Authors: Chua T C , Yan T D , Deraco M , Glehen O , Moran B J , Sugarbaker P H
Published: September 2010

Background

This study was undertaken to measure survival of patients with multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma treated by cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy through a multi-institutional collaboration.

Methods

A multi-institutional data registry, established by the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group, was used to identify patients with peritoneal mesothelioma and the subgroup with multicystic tumours, treated by cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Outcomes for this subgroup are reported. The primary endpoint was overall survival. A secondary endpoint was the incidence of treatment-related complications.

Results

Of 405 patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, 26 (6·4 per cent) had multicystic tumours. There were 20 women and six men with a mean(s.d.) age of 42(12) years. The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) was 14 (range 6–39). There was no perioperative mortality. Six patients developed grade III or IV complications. After a median follow-up of 54 (range 5–129) months, all 26 patients were still alive.

Conclusion

Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma appears to be a distinct subtype of peritoneal mesothelioma, where long-term survival may be achieved through cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Identification of IgE Binding to Api g 1‐Derived Peptides
Authors: Ruppel Elvira , Aÿ Bernhard , Boisguerin Prisca , Dölle Sabine , Worm Margitta , Volkmer Rudolf
Published: September 2010

Celery is a frequent cause of food allergy in pollen‐sensitized patients and can induce severe allergic reactions. Clinical symptoms cannot be predicted by skin prick tests (SPTs) or by determining allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Our aim was to identify specific IgE binding peptides by using an array technique. For our study, the sera of 21 patients with positive double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) to celery, as well as the sera of 17 healthy patients were used. Additionally, all patients underwent skin tests along with determinations of specific IgE binding. The major allergen of celery Api g 1.0101 (Apium graveolens) was synthesized as an array of overlapping peptides and probed with the patients' sera. We developed an improved immunoassay protocol by investigating peptide lengths, peptide densities, incubation parameters, and readout systems, which could influence IgE binding. Sera of celery‐allergic patients showed binding to three distinct regions of Api g 1.0101. The region including amino acids 100 to 126 of Api g 1.0101 is the most important region for IgE binding. This region caused a fivefold higher binding of IgE from the sera of celery‐allergic patients compared to those of healthy individuals. In particular, one peptide (VLVPTADGGSIC) was recognized by all sera of celery‐allergic patients. In contrast, no binding to this peptide was detected in sera of the healthy controls. Our improved assay strategy allows us to distinguish between celery‐allergic and healthy individuals, but needs to be explored in a larger cohort of well‐defined patients.
Imidazoliophosphines are True N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)–Phosphenium Adducts
Authors: Abdellah Ibrahim , Lepetit Christine , Canac Yves , Duhayon Carine , Chauvin Remi
Published: September 2010

Whereas the external nucleophilic reactivity of α‐amidiniophosphines has been previously illustrated by their complexation to transition‐metal centers, their internal electrophilic reactivity is herein investigated by using BIMIONAP (BIMIONAP=N‐methylated BIMINAP cation, BIMINAP=formal contraction of the acronyms BIMIP=2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1′‐bibenzimidazole and BINAP=2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl). Reaction of tetraethylammonium chloride with free BIMIONAP is found to induce heterolytic cleavage of the N2CP bond to give chlorodiphenylphosphine and a transient phosphine–N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) species that is trapped in situ by protonation to the corresponding phosphine–benzimidazolium cation. When the chloride anion reacts with the cationic [Pd(η2‐BIMIONAP)Cl2] complex, the same cleavage occurs and the phosphine–NHC moiety is trapped in the corresponding [PdCl2(η2‐phosphine–NHC)] complex. When the chloride anion reacts with the dicationic [Pd(π‐allyl)(η2‐BIMIONAP)]+complex, allyldiphenylphosphine is produced, and the [PdCl(η2‐phosphine–NHC)(PPh2CH2CHCH2)]+complex is obtained. Reaction of free BIMIONAP with the hardern‐butyllithium nucleophile also induces heterolytic cleavage of the N2CP bond, from which the phosphine–NHC moiety is trapped by hydrolysis of the benzimidazole ring or by P,C‐sulfurization. Cleavage of a CP bond with the weak Cl−nucleophile to release the reactive NHC moiety (according to the unusual scheme CP+Cl−→C:+ClP) is a definite experimental indication of the dative nature of the N2CP bond of amidiniophosphines, which are, therefore, better described as NHC→phosphenium adducts. This interpretation is supported by the calculation, at the DFT level, of a heterolytic dissociation mode of the N2CP bond lower in energy than the homolytic one. A mesomeric description of the NHC→phosphenium entity is also proposed on the basis of electron localization function (ELF) and atoms in molecules (AIM) analyses. Finally ELF and AIM‐based Fukui indices, molecular orbitals, and MESP analyses show that the initial attack of Cl−takes place at the carbenic atom of BIMIONAP.
Novel drug delivery system for lipophilic therapeutics of small molecule, peptide‐based and protein drugs
Authors: Hussain Rohanah , Siligardi Giuliano
Published: September 2010

Effective drug delivery systems for biopharmaceuticals, such as proteins, peptide‐based drugs, and vaccines still present major challenges. A procedure has been developed whereby human serum albumin (HSA) can be used as a delivery vehicle for these biomolecules exploiting its role as main fatty acid carrier. Using essentially fatty acid free HSA (HSAff) it is possible to form stable complexes with lipidic chain compounds (lipo compounds). Several lipo compounds have been used to develop this system, a novel antimicrobial lipopeptide and γ‐amino‐n‐butyric acid, GABA, conjugated with an alkyl chain, lipo‐GABA, in both cases C8 and C14 alkyl chain lengths were evaluated. The HSA‐lipo complex had a mutual stabilizing effect on both the HSA and the lipo compound. The protease enzyme study showed that the alkyl chains of these lipo compounds bound to HSAff confer biostability to HSAff. With the antimicrobial lipopeptide, there was enhanced activity with HSAff formulation suggesting increased biostability and bioavailability of compounds. These finding allowed us to propose a simple and effective way of delivering lipo compounds using fatty acid free HSA as the carrier. Chirality, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Craniofacial resection for malignant tumors involving the skull base in the elderly
Authors: Ganly Ian , Patel Snehal G. , Singh Bhuvanesh , Kraus Dennis H. , Cantu Giulo , Fliss Dan M. , Kowalski Luiz P. , Snyderman Carl , Shah Jatin P.
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND:

In this study by the International Collaborative Group, the authors examined a large cohort of patients accumulated from multiple institutions that had experience in craniofacial surgery with the objective of reporting outcomes and complications for craniofacial resection (CFR) in the elderly.

METHODS:

One hundred seventy patients aged ≥70 years were included in the study. The median age was 75 years (range, 70‐98 years). One hundred four patients (61%) had received previous single‐modality or combined treatment, which included surgery in 79 patients (46%), radiation in 47 patients (28%), and chemotherapy in 13 patients (8%). The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma (67 patients; 39%). The margins of resection were close or microscopically positive in 56 patients (33%). Sixty‐eight patients received adjuvant radiotherapy (40%), and 3 patients received chemotherapy (2%). Complications were classified into overall, local, central nervous system (CNS), systemic, and orbital. Overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were determined by using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Outcomes were compared with patients aged <70 years. Statistical analyses for outcomes were performed in relation to patient characteristics, tumor characteristics (including histology and extent of disease), surgical resection margins, previous radiation, and previous chemotherapy to determine predictive factors.

RESULTS:

Postoperative mortality occurred in 16 patients (9%), and postoperative complications occurred in 72 patients (42%). Local wound complications occurred in 40 patients (24%), CNS complications occurred in 24 patients (14%), systemic complications occurred in 19 patients (11%), and orbital complications occurred in 4 patients (2%). Postoperative mortality and complications were significantly more frequent in elderly patients compared with patients aged <70 years (postoperative mortality: 9% vs 3%; P = .04; complications: 42% vs 32%; P = .0009). The 5‐year OS, DSS, and RFS rates were significantly poorer than those for patients aged <70 years (OS: 42% vs 56%; P < .0001; DSS: 53% vs 61%; P = .04; RFS: 46% vs 54%; P = .03). Surgical margin status and primary tumor histology were independent predictors of OS, DSS, and RFS in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

CFR for malignant skull base tumors in elderly patients (aged ≥70 years) was associated with increased mortality, complications, and poorer outcomes compared with patients aged <70 years. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Quantum Dots Acting as Energy Acceptors with Organic Dyes as Donors in Solution
Authors: Xu Hu , Huang Xiaomei , Zhang Wenjin , Chen Guanjiao , Zhu Weihong , Zhong Xinhua
Published: September 2010

Quantum dots (QDs) usually act as energy donors in Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) in various application fields. We report, for the first time, a FRET process from a conventional naphthalimide chromophore 1 to CdSe/ZnS core/shell QDs (acting as energy acceptors) in (1)–QDs hybrid system in solution. This FRET process is supported by various spectroscopies, such as steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) as well as PL excitation spectra. The highest energy transfer efficiency is estimated to be about 0.37. Interestingly, the role of QDs in FRET can be specifically reversed (from energy acceptors to energy donors) with the use of QDs with larger band‐gaps.
Constrained watershed method to infer morphology of mammalian cells in microscopic images
Authors: Kachouie Nezamoddin N. , Fieguth Paul , Gamble Darik , Jervis Eric , Ezziane Zoheir , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: September 2010

Precise information about the size, shape, temporal dynamics, and spatial distribution of cells is beneficial for the understanding of cell behavior and may play a key role in drug development, regenerative medicine, and disease research. The traditional method of manual observation and measurement of cells from microscopic images is tedious, expensive, and time consuming. Thus, automated methods are in high demand, especially given the increasing quantity of cell data being collected. In this article, an automated method to measure cell morphology from microscopic images is proposed to outline the boundaries of individual hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The proposed method outlines the cell regions using a constrained watershed method which is derived as an inverse problem. The experimental results generated by applying the proposed method to different HSC image sequences showed robust performance to detect and segment individual and dividing cells. The performance of the proposed method for individual cell segmentation for single frame high‐resolution images was more than 97%, and decreased slightly to 90% for low‐resolution multiframe stitched images. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
An adaptable two‐color flow cytometric assay to quantitate the invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium falciparum parasites
Authors: Theron Michel , Hesketh Richard L. , Subramanian Sathish , Rayner Julian C.
Published: September 2010

Plasmodium falciparum genotyping has recently undergone a revolution, and genome‐wide genotype datasets are now being collected for large numbers of parasite isolates. By contrast, phenotyping technologies have lagged behind, with few high throughput phenotyping platforms available. Invasion of human erythrocytes by Plasmodium falciparum is a phenotype of particular interest because of its central role in parasite development. Invasion is a variable phenotype influenced by natural genetic variation in both the parasite and host and is governed by multiple overlapping and in some instances redundant parasite–erythrocyte interactions. To facilitate the scale‐up of erythrocyte invasion phenotyping, we have developed a novel platform based on two‐color flow cytometry that distinguishes parasite invasion from parasite growth. Target cells that had one or more receptors removed using enzymatic treatment were prelabeled with intracellular dyes CFDA‐SE or DDAO‐SE, incubated with P. falciparum parasites, and parasites that had invaded either labeled or unlabeled cells were detected with fluorescent DNA‐intercalating dyes Hoechst 33342 or SYBR Green I. Neither cell label interfered with erythrocyte invasion, and the combination of cell and parasite dyes recapitulated known invasion phenotypes for three standard laboratory strains. Three different dye combinations with minimal overlap have been validated, meaning the same assay can be adapted to instruments harboring several different combinations of laser lines. The assay is sensitive, operates in a 96‐well format, and can be used to quantitate the impact of natural or experimental genetic variation on erythrocyte invasion efficiency. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
A flow‐cytometric method for continuous measurement of intracellular Ca2+ concentration
Authors: Vines Alice , McBean Gethin J. , Blanco‐Fernández Alfonso
Published: September 2010

Alterations in intracellular Ca2+ concentration are amongst the most rapid responses to a variety of stimuli in mammalian cells. In the nervous system in particular, responses occur within nanoseconds. A major challenge in intracellular Ca2+ analysis is to achieve measurements within this very fast time frame. To date, the dynamic intracellular Ca2+ concentration has been monitored by confocal microscopy, plate‐based assays, spectrofluorometry, and flow cytometry, although there are issues with the number of cells analyzed or gaps in recording due to the addition of compounds, with significant loss of detail of a rapid Ca2+ response. The new generation of flow cytometers (such as Accuri C6) resolves this problem by allowing the addition of test compounds with continuous monitoring of thousands of cells, providing a method for dynamic Ca2+ measurements. This system was tested with commonly used Ca2+ modulating agents in C6 glioma cells. Thapsigargin (TG), a blocker of Ca2+ uptake into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causes a significant increase in the intracellular calcium concentration via ER emptying followed by Ca2+ entry via store‐operated Ca2+ channels (SOCC). This well‐established pathway can be partially inhibited by 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB), a blocker of SOCC. Both the increase with TG alone and the partial increase when coincubated with 2‐APB were observed with continuous recording along with calibration curves using an Accuri C6 flow cytometer. With these new cytometers, dynamic Ca2+ concentration measurement becomes extremely accessible and accurate, while also providing extensive and valuable data regarding population health and responsiveness. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry