bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Ecotoxicological Tests in a Preliminary Evaluation of Soils Treated on Bioreactor
Authors: Sisinno Cristina L. S. , Rizzo A. C. L. , Bulus M. R. M. , Rocha D. A. , Soriano A. U. , Vital R. L. , Moreira J. C.
Published: March 2010

Bioremediation processes are being applied nowadays for treatment of contaminated soils by petroleum products. However, only chemical analyses are used for efficiency verification, without taking into account a biological indicator. The aim of this work was the application of two ecotoxicological tests for the evaluation of a soil contaminated by crude oil, after treatment on a bioreactor, in different conditions. Sample A was treated with biostimulation (pH, nutrients and moisture control), while samples B and C, besides biostimulation was applied bulking material (sawdust; 10% w/w) also. The ecotoxicological tests chosen were luminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri (ISO 11348-3:1998) and an avoidance behavior test with Eisenia fetida earthworms (still in a draft form). This test consists in the exposition of the organisms to contaminated soil and control soil samples, simultaneously, to evaluate the percentage of organisms that goes from the center of the recipient to the control sample sector. The results of avoidance behavior tests of samples A, B and C were, respectively, 52%, 29% and 50%. Those results indicate no toxicity, once the criteria for a sample be considered toxic is that more than 80% of the total exposed organisms are in the control soil at the end of the test. However, the test with Vibrio fischeri indicated toxicity for sample B (CE50 13.8%), probably because of the recent contamination. Those results indicate that, although the importance of ecotoxicological tests inclusion for the complementation of bioremediation processes evaluation, at least two tests, using different organisms must be performed for a better consideration.
Indoor Biomonitoring of Mutagenic Potential of Air Pollutants From Emission Incense Using the Tradescantia Stamen Hair Assay
Authors: Oliveira Deuzuita S. , Crnkovic P. M. , Viana V. G. F. , Saldiva P. H. N. , Domingos M. , Pagliuso J. D.
Published: March 2010

The Trad-SH has been successfully employed to qualify the environment air, which is contaminated by mutagens. So, this work is aimed at evaluating the mutagenic potential of the emission from incense indoors to the Tradescantia KU-20 clone. Experimentally, the inflorescence of the KU-20 clones was kept for 2, 4 and 6 hours the emission from the incenses (kind 1 and 2) in a closed room of 25.83 m3 of volume. The mutagenic effects of the atmosphere were analyzed by comparing a group of non-exposed inflorescence (group one, control) to inflorescences kept under polluted atmospheres, in a closed room, for 2, 4 and 6 hours (groups two, three and four). The experimental data were analyzed using statistical methods. The frequency of mutations observed in the inflorescences from group one was significantly lower than that exhibited by groups two, three and four. The results suggest that the emission from the incense plays an important role in the development of plant mutation and that the Trad-SH assay is a useful tool for routine indoor biomonitoring in environments where chemical substances are used.
Evaluation of Areas Under the Influence of a Coal-fired Power Plant Through Genotoxicity Assay
Authors: Silva Júnior Flavio Manoel Rodrigues da , Vargas Vera Maria Ferrão
Published: March 2010

Ashes originated from coal burning may contain in its constitution several substances with genotoxic potential, including organic compounds and heavy metals. These ashes are launched in the environment by power plants and may contaminate its surrounding areas. In Brazil, there are no works evaluating the environmental impacts in the area under influence of coal-fired power plants using the Salmonella/microsome assay. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate the genotoxic potential of soil samples adjacent to a coal-fired power plant and of a coal bottom ash deposit in process of recuperation through this bioassay. Superficial soils samples will be collected in areas under influence of a coal-fired power plant in Rio Grande do Sul state, and then organic and aqueous extracts for the Salmonella/microsome with the strain TA98, TA100, TA97a and possibly YG1021 and YG1024, which allow the assessment of nitroderivatives. The results of this work may contribute for the implementation of this bioassay in the biomonitoring of soils.
Isolation of Legionella‐Containing Vacuoles by Immuno‐Magnetic Separation
Authors: Urwyler Simon , Finsel Ivo , Ragaz Curdin , Hilbi Hubert
Published: March 2010

The environmental bacterium Legionella pneumophila naturally parasitizes free‐living amoebae. L. pneumophila is an opportunistic human pathogen that grows in macrophages, thus causing a life‐threatening pneumonia termed Legionnaires' disease. The bacteria replicate intracellularly in environmental and immune phagocytes within a unique compartment, the Legionella‐containing vacuole (LCV). Formation of LCVs is a complex and robust process involving >150 secreted bacterial effector proteins, which are believed to subvert host cell signaling and vesicle trafficking pathways. This unit describes a simple approach to purify intact LCVs from Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae. The method comprises a two‐step purification protocol that includes immuno‐magnetic separation by means of an antibody against an effector protein specifically binding to LCVs, followed by density gradient centrifugation. The use of D. discoideum producing a fluorescent LCV marker and fluorescently labeled L. pneumophila allow tracking the enrichment of LCVs by light microscopy. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 46:3.34.1‐3.34.14. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantitative Analysis of Endocytosis and Turnover of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and EGF Receptor
Authors: Sorkin Alexander , Duex Jason E.
Published: March 2010

Binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the EGF receptor (EGFR) initiates signal transduction, ultimately leading to altered gene expression. Ligand‐activated EGFR is also rapidly internalized and then targeted to lysosomes for degradation or recycled back to the plasma membrane. Endocytosis is a major regulator of EGFR signaling. Therefore, elucidation of the mechanisms of EGFR endocytosis is essential for a better understanding of EGFR biology. In order to achieve a comprehensive analysis of these mechanisms, reliable methods for measuring the rates of EGFR protein turnover and the rate parameters for individual steps of EGFR endocytic trafficking must be employed. The protocols in this unit describe methodologies to measure the rates of EGFR synthesis and degradation, to monitor EGF‐induced down‐regulation of surface EGFR, to measure the kinetic rate parameters of internalization, recycling, and degradation of radiolabeled EGF, and to perform radioiodination of EGF by the chloramine T method. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 46:15.14.1‐15.14.20. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Therapeutic effects of hyaluronate injections in patients with chronic painful shoulder: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Saito Seiji , Furuya Takefumi , Kotake Shigeru
Published: March 2010

Objective

To elucidate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of injection of hyaluronate (HA) for chronic painful shoulder.

Methods

The meta‐analysis comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of HA injections with that of a placebo. Articles were retrieved through systematic searches of databases, including Medline, EMBase, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina. The outcome end points were classified into 5 categories: pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM), total functional score, comparison between HA and steroid injections, and HA safety. The primary outcome measures of the efficacy of HA injections were the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and the relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) between HA and placebo groups.

Results

Nineteen RCTs (2,120 participants) were pooled for the meta‐analysis. Injection of HA can decrease symptoms of chronic painful shoulder. An improvement was found in pain outcomes (SMD 0.39; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.26, 0.53 and OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.49, 2.26) and total functional scores (SMD 0.36; 95% CI 0.01, 0.71), with few adverse events (RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.57, 1.77). Improvement in shoulder ROM was not effectively achieved. HA injection was modestly more effective than steroid injection, as estimated by the total functional score (SMD 0.36; 95% CI 0.02, 0.70), which indicated a likely benefit of injection of HA over steroid injection.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis confirms that HA injection is effective in relief of pain and is a safe alternative therapy for chronic painful shoulder.
Validity of ultrasonography and measures of adult shoulder function and reliability of ultrasonography in detecting shoulder synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using magnetic resonance imaging as a gold standard
Authors: Bruyn G. A. W. , Pineda C. , Hernandez‐Diaz C. , Ventura‐Rios L. , Moya C. , Garrido J. , Groen H. , Pena A. , Espinosa R. , Möller I. , Filippucci E. , Iagnocco A. , Balint P. V. , Kane D. , D'Agostino M.‐A. , Angulo M. , Ponte R. , Fernandez‐Gallardo J. M. , Naredo E.
Published: March 2010

Objective

To assess the intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (US) in detecting inflammatory shoulder changes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to determine the agreement between US and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a gold standard.

Methods

Eleven rheumatologists investigated 10 patients in 2 rounds independently and blindly of each other by US. US results were compared with shoulder function tests and MRI.

Results

The positive and negative predictive values (NPVs) for axillary recess synovitis (ARS) were 0.88 and 0.43, respectively, for posterior recess synovitis (PRS) were 0.36 and 0.97, respectively, for subacromial/subdeltoid bursitis (SASB) were 0.85 and 0.28, respectively, and the NPV for biceps tenosynovitis (BT) was 1.00. The intraobserver kappa was 0.62 for ARS, 0.59 for PRS, 0.51 for BT, and 0.70 for SASB. The intraobserver kappa for power Doppler US (PDUS) signal was 0.91 for PRS, 0.77 for ARS, 0.94 for SASB, and 0.53 for BT. The interobserver maximum kappa was 0.46 for BT, 0.95 for ARS, 0.52 for PRS, and 0.61 for SASB. The interobserver reliability of PDUS was 1.0 for PRS, 0.1 for ARS, 0.5 for BT, and 1.0 for SASB. P values for the SPADI and DASH versus cuff tear on US were 0.02 and 0.01, respectively; all other relationships were not significant.

Conclusion

Overall agreements between gray‐scale US and MRI regarding synovitis of the shoulder varied considerably, but excellent results were seen for PDUS. Measures of shoulder function have a poor relationship with US and MRI. Improved standardization of US scanning technique could further reliability of shoulder US.
Predictors for remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A systematic review
Authors: Katchamart Wanruchada , Johnson Sindhu , Lin Hsing‐Ju Lucy , Phumethum Veerapong , Salliot Carine , Bombardier Claire
Published: March 2010

Objective

To summarize the potential predictors of remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We performed a systematic review of prognostic studies that identified the predictors of remission in RA patients. Studies were identified in Medline, EMBase, and the Cochrane Registry, and by hand search. We included only studies performing multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 18 studies from 2,062 citations were included. The following variables were found to be the independent predictors of RA remission: male sex; young age; late‐onset RA; short disease duration; nonsmoker; low baseline disease activity; mild functional impairment; low baseline radiographic damage; absence of rheumatoid factor and anti–citrullinated peptide; low serum level of acute‐phase reactant, interleukin‐2, and RANKL at baseline; MTHFR 677T alleles and 1298C alleles in the methotrexate (MTX)–treated patients; magnetization transfer ratio 2756A allele ± either the SLC 19A180A allele or the TYMS 3R‐del6 haplotype in the MTX plus sulfasalazine combination–treated patients; early treatment with nonbiologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) combinations; the use of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF); the concurrent use of DMARDs in anti‐TNF–treated patients; and moderate or good response to treatments at the first 6 months. The magnitude of the association in the individual predictor was diverse among the studies depending on the patient characteristics, the study characteristics, and the variables used to adjust for in the models.

Conclusion

A number of independent predictors of remission, i.e., baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics and genetic markers, were summarized. The predictive value of prognostic factors recently identified needs to be confirmed.
A national survey of Veterans Affairs Rheumatologists for relevance of quality of care indicators for Gout management
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A. , Alpert Michael D. , Kerr Gail
Published: March 2010

Objective

To determine the relevance of current gout quality indicators (QIs).

Methods

Members of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Rheumatology Consortium were invited to participate in an online survey and provide opinions (rank 0–10) regarding existing gout QIs. Opinions sought on each QI were 1) relevance to US veterans, 2) likelihood to improve gout care, and 3) ease of electronic capture. Participants were also asked to rank their top 3 gout QIs.

Results

Participating VA rheumatologists were mainly men, with a mean age of 51.3 years, and experienced in the management of gout. All 10 gout QIs were considered relevant, with a score of 8.2 or higher. The initiation of urate‐lowering therapy, monitoring of urate levels after initiation of urate‐lowering therapy, and treatment of acute gout with antiinflammatory agents scored the highest with regard to likelihood of improving gout care, with the first 2 QIs also thought to be the most relevant. Adjustment of initial allopurinol dosing in patients with renal impairment and in those receiving concurrent azathioprine/6‐mercaptopurine were perceived as the QIs most amenable to electronic capture. The top‐ranked QIs were initiation of urate‐lowering therapy with frequent gout attacks, serum urate monitoring after initiation of urate‐lowering therapy, and adjustment of initial allopurinol dose to renal function.

Conclusion

In a national survey of VA rheumatologists, most gout QIs were thought to be highly relevant. QIs related to initiation of urate‐lowering therapy, serum urate monitoring, and initial dosing of allopurinol were ranked the most important for veterans with gout.
Full‐Field Characterization of Wishboning Strain in the Colobine Mandibular Symphysis
Authors: Bucinell Ronald B. , Daegling David J. , Scott Mcgraw W. , Rapoff Andrew J.
Published: March 2010

The masticatory loading regime of lateral transverse bending (wishboning) is hypothesized to be instrumental in the evolution of symphyseal form among primates. The biomechanics of wishboning have largely been inferred by assuming that the mandible behaves as a curved beam under this load; however, the characterization of stress and strain in the anthropoid symphysis has been interpretively challenging. This is due, in part, to both limitations of sampling strain in an in vivo context and the incongruence of beam theory assumptions on the one hand, and the anatomical complexity of mandibular morphology on the other. Utilizing three‐dimensional (3D) Digital Image Correlation (DIC), we employ an in vitro approach to characterize the strain field in a sample of colobine mandibles under simulated wishboning loads in order to assess the utility of idealized curved beam models for characterizing strain gradients in symphyseal bone. Conventional theory of curved beams suggest that colobine mandibles should exhibit reduced disparity of labial and lingual stresses relative to papionin primates given differences in overall mandibular architecture. This prediction is borne out by our analysis: whereas macaques experience lingual:labial strain disparities of 3.5:1, the colobine mandibles exhibit ratios on the order of 2–3:1. However, despite the fact that wishboning loads represent a case of asymmetric bending, details of the wishboning strain field do not conform to expected stress distribution under this model. Anat Rec, 293:549–556, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Edentulation Alters Material Properties of Cortical Bone in the Human Craniofacial Skeleton: Functional Implications for Craniofacial Structure in Primate Evolution
Authors: Dechow Paul C. , Wang Qian , Peterson Jill
Published: March 2010

Skeletal adaptations to reduced function are an important source of skeletal variation and may be indicative of environmental pressures that lead to evolutionary changes. Humans serve as a model animal to investigate the effects of loss of craniofacial function through edentulation. In the human maxilla, it is known that edentulation leads to significant changes in skeletal structure such as residual ridge resorption and loss of cortical thickness. However, little is known about changes in bone tissue structure and material properties, which are also important for understanding skeletal mechanics but are often ignored. The aims of this study were to determine cortical material properties in edentulous crania and to evaluate differences with dentate crania and thus examine the effects of loss of function on craniofacial structure. Cortical bone samples from 15 edentulous human skulls were measured for thickness and density. Elastic properties and directions of maximum stiffness were determined by using ultrasonic techniques. These data were compared to those from dentate crania reported in a previous investigation. Cortical bone from all regions of the facial skeleton of edentulous individuals is thinner than in dentate skulls. Elastic and shear moduli, and density are similar or greater in the zygoma and cranial vault of edentulous individuals, whereas these properties are less in the maxilla. Most cortical bone, especially in edentulous maxillae, has reduced directional orientation. The loss of significant occlusal loads following edentulation may contribute to the change in material properties and the loss of orientation over time during the normal process of bone remodeling. These results suggest that area‐specific cortical microstructural changes accompany bone resorption following edentulation. They also suggest that functional forces are important for maintaining bone mass throughout the craniofacial skeleton, even in areas such as the browridges, which have been thought to be little affected by function, because of low in vivo strains found there in several primate studies. Anat Rec, 293:618–629, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shouldering the Burdens of Locomotion and Posture: Glenohumeral Joint Structure in Prosimians
Authors: Wright‐Fitzgerald Adrian S. , Balceniuk Mark D. , Burrows Anne M.
Published: March 2010

Despite its importance in movement of the upper limb, the soft‐tissue morphology of the shoulder joint complex (the acromioclavicular, coracoclavicular, and glenohumeral joints) across primates is poorly understood. This study compares soft‐tissue morphology of these three shoulder joint components among broad phylogenetic, locomotor, and postural behavior ranges in prosimian primates. Two adult specimens of Galago moholi (a vertical clinger and leaper) were dissected for study, along with one adult each of Cheirogaleus medius (an arboreal quadruped), Eulemur macaco (an arboreal quadruped that also frequently engages in suspensory behavior), and Tarsius syrichta (a vertical clinger and leaper). Because of their role in glenohumeral joint movement and stabilization, the rotator cuff muscles were also dissected and weighed among the species. Results showed that muscle mass of individual components of the rotator cuff musculature may be adaptive to locomotor and postural behaviors of the taxa in this study. Two soft‐tissue components of the glenohumeral joint, but not the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular joints, were also considered adaptive. The quadrupedal species, C. medius and E. macaco, both had glenohumeral ligaments and E. macaco had a relatively deeper glenoid articular surface for the humerus because of the shape of the glenoid labrum. Additionally, this study noted a lack of a teres minor muscle in G. moholi, C. medius, and E. macaco despite previous studies describing them. A relatively robust teres minor muscle was found in T. syrichta. Even with the limited sample dissected here, these results suggest that soft‐tissue joint morphology itself may be as adaptive to locomotory and postural styles as osseous morphology. Anat Rec, 293:680–691, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure and Function of Platyrrhine Caudal Vertebrae
Authors: Organ Jason M.
Published: March 2010

The prehensile tail may have evolved twice (in parallel) in New World monkeys (platyrrhines), suggesting it is an effective adaptation to negotiating arboreal habitats. Yet, despite the obvious importance of the prehensile tail for balance, feeding behavior, and locomotion, the structural differences between prehensile and nonprehensile tails are poorly understood. Previous studies showed that some linear measurements of caudal vertebrae are capable of distinguishing prehensile from nonprehensile tails but only in the distal parts of the vertebral sequence. This study examines structural properties of the tail with external measurements that are selected to better approximate resistance to bending/torsion while also examining vertebral cross‐sectional geometry with computed tomography—a direct measure of resistance to bending/torsion. Specifically, this study tests the hypotheses that the caudal vertebrae (and the tail as a whole) of prehensile‐tailed platyrrhines are structured to resist higher torsional and bending stresses than their functional analogues in nonprehensile‐tailed platyrrhines, and that the predicted differences become more drastic further distally within the sequence. Results of this study indicate that prehensile and nonprehensile tails are structured differently. Prehensile tails are characterized by longer proximal tail regions than nonprehensile tails. Furthermore, the hemal processes (the distal attachment for the primary tail flexors) of prehensile tail vertebrae are better developed and can distinguish prehensile from nonprehensile tails better than traditionally used external measurements. Finally, results confirm predictions that prehensile tail caudal vertebrae are capable of withstanding higher torsional and bending stresses than their nonprehensile tail counterparts, and that these disparities become more pronounced further distally within the sequence. Anat Rec, 293:730–745, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From Head to Tail: New Models and Approaches in Primate Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics
Authors: Organ Jason M. , Deleon Valerie B. , Wang Qian , Smith Timothy D.
Published: March 2010

This special issue of The Anatomical Record (AR) is based on interest generated by a symposium at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association of Anatomists (AAA) at Experimental Biology, entitled “An Evolutionary Perspective on Human Anatomy.” The development of this volume in turn provided impetus for a Biological Anthropology Mini‐Meeting, organized by members of the AAA for the 2010 Experimental Biology meeting in Anaheim, California. The research presented in these pages reflects the themes of these symposia and provides a snapshot of the current state of primate functional anatomy and biomechanics research. The 17 articles in this special issue utilize new models and/or approaches to study long‐standing questions about the evolution of our closest relatives, including soft‐tissue dissection and microanatomical techniques, experimental approaches to morphology, kinematic and kinetic biomechanics, high‐resolution computed tomography, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This volume continues a close historical association between the disciplines of anatomy and biological anthropology: anatomists benefit from an understanding of the evolutionary history of our modern form, and biological anthropologists rely on anatomical principles to make informed evolutionary inferences about our closest relatives. Anat Rec, 293:544–548, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
(R)‐(+)‐Binol‐Functionalized Mesoporous Organosilica as a Highly Efficient Pre‐Chiral Catalyst for Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wang Peiyuan , Yang Yan , Wang Peng , Yang Qihua
Published: March 2010

(R)‐(+)‐Binol‐functionalized chiral periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) with different framework compositions were successfully synthesized by cocondensation of (R)‐2,2′‐di(methoxymethyl)oxy‐6,6′‐di(1‐propyltrimethoxysilyl)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (BSBinol) with 1,2‐bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane (BTME) and tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) using triblock copolymer P123 as a template in acidic solution. The mixture of BTME and BSBinol can result in a highly ordered mesostructure in an acidic medium but the mesoporous materials synthesized using a mixture of TMOS and BSBinol can only be obtained in a weak acidic buffer solution. All the materials are efficient catalysts (coordinated with Ti) for asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes. The chiral PMO with ethane and (R)‐(+)‐Binol in the framework exhibits an enantioselectivity as high as 90 % with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 104 h−1, which is even higher than the homogeneous (R)‐(+)‐Binol catalyst (83 % ee with TOF of 96 h−1) using toluene as solvent under similar conditions. This work demonstrates the positive effect of the rigid pore wall in increasing the enantioselectivity of the chiral PMOs.
Sequence environment of mutation affects stability and folding in collagen model peptides of osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Bryan Michael A. , Cheng Haiming , Brodsky Barbara
Published: March 2010

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a disorder characterized by fragile bones, is often a consequence of missense mutations in type I collagen, which change one Gly in the repeating (Gly‐Xaa‐Yaa)n sequence to a larger amino acid. The impact of local environment and the identity of the residue replacing Gly were investigated using two sets of triple‐helical peptides. Gly mutations in the highly stable (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)10 system are compared with mutations in T1‐865 peptides where the mutation is located within a less stable natural collagen sequence. Replacement of a Gly residue by Ala, Ser, or Arg leads to significant triple‐helical destabilization in both peptide systems. The loss of stability (ΔTm) due to a Gly to Ala or Gly to Ser change was greater in the more rigid (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)10 peptides than in the T1‐865 set, as expected. But the final Tm values, which may be the more biologically meaningful parameters, were higher for the (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)10 mutation peptides than for the corresponding T1‐865 mutation peptides. In both peptide environments, a Gly to Arg replacement prevented the formation of a fully folded triple‐helix. Monitoring of folding by differential scanning calorimetry showed a lower stability species as well as the fully folded triple‐helical molecules for T1‐865 peptides with Gly to Ala or Ser replacements, and this lower stability species disappears as a function of time. The difficulty in propagation through a mutation site in T1‐865 peptides may relate to the delayed folding seen in OI collagens and indicates a dependence of folding mechanism on the local sequence environment. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 4–13, 2011.
Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer and signet ring cell histology
Authors: Lee J H , Choi I J , Kook M C , Nam B-H , Kim Y-W , Ryu K W
Published: March 2010

Background

Early gastric cancer with signet ring cell histology has been reported as a favourable histological type. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis in patients with this type of early gastric cancer.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of patients with early gastric cancer with differentiated and signet ring cell histology undergoing surgery was conducted. Risk factors were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis with odds ratios and 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Results

In 1362 patients undergoing gastrectomy for early gastric cancer, the rate of lymph node metastasis was similar for tumours with signet ring cell and differentiated histological findings (10·7 versus 9·0 per cent respectively; P = 0·307). Logistic regression analysis showed that depth of tumour invasion was predictive of lymph node metastasis in patients with signet ring cell histology (P < 0·001). Tumour size was not associated with lymph node metastasis in either univariable or multivariable analysis. Lesions smaller than 2 cm were not uncommon in patients with signet ring cell gastric tumours and lymph node metastases (six of 48; 13 per cent).

Conclusion

Patients with early gastric cancer with signet ring cell-type histology are probably best treated by gastrectomy with lymph node dissection.
Influence of general health and degree of surgical insult on long-term survival
Authors: Kennedy R R , Lee A , Frizelle F A
Published: March 2010

Background

This study investigated the relationship of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) grade and degree of surgical insult to long-term postoperative survival.

Methods

National death records to June 2007 were matched against records of patients undergoing elective surgery between January 1997 and December 2001. Stratified survival analysis was performed to allow baseline hazard functions to vary among four patient groups (15–64 years with no malignancy, at least 65 years with no malignancy, 15–64 years with malignancy and at least 65 years with malignancy).

Results

Of 8134 patients, 6185 (76·0 per cent) were alive after a median follow-up of 7·1 (range 0–10·5) years. The overall mortality rate was 3·62 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 3·46 to 3·78) per 100 person-years. The 10-year probability of survival was significantly higher in ASA-PS I or II for minor or intermediate surgery (90·7 (89·1 to 92·1) per cent) than in ASA-PS I or II for major or complex major surgery (79·6 (77·5 to 81·6) per cent), ASA-PS III or IV for minor or intermediate surgery (41·2 (36·2 to 46·7) per cent) and ASA-PS III or IV for major or complex major surgery (44·6 (41·4 to 47·7) per cent) (P < 0·001). Priority of admission modified survival probabilities. Adjusted survival probabilities were lowest in the elderly with malignancy.

Conclusion

ASA-PS grade has a more significant and persistent effect on long-term survival than degree of surgical insult.
Craniofacial measures of chronic otitis media patients by 2D reformatted CT
Authors: Avci Suat , Ergun Tarkan , Aydin Erdinc , Kansu Leyla
Published: March 2010

Few authors have studied differences in craniofacial morphology of adults with chronic otitis media (COM). We sought to compare the craniofacial measurements of patients with COM with otherwise healthy adults. The study group included 120 adult patients. The control group had 30 men and 30 women without evidence of otitis media; a COM group consisted of 30 men and 30 women with COM. Craniofacial measurements were assessed retrospectively using a two‐dimensional reformatted CT method. Multiple linear (bony and cartilaginous auditory tube length, size of the mastoid, height of the jugular bulbus, intercochlear distance, bitemporal distance, distance between pharyngeal orifices, and some cephalometric cranial base distances), angular (auditory tube angle, cranial base angle), and area (axial and sagittal nasopharynx size) measurements were performed. In addition, petrosquamosal (Körner's) septum prevalence and size were evaluated. No statistically significant differences were found regarding craniofacial variables except mastoid size (mastoid depth and length). None of the craniofacial parameters showed significant differences between adults with COM and adults without evidence of otitis media, when age, sex, and race were considered. No statistically significant differences were found when mastoid size was compared with unilateral and bilateral COM. No statistically significant difference was found between mastoid size of the intact side and involved side of the unilateral patients with COM. Patients with unilateral and bilateral COM may be in the same group, genetically or environmentally, as far as mastoid size is concerned. Small mastoid size correlates with COM, but development of clinical disease should be under the control of different factors. Clin. Anat. 2010. 23:374–385, © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of interlobar and accessory pulmonary fissures on 64‐row MDCT
Authors: Ozmen Cihan Akgul , Nazaroglu Hasan , Bayrak Aylin Hasanefendioglu , Senturk Senem , Akay Hatice Ozturkmen
Published: March 2010

We aimed to describe the prevalence, morphology, and completeness of the oblique, horizontal, and accessory fissures on 64‐row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scans. Three hundred and eighty‐seven patients were included in this study. The lungs were scanned from apex to diaphragm using 1‐mm collimation. Images were evaluated on a Philips workstation using the PACS system. Prevalence of the interlobar and accessory fissures and also incompleteness of the interlobar fissures was evaluated on axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. The frequencies of right oblique fissures, right horizontal fissures, and left oblique fissures were 99.7%, 94.8%, and 100%, and the percentage of incompleteness was 69.7%, 86.9%, and 48.3%, respectively. Accessory fissures were detected in 164 of the 387 patients (42.4%). Pulmonary fissures are well visualized on MDCT because of its capacity in evaluating the whole thorax with thin sections and at various planes. Fast‐image acquisition in MDCT also accounts for less motion artifacts and high‐image quality. Clin. Anat. 23:552–558, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid ultrathin slice plastination of embalmed specimens with minimal tissue loss
Authors: Soal S. , Pollard M. , Burland G. , Lissaman R. , Wafer M. , Stringer M.D.
Published: March 2010

A modified technique of producing 1 mm (ultrathin) E12 plastinated slices of tissue specimens from embalmed cadavers for anatomical teaching and research is described. Specimens up to 150 mm in length and width were embedded in polyurethane foam and serially sectioned using an OMAS C300 food slicer. Individual slices were then processed by cold dehydration, degreasing, resin impregnation, mounting and curing. Bone‐containing specimens were first decalcified. Tissue slices could be cut with remarkable accuracy (0.98 ± 0.01 mm per slice) and minimal tissue loss (less than 2% per slice). The entire production process could be achieved in 25 days and was associated with tissue volume shrinkage of no more than 6%. These results demonstrate a relatively rapid method of producing ultrathin E12 slices with minimal tissue loss. The technique may be particularly applicable to submacroscopic morphologic studies and three‐dimensional reconstruction in clinical anatomy. Clin. Anat. 23:539–544, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical Dealloying Mechanism of Bimetallic Pt–Co Nanoparticles and Enhancement of Catalytic Activity toward Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Lai Feng‐Ju , Su Wei‐Nien , Sarma Loka Subramanyam , Liu Din‐Goa , Hsieh Cheng‐An , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Hwang Bing‐Joe
Published: March 2010

The chemical dealloying mechanism of bimetallic Pt–Co nanoparticles (NPs) and enhancement of their electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been investigated on a fundamental level by the combination of X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Structural parameters, such as coordination numbers, alloy extent, and the unfilled d states of Pt atoms, are derived from the XAS spectra, together with the compositional variation analyzed by line‐scanning energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) on an atomic scale, to gain new insights into the dealloying process of bimetallic Pt–Co NPs. The XAS results on acid‐treated Pt–Co/C NPs reveal that the Co–Co bonding in the bimetallic NPs dissolves first and the remaining morphology gradually transforms to a Pt‐skin structure. From cyclic voltammetry and mass activity measurements, Pt–Co alloy NPs with a Pt‐skin structure significantly enhance the catalytic performance towards the ORR. Further, it is observed that such an imperfect Pt‐skin surface feature will collapse due to the penetration of electrolyte into layers underneath and cause further dissolution of Co and the loss of Pt. The electrocatalytic activity decreases accordingly, if the dealloying process lasts for 4 h. The findings not only demonstrate the importance of appropriate treatment of bimetallic catalysts, but also can be referred to other Pt bimetallic alloys with transition metals.
Quantifying the Effect of Surface Ligands on Dendron–DNA Interactions: Insights into Multivalency through a Combined Experimental and Theoretical Approach
Authors: Jones Simon P. , Pavan Giovanni M. , Danani Andrea , Pricl Sabrina , Smith David K.
Published: March 2010

We report the synthesis, DNA binding ability and preliminary gene delivery profiles of dendrons with different amine surface groups, 1,3‐diaminopropane (DAP), N,N‐di‐(3‐aminopropyl)‐N‐(methyl)amine (DAPMA) and spermine (SPM). By using a combination of ethidium bromide displacement, gel electrophoresis and transfection assays, it is shown that the dendrons with SPM groups are the most effective DNA binders, while the DAPMA‐functionalised dendrons were the most effective systems for gene delivery (although the gene delivery profiles were still modest). In order to provide deeper insight into the experimental data, we performed a molecular dynamics simulation of the interactions between the dendrons and DNA. The results of these simulations demonstrated that, in general terms, the enthalpic contribution to binding was roughly proportional to the dendron surface charge, but that dendrons with DAP (and DAPMA) surface amines had significant entropic costs of binding to DNA. In the case of DAP, this is a consequence of the fact that the entire dendron structure has to be organised in order for each individual monoamine charge to make effective contact with DNA. For SPM, however, each surface ligand is already a multivalent triamine, therefore, each individual charge has a much lower entropic cost of binding. For DAPMA, we observed that strong binding of the hindered tertiary amine to the DNA double helix led to ligand back‐folding and significant geometric distortion of DNA. Although this weakens the overall binding, we suggest that this distortion might be an explanation for the experimentally observed enhanced gene delivery, in which DNA compaction is an important step. Overall, this paper demonstrates how structure–activity relationships can be developed for multivalent dendritic ligands and provides insights into the thermodynamics of multivalent interactions.
(Thio)Amidoindoles and (Thio)Amidobenzimidazoles: An Investigation of Their Hydrogen‐Bonding and Organocatalytic Properties in the Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactide
Authors: Koeller Sylvain , Kadota Joji , Peruch Frédéric , Deffieux Alain , Pinaud Noël , Pianet Isabelle , Massip Stéphane , Léger Jean‐Michel , Desvergne Jean‐Pierre , Bibal Brigitte
Published: March 2010

The mechanism of the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide catalyzed by two partner hydrogen‐bonding organocatalysts was explored. New amidoindoles 4 a,c, thioamidoindoles 4 b,d, amidobenzimidazoles 5 a,c, and thioamidobenzimidazoles 5 b,c were synthesized and used as activators of the monomer. In the solid state and in solution, compounds 4 and 5 showed a propensity for self‐association, which was evaluated. (Thio)Amides 4 and 5 do catalyze the ROP of lactide in the presence of a cocatalyst, tertiary amine 3 a or 3 b, which activates the growing polymer chain through hydrogen‐bonding. Reactions were conducted in 2–24 h at 20 °C; conversion yields ranged between 22 and 100 %. A detailed study of the intermolecular interactions undertaken between the participating species showed that, as expected, simultaneous weak hydrogen bonds do exist to activate the reagents. Moreover, interactions have been revealed between the partner catalysts 4/5+3. ROP catalyzed by these partner activators is thus governed by multiple dynamic equilibria. The latter should be judiciously adjusted to fine‐tune the catalytic properties of (thio)amides and organocatalysts, more generally.
Imino‐Bridged Bisphosphaalkenes (2,4‐Diphospha‐3‐azapentadienes)
Authors: Bîrzoi Roxana M. , Bugnariu Delia , Gimeno Rafael Guerrero , Lungu Daniela , Zota Vera , Daniliuc Constantin , Jones Peter G. , Benkõ Zoltán , Könczöl László , Nyulászi László , Bartsch Rainer , du Mont Wolf‐W. , Niecke Edgar
Published: March 2010

Deprotonation of aminophosphaalkenes (RMe2Si)2CPN(H)(R′) (R=Me, iPr; R′=tBu, 1‐adamantyl (1‐Ada), 2,4,6‐tBu3C6H2 (Mes*)) followed by reactions of the corresponding Li salts Li[(RMe2Si)2CP(M)(R′)] with one equivalent of the corresponding P‐chlorophosphaalkenes (RMe2Si)2CPCl provides bisphosphaalkenes (2,4‐diphospha‐3‐azapentadienes) [(RMe2Si)2CP]2NR′. The thermally unstable tert‐butyliminobisphosphaalkene [(Me3Si)2CP]2NtBu (4 a) undergoes isomerisation reactions by Me3Si‐group migration that lead to mixtures of four‐membered heterocyles, but in the presence of an excess amount of (Me3Si)2CPCl, 4 a furnishes an azatriphosphabicyclohexene C3(SiMe3)5P3NtBu (5) that gave red single crystals. Compound 5 contains a diphosphirane ring condensed with an azatriphospholene system that exhibits an endocylic PC double bond and an exocyclic ylidic P(+)C(−)(SiMe3)2 unit. Using the bulkier iPrMe2Si substituents at three‐coordinated carbon leads to slightly enhanced thermal stability of 2,4‐diphospha‐3‐azapentadienes [(iPrMe2Si)2CP]2NR′ (R′=tBu: 4 b; R′=1‐Ada: 8). According to a low‐temperature crystal‐structure determination, 8 adopts a non‐planar structure with two distinctly differently oriented PC sites, but 31P NMR spectra in solution exhibit singlet signals. 31P NMR spectra also reveal that bulky Mes* groups (Mes*=2,4,6‐tBu3C6H2) at the central imino function lead to mixtures of symmetric and unsymmetric rotamers, thus implying hindered rotation around the PN bonds in persistent compounds [(RMe2Si)2CP]2NMes* (11 a, 11 b). DFT calculations for the parent molecule [(H3Si)2CP]2NCH3 suggest that the non‐planar distortion of compound 8 will have steric grounds.
Conformational equilibria of TADDOL‐s in solution investigated by vibrational circular dichroism
Authors: Uncuta Cornelia , Bartha Emeric , Gherase Dragos , Teodorescu Florina , Draghici Constantin , Cavagnat Dominique , Daugey Nicolas , Liotard Daniel , Buffeteau Thierry
Published: March 2010

Six enantiomeric pairs of TADDOL‐s gathered in two series with either methyl (series A) or phenyl (series B) substituent in 2‐position of the dioxolane ring were studied by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). Experimental IR and VCD spectra associated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that the two series exhibit quite different conformations in solution. In series A, the conformer with anti CO bonds and stabilized by intramolecular OH⋅⋅⋅OH hydrogen bonding prevails, whereas in series B the conformer with gauche CO bonds and intramolecular OH⋅⋅⋅π hydrogen bonding is favored. The shape and sign of the VCD bands in the OH stretching region revealing the nature of the intramolecular hydrogen bonding were clearly identified. Polarimetric measurements showed that, within the same absolute configuration, compounds in series A and in series B have opposite signs of optical rotation. Chirality 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Underuse of Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Left Bundle Branch Block
Authors: Archbold R. Andrew , Ranjadayalan Kulasegarum , Suliman Abdel , Knight Charles J. , Deaner Andrew , Timmis Adam D.
Published: March 2010

Thrombolytic therapy reduces mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and left bundle branch block (LBBB). The difficulty in accurately diagnosing AMI in patients with LBBB, however, might result in their undertreatment. Among 3,890 patients hospitalized with chest pain, 241 (6.2%) had LBBB at presentation. The only variable independently associated with AMI among patients with LBBB was in‐hospital left ventricular failure (odds ratio [OR]: 4.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95–9.57, p < 0.0005). Only 16 (29%) of the LBBB patients with AMI received thrombolytic therapy compared with 583 (78%) of the 747 patients with ST‐elevation AMI (p < 0.0005). A further 19 (10%) LBBB patients without AMI also received thrombolysis. Difficulty in making an accurate early diagnosis in patients with LBBB ensures that the majority of those with AMI fail to receive thrombolytic therapy while others without AMI are treated inappropriately. Improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are needed for patients with acute coronary syndromes and LBBB. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiac Arrhythmia Management using a Noncontact Mapping Multielectrode Array
Authors: Catanchin Andrei , Liew Reginald , Behr Elijah R , Ward David E.
Published: March 2010

Background

The multielectrode array (MEA) enables noncontact mapping of cardiac arrhythmias; our experience is reviewed and reported.

Hypothesis

The MEA has a role as first line therapy in multiple arrhythmias.

Methods

Retrospective and prospective analysis of all consecutive cases performed using the MEA over a 6 year period.

Results

Electrophysiological study and catheter ablation, 46% under general anaesthesia, using radiofrequency (RF), cryothermal and low energy direct current (DC) was performed in 66 procedures on 31 females and 29 males, average age 50.2 yrs (19.3–81.6); 8 patients underwent multiple procedures. 24 patients (36%) had undergone past ablation for the same arrhythmia. A wide variety of arrhythmias from all chambers were treated, majority right atrial (56%) and right ventricular (29%). Procedural success was complete in 77.4% and partial/indeterminate in 11.3%, highest in right atrial tachycardia, right ventricular outflow tract ectopy and typical atrial flutter (79, 82 and 100%). RF energy was most commonly used (67%) and DC carried 100% success. Ablation was delivered at ‘early activation’ and ‘breakout’ in focal arrhythmias. In re‐entrant circuits linear ablation transecting path of activation extending to regions of functional/anatomic block was performed. Two of 7 complications were attributed to the MEA: groin haematomas. At mean 12.4 mo follow up 56% were arrhythmia free, 15% asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic and 12 patients had new arrhythmias.

Conclusions

The MEA is effective, safe and suitable for first line therapy in multiple cardiac arrhythmias particularly in the right heart. Further study is warranted comparing it to other mapping techniques. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.