bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Tissue-Based Biomarkers by Immunochromatography Coupled with Reverse-Phase Lysate Microarray
Authors: Romeo Martin J. , Wunderlich John , Ngo Lien , Rosenberg Steven A. , Steinberg Seth M. , Berman David M.
Published: April 2006

Purpose: There is a need for new technologies to study tissue-based biomarkers. The current gold standard, immunohistochemistry, is compromised by variability in tissue processing and observer bias. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), immunocytochemistry, and reverse-phase lysate microarrays (RPM) are promising alternative technologies but have not yet been validated, or correlated, on the same patient-derived tissues. Furthermore, RPM is currently limited by time-consuming microdissection and low amounts of evaluable protein lysates.

Experimental Design: Metastatic melanoma was surgically excised from 30 patients and macroscopically dissected from surrounding stroma. Each specimen was processed by formalin-fixation (immunohistochemistry), cytospin (immunocytochemistry), or disaggreagation and enrichment (RT-PCR and RPM). The latter protocol uses immunochromatography to remove hematopoetic-derived cells, thus enriching for melanoma cells. Each sample was measured for the expression of gp100 or MART-1 normalized to actin.

Results: Immunochromatography coupled with RPM (I-RPM) is reproducible (r ≥ 0.70) and, for gp100, correlates strongly with immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry (r = 0.78 and 0.76, respectively) and moderately with transcript levels, measured by RT-PCR (r = 0.61). In contrast, for MART-1, I-RPM correlates strongly with transcript level (r = 0.78) but only moderately strong correlations are noted with immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry (r = 0.64 and 0.59, respectively). In general, transcript levels show only moderately strong correlations with immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry (r = 0.41-0.64).

Conclusion: I-RPM is a promising technology for quantitative grading of tissue biomarkers; however, antigen-dependent correlations are noted.
Alterations in the T-Cell Receptor Variable β Gene–Restricted Profile of CD8+ T Lymphocytes in the Peripheral Circulation of Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Albers Andreas E. , Visus Carmen , Tsukishiro Takashi , Ferris Robert L. , Gooding William , Whiteside Theresa L. , De Leo Albert B.
Published: April 2006

Purpose: Apoptosis of activated CD8+ T cells is often seen in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We investigated whether T-cell receptor (TCR) variable β chain (Vβ)–restricted T cells were more sensitive to apoptosis than non–TCR Vβ-restricted T cells.

Experimental Design: Flow cytometry analysis with anti-TCR Vβ antibodies was used to define expansions and contractions of Vβ-restricted T cells in patients with SCCHN relative to normal donors. This staining was combined with Annexin V binding to indicate early T-cell apoptosis.

Results: The TCR Vβ profiles of CD3+ T cells in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and PBMCs of patients with SCCHN were altered relative to controls, with one to five expansions and numerous contractions of TCR Vβ-restricted T cells detected. These types of alterations were significantly greater in CD8+ than CD4+ T cells. Enhanced Annexin V binding to CD8+ T cells was evident in PBMCs obtained from all patients, with 3 of 13 showing preferential targeting for apoptosis of TCR Vβ-restricted T cells.

Conclusions: TCR Vβ profiles of CD8+ T cells were altered in patients with SCCHN relative to normal controls. This may reflect increased apoptosis of expanded or contracted CD8+ T cells, which define the TCR Vβ profile of antigen-responsive T-cell populations in patients with cancer.
Establishment of Perineural Invasion Models and Analysis of Gene Expression Revealed an Invariant Chain (CD74) as a Possible Molecule Involved in Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Koide Norimasa , Yamada Taketo , Shibata Rie , Mori Taisuke , Fukuma Mariko , Yamazaki Ken , Aiura Koichi , Shimazu Motohide , Hirohashi Setsuo , Nimura Yuji , Sakamoto Michiie
Published: April 2006

Purpose: Perineural invasion causes frequent local recurrence even after resection and a poor prognosis for pancreatic cancer. We established perineural invasion models and analyzed the molecular mechanism of perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer.

Experimental Design: Seven pancreatic cancer cell lines with or without human peripheral nerves were s.c. implanted in nonobese diabetes/severe combined immunodeficient mice. We compared expression profiles among high and low perineural invasion cell lines by using an oligonucleotide microarray. We examined up-regulation of the invariant chain (CD74) in high perineural invasion cell lines in mRNA and protein levels and surgical cases immunohistochemically.

Results: Four of seven pancreatic cancer cell lines (CaPan1, CaPan2, CFPAC, and MPanc96) showed perineural invasion to s.c. transplanted human peripheral nerves. Moreover, CaPan1 and CaPan2 (high perineural invasion group) also resulted in a high frequency of perineural invasion to mouse s.c. peripheral nerves, whereas three pancreatic cancer cell lines HPAFII, AsPC1, and Panc1 (low perineural invasion group) did not show perineural invasion to either human or mouse nerves. We identified 37 up-regulated genes and 12 down-regulated genes in the high perineural invasion group compared with the low perineural invasion group. Among them, CD74 was up-regulated in the high perineural invasion group in mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, immunohistochemical expression of CD74 in clinical cases revealed its significant overexpression in pancreatic cancer with perineural invasion (P < 0.008).

Conclusions: This is the first report of perineural invasion models using human pancreatic cancer cell lines. In combination with gene expression profiling, it was indicated that CD74 could be a candidate molecule involved in perineural invasion. These models provide new approaches for study of perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer.
The Bisphosphonate Olpadronate Inhibits Skeletal Prostate Cancer Progression in a Green Fluorescent Protein Nude Mouse Model
Authors: Yang Meng , Burton Doug W. , Geller Jack , Hillegonds Darren J. , Hastings Randolph H. , Deftos Leonard J. , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: April 2006

Purpose: Metastatic bone disease is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in prostate cancer patients. Bisphosphonates are currently used to inhibit bone resorption and reduce tumor-induced skeletal complications. More effective bisphosphonates would enhance their clinical value.

Experimental Design: We tested several bisphosphonates in a green fluorescent protein (GFP)–expressing human prostate cancer nude mouse model. The in vivo effects of four bisphosphonates, including pamidronate, etidronic acid, and olpadronate, on bone tumor burden in mice intratibially inoculated with PC-3-GFP human prostate cancer cells were visualized by whole-body fluorescence imaging and X-ray.

Results: The PC-3-GFP cells produced extensive bone lesions when injected into the tibia of immunocompromised mice. The skeletal progression of the PC-3-GFP cell growth was monitored by GFP fluorescence and the bone destruction was evaluated by X-ray. We showed that 3,3-dimethylaminopropane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid (olpadronate) was the most effective bisphosphonate treatment in reducing tumor burden as assessed by GFP imaging and radiography. The GFP tumor area and X-ray score significantly correlated. Reduced tumor growth in the bone was accompanied by reduced serum calcium, parathyroid hormone–related protein, and osteoprotegerin.

Conclusions: The serum calcium, parathyroid hormone–related protein, and osteoprotegerin levels were significantly correlated with GFP area and X-ray scores. Treatment with olpadronate reduced tumor growth in the bone measured by GFP and X-ray imaging procedures. Imaging of GFP expression enables monitoring of tumor growth in the bone and the GFP results complement the X-ray assessment of bone disease. The data in this report suggest that olpadronate has potential as an effective inhibitor of the skeletal progression of clinical prostate cancer.
Coexpression of Actin-Related Protein 2 and Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Family Verproline-Homologous Protein 2 in Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Semba Seitaro , Iwaya Keiichi , Matsubayashi Jun , Serizawa Hiromi , Kataba Hiroaki , Hirano Takashi , Kato Harubumi , Matsuoka Takeshi , Mukai Kiyoshi
Published: April 2006

Purpose: Highly invasive and metastatic cancer cells, such as adenocarcinoma of the lung cells, form irregular protrusions by assembling a branched network of actin filaments. In mammalian cells, the actin-related protein 2 and 3 (Arp2/3) complex initiates actin assembly to form lamellipodial protrusions by binding to Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WASP)/WASP family verproline-homologous protein 2 (WAVE2). In this study, colocalization of Arp2 and WAVE2 in adenocarcinoma of the lung was investigated to elucidate its prognostic value.

Experimental Design: Immunohistochemical staining of Arp2 and WAVE2 was done on mirror sections of 115 adenocarcinomas of the lung from pathologic stage IA to IIIA classes. Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival and overall survival curves were analyzed to determine the prognostic significance of the coexpression of Arp2 and WAVE2.

Results: Immunoreactivity for both Arp2 and WAVE2 was detected in the same cancer cells in 78 (67.8%) of the 115 lung cancer specimens. The proportion of cancer cells expressing both Arp2 and WAVE2 was significantly higher in cases with lymph-node metastasis (P = 0.0046), and significantly lower in bronchioloalveolar carcinomas (P < 0.0001). The patients whose cancer cells coexpressed them had a shorter disease-free survival time (P < 0.0001) and overall survival time (P < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that coexpression of Arp2 and WAVE2 is an independent risk factor for tumor recurrence.

Conclusions: Coexpression of Arp2 and WAVE2 is correlated with poorer patient outcome, and may be involved in the mechanism of cancer metastasis.
Optimization of Patient Selection for Gefitinib in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer by Combined Analysis of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation, K-ras Mutation, and Akt Phosphorylation
Authors: Han Sae-Won , Kim Tae-You , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Hwang Pil Gyu , Im Seock-Ah , Lee Kyung-Hun , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Dong-Wan , Heo Dae Seog , Kim Noe Kyeong , Chung Doo Hyun , Bang Yung-Jue
Published: April 2006

Purpose: Mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are strongly predictive of gefitinib efficacy in non–small-cell lung cancer. However, the presence of EGFR mutant nonresponses and nonmutant responses points out the need for more comprehensive analysis.

Patients and Methods: For 69 non–small-cell lung cancer patients treated with gefitinib, we have extended our analysis to EGFR gene copy number by fluorescence in situ hybridization, mutations in K-ras, HER2, and exon 20 of EGFR by direct sequencing, and phosphatase and tensin homologue expression by immunohistochemistry, in addition to EGFR exons 18, 19, and 21, and phosphorylations of Akt and extracellular signal–regulated kinase reported previously.

Results: EGFR mutation and high gene copy number were associated with better objective response in univariate analysis. However, only gefitinib-sensitive EGFR mutation was independently predictive of both response (P = 0.011) and survival (P = 0.002) in multivariate analysis. No patients with K-ras mutation, including two EGFR mutants, showed response. In EGFR nonmutants, patients with either K-ras mutation or p-Akt overexpression exhibited poor response and time-to-progression whereas patients with high gene copy number tended to have better outcomes in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis of time-to-progression in EGFR nonmutants, K-ras mutation or p-Akt overexpression was associated with shorter time-to-progression (P = 0.017). No patient with HER2 mutation showed response to gefitinib. Reduced phosphatase and tensin homologue expression was not associated with gefitinib sensitivity.

Conclusion: Gefitinib-sensitive EGFR mutation is the single most important predictor of gefitinib sensitivity. In addition to EGFR mutation, K-ras mutation and Akt phosphorylation aid in better prediction of gefitinib responsiveness in non–small-cell lung cancer.
Akt1 Is Required for Physiological Cardiac Growth
Authors: DeBosch Brian , Treskov Iya , Lupu Traian S. , Weinheimer Carla , Kovacs Attila , Courtois Michael , Muslin Anthony J.
Published: April 2006

Background—

Postnatal growth of the heart chiefly involves nonproliferative cardiomyocyte enlargement. Cardiac hypertrophy exists in a “physiological” form that is an adaptive response to long-term exercise training and as a “pathological” form that often is a maladaptive response to provocative stimuli such as hypertension and aortic valvular stenosis. A signaling cascade that includes the protein kinase Akt regulates the growth and survival of many cell types, but the precise role of Akt1 in either form of cardiac hypertrophy is unknown.

Methods and Results—

To evaluate the role of Akt1 in physiological cardiac growth, akt1
−/−
adult murine cardiac myocytes (AMCMs) were treated with IGF-1, and akt1
−/−
mice were subjected to exercise training. akt1
−/−
AMCMs were resistant to insulin-like growth factor-1–stimulated protein synthesis. The akt1
−/−
mice were found to be resistant to swimming training–induced cardiac hypertrophy. To evaluate the role of Akt in pathological cardiac growth, akt1
−/−
AMCMs were treated with endothelin-1, and akt1
−/−
mice were subjected to pressure overload by transverse aortic constriction. Surprisingly, akt1
−/−
AMCMs were sensitized to endothelin-1–induced protein synthesis, and akt1
−/−
mice developed an exacerbated form of cardiac hypertrophy in response to transverse aortic constriction.

Conclusions—

These results establish Akt1 as a pivotal regulatory switch that promotes physiological cardiac hypertrophy while antagonizing pathological hypertrophy.
An Observational Study of Mesoscale Convective Systems with Heavy Rainfall over the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Kim Hyung Woo , Lee Dong Kyou
Published: April 2006

A heavy rainfall event induced by mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) occurred over the middle Korean Peninsula from 25 to 27 July 1996. This heavy rainfall caused a large loss of life and property damage as a result of flash floods and landslides. An observational study was conducted using Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data from 0930 UTC 26 July to 0303 UTC 27 July 1996. Dominant synoptic features in this case had many similarities to those in previous studies, such as the presence of a quasi-stationary frontal system, a weak upper-level trough, sufficient moisture transportation by a low-level jet from a tropical storm landfall, strong potential and convective instability, and strong vertical wind shear. The thermodynamic characteristics and wind shear presented favorable conditions for a heavy rainfall occurrence. The early convective cells in the MCSs initiated over the coastal area, facilitated by the mesoscale boundaries of the land–sea contrast, rain–no rain regions, saturated–unsaturated soils, and steep horizontal pressure and thermal gradients. Two MCSs passed through the heavy rainfall regions during the investigation period. The first MCS initiated at 1000 UTC 26 July and had the characteristics of a supercell storm with small amounts of precipitation, the appearance of a mesocyclone with tilting storm, a rear-inflow jet at the midlevel of the storm, and fast forward propagation. The second MCS initiated over the upstream area of the first MCS at 1800 UTC 26 July and had the characteristics of a multicell storm, such as a broken areal-type squall line, slow or quasi-stationary backward propagation, heavy rainfall in a concentrated area due to the merging of the convective storms, and a stagnated cluster system. These systems merged and stagnated because their movement was blocked by the Taebaek Mountain Range, and they continued to develop because of the vertical wind shear resulting from a low-level easterly inflow.
Families in a High-Tech Age
Authors: Chesley Noelle
Published: April 2006

This study analyzes a couple-level ( N = 581), longitudinal data set of employees to provide evidence about technology use over time, the factors that predict use, and the potential for a spouse to influence an individual's use. Although longitudinal usage patterns suggest a trend toward adoption and use of e-mail, the Internet, cell phones, and pagers over time, this trend toward continuing use is stronger for some technologies (e-mail, the Internet) than for others (cell phones, pagers). Furthermore, correlates of use differ by gender and the type of technology used. Last, technology use tends to be an individual-rather than couple-level phenomenon, with one exception. In the case of cell phone or pager use, husbands’ past use influences wives’ use 2 years later.
Child Care, Work, and Depressive Symptoms Among Low-Income Mothers
Authors: Press Julie , Fagan Jay , Bernd Elisa
Published: April 2006

Focusing on social factors associated with increased depressive symptoms among working mothers living in poor urban neighborhoods, this study investigates the effects of welfare participation, employment conditions, and child care on women's emotional well-being. The authors use new data from the Philadelphia Survey of Child Care and Work. Hierarchical regression analyses reveal minimal effects of welfare participation on depressive symptoms. However, women's employment characteristics and child care problems were significantly related to emotional well-being. Interaction effects between child care and employment were also explored. Mothers who had concerns about child care were more likely to report depressive symptoms when they had good-quality jobs (higher wages) or when they had only one job or were not unemployed.
Pathways to Recovery: Promoting Change Within a Developmental-systemic Framework
Authors: Bryant-Waugh Rachel
Published: April 2006

This article describes a format for the process of achieving therapeutic change through structured individual sessions with adolescents or adults with eating disorders. It is a model for change based on three separate existing theoretical or conceptual strands: Developmental theory; the application of systems theory and cybernetics to clinical practice; and feminist ideology. It was developed as a pragmatic, clinician-friendly model that could be successfully used by therapists from different disciplines, and is referred to here as developmental-systemic-feminist therapy or individual developmental-systemic therapy. Change in this context is defined as the overt and measurable alteration in feelings, thoughts and behaviours of the participant(s) over the course of treatment. The article provides an overview of the treatment model and outlines the five steps used to achieve change (explore; understand; accept; challenge; change). Essential components of the therapist's stance, skills and knowledge are described, followed by a discussion of the structure and content of sessions in different stages of the therapy. Finally, clinical examples are given to illustrate the clinical use of this model in young patients with eating disorders.
The Self-report of Andi
Authors: Woods John
Published: April 2006

This fictional account of a teenage girl's treatment is based on the author's experience of working with troubled young people. He shows how cases of self-harm and antisocial behaviour can be helped not only by an understanding of the intrapsychic world, but by a therapeutic regime based on psychodynamic principles. In residential treatment there are opportunities for adolescents to learn from relationships with staff, peers and educational input but sometimes they are wasted by the repetition of abuse. While psychoanalytic psychotherapy by itself may be insufficient for a young person in need of a more comprehensive residential treatment, nevertheless psychodynamic concepts may make significant contributions to the process of therapeutic change.
Imagining the state
Authors: Yang Shu-Yuan
Published: April 2006

Following a recent theoretical shift to view the state as a powerful site of symbolic and cultural production that is in itself always culturally represented and understood in particular ways, this article is concerned with how the Bunun, an Austronesian-speaking indigenous people of Taiwan, perceive and imagine the state. I point out that the Bunun use their own idioms of kinship and political leadership to understand and construct their relationship with the state, in order to transform the state from an external and potentially dangerous force into a positive and benevolent provider. In attempting to oblige the state to deliver material and social goods, the Bunun place emphasis on their compliance rather than their resistance to the state. However, I argue that compliance, rather than being passive accommodation, can be a kind of ‘quite effective agency’ in Ortner's (1997: 148) terms, and challenge the recent theoretical preoccupation with resistance.
Steppin' out of Whiteness
Authors: Hancock Black Hawk
Published: April 2006

Current paradigms of identity, especially those found in Whiteness Studies, do not sufficiently explain the complex interaction and intersection of race, culture, and identity. Drawing on two years of extended fieldwork in the Steppin' dance scene in Chicago, I extend Bourdieu's theory of practice, particularly the role of the body in culture, to the study of race and identity. This article presents an alternative model for explaining racial identity, grounded in the competencies and embodied knowledges that one enacts in practice. This novel approach opens up new anti-essentialist possibilities for theorizing race and an anti-racist politics based in cultural labor.
SSeCKS/Gravin/AKAP12 attenuates expression of proliferative and angiogenic genes during suppression of v-Src-induced oncogenesis
Authors: Liu Yongzhong , Gao Lingqiu , Gelman Irwin H
Published: April 2006

Background

SSeCKS is a major protein kinase C substrate with kinase scaffolding and metastasis-suppressor activity whose expression is severely downregulated in Src- and Ras-transformed fibroblast and epithelial cells and in human prostate, breast, and gastric cancers. We previously used NIH3T3 cells with tetracycline-regulated SSeCKS expression plus a temperature-sensitive v-Src allele to show that SSeCKS re-expression inhibited parameters of v-Src-induced oncogenic growth without attenuating in vivo Src kinase activity.

Methods

We use cDNA microarrays and semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis to identify changes in gene expression correlating with i) SSeCKS expression in the absence of v-Src activity, ii) activation of v-Src activity alone, and iii) SSeCKS re-expression in the presence of active v-Src.

Results

SSeCKS re-expression resulted in the attenuation of critical Src-induced proliferative and pro-angiogenic gene expression including Afp, Hif-1α, Cdc20a and Pdgfr-β, and conversely, SSeCKS induced several cell cycle regulatory genes such as Ptpn11, Gadd45a, Ptplad1, Cdkn2d (p19), and Rbbp7.

Conclusion

Our data provide further evidence that SSeCKS can suppress Src-induced oncogenesis by modulating gene expression downstream of Src kinase activity.
Predicting inpatient violence using an extended version of the Brøset-Violence-Checklist: instrument development and clinical application
Authors: Abderhalden Christoph , Needham Ian , Dassen Theo , Halfens Ruud , Haug Hans-Joachim , Fischer Joachim
Published: April 2006

Background

Patient aggression is a common problem in acute psychiatric wards and calls for preventive measures. The timely use of preventive measures presupposes a preceded risk assessment. The Norwegian Brøset-Violence-Checklist (BVC) is one of the few instruments suited for short-time prediction of violence of psychiatric inpatients in routine care. Aims of our study were to improve the accuracy of the short-term prediction of violence in acute inpatient settings by combining the Brøset-Violence-Checklist (BVC) with an overall subjective clinical risk-assessment and to test the application of the combined measure in daily practice.

Method

We conducted a prospective cohort study with two samples of newly admitted psychiatric patients for instrument development (219 patients) and clinical application (300 patients). Risk of physical attacks was assessed by combining the 6-item BVC and a 6-point score derived from a Visual Analog Scale. Incidents were registered with the Staff Observation of Aggression Scale-Revised SOAS-R. Test accuracy was described as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCROC).

Results

The AUCROC of the new VAS-complemented BVC-version (BVC-VAS) was 0.95 in and 0.89 in the derivation and validation study respectively.

Conclusion

The BVC-VAS is an easy to use and accurate instrument for systematic short-term prediction of violent attacks in acute psychiatric wards. The inclusion of the VAS-derived data did not change the accuracy of the original BVC.
Membrane-associated heparan sulfate is not required for rAAV-2 infection of human respiratory epithelia
Authors: Boyle Michael P , Enke Raymond A , Reynolds Jeffrey B , Mogayzel Peter J , Guggino William B , Zeitlin Pamela L
Published: April 2006

Background

Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2) attachment and internalization is thought to be mediated by host cell membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Lack of HSPG on the apical membrane of respiratory epithelial cells has been identified as a reason for inefficient rAAV-2 infection in pulmonary applications in-vivo. The aim of this investigation was to determine the necessity of cell membrane HSPG for efficient infection by rAAV-2.

Results

Rates of transduction with rAAV2-CMV-EGFP3 in several different immortalized airway epithelial cell lines were determined at different multiplicities of infection (MOI) before and after removal of membrane HSPG by heparinase III. Removal of HSPG decreased the efficacy of infection with rAAV2 by only 30–35% at MOI ≤ 100 for all of respiratory cell lines tested, and had even less effect at an MOI of 1000. Studies in mutant Chinese Hamster Ovary cell lines known to be completely deficient in surface HSPG also demonstrated only moderate effect of absence of HSPG on rAAV-2 infection efficacy. However, mutant CHO cells lacking all membrane proteoglycans demonstrated dramatic reduction in susceptibility to rAAV-2 infection, suggesting a role of membrane glycosaminoglycans other than HSPG in mediating rAAV-2 infection.

Conclusion

Lack of cell membrane HSPG in pulmonary epithelia and other cell lines results in only moderate decrease in susceptibility to rAAV-2 infection, and this decrease may be less important at high MOIs. Other cell membrane glycosaminoglycans can play a role in permitting attachment and subsequent rAAV-2 internalization. Targeting alternative membrane glycosaminoglycans may aid in improving the efficacy of rAAV-2 for pulmonary applications.
Early identification of intensive care unit-acquired infections with daily monitoring of C-reactive protein: a prospective observational study
Authors: Póvoa Pedro , Coelho Luís , Almeida Eduardo , Fernandes Antero , Mealha Rui , Moreira Pedro , Sabino Henrique
Published: April 2006

Introduction

Manifestations of sepsis are sensitive but are poorly specific of infection. Our aim was to assess the value of daily measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP), temperature and white cell count (WCC) in the early identification of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections.

Methods

We undertook a prospective observational cohort study (14 month). All patients admitted for ≥72 hours (n = 181) were divided into an infected (n = 35) and a noninfected group (n = 28). Infected patients had a documented ICU-acquired infection and were not receiving antibiotics for at least 5 days before diagnosis. Noninfected patients never received antibiotics and were discharged alive. The progression of CRP, temperature and WCC from day -5 to day 0 (day of infection diagnosis or of ICU discharge) was analyzed. Patients were divided into four patterns of CRP course according to a cutoff value for infection diagnosis of 8.7 mg/dl: pattern A, day 0 CRP >8.7 mg/dl and, in the previous days, at least once below the cutoff; pattern B, CRP always >8.7 mg/dl; pattern C, day 0 CRP ≤8.7 mg/dl and, in the previous days, at least once above the cutoff; and pattern D, CRP always ≤8.7 mg/dl.

Results

CRP and the temperature time-course showed a significant increase in infected patients, whereas in noninfected it remained almost unchanged (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The area under the curve for the maximum daily CRP variation in infection prediction was 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.752–0.933). A maximum daily CRP variation >4.1 mg/dl was a good marker of infection prediction (sensitivity 92.1%, specificity 71.4%), and in combination with a CRP concentration >8.7 mg/dl the discriminative power increased even further (sensitivity 92.1%, specificity 82.1%). Infection was diagnosed in 92% and 90% of patients with patterns A and B, respectively, and in only two patients with patterns C and D (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Daily CRP monitoring and the recognition of the CRP pattern could be useful in the prediction of ICU-acquired infections. Patients presenting maximum daily CRP variation >4.1 mg/dl plus a CRP level >8.7 mg/dl had an 88% risk of infection.
Glycaemic control in trauma patients, is there a role?
Authors: Langouche Lies , Vanhorebeek Ilse , Van den Berghe Greet
Published: April 2006

Stress-induced hyperglycaemia is a significant problem in critically ill patients, including those with surgical or traumatic injury in the intensive care unit (ICU). The severity of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance reflect the risk of death. A recent, large, prospective, randomized, controlled study showed that maintaining normoglycemia with intensive insulin therapy improves survival and reduces morbidity in a surgical ICU population. Recent data from observational studies has confirmed the clinical benefits of glycaemic control in both surgical and mixed surgical/medical ICU conditions. Titrating insulin to normoglycaemia appears to be crucial in order to achieve most clinical benefits. Prevention of glucose toxicity protects the endothelium as well as ultrastructure and function of hepatocyte mitochondria. Other metabolic and non-metabolic effects of the insulin administered contribute to the clinical benefits, including a partial correction of the deranged serum lipid profile, prevention of excessive inflammation and immune dysfunction and a counter-action to the catabolic state.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Reduces Acetaminophen Toxicity and Increases HIF‐1α Expression
Authors: Salhanick Steven D. , Belikoff Bryan , Orlow Daniel , Holt Douglas , Reenstra Wende , Buras Jon A.
Published: April 2006

Objectives:
To investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) on acetaminophen (APAP)‐induced hepatotoxicity. The authors further evaluated the effects of APAP poisoning and HBO2 on the expression and function of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha (HIF‐1α) in an effort to further describe the mechanisms of APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity. In vitro assays were performed to better understand the effects of HBO2 on HIF‐1α function.

Methods:
In vivo, four groups of C57BL/6 mice were treated as follows: APAP only, APAP followed by HBO2, HBO2 only, and untreated shams. Plasma alanine aminotransferase activity was measured, and hepatic HIF‐1α induction was determined by Western blot. In vitro, cultured HEP G2 hepatocytes were exposed to HBO2, hypoxia (2.5% O2), or normoxia. HIF‐1α DNA‐binding and transcriptional activity were assessed.

Results:
Alanine aminotransferase activity was reduced in the APAP+HBO2 group (2,606 IU/L ± 4,080; vs. APAP: 6,743 ± 3,397, p = 0.01 at 6 hours). APAP‐only, HBO2‐only, and APAP+HBO2 treatments all increased HIF‐1α expression relative to shams (p = 0.02, p = 0.02, and p < 0.01, respectively). HBO2 increased HIF‐1α DNA binding 5.7 (± 1.2)‐fold relative to controls (p < 0.01); however, a parallel increase in HIF functional transcriptional activity did not occur.

Conclusions:
Hyperbaric oxygen reduced early APAP‐induced hepatocellular injury. APAP poisoning increases HIF‐1α protein levels and functional activity. HBO2 increases HIF‐1α protein levels and DNA binding without a corresponding increase in transcriptional activity.
Genetic Variation in the Visfatin Gene (PBEF1) and Its Relation to Glucose Metabolism and Fat-Depot-Specific Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression in Humans
Authors: Böttcher Yvonne , Teupser Daniel , Enigk Beate , Berndt Janin , Klöting Nora , Schön Michael R. , Thiery Joachim , Blüher Matthias , Stumvoll Michael , Kovacs Peter
Published: April 2006

Context and Objective: Visfatin is a peptide suggested to play a role in glucose homeostasis. In the present study, we investigated the role of genetic variation in the visfatin gene in the pathophysiology of obesity/type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design: The visfatin gene (PBEF1) was sequenced in DNA samples from 24 nonrelated Caucasian subjects. Identified genetic variants were used for association analyses of T2DM in a case-control study (503 diabetic subjects and 476 healthy controls) and T2DM-related traits in 626 nondiabetic subjects. The effect of genetic variation in the visfatin gene on its mRNA expression in a subgroup of 157 nondiabetic subjects with measurements of visfatin mRNA expression in visceral and sc fat depots was also analyzed.

Results: Seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and one insertion/deletion were identified. Three SNPs (rs9770242, −948G→T, rs4730153) that were representatives of their linkage disequilibrium groups were genotyped in Caucasians from Germany with a wide range of body fat distribution and insulin sensitivity for association analyses. No association of T2DM with any of the genotyped SNPs or their haplotypes was found. However, the ratio of visceral/sc visfatin mRNA expression was associated with all three genetic polymorphisms (P < 0.05). Moreover, the −948G→T variant was associated with 2-h plasma glucose and fasting insulin concentrations (P < 0.05) in nondiabetic subjects.

Conclusions: In conclusion, our data suggest that genetic variation in the visfatin gene may have a minor effect on visceral and sc visfatin mRNA expression profiles but does not play a major role in the development of obesity or T2DM.
Electrolysis Using Composite Plated Electrodes. Preparation of a Binary Type Composite Plated Nickel Electrode with Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and Silica Gel and Its Application in Electroreduction of Aldehydes
Authors: Ono Yasushi , Nishiki Yoshinori , Nonaka Tsutomu
Published: April 2006

A binary type composite plated nickel electrode with poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and silica gel as hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, respectively, was prepared and applied to electroreduction of aldehydes. The electrode gave higher current efficiencies for the reduction and higher selectivities for the corresponding alcohols than unplated and plated electrodes with either poly(tetrafluoroethylene) or silica gel.
Photolysis of Hydrophobic Vitamin B12 Derivatives Covalently Bound to Lipid in Aqueous Media
Authors: Murakami Yukito , Hisaeda Yoshio , Ogawa Akihiro , Ohno Teruhisa
Published: April 2006

An alkyl ligand coordinated to hydrophobic vitamin B12 derivatives covalently bound to N,N-dihexadecyl-Nα-[6-(trimethylammonio)hexanoyl]-l-aspartamide bromide underwent a novel bromination reaction along with its rearrangement in the single-walled vesicle of N,N-dihexadecyl-Nα-[6-(trimethylammonio)hexanoyl]-l-alaninamide bromide under photolysis conditions.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of 1,1′-Ferrocenediyl Bis(dimethylsilylene) Bridged Triruthenium Dihydrido Cluster, [Ru3(μ-H)2(μ-SiMe2C5H4FeC5H4SiMe2)(CO)10]
Authors: Kotani Sonae , Tanizawa Tsuneyoshi , Adachi Tomohiro , Yoshida Toshikatsu , Sonogashira Kenkichi
Published: April 2006

The reaction between equimolar amounts of 1,1′-bis(dimethylsilyl)ferrocene (3) and trirutheniumdodecacarbonyl afforded dihydrido triruthenium cluster (4) having an edge-bridge by a 1,1′-ferrocenediyl bis(dimethylsilylene) chelate ligand. This complex was identified by a combination of spectroscopic and X-ray methods. Crystal data for 4: monoclinic, space group C2/c,a = 13.567(4) Å, b = 15.871(3) Å, c = 15.195(5) Å, β = 110.24(2)°, V = 3069(2) Å3, Z = 4 and R(Rw) = 0.041(0.044).
Generation of Sulfonyl Radicals from Sodium Sulfinates by Oxidation with Metallic Oxidants and Their Addition Reaction with Olefins
Authors: Narasaka Koichi , Mochizuki Takashi , Hayakawa Satoshi
Published: April 2006

Sodium arylsulfinates are treated with manganese(III) 2-pyridinecarboxylate or cerium(IV) tetrabutylammonium nitrate to generate sulfonyl radicals, which react with various olefins giving the addition products.
Redox Behavior of Fe(II)-N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine Complex as a Superoxide Dismutase-Like Mimic
Authors: Nakagawa Munenori , Hanaoka Kazunori , Terasaki Akira , Mori Yutaka , Hokazono Hidenori , Sato Masaru , Iida Takeaki
Published: April 2006

The catalytic mechanism of the superoxide dismutase-like activity catalyzed by Fe(II)-N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine ([Fe(II)(TPCN)]) was studied in aqueous solution. Addition of KO2 solution was employed as superoxide (O2−) generation systems to decipher the changes in UV-Visible spectra of [Fe(TPCN)] upon the reaction with O2−. It was indicated that [Fe(TPCN)]catalyzed the disproportionation of O2− through the redox cycle of [Fe(II)/(III)(TPCN)].
Stabilized Zirconia-Based Potentiometric Sensor for Nitrogen Oxides
Authors: Kurosawa Hideyuki , Yan Yongtie , Miura Norio , Yamazoe Noboru
Published: April 2006

An electrochemical device fabricated by combining an MgO-stabilized zirconia (MSZ) tube and a coating layer of Ba(NO3)2 (auxiliary phase) was found to exhibit fairly good Nernstian response to dilute NO2 in air at elevated temperature (450 °C). The response to NO, which was far less satisfactory with the above device, could be much improved by the use of a binary system of Ba(NO3)2-CaCO3 for the coating layer.
A Novel and Regioselective Radical Cyclization of gem-Dihalocyclopropyl Substituted Alkenes and Alkynes Using Tributyltin Hydride and Catalytic AIBN
Authors: Tanabe Yoo , Nishii Yoshinori , Wakimura Ken-ichi
Published: April 2006

Various gem-dihalocyclopropyl substituted alkenes and alkynes were transformed into the corresponding bicyclo[3.1.0]- or [4.1.0] compounds with high regioselectivity through a reductive radical cyclization using tributyltin hydride in the presence of catalytic azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN).
Reaction of Strained Homoconjugated Compounds with Benzene in the Presence of Palladium(II) Acetate
Authors: Saito Katsuhiro , Kozaki Masatoshi , Imai Akira , Hara Yasushi , Takahashi Kensuke
Published: April 2006

Reaction of tricyclo[3.2.2.02,4]nona-6,9-diene derivatives with benzene in the presence of palladium(II) acetate afforded pentacyclic benzo derivatives through successive repeated substitutions accompanied by formation of cyclopropane rings. A bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5-diene derivative also underwent a similar reaction.
Reaction Routes between CO and Hydrogen over an Sm2O3 Catalyst Observed by in situ Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Sakata Yoshihisa , Kanechika Yukihiro , Imamura Hayao , Tsuchiya Susumu
Published: April 2006

Reaction routes between CO and hydrogen over an Sm2O3 catalyst were clearly observed by in situ infrared spectroscopy. CO directly reacted with surface hydride species to form surface hydrogenation products but the surface carboxylate or oxalate produced from adsorption of CO were inert to the reaction with hydrogen.
Effect of Support on Methanol Synthesis over Cu Catalyst
Authors: Fujitani Tadahiro , Saito Masahiro , Kanai Yuki , Watanabe Taiki , Nakamura Junji , Uchijima Toshio
Published: April 2006

The effect of metal oxides such as ZnO, Al2O3, ZrO2, Ga2O3, and Cr2O3 contained in Cu-based catalysts was classified into two categories: Stabilization of the Cu+ species by metal oxides and improvement of the Cu dispersion.
Utilization of Oxidizing Character of TeCl4 in the Reaction with Trialkyl Phosphite. A Novel Redox Phosphorylation
Authors: Watanabe Yutaka , Yamamoto Takashi , Iwasaki Taroh , Ozaki Shoichiro
Published: April 2006

Oxidation-reduction reaction of a trialkyl phosphite with TeCl4 in the presence of an alcohol and tert-amine proceeded smoothly to afford the corresponding phosphorylation product in good yield.
Mechanism of the cis- and trans-anti-Markovnikov Addition of Methanol to 1-Phenylcycloalkenes through Photoinduced Electron Transfer
Authors: Kojima Masanobu , Ishida Akito , Takamuku Setsuo , Wada Yuji , Yanagida Shozo
Published: April 2006

Irradiation of 1-phenylcycloalkenes with cyanoaromatics in methanol/acetonitrile and methanol-benzene solutions gives cis- (2) and trans-anti-Markovnikov type adducts (3), the ratio of which depends on both solvent polarity and the ring size of the starting olefins. The results of a semiempirical molecular orbital calculation show that the isomer ratio of 2/3 in acetonitrile would be determined by the stability of anion intermediates intervening in the reaction.
Paramagnetic Quenching of the Inverted Magnetic Field Effects Observed in the Photoreduction of Decafluorobenzophenone in a Brij35 Micellar Solution
Authors: Wakasa Masanobu , Igarashi Masatoshi , Sakaguchi Yoshio , Hayashi Hisaharu
Published: April 2006

The inversion of magnetic field effects (MFEs) observed in the photoreduction of decafluorobenzophenone was studied in the absence and presence of a paramagnetic Gd3+ ion. The MFEs appearing at both low (B ≤ 2T) and high (2T < B ≤ 10T) fields were simultaneously quenched by the addition of Gd3+. For the present reaction, it is concluded that the inversion of the MFEs is due to the relaxation mechanism.
Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy and Mapping by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Jiang Lei , Nagahara Larry Akio , Hashimoto Kazuhito , Fujishima Akira
Published: April 2006

We have adapted an atomic force microscope (AFM) for the purpose of performing surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy. SPV spectra were obtained from p-type Si (100) and TiO2 (100) test samples over a wavelength region between 300–800 nm. Simultaneous AFM topography and SPV mapping was also conducted. The boundary between a polymer coating and bare Si substrate was used to test the mapping capability.
A Computational Study on Fluxional Behavior of Group 6 and 7 Transition-metal Complexes of Borane–Lewis Base Adducts
Authors: Kawano Yasuro , Kakizawa Taeko , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Shimoi Mamoru
Published: April 2006

Fluxional behavior of group 6 and 7 metal borane complexes was investigated with use of density functional theory (DFT). Site exchange of BH hydrogen atoms of the borane ligand BH3·L or B2H4·2PMe3 proceeds via a transition state in which the borane ligand interacts with metal with a bidentate fashion. Calculated values of the activation energy were in good agreement with experimentally observed barriers.
Materials Compatibility with Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3)
Authors: Newton BE , Chiffoleau GJA
Published: April 2006

Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) is a widely used electronic specialty gas and is considered about 1.5 times more oxidizing than gaseous oxygen. A recent test program was sponsored by seven companies that are heavily involved in the worldwide industrial distribution and use of NF3 to develop several test systems and materials compatibility data for the most common metals and nonmetals utilized in NF3 transfer systems. This paper presents the data developed by the industry steering group on the compatibility of 12 metallic materials and 15 nonmetallic materials with NF3. The flammability of metallic materials were evaluated by their promoted combustion threshold pressure and the nonmetallic materials were evaluated by their autogenous ignition temperature (AIT) and NF3-index for sustained combustion.
Sports Activity after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Yamagishi T , Suzuki H , Shizuka M , Kikuchi T
Published: April 2006

In this study, patients who played sports after undergoing a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were functionally analyzed and their degree of satisfaction was surveyed. The study group consisted of seven men and four women (out of a group of 89 total knee arthroplasties). They were evaluated by the Tegner [1] activity score and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score [2]. The mean age of the patients was 68 years (range: 47 to 76) at surgery and the mean follow-up period was 26.4 months (range: 11 to 60). Wright Advantim uncemented knee prostheses with a stem and posterior stabilizer or Wright Advance uncemented knee systems (Wright Medical, USA) were used. All operations were performed using a medial subvastus approach by the senior author (TY). The mean preoperative JOA score was 67.3 and it improved to 87.3 at follow-up. The mean Tegner score improved from 1.5 to 4 points after the operation in those patients who returned to sports. At follow-up, none of the patients demonstrated polyethylene wear, showed signs of loosening or required revision surgery. Once strength, mobility, and coordination recovered, patients were successfully allowed to return to low-impact activity such as downhill skiing, jogging, hiking, and mountaineering. It is too early to determine the effect of these increased activities on polyethylene wear and loosening.
The First Report on Fin Rot Disease of Cultured Turbot Scophthalmus maximus in China
Authors: Lei Qin , Yin-Geng Wang , Zheng Zhang , Shao-Li Yang
Published: April 2006

Since 1998, the culture of turbot Scophthalmus maximus has spread rapidly along the coast of North China, becoming an important industry. However, fin rot disease was identified during an epidemiological study from 2001 to 2004. The infections occurred with high mortality, up to 90–100% in some cases. Young fish are sensitive to the infection. An important clinical sign is fin rot. Bacterial isolation was done in four cases, including hatcheries and farms. One dominant strain of 0.2–0.4 × 1.5–2.0 μm was identified as Vibrio anguillarum by morphology, physiological and biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Virulence assays carried out with the isolated V. anguillarum resulted in the same gross signs as in naturally infected fish, indicating that V. anguillarum was the causative agent for fin rot disease. The 14-d dose lethal to 50% of the fish was calculated as 1.7 × 103 colony-forming units/mL. Histopathological studies demonstrated that V. anguillarum could cause severe tissue changes in most organs, such as the fin, skin, gills, kidney, spleen, liver, intestine, and brain. This is the first detailed report on fin rot disease of cultured turbot in China.