bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Tetracycline)europium(III) Complex as Luminescent Probe for Hydrogen Peroxide Detection
Authors: Dehaen Geert , Absillis Gregory , Driesen Kris , Binnemans Koen , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: November 2009

Luminescence spectra of aqueous solutions containing a fixed concentration of tetracycline (TC) and increasing concentrations of Eu3+ were recorded both in the absence and presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In H2O2‐free solutions in which the Eu/TC molar ratio was varied from 1 : 1 to 8 : 1, the 5D0→7F0 transition consisted of only one peak at 580 nm. In the presence of H2O2, an extra peak appeared in the spectrum at 578 nm when the Eu/TC molar ratios were above 2.5. A detailed analysis of this spectral region revealed that at lower Eu/TC molar ratios (up to 2 : 1), the 5D0→7F0 transition experienced a slight blue shift. This indicates that at low Eu/TC molar ratios, the presence of H2O2 leads to two different environments of the trivalent europium ions, which most likely form bridged peroxide complexes with hydrogen peroxide (μ‐H2O2 ligand). Luminescence spectra measured in the presence of molybdate ions, which catalytically decompose H2O2, led to the disappearance of the extra europium(III) site that was formed in the presence of H2O2. The intensity of the hypersensitive 5D0→7F2 transition did not linearly depend on the H2O2/TC molar ratio. For H2O2/TC ratios up to 10, a sharp linear increase of the peak intensity was observed, but with further increase of the H2O2 concentration, the intensity remained nearly constant. For H2O2/TC ratios above 100, the intensity of this transition even started to decrease, which limits the use of the (tetracycline)europium(III) system to quantify hydrogen peroxide in solution.
Formation of Novel Dinuclear Lanthanide Luminescent Samarium(III), Europium(III), and Terbium(III) Triple‐Stranded Helicates from a C2‐Symmetrical Pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide‐Based 1,3‐Xylenediyl‐Linked Ligand in MeCN
Authors: Comby Steve , Stomeo Floriana , McCoy Colin P. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: November 2009

The synthesis of the C2‐symmetrical ligand 1 consisting of two naphthalene units connected to two pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide moieties linked by a xylene spacer and the formation of LnIII‐based (Ln=Sm, Eu, Tb, and Lu) dimetallic helicates [Ln2⋅13] in MeCN by means of a metal‐directed synthesis is described. By analyzing the metal‐induced changes in the absorption and the fluorescence of 1, the formation of the helicates, and the presence of a second species [Ln2⋅12] was confirmed by nonlinear‐regression analysis. While significant changes were observed in the photophysical properties of 1, the most dramatic changes were observed in the metal‐centred lanthanide emissions, upon excitation of the naphthalene antennae. From the changes in the lanthanide emission, we were able to demonstrate that these helicates were formed in high yields (ca. 90% after the addition of 0.6 equiv. of LnIII), with high binding constants, which matched well with that determined from the changes in the absorption spectra. The formation of the LuIII helicate, [Lu2⋅13], was also investigated for comparison purposes, as we were unable to obtain accurate binding constants from the changes in the fluorescence emission upon formation of [Sm2⋅13], [Eu2⋅13], and [Tb2⋅13].
Up‐regulation of TRPM6 transcriptional activity by AP‐1 in renal epithelial cells
Authors: Ikari Akira , Sanada Ayumi , Okude Chiaki , Sawada Hayato , Yamazaki Yasuhiro , Sugatani Junko , Miwa Masao
Published: November 2009

Transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6) channel is involved in the reabsorption of magnesium in the kidney. We recently found that TRPM6 expression is up‐regulated by EGF, but the regulatory mechanism has not been clear. TRPM6 mRNA was endogenously expressed in HEK293 cells. TRPM6 mRNA expression was increased by EGF, which was inhibited by U0126, an MEK inhibitor. Promoter activity of human TRPM6 was observed in the TRPM6 5′‐flanking region from −1,214 to −718. This promoter activity was enhanced by EGF and inhibited by U0126. Three putative AP‐1 binding sites were identified within the region of −1,214/−718. The mutation of the putative AP‐1 binding site (−741/−736) completely inhibited the EGF‐induced promoter activity. EGF increased p‐ERK1/2, c‐Fos, c‐Jun, and p‐c‐Jun levels, which were inhibited by U0126. The introduction of c‐Fos or c‐Jun siRNA inhibited the EGF‐induced promoter activity. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that c‐Fos and c‐Jun bind to the AP‐1 binding site within the region of −1,214/−718. These results suggest that EGF up‐regulates TRPM6 mRNA expression mediate via the activation of ERK/AP‐1‐dependent pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 481–487, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of CFTR transgene mRNA expression in respiratory epithelium isolated from the murine nasal cavity
Authors: Holder Emma , Stevenson Barbara , Farley Raymond , Hilliard Tom , Wodehouse Theresa , Somerton Lucinda , Larsen Mia , O'Donoghue Jean , Coles Rebecca L. , Scheule Ronald K. , Cheng Seng H. , Gill Deborah R. , Hyde Stephen C. , Griesenbach Uta , Alton Eric W. F. W. , Porteous David J. , Boyd A. Christopher
Published: November 2009

Background

When assessing the efficacy of gene transfer agents (GTAs) for cystic fibrosis (CF) gene therapy, we routinely evaluate gene transfer in the mouse nose and measure transfection efficiency by assessing transgene‐specific mRNA using the real‐time (TaqMan) quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. TaqMan is traditionally used to quantify expression in whole tissue homogenates, which in the nose would contain many cells types, including respiratory and olfactory epithelium. Only the respiratory epithelium is a satisfactory model for human airway epithelium and therefore CFTR gene transfer should be specifically assessed in respiratory epithelial cells (RECs).

Methods

We have compared laser microdissection, pronase digestion and nasal brushing for: (i) the ability to enrich RECs from the wild‐type mouse nose and (ii) the length of time to perform the procedure. Using TaqMan, we subsequently assessed gene transfer in enriched RECs after nasal perfusion of GL67A/pCF1‐CFTR complexes in a CF mouse model.

Results

Laser microdissection successfully isolated RECs; however, time‐consuming sample preparation made this technique unsuitable for high‐throughput studies. Pronase digestion was sufficiently rapid but only yielded 19% (range = 13%) RECs (n = 6). The nasal brushing method was superior, yielding 92% (range = 15%) RECs (n = 8) and was equally effective in CF knockout mice (91%, range = 14%, n = 10). Importantly, gene transfer was detectable in brushed RECs from 70% of perfused mice and the number of vector‐specific transcripts was comparable to 3.5% of endogenous wild‐type Cftr levels.

Conclusions

Isolation of RECs by brushing allows accurate assessment of GTA transfection efficiency in an experimental system that is relevant for CF gene therapy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative gene transfer between cationic and thiourea lipoplexes
Authors: Breton Marie , Leblond Jeanne , Seguin Johanne , Midoux Patrick , Scherman Daniel , Herscovici Jean , Pichon Chantal , Mignet Nathalie
Published: November 2009

Background

We have previously developed lipopolythiourea lipids as neutral DNA condensing agents for systemic gene delivery. Optimization of the lipopolythiourea structure led to efficient transfecting agents. To further evaluate these lipids, we investigated the internalization process of the thiourea lipoplexes and their intracellular mechanism of transfection versus that of cationic lipoplexes.

Methods

The MTT test was used for cytotoxicity assessment. Transfection efficiency was determined by luciferase read‐out. Permeation to propidium iodide and enhanced green fluorescent protein was evaluated by flow cytometry. Kinetics of internalization and DNA release were monitored by confocal microscopy with labelled DNA. Endocytosis inhibitors were used to study the mechanisms of lipoplex internalization.

Results

Although thiourea/DNA complexes exhibit an almost similar level of transfection compared to that of cationic complexes, the thiourea lipoplexes were shown to be six‐fold less internalized. Complexes were able to permeabilize the cytoplasmic membrane to 30 kDa molecules. Finally, DNA was shown to be released in less than 10 min in the cellular cytoplasm versus 30 min for cationic lipoplexes.

Conclusions

Despite a weaker internalization compared to cationic lipids, the thiourea lipoplexes were able to transfect cells at a similar level as a result of its greater ability to destabilize the cytoplasmic membrane and release DNA Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primer on gadolinium chemistry
Authors: Sherry A. Dean , Caravan Peter , Lenkinski Robert E.
Published: November 2009

Gadolinium is widely known by all practitioners of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but few appreciate the basic solution chemistry of this trivalent lanthanide ion. Given the recent linkage between gadolinium contrast agents and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, some basic chemistry of this ion must be more widely understood. This short primer on gadolinium chemistry is intended to provide the reader the background principles necessary to understand the basics of chelation chemistry, water hydration numbers, and the differences between thermodynamic stability and kinetic stability or inertness. We illustrate the fundamental importance of kinetic dissociation rates in determining gadolinium toxicity in vivo by presenting new data for a novel europium DOTA‐tetraamide complex that is relatively unstable thermodynamically yet extraordinarily inert kinetically and also quite nontoxic. This, plus other literature evidence, forms the basis of the fundamental axiom that it is the kinetic stability of a gadolinium complex, not its thermodynamic stability, that determines its in vivo toxicity. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1240–1248. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis versus contrast‐induced nephropathy: Risks and benefits of contrast‐enhanced MR and CT in renally impaired patients
Authors: Martin Diego R. , Semelka Richard C. , Chapman Arlene , Peters Harm , Finn Paul J. , Kalb Bobby , Thomsen Henrik
Published: November 2009

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) have become essential to diagnostic evaluation of many, or most, important medically and surgically treated diseases. It is important to consider comprehensively the implications in making decisions when choosing one or the other cross‐sectional imaging modality. Factors to consider include the relative risks of the contrast agent. Other factors include the relative procedural risks, including radiation risks and the relative expected diagnostic yield of the examination technique (1, 2). In this review we describe both nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and contrast‐induced nephropathy to compare the implications with regard to relative risks and benefits of contrast‐enhanced MRI or CT in patients with impaired renal function. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1350–1356. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for NSF: A literature review
Authors: Prince Martin R. , Zhang Hong Lei , Roditi Giles H. , Leiner Tim , Kucharczyk Walter
Published: November 2009

Emerging evidence linking gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) has changed medical practice patterns toward forgoing GBCA‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or substituting other imaging methods, which are potentially less accurate and often radiation‐based. This shift has been based on reports of high NSF incidence at sites where a confluence of risk factors occurred in patients with severe renal dysfunction. This review article explores the factors that affect NSF risk, compares risks of alternative imaging procedures, and demonstrates how risk can be managed by careful selection of GBCA dose, timing of injection with respect to dialysis, and other factors. Nearly half of NSF cases are a milder form that does not cause contractures or reduce mobility. It appears that eliminating even a single risk factor can reduce NSF incidence/risk at least 10‐fold. Elimination of multiple risk factors by using single‐dose GBCA, dialyzing dialysis patients quickly following GBCA administration, avoiding GBCA in acute renal failure while serum creatinine is rising, and avoiding nonionic linear GBCA in renal failure patients may reduce NSF risk more than a thousand‐fold, thereby allowing safe GBCA‐enhanced MRI in virtually all patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1298–1308. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Guideline to use gadolinium‐based contrast agents at Kyoto University Hospital
Authors: Miki Yukio , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Togashi Kaori
Published: November 2009

Guideline to use gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) to prevent nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) at Kyoto University Hospital is presented. This guideline is basically the same as the one issued by the joint committee of the Japan Radiological Society and Japanese Society of Nephrology. In the guideline of the joint committee of Japan Radiological Society and Japanese Society of Nephrology, it is described that GBCAs should be used only when they are indispensable for adequate diagnosis regardless of renal function. In this guideline, it is also described that use of GBCAs should be decided after carefully weighing the risks and benefits for patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 30–60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and that use of the smallest possible amount of GBCA is necessary even for patients whose eGFR is greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The guideline of Kyoto University Hospital includes regulations for patients who underwent or are waiting for liver transplantations, because patients with liver transplantations are reported to have higher risk for NSF and because several hepatic transplantation surgeries are performed at our hospital. Our guideline also regulates the use for neonates or infants less than 1 year old, because of their immature renal function. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1364–1365. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Removal of gadolinium by dialysis: Review of different strategies and techniques
Authors: Silberzweig Jeffrey I. , Chung Miriam
Published: November 2009

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) has been related to the administration of gadolinium‐based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging studies in patients with kidney disease. After reviewing the pathophysiology of NSF, we discuss the possible factors contributing to the toxicity of gadolinium in susceptible patients, including the excessive amounts of intravenous iron and erythropoietin as well as the inflammatory states commonly seen in patients treated with hemodialysis. Since free gadolinium is the most accepted risk factor for NSF, we provide some suggestions to improve clearance of both free and chelated gadolinium using different dialysis strategies and techniques. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:1347–1349. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comprehensive study of classification methods for medical diagnosis
Authors: Bocklitz Thomas , Putsche Melanie , Stüber Carsten , Käs Josef , Niendorf Axel , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen
Published: November 2009

In this model study, we developed a method to distinguish between breast cancer cells and normal epithelial cells, which is in principal suitable for online diagnosis by Raman spectroscopy. Two cell lines were chosen as model systems for cancer and normal tissue. Both cell lines consist of epithelial cells, but the cells of the MCF‐7 series are carcinogenic, where the MCF‐10A cells are normal growing. An algorithm is presented for distinguishing cells of the MCF‐7 and MCF‐10A cell lines, which has an accuracy rate of above 99%. For this purpose, two classification steps are utilized. The first step, the so‐called top‐level classifier searches for Raman spectra, which are measured in the nuclei region. In the second step, a wide range of discriminant models are possible and these models are compared. The classification rates are always estimated using a cross‐validation and a holdout‐validation procedure to ensure the ability of the routine diagnosis to work in clinical environments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational landscape of small organosilicon compounds from the combined use of gas electron diffraction, IR and Raman spectroscopies and quantum chemical calculations: diethyldichlorosilane
Authors: Montejo Manuel , Wann Derek A. , Rodríguez Ortega Pilar G. , Robertson Heather E. , Márquez Fernando , Rankin David W. H. , López González Juan Jesús
Published: November 2009

A conformational study of diethyldichlorosilane and the elucidation of the gas‐phase molecular structures of its four conformers have been performed using the combined approach of gas‐phase electron diffraction and computational techniques. Moreover, the Raman spectrum of the liquid and the IR spectra of the gas and liquid phases have been recorded and thoroughly analyzed on the basis of the scaled quantum‐mechanical force field methodology. The results of the vibrational assignment have given spectroscopic evidence of the presence of the different conformers in the samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing antioxidant availability in wheat grains from plants grown under seawater stress in response to microalgae extract treatments
Authors: Abd El‐Baky Hanna H , El‐Baz Farouk K , El Baroty Gamal S
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to investigate the enhanced antioxidant capacity of whole grains from wheat plants grown under seawater stress in response to microalgae extract treatment.

RESULTS: The total carotenoid (TCAR), tocopherol (TOC), phenolic (TPC), and protein (PC) contents in whole grains of wheat plants irrigated with 10% and 20% (v/v) seawater (SW) in response to water extracts of microalgae Spirulina maxima (SME) and Chlorella ellipsoida (CEE) as well as exogenous plant growth enhancers of ascorbic acid and benzyladenine treatments were measured. The results showed that the levels of enhanced TCAR (range 0.08–0.14 g kg−1), TOC (range 0.05–0.12 g kg−1), TPC (range 0.80–2.96 g kg−1) and PC (range 93.4–137.9 g kg−1) in wheat grains of plants irrigated with 10% and 20% SW were significantly increased in response to SME and CEE treatments. Evaluation of antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of grains of SW‐stressed plants indicated that DPPH and TBAS radical scavenging activity was significantly increased in response to SME and CEE treatments and coincided with the increase in levels of antioxidant compounds present in each extract. The electrophoretic profiles of the grains of proteins of treated samples exhibited quite different patterns from those in control samples.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the application of algal extracts to wheat plants irrigated with SW is useful for improvement of salinity tolerance. This effect can be triggered by the stimulation of antioxidant components and protein content. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of grass–clover forage and whole‐wheat feeding on the sensory quality of eggs
Authors: Horsted Klaus , Hammershøj Marianne , Allesen‐Holm Bodil H
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: A sensory panel evaluated the sensory profile of eggs from hens from three experimental systems: (1) an indoor system × normal layer diet (InL), (2) a grass–clover forage system × normal layer diet (GrL), and (3) a grass–clover forage system × whole wheat and oyster shells (GrW).

RESULTS: The taste of the albumen was significantly more ‘watery’ and the yolks a darker yellow/orange in the eggs from the GrL and GrW groups. The yolk was darkest from the GrW group. The yolks from the InL and GrW groups had a significantly more ‘fresh’, less ‘animal’, ‘cardboard’, and ‘intense’ aroma than the GrL group. The taste of the yolks from the InL and GrW groups was significantly more ‘fresh’ and less ‘cardboard’‐like compared to the GrL group. The yolks tasted significantly less ‘sulfurous’ in the GrW group than in the GrL group.

CONCLUSION: The combination of a high feed intake from a grass–clover pasture and the type of feed allocated is an important factor in relation to the sensory quality of eggs. Thus, a less favourable sensory profile of eggs was found from hens on a grass–clover pasture and fed a normal layer diet. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Excision of axillary lymph node recurrences in breast cancer patients with axillary ROLL (A‐ROLL)
Authors: Aydogan Fatİh , Ozben Volkan , Atasoy Denİz , Yilmaz Mehmet Halİt , Halaç Metİn , Çelİk Varol
Published: November 2009

Background and Objectives

Conventional surgical exploration to find clinically occult axillary lymph node recurrence of breast cancer can be challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the place of our alternative technique, axillary‐ROLL (A‐ROLL), in previously treated breast cancer patients with nonpalpable axillary lymph node recurrences.

Methods

Between March 2005 and May 2009, included in this retrospective study were four women (age, 42–51 years) without clinical evidence of distant metastasis who had treatment for breast cancer and were subsequently found to have suspicious axillary lymph node(s) detected by control ultrasonography (US) examination during follow‐up. A‐ROLL was utilized for the identification of lymph nodes. 0.5–1 mCi 99mTc‐human serum albumin makroaggregate was injected under US guidance. A gamma probe was then used to guide the excision of the lymph nodes.

Results

The involved lymph nodes were successfully localized by A‐ROLL technique and removed surgically. Of all four patients, postoperative histopathologic examination revealed nodal cancer metastases in three patients (75%) and lymphoid hyperplasia in one patient. No complications occurred.

Conclusions

A‐ROLL technique has proved to be accurate and safe in the identification and excision of clinically occult axillary lymph node recurrence. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;101:141–144. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative tumor marker doubling time is a useful predictor of recurrence and prognosis after hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Masuda Toshiro , Beppu Toru , Horino Kei , Komori Hiroyuki , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Okabe Hirohisa , Otao Ryu , Horlad Hasita , Ishiko Takatoshi , Takamori Hiroshi , Kikuchi Ken , Baba Hideo
Published: November 2009

Background and Objectives

It is important to identify prognostic factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before hepatectomy. No previous studies have addressed the predictive efficacy of the preoperative doubling times of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA‐II).

Methods

A total of 210 HCC patients who underwent a hepatic resection between 1998 and 2006 were prospectively evaluated. Serum AFP and PIVKA‐II levels were measured at least twice before surgery to calculate the doubling times. Nineteen clinical factors that can be examined preoperatively, including the doubling times of AFP and PIVKA‐II were investigated to identify prognostic factors for disease‐free and overall survival after hepatectomy.

Results

There was no relationship between preoperative levels and doubling times of AFP and PIVKA‐II. In a multivariate analysis, patients with a doubling time of AFP ≤30 days and PIVKA‐II ≤16 days showed a significantly worse disease‐free (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, respectively) and overall survival (P < 0.0001, P = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

In HCC patients, the doubling times of preoperative serum AFP or PIVKA‐II levels are useful tools to predict early postoperative recurrence and a poor prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:490–496. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous determination of five tetracycline and macrolide antibiotics in feeds using HPCE
Authors: Tong Jing , Rao Qinxiong , Zhu Kui , Jiang Zhigang , Ding Shuangyang
Published: November 2009

This work demonstrates the potential of HPCE in the analysis of antibiotics in a complex matrix such as feedstuffs. Using 20 mM citric acid–40 mM Na2HPO4 buffer (pH 2.65), the five antibiotics, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, tilmicosin, and tylosin were successfully separated at 30 kV in a 64.5 cm×75 μm id capillary. Good repeatability, stability, and reliability of the method were supported by <10% CV with mean recoveries of >70%, and the limit of detection of the five analytes was 0.5–1 mg/kg. It was for the first time that a capillary electrophoretic method was employed to simultaneously detect five tetracycline and macrolide antibiotics in animal feeds.
Differential Transcriptome Patterns for Acute Cellular Rejection in Recipients with Recurrent Hepatitis C After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Asaoka Tadafumi , Kato Tomoaki , Marubashi Shigeru , Dono Keizo , Hama Naoki , Takahashi Hidenori , Kobayashi Shogo , Takeda Yutaka , Takemasa Ichiro , Nagano Hiroaki , Yoshida Hideo , Ruiz Phillip , Tzakis Andreas G. , Matsubara Kenichi , Monden Morito , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: November 2009

Histopathological evaluation of the liver via biopsy remains the standard procedure for the diagnosis of both acute cellular rejection (ACR) and recurrent hepatitis C (RHC) after liver transplantation. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to diagnose ACR in hepatitis C virus-positive recipients because of changes in common and overlapping with RHC. The aim of this study was to identify potential target genes for ACR in recipients with RHC. We analyzed 22 liver biopsy samples obtained from 21 hepatitis C virus-positive recipients. The clinicopathological diagnosis based on biopsy examination was ACR-predominant with superimposed RHC in 9 samples (ACR group) and RHC without ACR (non-ACR group) in 13. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we compared the transcriptional changes in the 2 groups and selected 2206 genes that were significantly modulated in ACR. We analyzed the regulatory networks in ACR with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software, and we confirmed with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction the reproducibility of caspase 8, apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase and bone morphogenetic protein 2 up-regulation in another group of validation samples, representing 2 genes from the core network as the target genes for ACR. Our results demonstrated novel transcriptome patterns for ACR with concurrent RHC that were distinct from those of recipients with only RHC, suggesting that gene expression profiling may be useful in the diagnosis of ACR in recipients with hepatitis C. Liver Transpl 15:1738-1749, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Mental and Physical Quality of Life in Actual Living Liver Donors Versus Potential Living Liver Donors
Authors: Schulz Karl-Heinz , Kroencke Sylvia , Beckmann Mingo , Nadalin Silvio , Paul Andreas , Fischer Lutz , Nashan Björn , Senf Wolfgang , Erim Yesim
Published: November 2009

In a quasi-experimental design, we investigated the quality of life (QOL) in actual liver donors (n = 43) and potential liver donors (n = 33) before and 3 months after liver transplantation. This is the first study in this field combining a prospective design with an adequate control group. Potential donors served as a control group because they also had a relative in need of a liver transplant and were as emotionally involved with the recipient as actual donors, but they were not subjected to the donor operation. Groups did not differ in age, gender, marital status, donor-recipient relationship, urgency of transplantation, or recipient group (adult versus child). Actual donors showed decreased physical QOL, whereas potential donors were not affected. However, for both groups, a decrease in anxiety was found. Furthermore, actual donors showed a better mental QOL postoperatively than potential donors. The recipients of these 2 groups did not differ with respect to postoperative complications. Furthermore, the groups did not report a different caregiver burden, but actual donors showed higher self-esteem. Because of the surgery, the worsening of physical symptoms in actual donors was expected. It is remarkable, however, that although actual donors still showed a limited physical QOL 3 months after the operation, in both groups, a similar reduction in anxiety could be observed, and actual donors even demonstrated a better mental QOL postoperatively than potential donors. The latter might be due to a psychological benefit that actual donors derived from the fact that they were able to help the recipients. Liver Transpl 15:1676-1687, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Outcomes of Liver Transplantation in Patients with Cirrhosis due to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Versus Patients with Cirrhosis due to Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Bhagat Vishal , Mindikoglu Ayse L. , Nudo Carmine G. , Schiff Eugene R. , Tzakis Andreas , Regev Arie
Published: November 2009

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is becoming a common cause of liver cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (LT). Cardiovascular complications related to metabolic syndrome and NASH recurrence in the transplanted liver may affect the outcome of LT in these patients. We compared the outcomes of LT for NASH cirrhosis and alcoholic cirrhosis (ETOH) in a large transplant center. A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent LT for cryptogenic cirrhosis with the NASH phenotype (the NASH group) or ETOH (the ETOH group) at the University of Miami from January 1997 to January 2007. There was no significant difference in survival between the NASH and ETOH groups, despite a trend toward lower survival in the former (P = 0.1699). Sepsis was the leading cause of posttransplant death in both groups, and it was followed by cardiovascular causes in the NASH group (26% versus 7% in the ETOH group, P = 0.21) and malignancies in the ETOH group (29% versus 0% in the NASH group, P = 0.024). Recurrent steatohepatitis (33% versus 0%, P < 0.0001) and acute rejection (41% versus 23%, P < 0.023) were significantly more frequent in the NASH group than in the ETOH group. There was no difference in graft failure between the groups (24% in the NASH group versus 18% in the ETOH group, P = 0.3973). In conclusion, despite a numerical trend favoring the ETOH group, there were no statistically significant differences in posttransplant survival and cardiovascular mortality between the NASH and ETOH groups. Acute rejection and recurrent steatohepatitis were significantly more frequent in the NASH group but did not lead to higher rates of retransplantation. Liver Transpl 15:1814-1820, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Long-Term Outcomes of Emergency Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Chan Gabriel , Taqi Ali , Marotta Paul , Levstik Mark , McAlister Vivian , Wall William , Quan Douglas
Published: November 2009

Acute liver failure continues to be associated with a high mortality rate, and emergency liver transplantation is often the only life-saving treatment. The short-term outcomes are decidedly worse in comparison with those for nonurgent cases, whereas the long-term results have not been reported as extensively. We report our center's experience with urgent liver transplantation, long-term survival, and major complications. From 1994 to 2007, 60 patients had emergency liver transplantation for acute liver failure. The waiting list mortality rate was 6%. The mean waiting time was 2.7 days. Post-transplantation, the perioperative mortality rate was 15%, and complications included neurological problems (13%), biliary problems (10%), and hepatic artery thrombosis (5%). The 5- and 10-year patient survival rates were 76% and 69%, respectively, and the graft survival rates were 65% and 59%. Recipients of blood group-incompatible grafts had an 83% retransplantation rate. Univariate analysis by Cox regression analysis found that cerebral edema and extended criteria donor grafts were associated with worse long-term survival. Severe cerebral edema on a computed tomography scan pre-transplant was associated with either early mortality or permanent neurological deficits. The keys to long-term success and continued progress in urgent liver transplantation are the use of good-quality whole grafts and a short waiting list time, both of which depend on access to a sufficient pool of organ donors. Severe preoperative cerebral edema should be a relative contraindication to transplantation. Liver Transpl 15:1696-1702, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Vakili Khashayar , Pomposelli James J. , Cheah Yee Lee , Akoad Mohamed , Lewis David W. , Khettry Urmila , Gordon Fredric , Khwaja Khalid , Jenkins Roger , Pomfret Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2009

In regions with a limited deceased donor pool, living donor adult liver transplantation (LDALT) has become an important treatment modality for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis. Studies have shown higher recurrence rates of HCC after LDALT in comparison with deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). The aim of our study was to examine the outcome results and recurrence rates for patients with HCC who underwent LDALT at our center. During an 8-year period, 139 patients underwent LDALT, of whom 28 (20.1%) had HCC in their explanted livers. The median follow-up was 40.8 months. The mean explant tumor size was 3.3 ± 1.2, and the mean number of tumors was 1.5 ± 0.8. Twenty-one patients (75%) had tumors within the Milan criteria, 5 patients had tumors outside the Milan criteria but within the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria, and 2 patients were beyond the UCSF criteria. The overall 1- and 5-year patient and graft survival rates were 96% and 81%, respectively. Survival following LDALT was significantly better than survival following DDLT for HCC during the same time period (P = 0.02). Eight patients (28.6%) developed tumor recurrence. Poor differentiation of tumor cells was the most significant determinant of recurrence. Despite high recurrence rates of HCC following LDALT, overall 5-year survival appears to be excellent. Liver Transpl 15:1861-1866, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Effect of Pretransplant Serum Creatinine on the Survival Benefit of Liver Transplantation
Authors: Sharma Pratima , Schaubel Douglas E. , Guidinger Mary K. , Merion Robert M.
Published: November 2009

More candidates with creatinine levels ≥ 2 mg/dL have undergone liver transplantation (LT) since the implementation of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-based allocation. These candidates have higher posttransplant mortality. This study examined the effect of serum creatinine on survival benefit among candidates undergoing LT. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data were analyzed for adult LT candidates listed between September 2001 and December 2006 (n = 38,899). The effect of serum creatinine on survival benefit (contrast between waitlist and post-LT mortality rates) was assessed by sequential stratification, an extension of Cox regression. At the same MELD score, serum creatinine was inversely associated with survival benefit within certain defined MELD categories. The survival benefit significantly decreased as creatinine increased for candidates with MELD scores of 15 to 17 or 24 to 40 at LT (MELD scores of 15-17, P < 0.0001; MELD scores of 24-40, P = 0.04). Renal replacement therapy at LT was also associated with significantly decreased LT benefit for patients with MELD scores of 21 to 23 (P = 0.04) or 24 to 26 (P = 0.01). In conclusion, serum creatinine at LT significantly affects survival benefit for patients with MELD scores of 15 to 17 or 24 to 40. Given the same MELD score, patients with higher creatinine levels receive less benefit on average, and the relative ranking of a large number of wait-listed candidates with MELD scores of 15 to 17 or 24 to 40 would be markedly affected if these findings were incorporated into the allocation policy. Liver Transpl 15:1808-1813, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Natural History of Post-Liver Transplantation Hepatitis C
Authors: Gallegos-Orozco Juan F. , Yosephy Amir , Noble Brie , Aqel Bashar A. , Byrne Thomas J. , Carey Elizabeth J. , Douglas David D. , Mulligan David , Moss Adyr , de Petris Giovanni , Williams James W. , Rakela Jorge , Vargas Hugo E.
Published: November 2009

Our aim was to assess long-term survival in patients transplanted for HCV-related end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and evaluate potentially modifiable predictors of survival. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult liver transplants (LT) at our institution for HCV-related ESLD since the program's inception. Pertinent demographic, clinical, and biochemical information was retrieved from electronic medical records and histological data from 990 per-protocol liver biopsies were collected. Three hundred eighty LT were performed at our institution during the study period, 206 patients were transplanted for HCV-related ESLD; 6 died within 30 days of transplantation and were not included. The remaining 200 recipients (DDLT 168 LDLT 32) constituted the evaluable population. The demographics were as follows: 150 males, median age 53 years; median donor age 39 years; hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 26%. Overall 1-, 5-, and 7-year survival: 95%, 81%, and 79%; median survival 43 months, mortality 15%. Significant HCV recurrence (HAI ≥6 and/or fibrosis ≥2) was present in 49%, “early recurrence” (within 1 year of LT) in 30.5% and biopsy-proven acute rejection was present in 27%. Factors with a significant negative impact on patient survival included: fibrosis stage ≥2 at 12-month biopsy, advanced donor age, history of HCC and early acute rejection. Survival was similar regardless of the donor type (DDLT vs. LDLT). Early and aggressive HCV recurrence has a very heavy toll on patient survival. Prompt recognition and treatment of “rapid fibrosers” may impart benefit. As has been described before, avoidance of rejection and selection of young donors for HCV-positive recipients will also improve survival in this population. On the basis of our findings, LDLT is a good option for HCV-positive recipients. Liver Transpl 15:1872-1881, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.
Switchable Wettability of Thermo‐Responsive Biocompatible Nanofibrous Films Created by Electrospinning
Authors: Gu Shu‐Ying , Wang Zhi‐Mei , Li Jian‐Bo , Ren Jie
Published: November 2009

Thermo‐responsive PNIPAAm/PLLA nanofibrous films with tunable surface morphologies and better biocompatibility were prepared by electrospinning technique. The electrospun composite films possessed a “bead‐on‐string” structure. The wettability of nanofibrous films was observed by water CA measurements. The results showed that the electrospinning process and addition of PLLA did not change the thermo‐sensitivity of PNIPAAm. The wettability of electrospun PNIPAAm/PLLA composite films could switch from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic when the temperature increased from 20 to 50 °C. Electrospinning is a promising way to create stimuli‐responsive surfaces with potential application in the design and tactics of controllable drug delivery system.

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Psychometric properties of the SCOPA‐AUT Brazilian Portuguese version
Authors: Carod‐Artal Francisco Javier , da Silveira Ribeiro Luciola , Kummer Wladimir , Martinez‐Martin Pablo
Published: November 2009

Cross‐cultural adaptation and psychometric assessment of the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease‐Autonomic questionnaire (SCOPA‐AUT) Brazilian Portuguese version. 150 consecutive Parkinson's disease (PD) patients were evaluated by means of the SCOPA‐motor scale (SCOPA‐M), SCOPA‐cognition (SCOPA‐COG), Hoehn and Yahr staging (H&Y), nonmotor symptoms scale (NMSS), PD questionnaire (PDQ‐39), and SCOPA‐AUT. The following psychometric attributes were explored: acceptability, scaling assumptions, reliability, precision, and construct validity. Patients' age (mean ± standard deviation) was 63.1 ± 11.1 years (56.7% men; duration of disease, 8.7 ± 5.3 years; median H&Y, 2). Mean SCOPA‐AUT was 23.0 ± 11.2. SCOPA‐AUT did not show floor or ceiling effect. As a whole, the SCOPA‐AUT item‐domain correlation was satisfactory, except for items 2 (Saliva), 7 (Faecal incontinence), 16 (Syncope), and 19 (Cold intolerance) (|rS| = 0.03–0.32). Internal consistency was adequate, except for thermoregulatory and cardiovascular domains (alpha coefficients, 0.56 and 0.63, respectively). Intraclass correlation coefficient for the total score was 0.71, whereas weighted kappa for individual items ranged from 0.15 to 0.71 (only items 4 and 7 were <0.40). Standard error of measurement was 6.04. The SCOPA‐AUT total score correlated closely with the NMSS total score (rS = 0.65) and PDQ‐39 Summary Index (rS = 0.61) and at a moderate level with H&Y staging (rS = 0.35) and SCOPA‐MS total score (rS = 0.39) (all rS values, P < 0.0001). Correlation of SCOPA‐AUT with SCOPA‐COG was weak. SCOPA‐AUT significantly increased as the H&Y stage increased (Kruskal‐Wallis, P < 0.0001). The SCOPA‐AUT Brazilian Portuguese version is an acceptable, reliable, and valid questionnaire to evaluate autonomic dysfunction in PD. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
A positive influence of vision on motor symptoms during sensory attention focused exercise for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sage Michael D. , Almeida Quincy J.
Published: November 2009

This study evaluated the effect of increased attention to sensory feedback during exercise. Two 12‐week exercise programs that differed only in the presence (PD SAFEx™) or absence (non‐SAFE control group) of increased attention focused on sensory feedback were compared. Participants were assessed symptomatically using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) before the start of the exercise program, immediately following the 12‐week program and after a 6‐week nonexercise washout period. Secondary outcome measures included the Timed‐Up‐and‐Go (TUG), Grooved Pegboard (GP) and velocity and step length of self‐paced gait. Both groups significantly improved on the TUG, GP, velocity, and step length, and this was maintained after a 6‐week washout period. Of additional interest, only the PD SAFEx™ program significantly improved motor symptoms (UPDRS). These gains were maintained in the PD SAFEx™ group 6 weeks after the exercise was stopped, while motor symptoms significantly worsened in the non‐SAFE group. These results suggest that increasing awareness of sensory feedback may be a critical factor that specifically impacts motor symptoms. Future work should strive to uncover the underlying neurophysiological mechanism behind this effect. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Comparing endophenotypes in adult‐onset primary torsion dystonia
Authors: Bradley David , Whelan Robert , Walsh Richard , O'Dwyer John , Reilly Richard , Hutchinson Siobhan , Molloy Fiona , Hutchinson Michael
Published: November 2009

Adult‐onset primary torsion dystonia (AOPTD) has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with markedly reduced penetrance; the genetic causes of most forms of AOPTD remain unknown. Endophenotypes, markers of sub‐clinical gene carriage, may be of use detecting non‐manifesting gene carriers in relatives of AOPTD patients. The aim of this study was to compare the utility of the spatial discrimination threshold (SDT) and temporal discrimination threshold (TDT) as potential endophenotypes in AOPTD. Data on other published candidate endophenotypes are also considered. Both SDT and TDT testing were performed in 24 AOPTD patients and 34 of their unaffected first degree relatives; results were compared with normal values from a control population. Of the 24 AOPTD patients 5 (21%) had abnormal SDTs and 20 (83%) had abnormal TDTs. Of the 34 first degree relatives 17 (50%) had abnormal SDTs and 14 (41%) had abnormal TDTs. Discordant results on SDT and TDT testing were found in 16 (67%) AOPTD patients and 21 (62%) first degree relatives. TDT testing has superior sensitivity compared to SDT testing in AOPTD patients; although false positive TDTs are recognised, the specificity of TDT testing in unaffected relatives is not determinable. The high level of discordance between the two tests probably relates methodological difficulties with SDT testing. The SDT is an unreliable AOPTD endophenotype; TDT testing fulfils criteria for a reliable endophenotype with a high sensitivity. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Lunasin, with an arginine–glycine–aspartic acid motif, causes apoptosis to L1210 leukemia cells by activation of caspase‐3
Authors: Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira , Wang Wenyi , Dia Vermont P.
Published: November 2009

Lunasin is a novel chemopreventive peptide featuring a cell adhesion motif composed of arginine–glycine–aspartate (RGD) which has been associated to cytotoxicity to established cell lines. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of lunasin on the viability of L1210 leukemia cells and to understand the underlying mechanisms involved. Pure lunasin and lunasin enriched soy flour (LES) caused cytotoxicity to L1210 leukemia cells with IC50 of 14 and 16 μM (lunasin equivalent), respectively. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion showed that 25% of the original amount of lunasin survived 3 h of pepsin digestion and 3% of lunasin remained after sequential pepsin–pancreatin digestion for a total of 6 h. Cell cycle analysis showed that lunasin caused a dose‐dependent G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Treatment of L1210 leukemia cells with 1 mg/mL of LES for 18 h led to an increase in the amount of apoptotic cells from 2 to 40%. Compared to untreated cells, treatment with 1 mg/mL LES showed a 6‐fold increase on the expressions of caspases‐8 and ‐9, and and a 12‐fold increase on the expression of caspase‐3. These results showed for the first time that lunasin, a naturally occurring peptide containing an RGD motif, caused apoptosis to L1210 leukemia cells through caspase‐3 activation.
PPARα L162V polymorphism alters the potential of n‐3 fatty acids to increase lipoprotein lipase activity
Authors: Rudkowska Iwona , Caron‐Dorval Dominique , Verreault Mélanie , Couture Patrick , Deshaies Yves , Barbier Olivier , Vohl Marie‐Claude
Published: November 2009

Omega‐3 fatty acids (FAs) may accelerate plasma triglyceride (TG) clearance by altering lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity. Yet, the ability of n‐3 FAs to increase LPL activity is dependent on transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα). The objective was to examine the effects of n‐3 FAs on LPL activity considering the occurrence of PPARα L162V polymorphism. First, 14 pairs of men either L162 homozygotes or carriers of the V162 allele were supplemented with n‐3 FAs. Second, transient transfections in HepG2 cells, for the L162‐ and V162‐PPARα variants with the peroxisome proliferator‐response element from the human LPL gene, were transactivated with n‐3 FAs. In vivo results demonstrate that the LPL activity increased non‐significantly by 14.4% in L162 homozygotes compared with 6.6% in carriers of the PPARα‐V162 allele, after n‐3 FA supplementation. Additionally, the L162 homozygotes tended towards an inverse correlation between LPL activities and plasma TG levels. Conversely, carriers of the V162 allele showed no such relationship. In vitro data demonstrates that transcription rates of LPL tended to be higher for the L162‐PPARα than V162‐PPARα after n‐3 FAs activation. Overall, these results indicate that n‐3 FA supplementation increases the transcription rate of LPL to a greater extent in L162‐PPARα than V162‐PPARα.