bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fibre optic catheter for simultaneous measurement of longitudinal and circumferential muscular activity in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Arkwright John W. , Blenman Neil G. , Underhill Ian D. , Maunder Simon A. , Spencer Nicholas J. , Costa Marcello , Brookes Simon J. , Szczesniak Michael M. , Dinning Phil G.
Published: June 2010

Diagnostic catheters based on fibre Bragg gratings (FBG's) are proving to be highly effective for measurement of the muscular activity associated with motility in the human gut. While the primary muscular contractions that generate peristalsis are circumferential in nature, it has long been known that there is also a component of longitudinal contractility present, acting in harmony with the circumferential component to improve the overall efficiency of material movement. We report the detection of longitudinal motion in mammalian intestine using an FBG technique that should be viable for similar detection in humans. The longitudinal sensors have been combined with our previously reported FBG pressure sensing elements to form a composite catheter that allows the relative phase between the two components to be detected. The catheter output has been validated using video mapping in an ex‐vivo rabbit ileum preparation. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Renal macrophage migration and crystal phagocytosis via inflammatory-related gene expression during kidney stone formation and elimination in mice: Detection by association analysis of stone-related gene expression and microstructural observation
Authors: Okada Atsushi , Yasui Takahiro , Fujii Yasuhiro , Niimi Kazuhiro , Hamamoto Shuzo , Hirose Masahito , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Itoh Yasunori , Tozawa Keiichi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: June 2010

Mice have a strong ability to eliminate renal calcium oxalate crystals, and our previous examination indicated a susceptibility in which monocyte-macrophage interaction could participate in the phenomenon. To clarify the macrophage-related factors playing roles in the prevention of crystal formation in mouse kidneys, morphologic and expression studies based on microarray pathway analysis were performed. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were administered 80 mg/kg of glyoxylate by daily intraabdominal injection for 15 days, and the kidneys were extracted every 3 days for DNA microarray analysis. Based on the raw data of microarray analysis, pathway analyses of inflammatory response demonstrated macrophage activation through the increased expression of chemokine (C-X-C) ligand 1, fibronectin 1, and major histocompatability (MHC) class II. Association analysis of related gene expression values by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) indicated the high association of chemokine (C-C) ligand 2, CD44, colony-stimulating factor 1, fibronectin 1, matrix gla protein, secreted phosphoprotein 1, and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) with the amount of both renal crystals and F4/80, a macrophage marker. Immunohistochemically, interstitial macrophages increased during the experimental course, and CD44 and MHC class II were upregulated around crystal-formation sites. Ultrastructural observation of renal macrophages by transmission electron microscopy indicated interstitial macrophage migration with the phagocytosis of crystals. In conclusion, increased expression of inflammation-related genes of renal tubular cells induced by crystal formation and deposition could induce monocyte-macrophage migration and phagocytosis via the interaction of CD44 with osteopontin and fibronectin. Such crystal-removing ability of macrophages through phagocytosis and digestion might become a new target for the prevention of stone formation. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Correlates of trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density at the femoral neck and lumbar spine: The osteoporotic fractures in men study (MrOS)
Authors: Cauley Jane A , Blackwell Terri , Zmuda Joseph M , Fullman Robin L , Ensrud Kristine E , Stone Katie L , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Orwoll Eric S ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS)
Published: June 2010

The objective of this cross-sectional analysis was to examine the correlates of trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) in 3670 community-dwelling men, mean age 73.6 ± 5.9 years. vBMD was measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and areal BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Demographic, historical, and lifestyle information was obtained by interview, and height, weight, and neuromuscular function were determined by examination. To express the strength of the associations, percent differences (95% confidence interval) were calculated from multivariable linear regression models using the formula 100 (β × unit/mean BMD). Units for continuous variables were chosen to approximate 1 standard deviation (SD). The multivariable linear regression models predicted 15%, 21%, and 20% of the overall variance in trabecular and cortical vBMD of the femoral neck and vBMD of the lumbar spine, respectively. Diabetes was associated with a 16.5% greater trabecular vBMD at the femoral neck and 11% at the lumbar spine but less than 2% for cortical vBMD. For femoral neck trabecular vBMD, the strongest negative correlates were past smoking (−9%), fracture history (−15%), kidney stones (−7%), corticosteroids (−11%), and insulin therapy (−26%). For cortical vBMD, the strongest negative correlate was use of thyroid medication (−2.8%). The strongest negative correlates for lumbar spine trabecular vBMD were fracture history (−5%), antiandrogen use (−19%), height (−8%), and thiazoliainedione use (−22%). Bioavailable estradiol and testosterone levels were positively related and sex hormone–binding globulin was negatively related to trabecular vBMD of the spine. There was no relationship between sex hormones and femoral neck trabecular vBMD. Our conclusion is that correlates of trabecular vBMD and cortical vBMD appear to differ in older men. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Trends in thrombolytic use for ischemic stroke in the United States
Authors: Fang Margaret C. , Cutler David M. , Rosen Allison B.
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND:

Although recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) improves outcomes from ischemic stroke, prior studies have found low rates of administration. Recent guidelines and regulatory agencies have advocated for increased tPA administration in appropriate patients, but it is unclear how many patients actually receive tPA.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether national rates of tPA use for ischemic stroke have increased over time.

METHODS:

We identified all patients with a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke from years 2001 to 2006 in the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS), a nationally representative sample of inpatient hospitalizations, and searched for procedure codes for intravenous thrombolytic administration. Clinical and demographic factors were obtained from the survey and multivariable logistic regression used to identify independent predictors associated with thrombolytic use.

RESULTS:

Among the 22,842 patients hospitalized with ischemic stroke, tPA administration rates increased from 0.87% in 2001 to 2.40% in 2006 (P < 0.001 for trend). Older patients were less likely to receive tPA (adjusted odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.4 [0.3‐0.6] for patients ≥80 years vs. <60 years), as were African American patients (0.4 [0.3‐0.7]). Larger hospitals were more likely to administer tPA (3.3 [2.0‐5.6] in hospitals with at least 300 beds compared to those with 6‐99 beds).

CONCLUSIONS:

Although tPA administration for ischemic stroke has increased nationally in recent years, the overall rate of use remains very low. Larger hospitals were more likely to administer tPA. Further efforts to improve appropriate administration of tPA should be encouraged, particularly as the acceptable time‐window for using tPA widens. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Performance of Dutch hospitals in the management of splenectomized patients
Authors: Lammers Jolanda , Veninga Daphne , Speelman Peter , Hoekstra Joost , Lombarts Kiki
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND:

After splenectomy, patients are at increased risk of sepsis with considerable mortality. This risk can be reduced by taking preventive measures, such as prescribing immunizations and antibiotic prophylaxis. Studies from various countries show that a substantial percentage of patients are not managed adequately. The aim of the present study was to investigate the quality of care in the prevention of infections after splenectomy in Dutch hospitals. The research questions were two‐fold: (1) Is there an association between hospital teaching status and guideline adherent preventive measures? (2) Which factors contribute to hospital performance?

METHODS:

A total of 28 Dutch hospitals (30%) participated in the study. A retrospective review of medical records of 536 splenectomy patients was performed. Adherence to prevention guidelines was assessed for all patients, and analyzed according to teaching status and the presence or absence of a post‐splenectomy protocol.

RESULTS:

(1) University hospitals in the Netherlands offered higher quality of care than other teaching and nonteaching hospitals. There were only small differences between nonuniversity teaching and nonteaching hospitals. (2) The presence of a hospital post‐splenectomy protocol did not improve vaccination rates. Other aspects of practice organization, such as surgical staff size and keeping a complication registry were only weakly related to performance.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the Netherlands, university hospitals deliver state‐of‐the‐art care in the prevention of infections in asplenic patients more often than nonuniversity teaching and nonteaching hospitals. The availability of a hospital protocol does not seem to contribute to guideline adherence. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Short‐term femoral vein catheterization rarely causes thrombosis or bacteremia
Authors: Casanegra Ana Isabel , Brannan Scott , Dadu Ramona , Ong Philip , Berner Mitchell , Spinning Kristopher , Hughes Terence , Marrinan Greg , Zinn Kenneth , Manthous Constantine
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND:

Experts and national regulatory bodies have deemed femoral vein catheterization (FVC) unsafe, and recommend avoiding it whenever possible.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess rates of catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBI) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) complicating FVC.

DESIGN:

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING:

Medical intensive care unit (MICU) of a 350‐bed community teaching hospital.

PATIENTS:

Consecutive admissions to the MICU during 7 months.

METHODS:

Demographic, laboratory and Doppler ultrasound studies were collected on patients receiving large vein catheters (VC) in our MICU. Ultrasound examinations were systematically performed on the day of and 5 to 7 days after removal of FVC.

RESULTS:

VC were inserted in 238 (35% of) patients. Of that total, 217 catheters were in large veins (49% FVC, 38% internal jugular and 13% subclavian) for an average of 2.7 days for femoral, 5.7 days for internal jugular and 3.6 days for subclavian vein catheters. During 1200 catheter‐days, no central VC CRBI was identified. Of 107 FVC, initial and follow‐up Doppler studies were performed in 50 patients. A total of 97% of patients received routine thromboprophylaxis and none had a DVT. Of the 57 patients with initial but no Doppler follow‐up at 5 to 7 days following removal, no patient developed clinically detected venous thromboembolism (VTE).

CONCLUSION:

Short‐term FVC was used safely in our MICU in the setting of thromboprophylaxis. In light of its favorable safety profile for initial resuscitation of critically ill patients, it may be premature to strongly discourage FVC. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2011. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Extremely Strong, Uncharged Auxiliary Bases; Monomeric and Polymer‐Supported Polyaminophosphazenes (P2–P5)
Authors: Schwesinger Reinhard , Schlemper Helmut , Hasenfratz Christian , Willaredt Jürgen , Dambacher Tim , Breuer Thomas , Ottaway Carol , Fletschinger Michael , Boele Joachim , Fritz Hans , Putzas Dietmar , Rotter Heinz W. , Bordwell Frederick G. , Satish Amruthur V. , Ji Guo‐Zen , Peters Eva‐Maria , Peters Karl , von Schnering Hans Georg , Walz Leonhard
Published: June 2010

The syntheses and properties of novel, extremely strong uncharged polyaminophosphazene bases up to a high level of steric hindrance are described. Most of the systems were readily prepared in up to molar quantities and conveniently recovered from their salts. They are of appreciable to high chemical and thermal stability. Crystal structures of their salts were determined in order to parametrize a force field, which is utilized in molecular modeling studies. The latter offer a rationalization of the high conformational mobility of these systems. These bases cover a range of ca. 15 pK units in basicity and extend the range of uncharged auxiliary bases by ca. 19 pK units up to DMSOpKBH+ values of 34–35. They are proposed as a novel class of auxiliary bases for deprotonation of very low acidic compounds where chemists have been so far left to classical metalorganic bases. Depending on the basicity range and the degree of steric protection of the basic center, these systems are particularly applicable to E2 elimination or to in situ generation of highly reactive “naked” anions.
Characterization of conjugative plasmids belonging to a new incompatibility group (IncZ)
Authors: Tschäpe H. , Tietze E.
Published: June 2010

More than 30 conjugative R plasmids between 60 and 70 Md in size were identified in wild type strains of Enterobacteriaceae isolated in German Democratic Republic, Bulgaria, Mongolia, Poland, Ethiopia, Iraque, and Soviet Union. They have been characterized by means of several genetic and molecular techniques as members of a new incompatibility group, termed IncZ. The properties of these plasmids including digestion pattern after EcoRI treatment demonstrate a phylogenetic relatedness.
Microbiologically influenced corrosion of archaeological artefacts: characterisation of iron(II) sulfides by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rémazeilles Céline , Saheb Mandana , Neff Delphine , Guilminot Elodie , Tran Khoi , Bourdoiseau Jacques‐André , Sabot René , Jeannin Marc , Matthiesen Henning , Dillmann Philippe , Refait Philippe
Published: June 2010

Archaeological objects are exposed to the action of micro‐organisms when they lay in a biologically active environment. The presence of iron sulfides in the corrosion system testifies in most cases that the degradation was influenced by sulfate‐reducing bacteria. Iron sulfides and other iron/sulfur‐containing compounds were detected by micro‐Raman spectroscopy in rust layers of archaeological ferrous objects and in wet wooden fragments contaminated by iron, extracted from ancient wrecks. Although mackinawite (FeS) is very reactive towards oxygen, this phase was observed in each sample. Its crystallisation levels and oxidation states could be differentiated. Greigite (Fe3S4) was also identified by means of X‐ray diffraction, used when possible as a complementary analytical tool. Known as the result of the oxidation of mackinawite, greigite was likely to form during the experiments carried out without any protection against air. It was then possible to describe the formation and oxidation processes of iron sulfides in archaeological iron artefacts or in organic materials contaminated by iron. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic study on sodium hyaluronate: an effect of proton and γ irradiation
Authors: Synytsya Alla , Synytsya Andriy , Alexa Petr , Wagner Richard , Davídková Marie , Volka Karel
Published: June 2010

Raman spectroscopy was applied to the analysis of structural changes in lyophilised sodium hyaluronate after proton and γ irradiation (0.5, 5, 50, 100, 200 and 600 Gy). Characteristic Raman bands of the polysaccharide were sensitive to irradiation. Significant damage was observed at doses of 50 Gy or higher. The spectral changes confirmed radiation‐induced loss of native solution conformation, destruction of primary structure, fragmentation, cross‐linking and elimination of functional groups. Differences in the effects of proton and γ radiation on sodium hyaluronate are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The transformation of mackinawite into greigite studied by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Bourdoiseau Jacques‐André , Jeannin Marc , Rémazeilles Céline , Sabot René , Refait Philippe
Published: June 2010

In this study, Raman spectroscopy was used to precisely understand the mechanisms of oxidation of mackinawite (FeS). Two experimental conditions were considered: (1) oxidation in air at room temperature and (2) oxidation in acidic anoxic solutions at 80 °C. In both cases, the oxidation process began by the in situ oxidation of Fe(II) cations inside the crystal structure of mackinawite and led to Fe(III)‐containing mackinawite, FeII1−3xFeIII2xS. The oxidation in air finally led to Fe(III) oxyhydroxides and elemental sulfur α‐S8, but greigite (Fe3S4) was observed as an intermediate compound. In anoxic acidic solutions, the product of the oxidation was proved to depend on the Fe/S concentration ratio. For Fe/S = 3/4, greigite was the only product obtained, and this allowed us to determine unambiguously the Raman spectrum of this compound. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy for colorectal metastases: A personal experience
Authors: Donegan William L.
Published: June 2010

A personal experience is reported with hepatic artery infusion (HAI) chemotherapy of 57 patients with metstatic colorectal carcinoma confined to the liver. Fifty‐seven percent of the 54 patients who received more than 2 weeks of infusion had objective regressions documented on hepatic scans. The response rate with fluorouracil and mitomycin C (75%) was higher than for fluorouracil alone (52.5%). The median survival of treated patients was 15 months with the longest survivor living 3 years 8 months, and responders had a median survival 3 months longer than nonresponders. Complications included one case of hemolytic uremic syndrome after HAI with mitomycin C. Survival after HAI was 9 months longer than that of comparable historical controls who received no treatment, but survival after HAI with fluorouracil alone was not superior to that of comparable patients treated with intravenous fluorouracil. HAI produces a high frequency of tumor regression, but superior survival has yet to be demonstrated.
DNA ploidy in gastric cancer with metastasis to the liver
Authors: Kimura Osamu , Kaibara Nobuaki , Makino Masato , Nishidoi Hideaki
Published: June 2010

DNA ploidy, assessed microspectrophotometrically in 143 gastric carcinomas, was correlated with the presence or absence of venous invasion and liver metastasis. Patterns of DNA distribution were grouped into cases of low and high ploidy. The incidence of high ploidy was 61.4% in gastric cancers with venous invasion, being statistically different from the incidence of 31.4% in cases without venous invasion (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a statistical difference between the incidence of high ploidy in gastric cancers associated with liver metastasis and the incidence of high ploidy in advanced cancers that had been curatively resected and had not recurred for more than 5 years after operation (P < 0.05). These findings indicate a close correlation between DNA ploidy, venous invasion, and liver metastasis, and they suggest the significant clinical value of DNA analysis for the prediction of liver metastasis in patients with gastric carcinoma.
Accuracy and pitfalls of frozen section during thyroid surgery
Authors: Shaha Ashok , Gleich Lyon , Maio Terry Dl , Jaffe Bernard M.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of frozen sections performed during thyroid surgery and to define any pitfalls they may have. The material includes a series of 190 frozen section examinations of thyroid pathology. The overall accuracy of frozen section in this series was 95%. There were no false positives in our series and false negatives related to only follicular adenomas. In two patients, the report was deferred for permanent slide examination. Nine patients had lesions reported as malignant; however, the distinct cell type was not designated on frozen section. Eight specimens initially reported to have follicular adenoma on frozen section turned out to have angioinvasion or capsular invasion indicative of follicular carcinoma. Minor discrepancies between frozen and permanent sections in the types of benign disease were noted occasionally, but were not clinically significant. There was a discrepancy in the diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis on three occasions. The major discrepancy in patients with malignant pathology was related to the cell type. The diagnosis of anaplastic thyroid cancer, though suspected, was deferred for permanent sections in all cases. The diagnosis of medullary cancer of thyroid was difficult to make on frozen section. The major problem with frozen section was the diagnosis of follicular adenoma versus carcinoma. The benign diagnosis was changed in eight instances (out of 24 frozen sections) from follicular ademona to follicular carcinoma. Because of this experience, we do not provide the frozen section diagnosis to the patient and we wait until the final diagnosis is available.
An alternative approach to nonpalpable breast biopsies
Authors: Reid Stephen E. , Scanlon Edward F. , Bernstein Joel R. , Paige Milton L. , Matsumura Jon , Bailey Lisa
Published: June 2010

Traditionally, when a negative specimen radiograph is obtained during biopsy of a nonpalpable breast lesion, immediate re‐excision is performed in an attempt to successfully remove the lesion. Based on a retrospective study of the biopsy results of 792 nonpalpable breast lesions, the authors suggest delaying the re‐excision, despite a negative specimen x‐ray, until postoperative mammography confirms the persistence of the lesion. Utilization of this approach was associated with a comparably low incidence of missed lesions (3%) and had the added advantages of preserving breast tissue and decreasing operative time.
Use of rhodamine 123 in the treatment of the pollard iii rat prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Arcadi John A.
Published: June 2010

Significant destruction of the Pollard III rat prostate adenocarcinoma was achieved by treatment with rhodamine 123 at a dosage of 15 mg/kg every other day for 33 to 38 days. Injection of tumor remnants into untreated animals produced no tumor regrowth. Our data have demonstrated rhodamine 123 to be a significant drug for the management of the very aggressive Pollard III tumor.
Combination chemotherapy as induction therapy for advanced resectable head and neck cancer
Authors: Maipang Tanaphon , Maipang Matinee , Geater Alan , Panjapiyakul Chingyiam , Watanaarepornchai Somchai , Punperk Supaporn
Published: June 2010

Fifty‐four previously untreated patients with locally advanced resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) were enrolled into a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether induction chemotherapy improves the disease‐free survival compared to the standard treatment (surgery + radiation). Thirty patients received chemotherapy, which consisted of cisplatin 20 mg/m2 day 1–5, bleomycin 10 mg/m2, continuous infusion from day 3–7, and methotrexate 40 mg/m2 given on day 15 and day 22. The cycle was repeated on day 29 for two cycles. Twenty patients completed chemotherapy courses. Overall response rate was 77% (23 of 30). No survival improvement was observed. Kaplan‐Meier analysis indicated survival (and 95% confidence interval) at 3 years was 57% (29%‐84%) for the control group and 60% (34%‐87%) for the chemotherapy group, and 57% (29%‐84%) and 45% (12%‐78%) at 4 years (P = 0.736). However, patients who had a complete response were significantly better in terms of long‐term survivors (5 of 7 patients were still alive), in contrast to patients who had partial responses among whom only 4 of 16 were alive. Toxicities of this induction protocol are tolerable; one chemotherapy‐related death occurred from profound thrombocytopenia. If efforts in determining a chemotherapy‐sensitive patient were successfully established, along with a better sequence and the discovery of new and safter drugs, survival of SCCHN should be much improved.
Renal cell carcinoma extending to the renal vein and inferior vena cava: Results of surgical treatment and prognostic factors
Authors: Tongaonkar Hemant B. , Dandekar Niteen P. , Dalal Amish V. , Kulkarni Jagdeesh N. , Kamat Murali R.
Published: June 2010

Forty‐seven patients with renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus extension to the renal vein or inferior vena cava (IVC) were treated surgically over a 10‐year period. There were 41 males and 6 females with a mean age of 45.7 years. Thirty‐three patients had right‐sided and 14 had left‐sided tumors. Patients with renal vein or infrahepatic IVC thrombus were treated with radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombus excision after achieving conventional vascular control over the IVC and the opposite renal vein. Four patients with retrohepatic IVC thrombus were treated with venacavotomy and thrombectomy after achieving vascular control above the thrombus but below the hepatic veins while two other patients with retrohepatic and one with suprahepatic thrombus required a bifemoroatrial partial venous bypass prior to tumor thrombectomy. There was one postoperative death due to pulmonary embolism. The actuarial 5‐year survival for all patients with venous extention was 50% and the median survival was 4.35 years. Perinephric spread and lymph node metastases were significant prognostic factors affecting survival. This suggests that it is the locoregional spread of renal cell carcinoma rather than the level of the thrombus which governs the prognosis of patients with tumor thrombus extension to the renal vein or IVC.
Growth inhibition of intracerebral rat glioma by transfection‐induced human interferon‐β
Authors: Harada Kunyu , Yoshida Jun , Mizuno Masaaki , Kurisu Kaoru , Uozumi Tohru
Published: June 2010

In our previous study on liposome‐mediated transfection of the human interferon‐β (HuIFN‐β) gene into subcutaneously implanted human gliomas in nude mice, we found that HuIFN‐β was produced and secreted by the tumor cells and that the growth of solid tumors was completely inhibited. The present study investigated the growth‐inhibitory effect of liposomes containing the HuIFN‐β gene inserted into a vector (PSV2IFN‐β) on T9 rat glioma implanted into the brains of rats. Tumor cells and liposomes containing pSV2IFN‐β or other additives were simultaneously injected into the brains of rats. HuIFN‐β was detected in solid gliomas growing in the brains of rats injected with liposomes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that tumor growth was inhibited. In addition, the latent period until the appearance of neurological symptoms was significantly prologed in rats treated with liposomes containing pSV2IFN‐β. However, the survival time of the treated rats was not significantly increased. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chiral separation and quantitation of dorzolamide hydrochloride enantiomers by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Shamsipur Mojtaba , Heydari Rouhollah , Jamasbi Elahe Sadat , Abdollahpour Assem
Published: June 2010

A direct HPLC method for chiral separation of dorzolamide hydrochloride (4S,6S) and its enantiomer (4R,6R) was developed. Dorzolamide (4S,6S) and its antipode were separated on a chiral‐α1‐acid glycoprotein column (150×4.0 mm, 5 μm). The influences of pH, temperature, flow rate, buffer concentration, and organic modifiers of the mobile phase on the retention and enantioselectivity were evaluated. The mobile phase consisted of an ammonium acetate buffer of pH 7.0. The method was validated for linearity, repeatability, accuracy, LOD, and LOQ. Calibration curves were constructed in the range of 0.5–10 μg/mL for dorzolamide (4S,6S) and 0.2–5 μg/mL for its enantiomer (4R,6R). Repeatability (n=6) showed less than 2% RSD. LOD and LOQ of the two enantiomers were found to be 0.2 and 0.5 for dorzolamide (4S,6S), 0.05 and 0.2 for its enantiomer (4R,6R), respectively. The proposed method was applied to the determination of dorzolamide enantiomer (4R,6R) in a raw material and two different eye drop samples.
Preparation and characterization of ceria‐zirconia composite for enrichment and identification of phosphopeptides
Authors: Wu Jian‐Hong , Xiao Kuang , Zhao Yong , Zhang Wei‐Ping , Guo Lin , Feng Yu‐Qi
Published: June 2010

Ceria‐zirconia composites at different molar ratios were synthesized. Several methods were used to characterize these composites, including X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface area and surface acid‐base property detection. A one‐step method for isolation and identification of phosphopeptides from peptide mixture was created using these ceria‐zirconia composites. Using tryptic digest of standard phosphorylated protein, we have shown that these enrichment and dephosphorylation activities are effective. The adsorption capacity and catalytic property of ceria‐zirconia composites at different molar ratios and calcinated temperatures were studied. In combination with MALDI‐TOF‐based peptide mass finger printing technique, we have established a method to utilize the enrichment/dephosphorylation dual properties of these ceria‐zirconia composites for the analysis of phosphoprotein in nonfat milk successfully.
The Distance to the Intersection of Two Convex Sets Expressed by the Distances to Each of Them
Authors: Hoffmann Armin
Published: June 2010

Using the distances of a pointxto two convex sets we obtain an upper estimation of the distance ofxto the intersection of these two sets. Applications to the intersection of point‐to‐set mappings are given.
Some Limit Theorems for Extremal and Union Shot‐Noise Processes
Authors: Heinrich L. , Molchanov I. S.
Published: June 2010

We study the limiting behaviour of suitably normalized union shot‐noise processesmagnified image, whereFis a set‐valued function on Rd× ℳ︁ is a sequence of i.i.d. random elements on some measurable space [ℳ︁ 𝔐] and Ψ = {xi, i≥ 1} stands for a stationaryd‐dimensional point process whose intensity λ tends to infinity. General results concerning weak convergence of parametrized union shot‐noise processes Ξϵ(t) as ϵ ↓ 0 are obtained (Theorem 5.1 and its corollaries), if the point process λ1dΨ has a weak limit andFsatisfies some technical conditions. An essential tool for proving these results is the notion of regular variation of multivalued functions. Some examples illustrate the applicability of the results.
In situ Localization of Molecules in Crosslinked Particles during Electrohydrodynamic Process: Simple Route to Produce Microcapsules and Fibers with Controlled Release
Authors: Park ChooJin , Hwang Yoon Kyun , Hyun Dong Choon , Jeong Unyong
Published: June 2010

This study reports a spontaneous selective localization of molecules in crosslinked particles during electrospraying and electrospinning polymer solutions containing the particles. It provides a facile way of preparing microcapsules and fibers with controlled release. The dye molecules were phase separated from the crystalline polymer matrix during the electrohydrodynamic process and moved to the solvent‐rich crosslinked particles. The position of the particles in the microcapsules and fibers could be controlled by adjusting compatibility of the particles with the matrix polymer. The microcapsules and fibers did not show the initial burst release of the molecules and gave considerably prolonged release behavior.

magnified image
Staging of α‐synuclein in the olfactory bulb in a model of Parkinson's disease: Cell types involved
Authors: Ubeda‐Bañon Isabel , Saiz‐Sanchez Daniel , de la Rosa‐Prieto Carlos , Mohedano‐Moriano Alicia , Fradejas Noelia , Calvo Soledad , Argandoña‐Palacios Lucia , Garcia‐Muñozguren Susana , Martinez‐Marcos Alino
Published: June 2010

Impaired olfaction is an early symptom of Parkinson's disease. The underlying neuropathology likely includes α‐synucleinopathy in the olfactory bulb at an earlier stage (Braak's stage1) than pathology in the substantia nigra, which is not observed until stage 3. In this report, we investigated the distribution and cell types affected by α‐synuclein in the olfactory bulb of transgenic mice (2–8 months of age) expressing the human A53T variant of α‐synuclein. α‐Synuclein immunostaining progressively affects interneurons and mitral cells. Double labeling studies demonstrate that dopaminergic cells are hardly involved, whereas glutamatergic‐ and calcium binding protein‐positive cells are severely affected. This temporal evolution and the cell types expressing α‐synuclein are reminiscent of idiopathic Parkinson's disease and support the usefulness of this model to address specific topics in the premotor phase of the disease. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Protein kinases CK1 and CK2 as new targets for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Perez Daniel I. , Gil Carmen , Martinez Ana
Published: June 2010

Following the discovery of the human kinome, protein kinases have become the second most important group of drug targets as they can be modulated by small ligand molecules. Moreover, orally active protein kinase inhibitors have recently reached the market and there are many more in clinical trials. The lack of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases has increased human and financial efforts in the search for new therapeutic targets that could provide new effective drug candidates. The importance of kinases in the molecular pathway of neuronal survival is under study, but different key pathways have been described. New roles for the old casein kinases 1 and 2, currently known as protein kinases CK1 and CK2, have recently been discovered in the molecular pathology of different neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The search for specific inhibitors of these enzymes has become an important challenge for the treatment of these devastating diseases. The role of these two kinases in the molecular pathology of different neurodegenerative diseases together with different chemical families that are able to more or less specifically inhibit CK1 and CK2 are discussed in this review. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev 31:924‐954, 2011
Categorical forecasts of convective events using upper air predictors
Authors: Rezacova D , Sokol Z , Pesice P
Published: June 2010

Aerological data from the European area and Czech ground data were used to derive predictor vectors that would be efficient for making categorical forecasts of convective events over the Czech Republic. A series of simulated forecasts were performed with sets of predictor vectors. The Critical Success Index (CSI) was chosen to be the measure of the forecast accuracy. The convective precipitation and thunderstorms that occurred during the periods <0000,0600>, <0600,1200> and <0000,1200> UTC were forecast with the use of the data from 0000 UTC. Likewise, the data from 1200 UTC were used to predict event occurrences during periods <1200,1800>, <1800,2400> and <1200,2400> UTC. The resultant maximum CSI values corresponding to the different predictands are discussed, and their dependence on the event frequency is described. The Heidke Score and the Equitable Score determined for the predictor vectors with maximum CSI are indicated. The diagnostic predictor vectors can be viewed as the representation of the prognostic information under the Perfect Prog assumption.
Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: In vivo magnesium measurements in the skeletal muscle of normal subjects
Authors: Ward Kathleen M. , Rajan Sunder S. , Wysong Melissa , Radulovic David , Clauw Daniel J.
Published: June 2010

31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to study the skeletal muscle of 33 normal males and 32 females. Free intracellular magnesium levels and the ratios of the phosphorus metabolites were determined. Males had significantly lower free magnesium levels (499.8 μM ± 26.3 μM vs. 530.7 μM ± 36.0 μM, P = 0.001, d.f. = 63, analysis of variance). The free magnesium level (rs = −0.5431, P = 0.001) and the phosphocreatine/inorganic phosphate ratio in males (rs = −0.4102, P = 0.018), and the phosphocreatine/inorganic phosphate ratio in females (rs = −0.4759, P = 0.009) fell with the increasing Minnesota Heart Health Program Questionnaire score.
Tuned fiducial markers to identify body locations with minimal perturbation of tissue magnetization
Authors: Burl Michael , Coutts Glyn A. , Young Ian R.
Published: June 2010

A fiducial marker is described in which a small cell containing a short T1 solution is surrounded by single‐ or quadrature‐tuned windings. It is shown how these can be used to enhance small externally applied RF pulses, which do not significantly perturb the magnetization of the tissue, to excite the fiducial sample, and get substantial signals from it. The fiducials can be used to mark locations on the body unambiguously for, for example, frameless stereotaxy, and to identify coils, catheters, or other inserted devices.
1H MRS of intramyocellular lipids in soleus muscle at 7 T: Spectral simplification by using long echo times without water suppression
Authors: Ren Jimin , Sherry A. Dean , Malloy Craig R.
Published: June 2010

The popular short echo time 1H MR spectroscopy acquisition method for detection of intramyocellular lipids suffers from spectral overlap due to the large, broad, and asymmetric extramyocellular lipid signals, the time‐consuming practice of selecting “lean” voxels for spectroscopy, and the overlap of the extramyocellular lipid signal with the creatine methyl 1H signal at ∼3 parts per million (ppm), commonly used as an internal standard. Using an alternative acquisition strategy, spectra with well‐resolved intramyocellular lipids resonances were acquired from large volumes (10 to 15 mL) of human soleus muscle in less than 5 min by single‐voxel 7‐T 1H MR spectroscopy, using an echo time of 280 ms. From the high‐resolution spectra, an average intramyocellular lipid concentration of 7.7 ± 3.5 mmol/kg muscle was found for 25 healthy subjects (male/female 17/8; age 29.4 ± 6.6 years). Since water suppression was not required, the 1H signals from unsaturated intracellular triglycerides at about 5.3 ppm were easily detected, which, in combination with the well‐determined (CH2)n/CH3 intensity ratio at long echo time, enabled assessment of the composition of triglycerides in the intramyocellular lipids compartment. Long‐echo single‐voxel spectroscopy at 7 T offers rapid and convenient acquisition of high‐resolution spectra from human soleus muscle. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiphase pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (MP‐PCASL) for robust quantification of cerebral blood flow
Authors: Jung Youngkyoo , Wong Eric C. , Liu Thomas T.
Published: June 2010

Pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) has been demonstrated to provide the sensitivity of the continuous arterial spin labeling method while overcoming many of the limitations of that method. Because the specification of the phases in the radiofrequency pulse train in PCASL defines the tag and control conditions of the flowing arterial blood, its tagging efficiency is sensitive to factors, such as off‐resonance fields, that induce phase mismatches between the radiofrequency pulses and the flowing spins. As a result, the quantitative estimation of cerebral blood flow with PCASL can exhibit a significant amount of error when these factors are not taken into account. In this paper, the sources of the tagging efficiency loss are characterized and a novel PCASL method that utilizes multiple phase offsets is proposed to reduce the tagging efficiency loss in PCASL. Simulations are performed to evaluate the feasibility and the performance of the proposed method. Quantitative estimates of cerebral blood flow obtained with multiple phase offset PCASL are compared to estimates obtained with conventional PCASL and pulsed arterial spin labeling. Our results show that multiple phase offset PCASL provides robust cerebral blood flow quantification while retaining much of the sensitivity advantage of PCASL. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Magnetic resonance elastography as a method for the assessment of effective myocardial stiffness throughout the cardiac cycle
Authors: Kolipaka Arunark , Araoz Philip A. , McGee Kiaran P. , Manduca Armando , Ehman Richard L.
Published: June 2010

MR elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive technique in which images of externally generated waves propagating in tissue are used to measure stiffness. The first aim is to determine, from a range of driver configurations, the optimal driver for the purpose of generating waves within the heart in vivo. The second aim is to quantify the shear stiffness of normal myocardium throughout the cardiac cycle using MRE and to compare MRE stiffness to left ventricular chamber pressure in an in vivo pig model. MRE was performed in six pigs with six different driver setups, including no motion, three noninvasive drivers, and two invasive drivers. MRE wave displacement amplitudes were calculated for each driver. During the same MRI examination, left ventricular pressure and MRI‐measured left ventricular volume were obtained, and MRE myocardial stiffness was calculated for 20 phases of the cardiac cycle. No discernible waves were imaged when no external motion was applied, and a single pneumatic drum driver produced higher amplitude waves than the other noninvasive drivers (P < 0.05). Pressure–volume loops overlaid onto stiffness–volume loops showed good visual agreement. Pressure and MRE‐measured effective stiffness showed good correlation (R2 = 0.84). MRE shows potential as a noninvasive method for estimating effective myocardial stiffness throughout the cardiac cycle. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management of red cell alloimmunisation in pregnancy: the non‐invasive monitoring of the disease
Authors: Illanes Sebastian , Soothill Peter
Published: June 2010

Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) due to red cell alloimmunization was a significant cause of fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality until the introduction of anti‐D immunoglobulin, which has dramatically changed the incidence of the disease. However, it is still a major problem in affected pregnancies. The emphasis of current clinical management has shifted from an invasive approach to non‐invasive monitoring of the disease. The key elements of the modern management are determining which fetuses are at risk of HDFN with the use of cell‐free fetal DNA in maternal plasma (fetalRHDgenotype) and the follow‐up of antigen positive fetuses by Doppler ultrasonography to detect anaemia severe enough to need treatment. When anaemia is suspected, an invasive approach is still required in a timely manner for confirmation of the degree of anaemia and to administer blood transfusions. This non‐invasive approach prevents unnecessary administration of human‐derived blood products, with the consequent ethical and cost implications and most importantly avoids iatrogenic conversion of mild to severe disease by avoiding need for techniques such as amniocentesis. The potential problem of the non‐invasive approach is the reduction in the total number of invasive procedures, with the subsequent difficulty of maintaining the skills required to perform them. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis at 20 years
Authors: Simpson Joe Leigh
Published: June 2010

First reported in 1990, PGD has evolved into a complementary form of prenatal diagnosis offering novel indications. DNA for PGD can be recovered with equal safety and facility from polar bodies I and II, blastomere (8 cell embryo) and trophectoderm (5–6 day blastocyst). Diagnostic accuracy is very high (>99%) for both chromosomal abnormalities and single gene disorders. Traditional application of FISH with chromosome specific probes for detecting aneuploidy and translocations may be replaced or complemented by array comparative genome hybridization (array CGH); biopsied embryos can now be cryopreserved (vitrification) while analysis proceeds in orderly fashion. PGD has been accomplished for over 200 different single gene disorders. Novel indications for PGD not readily applicable by traditional prenatal genetic diagnosis include avoiding clinical pregnancy termination, performing preconceptional diagnosis (polar body I), obtaining prenatal diagnosis without disclosure of prenatal genotype (nondisclosure), diagnosing adult‐onset disorders particularly cancer, and identifying HLA compatible embryos suitable for recovering umbilical cord blood stem cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The making of fetal surgery
Authors: Deprest Jan A. , Flake Alan W. , Gratacos Eduard , Ville Yves , Hecher Kurt , Nicolaides Kypros , Johnson Mark P. , Luks François I. , Adzick N. Scott , Harrison Michael R.
Published: June 2010

Fetal diagnosis prompts the question for fetal therapy in highly selected cases. Some conditions are suitable for in utero surgical intervention. This paper reviews historically important steps in the development of fetal surgery. The first invasive fetal intervention in 1963 was an intra‐uterine blood transfusion. It took another 20 years to understand the pathophysiology of other candidate fetal conditions and to develop safe anaesthetic and surgical techniques before the team at the University of California at San Francisco performed its first urinary diversion through hysterotomy. This procedure would be abandoned as renal and pulmonary function could be just as effectively salvaged by ultrasound‐guided insertion of a bladder shunt. Fetoscopy is another method for direct access to the feto‐placental unit. It was historically used for fetal visualisation to guide biopsies or for vascular access but was also abandoned following the introduction of high‐resolution ultrasound. Miniaturisation revived fetoscopy in the 1990s, since when it has been successfully used to operate on the placenta and umbilical cord. Today, it is also used in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), in whom lung growth is triggered by percutaneous tracheal occlusion. It can also be used to diagnose and treat urinary obstruction. Many fetal interventions remain investigational but for a number of conditions randomised trials have established the role of in utero surgery, making fetal surgery a clinical reality in a number of fetal therapy programmes. The safety of fetal surgery is such that even non‐lethal conditions, such as myelomeningocoele repair, are at this moment considered a potential indication. This, as well as fetal intervention for CDH, is currently being investigated in randomised trials. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.