bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methane Production and Isotopic Fingerprinting in Ethanol Fuel Contaminated Sites
Authors: Freitas Juliana G. , Fletcher Barbara , Aravena Ramon , Barker James F.
Published: January 2010

Biodegradation of organic compounds in groundwater can be a significant source of methane in contaminated sites. Methane might accumulate in indoor spaces posing a hazard. The increasing use of ethanol as a gasoline additive is a concern with respect to methane production since it is easily biodegraded and has a high oxygen demand, favoring the development of anaerobic conditions. This study evaluated the use of stable carbon isotopes to distinguish the methane origin between gasoline and ethanol biodegradation, and assessed the occurrence of methane in ethanol fuel contaminated sites. Two microcosm tests were performed under anaerobic conditions: one test using ethanol and the other using toluene as the sole carbon source. The isotopic tool was then applied to seven field sites known to be impacted by ethanol fuels. In the microcosm tests, it was verified that methane from ethanol (δ13C = −11.1‰) is more enriched in 13C, with δ13C values ranging from −20‰ to −30‰, while the methane from toluene (δ13C = −28.5‰) had a carbon isotopic signature of −55‰. The field samples had δ13C values varying over a wide range (−10‰ to −80‰), and the δ13C values allowed the methane source to be clearly identified in five of the seven ethanol/gasoline sites. In the other two sites, methane appears to have been produced from both sources. Both gasoline and ethanol were sources of methane in potentially hazardous concentrations and methane could be produced from organic acids originating from ethanol along the groundwater flow system even after all the ethanol has been completed biodegraded.
Interpolation of Steady‐State Concentration Data by Inverse Modeling
Authors: Schwede Ronnie L. , Cirpka Olaf A.
Published: January 2010

In most groundwater applications, measurements of concentration are limited in number and sparsely distributed within the domain of interest. Therefore, interpolation techniques are needed to obtain most likely values of concentration at locations where no measurements are available. For further processing, for example, in environmental risk analysis, interpolated values should be given with uncertainty bounds, so that a geostatistical framework is preferable. Linear interpolation of steady‐state concentration measurements is problematic because the dependence of concentration on the primary uncertain material property, the hydraulic conductivity field, is highly nonlinear, suggesting that the statistical interrelationship between concentration values at different points is also nonlinear. We suggest interpolating steady‐state concentration measurements by conditioning an ensemble of the underlying log‐conductivity field on the available hydrological data in a conditional Monte Carlo approach. Flow and transport simulations for each conditional conductivity field must meet the measurements within their given uncertainty. The ensemble of transport simulations based on the conditional log‐conductivity fields yields conditional statistical distributions of concentration at points between observation points. This method implicitly meets physical bounds of concentration values and non‐Gaussianity of their statistical distributions and obeys the nonlinearity of the underlying processes. We validate our method by artificial test cases and compare the results to kriging estimates assuming different conditional statistical distributions of concentration. Assuming a beta distribution in kriging leads to estimates of concentration with zero probability of concentrations below zero or above the maximal possible value; however, the concentrations are not forced to meet the advection‐dispersion equation.
An update on steroid responsive meningitis‐arteritis
Authors: Tipold A. , Schatzberg S. J.
Published: January 2010

Steroid responsive meningitis‐arteriitis (SRMA) is an immunemediated disorder commonly recognised in dogs in small animal practice. Two different forms of SRMA may occur. The typical, acute form of SRMA is characterised by cervical rigidity, pain, pyrexia and a polymorphonuclear pleocytosis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In a less common, chronic form of SRMA, additional neurological deficits consistent with a spinal cord or a multi‐focal neurological disorder may be present, often accompanied by a mononuclear CSF pleocytosis. The prognosis for young dogs in the acute stage of SRMA is relatively good with early and aggressive anti‐inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapy. In more protracted, relapsing cases of SRMA the prognosis is guarded, and therapy requires more aggressive, long term immunosuppression. The complete etiopathogenesis of SRMA is unknown; however, an aberrant immune response directed against the central nervous system (CNS) is most likely. Neutrophilic pleocytosis in SRMA seems to be facilitated by chemotactic factors in the CSF and upregulation of integrins and metalloproteinases that disrupt the blood brain barrier. Upregulation of IgA, induced by a Th2 immune response, also plays a central role in the pathogenesis of SRMA.
Diagnosis and surgical resection of a choroid plexus cyst in a dog
Authors: Brewer D. M. , Cerda‐Gonzalez S. , Dewey C. W. , Coates J. R.
Published: January 2010

A three‐year‐old neutered male toy fox terrier presented for a Chiari‐like malformation. No neurological deficits were found on examination, although diffuse cervical, thoracolumbar and head pain were present. A mass within the fourth ventricle was apparent on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. The lesion was hyperintense to brain parenchyma on T2‐weighted images, hypointense on T1‐weighted images and there was strong, homogeneous contrast enhancement. The cystic mass was removed through a suboccipital craniectomy. Histopathology was consistent with a choroid plexus cyst. The dog recovered well from the procedure and was clinically normal three months after surgery. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first description of the appearance of a choroid plexus cyst on MRI in a dog and of its surgical removal. Although they are an uncommon finding, choroid plexus cysts should be considered as a differential diagnosis for mass lesions within the fourth ventricle.
Coombs’, haemoplasma and retrovirus testing in feline anaemia
Authors: Tasker S. , Murray J. K. , Knowles T. G. , Day M. J.
Published: January 2010

Objective: To investigate the associations between Coombs’ testing, haemoplasma and retroviral infections, and feline anaemia.

Methods: Haematology, Coombs’ testing (including assessment of persistent autoagglutination) and selected infection testing (haemoplasma, feline leukaemia virus/feline immunodeficiency virus provirus) were performed in blood samples collected from 60 anaemic and 60 non‐anaemic cats.

Results: No association between infection and anaemia or Coombs’ positivity existed. Anaemic cats (21.7%) were significantly more likely than non‐anaemic cats (0%) to have cold autoagglutination (P<0.0001), but significance (set at ≤0.0025 due to multiple testing) was not quite reached when Coombs’ positivity was compared between anaemic (40.4% and 21.7% positive at 4°C and 37°C, respectively) and non‐anaemic (20% and 3.3% positive, P=0.021 and P=0.004, at 4°C and 37°C, respectively) cats. Cats with immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia were significantly more likely to have persistent cold autoagglutination (P<0.0001) and be Coombs’ positive at 37°C with polyvalent (P<0.0001), immunoglobulin (Ig)G (P<0.0001) or any antiserum (P<0.0001). Haemoplasmas and retroviruses were uncommonly detected.

ClinicalSignificance: Cats suspected of having immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia should be evaluated for persistent autoagglutination at 4°C as well as performing Coombs’ testing at 37°C, but positive results may occur in with other forms of anaemia. Testing for erythrocyte‐bound antibodies should always be interpreted in parallel with documentation of haemolysis in anaemic cats.
Experimental inoculation of pigs with pandemic H1N1 2009 virus and HI cross‐reactivity with contemporary swine influenza virus antisera
Authors: Vincent Amy L. , Lager Kelly M. , Faaberg Kay S. , Harland Michelle , Zanella Eraldo L. , Ciacci‐Zanella Janice R. , Kehrli Jr Marcus E. , Janke Bruce H. , Klimov Alexander
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: Vincent et al. (2010) Experimental inoculation of pigs with pandemic H1N1 2009 virus and HI cross‐reactivity with contemporary swine influenza virus antisera. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(2), 53–60

Background  A novel A/H1N1 was identified in the human population in North America in April 2009. The gene constellation of the virus was a combination from swine influenza A viruses (SIV) of North American and Eurasian lineages that had never before been identified in swine or other species.

Objectives  The objectives were to (i) evaluate the clinical response of swine following experimental inoculation with pandemic H1N1 2009; (ii) assess serologic cross‐reactivity between H1N1 2009 and contemporary SIV antisera; and (iii) develop a molecular assay to differentiate North American‐lineage SIV from H1N1 2009.

Methods  Experiment 1: Weaned pigs were experimentally infected with A/California/04/2009 (H1N1). Experiment 2: The cross‐reactivity of a panel of US SIV H1N1 or H1N2 antisera with three isolates of pandemic A/H1N1 was evaluated. Experiment 3: A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based diagnostic test was developed and validated on samples from experimentally infected pigs.

Results and Conclusions  In experiment 1, all inoculated pigs demonstrated clinical signs and lesions similar to those induced by endemic SIV. Viable virus and antigen were only detected in the respiratory tract. In experiment 2, serologic cross‐reactivity was limited against H1N1 2009 isolates, notably among virus antisera from the same HA phylogenetic cluster. The limited cross‐reactivity suggests North American pigs may not be fully protected against H1N1 2009 from previous exposure or vaccination and novel tests are needed to rapidly diagnose the introduction of H1N1 2009. In experiment 3, an RT–PCR test that discriminates between H1N1 2009 and endemic North American SIV was developed and validated on clinical samples.
Evaluation of Natural Antimicrobials on Typical Meat Spoilage Bacteria In Vitro and in Vacuum‐Packed Pork Meat
Authors: Schirmer Bjørn Christian , Langsrud Solveig
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT:  The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of natural antimicrobials on the growth of typical spoilage bacteria from marinated pork. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of thymol, cinnamaldehyde, allyl isothiocyanate, citric acid, ascorbic acid, a rosemary extract, and a grapefruit seed extract against Lactobacillus algidus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc carnosum, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Carnobacterium divergens, Brochothrix thermosphacta, and Serratia proteamaculans were determined in a microplate assay. Combinations of antimicrobials were tested and several combinations showed synergistic effects in inhibiting bacterial growth. Single and combined antimicrobials were added to vacuum‐packed pork meat to evaluate preserving effects. Antimicrobial concentrations of up to 10 times the MIC values showed no effect on total bacterial growth in vacuum packed pork meaning that although most antimicrobials inhibited the growth of spoilage bacteria in vitro, results from the microplate assay could not be transferred to the meat system. Most natural antimicrobials possess strong odor and flavor that limit their use as a food preservative. In conclusion, this study showed that the use of natural antimicrobials in meat products is limited and that bacterial quality and shelf life was not enhanced under the chosen conditions.
Frozen Beef Contamination after Exposure to Low Levels of Ammonia Gas
Authors: Karim F. , Hijaz F. , Kastner C.L. , Smith J.S.
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT:  Regulations and publications about food contaminated during ammonia refrigerant leaks provide limited information and recommendations, which means that contaminated products are often held for an indeterminate period or condemned. Moreover, the scientific literature offers little guidance on disposing of products exposed to low levels of ammonia refrigerant gas. We evaluated meat contaminated with low levels of ammonia under frozen storage conditions. Fresh beef semitendinosus muscles were trimmed of external fat; fabricated into 10 × 5 × 2.3 cm (height × width × depth) steaks; and exposed to 50, 100, 250, and 500 ppm ammonia gas (85 mL/min) in a plexiglass enclosure contained in a freezer for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h at −17 ± 3 °C. Ammonia content in meat was analyzed by the indophenol method, and pH was measured according to AOAC official method 981.12. Ammonia levels and pH values increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the exposed meat with increasing exposure times and ammonia concentrations. Ammonia levels were 34.2, 51.5, 81.1, and 116 ppm, and pH values ranged from 5.56 to 5.75 (control range 5.31 to 5.43) when the meat was exposed to 50, 100, 250, 500 ppm for 48 h. Our results showed that meat ammonia content was low even with ammonia exposures as high as 500 ppm at freezing temperatures.
Effects of Phytases and Dehulling Treatments on In Vitro Iron and Zinc Bioavailability in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Flour and Legume Fractions
Authors: Luo Yuwei , Xie Weihua , Cui Qunxiang
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT:  In vitro digestions were performed on faba bean flours with decreased phytate contents and on 2 dephytinized or nondephytinized faba bean fractions, a dehulled faba bean fraction, and a hull fraction with low and high fiber and tannin contents, respectively. In vitro bioavailability iron and zinc was defined as the relative amount of iron and zinc that became soluble after enzymatic treatment. Faba bean samples were sequentially digested with enzymes, including amylase, pepsin, pancreatin, and bile, under certain conditions following the enzymatic degradation procedure. Iron and zinc in vitro bioavailability of whole faba bean flours were significantly improved by phytate degradation, even if the phytate were not all degraded. Total dephytinization of dehulled faba bean led to an obvious increase in iron and zinc in vitro bioavailability, but that of hulls had no effect on either iron or zinc in vitro bioavailability. Fibers and tannins other than phytate are more important in chelating a high proportion of iron and zinc in faba bean hulls.
Atorvastatin Decreases C‐Reactive Protein‐Induced Inflammatory Response in Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells by Inhibiting Nuclear Factor‐κB Pathway
Authors: Li Jie , Li Jian‐Jun , He Jian‐Guo , Nan Jing‐long , Guo Yuan‐lin , Xiong Chang‐ming
Published: January 2010

C‐reactive protein (CRP) is well‐known inflammatory marker, and recognized as a risk predictor of pulmonary arterial diseases. Although statins have a beneficial effect in animal models and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the underlying mechanisms of their actions have less been investigated. The aims of this study was to examined the effects of CRP on expressions of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and the possible mechanisms of atorvastatin on CRP‐induced IL‐6 and MCP‐1 production in cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). In a preliminary study, the human PASMCs were stimulated by a variety of concentrations of CRP (5–200 μg/mL) at different time points (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 h) for the purpose of determining the dose‐ and time‐dependent effects of CRP on inflammatory response of the cells. Then, the cells were pre‐incubated for 2 h with atorvastatin (0.1–10 μmol/L) in the presence of CRP. The supernatant levels of both IL‐6 and MCP‐1 secretion were examined by ELISA. The cellular mRNA expressions of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activity were determined by real‐time reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), respectively. CRP resulted in elevated IL‐6 and MCP‐1 secretion and mRNA expression in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. In addition, CRP also significantly activated the NF‐κB pathway. Preincubation with 0.1–10 μmol/L of atorvastatin significantly decreased the secretions of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 induced by CRP. Moreover, 10 μmol/L of atorvastatin completely abrogated CRP‐induced increase in IL‐6 and MCP‐1 by attenuating the activation of NF‐κB. The present study demonstrated that inhibiting effect of atorvastatin on CRP‐induced inflammatory response in cultured PASMCs was associated with NF‐κB pathway. This pathway might represent a promising target for controlling CRP‐induced inflammatory response in pulmonary arterial diseases.
Dronedarone: Current Evidence and Future Questions
Authors: Schafer Jeremy A. , Kjesbo Nicole K. , Gleason Patrick P.
Published: January 2010

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, affecting more than 2.2 million Americans. ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines for the management of patients with AF recommend amiodarone for maintaining sinus rhythm. Dronedarone is a derivative of amiodarone indicated for the treatment of AF. To provide an overview of dronedarone with a focus on the phase III trials and discuss unresolved questions of dronedarone. A literature search was conducted via the PubMed database using the keyword “dronedarone.” Search was limited to human trials in english. The FDA website was searched for briefing documents and subcommittee meetings on dronedarone. Clinicaltrials.gov was searched with the keyword dronedarone for upcoming or unpublished clinical trials. Five phase III trials are available for dronedarone: ANDROMEDA, EURIDIS/ADONIS, ATHENA, ERATO, and DIONYSIS. EURIDIS/ADONIS and ATHENA demonstrated a reduction AF recurrence with dronedarone compared to placebo. The ANDROMEDA trial recruited patients with recent hospitalization for heart failure and was terminated due to an excess of deaths in the dronedarone group. The DIONYSIS trial was a comparative effectiveness trial that demonstrated less efficacy for dronedarone but improved tolerability compared to amiodarone. Dronedarone represents an option in the management of AF in select patients. Dronedarone is not appropriate in patients with recently decompensated heart failure or those treated with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or medications prolonging the QT interval. Dronedarone appears to have improved tolerability at the expense of decreased efficacy when compared to amiodarone. Questions remain on the long‐term safety, use in patients with heart failure, retreatment after dronedarone or amiodarone failure, and comparative efficacy with a rate control strategy.
Erectile Dysfunction in High‐Risk Hypertensive Patients Treated with Beta‐Blockade Agents
Authors: Cordero Alberto , Bertomeu‐Martínez Vicente , Mazón Pilar , Fácila Lorenzo , Bertomeu‐González Vicente , Conthe Pedro , González‐Juanatey José Ramón
Published: January 2010

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multifactorial disease related to age, vascular disease, psychological disorders, or medical treatments. Beta‐blockade agents are the recommended treatment for hypertensive patients with some specific organ damage but have been outlined as one of leading causes of drug‐related ED, although differences between beta‐blockade agents have not been assessed. Methods: Cross‐sectional and observational study of hypertensive male subjects treated with any beta‐blockade agent for at least 6 months. ED dysfunction was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF). Results: 1.007 patients, mean age 57.9 (10.59) years, were included. The prevalence of any category of ED was 71.0% (38.1% mild ED; 16.8% moderate ED; 16.1% severe ED). Patients with ED had longer time since the diagnosis of hypertension and higher prevalence of risk factors and comorbidities. The prevalence of ED increased linearly with age. ED patients received more medications and were more frequently treated with carvedilol and less frequently with nebivolol. Patients treated with nebivolol obtained higher scores in every parameter of the IIEF questionnaire. The multivariate analysis identified independent associations between ED and coronary heart disease (OR: 1.57), depression (OR: 2.25), diabetes (OR: 2.27), atrial fibrillation (OR: 2.59), and dyhidopiridines calcium channel blockers (OR: 1.76); treatment with nebivolol was associated to lower prevalence of ED (OR: 0.27). Conclusion: ED is highly prevalent in hypertensive patients treated with beta‐blockade agents. The presence of ED is associated with more extended organ damage and not to cardiovascular treatments, except for the lower prevalence in nebivolol‐treated patients.
Inflammatory Signaling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The Controversial Role of CRP, and the Search for New Therapies
Authors: Maciocia Paul M.
Published: January 2010

A greater understanding of the mechanisms behind the development of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension remains crucial
Hypertensive Medication and Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Hackett Dr Geoff
Published: January 2010

The reality is that routine questioning would uncover a high prevalence of undiagnosed ED
Proanthocyanidin derived from the leaves of Vaccinium virgatum suppresses platelet‐derived growth factor‐induced proliferation of the human hepatic stellate cell line LI90
Authors: Takami Yoichiro , Uto Hirofumi , Takeshita Masahiko , Kai Hisahiro , Akamatsu Ena , Moriuchi Akihiro , Hasegawa Susumu , Oketani Makoto , Ido Akio , Kataoka Hiroaki , Tsubouchi Hirohito
Published: January 2010

Aim:  Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation plays a pivotal role in liver fibrogenesis, and agents that suppress HSC activation, including platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐induced HSC proliferation, are good candidates for antifibrogenic therapies. In this report, we use the LI90 HSC line to elucidate the antifibrogenic effects of proanthocyanidin derived from the leaves of Vaccinium virgatum.

Methods:  Proanthocyanidin (PAC) was extracted from the leaves of blueberry V. virgatum (BB‐PAC), grape seeds (GS‐PAC) and Croton lechleri (CL‐PAC). These extracts were examined for their effects on PDGF‐BB‐induced LI90 cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt phosphorylation and PDGF receptor‐β (PDGFR‐β) expression were evaluated by western blot analysis.

Results:  BB‐PAC potently suppressed PDGF‐BB‐induced proliferation and DNA synthesis of LI90 cells. BB‐PAC also suppressed PDGF‐BB‐induced DNA synthesis in primary cultured rat HSC. Moreover, GS‐PAC and CL‐PAC suppressed PDGF‐BB‐induced DNA synthesis in LI90 cells. In contrast, the monomeric PAC catechin and epicatechin and dimeric PAC procyanidin B2 only slightly suppressed PDGF‐BB‐induced DNA synthesis. Western blot analysis showed that BB‐PAC completely or partially inhibited PDGF‐BB‐induced ERK and Akt phosphorylation, respectively. In addition, BB‐PAC partially inhibited the PDGF‐BB‐induced degradation of PDGFR‐β.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that BB‐PAC suppresses activated HSC by inhibiting the PDGF signaling pathway. In addition, these results provide novel findings that may facilitate the development of antifibrogenic agents.
Spur cells and spur cell anemia in hospitalized patients with advanced liver disease: Incidence and correlation with disease severity and survival
Authors: Vassiliadis Themistoklis , Mpoumponaris Alexander , Vakalopoulou Sofia , Giouleme Olga , Gkissakis Dimitrios , Grammatikos Nikolaos , Soufleris Konstantinos , Kakafika Anna , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Patsiaoura Kaliopi , Papanikolaou Vassilios , Evgenidis Nikolaos
Published: January 2010

Aim:  Spur cell anemia (SCA) is a form of acquired hemolytic anemia seen in patients with advanced cirrhosis and particularly in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of spur cells and spur cell anemia in patients with advanced liver disease and to correlate the presence of spur cell anemia with survival.

Methods:  During a 33‐month period, all patients with advanced cirrhosis (Child–Pugh–Turcott score [CPT]≥7] who were hospitalized in our department for various reasons were included in this study.

Results:  A total of 54 patients were included in the study; 26 patients had spur cells on peripheral blood smear (median 4, range 1–14). Patients with spur cells had more advanced liver disease compared with those without spur cells (CPT score, P < 0.0001 and MELD score, P < 0.0001), lower hemoglobin levels (P < 0.0001), higher bilirubin levels (total/unconjugated, P < 0.0001), higher reticulocyte count (P < 0.0001) and more prolonged international normalized ratio (INR; P < 0.0001). Patients with 5% spur cells or more had more advanced disease compared with patients with 1–4% spur cells (CPT score, P = 0.004 and MELD score, P = 0.003), lower hemoglobin levels (P = 0.033), more elevated bilirubin levels (total/unconjugated, P = 0.006) and more prolonged INR (P = 0.04). Three‐month survival was lower in patients with spur cells compared with patients without spur cells (P = 0.017 and P = 0.104, respectively). Patients with 5% spur cells or more had lower 3‐month survival compared with those with 1–4% spur cells (P = 0.014).

Conclusion:  Presence of spur cells in patients with advanced cirrhosis is not always accompanied by spur cell anemia. The presence of 5% spur cells or more and/or hemolytic anemia is associated with poor prognosis and these patients might have to be given priority for liver transplantation.
Postoperative surveillance with monthly serum tumor markers after living‐donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yamashiki Noriyo , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Tamura Sumihito , Tateishi Ryosuke , Yoshida Haruhiko , Kaneko Junichi , Matsui Yuichi , Togashi Junichi , Akahane Masaaki , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Omata Masao , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: January 2010

Aim:  Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation decreases patient survival. The usefulness of post‐transplant surveillance with tumor markers, however, is not clear. We evaluated our cumulative experience with recurrent HCC detected during post‐transplant surveillance.

Methods:  We analyzed 100 patients with HCC detected in the explanted liver. Monthly to bimonthly measurement of tumor markers and yearly computed tomography were scheduled postoperatively.

Results:  Preoperatively, 82 met the Milan criteria. The histological findings indicated that 61 fulfilled the Milan criteria. In nine patients, HCC recurred 10 months (2–29) after liver transplantation in the graft (n = 1), lung (n = 2), bone (n = 3) and multiple organs (n = 3). In all nine recipients, HCC was first suspected based on an increase in tumor marker levels. Recurrent HCC was confirmed by computed tomography (n = 7) or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 2) within 4 months (0–6) after first identifying an increase in the tumor marker levels. Six cases were treated surgically, two of which achieved prolonged survival of 16 and 38 months.

Conclusion:  Frequent measurement of α‐fetoprotein and des‐γ carboxy prothrombin was useful for detecting recurrent HCC and may be useful long‐term follow‐up markers for post‐transplant surveillance.
Comparison between quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e‐antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA levels for predicting virological response to pegylated interferon‐α‐2b therapy in hepatitis B e‐antigen‐positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Tangkijvanich Pisit , Komolmit Piyawat , Mahachai Varocha , Sa‐nguanmoo Pattaratida , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Poovorawan Yong
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to compare the clinical applicability of quantitative serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA for predicting virological response (VR) to pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) therapy.

Methods:  Thirty HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients who received PEG‐IFN‐α‐2b for 48 weeks were enrolled. Quantitative HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA were measured before, during and after the therapy. Paired liver biopsies were performed before and after treatment for covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA and intrahepatic HBV DNA analysis.

Results:  VR at 48 weeks post‐treatment, defined as HBeAg seroconversion and HBV DNA less than 10 000 copies/mL was achieved in 10 (33.3%) patients. Responders had significantly lower baseline HBsAg, HBeAg, cccDNA and intrahepatic HBV DNA levels than non‐responders. Baseline and reduced levels of log10 HBsAg and log10 HBeAg correlated well with those of log10 cccDNA and log10 total intrahepatic HBV DNA. Responders showed consistent decrease in serum HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA levels during therapy. HBeAg level of 2.0 log10 sample to cut‐off ratio at week 24 on therapy provided the best prediction of sustained virological response, with sensitivity and negative predictive values of 85% and 92%, respectively. One patient (3.3%) who cleared HBsAg at follow up exhibited a more rapid decline in serum HBsAg during therapy than those who developed VR without HBsAg clearance.

Conclusion:  Quantitative measurement of serum HBeAg during therapy may be superior to serum HBsAg and HBV DNA as a prediction of HBeAg seroconversion. Kinetics of HBsAg levels on therapy may help predict HBsAg clearance after treatment.
Histological findings in the livers of patients with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency
Authors: Kimura Akihiko , Kage Masayoshi , Nagata Ikuo , Mushiake Sotaro , Ohura Toshihiro , Tazawa Yusaku , Maisawa Shunichi , Tomomasa Takeshi , Abukawa Daiki , Okano Yoshiyuki , Sumazaki Ryo , Takayanagi Masaki , Tamamori Akiko , Yorifuji Tohru , Yamato Yasuhiko , Maeda Kohji , Matsushita Masami , Matsuishi Toyojiro , Tanikawa Ken , Kobayashi Keiko , Saheki Takeyori
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To characterize the histological features of the livers of patients with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD), we studied specimens from 30 patients diagnosed with NICCD by genetically analyzing the SLC25A13 gene.

Methods:  Liver biopsy specimens were subjected to hematoxylin–eosin, Azan, and Berlin‐blue staining.

Results:  Most specimens showed varying degrees of fibrosis. The degree of inflammation varied among the specimens, with half showing moderate or severe inflammatory changes. Fat deposition in hepatocytes was observed in almost all of the specimens, and severe fatty liver was noted in 20 (67%) of them. There was a mixture of two types of hepatocytes with macrovesicular or microvesicular fat droplets, and cholestasis was observed at a rate of 77%. Hemosiderin deposition, mostly mild and localized in periportal hepatocytes and macrophages in portal areas, was observed in 57% of the specimens.

Conclusion:  A combination of mixed macrovesicular and microvesicular fatty hepatocytes and the above‐described findings, such as fatty liver, cholestasis, necroinflammatory reaction and iron deposition, are almost never observed in other liver diseases in infants and adults. We believe that NICCD is a disease with characteristic hepatopathological features.
Serum HGF and TGF‐β1 levels after right portal vein embolization
Authors: Hayashi Hiromitsu , Beppu Toru , Sugita Hiroki , Masuda Toshiro , Okabe Hirohisa , Takamori Hiroshi , Baba Hideo
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The changes in the serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐beta1 levels after portal vein embolization (PVE), and their clinical significance, remain unclear and we aimed to assess their relationship.

Methods:  The serum HGF and TGF‐beta1 levels were prospectively measured in 22 patients before and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 day after right PVE. Computed tomographic volumetry was performed before and at a mean of 26 ± 4 days after right PVE.

Results:  Three to four weeks after right PVE, the volume of embolized lobe significantly decreased from 704 ± 157 cm3 before PVE to 539 ± 168 cm3 after PVE (P < 0.001). In contrast, the volume of nonembolized lobe significantly increased from 426 ± 142 cm3 to 560 ± 165 cm3 (P < 0.001). The serum HGF level significantly increased on day 3 after PVE compared with the pretreatment level (P = 0.005), while the serum TGF‐beta1 level significantly decreased and reached its lowest value on day 3 (P = 0.002). Using Pearson's correlation analysis, we found that the serum HGF and TGF‐beta1 levels on day 14 negatively associated with the large hypertrophic response in the nonembolized lobe (HGF: r = −0.490, P = 0.021; TGF‐beta1: r = −0.473, P = 0.026).

Conclusions:  PVE induced an increase in the serum HGF level and reduced the serum TGF‐beta1 level. Measurement of serum HGF and TGF‐beta1 levels on day 14 after right PVE may be useful for assessment of the future liver hypertrophy in nonembolized lobe after right PVE.
Advantage of IFN‐β/α2b same‐day administration for ribavirin‐intolerant patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Tomita Eiichi , Ando Kazuki , Sugihara Jun‐ichi , Nishigaki Youichi , Yamada Tetsuya , Ando Ryoko , Takemura Masao , Seishima Mitsuru
Published: January 2010

Aim:  Although interferon (IFN)/ribavirin is the mainstream combination treatment for chronic hepatitis C in patients with a high viral load, ribavirin is problematic for women of childbearing age and patients with anemia. Therefore we needed to establish a new regimen without ribavirin.

Methods:  We devised a new regimen (same‐day β/α2b) to administer IFN‐β and α2b on the same‐day, and compared it with IFN‐α2b alone and IFN‐α2b plus ribavirin. The cases were 36 patients (26.1%) in whom ribavirin could not be used (young women, anemia, etc.) among 138 patients who underwent IFN treatment after ribavirin release.

Results:  The percentages of patients withdrawing due to side‐effects were 6.8%, 18.8% and 17.0% in the treatment with same‐day β/α2b, IFN‐α2b alone and IFN‐α2b plus ribavirin groups, respectively. In genotype 1b, the sustained viral response (SVR) was 28.6% (4/14), 13.6% (3/22) and 25.0% (8/32) with a high viral load, and 91.7% (11/12), 27.3% (3/11) and 57.1% (4/7) with a low viral load for the respective groups. According to a study on viral half‐life during the early phase of IFN therapy, there was no difference among the regimens of same‐day IFN‐β/α2b, β alone, α2b alone and twice‐daily treatment with IFN‐β. Same‐day β/α2b treatment showed a significantly higher SVR rate in moving type patients with a genotype 1b/high viral load.

Conclusions:  Same‐day β/α2b treatment resulted in few cases where therapy was discontinued and showed a high SVR rate. This regimen is especially appropriate in cases where ribavirin has been deemed unsuitable.
A predictive model of response to peginterferon ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C using classification and regression tree analysis
Authors: Kurosaki Masayuki , Matsunaga Kotaro , Hirayama Itsuko , Tanaka Tomohiro , Sato Mitsuaki , Yasui Yutaka , Tamaki Nobuharu , Hosokawa Takanori , Ueda Ken , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Ikeda Hiroki , Itakura Jun , Takahashi Yuka , Asahina Yasuhiro , Higaki Megumu , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: January 2010

Aim:  Early disappearance of serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is the prerequisite for achieving sustained virological response (SVR) in peg‐interferon (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy for chronic hepatitis C. This study aimed to develop a decision tree model for the pre‐treatment prediction of response.

Methods:  Genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C treated with PEG‐IFN alpha‐2b and RBV were studied. Predictive factors of rapid or complete early virological response (RVR/cEVR) were explored in 400 consecutive patients using a recursive partitioning analysis, referred to as classification and regression tree (CART) and validated.

Results:  CART analysis identified hepatic steatosis (<30%) as the first predictor of response followed by low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (≥100 mg/dL), age (<50 and <60 years), blood sugar (<120 mg/dL), and gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) (<40 IU/L) and built decision tree model. The model consisted of seven groups with variable response rates from low (15%) to high (77%). The reproducibility of the model was confirmed by the independent validation group (r2 = 0.987). When reconstructed into three groups, the rate of RVR/cEVR was 16% for low probability group, 46% for intermediate probability group and 75% for high probability group.

Conclusions:  A decision tree model that includes hepatic steatosis, LDL‐C, age, blood sugar, and GGT may be useful for the prediction of response before PEG‐IFN plus RBV therapy, and has the potential to support clinical decisions in selecting patients for therapy and may provide a rationale for treating metabolic factors to improve the efficacy of antiviral therapy.
Antiretroviral therapy hepatotoxicity: Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics in a cohort of Han Chinese
Authors: Gao Shicheng , Gui Xi‐en , Deng Lipin , Zhang Yongxi , Liang Ke , Yang Rongrong , Yan Yajun , Rong Yupin
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To investigate the incidence and risk factors of hepatotoxicity in Han Chinese patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome on combined anti‐retroviral therapy (cART).

Methods:  A retrospective study was conducted.

Results:  Among 330 subjects on cART in the cohort, 75.2% infected HIV due to improper plasma donations, 67.3% was either hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) co‐infected and 46.4% had at least one episode of ALT elevation during a median 23 months follow‐up time. Baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation (P = 0.004, OR = 9.560), receiving nevirapine (NVP) based cART regimen (P = 0.007, OR = 2.470), HCV co‐infection (P = 0.000, OR = 3.433) were risk factors for cART related hepatotoxicity, while greater increased CD4+ T(CD4) cell count was protective against hepatotoxicity development (P = 0.000, OR = 0.996). Patients co‐infected with HCV who received NVP based cART had the greatest probability of hepatotoxicity (Log rank: x2 = 27.193, P = 0.000). Twenty‐five of the 153 subjects (16.3%) with cART related hepatotoxicity discontinued cART temporarily or shifted NVP to efavirenz (EFV). There was no difference in CD4 cell count (t = 0.526, P = 0.599), CD4 cell count change from baseline (t = 0.442, P = 0.659) and all‐cause mortality (x2 = 0.259, P = 0.611) between subjects with and without hepatotoxicity during a median 38 months of follow‐up time.

Conclusion:  cART induced hepatotoxicity was common among subjects in this cohort. Baseline ALT elevation, HCV co‐infection and the use of NVP based cART regimens were associated statistically with the development of hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity, led to some of the subjects discontinuing cART temporarily or switching to other regimens, had no impact on immune restore and survival in this cohort of patients during a median 38 months of follow‐up time.
The Advantages of an Inquiry Approach for Science Instruction in Middle Grades
Authors: Yager Robert E. , Akcay Hakan
Published: January 2010

The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the Iowa Chautauqua Professional Development Program in terms of changes in concept mastery, use of process skills, application of science concept and skills, student attitudes toward science, student creativity, and student perceptions regarding their science classrooms. Participants were 12 teachers who agreed to participate in an experimental study where an inquiry approach was utilized with one section and traditional strategies in another section. A total of 24 sections of students were enrolled in inquiry sections (365 students) and traditional sections (359 students). The data collected were analyzed using quantitative methods. The results are tabulated and contrasted for students enrolled in the two sections for each teacher. The results indicate that student use and understanding of science skills and concepts in the inquiry sections increased significantly more than they did for students enrolled in typical sections in terms of process skills, creativity skills, ability to apply science concepts, and the development of more positive attitudes.
Attribution in Mathematics: A Review of Literature
Authors: Shores Melanie L. , Smith Tommy
Published: January 2010

This review of literature covers attribution studies in mathematics from 1974 through 2008. Thus far, mathematics education research in this area has been rather limited over the past few years. Attribution is discussed as it is defined by researchers, as being internal or external and its relation to mathematics achievement. In order for teachers to understand why or what is causing a student to fall behind academically, it is important that they start with attribution and whether or not it is being related to an internal or external factor. Therefore, it is imperative that new studies examine in more detail attribution from a teacher perspective and how this may impact the teaching and learning within their own classroom. This direction of the research could prove to be even more useful for preservice teachers as they begin their journey of teaching and dealing with student success and failure.
How Preservice Teachers Interpret and Respond to Student Geometric Errors
Authors: Son Ji‐Won , Sinclair Nathalie
Published: January 2010

Recognizing and responding to students' thinking is essential in teaching mathematics, especially when students provide incorrect solutions. This study examined, through a teaching scenario task, elementary preservice teachers' interpretations of and responses to a student's work on a task involving reflective symmetry. Findings revealed that a majority of preservice teachers identified the student's errors from conceptual aspects of reflection rather than from procedural aspects. However, when they responded to the student's errors, preservice teachers tried to cope with them by invoking procedural knowledge. This study also revealed the three types of responses and two different forms of address by preservice teachers to student errors; these categories might provide insight into the difficulties arising in communication between students and teachers.
Reflective Tutoring: Insights into Preservice Teacher Learning
Authors: Stump Sheryl L.
Published: January 2010

An undergraduate seminar was designed to help preservice teachers focus on students' learning. Preservice teachers planned and conducted weekly tutoring sessions with fourth graders and discussed their experiences in weekly discussions. The author investigated what preservice teachers learned about teaching mathematics from their focus on students' learning of mathematics. The author examined the tasks that preservice teachers posed to children, the questions they asked of children, and the reflections they wrote about their experiences. The article describes what the preservice teachers learned from their experiences and provides insights into their knowledge and skills for developing children's mathematical power.
Field Operation and Track Tests of 1-kW Small Wind Turbine Under High Wind Conditions
Authors: Matsumiya Hikaru , Ito Ryosuke , Kawakami Masafumi , Matsushita Daisuke , Iida Makoto , Arakawa Chuichi
Published: January 2010

A 1-kW small horizontal-axis wind turbine “Airdolphin,” capable of high wind operation up to 50 m/s without pitch control system, is now under global round robin tests. The present paper reports a series of technical approach including design/analysis, track tests, and field tests conducted in support to the design process. One windy site “Erimo” and one offshore site “Fukushima” were chosen. For example, at “Erimo,” a record of one-day generation was 8.831 kWh on November 13, 2006 (day-averaged wind speed; 11.8 m/s) with 36.8% of capacity factor. An operation data under an attack of typhoon with 50 m/s maximum wind speed demonstrated the technical concepts of high wind operation and safety. A new term “capatureability” as an indicator of WT performance was proposed.
Preliminary Study on a Solar Water Heater Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide as Working Fluid
Authors: Yamaguchi H. , Sawada N. , Suzuki H. , Ueda H. , Zhang X. R.
Published: January 2010

In this paper, a solar water heater using supercritical carbon dioxide as working fluid is proposed and experimentally studied. For supercritical carbon dioxide, a small change in temperature or pressure can result in large change in density, especially in the state close to the critical point. Thus, natural convective flow of the supercritical carbon dioxide can be easily induced by solar heating or water cooling. Such convective flow absorbs and transports heat to water in solar collector tubes. Motivated by the above idea, an experimental setup was designed, and a solar water heater was tested. The obtained results show that natural convective flow is well induced, and a flow of 1900 Reynolds number can be achieved even in winter, when the lowest level of solar radiation condition occurs. Furthermore, the measured collector and heat recovery efficiencies are 66.0% and 65.0%, respectively. More details of its mechanism are to be studied, and a complete performance analysis is needed.
Pyrometric Temperature Measurement in Concentrated Sunlight With Emissivity Determination
Authors: Crane Nathan B.
Published: January 2010

Pyrometers are commonly used for high temperature measurement, but their accuracy is often limited by uncertainty in the surface emissivity. Radiation heating introduces additional errors due to the extra light reflected off the measured surface. While many types of specialized equipment have been developed for these measurements, this work presents a method for measuring high temperatures using single color pyrometers when the surface emissivity is unknown. It is particularly useful for correcting errors due to reflected light in solar heating applications. The method requires two pyrometers and is most helpful for improving measurement accuracy of low cost commercial instruments. The temperature measurements of two pyrometers operating at different wavelengths are analyzed across a range of sample temperatures to find the surface emissivity values at each wavelength that minimize the difference in temperature measurements between pyrometers. These are taken as the surface emissivity values, and the initial temperature measurements are corrected using the calculated emissivity values to obtain improved estimates of the surface temperature. When applied to temperature data from a solar furnace, the method significantly decreased the difference in the temperature measurements of two single color pyrometers. Simulated temperature data with both random noise and systematic errors are used to demonstrate that the method successfully converges to surface emissivity values and reduces temperature measurement errors even when subjected to significant errors in the model inputs. This method provides a potential low cost solution for pyrometric temperature measurement of solar-heated objects. It is also useful for temperature measurement of objects with unknown emissivity.
Optical Characterization of Nonimaging Planar Concentrator for the Application in Concentrator Photovoltaic System
Authors: Chong K. K. , Wong C. W. , Siaw F. L. , Yew T. K.
Published: January 2010

The design and construction of miniature prototype of nonimaging planar concentrator, which is capable of producing much more uniform spatial irradiance and reasonably high concentration ratio, were presented in the previous paper. In this paper, we further explore the optical characteristics of the new concentrator that is specially designed to be incorporated in concentrator photovoltaic systems. For this study, we have carried out a comprehensive analysis via numerical simulation based on all the important design parameters, i.e., array of facet mirrors, f/D ratio, receiver size, and the effect of sun-tracking error, which lead to the overall optical performance of the new concentrator.